Brace yourselves! The trades and services industry is in the throes of a seismic shift, spurred on by the aftermath of COVID. As a business, navigating this changing landscape can feel like walking a tightrope. But fear not, we're here to guide you, offering practical advice to help you adapt to this new market reality and secure the highest possible profits. Through the lens of an industry that's grappling with a surge in call volumes, ballooning project sizes, and customers that are suddenly more hesitant to part with their hard-earned cash, we discuss how to steer your business through these choppy waters. We tackle how to give your best price upfront, and when to recognize if a job isn't as profitable as it seemed at first blush. We also shed light on how spending habits and activity levels have shifted in the post-COVID world, and offer insights on how you can trim your own costs to stay competitive.But it's not all about the dollars and cents. We also share invaluable tips for improving job performance, from knowing your costs inside out, to seeking honest feedback from former customers. We even touch on seemingly trivial issues that can have a profound impact on your business, like how smoking can turn customers off and why sales training is critical. Pulling it all together, we wrap up the episode with a candid discussion on the power of feedback, stressing how your thoughts and suggestions can shape the future direction of this podcast and the industry at large. So, tune in, stay informed, and let's navigate this new era of trades and services together.Send us a textDo you subscribe to the Mechanical Hub weekly email newsletter? It's packed with industry events, new products and more to help you and your business. Subscribe here: https://mechanical-hub.com/enewsletter/Send us your feedback or topic ideas over on our social channels!Eric Aune @mechanicalhub Andy Mickelson @mick_plumbCheck out our website: mechanical-hub.com

Ever been stumped by an HVAC installation in a concrete construction house? We've been there, and we've got some stories to share. Our latest adventure involved a customer plagued with extremely noisy air handlers every time the second stage of heat kicked in. It was a tough nut to crack, but after two years of planning and brainstorming, we found a solution. In our latest episode, we share our journey through this complex problem, right from the challenges of navigating the customer's property to finding a new location for the equipment. We shed light on the importance of honesty during such tough times and the immense relief when you find the right solution. We also explore the tumultuous process of digging a trench to install a new unit, a task that required some serious mindset adjustment.As we move forward, we discuss the implications of replacing the existing air handlers with new Mitsubishi variable speed ones, especially for the house's humidity control and high-end filtration. We also express our frustrations about the lack of understanding of correct construction practices, which often lead to long-term problems. By the end of this episode, we hope to impart the importance of understanding the right solution for a project - even if it doesn't seem appealing initially and how pushing past limitations can result in costly consequences in the long run. Tune in for an enlightening discussion with Eric and Andy, who navigated these challenges head-on.Send us a textDo you subscribe to the Mechanical Hub weekly email newsletter? It's packed with industry events, new products and more to help you and your business. Subscribe here: https://mechanical-hub.com/enewsletter/Send us your feedback or topic ideas over on our social channels!Eric Aune @mechanicalhub Andy Mickelson @mick_plumbCheck out our website: mechanical-hub.com

Ever been hit by a wave of nostalgia over the simple pleasure of an old-timey hardware store? Or found yourself marveling at the convenience brought about by a Nespresso machine? Join us as we journey down memory lane, reminiscing about childhood trips to the hardware store, and the unique olfactory delight of popcorn and old leather. We tackle the evolution of retail and discuss the vital role we all play in this change. Our conversation segues from the emotional to the practical, as we share helpful insights on the different ways to connect a gas line. Yes, we get into the weeds of why you need the right type of adapter, and why a trip to the hardware store can save you a whole lot of trouble. Tune in for a blend of warm nostalgia, practical advice, and an honest reflection on the shifting retail landscape. We promise, it's more than just a hardware store visit!Send us a textSend us your feedback or topic ideas over on our social channels!Eric Aune @mechanicalhub Andy Mickelson @mick_plumbCheck out our website: mechanical-hub.com

Brace yourselves for a thrilling collaboration between two powerhouses, 'Appetite for Construction' and 'Make Trades Great Again' podcasts. This electrifying episode kicks off with a deep dive into the dynamic world of co-hosting a podcast. Want to know the secret behind crafting layered questions and overthinking interviews to ensure engaging content? Well, you're in for a treat. We also unravel the significance of audience feedback in evaluating our success while navigating through the tricky process of brainstorming engaging podcast ideas.In the realm of trade shows, we explore the massive influence they have on our businesses. Gear up to broaden your perspective on new products and services through our combined wisdom and our esteemed platform, Mechanical Hub. Stay with us as we switch gears into the intriguing world of European plumbing and electric boiler trends - the nuances between US and European products, the delay in equipment availability, and the heightened US standards. Listen in as we dissect the electrification trend and the challenges manufacturers face.Fancy a heated debate? We've got one for you: Electric versus Gas Water Heaters. For the environmentally conscious, this is a pivotal discussion on the implications of plastic usage. Discover how Mickelson Plumbing stays on top of the latest product trends and their applications, and how Minnesota's unique electric programs aim to reduce grid stress. Then, grasp the benefits of plastic water heaters compared to their steel counterparts. As we wrap up, we plunge into the electrification costs debate, followed by a sneak peek into the future of electric trucks. With a focus on emission reduction, partnerships like the one between Mercedes Benz and Rivian, and the pros and cons of electric vehicles, this is a conversation you cannot afford to miss. Join us on this groundbreaking journey today.Send us a textDo you subscribe to the Mechanical Hub weekly email newsletter? It's packed with industry events, new products and more to help you and your business. Subscribe here: https://mechanical-hub.com/enewsletter/Send us your feedback or topic ideas over on our social channels!Eric Aune @mechanicalhub Andy Mickelson @mick_plumbCheck out our website: mechanical-hub.com

We have more work than we can handle, its been that way for a while now. This isn't a pricing thing but it seems like everyone online thinks the only answer is to "RAISE YOUR RATES!" Lol, we don't think that's the answer. What do you think? Send us a textSend us your feedback or topic ideas over on our social channels!Eric Aune @mechanicalhub Andy Mickelson @mick_plumbCheck out our website: mechanical-hub.com

Incentivizing a sale is one thing but what happens when techs have sales goals, commissions and weekly targets?  Guest Denver Baker, owner of MD Heat in Michigan shares his experience and policies on sales in the field and how his employees are compensated for the almighty upgrade. Send us a textDo you subscribe to the Mechanical Hub weekly email newsletter? It's packed with industry events, new products and more to help you and your business. Subscribe here: https://mechanical-hub.com/enewsletter/Send us your feedback or topic ideas over on our social channels!Eric Aune @mechanicalhub Andy Mickelson @mick_plumbCheck out our website: mechanical-hub.com

Ever figure out what the magic number is? What’s the monthly income level that would change things for you? Send us a textSend us your feedback or topic ideas over on our social channels!Eric Aune @mechanicalhub Andy Mickelson @mick_plumbCheck out our website: mechanical-hub.com

Workers rights and working conditions are changing all over North America. The guys talk about paid time off and a new law voted in recently in Minnesota Send us a textDo you subscribe to the Mechanical Hub weekly email newsletter? It's packed with industry events, new products and more to help you and your business. Subscribe here: https://mechanical-hub.com/enewsletter/Send us your feedback or topic ideas over on our social channels!Eric Aune @mechanicalhub Andy Mickelson @mick_plumbCheck out our website: mechanical-hub.com

Mickelson Plumbing & Heating completes a killer job at the local courthouse with the addition of some serious tools and wicked fast piping system. Gotta love it when a job goes as planned! Send us a textDo you subscribe to the Mechanical Hub weekly email newsletter? It's packed with industry events, new products and more to help you and your business. Subscribe here: https://mechanical-hub.com/enewsletter/Send us your feedback or topic ideas over on our social channels!Eric Aune @mechanicalhub Andy Mickelson @mick_plumbCheck out our website: mechanical-hub.com

Eric has a topic questions from a listener asking about what he should know as he makes the transition to move from an install position to a service position. Send us a textDo you subscribe to the Mechanical Hub weekly email newsletter? It's packed with industry events, new products and more to help you and your business. Subscribe here: https://mechanical-hub.com/enewsletter/Send us your feedback or topic ideas over on our social channels!Eric Aune @mechanicalhub Andy Mickelson @mick_plumbCheck out our website: mechanical-hub.com