Make Trades Great Again
Make Trades Great Again
Eric Aune, Andy Mickelson
Whether you're a seasoned professional, a newcomer, or simply interested in the trades, the "Make Trades Great Again" podcast offers something for everyone. Our goal is to promote the value of skilled trades, provide essential resources, and build a strong community of passionate individuals.Industry Insights - Educational Content - Community Stories - Technology in TradesTune in now and be part of the movement to make trades great again!
Keep it Simple Stupid
Send us Fan Mail In this episode, hosts Eric and Andy share insights on using AI for writing scope descriptions, the importance of simplicity in estimates, and practical tips for effective communication in trades. They also recount personal stories from a recent vacation and discuss the impact of technology on their work. Key Topics: Using AI to write scope descriptionsBalancing detail and simplicity in estimatesCommunicating scope of work effectivelyPersonal stories from vacation and workI...
May 5
37 min
Going after the work you want - Listener Write-in
Send us Fan Mail Thanks to Connor for writing in with his question: How do you attract the kind of clients and work you want to do? Do you say no to work or is it best to take anything and everything that comes along? Send us your feedback or topic ideas over on our social channels! Eric Aune @mechanicalhub Andy Mickelson @mick_plumb Newsletter sign up: https://bit.ly/MH_email
Apr 22
29 min
Who's Answering The Phone?
Send us Fan Mail After a careful, long drawn-out (five minutes) process of consideration in selecting the exact perfect AI CSR system, intrepid business mogul Eric Aune has officially entered the AI universe lol. Eric & Andy talk about the new AI agent answering the phones for Aune Plumbing & Heating. What are you thoughts about AI answering systems for serivce businesses? Send us your feedback or topic ideas over on our social channels! Eric Aune @mechanicalhub And...
Apr 14
28 min
Are Service Body's Best for a Van Buildout?
Send us Fan Mail Andy and Eric share insights on HVAC projects, tool upgrades, vehicle organization, and industry trends. They discuss practical tips for van setup, the pros and cons of service bodies, and share humorous stories from the field, offering valuable advice for tradespeople and enthusiasts alike. Send us your feedback or topic ideas over on our social channels! Eric Aune @mechanicalhub Andy Mickelson @mick_plumb Newsletter sign up: https://bit.ly/MH_email
Apr 8
29 min
Robots answering the phone?
Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Eric and Andy explore the practicalities, frustrations, and potential of AI-powered call answering systems in small businesses. They share personal experiences with automated systems in auto repair, healthcare, and customer service, debating their effectiveness and future prospects. In the end one of the guys is planning to sign up and start using an ai answering service, who do you think it will be? Send us your feedback or topic ideas over on our s...
Mar 31
27 min
Eric's Frozen Sewer & Water Debacle
Send us Fan Mail Minnesota winters are relentless and physics will show no mercy! Today's episode brings back the classic MTGA format where Eric hits record without Andy knowing what the topic is. The guys cover dealing with Eric's frozen sewer and water as well as the silliness surrounding a simple battery change on the Transit. As always, thanks for listening. Send us your feedback or topic ideas over on our social channels! Eric Aune @mechanicalhub Andy Mickelson @mick_plumb Newsle...
Mar 24
20 min
Fan Mail: How Can I Get Into Service Work?
Send us Fan Mail Many trade professionals find themselves at a crossroads: should they continue focusing solely on installations, or is it time to branch out into the service side of the trade? In this post, we'll delve into actionable strategies for making that transition. Whether you're a seasoned installer or just starting your career, understanding the nuances of service work can open up new opportunities and enhance your skillset. Send us your feedback or topic ideas over on our social c...
Mar 17
29 min
Why we go to tradeshows: AHR Expo recap & trends
Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Eric and Andy share their insights from the 2026 AHR Expo, highlighting the biggest product launches, technological innovations, and industry trends they observed. Whether you're an HVAC professional or just interested in the latest industry developments, this episode offers a comprehensive overview of what’s new and exciting. Send us your feedback or topic ideas over on our social channels! Eric Aune @mechanicalhub Andy Mickelson @mick_plumb Newsletter...
Mar 10
25 min
Making Changes In The New Year
Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Eric and Andy discuss the challenges and opportunities that come with the new year, focusing on revamping business practices, particularly in maintenance contracts and price book management. They emphasize the importance of marketing strategies for 2026 and navigating seasonal challenges in the HVAC and plumbing industries. The conversation also touches on equipment insights and future business plans, highlighting the need for adaptability in a changing marke...
Mar 4
32 min
Let's Talk About Bruno!
Send us Fan Mail Most know him as @ nample all over social media but there is so much more to our longtime friend Bruno Friedmann hailing from Germany. We talk shop of course and encourage everyone to stay to the end to learn about Bruno's escape from communism and the start of a very fruitful career in the trades. To Bruno, thank you for joining us. Your friends, Andy & Eric. Send us your feedback or topic ideas over on our social channels! Eric Aune @mechanicalhub Andy Mick...
Feb 24
27 min
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