Make Trades Great Again
Whether you're a seasoned professional, a newcomer, or simply interested in the trades, the "Make Trades Great Again" podcast offers something for everyone. Our goal is to promote the value of skilled trades, provide essential resources, and build a strong community of passionate individuals.
Industry Insights - Educational Content - Community Stories - Technology in Trades
Tune in now and be part of the movement to make trades great again!
Episodes
397 episodes
Andy's Odd Job
In this episode, Andy and Eric explore the fascinating history and ongoing renovation of a 110-year-old bank building in Missoula. They discuss the building's unique architecture, outdated plumbing systems, and innovative solutions for modern u...
Milwaukee's New Lighting - PIPELINE
Milwaukee is expanding the lighting category again in 2026. A couple notable new lights shown this year at PIPELINE are the usb-c rechargeable clip light and flat flashlight. Hayley Stamerra, product manager at Milwaukee Tool talks all things l...
Packout at Pipeline with Nick Trawicki
Our annual trip to Milwaukee PIPELINE is always great fun. This year we talked all things Packout with product manager Nick Trawicki. Packout was first released in June of 2017. Since its launch, Packout has expanded to literally hu...
Feast or Famine?
There are pockets of the US that are struggling, other areas that are as busy as ever. What gives? We want your feedback! Text, email, comment, DM!
Top 5 Skills Apprentices Need Master To Be Successful
Calling all apprentices (and those training them)! One of our most listened to episodes went live back in April 2024 and still tallies downloads today so we decided it was time for a followup! We changed it up a little f...
Rewind! Wives Special! Knowing what you know now...
This episode aired in August '24 and had been one of our most downloaded ever, give it a listen, we hope you enjoy it. We will be back with new episodes soon! Ever think "If only I knew then what I know now" ?
Andy Hates Combi Boilers Too
The guys revisit a topic they’ve been getting a lot of feedback from. It started with a recent MTGA episode titled “Eric Hates Combi Boilers”.In this episode, Eric and Andy discuss the pros and cons of combi boilers, common issues, appl...
We Installed a Radiant Cooling System...You Can Too!
Andy and Eric discuss their recent project installing a Viessmann air-to-water heat pump system, exploring its performance, efficiency, and potential applications in radiant cooling and heating. They share insights on system design, energy savi...
The Boys Are Back Together in Montana
Eric is flying out to work with Andy on the Mickelson P&H shop! This episode features a deep dive into radiant heating design, heat pump integration, and insulation strategies for shop construction. Hosts Eric and Andy share pra...
Eric Hates Combi-Boilers
Should we stop installing combi-boilers? Eric and Andy discuss the pros and cons of combi-boilers, the longevity of different heating systems, and practical advice for choosing the right water heating solutions for North Amer...
Who is Mark Wille
Hey MTGA fans, we're excited for you to meet a good friend of ours, olease give it a listen! Mark Wille shares his journey from childhood in construction to becoming a leader in building science and education. Discover his insights ...
Trouble with Trying New Equipment
We explore the challenges and lessons learned from installing new heat pump systems, including a detailed account of a failed project. We discuss equipment selection, troubleshooting, and the realities of integrating innovative technology into ...
American Tradesperson Series w/ creator John Mesenbrink
Join us as we explore the impactful work of John Mesenbrink and his innovative series on rebuilding communities after wildfires, workforce development in the trades, and the future of construction technology. Discover how these stor...
Giant Water Heaters Everywhere!
In this episode, Eric shares a detailed case study of a residential hot water system issue, exploring piping mistakes, system design flaws, and practical solutions for improving hot water performance in large homes.Key topics:
Keep it Simple Stupid
In this episode, hosts Eric and Andy share insights on using AI for writing scope descriptions, the importance of simplicity in estimates, and practical tips for effective communication in trades. They also recount personal stories from a recen...
Going after the work you want - Listener Write-in
Thanks to Connor for writing in with his question: How do you attract the kind of clients and work you want to do? Do you say no to work or is it best to take anything and everything that comes along?
Who's Answering The Phone?
After a careful, long drawn-out (five minutes) process of consideration in selecting the exact perfect AI CSR system, intrepid business mogul Eric Aune has officially entered the AI universe lol. Eric & Andy talk about the new A...
Are Service Body's Best for a Van Buildout?
Andy and Eric share insights on HVAC projects, tool upgrades, vehicle organization, and industry trends. They discuss practical tips for van setup, the pros and cons of service bodies, and share humorous stories from the field, offering valuabl...
Robots answering the phone?
In this episode, Eric and Andy explore the practicalities, frustrations, and potential of AI-powered call answering systems in small businesses. They share personal experiences with automated systems in auto repair, healthcare, and customer ser...
Eric's Frozen Sewer & Water Debacle
Minnesota winters are relentless and physics will show no mercy! Today's episode brings back the classic MTGA format where Eric hits record without Andy knowing what the topic is. The guys cover dealing with Eric's frozen sewer and water as wel...
Fan Mail: How Can I Get Into Service Work?
Many trade professionals find themselves at a crossroads: should they continue focusing solely on installations, or is it time to branch out into the service side of the trade? In this post, we'll delve into actionable strategies for making tha...
Why we go to tradeshows: AHR Expo recap & trends
In this episode, Eric and Andy share their insights from the 2026 AHR Expo, highlighting the biggest product launches, technological innovations, and industry trends they observed. Whether you're an HVAC professional or just interested in the l...
Making Changes In The New Year
In this episode, Eric and Andy discuss the challenges and opportunities that come with the new year, focusing on revamping business practices, particularly in maintenance contracts and price book management. They emphasize the importance of mar...