Make Trades Great Again

We sat down at Milwaukee Pipeline with Wes Thomas, head of Milwaukee’s workwear division, to talk about the new heated gear system and how their workwear is designed like tools—built for safety, perf…

In this conversation, Eric and Andy discuss the complexities and challenges faced in construction projects, particularly focusing on risk management, equipment delays, and unexpected complications. T…

In this episode of the Make Trades Great Again podcast, hosts Eric and Andy discuss their journey over the past five years, including the technical difficulties they often face, their experiences wit…

In this episode of the Make Trades Great Again podcast, hosts Eric Aune and Andy Mickelson discuss how to expand skills as a business owner without compromising customer service. They explore the cha…

A group of research scientists have been working with small business and major corporations alike to study the effects of a four day work week…and it’s likely not what you think. 

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Luke Cazaly joins the guys for another hour of great conversation covering multiple topics. We are so thankful to all our guests and you, the listener for tuning in each week!

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Denver Baker, owner of MD Heating is in the virtual studio this week to talk about his success implementing project financing for his customers. Denver is a long-time friend and fan of the pod, he's …

Australian Luke Cazaly is the owner of Flametech Heating & Cooling. Luke is a longtime friend of the pod, it was fun catching up with him and talking business and family. Thanks Luke!

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• Luke ha…

Eric and Andy discuss the complexities and challenges of managing construction projects, particularly in the plumbing sector. They share real-world scenarios that highlight the importance of proper p…

In this conversation, the guys discuss the complexities of hvac projects, pricing strategies, and the importance of customer communication in the HVAC industry.

They share personal experiences and ins…

We love reading your questions and comments. Keep sending them! 
This week the guys talk partnerships, contracts, marketing during a slowdown and more. 

Eric owns a media company along with his busines…

The very last thing I want to do as the contractor is make a not-so-great situation worse" Andy Mickelson 

What happens when you figure out there's a problem on the job, how you handle it says a lot a…

Somewhat of a chat session this week. The guys talk about some products they really like, lots of talk on equipment and piping fittings/materials that make everyday a little faster/easier/enjoyable. 

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Have we become too complacent when it comes to ordering online? 

Its 2025 and yet, somehow and for whatever reason this online supplier is asking for four forms of order verification and signatures up…

Would you hire someone with zero trade work experience? What if they're in their 30's? How old is too old to start in the trades? 

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Are you the low bid? Are you being beat by the low bidder but offering a more complete job, is it apple to apples? This week the guys chat about a recent encounter Eric had on the job with another lo…

Our customer's finances are feeling the pinch more than ever as prices are the highest on record. Inflation, tariffs, shipping backlogs are just some of the bigger problems on the product side but a …

This isn't a how-to guide, let's get that out of the way immediately. 

The guys chat about the accuracy of estimates, whether the price of a job changes when things are missed AND how some companies o…

As supply chains and tariffs are making running our service and construction businesses increasingly more difficult, is there benefit to buying only US? Do our customers care? Are they willing to pay…

Eric's been working on a plan to partner with local builders for water conditioning in new construction homes and Andy talks about something similar they've been doing with a local general contractor…