<![CDATA[Commercial Grade]]>https://commercial-grade.simplecast.comRiverside.fm (https://riverside.com)Fri, 25 Sep 2026 22:48:58 GMTWed, 26 Aug 2026 20:00:21 GMT60BuildOpsWhat makes a contractor commercial grade? It’s not the size of your crew or the trucks you drive - it’s how you show up when it matters. Hosted by RC Victorino, Commercial Grade goes behind the scenes with industry leaders, innovators, and experts shaping the future of commercial contracting. From leadership on the jobsite to game-changing tech in the back office, every episode delivers real stories and hard-earned lessons for contractors who take pride in building what others depend on. This is Commercial Grade. A podcast from BuildOps.episodicBuildOpsrcvictorino@buildops.comno<![CDATA[From West Point to the Trades - Rich Camacho on Skill-Based Hiring]]>Gen Z is entering the trades in numbers not seen since World War II. Rich Camacho says the industry still isn't ready to hire them, and that gap could become a crisis in five years.

In this episode of Commercial Grade, host RC Victorino sits down with Rich Camacho, CEO and co-founder of BlueRecruit, to talk about what's really happening in skilled trades hiring right now, and why the story is more complicated than a simple labor shortage.

Rich is a West Point graduate, Army veteran, and former captain who spent his early career helping fellow service members transition into corporate careers. BlueRecruit was born out of a much smaller problem: his father-in-law's auto body shop kept getting resumes from house painters because of bad keyword matching on job boards. Rich and his co-founder built BlueRecruit to connect skilled workers with employers the way a dating app connects people, and the company now sees over 100,000 people a day on its platform.

The conversation covers why Rich believes the industry is facing an experience and training shortage rather than a pure labor shortage, why so many new solar installers quit within their first week, why polished corporate social media does more harm than good when it comes to recruiting Gen Z, and how AI is already changing both back office work and life on the job site.

Rich also makes the case that if the industry does not figure out how to train and absorb the wave of young people currently choosing the trades, it will trigger a skilled labor shortage in the next five years.

In this episode you'll hear:

  • Why Gen Zers are choosing the trades at rates not seen since World War II, and why career changers are following them
  • Why polished, AI generated corporate content actively repels the workers and customers companies are trying to reach
  • What BlueRecruit's data reveals: the industry isn't short on workers, it's short on experienced people to train them
  • Why Rich believes the companies that invest in training now will dominate the industry within five years
  • Why veterans' military experience often fails to translate into civilian trade certifications, and what Rich is doing about it

About the Guest:

Rich Camacho is CEO and co-founder of BlueRecruit, a skilled trades hiring platform based in Raleigh, North Carolina, built around skill based hiring. A US Army veteran and former captain, Rich attended the United States Military Academy at West Point, where he studied civil engineering, and later continued his education at Colorado State University. After the military, he spent his early career helping fellow veterans transition into corporate careers before recognizing a major gap in how skilled tradespeople were being matched with employers. He co-founded BlueRecruit to modernize that process, and the platform now supports roughly 109,000 people and tens of thousands of companies every day.

Links & Resources:

]]>a1a803c2-18be-4c49-9155-22c878152e79Wed, 02 Sep 2026 15:15:00 GMT<p>Gen Z is entering the trades in numbers not seen since World War II. Rich Camacho says the industry still isn't ready to hire them, and that gap could become a crisis in five years.</p><p></p><p>In this episode of Commercial Grade, host RC Victorino sits down with Rich Camacho, CEO and co-founder of BlueRecruit, to talk about what's really happening in skilled trades hiring right now, and why the story is more complicated than a simple labor shortage.</p><p>Rich is a West Point graduate, Army veteran, and former captain who spent his early career helping fellow service members transition into corporate careers. BlueRecruit was born out of a much smaller problem: his father-in-law's auto body shop kept getting resumes from house painters because of bad keyword matching on job boards. Rich and his co-founder built BlueRecruit to connect skilled workers with employers the way a dating app connects people, and the company now sees over 100,000 people a day on its platform.</p><p>The conversation covers why Rich believes the industry is facing an experience and training shortage rather than a pure labor shortage, why so many new solar installers quit within their first week, why polished corporate social media does more harm than good when it comes to recruiting Gen Z, and how AI is already changing both back office work and life on the job site.</p><p>Rich also makes the case that if the industry does not figure out how to train and absorb the wave of young people currently choosing the trades, it will trigger a skilled labor shortage in the next five years.<br /></p><p><b>In this episode you'll hear:</b></p><ul><li>Why Gen Zers are choosing the trades at rates not seen since World War II, and why career changers are following them</li><li>Why polished, AI generated corporate content actively repels the workers and customers companies are trying to reach</li><li>What BlueRecruit's data reveals: the industry isn't short on workers, it's short on experienced people to train them</li><li>Why Rich believes the companies that invest in training now will dominate the industry within five years</li><li>Why veterans' military experience often fails to translate into civilian trade certifications, and what Rich is doing about it</li></ul><p></p><p><b>About the Guest:</b></p><p>Rich Camacho is CEO and co-founder of BlueRecruit, a skilled trades hiring platform based in Raleigh, North Carolina, built around skill based hiring. A US Army veteran and former captain, Rich attended the United States Military Academy at West Point, where he studied civil engineering, and later continued his education at Colorado State University. After the military, he spent his early career helping fellow veterans transition into corporate careers before recognizing a major gap in how skilled tradespeople were being matched with employers. He co-founded BlueRecruit to modernize that process, and the platform now supports roughly 109,000 people and tens of thousands of companies every day.</p><p><b>Links &amp; Resources:</b></p><ul><li><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://bluerecruit.us/" target="_blank">https://bluerecruit.us/</a></li><li><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://BuildOps.com" target="_blank">http://BuildOps.com</a></li></ul>no00:38:41From West Point to the Trades - Rich Camacho on Skill-Based Hiringfull<![CDATA[AI, Data Centers, and the Workforce Crisis: Sean McGuire on the Forces Reshaping the Trades]]>In this episode of Commercial Grade, host RC Victorino sits down with Sean McGuire, Executive Director of Innovation, Technologies, and Fabrication at MCAA, to get a 26-year view of where the mechanical contracting industry has been, and where it's headed.

Sean came to the trades not from the shop floor but from the association side, starting in meeting planning before growing into one of the industry's most knowledgeable voices on fabrication, technology, and workforce development. From his perch at MCAA, he talks to hundreds of contractors a year and sees the big picture most in the field never get.

The conversation covers the data center mega boom reshaping production schedules and fabrication investment, why six-twelves can't be a long-term answer to labor shortages, and what it actually looks like when 82% of your contractors say they're expanding their fabrication footprint. Sean also makes a compelling case for the trades over a four-year degree - running the real math on student debt, journeyman wages, and who buys a house first.

And on AI: Sean sees opportunity and real danger: displaced coders who could transform how contractors build internal tools, embedded AI that's mostly hype, and cybersecurity vulnerabilities that keep him up at night.

In this episode you'll hear:

  • Why the data center mega boom is unlike anything the trades have seen in 25 years
  • Why six-twelves don't scale, and what happens to productivity when workers burn out
  • The MCAA fabrication poll: how investment intent went from 20% to 82% in just a few years
  • Why data centers aren't going away, and why their short lifespan actually means more work
  • The public's "storytelling problem" with data centers and Big Tech
  • How AI is showing up in construction software, and how much of it is just a shiny sticker
  • Why laid-off coders could be a huge opportunity for trade contractors willing to hire them
  • The real-world math on trades vs. college - debt, wages, and who owns a house at 25
  • Why training centers sit half-empty while 3,000 applicants compete for 50 apprenticeship spots

Episode Timestamps:

[00:00] The Data Center Boom: Busiest the Industry Has Ever Been

[00:44] Welcome and Guest Introduction: Sean McGuire of MCAA

[02:45] Sean's Path: From Meeting Planning to Industry Innovation

[03:52] 26 Years at MCAA: What's Changed, What Hasn't

[05:36] The Data Center Mega Boom and Its Demand on Contractors

[08:19] Why Six-Twelves Don't Work Long-Term

[10:05] Fabrication Investment Surge: From 20% to 82%

[12:01] Is the Data Center Boom Sustainable?

[15:33] The Financial Case: $25 Million a Day Per Data Center

[20:16] AI's Real Role in the Trades Right Now

[26:12] Hiring Laid-Off Coders and the Internal API Opportunity

[34:55] Why Training Centers Are Half-Empty Despite High Demand

[37:45] Lightning Round

About the Guest:

Sean McGuire is the Executive Director of Innovation, Technologies, and Fabrication at MCAA (Mechanical Contractors Association of America), where he has spent nearly 26 years helping the mechanical contracting industry evolve. Sean started at NECA before joining MCAA, where he has worn nearly every hat imaginable, from meeting planning and convention logistics to running MCAA's fabrication conference and leading initiatives on technology adoption, workforce development, and industry innovation. He has visited hundreds of contractor shops and job sites, making him one of the most well-connected observers of how the trades are adapting to data center demand, AI, and the ongoing labor shortage.

Links & Resources:

Sean McGuire on LinkedIn

MCAA: mcaa.org

Learn more at BuildOps.com


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]>https://commercial-grade.simplecast.com/episodes/ai-data-centers-and-the-workforce-crisis-sean-mcguire-on-the-forces-reshaping-the-trades-SS5gHVM6bfd2aeb6-2e89-4dae-8e8d-91466f0b5b48Wed, 19 Aug 2026 19:56:31 GMT<p>In this episode of Commercial Grade, host RC Victorino sits down with Sean McGuire, Executive Director of Innovation, Technologies, and Fabrication at MCAA, to get a 26-year view of where the mechanical contracting industry has been, and where it's headed.</p> <p>Sean came to the trades not from the shop floor but from the association side, starting in meeting planning before growing into one of the industry's most knowledgeable voices on fabrication, technology, and workforce development. From his perch at MCAA, he talks to hundreds of contractors a year and sees the big picture most in the field never get.</p> <p>The conversation covers the data center mega boom reshaping production schedules and fabrication investment, why six-twelves can't be a long-term answer to labor shortages, and what it actually looks like when 82% of your contractors say they're expanding their fabrication footprint. Sean also makes a compelling case for the trades over a four-year degree - running the real math on student debt, journeyman wages, and who buys a house first.</p> <p>And on AI: Sean sees opportunity and real danger: displaced coders who could transform how contractors build internal tools, embedded AI that's mostly hype, and cybersecurity vulnerabilities that keep him up at night.</p> <p><strong>In this episode you'll hear:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Why the data center mega boom is unlike anything the trades have seen in 25 years</li> <li>Why six-twelves don't scale, and what happens to productivity when workers burn out</li> <li>The MCAA fabrication poll: how investment intent went from 20% to 82% in just a few years</li> <li>Why data centers aren't going away, and why their short lifespan actually means more work</li> <li>The public's "storytelling problem" with data centers and Big Tech</li> <li>How AI is showing up in construction software, and how much of it is just a shiny sticker</li> <li>Why laid-off coders could be a huge opportunity for trade contractors willing to hire them</li> <li>The real-world math on trades vs. college - debt, wages, and who owns a house at 25</li> <li>Why training centers sit half-empty while 3,000 applicants compete for 50 apprenticeship spots</li> </ul> <p><strong>Episode Timestamps:</strong></p> <p>[00:00] The Data Center Boom: Busiest the Industry Has Ever Been</p> <p>[00:44] Welcome and Guest Introduction: Sean McGuire of MCAA</p> <p>[02:45] Sean's Path: From Meeting Planning to Industry Innovation</p> <p>[03:52] 26 Years at MCAA: What's Changed, What Hasn't</p> <p>[05:36] The Data Center Mega Boom and Its Demand on Contractors</p> <p>[08:19] Why Six-Twelves Don't Work Long-Term</p> <p>[10:05] Fabrication Investment Surge: From 20% to 82%</p> <p>[12:01] Is the Data Center Boom Sustainable?</p> <p>[15:33] The Financial Case: $25 Million a Day Per Data Center</p> <p>[20:16] AI's Real Role in the Trades Right Now</p> <p>[26:12] Hiring Laid-Off Coders and the Internal API Opportunity</p> <p>[34:55] Why Training Centers Are Half-Empty Despite High Demand</p> <p>[37:45] Lightning Round</p> <p><strong>About the Guest:</strong></p> <p>Sean McGuire is the Executive Director of Innovation, Technologies, and Fabrication at MCAA (Mechanical Contractors Association of America), where he has spent nearly 26 years helping the mechanical contracting industry evolve. Sean started at NECA before joining MCAA, where he has worn nearly every hat imaginable, from meeting planning and convention logistics to running MCAA's fabrication conference and leading initiatives on technology adoption, workforce development, and industry innovation. He has visited hundreds of contractor shops and job sites, making him one of the most well-connected observers of how the trades are adapting to data center demand, AI, and the ongoing labor shortage.</p> <p><strong>Links &amp; Resources:</strong></p> <p><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/sean-mcguire-262a7813/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">Sean McGuire on LinkedIn</a></p> <p><a href="https://www.mcaa.org" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">MCAA: mcaa.org</a></p> <p><a href="https://buildops.com" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">Learn more at BuildOps.com</a></p><br /> <p>Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See <a href="https://pcm.adswizz.com" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">pcm.adswizz.com</a> for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.</p>no00:41:5916AI, Data Centers, and the Workforce Crisis: Sean McGuire on the Forces Reshaping the Tradesfull<![CDATA[Futureproof: Greg Crumpton on Building the Next Generation of the Trades]]>Before there were algorithms, there were hands.

In this first episode of Commercial Grade, host RC Victorino sits down with Greg Crumpton, VP at Service Logic, to talk about what it means to futureproof the trades.

Greg grew up learning HVAC from his dad — long before anyone called it “mission-critical infrastructure.” From apprentice to company owner to executive, he’s spent his career keeping buildings running and people working. But he’s never stopped learning.

Now, he’s investing in startups that bring AI and digital tools into the same trade his father taught him. The conversation covers:

  • How to rebuild respect for the trades in a white-collar world
  • Why mentorship and education matter more than ever
  • What AI really means for hands-on work
  • How to keep skilled labor alive as demand grows

It’s a conversation about curiosity, craftsmanship, and the people determined to keep this work moving forward.

About the Guest:

Greg Crumpton is the Vice President of Service Logic, North America’s largest privately held HVAC and mechanical services company. With more than 40 years in the field, Greg combines hands-on expertise with a forward-looking view of technology and leadership.

He’s also an investor and advisor to companies like Atom Power and Gravity Driven Technologies, helping bridge the gap between old-school know-how and new-school innovation. A lifelong advocate for education and mentorship, Greg supports initiatives like Bring Back the Trades and Nomad Futurist, focused on preparing the next generation to lead.


Episode Timestamps: 

(00:00) Introduction and Guest Welcome

(00:54) Greg Crumpton's Early Life and Entry into Trades

(02:33) Learning and Growing in the Trades

(05:22) Building a Career and Personal Reflections

(10:58) The Importance of Trade Education

(14:40) Challenges and Opportunities in the Trades

(21:04) The Role of AI and Future of Work

(23:09) AI's Impact on the Trades

(23:53) Modular Data Centers in South Carolina

(24:42) The Growing Demand for Skilled Trades

(26:32) Encouraging Diversity in the Trades

(27:13) A Personal Story of Entering the Trades

(35:14) The Importance of Retention and Generational Differences

(40:43) Lightning Round: Future, Tools, and Misconceptions


Links & Resources:


Our Sponsor:  

 Commercial contractors are building America. BuildOps gives them the system to stay ahead — from dispatch to final invoice. One platform keeps every job moving with the insight to see it, the foresight to plan it and the power to act fast. 'Because with work this critical, you need a platform you can trust. BuildOps, mission control for commercial contractors. Visit buildops.com to learn more.

 


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]>https://commercial-grade.simplecast.com/episodes/elevating-the-trades-insights-from-greg-crumpton-vp-service-logic-QuGtIVWcf8c2f035-7e11-4807-9ee6-4b4f1ffb8795Thu, 13 Nov 2025 16:11:00 GMT<p>Before there were algorithms, there were hands.</p><p>In this first episode of Commercial Grade, host RC Victorino sits down with Greg Crumpton, VP at Service Logic, to talk about what it means to <i>futureproof</i> the trades.</p><p>Greg grew up learning HVAC from his dad — long before anyone called it “mission-critical infrastructure.” From apprentice to company owner to executive, he’s spent his career keeping buildings running and people working. But he’s never stopped learning.</p><p>Now, he’s investing in startups that bring AI and digital tools into the same trade his father taught him. The conversation covers:</p><ul><li>How to rebuild respect for the trades in a white-collar world</li><li>Why mentorship and education matter more than ever</li><li>What AI really means for hands-on work</li><li>How to keep skilled labor alive as demand grows</li></ul><p>It’s a conversation about curiosity, craftsmanship, and the people determined to keep this work moving forward.</p><p><strong>About the Guest</strong>:</p><p>Greg Crumpton is the Vice President of Service Logic, North America’s largest privately held HVAC and mechanical services company. With more than 40 years in the field, Greg combines hands-on expertise with a forward-looking view of technology and leadership.</p><p>He’s also an investor and advisor to companies like Atom Power and Gravity Driven Technologies, helping bridge the gap between old-school know-how and new-school innovation. A lifelong advocate for education and mentorship, Greg supports initiatives like <i>Bring Back the Trades</i> and <i>Nomad Futurist</i>, focused on preparing the next generation to lead.</p><p><br /><strong>Episode Timestamps</strong>: </p><p>(00:00) Introduction and Guest Welcome</p><p>(00:54) Greg Crumpton's Early Life and Entry into Trades</p><p>(02:33) Learning and Growing in the Trades</p><p>(05:22) Building a Career and Personal Reflections</p><p>(10:58) The Importance of Trade Education</p><p>(14:40) Challenges and Opportunities in the Trades</p><p>(21:04) The Role of AI and Future of Work</p><p>(23:09) AI's Impact on the Trades</p><p>(23:53) Modular Data Centers in South Carolina</p><p>(24:42) The Growing Demand for Skilled Trades</p><p>(26:32) Encouraging Diversity in the Trades</p><p>(27:13) A Personal Story of Entering the Trades</p><p>(35:14) The Importance of Retention and Generational Differences</p><p>(40:43) Lightning Round: Future, Tools, and Misconceptions</p><p><br /><strong>Links &amp; Resources</strong>:</p><ul><li>RC’s<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/rcvictorino/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow"> LinkedIn</a></li><li>Greg’s <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/crumptonskilledtrades/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">LinkedIn </a></li><li>Learn more at <a href="http://servicelogic.com" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">ServiceLogic.com</a></li><li>Learn more at <a href="http://buildops.com" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">BuildOps.com</a></li></ul><p><br /><strong>Our Sponsor</strong>:  </p><p> Commercial contractors are building America. BuildOps gives them the system to stay ahead — from dispatch to final invoice. One platform keeps every job moving with the insight to see it, the foresight to plan it and the power to act fast. 'Because with work this critical, you need a platform you can trust. BuildOps, mission control for commercial contractors. Visit <a href="http://buildops.com" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">buildops.com</a> to learn more.</p><p> </p><br /> <p>Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See <a href="https://pcm.adswizz.com" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">pcm.adswizz.com</a> for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.</p>no00:44:111Futureproof: Greg Crumpton on Building the Next Generation of the Tradesfull<![CDATA[Youth in the Trades: Henry Kneeland on Finding His Place in HVAC]]>In this episode of Commercial Grade, RC Victorino sits down with Henry Kneeland of Carolina Chillers — a young HVAC apprentice and rising technician — to explore what draws the next generation to mechanical contracting and what keeps them engaged.

Henry’s story underscores the power of mentorship, early exposure, and hands-on training. From discovering HVAC in high school shop classes to working full-time while continuing his education, Henry offers a candid look at the opportunities and obstacles facing young workers today.

In this episode you’ll hear:

  • How early mentors and instructors can change a career path
  • Why hands-on learning resonates more than traditional classroom models
  • What today’s students are thinking about career stability and earning potential
  • Why the labor gap persists — and what might actually help close it
  • How technology is shaping the work of modern HVAC technicians
  • What employers can do to attract and retain young talent
  • Henry’s advice for teens exploring their options

Take an honest, energetic look at the next generation of skilled trades professionals — from someone living it right now.

Henry Kneeland is an HVAC apprentice and technician with Carolina Chillers. Introduced to the trades during high school, Henry quickly found passion and purpose in hands-on mechanical work. Today he balances full-time HVAC fieldwork with continued education, developing expertise in refrigeration, chillers, and modern HVAC technologies.
Henry is a strong advocate for mentorship and early exposure to the trades, often sharing his journey to help more young people see the opportunities available in mechanical contracting and skilled labor. 

 

Episode Timestamps:

(00:00) Introduction to the Trades

(00:23) Meet Henry Neland: HVAC Service Tech

(01:10)  Henry's Journey into the Trades

(02:05) The Importance of Mentorship

(02:53) High School Experiences and Career Decisions

(07:46) Choosing HVAC: A Process of Elimination

(10:18) Balancing Work and Education

(13:46) The Value of Hands-On Learning

(19:37) The Future of Trades and Attracting New Talent

(23:19) Challenges in Promoting Trades in Schools

(24:12) Increasing Exposure to Trades for Younger Students

(28:06) The Importance of Mentorship in Trades

(32:51) Experience and Training at Carolina Chiller

(37:15) Embracing Technology in the Trades

(39:23) Advice for the Younger Generation

(40:57) Lightning Round: Tools, Gadgets, and Misconceptions

(44:32) Attracting the Next Generation to the Trades

(45:22) Conclusion and Final Thoughts

 

Links & Resources:


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]>https://commercial-grade.simplecast.com/episodes/youth-in-the-trades-henry-kneeland-on-finding-his-place-in-hvac-aYFnfBuw304cc42b-6453-4657-a013-bab003cc660bWed, 17 Dec 2025 18:00:00 GMT<p>In this episode of <i>Commercial Grade</i>, RC Victorino sits down with Henry Kneeland of Carolina Chillers — a young HVAC apprentice and rising technician — to explore what draws the next generation to mechanical contracting and what keeps them engaged.</p><p>Henry’s story underscores the power of mentorship, early exposure, and hands-on training. From discovering HVAC in high school shop classes to working full-time while continuing his education, Henry offers a candid look at the opportunities and obstacles facing young workers today.</p><p>In this episode you’ll hear:</p><ul><li>How early mentors and instructors can change a career path</li><li>Why hands-on learning resonates more than traditional classroom models</li><li>What today’s students are thinking about career stability and earning potential</li><li>Why the labor gap persists — and what might actually help close it</li><li>How technology is shaping the work of modern HVAC technicians</li><li>What employers can do to attract and retain young talent</li><li>Henry’s advice for teens exploring their options</li></ul><p>Take an honest, energetic look at the next generation of skilled trades professionals — from someone living it right now.<br /><br />Henry Kneeland is an HVAC apprentice and technician with Carolina Chillers. Introduced to the trades during high school, Henry quickly found passion and purpose in hands-on mechanical work. Today he balances full-time HVAC fieldwork with continued education, developing expertise in refrigeration, chillers, and modern HVAC technologies.<br />Henry is a strong advocate for mentorship and early exposure to the trades, often sharing his journey to help more young people see the opportunities available in mechanical contracting and skilled labor. </p><p> </p><p>Episode Timestamps:</p><p>(00:00) Introduction to the Trades</p><p>(00:23) Meet Henry Neland: HVAC Service Tech</p><p>(01:10)  Henry's Journey into the Trades</p><p>(02:05) The Importance of Mentorship</p><p>(02:53) High School Experiences and Career Decisions</p><p>(07:46) Choosing HVAC: A Process of Elimination</p><p>(10:18) Balancing Work and Education</p><p>(13:46) The Value of Hands-On Learning</p><p>(19:37) The Future of Trades and Attracting New Talent</p><p>(23:19) Challenges in Promoting Trades in Schools</p><p>(24:12) Increasing Exposure to Trades for Younger Students</p><p>(28:06) The Importance of Mentorship in Trades</p><p>(32:51) Experience and Training at Carolina Chiller</p><p>(37:15) Embracing Technology in the Trades</p><p>(39:23) Advice for the Younger Generation</p><p>(40:57) Lightning Round: Tools, Gadgets, and Misconceptions</p><p>(44:32) Attracting the Next Generation to the Trades</p><p>(45:22) Conclusion and Final Thoughts</p><p> </p><p>Links &amp; Resources:</p><ul><li>RC’s<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/rcvictorino/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow"> LinkedIn</a></li><li>Henry’s <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/henry-kneeland-344b6a284/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">LinkedIn</a></li><li>Learn more about <a href="https://carolinachillers.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">Carolina Chillers </a></li><li>Learn more at <a href="http://buildops.com" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">BuildOps.com</a></li></ul><br /> <p>Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See <a href="https://pcm.adswizz.com" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">pcm.adswizz.com</a> for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.</p>no00:45:543Youth in the Trades: Henry Kneeland on Finding His Place in HVACfull<![CDATA[Why “Tough It Out” Is Failing the Trades: Mental Health & Recovery with Josh Vitale (Project BUILT)]]>In this episode of Commercial Grade, host RC Victorino sits down with Josh Vitale, founder of Project BUILT, to have an honest conversation about addiction, mental health, and what the trades are getting wrong—and right—when it comes to supporting their people.

Josh grew up in the construction world and followed a familiar path many never talk about: high pressure, long hours, silence around mental health, and ultimately addiction. After hitting rock bottom, Josh chose recovery—and turned that experience into a mission to help others in the industry do the same.

Together, RC and Josh unpack the cultural challenges that make mental health conversations difficult in the trades, the generational shifts happening on job sites, and why leadership plays a critical role in creating safer, healthier work environments. Josh explains how Project Built approaches mental health differently—through peer support, family retreats, crisis planning, and training leaders to recognize when someone needs help.

This episode doesn’t sugarcoat the realities of the work—but it offers a real path forward for an industry built on strength that often forgets vulnerability.

In this episode you’ll hear:

  • Why stress and burnout are baked into many trade environments
  • How addiction quietly takes hold in the construction industry
  • What hitting rock bottom taught Josh about recovery and leadership
  • Why mental health support must involve families—not just workers
  • How Project Built is creating real-world solutions beyond awareness
  • The role superintendents and leaders play in preventing crises
  • Why younger generations are demanding change
  • What it takes to build a truly supportive job site culture

Episode Timestamps:

(00:00) Understanding the Stress in the Trades
(00:31) Introduction to the Podcast and Guest
(01:02) Josh Vitale’s Journey into the Trades
(04:56) Challenges and Realizations in the Industry
(07:45) Hitting Rock Bottom and Seeking Help
(11:43) The Birth of Project Built
(18:26) Scaling Project Built’s Impact
(25:46) A Young Man’s Struggle and Asking for Help
(26:04) Generational Differences in Mental Health
(26:30) Challenges Facing Younger Trade Workers
(29:04) The Role of Superintendents in Mental Health
(29:43) Training Leaders to Support Their Teams
(31:00) Creating a Supportive Work Environment
(32:10) Judgment, Recovery, and Personal Reflection
(37:40) Why Every Company Needs a Crisis Plan
(40:00) Advice to a Younger Self
(41:14) The Future of Mental Health in the Trades
(42:17) Lightning Round: Personal Insights
(45:45) Getting Involved with Project Built

Links & Resources:

RC’s LinkedIn
Josh Vitale on LinkedIn
Learn more about Project Built
Learn more at BuildOps.com


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]>https://commercial-grade.simplecast.com/episodes/why-tough-it-out-is-failing-the-trades-mental-health-recovery-with-josh-vitale-project-built-hs_PWzbQ25852899-95c9-4680-88eb-6e92dbb56604Wed, 21 Jan 2026 18:00:00 GMT<p>In this episode of <i>Commercial Grade</i>, host RC Victorino sits down with Josh Vitale, founder of Project BUILT, to have an honest conversation about addiction, mental health, and what the trades are getting wrong—and right—when it comes to supporting their people.</p><p>Josh grew up in the construction world and followed a familiar path many never talk about: high pressure, long hours, silence around mental health, and ultimately addiction. After hitting rock bottom, Josh chose recovery—and turned that experience into a mission to help others in the industry do the same.</p><p>Together, RC and Josh unpack the cultural challenges that make mental health conversations difficult in the trades, the generational shifts happening on job sites, and why leadership plays a critical role in creating safer, healthier work environments. Josh explains how Project Built approaches mental health differently—through peer support, family retreats, crisis planning, and training leaders to recognize when someone needs help.</p><p>This episode doesn’t sugarcoat the realities of the work—but it offers a real path forward for an industry built on strength that often forgets vulnerability.</p><p>In this episode you’ll hear:</p><ul><li>Why stress and burnout are baked into many trade environments</li><li>How addiction quietly takes hold in the construction industry</li><li>What hitting rock bottom taught Josh about recovery and leadership</li><li>Why mental health support must involve families—not just workers</li><li>How Project Built is creating real-world solutions beyond awareness</li><li>The role superintendents and leaders play in preventing crises</li><li>Why younger generations are demanding change</li><li>What it takes to build a truly supportive job site culture</li></ul><h3>Episode Timestamps:</h3><p>(00:00) Understanding the Stress in the Trades<br />(00:31) Introduction to the Podcast and Guest<br />(01:02) Josh Vitale’s Journey into the Trades<br />(04:56) Challenges and Realizations in the Industry<br />(07:45) Hitting Rock Bottom and Seeking Help<br />(11:43) The Birth of Project Built<br />(18:26) Scaling Project Built’s Impact<br />(25:46) A Young Man’s Struggle and Asking for Help<br />(26:04) Generational Differences in Mental Health<br />(26:30) Challenges Facing Younger Trade Workers<br />(29:04) The Role of Superintendents in Mental Health<br />(29:43) Training Leaders to Support Their Teams<br />(31:00) Creating a Supportive Work Environment<br />(32:10) Judgment, Recovery, and Personal Reflection<br />(37:40) Why Every Company Needs a Crisis Plan<br />(40:00) Advice to a Younger Self<br />(41:14) The Future of Mental Health in the Trades<br />(42:17) Lightning Round: Personal Insights<br />(45:45) Getting Involved with Project Built</p><h3>Links &amp; Resources:</h3><p>RC’s <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/rcvictorino/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">LinkedIn</a><br />Josh Vitale on <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshua-vitale-vitalchemy/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">LinkedIn</a><br />Learn more about <a href="https://getbuilt.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">Project Built</a><br />Learn more at BuildOps.com</p><br /> <p>Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See <a href="https://pcm.adswizz.com" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">pcm.adswizz.com</a> for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.</p>no00:47:005Why “Tough It Out” Is Failing the Trades: Mental Health & Recovery with Josh Vitale (Project BUILT)full<![CDATA[Trades Careers, Wages, and AI: Martin King on Attracting Talent in a Changing Industry]]>In this episode of Commercial Grade, host RC Victorino sits down with Martin King—HVAC veteran, entrepreneur, and founder of Legacy Chiller Systems, J&M Fluidics, and Skilled Trades Rescue—to unpack decades of experience building, scaling, and evolving in the trades.

Martin shares how he entered the HVAC industry through technical training and a union apprenticeship, eventually growing his own company from a single van into a 30+ truck operation before selling. He opens up about the realities of business ownership—from early hiring mistakes to the “cold sweats” of making payroll—and how growth introduces new layers of complexity that many owners underestimate.

A turning point in Martin’s career came from a single customer request that led him into process chillers and ultimately the creation of Legacy Chiller Systems. From there, the conversation expands into today’s biggest challenges in the trades, including labor shortages, rising wages, technician mobility, and the shifting expectations of the modern workforce.

Martin also discusses his mission through Skilled Trades Rescue, where he supports professionals, business owners, career explorers, and parents by providing guidance on financial literacy, career pathways, and starting a business in the trades.

Finally, RC and Martin explore the growing role of AI in the industry—why it will enhance productivity rather than replace skilled labor in the near term, and what tradespeople should be doing now to stay ahead.

In this episode you’ll hear:
• How Martin scaled an HVAC business from 1 van to 30+ trucks
• The biggest mistakes new trade business owners make
• Why growth creates operational chaos (and how to manage it)
• The real reason behind today’s labor shortages
• How rising wages and technician mobility are reshaping the industry
• What Skilled Trades Rescue is doing to support the workforce
• Why financial literacy is critical for tradespeople
• How AI will impact (but not replace) skilled labor

Episode Timestamps:

(00:00) Cold Sweats Mindset: Grit and Resilience in the Trades

(00:14) Meet Martin King: HVAC Entrepreneur and Founder of King Air

(01:38) From Tech School to the Union: Entering the Skilled Trades

(02:26) Starting King Air: Building an HVAC Business from Scratch

(03:00) The Accidental Chiller Breakthrough That Changed Everything

(06:54) Lessons From Dad: Work Ethic, Leadership, and Early Influence

(09:29) Hiring Challenges and Backlog Cycles in HVAC

(12:36) Growth Tiers: Scaling a Business Without Chaos

(14:09) Labor Market Shifts: Why Hiring in the Trades Is Changing

(18:03) The Skilled Trades Talent Shortage—and How to Fix It

(20:13) Money, Margins, and Business Coaching for Contractors

(23:54) College vs. Trades: What Parents Should Know

(26:02) AI and the Future of Skilled Trades

(29:18) What Makes a Superstar HVAC Technician

(34:28) How to Attract and Retain Top Trade Talent

(37:28) Lightning Round: Quick Takes and Advice

(39:08) Wrap-Up and Where to Connect


 

About the Guest:

Martin King is an HVAC veteran, entrepreneur, and industry advocate with decades of experience in the skilled trades. He is the founder of Legacy Chiller Systems, J&M Fluidics, and Skilled Trades Rescue. After starting his career through technical training and a union apprenticeship, Martin built and scaled a successful HVAC company from a single van to a 30+ truck operation before exiting. Today, he focuses on supporting the next generation of tradespeople through coaching, workforce development, and education initiatives aimed at improving retention, financial literacy, and career pathways in the trades.

Links & Resources:

• Martin King on LinkedIn

• Skilled Trades Rescue

• Legacy Chiller Systems

• Learn more at BuildOps.com


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]>https://commercial-grade.simplecast.com/episodes/trades-careers-wages-and-ai-martin-king-on-attracting-talent-in-a-changing-industry-b_QWW2hndc2537ed-69c3-406e-bd3c-40f2fc3f1deeWed, 06 May 2026 21:00:00 GMT<p>In this episode of <i>Commercial Grade</i>, host RC Victorino sits down with Martin King—HVAC veteran, entrepreneur, and founder of Legacy Chiller Systems, J&amp;M Fluidics, and Skilled Trades Rescue—to unpack decades of experience building, scaling, and evolving in the trades.</p> <p>Martin shares how he entered the HVAC industry through technical training and a union apprenticeship, eventually growing his own company from a single van into a 30+ truck operation before selling. He opens up about the realities of business ownership—from early hiring mistakes to the “cold sweats” of making payroll—and how growth introduces new layers of complexity that many owners underestimate.</p> <p>A turning point in Martin’s career came from a single customer request that led him into process chillers and ultimately the creation of Legacy Chiller Systems. From there, the conversation expands into today’s biggest challenges in the trades, including labor shortages, rising wages, technician mobility, and the shifting expectations of the modern workforce.</p> <p>Martin also discusses his mission through Skilled Trades Rescue, where he supports professionals, business owners, career explorers, and parents by providing guidance on financial literacy, career pathways, and starting a business in the trades.</p> <p>Finally, RC and Martin explore the growing role of AI in the industry—why it will enhance productivity rather than replace skilled labor in the near term, and what tradespeople should be doing now to stay ahead.</p> <p>In this episode you’ll hear:<br /> • How Martin scaled an HVAC business from 1 van to 30+ trucks<br /> • The biggest mistakes new trade business owners make<br /> • Why growth creates operational chaos (and how to manage it)<br /> • The real reason behind today’s labor shortages<br /> • How rising wages and technician mobility are reshaping the industry<br /> • What Skilled Trades Rescue is doing to support the workforce<br /> • Why financial literacy is critical for tradespeople<br /> • How AI will impact (but not replace) skilled labor</p> <h2>Episode Timestamps:</h2> <p>(00:00) Cold Sweats Mindset: Grit and Resilience in the Trades</p> <p>(00:14) Meet Martin King: HVAC Entrepreneur and Founder of King Air</p> <p>(01:38) From Tech School to the Union: Entering the Skilled Trades</p> <p>(02:26) Starting King Air: Building an HVAC Business from Scratch</p> <p>(03:00) The Accidental Chiller Breakthrough That Changed Everything</p> <p>(06:54) Lessons From Dad: Work Ethic, Leadership, and Early Influence</p> <p>(09:29) Hiring Challenges and Backlog Cycles in HVAC</p> <p>(12:36) Growth Tiers: Scaling a Business Without Chaos</p> <p>(14:09) Labor Market Shifts: Why Hiring in the Trades Is Changing</p> <p>(18:03) The Skilled Trades Talent Shortage—and How to Fix It</p> <p>(20:13) Money, Margins, and Business Coaching for Contractors</p> <p>(23:54) College vs. Trades: What Parents Should Know</p> <p>(26:02) AI and the Future of Skilled Trades</p> <p>(29:18) What Makes a Superstar HVAC Technician</p> <p>(34:28) How to Attract and Retain Top Trade Talent</p> <p>(37:28) Lightning Round: Quick Takes and Advice</p> <p>(39:08) Wrap-Up and Where to Connect<br /><br /><br />  </p> <h2>About the Guest:</h2> <p>Martin King is an HVAC veteran, entrepreneur, and industry advocate with decades of experience in the skilled trades. He is the founder of Legacy Chiller Systems, J&amp;M Fluidics, and Skilled Trades Rescue. After starting his career through technical training and a union apprenticeship, Martin built and scaled a successful HVAC company from a single van to a 30+ truck operation before exiting. Today, he focuses on supporting the next generation of tradespeople through coaching, workforce development, and education initiatives aimed at improving retention, financial literacy, and career pathways in the trades.</p> <h2>Links &amp; Resources:</h2> <p>• Martin King on <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/martinpking/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">LinkedIn</a></p> <p>• <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/4vDY7X5wc9Kcctw0jrUivp" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">Skilled Trades Rescue</a></p> <p>• <a href="https://www.legacychillers.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">Legacy Chiller Systems</a></p> <p>• Learn more at <a href="https://buildops.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">BuildOps.com</a></p><br /> <p>Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See <a href="https://pcm.adswizz.com" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">pcm.adswizz.com</a> for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.</p>no00:39:4111Trades Careers, Wages, and AI: Martin King on Attracting Talent in a Changing Industryfull<![CDATA[Building Builders: Wilson Matthew Betances on Fixing Trade Culture]]> In this episode of Commercial Grade, host RC Victorino sits down with Wilson Matthew Betances, owner of Energize Us and founder of Energize Us EDU, to break down what’s really holding the skilled trades back—and how to fix it at the cultural level.

Wilson shares why he intentionally took on three different roles in the electrical trade—contractor, inspector, and educator—to understand the entire system and protect himself from the physical demands that burn so many people out. He explains why earning an electrical license is the single biggest unlock in the industry, and why so few apprentices make it there.

RC and Wilson dig into the hard truth: the real crisis isn’t recruiting new people, it’s losing the ones we already have. Wilson details how outdated leadership styles, ego-driven inspections, inconsistent interpretations of electrical code, and a punishing jobsite culture push workers out long before they become experts.

They also explore how Energize Us EDU is redefining training with soft skills, leadership development, digital tools, and fast-growing content designed to surface pain points and guide people toward classes, events, and career pathways.

In this episode you’ll hear: • Why trade culture—not talent—is the biggest barrier
• The licensing bottleneck and why it derails so many apprentices
• How inspection culture creates unnecessary cost and conflict
• Why retention is the real workforce crisis
• The generational gaps shaping leadership and expectations
• How content, storytelling, and digital tools attract new tradespeople
• Why Energize Us EDU focuses on “building builders and leaders”

Episode Timestamps:
(00:00) Trades Change Lives
(00:32) Meet Wilson Matthew Betances
(01:19) Fast‑Track Credentials
(04:40) Sacrifice and Strategy
(07:24) Code Over Ego
(08:57) Challenging Bad Inspections
(12:20) Why He Chose the Trades
(16:00) Falling for Electrical
(17:49) Retention, Not Shortage
(20:30) Fixing Trade Culture
(23:55) Generational Leadership Cycle
(24:43) Waves of Opportunity
(26:01) Breaking Construction Status Quo
(26:46) Why He Creates Content
(27:24) Industry Pain Points and Inspectors
(29:18) Content Strategy and Viral Topics
(32:08) Analytics Wins and Building a Team
(34:10) Energize Us EDU Mission
(35:44) Recruiting Trades in the Digital Age
(38:30) Authenticity and Setting Expectations
(40:51) Lightning Round + AI Workflow
(44:15) Misconceptions and the Future of the Trades
(47:06) Where to Find Energize Us

About the Guest:
Wilson Matthew Betances is the owner of Energize Us and founder of Energize Us EDU, organizations dedicated to modernizing the skilled trades through apprenticeship training, soft skills, leadership development, and content-driven education. With experience as a contractor, inspector, and educator, Wilson has a 360° view of the electrical industry. His mission is to transform trade culture, improve retention, and “build builders and leaders” for the next generation.

Links & Resources:

• Wilson Matthew Betances on LinkedIn

• RC Victorino on LinkedIn

• Energize Us EDU

• Learn more at BuildOps.com


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]>https://commercial-grade.simplecast.com/episodes/tbd-MaTqZ9y53bb2d973-5663-428a-9ec1-0597204a138bWed, 25 Mar 2026 11:00:00 GMT<p> In this episode of Commercial Grade, host RC Victorino sits down with Wilson Matthew Betances, owner of Energize Us and founder of Energize Us EDU, to break down what’s really holding the skilled trades back—and how to fix it at the cultural level.</p> <p>Wilson shares why he intentionally took on three different roles in the electrical trade—contractor, inspector, and educator—to understand the entire system and protect himself from the physical demands that burn so many people out. He explains why earning an electrical license is the single biggest unlock in the industry, and why so few apprentices make it there.</p> <p>RC and Wilson dig into the hard truth: the real crisis isn’t recruiting new people, it’s losing the ones we already have. Wilson details how outdated leadership styles, ego-driven inspections, inconsistent interpretations of electrical code, and a punishing jobsite culture push workers out long before they become experts.</p> <p>They also explore how Energize Us EDU is redefining training with soft skills, leadership development, digital tools, and fast-growing content designed to surface pain points and guide people toward classes, events, and career pathways.</p> <p>In this episode you’ll hear: • Why trade culture—not talent—is the biggest barrier<br /> • The licensing bottleneck and why it derails so many apprentices<br /> • How inspection culture creates unnecessary cost and conflict<br /> • Why retention is the real workforce crisis<br /> • The generational gaps shaping leadership and expectations<br /> • How content, storytelling, and digital tools attract new tradespeople<br /> • Why Energize Us EDU focuses on “building builders and leaders”</p> <p>Episode Timestamps:<br /> (00:00) Trades Change Lives<br /> (00:32) Meet Wilson Matthew Betances<br /> (01:19) Fast‑Track Credentials<br /> (04:40) Sacrifice and Strategy<br /> (07:24) Code Over Ego<br /> (08:57) Challenging Bad Inspections<br /> (12:20) Why He Chose the Trades<br /> (16:00) Falling for Electrical<br /> (17:49) Retention, Not Shortage<br /> (20:30) Fixing Trade Culture<br /> (23:55) Generational Leadership Cycle<br /> (24:43) Waves of Opportunity<br /> (26:01) Breaking Construction Status Quo<br /> (26:46) Why He Creates Content<br /> (27:24) Industry Pain Points and Inspectors<br /> (29:18) Content Strategy and Viral Topics<br /> (32:08) Analytics Wins and Building a Team<br /> (34:10) Energize Us EDU Mission<br /> (35:44) Recruiting Trades in the Digital Age<br /> (38:30) Authenticity and Setting Expectations<br /> (40:51) Lightning Round + AI Workflow<br /> (44:15) Misconceptions and the Future of the Trades<br /> (47:06) Where to Find Energize Us</p> <p>About the Guest:<br /> Wilson Matthew Betances is the owner of Energize Us and founder of Energize Us EDU, organizations dedicated to modernizing the skilled trades through apprenticeship training, soft skills, leadership development, and content-driven education. With experience as a contractor, inspector, and educator, Wilson has a 360° view of the electrical industry. His mission is to transform trade culture, improve retention, and “build builders and leaders” for the next generation.</p> <p>Links &amp; Resources:</p> <p>• Wilson Matthew Betances on <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/energizeus/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">LinkedIn</a><br /><br /> • RC Victorino on <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/rcvictorino/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">LinkedIn</a></p> <p>• <a href="https://energizeus-edu.today/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">Energize Us EDU</a></p> <p>• Learn more at<a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow"> BuildOps.com</a></p><br /> <p>Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See <a href="https://pcm.adswizz.com" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">pcm.adswizz.com</a> for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.</p>no00:47:549Building Builders: Wilson Matthew Betances on Fixing Trade Culturefull<![CDATA[The Trades Don’t Run on Shortcuts: Rich Malachy on Building What Lasts]]>The Trades Don’t Run on Shortcuts: Rich Malachy on Building What Lasts

Episode Summary:

Real leadership isn’t flashy. Rich Malachy shares what it takes to build culture, earn trust, and grow a trades business the right way.

Episode Description:

In this episode of Commercial Grade, host RC Victorino sits down with Rich Malachy, CEO of Malachy Cares, for a candid conversation about leadership, culture, and the intelligence behind trade work that often goes unrecognized.

Rich walks through his journey from joining the family business—after realizing college wasn’t the right fit—to eventually taking over operations from his father. Along the way, he learned firsthand that success in the trades isn’t about shortcuts or hype, but about values, consistency, and people.

RC and Rich explore how strong company culture is built, why succession planning matters, and how branding and social media have become essential tools for attracting talent and earning customer trust. They also dig into the evolving role of AI in the trades, how to measure ROI on content, and why genuine leadership still matters more than any tool or platform.

In this episode you’ll hear:

  • Why the trades require more intelligence and problem-solving than most people realize
  • How Rich navigated college, career uncertainty, and leadership transition
  • What strong core values look like in real service businesses
  • Why culture is the foundation of growth and retention
  • How Malachy Cares uses social media and branding intentionally
  • What AI could mean for the future of the trades
  • Why genuine leadership can’t be automated

     

Episode Timestamps:

(00:00) Introduction to the Trades
(00:20) Meet the Host and Guest
(01:10) Rich Malachy’s Journey into the Trades
(02:50) College Experience and Career Choices
(04:48) Building the Business
(07:15) Core Values and Company Culture
(09:46) Succession Planning and Legacy
(12:34) Social Media, Branding, and Visibility
(21:50) Building a Media Team
(22:17) Using Social Media for Business Growth
(23:25) Content Creation Strategies
(24:39) Engagement, Metrics, and ROI
(28:14) Industry Events and Vlogs
(30:06) AI and the Future of the Trades
(34:18) Career Paths in Skilled Trades
(36:13) Lightning Round
(40:37) Conclusion and Contact Information

About the Guest:

Rich Malachy is the CEO of Malachy Cares, a service-driven organization rooted in the skilled trades. Raised in a family business, Rich worked his way through the realities of trade work, leadership transitions, and succession planning before stepping into ownership. Today, he’s a vocal advocate for company culture, modern branding, and using technology—without losing the fundamentals that make great service companies last.

Links & Resources:

RC’s LinkedIn

Learn more about Rich Malachy

Learn more at BuildOps.com


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]>https://commercial-grade.simplecast.com/episodes/the-trades-dont-run-on-shortcuts-rich-malachy-on-building-what-lasts-gzw-0yap-Vw2KqtC6864f83a0-b6a2-4361-b345-954ef5f6dac8Wed, 04 Feb 2026 18:00:00 GMT<p>The Trades Don’t Run on Shortcuts: Rich Malachy on Building What Lasts</p><h3>Episode Summary:</h3><p>Real leadership isn’t flashy. Rich Malachy shares what it takes to build culture, earn trust, and grow a trades business the right way.</p><h3>Episode Description:</h3><p>In this episode of <i>Commercial Grade</i>, host RC Victorino sits down with Rich Malachy, CEO of Malachy Cares, for a candid conversation about leadership, culture, and the intelligence behind trade work that often goes unrecognized.</p><p>Rich walks through his journey from joining the family business—after realizing college wasn’t the right fit—to eventually taking over operations from his father. Along the way, he learned firsthand that success in the trades isn’t about shortcuts or hype, but about values, consistency, and people.</p><p>RC and Rich explore how strong company culture is built, why succession planning matters, and how branding and social media have become essential tools for attracting talent and earning customer trust. They also dig into the evolving role of AI in the trades, how to measure ROI on content, and why genuine leadership still matters more than any tool or platform.</p><p>In this episode you’ll hear:</p><ul><li>Why the trades require more intelligence and problem-solving than most people realize</li><li>How Rich navigated college, career uncertainty, and leadership transition</li><li>What strong core values look like in real service businesses</li><li>Why culture is the foundation of growth and retention</li><li>How Malachy Cares uses social media and branding intentionally</li><li>What AI could mean for the future of the trades</li><li>Why genuine leadership can’t be automated<br /><br /> </li></ul><h3>Episode Timestamps:</h3><p>(00:00) Introduction to the Trades<br />(00:20) Meet the Host and Guest<br />(01:10) Rich Malachy’s Journey into the Trades<br />(02:50) College Experience and Career Choices<br />(04:48) Building the Business<br />(07:15) Core Values and Company Culture<br />(09:46) Succession Planning and Legacy<br />(12:34) Social Media, Branding, and Visibility<br />(21:50) Building a Media Team<br />(22:17) Using Social Media for Business Growth<br />(23:25) Content Creation Strategies<br />(24:39) Engagement, Metrics, and ROI<br />(28:14) Industry Events and Vlogs<br />(30:06) AI and the Future of the Trades<br />(34:18) Career Paths in Skilled Trades<br />(36:13) Lightning Round<br />(40:37) Conclusion and Contact Information<br /><br />About the Guest:</p><p>Rich Malachy is the CEO of Malachy Cares, a service-driven organization rooted in the skilled trades. Raised in a family business, Rich worked his way through the realities of trade work, leadership transitions, and succession planning before stepping into ownership. Today, he’s a vocal advocate for company culture, modern branding, and using technology—without losing the fundamentals that make great service companies last.</p><h3>Links &amp; Resources:</h3><p>RC’s <a href="linkedin.com/in/rcvictorino/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">LinkedIn</a></p><p>Learn more about <a href="https://richmalachy.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">Rich Malachy</a></p><p>Learn more at <a href="https://buildops.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">BuildOps.com</a></p><br /> <p>Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See <a href="https://pcm.adswizz.com" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">pcm.adswizz.com</a> for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.</p>no00:41:356The Trades Don’t Run on Shortcuts: Rich Malachy on Building What Lastsfull<![CDATA[Welcome to Commercial Grade!]]>What makes a contractor commercial grade? It’s not the size of your crew or the trucks you drive - it’s how you show up when it matters.

Hosted by RC Victorino of BuildOps, Commercial Grade goes behind the scenes with industry leaders, innovators, and experts shaping the future of commercial contracting.

From leadership on the jobsite to game-changing tech in the back office, every episode delivers real-world stories and hard-earned lessons for contractors who take pride in building what others depend on.

This is Commercial Grade. A podcast from BuildOps.


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]>https://commercial-grade.simplecast.com/episodes/welcome-to-commercial-grade-4Z_i_lrMc7b95c94-c521-4547-820c-971675c3496cFri, 07 Nov 2025 21:29:09 GMT<p>What makes a contractor commercial grade? It’s not the size of your crew or the trucks you drive - it’s how you show up when it matters.</p><p>Hosted by RC Victorino of BuildOps, Commercial Grade goes behind the scenes with industry leaders, innovators, and experts shaping the future of commercial contracting.</p><p>From leadership on the jobsite to game-changing tech in the back office, every episode delivers real-world stories and hard-earned lessons for contractors who take pride in building what others depend on.</p><p>This is Commercial Grade. A podcast from BuildOps.</p><br /> <p>Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See <a href="https://pcm.adswizz.com" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">pcm.adswizz.com</a> for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.</p>no00:00:38Welcome to Commercial Grade!trailer<![CDATA[Leading by Example: Angie Simon on Empowering Women in the Industry]]>In this episode of Commercial Grade, host RC Victorino sits down with Angie Simon — past President and CEO of Western Allied Mechanical, and the driving force behind Heavy Metal Summer Experience — to explore what it takes to lead, inspire, and reshape an industry.

From her early days as one of the few female project managers in HVAC to spearheading national initiatives for workforce development and diversity, Angie has spent her career making the trades more inclusive and accessible.

Find out what it was like entering the industry as a young woman, why inclusivity is essential for the future of construction, and how technology is reshaping mechanical contracting.

Angie Simon is the Co-founder and President of Heavy Metal Summer Experience, a nationwide program introducing high school students to rewarding careers in the skilled trades. She is also the past President and CEO of Western Allied Mechanical, where she spent decades championing innovation, safety, and leadership development.

Angie currently leads multiple national initiatives focused on workforce development and inclusivity, including SMACNA’s Be4All program. A recognized industry leader, she continues to mentor young professionals, advocate for women in construction, and build pathways for the future workforce.
 

Episode Timestamps:

(00:00) Introduction and Safety Culture Evolution
(00:20) Meet Angie Simon: Trailblazer in the Trades
(02:01) Angie’s Journey into the Trades
(04:16) Falling in Love with HVAC
(12:39) Challenges and Triumphs as a Female Project Manager
(20:18) The Importance of Inclusivity in Construction
(24:06) Promoting Inclusiveness in the Workplace
(24:41) Initiatives for a Diverse Workforce
(26:17) Heavy Metal Summer Experience
(28:46) Impact Stories from the Camps
(31:53) Challenges and Changes in Education
(36:11) Technological Advancements in Construction
(38:43) Growth and Future of the Camps
(40:12) Personal Reflections and Advice
(41:45) Lightning Round: Quick Insights
(45:34) Conclusion and Final Thoughts


Links & Resources:


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]>https://commercial-grade.simplecast.com/episodes/leading-by-example-angie-simon-on-empowering-women-in-the-industry-PN86IDSBef9afc25-cd68-41f8-936c-33acafc4834dThu, 04 Dec 2025 00:09:03 GMT<p>In this episode of Commercial Grade, host RC Victorino sits down with Angie Simon — past President and CEO of Western Allied Mechanical, and the driving force behind Heavy Metal Summer Experience — to explore what it takes to lead, inspire, and reshape an industry.</p><p>From her early days as one of the few female project managers in HVAC to spearheading national initiatives for workforce development and diversity, Angie has spent her career making the trades more inclusive and accessible.</p><p>Find out what it was like entering the industry as a young woman, why inclusivity is essential for the future of construction, and how technology is reshaping mechanical contracting.<br /><br />Angie Simon is the Co-founder and President of Heavy Metal Summer Experience, a nationwide program introducing high school students to rewarding careers in the skilled trades. She is also the past President and CEO of Western Allied Mechanical, where she spent decades championing innovation, safety, and leadership development.</p><p>Angie currently leads multiple national initiatives focused on workforce development and inclusivity, including SMACNA’s Be4All program. A recognized industry leader, she continues to mentor young professionals, advocate for women in construction, and build pathways for the future workforce.<br /> </p><p>Episode Timestamps:</p><p>(00:00) Introduction and Safety Culture Evolution<br />(00:20) Meet Angie Simon: Trailblazer in the Trades<br />(02:01) Angie’s Journey into the Trades<br />(04:16) Falling in Love with HVAC<br />(12:39) Challenges and Triumphs as a Female Project Manager<br />(20:18) The Importance of Inclusivity in Construction<br />(24:06) Promoting Inclusiveness in the Workplace<br />(24:41) Initiatives for a Diverse Workforce<br />(26:17) Heavy Metal Summer Experience<br />(28:46) Impact Stories from the Camps<br />(31:53) Challenges and Changes in Education<br />(36:11) Technological Advancements in Construction<br />(38:43) Growth and Future of the Camps<br />(40:12) Personal Reflections and Advice<br />(41:45) Lightning Round: Quick Insights<br />(45:34) Conclusion and Final Thoughts</p><p><br />Links &amp; Resources:</p><ul><li>RC’s<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/rcvictorino/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow"> LinkedIn</a></li><li>Angie’s <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/angie-simon-pe-666744/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">LinkedIn</a></li><li>Learn more about <a href="https://www.hmse.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">Heavy Metal Summer Experience</a></li><li>Learn more about <a href="https://www.westernallied.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">Western Allied Mechanical</a></li><li>Learn more about <a href="https://www.smacna.org/business-resources/industry-resources/be4all" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">SMACNA’s Be4All Program</a></li><li>Learn more at <a href="http://buildops.com" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">BuildOps.com</a></li></ul><br /> <p>Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See <a href="https://pcm.adswizz.com" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">pcm.adswizz.com</a> for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.</p>no00:46:162Leading by Example: Angie Simon on Empowering Women in the Industryfull<![CDATA[Passing the Torch: Manja Horner on Training the Next Generation Faster]]>In this episode of Commercial Grade, host RC Victorino sits down with Manja Horner, founder and CEO of Boost ld and author of the upcoming book Pass the Torch. With a background that spans historic restoration, music education, homeschooling, and corporate training, Manja brings a unique perspective to the workforce crisis unfolding across the trades.

Manja shares early memories from her father’s all‑girls restoration crew and how witnessing poor restoration work later in life pushed her to focus on training systems that actually work. She breaks down why skilled labor shortages continue to worsen, how tribal knowledge is disappearing as older workers retire, and why structured “skill stacking” and multi‑year onboarding pathways are essential for accelerating competency.

RC and Manja explore why employers struggle to run effective apprenticeship programs, why younger owners tend to embrace digital tools and systematic training, and how improved career roadmaps can boost both retention and productivity. They also discuss AI’s potential impact on workforce development, the need for early exposure to shop class and hands‑on learning, and the urgency of documenting decades of craftsmanship before it’s too late.

In this episode you’ll hear:
• Why the trades are losing tribal knowledge faster than it’s being replaced
• How Manja’s journey from violin teacher to CEO shaped her approach to training
• What “skill stacking” looks like in real workforce programs
• Why structured roadmaps dramatically improve retention
• What Gen Z really wants from employers
• How AI will shift both training and the trades workforce
• Why craftsmanship must be intentionally preserved
• How to rebuild the shop‑class pipeline for the next generation

Episode Timestamps:
(00:00) Skilled Trades Industry Wake‑Up
(00:18) Meet Manja Horner
(01:09) All‑Girls Restoration Crew
(03:20) Craftsmanship, Heritage, and Early Influence
(04:57) Music Background and Teaching Roots
(07:24) Homeschooling and Mentorship
(09:53) Early Digital Shift with QuickBooks
(11:14) From Corporate Training to CEO
(13:32) The Brick‑Dust Turning Point
(15:27) Skill Stacking to Close Workforce Gaps
(20:55) Making Training Real on the Job
(22:41) Training Roadmaps that Boost Retention
(24:34) Career Pathways that Keep People in the Trades
(25:26) What Gen Z Wants from Employers
(26:42) Apprenticeship Challenges for Employers
(28:18) AI and Workforce Transformation
(30:06) Pass the Torch — Book Preview
(32:28) Capturing Tribal Knowledge
(33:51) Attracting the Next Generation
(34:42) Rebuilding the Shop‑Class Pipeline
(39:10) Incentives, Stigma, and Youth Exposure
(40:45) Repair and Restoration Skills
(41:39) Lightning Round and Wrap‑Up

About the Guest:
Manja Horner is the founder and CEO of Boost ld, an Ontario‑based company specializing in HR, skills development, and training for the skilled trades. Her career has spanned historic restoration, music education, homeschooling, and corporate training — giving her a unique lens on how people learn and how craftsmanship is transferred between generations. Manja is the author of the upcoming book Pass the Torch, which explores solutions to the skilled labor shortage, including structured onboarding, skill stacking, and capturing tribal knowledge before it disappears. She works with trade businesses across North America to modernize workforce development and build training that is faster, clearer, and more effective.

Links & Resources:
RC’s LinkedIn
Manja Horner on LinkedIn
Pass the Torch
Learn more about Boost ld
Learn more at BuildOps.com


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]>https://commercial-grade.simplecast.com/episodes/passing-the-torch-manja-horner-on-training-the-next-generation-faster-bFG9MHSr1d395d91-2fa8-44a4-9fce-c711ad06e28cWed, 04 Mar 2026 12:00:00 GMT<p>In this episode of Commercial Grade, host RC Victorino sits down with Manja Horner, founder and CEO of Boost ld and author of the upcoming book <i>Pass the Torch</i>. With a background that spans historic restoration, music education, homeschooling, and corporate training, Manja brings a unique perspective to the workforce crisis unfolding across the trades.</p> <p>Manja shares early memories from her father’s all‑girls restoration crew and how witnessing poor restoration work later in life pushed her to focus on training systems that actually work. She breaks down why skilled labor shortages continue to worsen, how tribal knowledge is disappearing as older workers retire, and why structured “skill stacking” and multi‑year onboarding pathways are essential for accelerating competency.</p> <p>RC and Manja explore why employers struggle to run effective apprenticeship programs, why younger owners tend to embrace digital tools and systematic training, and how improved career roadmaps can boost both retention and productivity. They also discuss AI’s potential impact on workforce development, the need for early exposure to shop class and hands‑on learning, and the urgency of documenting decades of craftsmanship before it’s too late.</p> <p>In this episode you’ll hear:<br /> • Why the trades are losing tribal knowledge faster than it’s being replaced<br /> • How Manja’s journey from violin teacher to CEO shaped her approach to training<br /> • What “skill stacking” looks like in real workforce programs<br /> • Why structured roadmaps dramatically improve retention<br /> • What Gen Z really wants from employers<br /> • How AI will shift both training and the trades workforce<br /> • Why craftsmanship must be intentionally preserved<br /> • How to rebuild the shop‑class pipeline for the next generation</p> <p>Episode Timestamps:<br /> (00:00) Skilled Trades Industry Wake‑Up<br /> (00:18) Meet Manja Horner<br /> (01:09) All‑Girls Restoration Crew<br /> (03:20) Craftsmanship, Heritage, and Early Influence<br /> (04:57) Music Background and Teaching Roots<br /> (07:24) Homeschooling and Mentorship<br /> (09:53) Early Digital Shift with QuickBooks<br /> (11:14) From Corporate Training to CEO<br /> (13:32) The Brick‑Dust Turning Point<br /> (15:27) Skill Stacking to Close Workforce Gaps<br /> (20:55) Making Training Real on the Job<br /> (22:41) Training Roadmaps that Boost Retention<br /> (24:34) Career Pathways that Keep People in the Trades<br /> (25:26) What Gen Z Wants from Employers<br /> (26:42) Apprenticeship Challenges for Employers<br /> (28:18) AI and Workforce Transformation<br /> (30:06) Pass the Torch — Book Preview<br /> (32:28) Capturing Tribal Knowledge<br /> (33:51) Attracting the Next Generation<br /> (34:42) Rebuilding the Shop‑Class Pipeline<br /> (39:10) Incentives, Stigma, and Youth Exposure<br /> (40:45) Repair and Restoration Skills<br /> (41:39) Lightning Round and Wrap‑Up</p> <p>About the Guest:<br /> Manja Horner is the founder and CEO of Boost ld, an Ontario‑based company specializing in HR, skills development, and training for the skilled trades. Her career has spanned historic restoration, music education, homeschooling, and corporate training — giving her a unique lens on how people learn and how craftsmanship is transferred between generations. Manja is the author of the upcoming book <i>Pass the Torch</i>, which explores solutions to the skilled labor shortage, including structured onboarding, skill stacking, and capturing tribal knowledge before it disappears. She works with trade businesses across North America to modernize workforce development and build training that is faster, clearer, and more effective.</p> <p>Links &amp; Resources:<br /> RC’s<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/rcvictorino/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow"> LinkedIn</a><br /> Manja Horner on <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/manja-horner/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">LinkedIn</a><br /><a href="https://www.boostld.com/pass-the-torch-book" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">Pass the Torch</a><br /> Learn more about <a href="https://www.boostld.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">Boost ld</a><br /> Learn more at <a href="http://buildops.com" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">BuildOps.com</a></p><br /> <p>Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See <a href="https://pcm.adswizz.com" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">pcm.adswizz.com</a> for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.</p>no00:46:538Passing the Torch: Manja Horner on Training the Next Generation Fasterfull<![CDATA[The HVAC Disruptor: Omar Essam on the Problems This Industry Should Have Solved 50 Years Ago]]>In this episode of Commercial Grade, host RC Victorino sits down with Omar Essam - HVAC engineer, founder, and self-described industry disruptor - to get into the real engineering problems behind the data center mega boom and what they mean for mechanical contractors, technicians, and the grid.

Omar came to HVAC by accident as a fresh engineering graduate, but quickly became fascinated by an industry that had been around for centuries and still couldn't solve basic problems. That curiosity never left. Today, with 50-plus global projects under his belt and experience spanning manufacturing, contracting, design, and operations, Omar sees the industry from every angle, and he's not shy about what he sees.

The conversation covers why new data center equipment is being rushed to market largely untested at scale, why the universal technician is dead, and why the coming wave of retirements couldn't be hitting at a worse time. Omar also makes the case that HVAC isn't a comfort amenity anymore - it's critical infrastructure - and that the power grid is 20 to 30 years behind where it needs to be to support everything being built right now.

His proposed solution? Small modular nuclear reactors. And he's already working on it.

In this episode you'll hear:

  • Why Omar got his MBA, and why he started businesses specifically to practice what he was learning
  • What drew him to HVAC: a centuries-old industry that still hasn't solved basic problems
  • What it means to be a disruptor in a standardized industry, and why that makes him uncomfortable to work with
  • Why data center equipment is being deployed at massive scale before it's truly been tested at that scale
  • Why the universal technician is gone, and what contractor specialization will look like going forward
  • The retention problem: why high technician turnover is incompatible with the data center business model
  • Why trade schools are teaching the right fundamentals but graduating techs who've never touched five-year-old equipment
  • The Apple vs. open-source problem in HVAC: proprietary systems, cybersecurity, and who gets to work on what
  • Why HVAC is no longer a comfort system, it's critical infrastructure, and downtime means millions lost per hour
  • Why the U.S. power grid is 20 to 30 years behind development, and what small modular nuclear reactors could do about it

Episode Timestamps:

[00:00] HVAC's Unsolved Problems: Intriguing and Shocking at the Same Time

[00:30] Welcome and Guest Introduction: Omar Essam, HVAC Disruptor

[01:32] Congratulations on the MBA — and Why He Got It

[03:43] Starting Businesses to Practice What He Was Learning

[05:09] How Omar Got Into HVAC — Completely by Accident

[06:20] Why These Problems Still Exist: The Financial Reality of Mass Production

[09:06] What It Means to Be an HVAC Disruptor

[12:44] Data Centers, Hyperscale Demand, and What It's Doing to the Industry

[14:26] Supply Chain, Manpower, and Why Everyone Is Falling Behind

[18:39] New Systems, New Skills: Who's Responsible for Training?

[24:09] Keeping Techs on Your Team — Why Turnover Kills the Data Center Model

[27:51] The Death of the Universal Technician

[30:27] Will Compensation Finally Catch Up to the Complexity?

[32:46] HVAC Isn't Comfort Anymore — It's Critical Infrastructure

[36:15] Small Modular Nuclear Reactors: Omar's Proposed Solution

[41:01] Lightning Round

[43:00] Wrap-Up and Closing

About the Guest:

Omar Essam is an HVAC engineer, founder, and self-described industry disruptor with over 50 global projects completed in the past five years alone. His career spans nearly every role in the mechanical industry — manufacturer, contractor, designer, operator — giving him an unusually complete view of where the industry works and where it breaks down. Trained as an engineer and recently credentialed with an MBA, Omar is currently working on design standards for small modular nuclear reactor integration with data center infrastructure. He is known for challenging standard designs, pushing for energy optimization, and asking the questions that make the room uncomfortable.

Links & Resources:

Omar Essam on LinkedIn

Learn more at BuildOps.com


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]>https://commercial-grade.simplecast.com/episodes/the-hvac-disruptor-omar-essam-on-the-problems-this-industry-should-have-solved-50-years-ago-005g_qLhd235ba91-db12-4927-8215-480fdc049f46Wed, 17 Jun 2026 07:00:00 GMT<p>In this episode of Commercial Grade, host RC Victorino sits down with Omar Essam - HVAC engineer, founder, and self-described industry disruptor - to get into the real engineering problems behind the data center mega boom and what they mean for mechanical contractors, technicians, and the grid.</p> <p>Omar came to HVAC by accident as a fresh engineering graduate, but quickly became fascinated by an industry that had been around for centuries and still couldn't solve basic problems. That curiosity never left. Today, with 50-plus global projects under his belt and experience spanning manufacturing, contracting, design, and operations, Omar sees the industry from every angle, and he's not shy about what he sees.</p> <p>The conversation covers why new data center equipment is being rushed to market largely untested at scale, why the universal technician is dead, and why the coming wave of retirements couldn't be hitting at a worse time. Omar also makes the case that HVAC isn't a comfort amenity anymore - it's critical infrastructure - and that the power grid is 20 to 30 years behind where it needs to be to support everything being built right now.</p> <p>His proposed solution? Small modular nuclear reactors. And he's already working on it.</p> <p><strong>In this episode you'll hear:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Why Omar got his MBA, and why he started businesses specifically to practice what he was learning</li> <li>What drew him to HVAC: a centuries-old industry that still hasn't solved basic problems</li> <li>What it means to be a disruptor in a standardized industry, and why that makes him uncomfortable to work with</li> <li>Why data center equipment is being deployed at massive scale before it's truly been tested at that scale</li> <li>Why the universal technician is gone, and what contractor specialization will look like going forward</li> <li>The retention problem: why high technician turnover is incompatible with the data center business model</li> <li>Why trade schools are teaching the right fundamentals but graduating techs who've never touched five-year-old equipment</li> <li>The Apple vs. open-source problem in HVAC: proprietary systems, cybersecurity, and who gets to work on what</li> <li>Why HVAC is no longer a comfort system, it's critical infrastructure, and downtime means millions lost per hour</li> <li>Why the U.S. power grid is 20 to 30 years behind development, and what small modular nuclear reactors could do about it</li> </ul> <p><strong>Episode Timestamps:</strong></p> <p>[00:00] HVAC's Unsolved Problems: Intriguing and Shocking at the Same Time</p> <p>[00:30] Welcome and Guest Introduction: Omar Essam, HVAC Disruptor</p> <p>[01:32] Congratulations on the MBA — and Why He Got It</p> <p>[03:43] Starting Businesses to Practice What He Was Learning</p> <p>[05:09] How Omar Got Into HVAC — Completely by Accident</p> <p>[06:20] Why These Problems Still Exist: The Financial Reality of Mass Production</p> <p>[09:06] What It Means to Be an HVAC Disruptor</p> <p>[12:44] Data Centers, Hyperscale Demand, and What It's Doing to the Industry</p> <p>[14:26] Supply Chain, Manpower, and Why Everyone Is Falling Behind</p> <p>[18:39] New Systems, New Skills: Who's Responsible for Training?</p> <p>[24:09] Keeping Techs on Your Team — Why Turnover Kills the Data Center Model</p> <p>[27:51] The Death of the Universal Technician</p> <p>[30:27] Will Compensation Finally Catch Up to the Complexity?</p> <p>[32:46] HVAC Isn't Comfort Anymore — It's Critical Infrastructure</p> <p>[36:15] Small Modular Nuclear Reactors: Omar's Proposed Solution</p> <p>[41:01] Lightning Round</p> <p>[43:00] Wrap-Up and Closing</p> <p><strong>About the Guest:</strong></p> <p>Omar Essam is an HVAC engineer, founder, and self-described industry disruptor with over 50 global projects completed in the past five years alone. His career spans nearly every role in the mechanical industry — manufacturer, contractor, designer, operator — giving him an unusually complete view of where the industry works and where it breaks down. Trained as an engineer and recently credentialed with an MBA, Omar is currently working on design standards for small modular nuclear reactor integration with data center infrastructure. He is known for challenging standard designs, pushing for energy optimization, and asking the questions that make the room uncomfortable.</p> <p>Links &amp; Resources:</p> <p><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/omar-essam-hvac/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">Omar Essam on LinkedIn</a></p> <p><a href="https://buildops.com" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">Learn more at BuildOps.com</a></p><br /> <p>Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See <a href="https://pcm.adswizz.com" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">pcm.adswizz.com</a> for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.</p>no00:43:3113The HVAC Disruptor: Omar Essam on the Problems This Industry Should Have Solved 50 Years Agofull<![CDATA["Why Didn't You Tell Me Sooner?": Andy Bergmann on the Cost of Avoiding Hard Conversations]]>In this episode of Commercial Grade, host RC Victorino sits down with Andy Bergmann, founder and communication trainer at Mavix Coaching, to unpack why the trades have a communication problem and what it actually takes to fix it.

Andy’s path started in the shop floor, moved through project management and HR, and eventually led him to launch Mavix Coaching, a company built specifically to help construction and trade business owners stop being the adult in the room for every people problem. He shares how a single emotional moment with a high-performing foreman changed the trajectory of his career and why avoiding hard conversations does far more damage than having them.

The conversation goes deep on what communication really means in the field—the gap between leadership’s intentions and how crews actually feel, why email wars are killing contractor relationships, and why role-playing uncomfortable conversations is the only way to get better at them. Andy also makes the case that learning to take feedback without defensiveness might be the single most valuable skill a leader in the trades can develop.

Perhaps most surprising: the skills Andy teaches at work don’t just stay at work. Clients regularly tell him the training saved their marriages, improved relationships with their kids, and changed who they are as people, not just as managers.

In this episode you’ll hear:

  • Why getting promoted for being good at your job doesn’t make you good at managing people
  • The foreman story that changed Andy’s career, and what it reveals about avoiding hard conversations
  • How miscommunication (not bad intent) is the root of most workplace dysfunction
  • Why training mid-level managers without training their leaders almost always backfires
  • The role-play method Andy uses to build real communication skills—and why people hate it at first
  • What emotional intelligence looks like in practice on a jobsite
  • Why taking feedback without defensiveness is worth a $50,000 raise
  • How the skills learned in Andy’s programs end up saving marriages and changing family dynamics

Episode Timestamps:

[00:00] The Feedback That’s Worth $50K

[00:013] Welcome and Guest Introduction: Andy Bergmann of Mavix Coaching

[01:11] How Andy Got His Start: From the Shop Floor to HR

[04:05] Why Job Sites Break Down

[06:59] What Is Mavix Coaching and How Did It Start?

[9:43] The Foreman Story: Why Avoiding Hard Conversations Does Real Damage

[12:18] Vulnerability, Feedback, and Leadership

[13:22] Scripts, Role-Play, and How Communication Skills Are Actually Built

[15:34] How Andy Gets Reluctant Participants to Buy In

[17:40] Modern Communication Challenges

[19:52] Emotional Intelligence in the Field

(21:37) Culture Starts at the Top: Why Leadership Training Comes First

[25:28] AI, Human Connection, and the Future of Communication

[27:13] Communication Beyond Work

[31:45] Taking Critique Without Defensiveness

(33:27) Lightning Round

(36:36) Wrap-Up and Where to Find Andy

About the Guest:

Andy Bergmann is the founder and lead communication trainer at Mavix Coaching, where he works with owners of construction and trade companies who are tired of being the adult in the room for every people problem. Andy’s career started in the shop for a contractor and moved through project management, HR, and employee development before he launched Mavix. Today he runs four-day in-person training programs and one-on-one coaching sessions that help trade leaders build real communication skills—from giving hard feedback to listening without defensiveness—skills that, according to his clients, don’t just change their workplaces. They change their lives.

Links & Resources:


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]>https://commercial-grade.simplecast.com/episodes/why-didnt-you-tell-me-sooner-andy-bergmann-on-the-cost-of-avoiding-hard-conversations-Va2ZZPSV65642965-d80d-4241-839f-c394074187e4Wed, 27 May 2026 18:22:58 GMT<p>In this episode of Commercial Grade, host RC Victorino sits down with Andy Bergmann, founder and communication trainer at Mavix Coaching, to unpack why the trades have a communication problem and what it actually takes to fix it.</p> <p>Andy’s path started in the shop floor, moved through project management and HR, and eventually led him to launch Mavix Coaching, a company built specifically to help construction and trade business owners stop being the adult in the room for every people problem. He shares how a single emotional moment with a high-performing foreman changed the trajectory of his career and why avoiding hard conversations does far more damage than having them.</p> <p>The conversation goes deep on what communication really means in the field—the gap between leadership’s intentions and how crews actually feel, why email wars are killing contractor relationships, and why role-playing uncomfortable conversations is the only way to get better at them. Andy also makes the case that learning to take feedback without defensiveness might be the single most valuable skill a leader in the trades can develop.</p> <p>Perhaps most surprising: the skills Andy teaches at work don’t just stay at work. Clients regularly tell him the training saved their marriages, improved relationships with their kids, and changed who they are as people, not just as managers.</p> <p>In this episode you’ll hear:</p> <ul> <li>Why getting promoted for being good at your job doesn’t make you good at managing people</li> <li>The foreman story that changed Andy’s career, and what it reveals about avoiding hard conversations</li> <li>How miscommunication (not bad intent) is the root of most workplace dysfunction</li> <li>Why training mid-level managers without training their leaders almost always backfires</li> <li>The role-play method Andy uses to build real communication skills—and why people hate it at first</li> <li>What emotional intelligence looks like in practice on a jobsite</li> <li>Why taking feedback without defensiveness is worth a $50,000 raise</li> <li>How the skills learned in Andy’s programs end up saving marriages and changing family dynamics</li> </ul> <p>Episode Timestamps:</p> <p>[00:00] The Feedback That’s Worth $50K</p> <p>[00:013] Welcome and Guest Introduction: Andy Bergmann of Mavix Coaching</p> <p>[01:11] How Andy Got His Start: From the Shop Floor to HR</p> <p>[04:05] Why Job Sites Break Down</p> <p>[06:59] What Is Mavix Coaching and How Did It Start?</p> <p>[9:43] The Foreman Story: Why Avoiding Hard Conversations Does Real Damage</p> <p>[12:18] Vulnerability, Feedback, and Leadership</p> <p>[13:22] Scripts, Role-Play, and How Communication Skills Are Actually Built</p> <p>[15:34] How Andy Gets Reluctant Participants to Buy In</p> <p>[17:40] Modern Communication Challenges</p> <p>[19:52] Emotional Intelligence in the Field</p> <p>(21:37) Culture Starts at the Top: Why Leadership Training Comes First</p> <p>[25:28] AI, Human Connection, and the Future of Communication</p> <p>[27:13] Communication Beyond Work</p> <p>[31:45] Taking Critique Without Defensiveness</p> <p>(33:27) Lightning Round</p> <p>(36:36) Wrap-Up and Where to Find Andy</p> <p>About the Guest:</p> <p>Andy Bergmann is the founder and lead communication trainer at Mavix Coaching, where he works with owners of construction and trade companies who are tired of being the adult in the room for every people problem. Andy’s career started in the shop for a contractor and moved through project management, HR, and employee development before he launched Mavix. Today he runs four-day in-person training programs and one-on-one coaching sessions that help trade leaders build real communication skills—from giving hard feedback to listening without defensiveness—skills that, according to his clients, don’t just change their workplaces. They change their lives.</p> <p>Links &amp; Resources:</p> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/andy-bergmann/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">Andy Bergmann on LinkedIn</a></li> <li><a href="http://mavixcoaching.com" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">Mavix Coaching: mavixcoaching.com</a></li> <li><a href="http://buildops.com" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">Learn more at BuildOps.com</a></li> </ul><br /> <p>Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See <a href="https://pcm.adswizz.com" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">pcm.adswizz.com</a> for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.</p>no00:36:4312"Why Didn't You Tell Me Sooner?": Andy Bergmann on the Cost of Avoiding Hard Conversationsfull<![CDATA[30 Days to Job-Site-Ready: Josh Nieves on Building the Trade Professional Academy]]>In this episode of Commercial Grade, host RC Victorino sits down with Josh Nieves, Director of Craft Workforce Development at Quanta Services and a licensed master electrician who has spent nearly two decades building the pipeline of talent the industry depends on.

Josh's own path started with a vocational elective in 11th grade, and led through 17 years at EJ Electric in New York City, from apprentice to general foreman, before he stepped into workforce development full time. Now he leads the attract, develop, mobilize strategy behind the Trade Professional Academy, an accelerated training pipeline built to get new electricians safety-ready and job-site-ready in as little as 30 days.

The conversation covers what it actually takes to succeed in the trades, why he believes every workforce problem is a leadership problem, how AI is quietly changing the calculus for young people choosing between tech and trade, and why the traditional apprenticeship model, while still the gold standard, can't meet demand on its own.

Josh also opens up about faith, fatherhood, and an amateur boxing record he wouldn't trade for the world, wins, losses, and all.

In this episode you'll hear:

  • How a high school vocational elective in 11th grade turned into a 17-year career at one of the top electrical contractors in the country
  • Why Josh believes an entrepreneurial mindset and a habit of questioning everything are underrated qualities in tradespeople
  • What "workforce development" actually means, and why Josh defines it as attract, develop, and mobilize
  • Why the traditional apprenticeship model, as valuable as it is, can't meet the demand created by data centers and critical infrastructure projects
  • Inside the Trade Professional Academy, Miller Electric's accelerated training pipeline that takes new hires from zero to job-site-ready in 30 days
  • Why Josh believes every workforce problem is ultimately a leadership problem
  • How he bridges the gap between purpose-driven younger workers and security-driven older generations
  • The honest conversation Josh has with every recruit about what the trades really demand physically, and why he'd rather lose a candidate than mislead one
  • Why he thinks the biggest misconception about the trades is that they're just "a dirty job"
  • What his amateur boxing record, and the losses in it, taught him about leadership and growth

Episode Timestamps:

[00:13] Meet Josh Nieves, Director of Craft Workforce Development at Quanta Services

[01:36] How Josh Got Into the Trades

[09:24] Defining Workforce Development: Attract, Develop, Mobilize

[10:35] The Mentorship Gap Josh Kept Seeing on Job Sites

[13:24] Bridging Gen Z, Millennials, and "the Forgotten" Gen X

[18:07] Purpose-Driven vs. Paycheck-Driven Workers

[19:16] Why More Young People Are Looking at the Trades Because of AI

[20:26] The $260,000 Electrician Headlines, and Why Josh Pushes Back on the Hype

[21:34] The Reality of the Job

[23:59] Setting Honest Expectations Before Someone Takes a Spot

[24:44] "Construction Workers Don't Want Another Pizza Party": Trust, Respect, and Fair Pay

[25:47] Are Skilled Laborers Fairly Paid?

[27:04] How Rising Demand Could Reshape Wages in the Trades

[27:47] Toxic Culture in the Trades: "Every Problem We Have Is a Leadership Problem"

[30:53] Is the Apprenticeship Model Still the Right Way to Build a Career in the Trades?

[31:36] The Apprenticeship Bottleneck: 600 Applicants, 60 Seats

[34:47] Inside the Trade Professional Academy: From an 8-Week Program to 30 Days

[36:44] Week One: Safety First, OSHA 10, and a Small Washout Rate

[37:56] Hands-On Training: Tools, Material ID, and Practical Installations

[39:41] The Capstone Project: Pass, Fail, and Graduation Day

(46:04) Wrap-Up and Where to Find Josh

About the Guest:

Josh Nieves is Director of Craft Workforce Development at Quanta Services, where he leads training pipelines built around attracting, developing, and mobilizing talent, including out of Jacksonville-based operating company Miller Electric. A licensed master electrician and contractor with the NYC Department of Buildings and a proud member of IBEW Local Union #3, Josh spent 17 years at EJ Electric, one of the top electrical contractors in the country, rising from apprentice to general foreman. He helped build the Trade Professional Academy, an accelerated training program that prepares new hires for the job site in as little as 30 days. Josh is also the founder of This Hudson Farm, an amateur boxer with USA Boxing, and a Brazilian jiu-jitsu practitioner.

Links & Resources:


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]>https://commercial-grade.simplecast.com/episodes/30-days-to-job-site-ready-josh-nieves-on-building-the-trade-professional-academy-c7JFDXepa25b8cd4-d2c8-4bab-894c-66d48115bbc1Fri, 31 Jul 2026 07:00:00 GMT<p>In this episode of Commercial Grade, host RC Victorino sits down with Josh Nieves, Director of Craft Workforce Development at Quanta Services and a licensed master electrician who has spent nearly two decades building the pipeline of talent the industry depends on.</p> <p>Josh's own path started with a vocational elective in 11th grade, and led through 17 years at EJ Electric in New York City, from apprentice to general foreman, before he stepped into workforce development full time. Now he leads the attract, develop, mobilize strategy behind the Trade Professional Academy, an accelerated training pipeline built to get new electricians safety-ready and job-site-ready in as little as 30 days.</p> <p>The conversation covers what it actually takes to succeed in the trades, why he believes every workforce problem is a leadership problem, how AI is quietly changing the calculus for young people choosing between tech and trade, and why the traditional apprenticeship model, while still the gold standard, can't meet demand on its own.</p> <p>Josh also opens up about faith, fatherhood, and an amateur boxing record he wouldn't trade for the world, wins, losses, and all.</p> <p><strong>In this episode you'll hear:</strong></p> <ul> <li>How a high school vocational elective in 11th grade turned into a 17-year career at one of the top electrical contractors in the country</li> <li>Why Josh believes an entrepreneurial mindset and a habit of questioning everything are underrated qualities in tradespeople</li> <li>What "workforce development" actually means, and why Josh defines it as attract, develop, and mobilize</li> <li>Why the traditional apprenticeship model, as valuable as it is, can't meet the demand created by data centers and critical infrastructure projects</li> <li>Inside the Trade Professional Academy, Miller Electric's accelerated training pipeline that takes new hires from zero to job-site-ready in 30 days</li> <li>Why Josh believes every workforce problem is ultimately a leadership problem</li> <li>How he bridges the gap between purpose-driven younger workers and security-driven older generations</li> <li>The honest conversation Josh has with every recruit about what the trades really demand physically, and why he'd rather lose a candidate than mislead one</li> <li>Why he thinks the biggest misconception about the trades is that they're just "a dirty job"</li> <li>What his amateur boxing record, and the losses in it, taught him about leadership and growth</li> </ul> <p><strong>Episode Timestamps:</strong></p> <p>[00:13] Meet Josh Nieves, Director of Craft Workforce Development at Quanta Services</p> <p>[01:36] How Josh Got Into the Trades</p> <p>[09:24] Defining Workforce Development: Attract, Develop, Mobilize</p> <p>[10:35] The Mentorship Gap Josh Kept Seeing on Job Sites</p> <p>[13:24] Bridging Gen Z, Millennials, and "the Forgotten" Gen X</p> <p>[18:07] Purpose-Driven vs. Paycheck-Driven Workers</p> <p>[19:16] Why More Young People Are Looking at the Trades Because of AI</p> <p>[20:26] The $260,000 Electrician Headlines, and Why Josh Pushes Back on the Hype</p> <p>[21:34] The Reality of the Job</p> <p>[23:59] Setting Honest Expectations Before Someone Takes a Spot</p> <p>[24:44] "Construction Workers Don't Want Another Pizza Party": Trust, Respect, and Fair Pay</p> <p>[25:47] Are Skilled Laborers Fairly Paid?</p> <p>[27:04] How Rising Demand Could Reshape Wages in the Trades</p> <p>[27:47] Toxic Culture in the Trades: "Every Problem We Have Is a Leadership Problem"</p> <p>[30:53] Is the Apprenticeship Model Still the Right Way to Build a Career in the Trades?</p> <p>[31:36] The Apprenticeship Bottleneck: 600 Applicants, 60 Seats</p> <p>[34:47] Inside the Trade Professional Academy: From an 8-Week Program to 30 Days</p> <p>[36:44] Week One: Safety First, OSHA 10, and a Small Washout Rate</p> <p>[37:56] Hands-On Training: Tools, Material ID, and Practical Installations</p> <p>[39:41] The Capstone Project: Pass, Fail, and Graduation Day</p> <p>(46:04) Wrap-Up and Where to Find Josh</p> <p><strong>About the Guest:</strong></p> <p>Josh Nieves is Director of Craft Workforce Development at Quanta Services, where he leads training pipelines built around attracting, developing, and mobilizing talent, including out of Jacksonville-based operating company Miller Electric. A licensed master electrician and contractor with the NYC Department of Buildings and a proud member of IBEW Local Union #3, Josh spent 17 years at EJ Electric, one of the top electrical contractors in the country, rising from apprentice to general foreman. He helped build the Trade Professional Academy, an accelerated training program that prepares new hires for the job site in as little as 30 days. Josh is also the founder of This Hudson Farm, an amateur boxer with USA Boxing, and a Brazilian jiu-jitsu practitioner.</p> <p><strong>Links &amp; Resources:</strong></p> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshnieves/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">Josh Nieves on LinkedIn</a></li> <li><a href="http://buildops.com" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">Learn more at BuildOps.com</a></li> </ul><br /> <p>Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See <a href="https://pcm.adswizz.com" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">pcm.adswizz.com</a> for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.</p>no00:46:401530 Days to Job-Site-Ready: Josh Nieves on Building the Trade Professional Academyfull<![CDATA[Building HVAC Leaders: Curtis Perry Jr. on Service, Training, and the Trades]]> In this episode of Commercial Grade, host RC Victorino sits down with Curtis Perry Jr., an HVAC Service Technician, last year’s Above and Beyond Award winner, for a conversation about service, leadership, and what it really takes to grow in the trades.

Curtis shares how his path started with trade electives in high school, then took shape after a message at church inspired him to learn something hands-on. He initially considered appliance repair, but once he got exposure to HVAC, it clicked—and he’s been building his career ever since.

RC and Curtis talk about the realities of learning in the field, including the challenge of on-the-job training when certain equipment only shows up once in a while. Curtis explains why experience under pressure matters, how repetition builds confidence, and how he developed into a service team lead who helps bridge the gap between technicians and the office.

They also dig into what leadership really means in the trades: being available, caring about your people, investing in training, and helping others improve instead of just expecting results. Curtis explains why “above and beyond” service means going deeper than surface-level checks—it means doing the thorough diagnostic work, understanding the full problem, and earning trust with customers and coworkers alike.

The conversation also explores how the industry can attract more young people through career fairs, social media, and jobsite exposure, along with why the trades aren’t for everyone—and why honesty matters. Curtis also challenges old assumptions about trade careers, especially when it comes to pay, growth, and long-term opportunity.

In this episode, you’ll hear:
• How Curtis found his path into HVAC
• Why hands-on training matters more than theory alone
• The learning gaps that come with real field experience
• What great leadership looks like in service work
• Why “above and beyond” starts with better diagnostics
• How to attract more young people to the trades
• What people still get wrong about HVAC careers

Episode Timestamps:
(00:00) Welcome and guest intro
(00:52) Curtis’s trade origin story
(02:41) Why HVAC won out
(05:55) Learning on the job
(08:52) Becoming a service team lead
(10:52) Defining great leadership
(13:24) The Above and Beyond Award
(17:44) Service mindset and caring for people
(19:00) Attracting new talent to the trades
(23:29) The reality of the work
(27:03) Lightning round
(32:39) Final thoughts and wrap

About the Guest:
Curtis Perry Jr. is an HVAC professional and service team lead based in Columbia, South Carolina. Recognized as last year’s Above and Beyond Award winner by his emplyer, Curtis is known for his commitment to doing the job right, supporting fellow technicians, and leading with care. His career began with trade electives in high school and has grown through hands-on experience, technical development, and a strong service mindset. Today, he helps bridge the gap between the field and the office while mentoring others and advocating for more young people to explore the opportunities available in the trades.

Links & Resources:

• Curtis Perry Jr. on LinkedIn

•  RC Victorino on LinkedIn

• Learn more at BuildOps.com


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]>https://commercial-grade.simplecast.com/episodes/building-hvac-leaders-curtis-perry-jr-on-service-training-and-the-trades-uPO9iYlF3ef6acb5-8161-43a3-9edd-5e2b10614d9eWed, 15 Apr 2026 09:00:00 GMT<p> In this episode of <i>Commercial Grade</i>, host RC Victorino sits down with Curtis Perry Jr., an HVAC Service Technician, last year’s Above and Beyond Award winner, for a conversation about service, leadership, and what it really takes to grow in the trades.</p> <p>Curtis shares how his path started with trade electives in high school, then took shape after a message at church inspired him to learn something hands-on. He initially considered appliance repair, but once he got exposure to HVAC, it clicked—and he’s been building his career ever since.</p> <p>RC and Curtis talk about the realities of learning in the field, including the challenge of on-the-job training when certain equipment only shows up once in a while. Curtis explains why experience under pressure matters, how repetition builds confidence, and how he developed into a service team lead who helps bridge the gap between technicians and the office.</p> <p>They also dig into what leadership really means in the trades: being available, caring about your people, investing in training, and helping others improve instead of just expecting results. Curtis explains why “above and beyond” service means going deeper than surface-level checks—it means doing the thorough diagnostic work, understanding the full problem, and earning trust with customers and coworkers alike.</p> <p>The conversation also explores how the industry can attract more young people through career fairs, social media, and jobsite exposure, along with why the trades aren’t for everyone—and why honesty matters. Curtis also challenges old assumptions about trade careers, especially when it comes to pay, growth, and long-term opportunity.</p> <p>In this episode, you’ll hear:<br /> • How Curtis found his path into HVAC<br /> • Why hands-on training matters more than theory alone<br /> • The learning gaps that come with real field experience<br /> • What great leadership looks like in service work<br /> • Why “above and beyond” starts with better diagnostics<br /> • How to attract more young people to the trades<br /> • What people still get wrong about HVAC careers</p> <p>Episode Timestamps:<br /> (00:00) Welcome and guest intro<br /> (00:52) Curtis’s trade origin story<br /> (02:41) Why HVAC won out<br /> (05:55) Learning on the job<br /> (08:52) Becoming a service team lead<br /> (10:52) Defining great leadership<br /> (13:24) The Above and Beyond Award<br /> (17:44) Service mindset and caring for people<br /> (19:00) Attracting new talent to the trades<br /> (23:29) The reality of the work<br /> (27:03) Lightning round<br /> (32:39) Final thoughts and wrap</p> <p>About the Guest:<br /> Curtis Perry Jr. is an HVAC professional and service team lead based in Columbia, South Carolina. Recognized as last year’s Above and Beyond Award winner by his emplyer, Curtis is known for his commitment to doing the job right, supporting fellow technicians, and leading with care. His career began with trade electives in high school and has grown through hands-on experience, technical development, and a strong service mindset. Today, he helps bridge the gap between the field and the office while mentoring others and advocating for more young people to explore the opportunities available in the trades.</p> <p>Links &amp; Resources:</p> <p>• Curtis Perry Jr. on<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/curtis-perry-jr-967aba213/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow"> LinkedIn</a></p> <p>•  RC Victorino on <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/rcvictorino/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">LinkedIn</a></p> <p>• Learn more at <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">BuildOps.com</a></p><br /> <p>Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See <a href="https://pcm.adswizz.com" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">pcm.adswizz.com</a> for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.</p>no00:32:1510Building HVAC Leaders: Curtis Perry Jr. on Service, Training, and the Tradesfull<![CDATA[The Trades Need the Next Generation: Brooke Laing & Eric Hyatt on Stepping In]]>In this episode of Commercial Grade, host R.C. Victorino sits down with Toronto-based steamfitting apprentices Brooke Laing and Eric Hyatt to talk about labor shortages, apprenticeship life, and what’s really happening on job sites today.

With estimates that 55,000 plumbing apprentices are needed over the next three years to replace retiring workers, Brooke and Eric explain why the labor shortage conversation is often glossed over—and how some union halls may be limiting intake based on short-term work instead of long-term workforce planning.

They share their individual paths into the trades—Brooke’s transition from nursing to welding to union steamfitting, and Eric’s early decision in high school to pursue plumbing before switching unions. They discuss job security, rising wages, benefits, and why strong health coverage matters—especially for Brooke as a type 1 diabetic working in physically demanding environments.

The conversation also tackles mentorship gaps, apprenticeship realities, and the generational divide around women in the trades. Brooke speaks candidly about both supportive colleagues and experiences with harassment, while highlighting the continued culture shift happening across the industry.

They also discuss Sisterhood of the Trades, a growing global community supporting women entering skilled labor, and their own podcast, Two Bolts Short of a Flange, which shares raw, unfiltered apprentice experiences from the field.

This episode is a grounded look at what it takes to enter, survive, and improve the modern trades workforce.

 

Episode Timestamps:

(00:00) Trades Are Booming: The Apprentice Shortage & Rising Wages
(00:22) Welcome + Meet Brooke Laing & Eric Hyatt
(01:17) Brooke’s Path: Nursing to Welding to Steamfitting
(02:04) Eric’s Path: Plumbing to Union Steamfitting
(04:48) Benefits & Job Security in the Trades
(06:43) The Labor Gap Nobody Talks About
(09:42) Union Intake Bottlenecks vs Retirement Planning
(11:04) What Apprenticeship Is Really Like
(13:08) Mentor Training & Apprentice Ratios
(16:15) Women in the Trades: Bias & Generational Shifts
(19:35) Cultural Change on Job Sites
(21:35) Sisterhood of the Trades: A Global Support Network
(24:13) Addressing Hazing, Bias & Trade-Wide Issues
(25:35) Launching Two Bolts Short of a Flange
(28:39) Social Media, Visibility & Mentorship
(32:27) Type 1 Diabetes on the Job Site
(36:03) Lightning Round: Tools, Favorite Builds & Trade Myths

About the Guests:

Brooke Laing and Eric Hyatt are Toronto-based union steamfitting apprentices and co-hosts of the podcast Two Bolts Short of a Flange. Brooke transitioned from nursing to welding before entering union steamfitting, bringing firsthand insight into navigating the trades as a woman and managing type 1 diabetes on job sites. Eric chose the trades in high school, beginning in plumbing before switching to union steamfitting. Together, they advocate for apprenticeship reform, better workforce planning, and transparency around labor shortages in the skilled trades.

Links & Resources:

RC’s LinkedIn
Brooke Laing on LinkedIn
Eric Hyatt on LinkedIn
Two Bolts Short of a Flange Podcast
Learn more at BuildOps.com


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]>https://commercial-grade.simplecast.com/episodes/the-trades-need-55-000-apprentices-labor-shortages-union-bottlenecks-women-in-steamfitting-bXBNy4Uqddc84c76-2a04-4a1f-8fa5-8ac78af46974Wed, 18 Feb 2026 17:45:00 GMT<p>In this episode of <i>Commercial Grade</i>, host R.C. Victorino sits down with Toronto-based steamfitting apprentices Brooke Laing and Eric Hyatt to talk about labor shortages, apprenticeship life, and what’s really happening on job sites today.</p><p>With estimates that 55,000 plumbing apprentices are needed over the next three years to replace retiring workers, Brooke and Eric explain why the labor shortage conversation is often glossed over—and how some union halls may be limiting intake based on short-term work instead of long-term workforce planning.</p><p>They share their individual paths into the trades—Brooke’s transition from nursing to welding to union steamfitting, and Eric’s early decision in high school to pursue plumbing before switching unions. They discuss job security, rising wages, benefits, and why strong health coverage matters—especially for Brooke as a type 1 diabetic working in physically demanding environments.</p><p>The conversation also tackles mentorship gaps, apprenticeship realities, and the generational divide around women in the trades. Brooke speaks candidly about both supportive colleagues and experiences with harassment, while highlighting the continued culture shift happening across the industry.</p><p>They also discuss Sisterhood of the Trades, a growing global community supporting women entering skilled labor, and their own podcast, <i>Two Bolts Short of a Flange</i>, which shares raw, unfiltered apprentice experiences from the field.</p><p>This episode is a grounded look at what it takes to enter, survive, and improve the modern trades workforce.</p><p> </p><h3>Episode Timestamps:</h3><p>(00:00) Trades Are Booming: The Apprentice Shortage &amp; Rising Wages<br />(00:22) Welcome + Meet Brooke Laing &amp; Eric Hyatt<br />(01:17) Brooke’s Path: Nursing to Welding to Steamfitting<br />(02:04) Eric’s Path: Plumbing to Union Steamfitting<br />(04:48) Benefits &amp; Job Security in the Trades<br />(06:43) The Labor Gap Nobody Talks About<br />(09:42) Union Intake Bottlenecks vs Retirement Planning<br />(11:04) What Apprenticeship Is Really Like<br />(13:08) Mentor Training &amp; Apprentice Ratios<br />(16:15) Women in the Trades: Bias &amp; Generational Shifts<br />(19:35) Cultural Change on Job Sites<br />(21:35) Sisterhood of the Trades: A Global Support Network<br />(24:13) Addressing Hazing, Bias &amp; Trade-Wide Issues<br />(25:35) Launching <i>Two Bolts Short of a Flange</i><br />(28:39) Social Media, Visibility &amp; Mentorship<br />(32:27) Type 1 Diabetes on the Job Site<br />(36:03) Lightning Round: Tools, Favorite Builds &amp; Trade Myths<br /><br />About the Guests:</p><p>Brooke Laing and Eric Hyatt are Toronto-based union steamfitting apprentices and co-hosts of the podcast Two Bolts Short of a Flange. Brooke transitioned from nursing to welding before entering union steamfitting, bringing firsthand insight into navigating the trades as a woman and managing type 1 diabetes on job sites. Eric chose the trades in high school, beginning in plumbing before switching to union steamfitting. Together, they advocate for apprenticeship reform, better workforce planning, and transparency around labor shortages in the skilled trades.</p><h3>Links &amp; Resources:</h3><p>RC’s <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/rcvictorino/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">LinkedIn</a><br />Brooke Laing on <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/brooke-laing-59397a295/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">LinkedIn</a><br />Eric Hyatt on <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-hyatt-b5b977352/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">LinkedIn</a><br /><a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCR8gtC4PhQVVwoyMMDX9NCA" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">Two Bolts Short of a Flange Podcast</a><br />Learn more at <a href="https://buildops.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">BuildOps.com</a></p><br /> <p>Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See <a href="https://pcm.adswizz.com" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">pcm.adswizz.com</a> for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.</p>no00:41:107The Trades Need the Next Generation: Brooke Laing & Eric Hyatt on Stepping Infull<![CDATA[The Trades Don’t Run on Hype: Karly Rolls Hoehn on People, Work, and Standards]]>In this episode of Commercial Grade, host RC Victorino talks with Karly Rolls Hoehn, Vice President of Rolls Mechanical, about leadership that actually holds up in the field.

Karly grew up in the trades and now helps lead a family-owned mechanical contractor through its next chapter. She breaks down what “people first” really means when the work is hard, margins are tight, and quality still matters.

From embracing social media and marketing to implementing new technologies and exploring AI, she offers an honest look at how leaders can attract talent, maintain quality, and adapt without losing the human side of the work.

RC and Karly dig into the realities of hard work in the trades, the importance of apprenticeships, and why human connection still matters most—even as technology accelerates. They also talk candidly about succession planning, women in the trades, and the powerful role the trades play in strengthening local communities.

In this episode you’ll hear:

  • How growing up in the trades shaped Karly’s leadership style
  • What “people first” looks like when quality and accountability matter
  • Why apprenticeships are non-negotiable for the future workforce
  • What AI really means for skilled labor—and how leaders should approach it
  • The reality of hard work in the trades—and why it’s worth it
  • How women are raising the bar across the industry
  • Why human connection will always be the foundation of the trades
     

About the Guest: 
Karly Rolls Hoehn is the Vice President of Rolls Mechanical, where she brings a people-first, high-energy approach to leadership in the skilled trades. Raised in the industry, Karly blends deep respect for craftsmanship with modern marketing, emerging technology, and strong quality control standards. She is a passionate advocate for apprenticeships, workforce development, and supporting women in the trades while helping lead a family-owned business into its next chapter.

 

Episode Timestamps:

(00:00) Introduction to the Podcast

(00:17) Meet Karly Rolls Hoehn

(00:43) An Eventful Year

(01:51) The Honey Moose Honeymoon

(02:57) Karly’s Trade Story

(03:15) Growing Up in the Trades

(04:04) Joining the Family Business

(04:23) The Importance of Skilled Trades

(06:00) High Energy and Passion for the Industry

(07:12) Family Dynamics and Career Choices

(08:22) Succession Planning and Leadership

(12:24) Embracing Social Media and Marketing

(15:16) Marketing Strategies and Team Involvement

(17:57) Attracting Talent and Industry Impact

(20:28) Leadership and Common-Sense Marketing

(21:29) Top Workplace Recognition

(22:37) The Role of AI in the Trades

(24:27) Coaching AI: The “Easy Button” for Leaders

(25:22) AI’s Practical Role in the Trades

(26:18) The Reality of Skilled Trades

(31:36) The Importance of Apprenticeships

(35:22) Women in the Skilled Trades

(47:11) The Future of the Skilled Trades
 

Links & Resources:


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]>https://commercial-grade.simplecast.com/episodes/the-trades-dont-run-on-hype-karly-rolls-hoehn-on-people-work-and-standards-xxskXeU579a60b1d-5d23-4ba5-9269-d75f57683e55Wed, 07 Jan 2026 18:00:00 GMT<p>In this episode of <i>Commercial Grade</i>, host RC Victorino talks with Karly Rolls Hoehn, Vice President of Rolls Mechanical, about leadership that actually holds up in the field.</p><p>Karly grew up in the trades and now helps lead a family-owned mechanical contractor through its next chapter. She breaks down what “people first” really means when the work is hard, margins are tight, and quality still matters.</p><p>From embracing social media and marketing to implementing new technologies and exploring AI, she offers an honest look at how leaders can attract talent, maintain quality, and adapt without losing the human side of the work.</p><p>RC and Karly dig into the realities of hard work in the trades, the importance of apprenticeships, and why human connection still matters most—even as technology accelerates. They also talk candidly about succession planning, women in the trades, and the powerful role the trades play in strengthening local communities.</p><p>In this episode you’ll hear:</p><ul><li>How growing up in the trades shaped Karly’s leadership style</li><li>What “people first” looks like when quality and accountability matter</li><li>Why apprenticeships are non-negotiable for the future workforce</li><li>What AI really means for skilled labor—and how leaders should approach it</li><li>The reality of hard work in the trades—and why it’s worth it</li><li>How women are raising the bar across the industry</li><li>Why human connection will always be the foundation of the trades<br /> </li></ul><p><strong>About the Guest</strong>: <br />Karly Rolls Hoehn is the Vice President of Rolls Mechanical, where she brings a people-first, high-energy approach to leadership in the skilled trades. Raised in the industry, Karly blends deep respect for craftsmanship with modern marketing, emerging technology, and strong quality control standards. She is a passionate advocate for apprenticeships, workforce development, and supporting women in the trades while helping lead a family-owned business into its next chapter.</p><p> </p><p><strong>Episode Timestamps:</strong></p><p>(00:00) Introduction to the Podcast</p><p>(00:17) Meet Karly Rolls Hoehn</p><p>(00:43) An Eventful Year</p><p>(01:51) The Honey Moose Honeymoon</p><p>(02:57) Karly’s Trade Story</p><p>(03:15) Growing Up in the Trades</p><p>(04:04) Joining the Family Business</p><p>(04:23) The Importance of Skilled Trades</p><p>(06:00) High Energy and Passion for the Industry</p><p>(07:12) Family Dynamics and Career Choices</p><p>(08:22) Succession Planning and Leadership</p><p>(12:24) Embracing Social Media and Marketing</p><p>(15:16) Marketing Strategies and Team Involvement</p><p>(17:57) Attracting Talent and Industry Impact</p><p>(20:28) Leadership and Common-Sense Marketing</p><p>(21:29) Top Workplace Recognition</p><p>(22:37) The Role of AI in the Trades</p><p>(24:27) Coaching AI: The “Easy Button” for Leaders</p><p>(25:22) AI’s Practical Role in the Trades</p><p>(26:18) The Reality of Skilled Trades</p><p>(31:36) The Importance of Apprenticeships</p><p>(35:22) Women in the Skilled Trades</p><p>(47:11) The Future of the Skilled Trades<br /> </p><p>Links &amp; Resources:</p><ul><li>RC’s<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/rcvictorino/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow"> LinkedIn</a></li><li>Karly’s <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/karlyrollsmechanical/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">LinkedIn</a></li><li>Learn more about <a href="https://ljrolls.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">Rolls Mechanical</a></li><li>Learn more about <a href="https://buildops.com/lp/request-a-personal-demo/?utm_term=buildops&amp;utm_campaign=GS_Brand&amp;utm_source=google&amp;utm_medium=cpc&amp;utm_content=Brand_BuildOps_Core&amp;hsa_acc=4751998044&amp;hsa_cam=23428191557&amp;hsa_grp=189523962445&amp;hsa_ad=785454238692&amp;hsa_src=g&amp;hsa_tgt=kwd-884193772539&amp;hsa_kw=buildops&amp;hsa_mt=e&amp;hsa_net=adwords&amp;hsa_ver=3&amp;gad_source=1&amp;gad_campaignid=23428191557&amp;gbraid=0AAAAACh2B2401dJRuE299u7DQnW9inBMz&amp;gclid=Cj0KCQiAgvPKBhCxARIsAOlK_Eq-vb3sEYWmupDEYUFgcSCnk3QNaH2PiD2tuzBFBnsCznWdxDkOEBIaAl1dEALw_wcB" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">BuildOps</a></li></ul><br /> <p>Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See <a href="https://pcm.adswizz.com" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">pcm.adswizz.com</a> for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.</p>no00:49:554The Trades Don’t Run on Hype: Karly Rolls Hoehn on People, Work, and Standardsfull<![CDATA[Sisterhood of the Trades: How One Discord Server Became a Movement for Women in the Trades]]>In this episode of Commercial Grade, host RC Victorino sits down with Nush (Nushrat) Ahmed, founder of Sisterhood of the Trades and host of the Next Gen MFG podcast, to talk about visibility, mentorship, and what it actually takes to build community in the skilled trades.

Nush's path started in a high school automotive class she signed up for on a whim, and led through an associate's degree in automotive technology, a career in CNC and Swiss-setup machine operation, and now a role in marketing and customer enablement at ProShop ERP. Along the way she noticed how many women were working in the trades without ever being seen, and how little that visibility showed up on LinkedIn. That observation became Sisterhood of the Trades, a Discord community she co-founded with three tradeswomen she met on Snapchat, which has since grown to over 1,160 members across North America, Europe, and Australia.

The conversation covers what it took to convince her immigrant parents that trade school was a smart bet, how AI and robotics are actually changing (and not eliminating) trade jobs, why the "dark, dirty, dangerous" stereotype about the trades is outdated, and how a messy Snapchat group chat turned into a structured, verified Discord community with roles for over 50 trades.

Nush also opens up about the ongoing, sometimes awkward conversations with extended family about not having a bachelor's degree, why she thinks of her professional network as something you have to nurture like a plant, and what she's hearing from the next generation of tradespeople coming up behind her.

In this episode you'll hear:

  • How a high school automotive class Nush signed up for on a whim turned into a career in CNC and Swiss-setup machine operation
  • The "spin" Nush used to convince her immigrant parents that trade school, not a four-year degree, was the smarter financial bet
  • Why she believes construction and the trades are some of the most AI-resistant careers available right now
  • How robots, cobots, and automation are changing trade jobs without eliminating them
  • The origin story of Sisterhood of the Trades, from a Snapchat group chat to a 1,160-member Discord community
  • How the community uses roles, verification, and dedicated channels to help members connect by trade, shift, and location
  • Why Nush opened the server to allies and people outside the trades, not just tradeswomen
  • Why she calls the "dark, dirty, dangerous" image of the trades a myth, and what she says instead
  • What the next generation of tradespeople is actually asking about when it comes to growth and ownership
  • Why Nush treats her professional network like a plant that has to be nurtured, not a number to grow

Episode Timestamps:

[00:34] Welcome and Guest Introduction: Nushrat Ahmed of Sisterhood of the Trades

[02:01] How Nush Got Her Start: From a High School Automotive Class to CNC Machining

[03:16] Why Automotive? The Hot Wheels Origin Story

[04:38] Learning the Trade During COVID and Finding a Mentor at a Boston Bike Shop

[07:18] Convincing Immigrant Parents That Trade School Was the Right Call

[09:31] The Pitch: College Debt, Scholarships, and Getting Paid to Learn

[12:12] Why the Trades Are One of the Safest Careers From AI (and a Nod to Anthropic's Economic Index)

[13:55] Robot Wranglers: How Automation Redefines Jobs Instead of Killing Them

[15:36] Fast-Forward: The Origin of Sisterhood of the Trades

[15:46] From a Snapchat Group Chat to a Mission: Getting Tradeswomen Onto LinkedIn

[18:17] How the Community Outgrew Snapchat (300 Comments and No Way to Search)

[21:10] Building the Discord: Verification, Roles, and Server Structure

[29:06] Opening the Server to Allies, Not Just Tradeswomen

[31:13] Why Sisterhood of the Trades Pushes Members to Build Their Own Networks

[31:06] Inside Nush's Podcast, Next Gen MFG

[32:30] The Awkward Conversation About Not Having a Bachelor's Degree

[35:01] What's Next for the Mission, and a Shoutout to the Mentor Who Started It All

[42:29] A Role for Everyone: Why the Trades Need More Than Just Tradespeople

[44:12] Wrap-Up and Where to Find Nush

About the Guest:

Nushrat "Nush" Ahmed is the founder of Sisterhood of the Trades, a community built to give women in the skilled trades visibility, mentorship, and connection. She holds an associate's degree in automotive technology and built her early career in CNC manufacturing and Swiss-setup machine operation before moving into marketing and customer enablement at ProShop ERP. Nush also hosts Next Gen MFG, a podcast featuring guests in the trades and STEM fields, with a focus on showing young people, especially women and people of color, that a college degree isn't the only path to a successful career. She was named to SME's 30 Under 30 in 2025.

Links & Resources:


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]>https://commercial-grade.simplecast.com/episodes/sisterhood-of-the-trades-how-one-discord-server-became-a-movement-for-women-in-the-trades-l5FphqyZ80d82b09-811a-426d-b678-a79b25609538Wed, 08 Jul 2026 21:52:41 GMT<p>In this episode of Commercial Grade, host RC Victorino sits down with Nush (Nushrat) Ahmed, founder of Sisterhood of the Trades and host of the <i>Next Gen MFG</i> podcast, to talk about visibility, mentorship, and what it actually takes to build community in the skilled trades.</p> <p>Nush's path started in a high school automotive class she signed up for on a whim, and led through an associate's degree in automotive technology, a career in CNC and Swiss-setup machine operation, and now a role in marketing and customer enablement at ProShop ERP. Along the way she noticed how many women were working in the trades without ever being seen, and how little that visibility showed up on LinkedIn. That observation became Sisterhood of the Trades, a Discord community she co-founded with three tradeswomen she met on Snapchat, which has since grown to over 1,160 members across North America, Europe, and Australia.</p> <p>The conversation covers what it took to convince her immigrant parents that trade school was a smart bet, how AI and robotics are actually changing (and not eliminating) trade jobs, why the "dark, dirty, dangerous" stereotype about the trades is outdated, and how a messy Snapchat group chat turned into a structured, verified Discord community with roles for over 50 trades.</p> <p>Nush also opens up about the ongoing, sometimes awkward conversations with extended family about not having a bachelor's degree, why she thinks of her professional network as something you have to nurture like a plant, and what she's hearing from the next generation of tradespeople coming up behind her.</p> <p><strong>In this episode you'll hear:</strong></p> <ul> <li>How a high school automotive class Nush signed up for on a whim turned into a career in CNC and Swiss-setup machine operation</li> <li>The "spin" Nush used to convince her immigrant parents that trade school, not a four-year degree, was the smarter financial bet</li> <li>Why she believes construction and the trades are some of the most AI-resistant careers available right now</li> <li>How robots, cobots, and automation are changing trade jobs without eliminating them</li> <li>The origin story of Sisterhood of the Trades, from a Snapchat group chat to a 1,160-member Discord community</li> <li>How the community uses roles, verification, and dedicated channels to help members connect by trade, shift, and location</li> <li>Why Nush opened the server to allies and people outside the trades, not just tradeswomen</li> <li>Why she calls the "dark, dirty, dangerous" image of the trades a myth, and what she says instead</li> <li>What the next generation of tradespeople is actually asking about when it comes to growth and ownership</li> <li>Why Nush treats her professional network like a plant that has to be nurtured, not a number to grow</li> </ul> <p><strong>Episode Timestamps:</strong></p> <p>[00:34] Welcome and Guest Introduction: Nushrat Ahmed of Sisterhood of the Trades</p> <p>[02:01] How Nush Got Her Start: From a High School Automotive Class to CNC Machining</p> <p>[03:16] Why Automotive? The Hot Wheels Origin Story</p> <p>[04:38] Learning the Trade During COVID and Finding a Mentor at a Boston Bike Shop</p> <p>[07:18] Convincing Immigrant Parents That Trade School Was the Right Call</p> <p>[09:31] The Pitch: College Debt, Scholarships, and Getting Paid to Learn</p> <p>[12:12] Why the Trades Are One of the Safest Careers From AI (and a Nod to Anthropic's Economic Index)</p> <p>[13:55] Robot Wranglers: How Automation Redefines Jobs Instead of Killing Them</p> <p>[15:36] Fast-Forward: The Origin of Sisterhood of the Trades</p> <p>[15:46] From a Snapchat Group Chat to a Mission: Getting Tradeswomen Onto LinkedIn</p> <p>[18:17] How the Community Outgrew Snapchat (300 Comments and No Way to Search)</p> <p>[21:10] Building the Discord: Verification, Roles, and Server Structure</p> <p>[29:06] Opening the Server to Allies, Not Just Tradeswomen</p> <p>[31:13] Why Sisterhood of the Trades Pushes Members to Build Their Own Networks</p> <p>[31:06] Inside Nush's Podcast, Next Gen MFG</p> <p>[32:30] The Awkward Conversation About Not Having a Bachelor's Degree</p> <p>[35:01] What's Next for the Mission, and a Shoutout to the Mentor Who Started It All</p> <p>[42:29] A Role for Everyone: Why the Trades Need More Than Just Tradespeople</p> <p>[44:12] Wrap-Up and Where to Find Nush</p> <p><strong>About the Guest:</strong></p> <p>Nushrat "Nush" Ahmed is the founder of Sisterhood of the Trades, a community built to give women in the skilled trades visibility, mentorship, and connection. She holds an associate's degree in automotive technology and built her early career in CNC manufacturing and Swiss-setup machine operation before moving into marketing and customer enablement at ProShop ERP. Nush also hosts <i>Next Gen MFG</i>, a podcast featuring guests in the trades and STEM fields, with a focus on showing young people, especially women and people of color, that a college degree isn't the only path to a successful career. She was named to SME's 30 Under 30 in 2025.</p> <p><strong>Links &amp; Resources:</strong></p> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/nushrata/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">Nush Ahmed on LinkedIn</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.sisterhoodoftrades.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">Sisterhood of the Trades</a></li> <li><a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/5Ysum3HDA82rlHeuxoaBge" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">Next Gen MFG (podcast)</a></li> <li><a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/33RtOsuAu2Wl5X4WiiG4zw" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">The Sisterhood Takes the Mic (podcast)</a></li> <li><a href="http://buildops.com" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">Learn more at BuildOps.com</a></li> </ul><br /> <p>Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See <a href="https://pcm.adswizz.com" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">pcm.adswizz.com</a> for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.</p>no00:45:3514Sisterhood of the Trades: How One Discord Server Became a Movement for Women in the Tradesfull