The Lost Art Of the Skilled Trades
Welcome to The Lost Art of the Skilled Trades, the ultimate podcast dedicated to celebrating and exploring the world of skilled trades. Hosted by Andrew Brown, a passionate advocate for the trades industry, this podcast is your go-to source for knowledge, inspiration, and practical advice. Andrew brings a unique perspective shaped by years of hands-on experience, entrepreneurial success, and a deep commitment to elevating the trades.
Dive into the fascinating and ever-evolving world of skilled trades, where creativity, problem-solving, and dedication come together to build the world around us. From carpentry and HVAC systems to electricians, plumbers, millwrights, and beyond, every episode uncovers the grit, determination, and artistry that define the people behind these essential professions.
Andrew’s journey began with a life-changing moment on September 11, 2001, when he worked alongside tradespeople, first responders, and community helpers at Ground Zero. This experience inspired him to dedicate his life to advocating for the unsung heroes of the trades. Through his company, Andrew has helped provide tools, equipment, and resources to industry professionals worldwide. Now, through this podcast, he continues his mission to spotlight the craftsmanship, hard work, and dedication of tradespeople everywhere.
Each episode features in-depth interviews with industry experts, seasoned professionals, and rising stars in the trades. From contractors and electricians to HVAC specialists, plumbers, carpenters, and more, listeners will gain insider knowledge about the skills, tools, and strategies needed to thrive in these essential fields. Andrew also speaks with educators, advocates, and business leaders who are working to inspire the next generation of tradespeople, offering a fresh perspective on the value and opportunities within the trades.
At its core, The Lost Art of the Skilled Trades is more than just a podcast — it’s a celebration of a culture built on pride in craftsmanship and an unwavering commitment to excellence. In a time when traditional career paths are overemphasized, this podcast shines a light on an alternative: rewarding careers in skilled trades that offer creativity, financial stability, and the satisfaction of building something tangible.
Whether you’re a seasoned trades professional, an aspiring craftsman, or simply curious about the industry, this podcast is your ultimate guide to the untold stories and secrets of success in trades like refrigeration, building, plumbing, and construction. Join Andrew Brown as he celebrates the artistry, resilience, and innovation of the skilled trades — and inspires a new generation to pick up the tools that keep our world running.
About Andrew Brown
Andrew Brown is a fervent advocate for the skilled trades and is dedicated to addressing and then fixing the trades shortage gap. Through platforms such as social media, podcasts, and live events, he tirelessly promotes the benefits of the trades to students, parents, and educators. For over 23 years Andrew along with his co-founder has built one of the country’s largest on-line tools and equipment eCommerce companies - Toolfetch - focused specifically on the Industrial & Construction Supply Industry.
Follow Andrew Brown
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Toolfetch
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-brown-b1736a5/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@andrew.l.brown
Website: https://www.toolfetch.com
- Update frequency
- every 8 days
- Average duration
- 40 minutes
- Episodes
- 65
- Years Active
- 2023 - 2025
Building Trades Careers for Autistic Youth: Employment & Advocacy w/ Danny Combs
Autism skilled trades programs are transforming careers. Danny Combs joins Andrew Brown to discuss TACT, electrician training, and workforce development.
Host Andrew Brown speaks with Danny Combs, fou…
Building High Paying Trade Careers: How Manufacturing Can Make a Comeback in America w/ Roger Atkins
Careers in manufacturing and skilled trades jobs are booming. Roger Atkins (NTMA) joins Andrew Brown to discuss manufacturing apprenticeship programs, reshoring manufacturing USA, and high paying tra…
From Nurse to Mechanic: Why Women Belong in the Trades with Desiree Hill
From nursing to female mechanic, flipping cars for profit, and building Crown's Corner Mechanic.
Host Andrew Brown talks with Desiree Hill, known as She Mechanic, about her bold career change to trade…
High-Paying Plumbing Trade Careers & Apprenticeship Paths w/ Daniel Quinonez
Want a high-paying plumbing trade career? Daniel Quinonez joins Andrew Brown to share plumbing apprenticeship programs, PHCC Educational Foundation training, and plumbing job opportunities.
Host Andre…
How Women Are Breaking Into STEM and the Skilled Trades w/ Destiny Simone Adams
Women in STEM are rising. Meet Destiny Simone Adams, a TikTok STEM creator breaking barriers in robotics competitions and Skilled Trades education.
Host Andrew Brown talks with Destiny Simone Adams, a…
Why Gen Z Is Choosing Trades Over College w/ Mark Hedstrom (SkillsUSA)
Skilled trades shortage is a growing crisis. Mark Hedstrom joins Andrew Brown to discuss workforce gaps, SkillsUSA, and trade school vs college realities.
The skilled trades shortage is no longer comi…
RV Technician Career Path, Training, Salary with Curtis Hemmeler on Skilled Trades Careers
Discover how to become an RV tech and why this skilled trade is booming in 2025 and beyond.Andrew Brown sits down with Curtis Hemmeler from the RV Technical Institute to explore the RV technician car…
Josh Nieves on Electrician Careers, Union Access & Trades Mentorship
From sweeping floors to leading crews on the Freedom Tower, Josh Nieves shares his powerful journey through the IBEW apprenticeship program and into the heart of the skilled trades. This episode dive…
Skilled Trades Summer Camps: How Angie Simon is Creating Careers in the Trades for Youth
Skilled trades summer camps are transforming lives. Angie Simon joins Andrew Brown to talk trades careers, apprenticeships, and women in construction programs.
Host Andrew Brown speaks with Angie Simo…
Roger Wakefield: How to Succeed in the Trades Industry
Roger Wakefield—plumbing legend and trades influencer—shares how to become a plumber, grow your brand, and start a successful plumbing business.
Host Andrew Brown sits down one of the most recognized …
When to Replace Your Roof and How to Scale a Roofing Business with Trenton Wisecup
Roof replacement signs, scaling a roofing business, and how to recruit skilled labor-- Trenton Wisecup joins Andrew Brown to unpack all this and more.
Host Andrew Brown sits down with Trenton Wisecup,…
Trade School vs. College: How to Start a High-Paying Skilled Trades Career with Ryan Eisenhauer
Skilled trades career paths offer high paying jobs without a degree. Ryan Eisenhauer joins Andrew Brown to break down trade school vs college, apprenticeships, and mentorship.
Host Andrew Brown sits d…
Marcus Sheridan’s Guide to Building a Skilled Trades Brand That Stands Out
Want more leads in the trades? Marcus Sheridan joins host Andrew Brown to talk self-service tools, pricing estimators, and trusted brand building strategies.
Host Andrew Brown sits down with marketing…
How to Get Into the Trades as a Woman: Apprenticeships, Representation & Skilled Trades Careers w/ Judaline Cassidy
Want to join the skilled trades as a woman? Judaline Cassidy shares how to start, find support, and thrive in a trades career, from plumbing to advocacy.
Host Andrew Brown sits down with master plumbe…
How to Start a Welding Career: Trade School vs Apprenticeship Paths + Career Growth Insights w/ Bill Myers
Skilled trades careers are booming, from trade school welding programs to women in skilled trades. William Myers of Ancora Education shares why now's the time.
Host Andrew Brown sits down with welding…
How Ferguson Is Tackling the Skilled Trades Gap: Building Future Plumbers, HVAC Techs & Electricians w/ Melissa Hazelwood
Ferguson is investing big in skilled trades education. Melissa Hazelwood joins host Andrew Brown to reveal how they're building trades labs for plumbing, HVAC & more.
Join host Andrew Brown on The Los…
This Old House Host Kevin O’Connor on Why the Trades Still Matter
Host Andrew Brown sits down with This Old House host Kevin O’Connor to explore the state of the skilled trades career path in today’s economy. They dive deep into the construction labor shortage, dis…
How to Become an Electrician: Union vs Non-Union Journeys + Apprenticeship Insights w/ Jon Lock
Want to become an electrician? Jon Lock joins host Andrew Brown to break down the electrician apprenticeship program, union vs non-union routes, and licensing.
Whether you're curious about how to beco…
Building a Skilled Trade Business in Today's Market with Brian Hamilton
Host Andrew Brown sits down with serial entrepreneur and LiveSwitch founder Brian Hamilton to unpack what it really takes to succeed when starting a trades business. Brian shares real stories—from me…
From Kansas to the World Stage: A Diesel Tech’s success at WorldSkillsUSA
Host Andrew Brown sits down with Cale Mouser, a standout figure in the world of Skilled Trades Careers and Diesel Technician Training. From his humble beginnings as a mechanic in Kansas to competing …