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    Join the Trademaster program: www.supplyhouse.com/T-M

    In this episode of The Sparky Life, we dive deep into the current state of higher education and its impact on young adults in America. With student loan debt soaring to $1.6 trillion and the average salary stagnating around $60,000, we question whether traditional college education is truly beneficial for students.

    Join us as we explore the financial burdens placed on graduates, the advantages enjoyed by universities, and the often misleading marketing tactics that lure students into taking on massive debt. We also discuss the growing opportunities in skilled trades and how they can provide a more stable and lucrative career path without the burden of student loans.

    Whether you're a high school student contemplating your future, a parent, or someone interested in the skilled trades, this episode offers valuable insights and perspectives.

    Topics Covered:

    The reality of student loan debt and its long-term effects

    The financial advantages of skilled trades

    The importance of making informed career choices

    Personal anecdotes and discussions on the value of college education

    Quotes:

    1 - "When universities are marketing to students, there's a lot of false promises that are made."

    2 - "In 2024, the student loan debt is up to $1.6 trillion."

    Timestamps

    00:00:00 - Introduction to SupplyHouse Ads
    00:02:00 - Second SupplyHouse Ad
    00:03:30 - Thank You to SupplyHouse
    00:04:15 - Reliable Inventory and Customer Service
    00:05:30 - The Importance of Skilled Trades
    00:06:10 - The Debate on Higher Education
    00:07:00 - Student Loan Debt Crisis
    00:08:00 - Colleges and Universities: Who Benefits?
    00:09:30 - The Reality of Student Debt
    00:10:30 - Endowment Funds Explained
    00:11:30 - The Marketing of Universities
    00:12:30 - Opportunities in Skilled Trades
    00:13:30 - Finding the Right Career Path
    00:14:30 - Shadowing Careers for Better Insight
    00:15:30 - The Value of Skilled Trades
    00:16:30 - Financial Security vs. Passion
    00:17:30 - The Role of Money in Career Choices
    00:18:30 - Critique of Universities
    00:19:30 - Empowering Informed Decisions
    00:20:30 - Call to Action for Discussion
    00:21:30 - Conclusion and Final Thoughts

    Links:

    Join the Trademaster program: www.supplyhouse.com/T-M

    Follow us on social media for updates and more content!

    ✅ Follow Lia Lamela:

    💥 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lia-lamela-820a33155
    💥 Website: https://sparkylifesolutionsllc.com
    💥 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sparkylifeoflia/
    💥 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thesparkylifepodcast
    💥 YouTube: @sparkylifeoflia

    Thank you for joining us on this insightful journey through the trades. We appreciate your support and look forward to having you with us in our next episode. 😊😇

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    In this episode of the Sparky Life Podcast, we dive deep into the evolving landscape of the skilled trades industry. With a significant labor deficit and a shift in how we identify and nurture talent, it's crucial to rethink our approach to recruitment and leadership development.

    Join us as we discuss:

    The changing perceptions of skilled trades and the impact of societal pressures on career choices.The importance of attracting and retaining the right talent in a competitive market.Strategies for employers to create a positive company culture that appeals to younger generations.

    Whether you're an employer looking to build the right crew or a skilled tradesperson seeking to advance your career, this episode is packed with valuable insights and actionable advice.

    Don't forget to check out our free ebook on building the right crew at Sparky Life Solutions LLC and learn more about our sponsor, SupplyHouse.com, for all your electrical needs!

    If you enjoyed this episode, please like, share, and subscribe for more content that sparks inspiration in your life!

    Timestamps:

    00:01:38 - The Right Crew for You
    00:02:54 - Labor Deficit in Skilled Trades
    00:04:54 - Thank You to Our Sponsor
    00:05:05 - Job Openings vs. Skilled Workers
    00:06:36 - Perceptions of Skilled Trades
    00:08:12 - The Power Shift to Workers
    00:09:38 - High Turnover Rates in Construction
    00:11:04 - The Cost of Turnover
    00:12:18 - Demanding Fair Compensation
    00:13:40 - Recruitment Challenges
    00:14:18 - Attracting and Retaining Talent
    00:15:22 - Changing Perspectives on Skilled Trades
    00:16:51 - The Value of Skilled Trades
    00:18:40 - Advantages of Hard Skills
    00:20:22 - Entry-Level Wages and Rapid Advancement
    00:22:30 - The Importance of Investing in Employees
    00:24:50 - Misconceptions About Pay in Skilled Trades
    00:26:05 - Recruitment Strategies for Employers
    00:27:30 - Training Green Employees
    00:29:00 - Creating a Skilled Workforce
    00:30:57 - Competing for Talent
    00:32:14 - The Right People vs. The Best People
    00:33:28 - Staying Competitive with Wages
    00:34:49 - Feedback from Current and Former Employees
    00:36:20 - Job Fairs and Recruitment Events
    00:37:03 - Using Podcasts for Recruitment
    00:38:20 - Quality of Practice Over Time
    00:39:32 - Attracting Passionate Workers
    00:41:06 - Building a Supportive Company Culture
    00:43:16 - Understanding Workforce Values
    00:44:53 - Flexibility in the Workplace
    00:47:09 - Conclusion and Call to Action

    Quotes:

    1 - "The tables have turned. Now is the time. You want to demand salary raises? Do it."

    2 - "You can offer them both immediate wage without debt, hard skills training and advancement within a reasonable timeframe."

    ✅ Follow Lia Lamela:

    💥 Website: https://sparkylifesolutionsllc.com
    💥 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sparkylifeoflia/
    💥 YouTube: @sparkylifeoflia

    Create the sparks in your life!

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    Welcome to this electrifying episode of our podcast! Did you know that we are all electricians in our own right? Our bodies generate electricity, and our brains are bustling with activity powered by billions of neurons. Join us as we explore the fascinating world of how our thoughts and movements are driven by electrical signals and chemical interactions.

    In this episode, we dive deep into:

    1 - The role of neurons and how they communicate through electricity.

    2 - The concept of action potential and how our bodies function like batteries.

    3 - The balance of chemicals in our bodies and their impact on our electrical systems.

    4 - Fun facts about the human body and its electrical capabilities.

    Plus, we give a shoutout to our sponsor, SupplyHouse, and their amazing Trademaster program for electricians!

    Whether you're a seasoned pro or just curious about the science behind our bodies, this episode is packed with insights that will spark your interest. Don't forget to leave your thoughts in the comments and let us know if you want a deeper dive into the world of electricity!

    Tune in now and discover how you can create sparks in your life!

    Quotes:

    1 - "Did you know that secretly, we are all electricians?"

    2 - "We function like batteries."

    Timestamps:

    00:00:00 - Introduction: We Are All Electricians
    00:01:00 - The Brain's Electrical Activity
    00:02:00 - Understanding Neurons and Communication
    00:03:00 - The Source of Electricity in Our Bodies
    00:04:00 - Neurons: The Hardware of Our Electrical System
    00:05:00 - Action Potential: How Neurons Generate Electricity
    00:06:00 - Chemical Potential and Balance in Neurons
    00:07:00 - How Action Potential Works
    00:08:00 - Types of Electricity and Further Exploration
    00:09:00 - Harnessing Your Inner Electrical Power

    ✅ Follow Lia Lamela:

    💥 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lia-lamela-820a33155
    💥 Website: https://sparkylifesolutionsllc.com
    💥 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sparkylifeoflia/
    💥 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thesparkylifepodcast
    💥 YouTube: @sparkylifeoflia

    Thank you for joining us on this insightful journey through the trades. We appreciate your support and look forward to having you with us in our next episode. 😊😇

    Create the sparks in your life!

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    Welcome back to The Sparky Life! In this episode, we dive deep into the world of solar energy in residential sectors with our special guest, Chessa Trimble. Is solar a scam? Is it truly beneficial for the environment? Join us as we explore the pros and cons of solar panel installation and discuss whether it's a viable career path in the electrical industry.

    Chessa shares her insights on the current state of solar technology, the misconceptions surrounding it, and the challenges homeowners face when considering solar panels. We also touch on the impact of solar farms and the importance of understanding the true costs and benefits of solar energy.

    Whether you're a homeowner contemplating solar panels or an electrician curious about the industry, this episode is packed with valuable information. We encourage you to do your research and consider all factors before making a decision.

    Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe for more insightful discussions! If you want to hear from solar experts or have questions about solar energy, let us know in the comments below!

    Quotes:

    1 - "They've sold it under this label of like, green, of course has to be the word because that sounds appealing."

    2 - "Just because something's an investment doesn't mean it's a good investment."

    Timestamps:

    00:00 - Introduction00:10 - Meet Chessa Trimble00:54 - The solar energy debate02:12 - Is solar a viable career path?07:01 - The environmental impact of solar panels12:01 - The challenges of solar energy20:11 - The future of solar and electric vehicles29:07 - Conclusion and call to action

    Resources Mentioned:

    Matt Farrell's YouTube video: "Are We Getting Scammed With Solar" - https://youtu.be/BD7aCkLwR7U?si=51M7OIqVbinruwSj

    ✅ Follow Chessa:

    💥 Chessa Trimble - @romex_queen

    ✅ Follow Lia Lamela:

    💥 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lia-lamela-820a33155
    💥 Website: https://sparkylifesolutionsllc.com
    💥 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sparkylifeoflia/
    💥 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thesparkylifepodcast
    💥 YouTube: @sparkylifeoflia

    Thank you for joining us on this insightful journey through the trades. We appreciate your support and look forward to having you with us in our next episode. 😊😇

    Create the sparks in your life!

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    Welcome back to The Sparky Life! In this electrifying episode, we sit down with Carly Steiman, a seasoned electrician with nearly two decades of experience and the proud owner of Lady Electric in Vancouver, Canada. Carly shares her inspiring journey from a high school graduate to a successful tradeswoman and reality TV star on "Tough As Nails."

    Join us as we explore Carly's passion for empowering women in the skilled trades, her innovative platform connecting homeowners with skilled tradeswomen, and her commitment to spreading kindness and etiquette in the construction industry. Carly's unique perspective on the importance of balance in life and work, as well as her insights on navigating the challenges of a male-dominated field, are both enlightening and motivating.

    Timestamps:
    00:00 - Introduction
    00:11 - Meet Carly Steiman
    02:00 - Carly's journey into the electrical field
    09:05 - The importance of kindness in the trades
    16:04 - Balancing work and play
    24:09 - Navigating challenges as a woman in construction
    38:17 - Carly's upcoming projects

    In this episode, you'll learn about:

    Carly's journey into the electrical field and her early experiences

    The significance of kindness and etiquette in the trades

    How humor can be a powerful tool in overcoming challenges

    The importance of self-sufficiency and independence for women

    Carly's upcoming projects, including a calendar featuring women in trades and her new directory, WorkBe

    Don't miss this opportunity to be inspired by Carly's story and her vision for a more inclusive and supportive trades community.

    Like, share, and subscribe to The Sparky Life for more empowering conversations and insights from the world of skilled trades!

    ✅ Follow Carly:

    💥Lady Electric - @ladyelectric_
    💥WorkBee - https://workbeehomeservices.com/

    ✅ Follow Lia Lamela:

    💥LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lia-lamela-820a33155
    💥Website: https://sparkylifesolutionsllc.com
    💥Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sparkylifeoflia/
    💥Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thesparkylifepodcast
    💥YouTube: @sparkylifeoflia

    Thank you for joining us on this insightful journey through the trades. We appreciate your support and look forward to having you with us in our next episode. 😊😇

    Create the sparks in your life!

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    Welcome to The Sparky Life Podcast, where we explore unique and often overlooked careers in skilled trades with your host, Lia Lamela.

    Lily Ghuzlan shares her journey into the skilled trades, her passion for furniture design, and the challenges she faced as a woman in a male-dominated field. The discussion highlights the importance of education in trades, the societal pressures surrounding career choices, and the entrepreneurial spirit that drives Lily to create her own path.

    Throughout the conversation, Lily emphasizes the value of persistence, creativity, and the need to celebrate small achievements along the way.

    This episode is brought to you by SupplyHouse.com, your trusted source for reliable inventory, fast shipping, and friendly customer service across the U.S. Don’t forget to check out their Trade Masters program for free shipping and order discounts at supplyhouse.com/tm.

    Find Lily here - @lily.guzz

    Quotes

    "I want to support and educate more women.""Going into a trade as a woman is frowned upon."


    Follow Lia Lamela:

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sparkylifeofliaFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/thesparkylifepodcastYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@sparkylifeofliaWebsite: https://sparkylifesolutionsllc.com


    Thank you for joining us on this journey into the world of weird jobs. Stay tuned for upcoming episodes where Lia uncovers even more unusual, mind-blowing careers! Make sure to like, subscribe, and leave a comment if you’re curious about other weird professions.

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    Welcome to The Sparky Life Podcast, where we explore unique and often overlooked careers in skilled trades with your host, Lia Lamela. We welcome back returning guest Chessa Trimble to explore the diverse educational pathways available for becoming an electrician.

    This episode is brought to you by SupplyHouse.com, your trusted source for reliable inventory, fast shipping, and friendly customer service across the U.S. Don’t forget to check out their Trade Masters program for free shipping and order discounts at supplyhouse.com/tm.

    Chessa shares her journey of self-starting in the field and the challenges of financing her education before gaining employer sponsorship. We also examine the significance of maintaining high industry standards and the potential safety implications of the new Virginia law.

    Quotes:

    “You can't make sense of nonsense,”“If it ain't clean, it ain't me.”


    Follow Lia Lamela:

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sparkylifeofliaFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/thesparkylifepodcastYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@sparkylifeofliaWebsite: https://sparkylifesolutionsllc.com


    Thank you for joining us on this journey into the world of weird jobs. Stay tuned for upcoming episodes where Lia uncovers even more unusual, mind-blowing careers! Make sure to like, subscribe, and leave a comment if you’re curious about other weird professions.

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    Welcome to The Sparky Life Podcast, where we explore unique and often overlooked careers in skilled trades with your host, Lia Lamela. In this episode, we dive into a fascinating topic—weird jobs you might not even know existed!

    This episode is brought to you by SupplyHouse.com, your trusted source for reliable inventory, fast shipping, and friendly customer service across the U.S. Don’t forget to check out their Trade Masters program for free shipping and order discounts at supplyhouse.com/tm.

    In this episode, Lia introduces us to the world of Professional Sleepers—yes, that’s a real job! Imagine getting paid to sleep, test mattresses, and improve sleep quality, all while impacting health and wellness. Lia also explores other fascinating and unusual careers that will spark curiosity and maybe even inspire a career change.


    Quotes:

    “Sleep is the foundation of overall great wellness.”“You're basically identifying the brands or the environments that are going to create the most restful sleep.”


    Follow Lia Lamela:

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sparkylifeofliaFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/thesparkylifepodcastYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@sparkylifeofliaWebsite: https://sparkylifesolutionsllc.com


    Thank you for joining us on this journey into the world of weird jobs. Stay tuned for upcoming episodes where Lia uncovers even more unusual, mind-blowing careers! Make sure to like, subscribe, and leave a comment if you’re curious about other weird professions.

    Support the show

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    Welcome to The Sparky Life Podcast, where we celebrate careers in skilled trades with your host, Lia Lamela.

    This episode is brought to you by SupplyHouse.com, your trusted source for reliable inventory, friendly customer service, and fast shipping from coast to coast. Check out supplyhouse.com/tm today and explore their Trade Masters program, offering free shipping and order discounts.

    In this episode, we’re excited to welcome Stephen Dummit and Olivia Leigh from Tradewinds Leadership. Stephen, with over ten years in electrical contracting, transitioned from running his own subcontracting business to focusing on leadership and people development in the construction industry. Olivia, with a corporate business background, brings expertise in business analysis, data, and trends within the trades. Together, they are revolutionizing the way construction companies approach leadership, mental health, and communication.

    Quotes:

    "You can't really create like a connection. You can't have a deep human bond. You can't. You can't have someone feel like, hey, I understand you, I hear you, I support you, I want what's best for you. But I don't care about how you feel. Like you. It doesn't. It doesn't land that way." – Stephen Dummit"There's something really scary for people and and being exposed. Right. Because if you're going to grow and get better, you have to admit that there's a delta there, right? There's a gap between where you are and where you want to be." – Olivia Leigh

    Follow Lia Lamela:

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sparkylifeofliaFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/thesparkylifepodcastYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@sparkylifeofliaWebsite: https://sparkylifesolutionsllc.com

    Follow Tradewinds:

    Website: http://www.tradewindsleadership.com

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    Welcome to The Sparky Life Podcast, where we celebrate careers in skilled trades with your host, Lia Lamela.

    This episode is brought to you by SupplyHouse.com, your trusted source for reliable inventory, friendly customer service, and fast shipping from coast to coast. Check out supplyhouse.com/tm today and explore their Trade Masters program, offering free shipping and order discounts.

    In this episode, we’re excited to welcome Eduardo Felix Diaz, a Senior Controls Tech at Johnson Controls, with over two decades of experience. Eduardo is known for his sense of humor and ability to spark debate, which was evident when he reacted to one of Lia’s reels. With his extensive background in HVAC controls, Eduardo shares insights about the complexity and specialization of his field, emphasizing the challenges and rewards of working in service roles.

    Quotes:

    "Jack of all trades. Master of none, but oftentimes better than just master of one. Yes, and, I get it. But it also means that not everyone, not all of us are going to be this jack of all trades that really are jacks of all trades, just because you get bits and pieces of everything." – Eduardo"I didn’t become complacent. If I can't understand how something works, it drives me nuts until I solve the problem." – Lia“You might be able to get units back online and get them working, but that doesn't mean you actually know what you're doing in reality, even as a control tech" – Eduardo

    Follow Lia Lamela:

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sparkylifeofliaFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/thesparkylifepodcastYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqPJrIaE7fL1uXgfdIcBYlwWebsite: https://sparkylifesolutionsllc.com

    Follow Eduardo:

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hvac_assassin

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    Welcome to another exciting episode of The Sparky Life Podcast with your host, Lia Lamela!

    The Sparky Life Podcast reveals remarkable stories and shares unique points of view from journeymen and women who build the things that make our lives work. The lessons shared on The Sparky Life episodes are valuable not only for those engaged in the skilled trades but also for all of us, whether we use tools literally or figuratively in our daily lives.

    This episode has been inspired by Paul Harvey, where we delve into an inspiring solo trade tale that highlights the power of resilience and the unexpected paths that lead to success in the skilled trades. Lia shares a captivating story about two high school dropouts who overcame significant challenges to build a successful landscaping empire. If you enjoy today's trade tale and want to hear more unique stories from the skilled trades world, don't forget to like, subscribe, and leave a comment below!

    This episode is brought to you by SupplyHouse.com, your trusted source for reliable inventory, friendly customer service, and fast shipping from coast to coast. Check out SupplyHouse.com today and explore their Trade Masters program, offering free shipping and order discounts. Visit supplyhouse.com/tm to join the Trade Masters program today.

    Quotes:

    "His promising future blew away like dandelion fluff." - Lia Lamela"They truly created the sparks in their lives, and they continue to build the life they wish to live." - Lia Lamela"What life will you build for yourself?" – Lia Lamela

    Follow Lia Lamela:

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sparkylifeofliaFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/thesparkylifepodcastYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqPJrIaE7fL1uXgfdIcBYlwWebsite: https://sparkylifesolutionsllc.com


    Thank you for joining us on this insightful journey through the trades. We appreciate your support and look forward to having you with us in our next episode. Stay tuned for more inspiring stories and valuable insights!

    Support the show

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    Welcome to The Sparky Life Podcast, where we celebrate careers in skilled trades with your host, Lia Lamela.

    This episode is brought to you by SupplyHouse.com, your trusted source for reliable inventory, friendly customer service, and fast shipping from coast to coast. Check out SupplyHouse.com today and explore their Trade Masters program, offering free shipping and order discounts. Visit supplyhouse.com/tm to join the Trade Masters program today.

    In this episode, we’re thrilled to welcome Concetta Defa, the President of Utah Women in Trades. Concetta began her career as an apprentice electrician with IBEW Local 354 in 1996, driven by the need to support her family after her father's passing. Over the years, she has taken on various roles, including journeyworker, foreperson, estimator, project manager, and union steward. Concetta is passionate about mentoring others and remains involved in numerous committees, including the IBEW Women’s Advisory Committee. Her journey is a testament to the power of skilled trades in transforming lives, providing stability, and empowering others.

    Quotes:

    "I think investing in yourself is a really big thing, but I think helping others is also." – Concetta Defa"The first tool that was put in my belt was, I'm going to help you. The expectation is that you're going to help the next person." – Concetta Defa"It's not a job. It's not a career. It's a whole way of life." – Concetta Defa


    Follow Lia Lamela:

    Website: https://sparkylifesolutionsllc.comInstagram:https://www.instagram.com/sparkylifeoflia/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thesparkylifepodcastYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqPJrIaE7fL1uXgfdIcBYlw


    Follow Concetta Defa:

    Website: https://www.utahwomenintrades.org/

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    Welcome to The Sparky Life Podcast, where we celebrate careers in skilled trades with your host, Lia Lamela.

    This episode is brought to you by SupplyHouse.com, your trusted source for reliable inventory, friendly customer service, and fast shipping from coast to coast. Check out SupplyHouse.com today and explore their Trade Masters program, offering free shipping and order discounts. Visit supplyhouse.com/tm to join the Trade Masters program today.

    In this episode, we’re excited to welcome Brandi Ferenc, owner and CEO of Fair Trades Toolbox. Brandi is a Red Seal 313a Refrigeration Mechanic/Gas Fitter 1 Journeyperson, an instructor, and a mentor for women in skilled trades and HVAC apprentices. With over 20 years of experience in the industry, Brandi has become a powerful advocate for women in skilled trades, winning numerous awards, including the WXN Canada’s Most Powerful Women Top 100 award in 2022 and 2023, and Roger's Women of the Year Award in the skilled trades category. She was also the first female ever to compete at the Ontario Skills Trade Competition in the post-secondary gas fitter category. Today, Brandi shares her journey, insights on mentorship, and how Fair Trades Toolbox is making a difference in the skilled trades industry.

    Quotes:

    "Resilience is like an elastic band; no matter how far I’m stretched, I always bounce back." – Brandi Ferenc"Our industry is craving change right now, and we're the right people in the right place at the right time." – Brandi Ferenc"Support is key. Without it, many apprentices might not make it through the program." – Brandi Ferenc

    Follow Lia Lamela:

    Website: https://sparkylifesolutionsllc.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/sparkylifeoflia/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thesparkylifepodcastYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqPJrIaE7fL1uXgfdIcBYlw


    Follow Brandi Ferenc:

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fair_trades_toolbox/Website: Fair Trades Toolbox

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    Welcome to The Sparky Life Podcast, where we celebrate careers in skilled trades with your host, Lia Lamela.

    This episode is brought to you by SupplyHouse.com, your trusted source for reliable inventory, friendly customer service, and fast shipping from coast to coast. Check out SupplyHouse.com today and explore their Trade Masters program, offering free shipping and order discounts. Visit supplyhouse.com/tm to join the Trade Masters program today.

    In this episode, we’re thrilled to welcome Erin McGoff, a director, documentary filmmaker & editor who has worked with renowned brands like Google, National Geographic, and Under Armour. Erin is also a TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube content creator with 3.7M+ followers. Erin brings a unique perspective on career progression, sharing her journey from the film industry to becoming a successful content creator and offering valuable advice on climbing the corporate ladder, even within the construction industry.

    Quotes

    "The skilled trades actually build our civilization and elevate humanity so that we can have this amazing exchange with one another of sharing and growing together and helping one another." – Lia Lamela"The job market is actually really shifting... 77% of hiring managers now value skills as the number one most important attribute when they're looking at candidates." – Erin McGoff"A sense of humor is a skill that can help you navigate a host of situations... finding ways to integrate joy into your daily life can increase your quality of life at an exponential rate." – Erin McGoff


    Follow Lia Lamela:

    Website: https://sparkylifesolutionsllc.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/sparkylifeoflia/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thesparkylifepodcastYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqPJrIaE7fL1uXgfdIcBYlw


    Follow Erin McGoff:

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/advicewitherin/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ErinMcGoff5

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    Welcome to the Sparky Life Podcast, where we celebrate careers in skilled trades with your host, Lia Lamela.

    The Sparky Life Podcast is proudly sponsored by SupplyHouse.com. SupplyHouse.com offers electricians the Trade Masters program, providing benefits like free shipping and order discounts. Visit supplyhouse.com/tm to join the program today.

    In this episode, we’re excited to welcome Calvin Holston, a former business professional who transitioned into the nuclear industry and became a Senior Reactor Operator. Calvin’s journey is a compelling story of embracing new challenges, from changing careers to launching his own company, Smeeple, a company that connects experts and consumers through video conferencing. Today, Smeeple offers solutions, from HVAC troubleshooting to gymnastics coaching, making expert advice more accessible to everyone.

    Quotes

    "I grew up in an environment where smart people went to college and dumb people didn't go to college. That was genuinely my thought." – Calvin Holston"Being authentic is so trusting. You don't have to apologize for being you, and it's recognized immediately when you are." – Calvin Holston

    Follow Lia Lamela:

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lia-lamela-820a33155/ Website: https://sparkylifesolutionsllc.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/sparkylifeoflia/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thesparkylifepodcastYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqPJrIaE7fL1uXgfdIcBYlw

    Follow Calvin Holston

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/calvin-holston-b0a2857/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smeepleapp/?hl=en

    Support the show

  • Send us a text

    Welcome to the Sparky Life Podcast, where we celebrate careers in skilled trades with your host, Lia Lamela.

    The Sparky Life Podcast is proudly sponsored by SupplyHouse.com. SupplyHouse.com offers electricians the Trade Masters program, providing benefits like free shipping and order discounts. Visit supplyhouse.com/tm to join the program today.

    This week, we are honored to have Tara Garner, the visionary behind Under Construction Photography. Tara's work uniquely captures the spirit and resilience of the construction industry, bringing the hidden heroes of our communities into the spotlight. Her journey, inspired by her deeply embedded blue-collar family roots, exemplifies the power of passion and connection.

    Quotes:

    "Through my photography and talking was really just the stories and the communicating with them first. Uh, it just impacted me on such a level that I was like, you know, I need to do this more. I need to show recognition to the ones that are still here.." - Tara Garner

    "There are unsung heroes, right, that build our infrastructure and our industries. And I just feel like, you know, as a whole, that blue-collar community is kind of, um, you know, not recognized enough.." - Tara Garner

    "Tenacity is in my tool belt" - Tara Garner


    Follow Lia Lamela:

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lia-lamela-820a33155/Website: https://sparkylifesolutionsllc.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/sparkylifeoflia/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thesparkylifepodcastYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqPJrIaE7fL1uXgfdIcBYlw


    Follow Kiara Tymec:

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kiaratymec/Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiara-tymec-4b83271b3/

    Support the show

  • Send us a text

    Welcome to the Sparky Life Podcast, where we celebrate careers in construction with your host, Lia Lamela.

    The Sparky Life Podcast is proudly sponsored by SupplyHouse.com. SupplyHouse.com offers electricians the Trade Masters program, providing benefits like free shipping and order discounts. Visit supplyhouse.com/team to join the program today.

    This week, we are honored to have Kiara Tymec, an Imagineer who brings fictional elements to life with her electronic builds. Some of Kiara's notable creations include the Mark VI Iron Man suit and a working Pokéball. Kiara's journey is a testament to the power of passion and determination in achieving one’s dreams.


    Quotes:

    "When I was their age, I wish I had like a girl dressed as Spider-Man, like, show up to my school and be like, that's cool.." - Kiara Tymec

    "If you fail, that's not like giving up. It's just a failure which pushes you to towards the learning because you can learn from that failure and just keep going with it until you reach the finish line that you wanted." - Kiara Tymec

    "I feel like I owe it to myself to not give up and, like, be somebody people can look up to eventually." - Kiara Tymec


    Follow Lia Lamela:

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lia-lamela-820a33155/Website: https://sparkylifesolutionsllc.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/sparkylifeoflia/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thesparkylifepodcastYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqPJrIaE7fL1uXgfdIcBYlw

    Follow Kiara Tymec:

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kiaratymec/Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiara-tymec-4b83271b3/

    Support the Show.

    Sparky Life Membership Subscription Opportunities
    Click on the Buzzsprout Support Link

    Join Us and Subscribe!

    Membership Subscription Levels
    1. Be a Part of The Circuit…for only 10 cents a day or $3. Per Month

    As a Circuit Member you have made the choice to support Sparky Life so it can develop and grow. You will be the first to know about special online events and sneak peaks about upcoming episodes.

    2. Be a Part of Live Wire…for only 17 cents a day or $5. Per month

    Get a digital thank you directly from Lia Lamela, with an invitation to join the Sparky Life network. Sparky Life as a thank you will send you a free $5 Starbucks card.

    3. Be an Honorary Sparky…for only 33 cents a day or $10 Per month

    Sparky Life invites Honorary Sparky members to submit to the podcast, any questions you may have about the skilled trades, or the construction industry. Your questions will be digitally answered directly by Lia Lamela and a few questions may actually be selected to be answered on air on the Sparky Life Podcast. You can send your questions to [email protected] or DM us @sparkylifeoflia.


    Support the show

  • Send us a text

    Welcome to the Sparky Life Podcast, where we celebrate careers in construction with your host, Lia Lamela.

    The Sparky Life Podcast is proudly sponsored by SupplyHouse.com. SupplyHouse.com offers electricians the Trade Masters program, providing benefits like free shipping and order discounts. Visit supplyhouse.com/team to join the program today.

    This week, we are honored to have Robert McLaughlin, the director of the Electrical and HVAC Training Center in New York. Robert is a certified OSHA and NFPA Safe Safety Instructor, board member of Habitat for Humanity, and on the Education Committee for Metropolitan Air Conditioning Contractors. He also holds a master electrician's license and owns his own electrical contracting company. Robert brings a wealth of experience and insights into the importance of vocational education and training.

    Quotes:

    "First you build it by, you know, letting them(students) know that you have a good plan for them. But then you got to show it to them, right? Prove it out."- Robert McLaughlin

    "The idea is that you are in control of your own destiny. How hard you work and what you put into this is, is going to be how you get there."- Robert McLaughlin

    "Once you're successful and you're able to do something, you got to make sure you reach back and take somebody with you."- Robert McLaughlin


    Follow Lia Lamela:

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lia-lamela-820a33155/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sparkylifeoflia/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thesparkylifepodcastYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqPJrIaE7fL1uXgfdIcBYlwWebsite: https://sparkylifesolutionsllc.com


    Follow Robert McLaughlin:

    Website: https://www.electricaltrainingcenter.edu/careers#InstructorForHIreLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-mclaughlin-96498b60/


    Thank you for your support and for being a part of our community. Stay tuned for next week's episode!

    Support the show

  • Send us a text

    Welcome to the Sparky Life Podcast, celebrating careers in the trades with your host, Lia Lamela.

    The Sparky Life Podcast is proudly sponsored by SupplyHouse.com. It offers electricians the Trade Masters program, providing benefits like free shipping and order discounts. Visit supplyhouse.com/team to join the program today.

    This week, we are honored to have Colton Castleman, a seasoned fire alarm technician with a diverse background in both the electrical and fire alarm industries. Colton has extensive experience working for both small companies and large corporations like Siemens. His journey is filled with insights into the intricacies of fire alarm systems, from installation to service and troubleshooting.


    Quotes:

    "Troubleshooting is like putting together a puzzle and figuring out what pieces are missing." - Colton Castleman

    "You have to have a whole lot of care but a little bit of 'don't worry about it' attitude." - Colton Castleman

    "My life outside of work is more important than work itself. I work to live, not live to work." - Colton Castleman

    Follow Lia Lamela:

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lia-lamela-820a33155/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sparkylifeoflia/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thesparkylifepodcastYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqPJrIaE7fL1uXgfdIcBYlw

    Follow Colton Castleman on :

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mithril_forge_creations/
    Patreon: https://tiktok.com/@mithrilforge
    Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/shop/MithrilForgeCreation?ref=seller-platform-mcnav
    Tiktok: https://tiktok.com/@mithrilforge

    Thank you for your support and for being a part of our community. Stay tuned for next week's episode!

    Support the show

  • Send us a text

    Welcome to the Sparky Life Podcast, celebrating careers in the trades with your host, Lia Lamela.

    The Sparky Life Podcast is proudly sponsored by SupplyHouse.com. It offers electricians the Trade Masters program, providing benefits like free shipping and order discounts. Visit supplyhouse.com/team to join the program today.

    This week, we welcome Paige Knowles, author of the Plumber Paige Bathroom Series, and Lianna Faber, founder of Women Pioneers in Unity. Paige's books introduce kids to skilled trades, while Lianna's non-profit supports women in these fields. Both are revolutionizing careers for women!

    Quotes:

    "You just have to do it and move forward... Pursue it. Creating a group like you have or writing books like me. Just do it." - Paige Knowles

    "Just have confidence in myself because, you know, others may not always have that confidence in me." - Lianna Faber

    Thank you for tuning in to the Sparky Life Podcast. Join us next week for more insights and inspiring stories from professionals in the trades.

    Follow Lia Lamela:

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lia-lamela-820a33155/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sparkylifeoflia/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thesparkylifepodcastWebsite: https://the-sparky-life-podcast.mailchimpsites.com/Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqPJrIaE7fL1uXgfdIcBYlw

    Follow Paige Knowles:

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/plumber_paige/Website: https://www.plumberpaige.com/

    Follow Lianna Faber:

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lianna.faber/

    Support the show