Advertise on podcast: Make Trades Great Again

Send us Fan Mail 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?  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 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 Andy Mickelson @mick_plumb Newsletter sign up: https://bit.ly/MH_email

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 social channels! Eric Aune @mechanicalhub Andy Mickelson @mick_plumb Newsletter sign up: https://bit.ly/MH_email

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 Newsletter sign up: https://bit.ly/MH_email

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 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 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 sign up: https://bit.ly/MH_email

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 market. Takeaways It's a good time to revamp our price book.Maintenance contracts keep your business going.You can keep an entire crew just doing maintenance.I need to prioritize starting over with my price book.Gone are the days of just relying on referrals.Marketing has to be a priority in 2026.The HVAC industry is banging right now.You can't backfill with frozen dirt.It's like a glacier out there.I hope I don't eat it on this sheet of ice. 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 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 Mickelson @mick_plumb Newsletter sign up: https://bit.ly/MH_email

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 repairs, particularly with Triangle Tube boilers. 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, 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 significance of networking at industry events.  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, 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 supply houses. 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 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:  We delve into the specifics of the Triangle Tube Challenger and the issues that can arise with its hybrid heat exchanger design. Eric and Andy reflect on their own experiences with the unit, illustrating how a lack of awareness about recalls can lead to costly repairs and safety concerns for homeowners. The listener's $900 repair bill for parts due to a malfunctioning heat exchanger highlights the real financial implications of these issues. 3. Navigating Warranty Issues:  A significant part of the conversation centers around how contractors should handle warranty claims. Andy shares his approach of bypassing local sales chains when dealing with warranty issues, opting instead to communicate directly with manufacturers. This strategy can increase the chances of getting parts covered under warranty, a crucial tip for contractors managing similar situations. 4. Checking for Recalls:  As we discuss the process of checking for recalls, both Eric and Andy admit that they often rely on quick Google searches to find information. They acknowledge the importance of integrating recall checks into their regular service routines. Eric suggests creating a checklist for boiler servicing that includes a step for checking recalls, making it a standard part of their workflow. 5. The Role of Manufacturers:  The episode also touches on the role of manufacturers in ensuring product safety. We discuss how recalls can be categorized into voluntary and mandatory recalls and the importance of consumer safety organizations in monitoring these recalls. Understanding the government’s role in product safety adds another layer to the conversation about consumer rights. Conclusion:  In summary, staying informed about boiler recalls is essential for both contractors and homeowners. The story shared by our listener serves as a reminder of the potential dangers and financial burdens that can arise from overlooked safety notifications. By fostering better communication between manufacturers and consumers and incorporating recall checks into regular service routines, we can enhance safety in our homes. Key takeaways include the importance of being proactive about recalls, understanding warranty processes, and the responsibility manufacturers have in keeping their customers informed. 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