Episodios

  • In this episode of The Trade Talks, I sit down with Steven Smith, a seasoned plumber with over 18 years of experience, to discuss his journey through the trades, the lessons he’s learned, and how he’s turning his passion into a thriving plumbing business. From starting as an office worker with no plumbing knowledge to running his own company, Steven shares his insights into cross-training, business ownership, and the importance of building a strong company culture. _________________________________________________________________________________________________

    A big thank you to HighLevel for sponsoring this episode of The Trade Talks! If you're looking to streamline your business and elevate your marketing efforts, try HighLevel with a 30-day free trial. Get started today at www.gohighlevel.com/roger-wakefield

  • In this episode of The Trade Talks, I sit down with Dan Quinonez, the Executive Director of the PHCC Educational Foundation, to discuss the upcoming PHCC Connect 2024 in Birmingham, Alabama. Dan shares insights on the vital role the foundation plays in training the next generation of plumbers and HVAC technicians and how they’re preparing for the future of the industry. We also talk about the exciting events happening at PHCC Connect 2024, from live apprentice competitions to opportunities for contractors to network and learn from top industry experts. If you’re serious about growing your business and staying on top of the latest innovations in plumbing and HVAC, this is the event you don’t want to miss! _________________________________________________________________________________________________

    A big thank you to HighLevel for sponsoring this episode of The Trade Talks! If you're looking to streamline your business and elevate your marketing efforts, try HighLevel with a 30-day free trial. Get started today at www.gohighlevel.com/roger-wakefield _________________________________________________________________________________________________

  • ¿Faltan episodios?

    Pulsa aquí para actualizar resultados

  • Join Roger Wakefield in this episode of The Trade Talks as he sits down with Billy Cline, a former carpenter turned door installation expert who now owns a thriving construction business in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Billy shares his journey from working with his hands to leading a growing team, revealing the key mindsets and strategies that helped him scale his business beyond just a paycheck. Discover how mindset, leadership, and vision transformed Billy's life and his company, and learn why adding value to the world is the key to true success in the trades. Whether you're just starting out or looking to grow your trade business, this episode is packed with insights to help you think bigger and aim higher. Plus, hear how Billy's story proves that with the right focus, you can build a business that thrives even when you're not there. Don't miss this episode if you're ready to unlock the secrets to a successful trades career and business! ___________________________________________________________________________________________________

    A big thank you to HighLevel for sponsoring this episode of The Trade Talks! If you're looking to streamline your business and elevate your marketing efforts, try HighLevel with a 30-day free trial. Get started today at www.gohighlevel.com/roger-wakefield _________________________________________________________________________________________________

  • Are you tired of running your construction business day in and day out, with no time to step back and live life? In this episode of The Trade Talks, we're uncovering the blueprint for building a construction business that operates smoothly without you constantly at the helm. Join me, Roger Wakefield, as I sit down with seasoned business expert and tradeswoman, Irum Jones. We explore the essential systems and processes that every construction business needs to automate day-to-day operations, scale effectively, and create long-term sustainability. From hiring the right people to implementing SOPs, we show you how to build a business that thrives without you being involved in every detail. Whether you’re a general contractor, plumber, electrician, or HVAC specialist, this episode is packed with actionable insights on how to structure your company to work for you – not the other way around. Learn how to create a solid exit strategy and set up a foundation that allows your business to grow and prosper, even when you're not on site. If you’ve ever dreamed of owning a business that gives you freedom instead of tying you down, this episode is a must-watch! ___________________________________________________________________________________________________

    A big thank you to HighLevel for sponsoring this episode of The Trade Talks! If you're looking to streamline your business and elevate your marketing efforts, try HighLevel with a 30-day free trial. Get started today at gohighlevel.com/roger-wakefield

  • In this episode of The Trade Talks, we dive deep into what’s missing in most trade companies today and how to fix it. Join me, Roger Wakefield, as I sit down with Brandon Jones, a partner at Express Home Services, to discuss the outdated management practices that are holding trade businesses back and the modern approaches that can transform your company into a thriving, employee-focused powerhouse. We explore the importance of building a positive work culture, the critical role of employee retention, and why treating your team well is the key to scaling your business. Brandon shares his unique experiences, including how he turned around his hiring and onboarding processes, creating a workplace where employees are eager to stay and grow. Whether you're a trade business owner, manager, or just passionate about the trades, this conversation is packed with actionable insights and real-world examples that can help you revolutionize your business. Tune in to learn how to attract top talent, keep your best people, and create a culture that drives success. ___________________________________________________________________________________________________ A big thank you to HighLevel for sponsoring this episode of The Trade Talks! If you're looking to streamline your business and elevate your marketing efforts, try HighLevel with a 30-day free trial. Get started today at gohighlevel.com/roger-wakefield ___________________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________________ Tradesmen built America. This is the "Blue Collar Channel"... Where you can listen to the top tradespeople around the world. Everything you need to learn about getting into the trades, becoming the best tradesman, starting your own business, and using networking and social media... To GROW in the trades!!!!

  • Join renowned host Roger Wakefield in an enlightening podcast episode that delves deep into the world of skilled trades, featuring a candid conversation with Benny Montoya, a seasoned journeyman HVAC mechanic with Local 100. Explore the pivotal role of skilled labor in building America and how educational paths in HVAC can transform lives. Benny shares his journey from high school to becoming a second-generation HVAC expert, revealing the importance of hands-on experience, continual learning, and the critical support of companies like Johnson Controls. Discover how Benny navigated opportunities from high school welding classes to a promising HVAC career, emphasizing the value of a solid educational foundation. Learn about the dynamic nature of HVAC work, balancing technical skills, and customer relationships, while addressing challenges and triumphs in the field. This episode is a must-listen for anyone considering a career in the trades or looking to enhance their skills. Tune in to gain insights into making informed career choices, maximizing opportunities, and the potential for personal and professional growth in the skilled trades industry. Listen now and be inspired to forge your own path to success. _________________________________________________________________________________

  • We sat down with Mike Hallman, president of Rockwall Underground and founder of Pond Masters. Mike shares his journey from growing up in a construction family to becoming a successful heavy equipment operator and business owner. He discusses the challenges of dealing with engineers and inspectors, the excitement of operating big machinery, and the rewarding experience of building custom ponds. Learn about Mike's career path, from working on subdivisions and municipal projects to innovating with new technologies like drone surveys. Discover valuable insights into the construction industry, the importance of punctuality and respect, and Mike's advice for young people entering the trade. Tune in for an engaging conversation on the future of construction, the evolution of equipment, and the enduring spirit of hard work and dedication in the skilled trades.

  • We sat down with Will Blake to explore the unexpected journey from a young tradesman to a successful business owner in the foundation repair industry. Will shares his insights on the impact of the internet, the importance of charging what you're worth, and the value of starting young in the trades. From his early days helping his father with custom homes to building a multimillion-dollar company, Will's story is one of resilience and growth. Learn about the challenges he faced, the lessons learned, and his dedication to mentoring the next generation of tradespeople.

    Our Sponsor:

    Leak-Pro: Ensuring your home is leak-free. Visit [Leak-Pro](https://leak-pro.com) for more information.

  • Tyler Brown is a young HVAC technician who earned his own service truck within just three weeks on the job. Tyler shares how he transitioned from working two jobs, including Discount Tire, to focusing solely on HVAC service calls, which proved to be more lucrative. Growing up with skills in welding and inspired by his mechanic brother, Tyler chose a different path. He learned essential HVAC skills in high school and has now been thriving in the trade for seven years. Tyler discusses the benefits of working in HVAC over other trades, the importance of investing in employee training, and his future plans to start his own HVAC, electrical, and plumbing business. Tune in to hear why Tyler believes HVAC is the most stable skilled trade for the future and how he navigates the challenges of the job.

    Tradesmen built America. This is the "Blue Collar Channel"... Where you can listen to the top tradespeople around the world. Everything you need to learn about getting into the trades, becoming the best tradesman, starting your own business, and using networking and social media... To GROW in the trades!!!!

  • I sat down with Chris Lamm, the owner of NTX Electric in Wylie, Texas. Chris shares his journey from starting in commercial construction to becoming a job site superintendent, and ultimately owning his own company. Chris emphasizes that it doesn’t take much more effort to excel in the skilled trades. He’s a firm believer in the principle of “8 hours work for 8 hours pay,” but he also highlights that a little extra effort can significantly boost your growth as a tradesman.

    Hard Work Pays Off
    Chris talks about the importance of staying updated with new tools and technologies in the skilled trades. He believes that those who continuously learn and adapt are the ones who advance and get the raises on job sites. Despite facing a challenging $80,000 lawsuit over outstanding payments from a major $200,000 job, Chris remains optimistic. He has spent over $12,000 in legal fees but is determined to overcome this hurdle and continue growing his business.

    Opportunities in the Trades
    With one million unfilled trades jobs in the USA and $1.7 trillion in student loan debt, Chris highlights the immense opportunities in the skilled trades. You can earn nearly $60,000 right after high school by pursuing a career in this field. NTX Electric offers a range of services, including new construction, residential, commercial, and remodels. They also specialize in landscape and tree lighting, serving the Collin County area in Dallas-Fort Worth. If you're interested in applying to NTX Electric, visit: [NTX Electric Careers](https://ntxelectric.com). Sponsored by Leak-Pro This episode is proudly sponsored by **Leak-Pro**. Leak-Pro offers cutting-edge solutions for leak detection and repair. Visit [Leak-Pro](https://leak-pro.com) for more information. --- Tune in to gain insights from Chris Lamm and learn how you can elevate your career in the skilled trades with dedication and the right mindset! _________________________________________________________________________________

    Tradesmen built America. This is the "Blue Collar Channel"... Where you can listen to the top tradespeople around the world. Everything you need to learn about getting into the trades, becoming the best tradesman, starting your own business, and using networking and social media... To GROW in the trades!!!!

  • Rusty Lorman claims young tradesmen can earn over $100,000 by the age of 23 in today’s world. Rusty, now a seasoned plumbing and HVAC instructor at Naaman Forest High School, shares his journey of hands-on learning and the importance of respecting mentors. Roger and Rusty delve into the intricacies of the trade, discussing real-world experiences like resolving water heater issues and navigating non-paying customers. They highlight the value of failure as a teaching tool and the mindset needed to excel in the trades. Rusty’s unique theory on the 'just enough to get by' mindset and his goal to make young tradesmen profitable within six months of employment offers a fresh perspective on trade education.

    With over 22 years in the industry and a decade of teaching, Rusty’s insights are invaluable for anyone considering a career in the trades. The episode also explores the earning potential in the trades, with Rusty revealing that apprentices can out-earn teachers early in their careers. They discuss the role of soft skills, the increasing presence of women in the trades, and the misconception that a college degree is necessary for success. **Sponsor: Leak-Pro** LeakPro® has been providing reliable slab leak and swimming pool leak detection equipment for 40 years. Our products can help you find underground water leaks quickly and easily! Visit [Leak-Pro](https://leak-pro.com) for more details. **Join us on this episode of The Trade Talks for an in-depth look at the path to success in the skilled trades.**

    Tradesmen built America. This is the "Blue Collar Channel"... Where you can listen to the top tradespeople around the world. Everything you need to learn about getting into the trades, becoming the best tradesman, starting your own business, and using networking and social media... To GROW in the trades!!!!

  • Scott Allison, a master electrician and plumbing apprentice, to explore the intricacies of the skilled trades. Scott's journey began in California as a handyman, doing tile, painting, drywall, and lighting. Over the years, he has gained extensive experience working in commercial and industrial trades. Now, he leads plumbing operations at Milestone, a residential/home service company in the Dallas Fort Worth Metroplex. Scott shares his unique perspective on the differences between open shop and union work, essential books for tradesmen, and what it takes to be an effective journeyman and leader.

    They discuss whether 8,000 hours are necessary for journeyman licensing, the importance of hands-on learning, and the evolving role of online education in the trades. Discover Milestone's hiring practices, where they test the general knowledge of tools and bits of green plumbers. Scott explains why prior knowledge of tools is beneficial, although sometimes they prefer completely green apprentices who can earn $15-$20 an hour.

    Hear a cautionary tale of a plumber's mistake that led to a house fire and learn about quality control measures that maintain trust and safety in the industry. Contact Milestone Home Service Company: [Milestone](https://callmilestone.com)

    🔧 Subscribe for more insights into the skilled trades and tips on advancing your career!

    **Sponsored by LeakPro®**:
    Reliable slab leak and swimming pool leak detection equipment for 40 years. Visit https://leak-pro.com.

  • Dive into the world of septic system maintenance with Dominic Rosales, owner of Juice’s Septic Systems and founder of the popular social media channel, Poor Pumper Society. Discover the booming industry of septic tank maintenance, where lucrative opportunities await. Learn about the intricacies of septic systems, the challenges faced by professionals, and the advancements in wastewater treatment technology. Dominic shares his journey, insights on septic system laws, and debunks common myths. Whether you’re in rural areas dealing with septic tanks or interested in the trade, this episode offers valuable knowledge and inspiration.

    Follow Dominic on Instagram @poorpumpersociety.

    **Sponsored by LeakPro®**:
    Reliable slab leak and swimming pool leak detection equipment for 40 years. Visit https://leak-pro.com.

    Tradesmen built America. This is the "Blue Collar Channel"... Where you can listen to the top tradespeople around the world. Everything you need to learn about getting into the trades, becoming the best tradesman, starting your own business, and using networking and social media... To GROW in the trades!!!!

  • Elevator mechanics are among the highest-paid in the building trades. Zack Cutburth, the business rep for Local 21 in Dallas-Fort Worth, shares his journey and insights into this lucrative field. Discover how elevator mechanics can make $200,000 per year on the check, plus comprehensive benefits that include pensions, insurance, healthcare, and ongoing education. Zack explains that the key to their high earnings lies in their rigorous education and the quality of work they perform. Because of the significant gap between retirees and new entrants, with only 4 out of every 10 retirees being replaced, the demand for skilled elevator mechanics remains high. Learn about the NEIEP program, the entry exam requirements, and the incredible benefits of joining the Elevator Mechanics Union. Zack emphasizes the value of punctuality, work ethic, and continuous learning, offering a detailed look at why this trade is a hidden gem. Tune in to find out how you can start your career as an elevator mechanic and enjoy the best benefits in the skilled trades, including a great pension, top-notch healthcare, and strong union support. If you’re looking for a high-paying, rewarding career, this episode is a must-watch! Explore the competitive field of elevator mechanics and learn how to achieve success with tips from a seasoned professional. Don't miss Zack’s insights on why this trade offers the best skilled trades union benefits and how you can reach your financial and career goals in this top-paying industry. For apprenticeship information, and more on how to join the NEIEP program, visit https://neiep.org

    Tradesmen built America. This is the "Blue Collar Channel"... Where you can listen to the top tradespeople around the world. Everything you need to learn about getting into the trades, becoming the best tradesman, starting your own business, and using networking and social media... To GROW in the trades!!!!

  • I sat down with Frank Denton, Chairman of the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners, to explore the dynamic world of plumbing in Texas. Frank has licensed more plumbers in Texas than almost anyone else, attributing this success to the state's robust economy and abundance of opportunities, especially when compared to neighboring states like Oklahoma. We delve into the challenges and potential of establishing reciprocity agreements for journeyman plumbers from other states, highlighting Louisiana and Arkansas as key examples. Frank explains the critical need for skilled tradesmen in times of natural disasters, such as hurricanes, and how these agreements could aid states like Florida in emergency situations. Frank's journey also includes his tenure as Chairman of the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation during a tumultuous period when the Sunset Commission considered abolishing the licensing and plumbing board for Texas plumbers. He shares his insights on Governor Greg Abbott's decision to sustain the TSBPE and the passion and pride that drew him to the role of chairman.

    We discuss the core values of the tradesmen, evidenced by a 7,000-person rally at the state capitol in Austin, where no trash was left behind. Frank addresses the lengthy process of becoming a Master Plumber in Texas and the need for more specific requirements for apprentices. Frank's optimism shines through as he talks about the impact of institutions like Collin College on the future of plumbing in Texas. Despite the impressive statistic that 98.7% of plumbers in Texas have no complaints against them, he emphasizes the importance of maintaining high standards to protect the reputation of the profession. Join us for an insightful conversation with Frank Denton as we uncover the intricacies and values of the plumbing industry in Texas and beyond.

    Our Sponsor: LeakPro | Leak Detection Equipment
    LeakPro® has been providing reliable slab leak and swimming pool leak detection equipment for 40 years. Our products can help you find underground water leaks quickly and easily! Go to https://leak-pro.com

    Tradesmen built America. This is the "Blue Collar Channel"... Where you can listen to the top tradespeople around the world. Everything you need to learn about getting into the trades, becoming the best tradesman, starting your own business, and using networking and social media to GROW in the trades!!!!

  • Mark Latham worked as a roofer in high school before becoming a firefighter for 22 years. Being a fireman taught him major life lessons, and how to lead others effectively. Latham would later start Firehouse Roofing Incorporated in 1997, earning the award of Best Roofer in DFW (Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex). They now specialize in all areas of exterior home services — roofing, siding, gutters, windows, and painting. He built his business the hard way, passing out flyers door to door. As a roofer in high school, he was making more money than any of his buddies which led to getting in some trouble and spending his money on “stupid stuff.” In fact, the paychecks were so good, he ended up quitting football and all other sports to focus on the trade. But it wasn’t easy. He tried several other side-businesses trying to find a way out of roofing. However, nothing could match the revenue or the pride he found as a roofer. His parents didn’t have the money to send him to college. So he tried his hand at the local junior college just so he could get into the fire academy. His mom was a teacher, and his dad was a small business owner doing insurance adjusting. Mark is still shocked his dad introduced him to the roofing industry because it is a wild bunch of guys operating in what are sometimes rough neighborhoods. But what hooked him was the grind, the hard labor. He developed a sense of pride and accomplishment. His sense of craftsmanship and pride came from his first boss.

    To Mark, leaders are more important than ever when it comes to developing young tradesmen who will eventually go on to solve residential problems. Once Firehouse Roofing started taking off, Mark realized he couldn’t do it on his own. In fact, in the beginning, he didn’t even have money to spend on marketing — which is an entirely different beast these days. He also explains the differences between a roof repair and a roof install. As opposed to being familiar with an existing customer, a roof install is a brand-new venture on its own. And with roofs, customers don’t realize if it’s done well or not, all they really know is if there’s a leak. And Mark stresses the importance of doing the job with respect and care.

    According to Mark, one of the major issues most business owners need to face are their systems and processes. If the operator isn’t good at it, then it would benefit them to hire someone who enjoys it. For young men and women who can’t get a job in their college major or choice, Mark recommends checking out your options in the skilled trades and labor market. Want to make thousands of dollars this summer? Try roofing, or any of the skilled trades. But as Mark stresses, there is no magic bullet. To build wealth, to grow your bank account and your status, it takes constant hard work.

    Our Sponsor:
    LeakPro | Leak Detection Equipment
    LeakPro® has been providing reliable slab leak and swimming pool leak detection equipment for 40 years. Our products can help you find underground water leaks quickly and easily! Go to https://leak-pro.com

    __
    Tradesmen built America. This is the "Blue Collar Channel"... Where you can listen to the top tradespeople around the world. Everything you need to learn about getting into the trades, becoming the best tradesman, starting your own business, and using networking and social media... To GROW in the trades!!!!

  • The politics in plumbing and the skilled trades can be nasty. They’re great for regulating policy, but behind closed doors where backhand deals are made between the regulators and the lobbyists, the industry is shaped by the few. For example, plumbers in Texas came within one signature of losing their license across the entire industry. What this means is that plumbers have little control over their own future. To prevent the legislation, a group of 7,000 licensed plumbers protested on the steps of the Texas state Capitol. Mike Prencavage, Jr. didn’t start out as a plumber. He was more interested in the role of an automotive mechanic. But then he eventually started plumbing 15 years ago as a sophomore in high school. In his words, “those water service lines don’t dig themselves.” He started as a technician, worked his way up to an installer and a shop foreman.

    He’s now the owner and operator of The Family Plumber in Orange County, California. His father started the company, a grassroots effort. And now, Mike runs the business with a new school mentality and old school values. They are professionals, and don’t half-ass anything. They do their training through the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling-Contractors Association (PHCC). Never did he think it would transition from training for his guys, to a second profession as a board member at the local. According to Prencavage, a good plumber can earn a salary that would more than pay for their college tuition.

    As a business owner, he’s willing to invest in your training, your tools, and everything else you need to be successful. The perception of tradesmen is changing rapidly. Their value is appreciating. It’s going to be a long time before AI and robots can do everything a plumber or tradesmen does. In this episode, Roger and Mike discuss the differences between plumbers and licensing between states like Texas and California. They discuss the value of training and networking, of best practices groups, and of establishing open lines of communication to help your business grow.

    Our Sponsor:

    LeakPro | Leak Detection Equipment
    LeakPro® has been providing reliable slab leak and swimming pool leak detection equipment for 40 years. Our products can help you find underground water leaks quickly and easily! Go to https://leak-pro.com

  • Growing up, Lee Meazle never thought he would be the owner of his own plumbing company. However, the writing was on the wall. His grandpa and father were both plumbers. Following the death of his father, his mother worked three jobs to support him. High school he wasn’t fond of class or CNC. College was not interesting either. According to Lee, one of the overwhelming aspects of plumbing is all of the different specialties and required knowledge. From drains and gas lines to water, flow and backflow it was a lot of information upfront to become a good plumber. He questions if the journey to become a licensed plumber should take six years because of all of the information required to be a skilled tradesmen. But Roger Wakefield counters this argument, thinking the job could be done and as little as a couple months with the right teacher. Lee’s first job as a plumber was slab leak and leak detection. He was a plumber for 22 years before filing the paperwork to start his own company. He prefers hiring green plumbers over experience plumbers to teach them and guide them. The way a plumber should be as opposed to fixing existing plumbers bad habits. Lee credits God with placing him in the right place at the right time to become a great plumber, which allows him to pay off his wife’s college student debt and loans. In this episode, Roger and Lee recount not only their best plumbing stories like working in building and creating the great Wolf Lodge. It’s but also some of the worst most disgusting stories of leaks that had gone on for several years. One of the best plumbing jobs he recounts was working at MLB pitcher Clayton Kershaw’s house and the McDonald’s factory commercial job.

    Our Sponsor: LeakPro | Leak Detection Equipment

    LeakPro® has been providing reliable slab leak and swimming pool leak detection equipment for 40 years. Our products can help you find underground water leaks quickly and easily! Go to https://leak-pro.com

  • Ben Alexander is a high school dropout, and he runs one of the largest, most professional handyman companies in the United States. He started out as an HVAC tech and worked up to the equivalent of a master’s license. He picked HVAC because there were more job opportunities. He-- never imagined he’d make the move from a designated skilled trades position to that of a handyman. What Ben couldn’t understand is the negative stigma associated with handymen. He believed there was little difference between a handymen and tradesmen. Additionally, he realized how much work handymen could create for the skilled trades, especially plumbers. It’s vital to have top notch customer service, as well as a great relationship with highly skilled local, licensed tradesmen.

    According to Ben, handymen don’t do HVAC, plumbing, or electrical. His company has remodeled bathrooms, done paint and drywall, texture, window replacement, tile, carpentry, and exterior door replacement. College was never an option for him. His parents divorced. His father took the money and split. So he felt compelled to provide for his single, stay-at-home mom and his siblings. He went to the fire academy and found quickly it wasn’t the route for him. He tried flipping houses, and that wasn’t for him. Then he found out about HVAC and air conditioning in the classified ads of the newspaper. In trade school, he found he excelled at it — and realized he did poorly in school because he was bored. His first venture into the trades failed.

    His second company, a new construction and geothermal installation business thrived. He managed the residential service portion, and within eight years they were a $9 million company with 45 employees. His strong work ethic was built from necessity. He’s couch-surfed and slept in garages during hard times, but the trades gave him a path to success, to a better standard of living.

    Our Sponsor:
    LeakPro | Leak Detection Equipment
    LeakPro® has been providing reliable slab leak and swimming pool leak detection equipment for 40 years. Our products can help you find underground water leaks quickly and easily! Go to https://leak-pro.com

    Tradesmen built America. This is the "Blue Collar Channel"... Where you can listen to the top tradespeople around the world. Everything you need to learn about getting into the trades, becoming the best tradesman, starting your own business, and using networking and social media... To GROW in the trades!!!!

  • David Butler had ambitions of being a doctor, so joining the skilled trades as a plumber was purely by chance. In high school, a man pulls up at football practice asking for players interested in digging ditches and trenches to help his lawn and irrigation business. By the end of summer, David was digging it, trenching it, wiring it, and connecting all of the irrigation lines and sprinkler heads. So naturally, plumbing was a logical transition during his time in med-school. He started out making $4 an hour. And his high school sweetheart, who’s now been his wife for 44 years, they were struggling, both pursuing intensive majors, so David dropped out of college and became a full-time plumber with the goal of one day owning a business. And in 1984 he got his masters license and started Butler Plumbing Company, with focused on commercial construction. At a young age, he was mechanically inclined. Learning to work on cars and change the oil with his dad. He made the transition from commercial to residential plumbing when he experienced the tradesman pride of satisfaction — fixing a problem that someone needs. He loves working with his hands and wanted to learn everything. He got his journeyman license within three years. His goal has always been to the be the biggest and the best plumbing with the highest job satisfaction. He sold his six-truck company in 2015 and is now the Responsible Master Plumber for Milestone Home Services in Dallas, Texas — a company that has gone from 3 trucks to 70 trucks and over 700 employees in 8 years. In this episode they discuss residential and commercial plumbing, home service, and even inside details of that dreaded dollhouse plumbers must tackle in Waco, Texas. David discusses that hard work will only get you so far. Many other things must fall into place. Never give up. Keep going. And everyone, at some point, needs a little help along the way. In David’s words, one of the hardest thing to do for an employer is to make payroll every Friday.

    Our Sponsor:

    LeakPro | Leak Detection Equipment LeakPro® has been providing reliable slab leak and swimming pool leak detection equipment for 40 years. Our products can help you find underground water leaks quickly and easily!

    Go to https://leak-pro.com

    Tradesmen built America. This is the "Blue Collar Channel"... Where you can listen to the top tradespeople around the world. Everything you need to learn about getting into the trades, becoming the best tradesman, starting your own business, and using networking and social media... To GROW in the trades!!!!