Advertise on podcast: Make Trades Great Again

In this episode, Andy and Eric discuss the current state of the boiler industry, competition, market trends, and the impact of technology and pricing strategies on contractors and manufacturers. Text the guys your ideas & feedback! 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

In this episode, Andy and Eric share insights on the realities of installing customer-supplied equipment, the pitfalls of advertising in traditional media like phone books, and the importance of clear warranties and business boundaries. Takeaways Installing customer-supplied equipment can pose significant risks if not managed properly.Traditional advertising like phone books has become largely ineffective and a poor investment.Clear communication and documentation about warranties are crucial to protect your business.Discounted equipment can be a good deal but also carries risks that need to be managed.Business owners should carefully consider the long-term implications of their service and marketing strategies. Text the guys your ideas & feedback! 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

In this episode, Andy and Eric discuss the importance of service and maintenance in HVAC, plumbing, and equipment installation. They explore how proactive servicing can generate additional revenue, improve customer satisfaction, and ensure system longevity. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and episode overview 02:31 The revenue potential of servicing installed equipment 04:01 Common maintenance intervals for boilers and systems 07:01 Understanding system components like expansion tanks and gauges 10:02 The importance of regular filter and coil maintenance 12:58 Using remote diagnostics and connected systems 17:01 Building trust and recurring business through service 19:51 The value of proactive maintenance for customer satisfaction 22:56 Cost implications of neglecting system maintenance 25:55 Strategies for group servicing and scheduling 28:00 Final thoughts on service as a business growth tool Text the guys your ideas & feedback! 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

Andy shares his experience with boiler maintenance, subcontracting, and the importance of professional startup for complex HVAC systems. We explore the value of expert involvement, detailed design, and the lessons learned from real-world projects. Text the guys your ideas & feedback! 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

This episode explores the diverse paths young people take after high school, including college, trades, and entrepreneurship. We discuss the importance of financial literacy, the value of hard work, and how social media is changing perceptions of trades and career opportunities. Joined by our pod-partners John Mesenbrink & Tim Ward, hosts of the Appetite For Construction Podcast Text the guys your ideas & feedback! 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

In this episode, Andy and Eric explore the fascinating history and ongoing renovation of a 110-year-old bank building in Missoula. They discuss the building's unique architecture, outdated plumbing systems, and innovative solutions for modern upgrades. Text the guys your ideas & feedback! 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

Milwaukee is expanding the lighting category again in 2026. A couple notable new lights shown this year at PIPELINE are the usb-c rechargeable clip light and flat flashlight. Hayley Stamerra, product manager at Milwaukee Tool talks all things lighting in this week's episode.  Text the guys your ideas & feedback! 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

Our annual trip to Milwaukee PIPELINE is always great fun. This year we talked all things Packout with product manager Nick Trawicki.  Packout was first released in June of 2017. Since its launch, Packout has expanded to literally hundreds of products that are mostly intended to save us time on and off the job site.  Text the guys your ideas & feedback! 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

There are pockets of the US that are struggling, other areas that are as busy as ever. What gives?  We want your feedback! Text, email, comment, DM!  Text the guys your ideas & feedback! 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

Calling all apprentices (and those training them)!  One of our most listened to episodes went live back in April 2024 and still tallies downloads today so we decided it was time for a followup!  We changed it up a little from our first list of 5 Things Apprentices Should Do Every Day  Thanks for listening, have a great day!  Text the guys your ideas & feedback! 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

This episode aired in August '24 and had been one of our most downloaded ever, give it a listen, we hope you enjoy it. We will be back with new episodes soon!  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 office and a good part of the business for Mickelson Plumbing & Heating.  Heather has done the books for both MH & Aune Plumbing & Heating for over a decade on top of her (former) day job.  It was so cool to hear their perspectives as we consider looking back to the early days of starting our business.  Text the guys your ideas & feedback! 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

The guys revisit a topic they’ve been getting a lot of feedback from. It started with a recent MTGA episode titled “Eric Hates Combi Boilers”. In this episode, Eric and Andy discuss the pros and cons of combi boilers, common issues, applications, and backup strategies for heating systems. They share insights on system reliability, application scenarios, and practical tips for homeowners and professionals. Text the guys your ideas & feedback! 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

Andy and Eric discuss their recent project installing a Viessmann air-to-water heat pump system, exploring its performance, efficiency, and potential applications in radiant cooling and heating. They share insights on system design, energy savings, and practical considerations for HVAC professionals. Takeaways The Viessmann system can operate quietly and efficiently in residential settings.Proper piping size and layout are critical for system performance.Monitoring power consumption helps optimize system operation.Wide delta T in radiant cooling shrinks as the system reaches steady state.Condensation risk can be managed by controlling dew point and set points. Text the guys your ideas & feedback! 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

Eric is flying out to work with Andy on the Mickelson P&H shop!  This episode features a deep dive into radiant heating design, heat pump integration, and insulation strategies for shop construction. Hosts Eric and Andy share practical insights, calculations, and real-world examples to optimize energy efficiency and system performance. Key Topics Radiant slab design and insulation Low water temperature operation and energy savings Heat pump integration and buffer tanks BTU load calculations and insulation impact Climate considerations for radiant cooling and heating   Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Anticipation of Collaboration 02:43 Exploring Air to Water Heat Pumps 05:32 Designing Efficient Heating Systems 08:35 Innovations in Radiant Heating and Cooling 11:03 Understanding Dew Point and Humidity Effects 13:59 Transitioning to Electric Heating Solutions 20:30 Electricity Costs and Utility Management 23:10 Heating System Design and Efficiency 26:30 Understanding Water Temperature and Energy Consumption 29:50 Heat Pump Technology and Energy Transfer 34:29 Piping and Insulation Considerations 39:19 Feedback and Future Topics Text the guys your ideas & feedback! 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

Should we stop installing combi-boilers?  Eric and Andy discuss the pros and cons of combi-boilers, the longevity of different heating systems, and practical advice for choosing the right water heating solutions for North American homes. Chapters 00:00 The Combi-Boiler Debate 05:20 Longevity and Efficiency of Heating Systems 10:44 Indirect Water Heaters vs. Combi-Boilers 15:49 The Importance of Proper Sizing 20:53 The Future of Combi-Boilers Text the guys your ideas & feedback! 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