The Trade Traction Podcast with Dennis The Apprentice

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

  1. Stuck in Stage 2? Here's Why You're Not Making Money

    VOR 3 TAGEN

    Stuck in Stage 2? Here's Why You're Not Making Money

    Send us Fan Mail If you own a plumbing business and feel like you're working hard but still not making money, this episode explains why most plumbing companies get stuck before reaching real profit. In this Trade Traction episode, plumbing contractors will learn the 4 stages of plumbing business growth and why many plumbing business owners look successful while still struggling financially. Many plumbing business owners stay busy, run trucks every day, and still feel pressure around payroll, cash flow, and profit. The truth is that every plumbing company moves through predictable business stages, and only one stage creates consistent profit, stronger teams, and peace of mind. In this episode, we cover: Stage 1: surviving as a small plumbing companyStage 2: looking successful but still struggling financiallyStage 3: relying too heavily on plumbing salesStage 4: building a plumbing business around training, options, and trustIf you are a plumbing contractor trying to grow your plumbing business, improve plumbing sales, increase profit margins, or build a stronger home service business, this episode will help you identify what needs to change next. Trade Traction helps plumbing contractors stop working for free, improve profitability, and build the business they once dreamed of. CHAPTERS 00:00 Why most plumbing businesses struggle 01:05 Stage 1 plumbing business survival 04:10 Stage 2 plumbing company growth problems 07:05 Stage 3 plumbing sales focus 10:45 Why sales pressure creates problems 13:20 Offering options in plumbing sales 17:10 Why training creates profit 21:05 The profitable plumbing business stage 24:10 What stage is your plumbing business in? #PlumbingBusiness #PlumbingContractor #PlumbingCompany #HomeServiceBusiness #ContractorProfit #TradeTraction 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.

    13 Min.
  2. Tired of Being Busy and Broke? Here's What To Change

    2. APR.

    Tired of Being Busy and Broke? Here's What To Change

    Send us Fan Mail If you're a plumbing contractor staying busy every day but still wondering why there’s no money left at the end of the month, this episode of Trade Traction breaks down exactly why busy does not always mean profitable. In this episode, we cover the 3 biggest profit mistakes plumbing companies make that keep contractors stuck working hard without building real financial freedom: Why charging more is necessary if you want to stop working for freeWhy offering more options increases profit on every service callWhy paying yourself first changes everything in a plumbing businessToo many plumbing business owners believe that full schedules automatically create profit—but without proper pricing, upselling, and profit discipline, even a busy plumbing company can stay broke. If you want to build a profitable plumbing business, improve plumbing sales, and finally create the company you once dreamed of, this episode will show you where to start. Chapters 00:00 Why busy plumbers still stay broke 01:12 Why customers always say “that’s expensive” 04:08 Why plumbing contractors must give options 07:25 Charge for the truck you actually want 10:14 Why correct pricing still leaves you broke 13:05 Sell more than they called you for 17:42 The hidden profit in offering upgrades 21:18 Why paying yourself first works 25:07 Profit First for plumbing contractors 28:44 Small price increases that change everything 32:10 Why plumbing is worth charging more for If you're serious about growing a plumbing company that produces real profit, subscribe to Trade Traction for weekly strategies built for plumbing contractors. #PlumbingBusiness #PlumbingContractor #ProfitFirst #ServiceBusiness #TradesBusiness #PlumbingSales 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.

    18 Min.
  3. Tired of Spinning Your Wheels? 5 Moves Profitable Plumbers Make

    26. MÄRZ

    Tired of Spinning Your Wheels? 5 Moves Profitable Plumbers Make

    Send us Fan Mail If you're a plumbing contractor working hard every day but still wondering where the money went, this episode of Trade Traction is for you. In this episode, we break down five practical moves that can help turn a busy plumbing company into a profitable plumbing business—without gimmicks, without complicated systems, and without losing your integrity. Too many plumbing contractors are stuck in survival mode: running calls, answering phones, fixing emergencies, making payroll... yet still not building real profit. The truth is, being great at plumbing does not automatically mean you're running a strong business. Today we cover five simple shifts that can start changing that immediately: ✅ Pay yourself first ✅ Raise prices gradually and intentionally ✅ Offer customers options instead of one price ✅ Document where your company really stands financially ✅ Use meetings and phone systems to create traction This episode is for plumbing business owners, service plumbers, HVAC contractors, drain cleaning companies, and trade business leaders who are tired of working for free and ready to finally build the business they once dreamed of. Whether you run one truck or twenty, these ideas can help you stop spinning your wheels and start creating profit. Chapters 00:00 Why busy plumbing companies still struggle financially 01:10 Pay yourself first: why profit must come before expenses 04:45 Why even 1% profit changes everything 07:05 The simple price increase most contractors avoid 10:15 Why customers—not you—hold your profit 12:10 Offer options instead of one price 17:30 Why homeowners often buy more than you expect 20:05 Document where your business really stands 24:15 Why writing down debt creates clarity 27:40 Start meetings that actually improve performance 31:20 Training creates confidence and culture 34:45 Answer the phone and book every call 39:10 Final encouragement: get traction this week 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.

    16 Min.
  4. Most Contractors Stay Broke Because of Isolation

    26. MÄRZ

    Most Contractors Stay Broke Because of Isolation

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Trade Traction, Dennis sits down with Jason, incoming PCCC National President, to talk about leadership, contractor relationships, trade shows, and what it really takes to grow in the plumbing, heating, and cooling industry. If you’re a plumbing, HVAC, or mechanical contractor tired of working hard without seeing real profit, this conversation is packed with practical insight. Jason shares how getting involved in industry associations opened unexpected doors, built lifelong relationships, and created opportunities that directly impacted business growth. You’ll hear why trade shows matter more than most contractors realize, how networking can solve real business problems, why strong contractor relationships outperform competition, and how today’s leaders are preparing for major shifts like AI, staffing challenges, and the next generation of ownership. ⏱ Chapters: 0:00 Introduction to Jason & Trade Traction 1:18 Jason’s Business in the Trades 3:02 Becoming APCC National President 5:15 How Contractor Networking Opens Doors 8:04 Why Trade Shows Matter for Contractors 11:10 Getting the Most Out of Industry Events 14:32 Relationships That Save Your Business 18:05 Why Contractors Should Stop Competing 21:14 AI and Technology in Plumbing & HVAC 24:46 Why Owners Need to Leave the Business Sometimes 27:35 Losing Key Employees and Rebuilding Teams 31:12 Leadership Lessons for the Next Generation 34:05 Final Thoughts on Growth in the Trades Trade Traction helps plumbing, heating, and cooling contractors stop working for free, improve profitability, and build the business they once dreamed of. 🎯 Subscribe for weekly conversations built for contractors who want real traction in business. 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.

    24 Min.
  5. Billable Rate Vs. Hourly Rate - Which One Makes You Money?

    27. FEB.

    Billable Rate Vs. Hourly Rate - Which One Makes You Money?

    Send us Fan Mail Are you a plumbing contractor tired of working for free? Welcome to Trade Traction — the podcast dedicated to helping plumbing contractors finally turn a profit and build the company they once dreamed of. In this episode, we break down one of the biggest mistakes in the plumbing business: confusing revenue with profit. Just because you wrote an invoice doesn’t mean you made money. If you’re not factoring in truck costs, fuel, insurance, inefficiency, material shrinkage, your salary, and real profit… you could be running hard and still going broke. We dive deep into: Why most plumbing companies aren’t actually profitableThe truth about hourly rates vs. billable hourly rateHow to properly calculate your plumbing pricingWhy profit is your responsibility as a business ownerHidden costs you must include in your service ratesThe mindset shift needed to charge what you’re worthHow to stop undercharging for plumbing servicesWhy service plumbing is inherently inefficient (and how to price for it)How to build a profitable plumbing company that supports your family and your teamIf you’re a plumbing business owner struggling with low margins, pricing your services, managing overhead, or figuring out how to make real money in the trades — this episode is for you. It’s time to stop the “commotion” — all the busy work with nothing to show for it — and start building a plumbing company that actually produces profit. Because profit isn’t optional.  It’s your responsibility. Subscribe to Trade Traction for practical, no-fluff strategies on: ✔ Plumbing business growth ✔ Service pricing strategy ✔ Increasing plumbing profit margins ✔ Building systems in your trade business ✔ Leadership for contractors ✔ Escaping the cycle of working harder for less Let’s stop working for free and finally build the company you dreamed about when you started. ⏱️ Chapters 00:00 – The Revenue Lie: Why Your Last Invoice Doesn’t Mean Profit  02:10 – Why 8 Out of 10 Plumbing Companies Aren’t Making Money  04:35 – The Problem with Hourly Rates in Service Plumbing  07:15 – Billable Hourly Rate Explained for Contractors  10:05 – What You’re NOT Including in Your Pricing  13:40 – Why You Must Charge for What You Want (Not What You Have)  16:25 – Trucks, Tools & The True Cost of Service Calls  19:10 – Why Plumbing Is Inherently Inefficient  21:30 – Understanding Customer Value vs. Your Perception  24:15 – The Art of Presenting Options & Pricing  26:40 – Stop Working for Free & Start Building Profit If you’re ready to turn your plumbing business into a profitable, sustainable company, hit Subscribe and join us every week on Trade Traction. #PlumbingBusiness #PlumbingContractor #ServiceBusiness #TradeBusiness #PlumbingLife #ContractorSuccess #SmallBusinessGrowth #PlumbingPricing #BlueCollarBusiness 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.

    10 Min.
  6. Why the Trades Quietly Create Real Wealth

    5. FEB.

    Why the Trades Quietly Create Real Wealth

    Send us Fan Mail 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 #tradespodcast #plumbi 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.
  7. How a $12M Plumbing Company Actually Made Money

    4. FEB.

    How a $12M Plumbing Company Actually Made Money

    Send us Fan Mail 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.
  8. Why Plumbing Owners Get Stuck Babysitting Their Business

    22. JAN.

    Why Plumbing Owners Get Stuck Babysitting Their Business

    Send us Fan Mail 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.
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The Podcast that helps plumbing and heating contractors stop working for free and actually make a profit!

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