In this episode, Jeff and Danny sit down with Mandi Ehman from Cardinal Plumbing, Heating & Air and Jane Sidebottom, President of Women in HVACR, to discuss leadership, mentorship, and the future of workforce development in the skilled trades.

The conversation explores how businesses can attract, develop, and retain talented professionals by creating supportive cultures, investing in training, and encouraging career growth. Jane shares how Women in HVACR provides education, networking, scholarships, and professional development opportunities that strengthen both individuals and the industry as a whole.

Mandi discusses the importance of customer service, team collaboration, and leadership within a growing home services company, while both guests emphasize that successful organizations thrive when they invest in people first.

• Leadership in the skilled trades
• Building strong workplace cultures
• Mentorship and professional development
• Recruiting the next generation of trades professionals
• Expanding opportunities throughout the HVACR industry
• Workforce development and employee retention
• Customer service and team excellence
• The future of women in the skilled trades

• Cardinal Plumbing, Heating & Air
  https://www.cardinalplumbingva.com/
• Women in HVACR
  https://www.womeninhvacr.org/
• The Trades Podcast
  https://www.thetradespodcast.com

Takeaways

• Women in HVACR organization supports women in the HVAC industry
• Mentorship and career path programs are essential for attracting and retaining talent in the trades Technology and AI are transforming the trades industry, making learning and skill development faster and more efficient.
• Diversity, community, and mentorship play a crucial role in business growth and success in the trades industry.

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction and Recording in San Diego
• 01:13 Mandy's Introduction and Company Overview
• 02:25 Jane's Introduction and Women in HVACR
• 03:59 Impact of Women in HVACR
• 05:57 Challenges and Culture in the Trades
• 07:09 Training and Career Path at Cardinal
• 09:12 Challenges for Women in the Trades
• 10:11 Promoting Trades to Women
• 12:47 Interest in Trades and Mentorship
• 15:31 Uptick in Interest and Influencers
• 18:41 Changing Perceptions of College and Trades
• 19:08 Career Path and Culture at Cardinal
• 22:22 Impact of AI in the HVAC Industry
• 45:32 Building a Better Team and Business Growth