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
360 episodes
Adapting to Rising Material Costs in the Trades
SummaryThe guys discuss the challenges faced by tradespeople in the heating and plumbing industry, particularly focusing on the rising costs of materials and how these affect pricing and customer relationships. They explore the impac...
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Season 10
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Episode 360
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28:17
Risky Business 2: Tariffs & Sinking Ships
In this episode, Eric and Andy discuss the ongoing challenges and updates regarding Andy's apartment building project, including supply chain issues, equipment upgrades, and the impact of tariffs on costs. They explore the complexities of manag...
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Season 10
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Episode 359
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32:18
Competition Confrontation
In this episode of the Make Trades Great Again podcast, hosts Eric and Andy delve into the complexities of servicing a geothermal heat pump that has faced multiple misdiagnoses and service challenges. They discuss the ethical implications of HV...
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Season 10
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Episode 358
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37:03
Navigating the Career Transition: Military to Trades w/ guest Josh Ebert
In this episode, the guys engage in a candid conversation with Josh Ebert, a military veteran transitioning into the trades after 20 years of service. They discuss the challenges and opportunities faced by veterans entering the workforce, parti...
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Season 10
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Episode 357
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1:02:27
Milwaukee Pipeline Recap
Join Andy and Eric as they dive into the highlights of the Milwaukee Tool Event, where innovation meets practicality. Discover the latest in tool technology, from the impressive modular vacuum platform to the game-changing Bolt hard hat. Whethe...
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Season 10
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Episode 356
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41:23
Milwaukee Pipeline: Next-Gen Packout with Matt Vargo
From the original Packout boxes to the brand-new Packout Rack system, Milwaukee has turned storage into a full ecosystem. In this Pipeline sit-down, Eric and Andy talk with Matt Vargo, manager of the Packout division, about how tradespeople inf...
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Season 10
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Episode 355
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24:36
Milwaukee Pipeline: Heated Gear & Workwear with Wes Thomas
We sat down at Milwaukee Pipeline with Wes Thomas, head of Milwaukee’s workwear division, to talk about the new heated gear system and how their workwear is designed like tools—built for safety, performance, and the job site. This episode takes...
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Season 10
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Episode 354
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29:43
Risky Business
In this conversation, Eric and Andy discuss the complexities and challenges faced in construction projects, particularly focusing on risk management, equipment delays, and unexpected complications. They share insights from a recent project invo...
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Season 10
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Episode 353
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28:19
5 Years of Make Trades Great Again podcasting
In this episode of the Make Trades Great Again podcast, hosts Eric and Andy discuss their journey over the past five years, including the technical difficulties they often face, their experiences with realtors and home inspections, and the impo...
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Season 10
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Episode 352
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24:55
Risk Profit Over Experience
In this episode of the Make Trades Great Again podcast, hosts Eric Aune and Andy Mickelson discuss how to expand skills as a business owner without compromising customer service. They explore the challenges of tackling new installations, the im...
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Season 10
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Episode 351
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27:30
4 Day Work Week?
A group of research scientists have been working with small business and major corporations alike to study the effects of a four day work week…and it’s likely not what you think.
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Season 10
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Episode 350
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32:57
MTGA With The Lucas Cazaly Part 2
Luke Cazaly joins the guys for another hour of great conversation covering multiple topics. We are so thankful to all our guests and you, the listener for tuning in each week!
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Season 9
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Episode 349
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1:03:35
Close More Jobs Faster
Denver Baker, owner of MD Heating is in the virtual studio this week to talk about his success implementing project financing for his customers. Denver is a long-time friend and fan of the pod, he's joined us in the past to talk other business ...
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Season 9
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Episode 349
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36:25
Talking Business & Outback with Luke Cazaly
Australian Luke Cazaly is the owner of Flametech Heating & Cooling. Luke is a longtime friend of the pod, it was fun catching up with him and talking business and family. Thanks Luke!TakeawaysLuke has been in the h...
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Season 9
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Episode 348
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1:03:02
Bid Work vs. Time and Material
Eric and Andy discuss the complexities and challenges of managing construction projects, particularly in the plumbing sector. They share real-world scenarios that highlight the importance of proper project management, the necessity of permits, ...
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Season 9
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Episode 347
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27:28
The Art Of The Deal?
In this conversation, the guys discuss the complexities of hvac projects, pricing strategies, and the importance of customer communication in the HVAC industry.They share personal experiences and insights ...
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Season 9
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Episode 346
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24:49
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Mail Call: Answering MTGA listener questions
We love reading your questions and comments. Keep sending them! This week the guys talk partnerships, contracts, marketing during a slowdown and more. Eric owns a media company along with his business partner John Mesenbri...
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Season 9
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Episode 345
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37:27
Handling Last Minute Changes on Install Day
The very last thing I want to do as the contractor is make a not-so-great situation worse" Andy Mickelson What happens when you figure out there's a problem on the job, how you handle it says a lot about you as a company/service pr...
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Season 9
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Episode 344
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29:44
A little of this and that on WHAT WE LIKE
Somewhat of a chat session this week. The guys talk about some products they really like, lots of talk on equipment and piping fittings/materials that make everyday a little faster/easier/enjoyable.
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Season 9
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Episode 343
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33:05
Why does Eric hate this supplier?
Have we become too complacent when it comes to ordering online? Its 2025 and yet, somehow and for whatever reason this online supplier is asking for four forms of order verification and signatures upon delivery for regular, everyday...
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24:51
How old is too old to start in the trades?
Would you hire someone with zero trade work experience? What if they're in their 30's? How old is too old to start in the trades?
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Season 9
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Episode 341
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23:59
Lowest Bidders
Are you the low bid? Are you being beat by the low bidder but offering a more complete job, is it apple to apples? This week the guys chat about a recent encounter Eric had on the job with another local plumber.
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Season 9
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Episode 340
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29:55
Buy Now, Pay Later?
Our customer's finances are feeling the pinch more than ever as prices are the highest on record. Inflation, tariffs, shipping backlogs are just some of the bigger problems on the product side but a big part of the general population is finding...
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Season 9
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Episode 339
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17:31
Accurate Estimates for Plumbing and HVAC
This isn't a how-to guide, let's get that out of the way immediately. The guys chat about the accuracy of estimates, whether the price of a job changes when things are missed AND how some companies operate on the "low upfront bid" a...
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Season 9
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Episode 338
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19:49
