The Trades Podcast cover art

The Trades Podcast

The Trades Podcast

By: Jeff Mudd Danny Torres
Listen for free

About this listen

A Pod cast about the Business of Home Improvement and Promoting the Trades to Young Adults.2021 Career Success Economics Personal Development Personal Success Relationships Social Sciences
Episodes
  • Ep 185 Greg Schmitt- HugeHandymanSD.com
    Dec 4 2025

    In this episode, Jeff and Danny talk with Greg Schmitt about how he built Huge Handyman SD into one of San Diego’s go-to handyman service companies. Greg explains the importance of communication, integrity, and skill when working inside a customer’s home. He also shares how he built a service model that focuses on solving problems quickly and correctly while giving homeowners peace of mind.

    You will hear Greg discuss the value of dependable technicians, the impact of treating customers with respect, and the importance of offering a broad skill set that covers everything from repairs to installations. Greg also dives into the realities of running a growing service business and the dedication it takes to keep quality high.

    Resources and Mentions

    Huge Handyman SD
    https://www.HugeHandymanSD.com

    The Trades Podcast
    https://www.thetradespodcast.com

    What You Will Learn
    • The mindset behind building a dependable handyman business
    • How to earn customer trust through communication and quality
    • Why offering a wide range of services boosts business growth
    • What it means to lead a team with purpose and high standards
    • How to balance business challenges with long-term vision
    • The key habits that keep customers loyal and referring

    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction and Background of Huge Handyman

    01:46 Navigating Business Challenges and Growth

    05:37 Key Performance Indicators and Business Management

    11:45 Sales Strategies and Team Dynamics

    17:52 Customer Engagement and Marketing Techniques

    23:46 Utilizing Technology for Business Efficiency

    28:08 Embracing Technology in Construction

    36:23 Strategic Growth and Team Development

    45:44 Networking and Future Opportunities

    About The Trades Podcast

    Website
    https://www.thetradespodcast.com

    Hosted by
    Jeff Mudd and Danny Torres

    The Trades Podcast features real conversations with business owners, trades leaders, and industry innovators making an impact in the skilled trades community.

    Support the Trades Movement

    If this episode inspires you, share it with someone in the trades or anyone thinking about starting a home-services business. Like, comment, and subscribe to help more people discover these conversations.

    Show More Show Less
    49 mins
  • Ep 184 John Figueroa- OnPointHeatingAndAir.com
    Nov 26 2025

    In this conversation, Jeff and Danny talk with John Figueroa about the values and processes that define On Point Heating and Air. John breaks down what customers truly expect from an HVAC professional, how his team stays ahead of industry best practices, and why consistent training is essential for both quality and culture.

    Topics include maintaining strong communication with homeowners, installing with precision, developing teams with integrity, and staying committed to service excellence. John also talks about the responsibility that comes with entering customers’ homes and the importance of earning their trust every step of the way.

    Resources and Mentions
    • On Point Heating and Air
      https://www.onpointheatingandair.com
      • CONTACT US
        • (619) 272-6055
    What You Will Learn
    • Why personalized service matters in HVAC
    • How to build trust through transparency and education
    • What separates premium service companies from the competition
    • How leadership and communication shape a service business
    • Why technicians need continual training and development
    • What it takes to grow a values-driven trades company
    • This trade is not a nine to five.
    • Working hours can extend until the job is done.
    • Customer expectations can lead to longer work hours.
    • The HVAC industry requires dedication and flexibility.
    • Residential HVAC work often involves urgent customer needs.
    • Professionals must be prepared for unpredictable schedules.
    • Job satisfaction is tied to customer comfort.
    • Challenges in HVAC can be rewarding when resolved.
    • Time management is crucial in this field.
    • Understanding customer needs is essential for success.

    About The Trades Podcast

    Website
    https://www.thetradespodcast.com

    Hosted by
    Jeff Mudd and Danny Torres

    The Trades Podcast features real conversations with business owners, trades leaders, and industry innovators making an impact in the skilled trades community.

    Support the Trades Movement

    If this episode inspires you, share it with someone in the trades or anyone thinking about starting a home-services business. Like, comment, and subscribe to help more people discover these conversations.

    Show More Show Less
    53 mins
  • Ep 183 Trades Expo 2026 - PHCCSD.org
    Nov 21 2025

    In this episode of the Trades Podcast, Danny Torres, Jeff Mudd, Taylor Bray, and Juri Peterson discuss the importance of the PHCC San Diego chapter in promoting the trades, particularly plumbing and HVAC. They provide updates on training programs, including the pre-apprenticeship and four-year apprenticeship programs, and share success stories of students who have found employment after completing these programs. The conversation also covers employer sponsorship for training, the significance of backflow certification, and the upcoming trades expo, which aims to engage the community and provide resources for those interested in the trades.

    Takeaways

    • PHCC San Diego is dedicated to promoting the trades.
    • The pre-apprenticeship program has seen significant success.
    • 80% of students from the pre-apprenticeship program find work.
    • Employer sponsorship is crucial for apprenticeship programs.
    • The four-year apprenticeship program is federally accredited.
    • HVAC training programs are expanding to meet industry needs.
    • Backflow certification is essential for community health and safety.
    • The trades expo offers valuable resources and networking opportunities.
    • Interactive learning experiences are being introduced at the expo.
    • PHCC is a valuable resource for anyone in the trades.

    👉 Learn more and register for the next PHCCSD Trades Expo:
    https://www.phccsd.org/trades-expo
    Encourage your team, your apprentices, your community partners, and your local schools to attend. Spread the word. The next generation is counting on us.

    📞 Contact PHCC San Diego

    Whether you are a contractor looking to hire, a vendor wanting to participate, or an educator seeking opportunities for your students, PHCCSD is ready to support you.

    PHCC San Diego Chapter
    Website: https://www.phccsd.org
    General Contact: https://www.phccsd.org/contact
    Phone: (858) 693-3855
    Email: info@phccsd.org

    📚 Featured Guests

    Taylor Bray, PHCC San Diego
    Juri Peterson, PHCC San Diego

    Hosted by Jeff Mudd and Danny Torres of TheTradesPodcast.com

    👍 Support the Trades Movement

    Share this episode with educators, students, parents, and contractors who care about rebuilding the skilled trades workforce.
    Leave a comment letting us know how the trades have impacted your life or business.

    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction to the Trades Podcast and PHCC San Diego

    01:51 Overview of PHCC and Its Importance

    05:46 Training Programs and Their Impact

    09:41 Success Stories and Instructor Highlights

    13:43 Financial Support and Scholarships for Students

    17:42 National Reach and Online Training Opportunities

    21:39 Four-Year Apprenticeship Program Overview

    23:53 The Value of Apprenticeship Programs

    27:48 Exploring HVAC Training Opportunities

    29:43 Backflow Certification and Its Importance

    32:36 Upcoming Trades Expo: What to Expect

    37:46 Interactive Learning: The Escape Room Experience

    Show More Show Less
    47 mins
No reviews yet
In the spirit of reconciliation, Audible acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.