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© 2026 Make Trades Great Again
Description
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!
381 Episodes
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Send us Fan Mail 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 AI agent answering the phones for Aune Plumbing & Heating. What are you thoughts about AI answering systems for serivce businesses? Send us your feedback or topic ideas over on our social channels! Eric Aune @mechanicalhub And...
Send us Fan Mail 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 valuable advice for tradespeople and enthusiasts alike. Send us your feedback or topic ideas over on our social channels! Eric Aune @mechanicalhub Andy Mickelson @mick_plumb Newsletter sign up: https://bit.ly/MH_email
Send us Fan Mail 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 service, debating their effectiveness and future prospects. In the end one of the guys is planning to sign up and start using an ai answering service, who do you think it will be? Send us your feedback or topic ideas over on our s...
Send us Fan Mail 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 well as the silliness surrounding a simple battery change on the Transit. As always, thanks for listening. Send us your feedback or topic ideas over on our social channels! Eric Aune @mechanicalhub Andy Mickelson @mick_plumb Newsle...
Send us Fan Mail 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 that transition. Whether you're a seasoned installer or just starting your career, understanding the nuances of service work can open up new opportunities and enhance your skillset. Send us your feedback or topic ideas over on our social c...
Send us Fan Mail 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 latest industry developments, this episode offers a comprehensive overview of what’s new and exciting. Send us your feedback or topic ideas over on our social channels! Eric Aune @mechanicalhub Andy Mickelson @mick_plumb Newsletter...
Send us Fan Mail 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 marketing strategies for 2026 and navigating seasonal challenges in the HVAC and plumbing industries. The conversation also touches on equipment insights and future business plans, highlighting the need for adaptability in a changing marke...
Send us Fan Mail Most know him as @ nample all over social media but there is so much more to our longtime friend Bruno Friedmann hailing from Germany. We talk shop of course and encourage everyone to stay to the end to learn about Bruno's escape from communism and the start of a very fruitful career in the trades. To Bruno, thank you for joining us. Your friends, Andy & Eric. Send us your feedback or topic ideas over on our social channels! Eric Aune @mechanicalhub Andy Mick...
Send us Fan Mail Meet the legendary Nikki Krueger of Santa Fe live on tape from the AHR Expo Podcast Pavillion in lovely Las Vegas, NV Send us your feedback or topic ideas over on our social channels! Eric Aune @mechanicalhub Andy Mickelson @mick_plumb Newsletter sign up: https://bit.ly/MH_email
Send us Fan Mail The guys chat about tools, some favorites and the importance of proper care for tools that may save your life some day. Send us your feedback or topic ideas over on our social channels! Eric Aune @mechanicalhub Andy Mickelson @mick_plumb Newsletter sign up: https://bit.ly/MH_email
Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the Make Trades Great Again podcast, Eric and Andy discuss the unusual winter weather conditions, including the challenges of frozen pipes and heating systems. They share experiences diagnosing heating issues, the impact of wood-burning fireplaces on home heating, and the importance of maintaining heating systems during extreme cold. The conversation also touches on the significance of snowpack for moisture release and the challenges of DIY repa...
Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the Make Trades Great Again podcast, hosts Eric and Andy discuss their upcoming attendance at the AHR Expo in Las Vegas, focusing on the latest innovations in the HVAC industry. They explore the importance of product quality versus value, particularly in furnace options, and share insights on dealer networks and the challenges of selecting the best products for their customers. The conversation also delves into new thermostat technologies and the significan...
Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the Make Trades Great Again podcast, hosts Eric and Andy discuss the nuances of sourcing plumbing supplies, weighing the pros and cons of local suppliers versus online shopping. They delve into the importance of support and warranties when purchasing products, sharing personal experiences with manufacturers and the challenges of product issues. The conversation also touches on the impact of private equity in the plumbing industry and the future of local sup...
Send us Fan Mail 1. The Importance of Communication: During our discussion, we emphasize how critical it is for manufacturers to communicate recalls effectively. One listener from Kirksville, Missouri, shared their story about discovering a recall on their Triangle Tube Challenger, which they were never informed of. This raises concerns about the accountability of manufacturers in ensuring their customers are aware of potential hazards. 2. Understanding the Triangle Tube Challenger:&nb...
Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the Make Trades Great Again podcast, hosts Eric and Andy discuss their recent work experiences, focusing on the challenges they face with equipment, troubleshooting, and customer interactions. They share stories about a boiler installation, equipment failures, and the importance of proper gas line sizing and venting. The conversation highlights the complexities of HVAC work and the necessity of effective communication with customers. Send us your feedbac...
Send us Fan Mail Andy and Eric discuss the challenges faced in the plumbing and construction industry, particularly focusing on management issues, team dynamics, quality control, and the importance of documentation. They address a listener's concerns about managing a team with varying skill levels and the pressure to meet deadlines. The discussion emphasizes the need for skilled labor, effective training, and accountability in the workplace, as well as the significance of thorough testi...
Send us Fan Mail Eric was called out to look at a heating system. Oddly it was a tank water heater installed to heat a radiant system, but that’s not right! Right? How would you handle the situation? Give us a listen and let us know by sending a message using the link below👍🏼 Send us your feedback or topic ideas over on our social channels! Eric Aune @mechanicalhub Andy Mickelson @mick_plumb Newsletter sign up: https://bit.ly/MH_email
Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the Make Trades Great Again podcast, Eric and Andy discuss various challenges faced in the HVAC industry, including customer expectations, the importance of technology in service management, and the frustrations that arise from customer interactions. They share personal anecdotes about job bids, gas connections, and the impact of customer attitudes on their business. The conversation emphasizes the need for clear communication and the role of technology in ...
Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we discuss how personal (wearable) gas monitors can save lives by detecting CO levels before they become dangerous. Don’t wait for a crisis to start thinking about safety! Send us your feedback or topic ideas over on our social channels! Eric Aune @mechanicalhub Andy Mickelson @mick_plumb Newsletter sign up: https://bit.ly/MH_email
Send us Fan Mail Eric and Andy discuss the abrupt closure of Triangle Tube, a significant player in the HVAC industry, and the implications of this decision. They explore the reasons behind the closure, including operational challenges and recalls that have plagued the company. The discussion also touches on the quality and reliability of Triangle Tube products, the impact on contractors and customers, and the future of the HVAC market in light of this development. Send us your feedback or...
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