The estimate doesn't start at the kitchen table. It starts on the first phone call — with the questions. Eric and Andy lay out the qualifying questions they ask every potential customer: Have we done work for you before? How soon do you need it — and is it our emergency or yours? Are you doing this project yourself, or is a builder running it? And the one Eric's leaning on hardest lately: what's your budget — do you understand what this costs? With material costs at all-time highs, Eric's don...

It's your money — make it work for you. Eric lets Andy in on the back-pocket tool Midwesterners already know: Menards' 11% rebate. Everything in the store qualifies, the money comes back as Menards credit, and the whole program runs on one bet — that most people will never send the rebate in. (The guys put redemption at maybe 20–30%. Don't be that 70%.) Eric still buys most of his materials from his supply houses, but his Menards is seven miles from the shop — ten miles closer than any supply...

In this episode, Andy and Eric discuss the current state of the boiler industry, competition, market trends, and the impact of technology and pricing strategies on contractors and manufacturers. Text the guys your ideas & feedback! 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

In this episode, Andy and Eric share insights on the realities of installing customer-supplied equipment, the pitfalls of advertising in traditional media like phone books, and the importance of clear warranties and business boundaries. Takeaways Installing customer-supplied equipment can pose significant risks if not managed properly.Traditional advertising like phone books has become largely ineffective and a poor investment.Clear communication and documentation about warranties are crucia...

In this episode, Andy and Eric discuss the importance of service and maintenance in HVAC, plumbing, and equipment installation. They explore how proactive servicing can generate additional revenue, improve customer satisfaction, and ensure system longevity. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and episode overview 02:31 The revenue potential of servicing installed equipment 04:01 Common maintenance intervals for boilers and systems 07:01 Understanding system components like expansion tanks and gauge...

Andy shares his experience with boiler maintenance, subcontracting, and the importance of professional startup for complex HVAC systems. We explore the value of expert involvement, detailed design, and the lessons learned from real-world projects. Text the guys your ideas & feedback! 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

This episode explores the diverse paths young people take after high school, including college, trades, and entrepreneurship. We discuss the importance of financial literacy, the value of hard work, and how social media is changing perceptions of trades and career opportunities. Joined by our pod-partners John Mesenbrink & Tim Ward, hosts of the Appetite For Construction Podcast Text the guys your ideas & feedback! Send us your feedback or topic ideas over on our social channels! Er...

In this episode, Andy and Eric explore the fascinating history and ongoing renovation of a 110-year-old bank building in Missoula. They discuss the building's unique architecture, outdated plumbing systems, and innovative solutions for modern upgrades. Text the guys your ideas & feedback! 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

Milwaukee is expanding the lighting category again in 2026. A couple notable new lights shown this year at PIPELINE are the usb-c rechargeable clip light and flat flashlight. Hayley Stamerra, product manager at Milwaukee Tool talks all things lighting in this week's episode. Text the guys your ideas & feedback! 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

Our annual trip to Milwaukee PIPELINE is always great fun. This year we talked all things Packout with product manager Nick Trawicki. Packout was first released in June of 2017. Since its launch, Packout has expanded to literally hundreds of products that are mostly intended to save us time on and off the job site. Text the guys your ideas & feedback! Send us your feedback or topic ideas over on our social channels! Eric Aune @mechanicalhub Andy Mickelson @mick_plumb Newsle...