Sparky Life
On Your Construction Network the Sparky Life Podcast with Lia Lamela, every Thursday has remarkable stories and points of view from journeyman and woman who build the things that make our lives work! These lessons learned are not only valuable for those engaged in the skilled trades but frankly for all of us whether we use tools literally or figuratively in our daily lives. I share with you my electrical journey, experiences and insight through engaging banter with those I have met along the way. If you are interested in trade tales, an industry frought with excitement and risk subscribe and be notified every Thursday when trade tales continue. We build the world we want to live in. Let’s band together to create the sparks in our lives!
Sparky Life
This HVAC Cowboy Built His Own Empire – Here’s How
Every skilled professional needs the right tools to succeed → Get the right tool for YOU at SUPPLY HOUSE - Use code SH5 for 5% off!
🎧 In this episode: In this raw and inspiring conversation, Lia sits down with Bobby Armstrong – an HVAC technician, entrepreneur, and all-around badass – who opens up about his wild ride through the trades, from childhood struggles to launching his own business.
👇 Follow for more blue collar badassery every Thursday!
SPARKY LIFE Podcast on SPOTIFY
👇 WATCH the episodes on YOUTUBE!
⸻
📲 Stay Connected:
Instagram: @sparkylifeoflia
TikTok: @sparkylifeoflia
⸻
🛠️ Huge thanks to our sponsor: SupplyHouse
Get the best tools & supplies → supplyhouse.com/t-m
Use code SH5 for 5% off!
⸻
🎧 Don’t Miss This If You’re:
• In the trades or considering a career in them
• Battling stereotypes or burnout
• Curious how real people build freedom through skilled work
• Ready to be inspired (or laugh at a pee bottle in the wall)
Building a Legacy in the Skilled Trades: A Conversation with Bobby Armstrong
Today, I had the incredible pleasure of speaking with Bobby Armstrong — HVAC specialist, skilled trades champion, and all-around badass cowboy. From the moment I came across Bobby’s social media, it was clear: this is a guy who embodies the pride, grit, and humor that define the best of the blue-collar world.
From Strict Beginnings to Skilled Tradesman
Bobby’s journey into the skilled trades began at just 13 years old. Growing up in a strict, fundamentalist Baptist household, Bobby’s rebellious spirit clashed with his upbringing. After a particularly memorable incident involving a forbidden swear word, Bobby’s father — a blue-collar manager himself — decided to teach him a different kind of lesson. He handed Bobby a set of work clothes and brought him to the job site.
That early introduction to hands-on work was a game-changer. Bobby quickly realized that he could earn money, gain independence, and learn real-world skills — all through hard work. It sparked a lifelong passion for the skilled trades, particularly HVAC, where he’s worn every hat from laborer to service tech to office support.
The Power of Working Young
Starting work early helped Bobby develop critical life skills most kids don’t get until much later. Conflict resolution, teamwork, discipline — these are lessons you can’t fully grasp from textbooks. Bobby acknowledges that while education is important, there's unmatched value in real-world experience, especially for kids like him who learn best by doing.
As Bobby put it: "There's a lot of people like me who don't learn by reading a book. Those are the people that belong in the trades."
Overcoming Struggles and Breaking Stereotypes
The conversation took a heartfelt turn as Bobby shared his experience overcoming substance abuse, a challenge that’s unfortunately common in the skilled trades community. Bobby spoke candidly about how easy it is to slip from casual weekend partying into full-blown addiction — especially when workplace injuries lead to prescription painkillers.
His advice to young people entering the trades? Be mindful of who you surround yourself with. Choose friends who lift you up, not ones who drag you down. And if you get injured, take your recovery seriously. Don’t fall into the "grin and bear it" mentality that pressures so many men to push through pain at the expense of their long-term health.
We both agreed: the culture around mental health and injury in construction needs to evolve. Respect, humanity, and compassion should be the standard, not the exception.
Building a Better Trades Culture
Bobby has seen the culture shift firsthand. While the old stereotypes of the beer-bellied, rough-around-the-edges tradesman still exist, they're fading fast. Today’s tradespeople are goal-oriented, family-centered, and hungry for growth. Social media has also played a huge role, allowing tradespeople worldwide to connect, inspire, and support one another.
And Bobby's making a difference through his content too — using humor, honesty, and his own experiences to inspire a new generation to pick up a trade and find their own success.
Financial Freedom Through Skilled Trades
One of the most exciting parts of Bobby’s journey is his move toward entrepreneurship. After years of loyalty to a single company — and feeling the weight of burnout — Bobby decided to bet on himself. He saved diligently, budgeted wisely, and is now launching his own HVAC business.
His message is powerful: the skilled trades don't just offer jobs — they offer the chance to build real financial freedom. But it starts with financial education: budgeting, saving, and resisting the temptation to blow every paycheck on a shiny new truck.
"If I didn’t learn how to budget," Bobby said, "I wouldn’t feel confident enough to start my own business."
Why Skilled Trades Matter
Bobby and I both feel passionately that skilled tradespeople are the backbone of civilization. Without them, the world stops functioning — no electricity, no plumbing, no HVAC, no roofs over our heads. And yet, too often, tradespeople are undervalued and overlooked.
Bobby’s goal, like mine, is to change that perception — to celebrate the intelligence, skill, and heart that define the trades community. Because these men and women aren’t just workers. They’re heroes.
If you'd like to follow Bobby’s journey, laugh at some plumber's crack memes, and get inspired, check out his social media. He's the real deal — a true advocate for the trades and a leader by example.
