Episodes

  • Circle of Trades with Travis Waldstein Trades Talk, Training Pipelines, and Winter Reality Checks
    Dec 29 2025

    Travis Waldstein of Aire Serv Heating and Air Conditioning and Waldstein Plumbing joins Circle of Trades for a wide ranging shop talk episode. We dig into what contractors notice in a 100 year old building, how sound and airflow actually work in a recording space, what cold snaps mean for frozen pipes and water damage, and why “fix it now or pay later” is real. Travis also shares a big update on shifting apprenticeship training to Iowa Western, why programs like Career Advantage matter, and what it could mean for building a stronger trades workforce locally. Plus, a quick preview of the return of a Council Bluffs home show at the Mid-America Center in January.

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    36 mins
  • Circle of Trades Cold Weather Calls, Business Planning, and Life in the Trades
    Dec 22 2025

    Back with another episode of Circle of Trades, Todd Studer sits down with Travis Waldstein of Aire Serv Heating and Air Conditioning and Waldstein Plumbing for a wide-ranging conversation that blends winter HVAC realities with the bigger picture of running a trades business. From cold snaps and emergency calls to planning for slower months, staffing, private equity pressure, and what it really takes to build a sustainable service company, this episode is an honest look at the challenges and decisions trades professionals face beyond the job site.

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    47 mins
  • Circle of Trades Tariffs, Tool Costs, and Tough Conversations
    Dec 16 2025

    On this episode of Circle of Trades, Todd Studer sits down with Travis Waldstein of Aire Serv Heating and Air Conditioning and Waldstein Plumbing for a real-world look at how tariffs and commodity pricing are driving up the cost of parts, fixtures, and equipment. They talk about what those increases mean for contractors and customers, why quotes can only stay “good” for so long, and how small businesses handle tough pricing conversations while still getting the job done.

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    50 mins
  • Circle of Trades: Frozen Pipe Prevention, Smart Shutoffs, and Annual Home Checkups
    Dec 16 2025

    Travis Waldstein of Aire Serv Heating and Air Conditioning and Hayden Waldstein of Waldstein Plumbing for a practical winter-prep episode of Circle of Trades. The conversation covers simple steps that prevent frozen pipes and water damage, why HVAC airflow impacts plumbing problems, and how smart shutoff valves and moisture sensors can protect a home when you travel. They also get into water testing, hard water impacts on fixtures and warranties, and why small-town water systems and rural wells deserve more attention. Plenty of real-world advice, a few laughs, and a clear takeaway: protect your home before winter gets serious.

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    42 mins
  • Circle of Trades What’s Changing in Town and What’s Expiring at Year-End
    Dec 16 2025

    Todd Studer sits down with Travis Waldstein of Aire Serv Heating and Air Conditioning and Waldstein Plumbing for a wide-ranging Circle of Trades conversation. They recap the recent local election, talk about staying civil online, and break down what homeowners should know as year-end HVAC and efficiency incentives change. From energy realities to practical decisions on furnaces and air conditioners, this episode blends community perspective with real-world trade experience, plus a little Hawkeye talk along the way.

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    32 mins
  • Circle of Trades Big Fish, Busted Pipes, and Furnace Fixes
    37 mins
  • Circle of Trades Support Local Build Local
    Nov 10 2025

    On this episode of Circle of Trades, Todd Studer welcomes back Travis Waldstein from Air Serv Heating and Air Conditioning and Waldstein Plumbing. Travis returns fresh from the Heartland Developers Conference with stories from the AIM Institute’s big event at the Mid America Center. From tech talks that went way over his head to the excitement of a potential long term partnership with the venue, there is plenty to break down.


    The conversation quickly shifts to what Travis knows best: local projects, local contractors, and why supporting local businesses matters. From major developments like South Point Apartments and Whispering Oaks to fire stations, commercial builds, and underground work, Travis lays out what is happening across Council Bluffs, Pottawattamie County, and even parts of Mills County.


    Todd and Travis also dive into chambers of commerce, the value of community involvement, why small towns need strong local services, and a little friendly banter about football, mashed potatoes, and long lost coolers. It is local talk at its finest, packed with honesty, humor, and a real look at how the trades keep our communities moving.


    #CircleOfTrades #LoessHillsMedia #LocalBusiness #CouncilBluffs #PottawattamieCounty #MillsCounty #TradesTalk #HVAC #Plumbing #SupportLocal #IowaPodcast

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    36 mins
  • Circle of Trades Courtney Otte Blueprints and Balance How Courtney Otte Blends Trades and Design
    Oct 29 2025

    Travis welcomes interior designer Courtney Otte for a fast tour through real-world remodels, from barndominiums to full gut jobs. They dig into client onboarding, the red dot green dot method, working smoothly with contractors, and why today’s homeowners are leaning into organic palettes, darker woods, and smarter planning. Practical talk for anyone in the trades or getting ready to renovate in Council Bluffs and beyond.

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    39 mins