Recorded live at Estrella Venue, this milestone episode features an inspiring conversation with industry professionals April Edwards, Cheryl Robinson, Sara Graves, and Nina Ridgley.

Together, the panel dives into leadership, workforce development, mentorship, entrepreneurship, and the evolving opportunities available within the skilled trades. Each guest shares real-world experiences, lessons learned, and insights from her own journey in construction and business.

From overcoming challenges to building stronger communities within the trades, this live episode captures authentic conversation and the passion driving the next generation of industry leaders.

More than a celebration of 200 episodes, this event represents the continued mission of The Trades Podcast, elevating voices within construction and creating meaningful conversations that inspire growth, leadership, and opportunity throughout the skilled trades.

Whether you’re a contractor, builder, entrepreneur, trades professional, or someone considering a future in construction, this episode offers valuable perspective, motivation, and encouragement to keep building forward.

🎧 Listen, share, and help us continue amplifying the voices shaping the future of the trades.

• April Edwards – Deck Builder Marketers
• Cheryl Robinson – Superior Floor & Cabinet Designs
• Sara Graves – Deck Specialist Magazine
• Nina Ridgley – HBI San Marcos

• Women leading in construction
• The future of skilled trades
• Workforce development
• Mentorship and leadership
• Industry challenges and opportunities
• Entrepreneurship in the trades
• Building stronger trade communities
• Representation within construction
• Live audience discussion and networking

• Jeff
• Danny

• April Edwards -
  • April Edwards is a digital marketing professional specializing in lead generation and brand strategy for home improvement and outdoor living industries. She is best known as the founder of Deck Builder Marketers, a marketing agency dedicated to helping deck builders and contractors grow through data-driven online marketing.
• Cheryl Robertson
  • Cheryl Robertson is a home-improvement professional affiliated with Superior Floor & Cabinet Designs, a business specializing in custom cabinetry, flooring, and interior design solutions. She is recognized for her hands-on expertise in residential renovation projects and her role in guiding clients through personalized design and installation processes.
• Sara Graves
  • Sara Graves is a building-materials professional recognized for her editorial and technical contributions to Deck Specialist Magazine, a U.S. trade publication serving outdoor-living and deck-construction industries. Known as a deck-building specialist and industry communicator, she highlights emerging trends, product innovations, and professional best practices for contractors and manufacturers.
• Nina Ridgley
  • Nina Ridgley is an American communications and workforce-development professional based in the San Diego metropolitan area. She is associated with the Home Builders Institute (HBI) in San Marcos, California, where she contributes to industry and community engagement initiatives supporting construction education and careers.

• The Trades Podcast

• Estrella Venue

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.

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.

In this episode, Jeff and Danny sit down with Jason Napolski, CEO of A-Tex Pest Management, to discuss how a locally owned pest control company continues to grow while maintaining a strong hometown approach to customer care.

Jason explains how A-Tex focuses on customized pest solutions, ongoing technician training, and creating systems that allow the business to scale without sacrificing service quality. The discussion also explores leadership, employee development, and the importance of staying adaptable in a changing marketplace.

The hosts and Jason discuss:

• Building a trusted service brand in a competitive industry
• Why technician education and training matter
• The role of culture in retaining strong employees
• Adapting pest management businesses to new technology
• How local ownership strengthens customer relationships
• Creating long-term growth through consistency and accountability

• A-Tex Pest Management
  https://www.atexpest.com/
• The Trades Podcast
  https://www.thetradespodcast.com

• How strong customer service builds long-term trust
• Why employee training drives business success
• The importance of culture in service industries
• How leadership impacts growth and reputation
• Ways technology is shaping pest management operations

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.

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.

In this episode, Jeff and Danny explore current workforce data and projections from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), focusing on the growing demand for skilled trades professionals across the United States.

They discuss how industries like construction, energy, and infrastructure are creating increased demand for roles such as welders, carpenters, electricians, plumbers, and HVAC technicians. The conversation also highlights newer opportunities connected to renewable energy systems, electrification, and AI-driven infrastructure development.

The hosts break down median wage insights, job security trends, and long-term employment projections, showing why trades careers continue to outperform expectations in stability and earning potential.

They also emphasize the importance of awareness, mentorship, and training programs to help close the gap between open positions and available skilled workers.

guest links

Twitter - https://twitter.com/JeffMudd

LinkedIn - https://linkedin.com/in/jeffmudd

Website - https://thetradespodcast.com/

key topics

• Demand and growth in skilled trades
• Median wages and job openings
• Emerging fields: solar, AI infrastructure
• Career pathways in welding, carpentry, HVAC
• Impact of technology and geopolitics on trades

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction to the Trades Podcast and Overview of Part Two
• 01:19 Exploring the Demand for Skilled Trades
• 05:46 Welding: Opportunities and Industry Insights
• 09:54 Carpentry: Career Paths and Earnings Potential
• 13:47 Construction Labor: Entry Points and Growth
• 17:53 Heavy Equipment Operations: Skills and Opportunities
• 23:21 Career Longevity in Heavy Equipment Operations
• 23:58 Transitioning from Laborer to Heavy Equipment Operator
• 25:40 Understanding Industrial Machinery Mechanics
• 27:25 Opportunities for Retiring Workers in Mechanics
• 29:18 The Role of HVAC in Modern Infrastructure
• 31:25 Elevator and Escalator Mechanics: A Niche Field
• 34:27 The Financial Benefits of Elevator Installation Careers
• 37:24 The Growing Field of Solar Energy
• 40:19 Regional Demand for Solar Installers
• 41:56 Future Opportunities in Solar and Space
• 43:13 Recap of Key Trades and Their Growth
• 44:53 The Value of Trades vs. Traditional College Paths
• 47:07 Building a Positive Work Culture in Trades
• 49:02 The Demand for Skilled Workers in the Trades

resources

• Bureau of Labor Statistics 2026 Report - https://www.bls.gov/
• BlackRock Skill Trades Investment - https://www.blackrock.com/
• Simpson Strong Tie Texas Facility Tour - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=example
• SpaceX Artemis Missions - https://www.spacex.com/
• Solar Energy Industry Insights - https://www.energy.gov/renewables/solar
• National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) - https://www.nahb.org/

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.

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.

In this episode, Jeff and Danny sit down with Scott Levene, Vice President of LevCo, to discuss how a multi-generation family business stays competitive in a rapidly changing home-services and energy landscape.

Scott shares the history of the company, which began in 1980 and has grown from fuel delivery into a full-service provider of HVAC, heating oil, propane, and home comfort solutions. The discussion focuses on preserving company culture, leading through generational transitions, and using technology to create better customer experiences.

The incredible journey of LevCo, from its early beginnings as a coal and fuel company to becoming a modern provider of HVAC, heating oil, propane, indoor comfort, and energy services across Connecticut. With deep family values at the center, Scott explains how three generations of leadership have shaped a culture built on accountability, customer trust, and long-term relationships.

The conversation also dives into the future of the trades, where AI, automation, and smarter service systems are changing how companies operate. Scott offers insight into how LevCo is embracing technology without losing the personal connection that makes family businesses special.

Key themes include:

• The power of family-owned leadership in the trades
• Building a culture that spans three generations
• Adapting HVAC and fuel delivery operations to market shifts
• How AI and automation improve dispatching, communication, and service
• Why customer trust remains the most valuable business asset
• Preparing the next generation of leaders inside a legacy business

• LevCo
  https://levco.io

• How family-owned trades businesses scale without losing culture
• Why generational leadership can be a competitive advantage
• How AI is reshaping service and dispatch operations
• The role of trust in HVAC and fuel delivery customer relationships
• How to future-proof a legacy business

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Lefco and Scott's Background

02:59 Navigating Challenges During COVID-19

06:33 Company Culture and Employee Retention Strategies

09:36 Recruitment and Training Practices at Lefco

12:22 The Importance of Customer Service in Business

15:04 Family Legacy and Multi-Generational Business

17:54 Scott's Transition from Soccer to Business Leadership

26:04 The Influence of Sports on Work Ethic

29:57 Business Development and Continuous Improvement

33:28 Leveraging AI in the HVAC Industry

36:54 Advice for Aspiring HVAC Professionals

40:43 The Importance of Self-Motivation in Trades

44:31 Future Growth and Diversification Strategies

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.

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.

In this episode, Jeff and Danny explore the current state of contractor advocacy with Mark Valentini and Taylor Bray, focusing on the most pressing legislative issues impacting the plumbing and HVAC trades.

The conversation covers:

• Federal water heater efficiency and DOE regulation updates
• How PHCC advocates for consumer energy choice and natural gas access
• Apprenticeship funding and workforce development policy priorities
• Why contractors need a seat at the table in Washington, D.C.
• The role local chapters like PHCC San Diego play in state-level advocacy
• How legislation impacts business costs, service offerings, and customer options

Mark shares how PHCC’s annual Legislative Conference and ongoing government affairs efforts help contractors influence policies that affect their livelihoods, while Taylor brings a local chapter perspective on how these issues affect California contractors in real time.

From recent water heater regulation updates and Department of Energy standards to workforce policy, apprenticeship funding, and contractor protections, Mark and Taylor explain why advocacy is no longer optional for trade business owners, it is essential. They highlight how PHCC gives contractors a direct voice in Washington and at the state level, ensuring the real-world challenges of licensed professionals are represented where decisions are made.

This episode is a must-share for every plumbing, HVAC, and mechanical contractor who wants to stay ahead of regulation changes, protect customer choice, and strengthen the future of the trades through smart advocacy and industry leadership.

Learn more about PHCC Policy & Advocacy
👉 https://www.phccweb.org/policy/

• PHCC National Policy & Advocacy
  https://www.phccweb.org/policy/
• PHCC San Diego
  https://www.phccsd.org/
• PHCC Legislative Conference
  https://www.phccweb.org/events/
• The Trades Podcast
  https://www.thetradespodcast.com

• Why contractor advocacy directly affects profitability and service options
• The latest updates on water heater and energy regulations
• How apprenticeship policy supports long-term workforce growth
• Ways local contractors can get involved in PHCC advocacy
• Why policy awareness is a competitive advantage for trade business owners

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.

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.

What if the biggest opportunity in today’s economy isn’t being talked about enough? In this episode of The Trades Podcast, hosts Jeff Mudd and Danny Torres break down the latest insights from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and reveal a powerful truth, the skilled trades are not just in demand, they are essential to the future of the workforce.

With hundreds of thousands of open positions across industries like plumbing, electrical, and HVAC, Jeff and Danny unpack what’s driving the gap, from retiring professionals to a lack of awareness among younger generations. But this episode is not about problems, it’s about opportunity.

They highlight how trades careers offer strong wages, job security, and real pathways to ownership, often outpacing the national median income. More importantly, they discuss why now is the time for experienced professionals to step up, mentor, and pass down knowledge to the next generation.

If you’ve ever wondered where the next wave of success is coming from, this episode will open your eyes. Share it with a student, a parent, or a business owner who needs to see the future more clearly.

Learn more from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
👉 https://www.bls.gov/

Takeaways

• The U.S. labor market is experiencing a significant number of job openings in the trades.
• Many job openings are due to retiring workers, creating a skills gap.
• Electricians have around 80,000 openings per year, with median pay around $61,590.
• Plumbers and pipe fitters have approximately 42,600 openings per year, with similar pay.
• HVAC technicians are projected to have 42,500 openings per year, with median pay of $57,300.
• Skilled trades wages are generally higher than the national median wage.
• Knowledge transfer from experienced workers to younger generations is crucial.
• The construction industry needs to market itself better to attract younger workers.
• The aging infrastructure will require more skilled tradespeople for repairs and replacements.
• There is a growing demand for home automation and energy-efficient systems, increasing job opportunities.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Labor Market Statistics

05:13 Understanding Job Openings in the Trades

10:53 The Importance of Knowledge Transfer in Trades

14:16 Skilled Trades Wages vs. National Median

19:44 Electricians: Opportunities and Challenges

28:21 Plumbers and Pipe Fitters: Demand and Growth

34:48 HVAC Technicians: Trends and Future Outlook

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.

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.

In this episode, Jeff and Danny sit down with Chris Koch, a Head Coach and Trainer at Business Development Resources, to discuss how trades businesses can build stronger teams and more profitable operations.

Chris draws from decades of experience in HVAC and plumbing service companies, where he worked across service, installation, sales, and management roles before becoming a coach and trainer for contractors across North America.

The conversation focuses on leadership development, employee engagement, and the systems that allow trades companies to scale without losing culture or quality. Chris explains why investing in training, transparency, and team development is critical to reducing turnover and building a resilient company.

Business Development Resources
https://www.bdrco.com

BDR Coaching and Training Programs
https://www.bdrco.com/trainers

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

• Why leadership development is critical in trades companies
• How to improve employee engagement and retention
• The systems successful contractors use to scale their business
• Why investing in your team leads to long-term growth
• How coaching and mentorship accelerate business performance

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Trades Podcast

00:56 Chris Koch's Background and Role at BDR

04:40 The Value of Trades Education

07:42 Marketing the Trades to Future Employees

09:10 The Importance of Soft Skills in Business

11:39 Hiring Trends and Speed to Hire

13:59 Employee Retention and Engagement

19:06 The Art of Delegation

27:14 Time Management and Focus

36:11 Long-Term Business Planning and Growth

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.

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.