Family business succession, contractor growth strategy, flat-rate pricing, and building a leadership team: Tyler Heath shares how he took over Ricky Heath Plumbing, Heating and Cooling from his father and grew it from $3M to $12M in under five years, during COVID, with outdated systems and a team resistant to change.

In Episode 213 of The Trades Podcast, Tyler breaks down the exact decisions and execution steps that drove rapid, managed growth:

• Adopting technology to modernize outdated operations
• Shifting from hourly pricing to flat-rate pricing to boost margins
• Adding HVAC to expand service offerings
• Building a marketing plan around customer service and positive reviews
• Recruiting the right talent and developing future leaders

Whether you're taking over a family contracting business, buying a company, or trying to grow your existing operation, Tyler's step-by-step approach is a practical playbook for turning execution into results, no matter what's happening around you.

Subscribe to The Trades Podcast for more real conversations with trades industry leaders.

WEBSITE: https://www.rickyheathplumbing.com/

EMAIL: tyler@rickyHeathplumbing.com

FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/RickyHeathPlumbing/

INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/rickyheathphc/

LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ricky-heath-plumbing-heating-cooling

In this episode, Jeff and Danny sit down with Kim Pike-Walters of KPW Financial Coaching to discuss the importance of financial education, planning, and confidence for trades professionals and entrepreneurs.

The conversation examines the financial challenges that can come with running a business, earning a strong income, and trying to balance today's responsibilities with tomorrow's goals.

• Building financial confidence
• Creating a personal financial plan
• Managing money as a business owner
• Separating business and personal financial decisions
• Preparing for long-term financial goals
• Developing better financial habits
• Understanding the importance of financial education
• Turning business success into personal financial security
• Planning for the future instead of simply reacting to today

KPW Financial Coaching
https://kpwfinancialcoaching.com/

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

• Why financial education matters for trades professionals
• How better financial habits can support long-term success
• Why business owners need to think beyond revenue
• The importance of planning for the future
• How financial confidence can influence business and personal decisions
• Why earning more does not automatically create financial security

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