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
Mechanic to Media Mogul: A skilled trades journey with Ryan R. Sullivan
Host Andrew Brown welcomes Ryan Sullivan, founder of The Ryan Sullivan Show and Podcast Principles. They dive into Ryan’s journey from working as a mechanic to becoming a podcast strategist and entre…
From VR Training to Real-World Success in the Skilled Trades with Bharani Rajakumar
Host Andrew Brown sits down with Bharani Rajakumar, CEO of Transfr, to explore the future of the skilled trades industry through the lens of virtual reality job training and trade school alternatives…
How SkillsUSA Texas is Building the Next Generation of Tradespeople with Crystal Latham Alford
Host Andrew Brown sits down with Crystal Latham-Alford, Executive Director of SkillsUSA Texas. They dive into the impact of SkillsUSA competitions, the importance of career technical education (CTE),…
SkillsUSA: Skilled Trades Careers, Competition, and Opportunities with Brooke Gatchell
Host Andrew Brown welcomes Brooke Gatchell, Social Media Specialist at SkillsUSA, to discuss the impact of the SkillsUSA welding competition and other trade competitions on students and professionals…
Welding for Space: James Holster on Moon Landers & Rockets
Host Andrew Brown sits down with James Holster of Firefly Aerospace to discuss his journey into the skilled trades, how he became a specialist in welding in the aerospace industry, and his work on th…
The Future of Welding & Skilled Trades Careers with AWS President Michael Krupnicki
Host Andrew Brown sits down with Michael Krupnicki, the current President of the American Welding Society (AWS), to discuss the evolving landscape of Skilled Trades Careers. They explore the importan…
Skilled Trades Careers & Workforce Development with Boyd Worsham
Host Andrew Brown sits down with Boyd Worsham, President of NCCER, to discuss the importance of Skilled Trades Careers, Construction Workforce Development, and Carpentry Apprenticeships. Boyd shares …
Angela Coldwell on Skilled Trades Careers, Apprenticeships, and Education
Host Andrew Brown speaks with Angela Coldwell, founder of Honor the Work, about the importance of early exposure to skilled trades education. They discuss how apprenticeships, career exploration, and…
Barry Zekelman on Empowering Skilled Trades Careers, Leadership, and Industry Advocacy
Host Andrew Brown sits down with Barry Zekelman, CEO of Zekelman Industries. Barry shares his incredible journey from inheriting his father's struggling company at 19 to transforming it into one of N…
Inspiring Women in Skilled Trades: Jennifer Cline’s Journey of Advocacy, DIY, and Creativity
Host Andrew Brown interviews Jennifer Cline, also known as "Jenny from the Shop," a social media influencer and skilled trades advocate. Jennifer shares her journey from an unexpected life event to b…
Revolutionizing Skilled Trades Careers: Technology, Sustainability, and Apprenticeships with William McCoy
Host Andrew Brown dives into an engaging conversation with William McCoy, founder of Via. They discuss the importance of skilled trades careers and the transformative role of trades industry technolo…
Entrepreneurship and Financial Viability in Skilled Trades with Ryan Kiscaden on the Lost Art of the Skilled Trades
Host Andrew Brown and guest Ryan Kiscaden delve deep into the world of skilled trades. They discuss the importance and positive outlook of Skilled Trades Careers, the critical issue of Trade Skills E…
Overcoming Challenges: ADHD and Personal Growth in the Trades with Jamie Mcmillan
Host Andrew Brown sits down with Jamie McMillan, an ironworker and advocate for skilled trades, to discuss her inspiring journey in a male-dominated field.
Jamie shares her insights on breaking stere…
Breaking Stereotypes: Women Thriving in the Automotive Industry With Bogi Lateiner
We dive into the world of electric vehicles, Bogi Lateiner's empowering women-led Chevy build, and the challenges and triumphs of entrepreneurship in trades.
We sit down with the phenomenal Bogi Latei…
Siemens and Education XR: Revolutionizing Trade Training with Immersive Technology
In this episode, we explore how VR and XR technologies enhance electrician training, boost safety, and bridge skill gaps. They discuss industry trends, career opportunities, women's representation, a…
Women in Trades: Overcoming Stigmas and Finding Success with Paige Knowles
In this episode Paige Knowles dives into the value of skilled trades, the stigma women face, and the importance of vocational education. Paige shares her journey, offers career tips, and highlights h…
Safety and Success in Roofing: Melvyn Scofield on Trades and Financial Planning
On this episode Melvyn Scofield dives into roofing safety, industry changes, and financial planning. They highlight the importance of proactive maintenance and share insights on career paths and earn…
From Apprentice to Contractor: Joshua Mellott's Trade Journey
In this episode we explore the decline of trade jobs, the importance of mentoring and training, and the role of storytelling in attracting new talent to essential and rewarding trades careers.
Today, …
The Power of Asking for Help in Trade Careers with Tony Mormino
In this episode we talk about the changing world of skilled trades. Affordable trades training, how networking can help, and why grit, gratitude, and good mentors are key to a successful and satisfyi…
Transforming Work Culture in Skilled Trades: Trust, Communication, and Empathy with Tyler Campbell
In this episode we discuss trust, open communication, and mental health in skilled trades. They highlight the importance of empathetic leadership, entrepreneurship as servitude, and fostering a posit…