The Trade Traction Podcast with Dennis The Apprentice

Dennis The Apprentice
  • 0,0 (0)
  • MANAGEMENT
  • ZWEIWÖCHENTLICH

The Podcast that helps plumbing and heating contractors stop working for free and actually make a profit!

  1. Why the Trades Quietly Create Real Wealth

    5. FEB.

    Why the Trades Quietly Create Real Wealth

    Send us a text You didn’t get into the trades to work nonstop and still feel broke. In this episode of Trade Traction, Dennis sits down with Ken Smith, Incoming National President of MSI, to talk about what actually creates long-term traction in the trades — beyond just staying busy. Ken shares decades of experience, from starting as a technician to leading large multi-state operations, and explains why purpose, discipline, standards, and involvement outside your own shop are what separate contractors who grow from those who stay stuck. This conversation is for plumbing, HVAC, and service contractors who want: A stable, respected career in the trades A business that doesn’t rely on burnout Long-term opportunity instead of short-term hustle Clear standards for leadership, hiring, and growth If you’re tired of spinning your wheels and want your effort to finally turn into momentum, this episode will resonate. Guest: Ken Smith Host: Dennis Hamon Event: PHCC Connect Timestamps: 00:00 – Why tradespeople feel overworked but underpaid 00:14 – Busy, booked out… and still working for free 00:23 – Introducing Ken Smith (Incoming National President, MSI) 00:45 – Why purpose matters more than money 01:02 – What creates real upward momentum in the trades 01:18 – Welcome to the Trade Traction Podcast (PHCC Connect) 02:04 – Why the trades offer more opportunity than ever 02:53 – The real challenge: people, training, and engagement 03:19 – Abundance mindset vs scarcity in the trades 03:44 – Starting as an apprentice and saying yes to opportunity 04:24 – Reputation, professionalism, and long-term growth 05:04 – Learning the trade before YouTube existed 05:59 – Why mechanical skill transfers across industries 06:45 – Moving from service tech to leadership 07:34 – Organic growth vs acquisition 08:23 – Why parents misunderstand the trades 09:06 – Redefining success without college debt 09:37 – Financial head start tradespeople have early in life 10:19 – Young people, family goals, and stability 10:46 – Why connection and purpose matter more than income 11:14 – Starting early with savings and discipline 12:06 – Purpose-driven work leads to long-term success 12:24 – Why the trades are globally recession-proof 12:48 – Stability vs “sexy” careers 13:16 – Driving records and why they matter more than people think 14:16 – One ticket can change a young tech’s career 15:34 – Discipline, standards, and reduced business drama 16:29 – Hiring standards and fixing cultural issues 17:41 – Why desperation leads to bad hiring decisions 18:56 – The future of the trades and leadership vision 19:26 – Opportunity across ownership, supply, and manufacturing 20:36 – Purpose, service, and why the trades matter 21:20 – Making money with skill, intellect, and tools 22:19 – Final takeaway: don’t build alone 22:48 – Why involvement and community accelerate growth 23:22 – Closing message: traction comes from working smarter together #trade The Podcast that helps plumbing and heating service contractors stop working for free and actually turn a profit. Connect with me on social media: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dennistheapprentice/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064205912242 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dennistheapprentice Thank you once again for your support and don't forget to like, subscribe, and share this podcast with your peers! Stay tuned for more exciting content coming your way every week.

    23 Min.
  2. How a $12M Plumbing Company Actually Made Money

    4. FEB.

    How a $12M Plumbing Company Actually Made Money

    Send us a text f you’re a plumbing, HVAC, or drain cleaning contractor working nonstop but still barely making money, this episode will hit close to home. Dennis sits down with Kimberly Keane, former co-owner of a $12M plumbing & heating company, to break down the 3 numbers that decide whether your business is profitable or quietly bleeding cash. This isn’t about getting more jobs. It’s about fixing the math that’s keeping you stuck in payroll-to-payroll survival mode. In this episode, you’ll learn: The exact percentages your labor, materials, and gross margin must hit Why more volume can actually put you out of business faster How underpricing destroys your ability to hire good technicians The mindset shift that allowed Kimberly to build — and sell — a multi-million-dollar trade business Why most contractors feel busy but still feel broke If you’re tired of working for free and want to build a financially sound trades business, this conversation is for you. Guest: Kimberly Kean Host: Dennis Hamon Event: PHCC Connect 2025 Timestamps: 00:00 – Why contractors stay broke despite nonstop work 00:18 – The 3 numbers that decide profitability 00:56 – Cost of Goods Sold: Labor (and why 20% matters) 04:35 – What labor actually counts as COGS 06:57 – Why high labor % kills profit 07:27 – How discounting jobs quietly destroys your business 09:00 – The bid sheet system that fixed cash flow 10:20 – Why winning cheap jobs is a trap 13:09 – Cost of Goods Sold: Materials (plumbing vs HVAC vs drain) 14:32 – Gross margin explained simply 15:20 – Why 60% gross margin is non-negotiable 17:40 – The 40 / 40 / 20 rule for healthy companies 18:45 – The real role of selling price 20:01 – Why underpricing attracts low-quality technicians 23:25 – Why more jobs won’t save a broken business 24:13 – How growth can make you fail faster 26:26 – When a business becomes scalable 28:20 – How to get help and coaching 31:23 – Final advice for contractors stuck in survival mode #plumbingbusiness #hvacbusiness #contractorlife #tradesbusiness #bluecollarbusiness #plumbingcontractor #hvaccontractor #grossmargin #contractorprofit #smallbusinesspodcast #tradebusiness #servicebusiness #pricingstrategy #contractorcoaching #thetrades The Podcast that helps plumbing and heating service contractors stop working for free and actually turn a profit. Connect with me on social media: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dennistheapprentice/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064205912242 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dennistheapprentice Thank you once again for your support and don't forget to like, subscribe, and share this podcast with your peers! Stay tuned for more exciting content coming your way every week.

    33 Min.
  3. Why Plumbing Owners Get Stuck Babysitting Their Business

    22. JAN.

    Why Plumbing Owners Get Stuck Babysitting Their Business

    Send us a text Why is it getting harder every year to find good people in the trades? In this podcast, Brian breaks down the real issues behind the skilled labor shortage — from why fewer young people are entering plumbing, HVAC, and electrical work to how contractors are being forced to rethink hiring, training, and retention. This conversation goes beyond headlines and gets into what’s actually happening on the ground: changing attitudes toward work, the role parents and schools play, and why the trades are still one of the most misunderstood career paths today. If you’re a contractor, business owner, or someone thinking about a career in the trades, this episode will give you a clearer picture of where the industry is headed — and what needs to change. Topics covered include: *Why fewer people are choosing skilled trades *The real causes of the workforce shortage *Trades vs college: what’s broken in the system *How contractors can adapt moving forward Guest: Brian Harding Event: PHCC CONNECT Timestamps: 00:00 – Why the skilled trades are struggling to attract workers 01:12 – The perception problem around trade careers 02:45 – College vs trades: how parents influence career choices 04:30 – Why young people don’t see trades as a long-term option 06:10 – The role of schools and education systems 08:05 – What contractors are doing wrong with hiring 10:22 – Training, apprenticeships, and retention challenges 12:40 – How contractors need to adapt in 2025 and beyond 14:55 – What the future of the trades actually looks like #PlumbingLife #HVACLife #TradesEducation #Apprenticeships #PHCC #ContractorLife #SkilledTrades #WorkforceDevelopment The Podcast that helps plumbing and heating service contractors stop working for free and actually turn a profit. Connect with me on social media: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dennistheapprentice/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064205912242 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dennistheapprentice Thank you once again for your support and don't forget to like, subscribe, and share this podcast with your peers! Stay tuned for more exciting content coming your way every week.

    32 Min.
  4. Stop Burning Hours in the Field (It's Killing Your Margins)

    20. JAN.

    Stop Burning Hours in the Field (It's Killing Your Margins)

    Send us a text Plumbing and HVAC contractors are working longer hours — yet margins aren’t improving. In this episode, Dennis breaks down why. On the Trade Traction Podcast, Dennis sits down with Susan, CEO of Rapid Locking Systems (RLS), to expose one of the biggest hidden profit killers in the trades: slow installs and outdated methods. They discuss how press technology is helping contractors cut install time by up to 60%, why faster installs don’t mean lower quality, and how modern tools are helping businesses protect margins, improve safety, and keep skilled workers in the trades longer. This conversation also dives into the bigger picture — the labor shortage, apprenticeships, trades vs college, AI-proof careers, and how technology is reshaping who can succeed in plumbing and HVAC. If you’re a contractor trying to grow profit without burning out, this episode will change how you think about time, tools, and the future of your business. Host: Dennis Hamon Guest: Susan, CEO of Rapid Locking Systems Location: PHCC Connect Show Topics Covered in This Episode: Why contractors work more but earn the same Plumbing & HVAC labor shortages explained Press fittings vs brazing: speed, safety, consistency How contractors cut install time by up to 60% Apprenticeships, workforce retention, and modern tools Trades vs college and AI-proof career paths Timestamps: 00:00 – Why contractors work longer hours but margins stay flat 00:28 – Introducing Susan, CEO of Rapid Locking Systems 00:41 – How press technology cuts install time by up to 60% 01:56 – Press vs brazing: speed, safety, and consistency 03:15 – Doing more with less in a shrinking labor force 03:39 – Making the trades more accessible (including women) 04:57 – Why parents underestimate careers in the trades 05:28 – Trades vs college and AI-proof career paths 06:06 – Getting paid to learn without student debt 09:56 – Final thoughts on time, margins, and the future of the trades #HVAC #Plumbing #TradesBusiness #ContractorLife #HVACTechnicians -- The Podcast that helps plumbing and heating service contractors stop working for free and actually turn a profit. Connect with me on social media: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dennistheapprentice/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064205912242 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dennistheapprentice Thank you once again for your support and don't forget to like, subscribe, and share this podcast with your peers! Stay tuned for more exciting content coming your way every week.

    11 Min.
  5. Contractors Are Ignoring this $152,000 Workforce Fix

    7. JAN.

    Contractors Are Ignoring this $152,000 Workforce Fix

    Send us a text Contractors say they can’t afford to hire apprentices. What if the money was already there, and you just didn’t know about it? In this episode of the Trade Traction Podcast, Dennis sits down with John Zink, who runs the PHCC Educational Foundation Scholarship Program, a program that awarded $152,000 to 66 apprentices and trade students this year alone. This isn’t theory. This is real industry money designed to: Reduce the risk of hiring apprentices Cover training costs Help contractors build a workforce without bleeding profit You’ll learn how the scholarships work, who qualifies, why the May 1st deadline matters, and how this program helps contractors hire and train without carrying the full financial burden themselves. If you’re serious about building a workforce, and tired of doing it alone, this episode is required listening. Guest: John Zink Event: PHCC CONNECT Timestamps: 00:00 — Contractors are ignoring a $152,000 workforce fix 00:30 — Who John Zink is and why this program exists 00:52 — Why this year was record-breaking 01:06 — How scholarships reduce hiring risk for contractors 02:25 — What the scholarships actually pay for 04:10 — Where the scholarship money comes from 05:39 — $152,000 awarded to 66 apprentices 06:12 — Why more people need to apply 08:39 — What it takes to win a scholarship 10:06 — Real apprentice stories that earned top awards 13:46 — Future goals for the scholarship fund 16:06 — Why contractors hesitate to hire apprentices 17:11 — “You don’t even have to pay for my training” 20:47 — How and where to apply 21:52 — Scholarship amounts explained 24:11 — Final message to contractors: stop doing it alone #PlumbingLife #HVACLife #TradesEducation #Apprenticeships #PHCC #ContractorLife #SkilledTrades #WorkforceDevelopment The Podcast that helps plumbing and heating service contractors stop working for free and actually turn a profit. Connect with me on social media: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dennistheapprentice/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064205912242 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dennistheapprentice Thank you once again for your support and don't forget to like, subscribe, and share this podcast with your peers! Stay tuned for more exciting content coming your way every week.

    25 Min.
  6. Why Contractors Lose Money When They Work Alone

    2. JAN.

    Why Contractors Lose Money When They Work Alone

    Send us a text Contractors aren’t losing money because they’re bad at business. They’re losing money because they’re alone. Every year, new rules, codes, and regulations quietly cut into your margins, and most contractors just absorb the cost. Not because they agree with it. But because they weren’t in the room when the rules were written. In this episode of the Trade Traction Roadshow, Dennis sits down with Mark Valentini, a national advocate who works directly with lawmakers to protect plumbing, heating, and HVAC contractors from policies that cost them time, money, and growth. You’ll learn: Why one contractor has zero leverage How contractors have already changed laws by working together Why advocacy isn’t politics, it’s profit protection And how unity gives contractors real power before damage is done If you’re tired of working harder just to make less, this conversation will change how you think about power in the trades. Guest: Mark Valentini Location: PHCC CONNECT Timestamps: 00:00 – Why One Voice Equals Zero Power 00:28 – Rules That Cost Contractors Money 00:53 – Who Mark Valentini Is & What He Does 01:12 – Why Contractors Get Drowned Out 01:21 – Clean Water & Air Nobody Thinks About 01:56 – Welcome to Trade Traction Roadshow 02:28 – What PHCC Represents Nationwide 03:23 – The Real Value of Contractor Networking 04:19 – Why Membership Requires Involvement 05:05 – Competing Interests on Capitol Hill 06:22 – The Lightbulb Moment for Policymakers 06:45 – How Contractors Changed Apprentice Laws 07:49 – Apprentice Ratios & Workforce Bottlenecks 09:27 – Technology, AI & the Future of Training 10:01 – College vs Trades Reality Check 11:53 – The $2 Trillion Student Loan Problem 12:33 – Why Contractors See Each Other as Competitors 14:35 – Leaving a Company the Right Way 15:54 – Relationships Are the Real Currency 17:03 – What a Lobbyist Actually Does 18:03 – Workforce Policy & Contractor Impact 19:06 – How Mark Found PHCC 22:19 – Policy vs Politics Explained 23:44 – Government Shutdown & Trade Impact 26:00 – Refrigerant Rule Changes Explained 28:02 – Why Contractors Should Join PHCC 29:05 – Final Message: Why Unity Matters 29:28 – Milwaukee 2025 Invitation The Podcast that helps plumbing and heating service contractors stop working for free and actually turn a profit. Connect with me on social media: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dennistheapprentice/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064205912242 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dennistheapprentice Thank you once again for your support and don't forget to like, subscribe, and share this podcast with your peers! Stay tuned for more exciting content coming your way every week.

    30 Min.
  7. How I Stopped Working for Free and How You Can Too.

    15.12.2025

    How I Stopped Working for Free and How You Can Too.

    Send us a text Too many plumbing contractors are busy, stressed, and broke — working harder every year but still not turning a profit. In this episode of the Trade Traction Podcast, Dennis shares the hard-earned truth he wishes someone had told him 15 years earlier: 👉 Trying to figure out your business alone will cost you years, burnout, and money. Dennis breaks down: Why DIY-ing your business is the fastest way to stay stuckWhat actually changed when his company finally became profitableHow coaches, associations, and other contractors helped him avoid financial collapseThe real reason most trades businesses are “busy but broke”Why profit always comes before fun, freedom, and growthThis episode is for plumbing and heating contractors who are tired of working for free and want a clearer, faster path to building a profitable, sustainable trades business. If you’re grinding, stressed about payroll, afraid to change pricing, or feel like you’re carrying the whole company alone — this conversation was made for you. 🎯 On the other side of profit… is fun. Let’s get you there. ⏱️ YouTube Chapters (Suggested) 00:00 – The Hard Truth I Wish I Knew 15 Years Ago Trying to figure it out alone almost cost everything. 02:45 – Busy, Stressed, and Still Broke Why most plumbing contractors hide how close they are to the edge. 06:20 – The Holiday Stress No One Talks About Bonuses, payroll, supplier bills, and pretending everything is “fine.” 10:10 – Why DIY Business Thinking Fails Contractors We hate DIY customers… but we run our businesses the same way. 14:30 – The Fatal Mistake: Doing It Alone Why isolation keeps contractors stuck and broke. 19:40 – Associations, Coaches, and the Help I Ignored PHCC, Nexstar, and the help that was always there. 26:15 – The Florida Trip That Changed Everything Maxed-out credit cards, fear, and finally seeing a path forward. 31:50 – “It’s Not One Thing… It’s Enough Things” The mindset shift that unlocked real progress. 38:40 – The Million-Dollar Dinner Conversation How one peer meeting exposed a massive hidden problem. 45:30 – Why Change Feels So Scary When You’re Barely Surviving Fear of losing employees, payroll stress, and paralysis. 51:40 – Why Every Contractor Needs a Coach Someone who’s been there and knows what comes next. 58:20 – Profit Comes Before Fun Why you can’t skip profitability — and what’s possible after. 1:03:30 – Stop Working for Free (The Real Meaning) Why doing everything “right” still leads to nothing left at the end. 1:08:45 – Final Message to Struggling Contractors You don’t have to do this alone. The Podcast that helps plumbing and heating service contractors stop working for free and actually turn a profit. Connect with me on social media: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dennistheapprentice/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064205912242 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dennistheapprentice Thank you once again for your support and don't forget to like, subscribe, and share this podcast with your peers! Stay tuned for more exciting content coming your way every week.

    30 Min.
  8. The One Discipline That Transforms Contractors: Weekly Meetings for Real Business Growth

    09.12.2025

    The One Discipline That Transforms Contractors: Weekly Meetings for Real Business Growth

    Send us a text Are you a contractor, business owner, or trades professional looking to turn chaos into clarity and boost your bottom line? In this episode of Trade Traction, Dennis Hamon reveals the single most powerful discipline that championship teams use—and most struggling businesses ignore: the weekly meeting. Through football analogies, real-life stories, and actionable advice, Dennis shares how regular check-ins, honest conversations, and tracking key metrics can transform your business from spinning your wheels to gaining real traction. Learn how to: Measure what matters (conversion rates, invoices, calls)Build a culture of accountability and improvementOvercome the exhaustion of “faking success”Celebrate wins and fix what’s broken—fastCreate a team that’s always moving forwardWhether you’re a plumbing or HVAC contractor, a small business owner, or just want to get better at what you do, this episode is packed with insights you can use right away. Timestamps / Chapters: 0:00 — Introduction & NFL Analogy 1:23 — The Importance of Meetings 2:40 — Are You Winning or Just Busy? 5:20 — Welcome to Trade Traction 8:58 — The One Discipline: Weekly Meetings 10:50 — Dennis’s Story & $12M Success 13:45 — The Truth About Margins & Profit 16:36 — Why Not Have a Meeting and Acknowledge the Truth? 19:12 — Measuring What Matters: Conversion Rate, Invoice, Calls 23:52 — The Power of Comparison & Improvement 28:01 — Weekly Meetings Are Like Oxygen 31:20 — How to Get Better: Commit, Measure, Repeat 36:00 — Building a Culture of Success 40:00 — Invitation to Join Dennis’s Meetings 45:00 — Closing Thoughts & Call to Action The Podcast that helps plumbing and heating service contractors stop working for free and actually turn a profit. Connect with me on social media: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dennistheapprentice/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064205912242 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dennistheapprentice Thank you once again for your support and don't forget to like, subscribe, and share this podcast with your peers! Stay tuned for more exciting content coming your way every week.

    26 Min.
Alle anzeigen (52)

Info

The Podcast that helps plumbing and heating contractors stop working for free and actually make a profit!

Informationen