Do farmers truly own their John Deere equipment if independent technicians cannot access the software required to repair it?

Willie Cade, director of the Theo Brown Society and a board member of Repair.org, joins Skilled Nation to explain the fight over John Deere right to repair.

He breaks down the proposed $99 million settlement, the FTC’s role, state right-to-repair legislation, equipment ownership, diagnostic software, repair data, and the tools skilled technicians need to compete with authorized dealerships.

Willie also discusses how modern tractors have evolved into rolling computers, why experienced diesel mechanics can still be locked out of repairs, and how greater access could create new career and business opportunities for heavy-equipment technicians.

From mobile farm repair businesses to equipment that can cost more than $1 million, this conversation explores what right to repair means for farmers, independent repair shops, and the future of the skilled trades.

Skilled Nation celebrates the people whose knowledge and hands-on ability keep America running. It’s a way of life and a badge of honor.

#RightToRepair #JohnDeere #SkilledTrades #DieselMechanic #HeavyEquipment #FarmEquipment #IndependentRepair #AgriculturalTechnology #RepairTechnician #SkilledNation

A small mistake on a construction site can become a major expense once the walls close and the next trade moves in.

So how can apprentices, journeymen and experienced crews catch problems before they trigger costly rework?

Quality assurance inspector and electrical industry professional Will Lane joins Skilled Nation to break down the hidden “rework tax” created by missed details, misunderstood electrical codes, schedule pressure and poor communication.

He shares a mistake from his first job as an apprentice, explains why speaking up can protect an entire project and reveals what newer tradespeople can do to earn trust on the job.

The conversation also explores Code Buddy, a field tool designed to help construction professionals navigate electrical codes, project specifications and potential quality issues while the work is still accessible.

If you are entering the skilled trades, leading a construction crew or working in electrical quality assurance and quality control, this episode shows why asking the right question at the right time can save thousands of dollars.

Skilled Nation: A Way of Life. A Badge of Honor.

#SkilledTrades #ConstructionCareers #ElectricalApprentice #ConstructionQuality #SkilledNation

This Labor Day, Skilled Nation celebrates the people whose skill, determination and craftsmanship keep America moving.

Through stories from welders, electricians, HVAC professionals, builders, fabricators and more, this special episode explores the work happening behind the scenes, the dedication it takes to master a trade, and the pride that comes from building, fixing and creating something that matters.

#SkilledNation #LaborDay #SkilledTrades #BlueCollar #SkilledWorkers #TradesCareers #WorkforceDevelopment #Welding #Electricians #HVAC #Construction #MadeInAmerica #CareerTraining #FutureOfWork #essentialworkers