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
310 episodes since 2020
Throw back from down under!
Hey we got caught up in vacation, so here is a throw back from our conversation with Patrick Caldow @caldowplumbing on IG. We'll be back soon with new content!
September 17, 2024
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Season 7
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Episode 303
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42:10
Update from a recent HPWH install
Industry news starts off today's episode with earning report from Lowe's indicating a droopy economy related to home improvements. But don't let that get you down! Eric gives us a recap of a recent Heat Pump Water Heater install.
September 10, 2024
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Season 7
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Episode 302
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37:37
Dealing with a tough day and a difficult customer
Not every day is great. Sometimes you need to depend on the ones who depend on you. Side note: No mater how much you talk thru a project and setting expectations before the job, there’s likely going to be some revelat...
September 02, 2024
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Season 7
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Episode 301
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30:33
Dude has CO poisoning for sure!
One of Andy's recent projects takes a turn for the worse when the general contractor decides safety is definitely not first! Warning: This episode is probably cool af and you'll likely be hooked for life on the MTGA podcast!
August 27, 2024
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Season 7
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Episode 300
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43:17
4 Years of MTGA! Looking back
We're so excited and thankful for all the support and reaching this milestone! In this week's episode the guys look back at some highlights from the first four years of the MTGA podcast! There have been many great gues...
August 20, 2024
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Season 7
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Episode 299
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36:00
Wives Special #2 Working with your spouse...
"Do you have any advice for couples considering starting a business together?"We had so much fun having the girls join us that we asked them back for another episode and it was awesome. Once again we'd like to thank Sheryl ...
August 13, 2024
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Season 7
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Episode 298
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41:16
Wives Special! Knowing what you know now...
Ever think "If only I knew then what I know now" ?We are so pumped to bring you this and the next episode with special Guests Heather Aune & Sheryl Mickelson, the obvious better halves of the MTGA team. Sheryl runs the ...
August 06, 2024
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Season 7
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Episode 297
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55:09
The Milwaukee Pipeline podcast you did not expect!
Milwaukee Tool invited Eric out to see all the new tools available and coming soon to a job site near you. Eric gives us an inside look at some of the new tools and info you might not have seen yet. This episode has a ton of visual...
July 30, 2024
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Season 7
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Episode 296
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39:43
Viking Invasion! BS session with Colton Henkowski
You might know Colton as @viking_pipefitter on the socials. You might know him from a training session or trades show when he worked for Viega but do you know how he got his start? This was a fun conversation, we hope you enjoy it!...
July 23, 2024
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Season 7
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Episode 295
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41:03
Stress Less!
The guys talk stress relief and how to handle the day-to-day stresses of running a small business. Some days are better than others for sure but having one or two things to keep you sane can make a huge difference!
July 16, 2024
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Season 7
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Episode 294
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30:07
Andy's Van Upgrade
The guys are bs'ing about vans again. Should we change the title to the podcast to "Van Talk"? lol
July 09, 2024
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Season 7
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Episode 293
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34:26
Weird Science? Are you using A.I. in your business or on the job?
The guys talk AI and how they've been using it for work. Scheduling, emails, videos etc. are just some of the ways Eric has put ChatGPT to work for him. Are you using any form of artificial intelligence on the job or in the office ...
July 02, 2024
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Season 7
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Episode 293
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35:30
Where should I buy the water heater?
Most would agree it’s a good idea to have options when it comes to supply chain but we’re often loyal to at least one supplier. So, what would make you switch to another supplier?
June 25, 2024
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Season 7
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Episode 292
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31:26
Taking On New Jobs
As things slow down and the job outlook or load changes we have to consider how to fill the schedule. Does that mean taking on work you normally wouldn't?
June 18, 2024
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Season 7
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Episode 291
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30:09
More EV Fleet talk w/ HVAC Jay
Longtime friend of MTGA, Jason Norman joins Eric & Andy to get deeper into the EV Fleet debate. Will we be forced to change our work schedules, driving habits? Will field techs no longer get to drive their work van home? This has been a ver...
June 11, 2024
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Season 7
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Episode 290
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50:09
Road trip! HVAC Connected
Eric hits the road, or sky’s to join Andy in Missoula for a special project. We’ve talked connected appliances and controls many times on the podcast and do it again this time. A couple new Tekmar products will serve Andy’s clients...
June 04, 2024
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Season 7
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Episode 289
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21:31
Keeping It Clean, Starting with the Shop!
There's no other way to say it, it sucks falling behind on keeping the shop and vehicles tidy. Extra money is spent on redundant materials and tools, time is lost looking for that one thing you just know you had... The guys talk ...
May 28, 2024
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Season 7
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Episode 288
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27:43
That new tool smell!
Milwaukee Tool recently announced and shipped the long awaited M12 tubing cutter capable of cutting up to 2" copper pipe. Whoa, whoa that's not all! Andy makes a pretty bold statement, naming the BEST SCREWDRIVER IN THE WORLD. Hint: It's ...
May 21, 2024
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Season 7
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Episode 287
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54:44
E.V. Fleets? Can the contracting community make the switch to electric trucks, cargo vans and service vehicles?
MTGA friend Denver Baker joins the guys to talk E.V.’s. Specifically, service vehicles for his or the many HVAC contracting companies. The crew talks tech, charging, current offerings from the usual suspects and so new auto makers ...
May 14, 2024
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Season 7
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Episode 286
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47:56
What do we want? No BS! When do we want it? NOW!
The guys answer an email from a friend of the show. What do we want from our sales people? Mark says he's recently moved into an outside sales position for the supply company he works for, he's looking for our feedback on what we a...
May 07, 2024
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Season 7
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Episode 285
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29:31
Andy needs a new playlist!
Ever just get to a point you cant stand your own playlist? We have and Andy wants to know what you're listening to. This week the guys relax and reminisce about the early days of XM Radio and talk about some of their favorite things to st...
April 30, 2024
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Season 7
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Episode 284
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21:18
Power struggles over the grid in Minnesota!
Some pretty big changes are in the works for how Minnesotans pay for, and use electricity which had the guys discussing everything from electrification, off-peak electrical and the home heating utility usages from one state to the next.
April 23, 2024
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Season 7
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Episode 283
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38:28
Eric had surgery. He wont shut up about it...
In all seriousness, the guys do talk about a couple recent medical events as a reminder that none of are invincible and taking care of ourselves is paramount to having a long successful career in the trades. Pre-surgery talk starte...
April 16, 2024
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Season 7
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Episode 282
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21:29
Tips & Tricks for Economic Shifts
Eric and Andy share insights and strategies for navigating economic slowdowns amidst shifting market conditions. Whether it's seasonal fluctuations or the impact of high interest rates and inflation on consumer behavior, they delve into practic...
April 09, 2024
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Season 7
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Episode 282
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26:34
Big changes coming for MTGA
It’s time for a break from new episodes while the guys work on a new approach to delivering the MTGA content and topics. Please take a look at any one of the 280 previous episodes in our library if you haven’t heard them all. We wi...
February 27, 2024
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Season 7
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Episode 281
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12:16