Make Trades Great Again

The discussion centers on the accuracy of job estimates in plumbing and HVAC, highlighting how miscommunications can lead to unexpected costs. Personal experiences reveal challenges faced during projects, especially with modern technology like heat pumps. The conversation emphasizes the importance of transparency with clients and managing expectations. Listeners are encouraged to share their own insights, making it a community-driven exploration of industry practices and client relations.

As supply chains and tariffs are making running our service and construction businesses increasingly more difficult, is there benefit to buying only US? Do our customers care? Are they willing to pay more for products made in the US?  Send us a text Send us your feedback or topic ideas over on our social channels!Eric Aune @mechanicalhub Andy Mickelson @mick_plumbNewsletter sign up: https://bit.ly/MH_email

Eric's been working on a plan to partner with local builders for water conditioning in new construction homes and Andy talks about something similar they've been doing with a local general contractor in an affluent Missoula neighborhood. Send us a textSend us your feedback or topic ideas over on our social channels!Eric Aune @mechanicalhub Andy Mickelson @mick_plumbNewsletter sign up: https://bit.ly/MH_email

Some recent changes to standard operating procedures were in order for Andy's plumbing & heating shop, Eric's making the change too. Do you work in client's home's when no one is there? Should you? Give this one a listen and let us know what you think by sending us a message using the link below! Send us a text Send us your feedback or topic ideas over on our social channels!Eric Aune @mechanicalhub Andy Mickelson @mick_plumbNewsletter sign up: https://bit.ly/MH_email

New tools are great but new tool bags are awesome! Andy gives us a close look at his latest addition, the Veto Pro Pac Hybrid Tool and Meter bag (SB-LD)This episode is best viewed on the MH youtube channel: https://youtu.be/RjQVIcKgg7k Send us a text Send us your feedback or topic ideas over on our social channels!Eric Aune @mechanicalhub Andy Mickelson @mick_plumbNewsletter sign up: https://bit.ly/MH_email

Ever wonder how Milwaukee Tool decides what to build next or how they test them? Our guest John Jarzombek is a project manager at Milwaukee Tool. John has personally managed teams developing tools such as the MX Fuel Pipe Threader, the new roll groover, The Ringer and more. It was fun to have John join us in Orlando at the AHR Expo podcasts pavillion, thanks John! Send us a text Send us your feedback or topic ideas over on our social channels!Eric Aune @mechanicalhub Andy Mickelson @mick_plumbNewsletter sign up: https://bit.ly/MH_email

Are gas absorption heat pumps a viable alternative to the electrification of our heating and cooling systems? Mike Cameron is a longtime Canadian friend working in Vancouver, BC. Mike installs and services a lot of the GAHP units, some are only prototypes but all are performing impressively. Send us a text Send us your feedback or topic ideas over on our social channels!Eric Aune @mechanicalhub Andy Mickelson @mick_plumbNewsletter sign up: https://bit.ly/MH_email

Discover the importance of building solid relationships with local suppliers in the HVAC industry. The hosts share personal anecdotes about the challenges of sourcing parts during shortages and the impact of online retail. They emphasize effective communication, respect, and networking as key strategies for contractors. Special focus is on nurturing ties with salespeople to enhance information flow and inventory management. Tune in for insights on navigating today's supply chain complexities and maximizing support for your business!

The discussion kicks off with hilarious listener feedback, setting a lively tone. They delve into evacuated tube solar collectors, highlighting their advantages over flat plate systems. A viral video sparks a conversation about the importance of asking questions in trades. Challenges in heating systems, especially with wood boilers, are examined, including integration with backup systems. The speakers emphasize proper boiler installation practices while sharing personal stories full of practical advice and humor.

This episode dives deep into listener inquiries, featuring clarifications on indirect water heaters and their critical components. The hosts tackle inconsistencies in glycol products and advocate for standardization in the industry. They also discuss challenges with heating equipment, including zone circulator pumps, and the risks linked to older technology. With a focus on plumbing safety, they reveal the advantages of modern mixing valves and best practices for installation, especially in high-risk environments like gyms and hospitals.