The Trade Talks

Roger Wakefield

With over 1.25 million subscribers, 42 year plumbing veteran Roger Wakefield discusses life in the skilled trades with blue collar industry veterans.

  1. 4D AGO

    The Trade Talks Podcast Grant Bothun Podcast #219

    Welcome to The Trade Talks Live, where we celebrate the blue-collar trades and everything they stand for! Join us every wednesday from 3-4 PM as we dive into national news, review trade websites, and share tips on mindset growth to help you succeed. Don't miss this hour of insights, inspiration, and practical advice! In this episode, we sit down with Grant Bothun from Rescue Restoration to talk about the restoration industry, working with plumbers, insurance claims, and what really happens when water damage hits a home. Grant shares his journey from studying energy management at Oklahoma State and working in the oil and gas industry to partnering with his brother and building a restoration company focused on helping homeowners during some of their toughest moments. We dive into how restoration companies work with plumbers, HVAC companies, insurance adjusters, and homeowners to mitigate damage and rebuild homes after disasters. We also discuss the reality of running a trades business — the ups and downs of cash flow, the importance of trust and honesty with customers, and why the skilled trades (especially plumbing) are in huge demand right now. If you're a plumber, contractor, trades professional, or homeowner who wants to understand how water damage claims, mold remediation, and restoration actually work, this episode is packed with valuable insights. Whether you're in plumbing, automotive, HVAC, electrical — or you're a young person trying to figure out your path — this conversation shows how powerful the trades can be when you commit to excellence. The trades aren't a backup plan. They're a wealth-building plan. If you're in the trades (or thinking about it), drop a comment below and tell us: 👉 What made you fall in love with your craft? And if you got value from this, make sure to like, subscribe, and share it with someone who needs to hear this message. Let's build the next generation of skilled trades professionals the right way. — Roger Wakefield

    1h 4m
  2. FEB 28

    An Entrepreneur making a difference #218 Kimba Garcia The Trade Talks.

    Welcome to The Trade Talks Live, where we celebrate the blue-collar trades and everything they stand for! Join us every weekday from 10-11 AM as we dive into national news, review trade websites, and share tips on mindset growth to help you succeed. Don't miss this hour of insights, inspiration, and practical advice! In this powerful and unfiltered conversation, Kema Garcia shares how she went from hairstylist… to building a multi–eight-figure roofing company in Dallas… to investing in real estate across Mexico—including Playa del Carmen, Tulum, and Bacalar. We talk about: Building a life by design instead of chasing money Investing in land vs. chasing commissions Why Bacalar could be like Cancun 50 years ago The new train connecting Cancun, Tulum, and the Riviera Maya Growing (and selling) a roofing company Rebuilding after divorce and starting over Why success has to be defined on YOUR terms Faith, alignment, and doing business with purpose From climbing roofs in Dallas to investing along the Riviera Maya coastline, this episode is about courage, reinvention, and building something that actually feels like you. Whether you're in plumbing, automotive, HVAC, electrical — or you're a young person trying to figure out your path — this conversation shows how powerful the trades can be when you commit to excellence. The trades aren't a backup plan. They're a wealth-building plan. If you're in the trades (or thinking about it), drop a comment below and tell us: 👉 What made you fall in love with your craft? And if you got value from this, make sure to like, subscribe, and share it with someone who needs to hear this message. Let's build the next generation of skilled trades professionals the right way. — Roger Wakefield

    1h 9m
  3. FEB 14

    The Little things matter: The Trade Talks E217 Chris Gregg

    Welcome to The Trade Talks Live, where we celebrate the blue-collar trades and everything they stand for! Join us every weekday from 10-11 AM as we dive into national news, review trade websites, and share tips on mindset growth to help you succeed. Don't miss this hour of insights, inspiration, and practical advice! In this episode, I sit down with an incredible automotive technician turned business owner who shares his journey from the boxing ring to building his own shop at just 22 years old. From growing up with very little… to almost becoming a pharmacist… to starting as a porter making $8 an hour… this story is all about passion, mentorship, and mastering the little things that most people overlook. We talk about: ✅ How he fell in love with the trades ✅ Why quality control and attention to detail separate good techs from great ones ✅ The technician shortage (yes, it's real) ✅ What top automotive techs are earning today (you might be surprised 👀) ✅ Why mentorship changed his life ✅ The difference between replacing vs rebuilding engines and transmissions ✅ The opportunity young people are missing in the trades One of the biggest takeaways? You can do everything right for 10 years — but one bad customer experience can cost you everything. Details matter. Clean work matters. Pride in your craft matters. Whether you're in plumbing, automotive, HVAC, electrical — or you're a young person trying to figure out your path — this conversation shows how powerful the trades can be when you commit to excellence. The trades aren't a backup plan. They're a wealth-building plan. If you're in the trades (or thinking about it), drop a comment below and tell us: 👉 What made you fall in love with your craft? And if you got value from this, make sure to like, subscribe, and share it with someone who needs to hear this message. Let's build the next generation of skilled trades professionals the right way. — Roger Wakefield

    1h 6m
4.6
out of 5
28 Ratings

About

With over 1.25 million subscribers, 42 year plumbing veteran Roger Wakefield discusses life in the skilled trades with blue collar industry veterans.

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