The Trade Talks

Roger Wakefield
  • 4.6 (28)
  • CAREERS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

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

    From Bartending to Building a Family Plumbing Business: Brian Duncan The Trade Talks #223

    Welcome to The Trade Talks Live, where we celebrate the blue-collar trades and everything they stand for! Join us every Wednesday form 3-4PM Central time 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! What does it really take to build a career in the trades—and why do so many people underestimate it? In this episode of The Trade, Roger Wakefield sits down with Brian Duncan, Field Operations Manager at Duncan Plumbing Solutions, to talk about his unexpected journey into plumbing. From working in restaurants and facing sudden job loss to building a successful career in the skilled trades, Brian shares how persistence, family influence, and a strong work ethic shaped his path. You'll hear how his wife pushed him to take the next step in his career, why plumbing "just made sense," and how working with both your hands and your mind creates the perfect balance. Brian also dives into his experience with residential service, gas systems, and the evolution of tools in the trade. This conversation goes beyond plumbing—it's about mindset. From starting as an apprentice to training the next generation, Brian explains why the trades aren't just jobs—they're lifelong careers that demand dedication, pride, and continuous learning. If you're considering a career in the trades, or want insight from someone who's lived it, this episode is for you. In this episode, you'll learn: How Brian transitioned from restaurants to plumbing The role persistence and mentorship play in success Why hands-on learning is key in the trades The difference between working for a paycheck vs. building a career What it takes to train and develop great plumbers

    56 min

  2. MAY 20

    Aging Prisons Are Becoming Big Construction Jobs

    Welcome to The Trade Talks Live, where we celebrate the blue-collar trades and everything they stand for! Join us every Wednesday from 3:00-4:00 Cental 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! A big thank you to Leak-Pro for sponsoring this episode of The Trade Talks Live! Register for my FREE webinar! https://www.justmetroger.com LeakPro provides state-of-the-art leak detection solutions specifically designed for plumbers, helping professionals pinpoint hidden leaks with accuracy and efficiency. By utilizing advanced acoustic technology and digital sensors, LeakPro allows plumbers to reduce unnecessary damage, saving time and money on every job. LeakPro's tools are essential for detecting slab leaks, pipe leaks, and irrigation system failures without

    1 hr

  3. MAY 13

    Bad Estimates Are Destroying Contractor Profits

    Welcome to The Trade Talks Live, where we celebrate the blue-collar trades and everything they stand for! Join us every Wednesday from 3:00-4:00 Cental 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! A big thank you to Leak-Pro for sponsoring this episode of The Trade Talks Live! Register for my FREE webinar! https://www.justmetroger.com LeakPro provides state-of-the-art leak detection solutions specifically designed for plumbers, helping professionals pinpoint hidden leaks with accuracy and efficiency. By utilizing advanced acoustic technology and digital sensors, LeakPro allows plumbers to reduce unnecessary damage, saving time and money on every job. LeakPro's tools are essential for detecting slab leaks, pipe leaks, and irrigation system failures without

    1 hr

  4. MAY 9

    Educating the Future of Plumbing #224 With Juan Mejia

    Now teaching students in Dallas ISD, Juan is helping shape the future of the trades—emphasizing exposure, hands-on learning, and the value of skilled labor careers. 🔧 Topics covered: How he got started in plumbing by accident Commercial vs. residential work The importance of mentorship in the trades Building trust with customers Teaching the next generation of plumbers Why exposure is key to solving the skilled labor shortage If you've ever considered a career in the trades—or want to understand the people who keep our world running—this episode is for you. 👉 Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations with top professionals in the trades! Welcome to The Trade Talks Live, where we celebrate the blue-collar trades and everything they stand for! Join us every Wednesday 3-4pm central time 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!

    59 min

  5. MAY 6

    Renovation Is Taking Over Construction

    Welcome to The Trade Talks Live, where we celebrate the blue-collar trades and everything they stand for! Join us every Wednesday from 3:00-4:00 Cental 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! A big thank you to Leak-Pro for sponsoring this episode of The Trade Talks Live! Register for my FREE webinar! https://www.justmetroger.com LeakPro provides state-of-the-art leak detection solutions specifically designed for plumbers, helping professionals pinpoint hidden leaks with accuracy and efficiency. By utilizing advanced acoustic technology and digital sensors, LeakPro allows plumbers to reduce unnecessary damage, saving time and money on every job. LeakPro's tools are essential for detecting slab leaks, pipe leaks, and irrigation system failures without

    59 min

  6. APR 25

    Aoife Roche The AI Queen and her impact on the future of the Trades: The Trades Talks #222

    Welcome to The Trade Talks Podcast, where we celebrate the blue-collar trades and everything they stand for! Join us every other Saturday for the Trade Talks Podcast and every Wednesday from 3-4 PM for the Trade Talks Live 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 learn what happens when a former fitness model pivots into AI—and ends up helping plumbers, roofers, electricians, and HVAC pros dominate their industries? In this episode of The Trade, Roger Wakefield sits down with AI systems expert Aoife Roche to break down how artificial intelligence is transforming the skilled trades—and why those who adapt now will win big. They dive into: Why the trades are some of the most "AI-proof" careers How AI can become the cheapest (and most powerful) employee in your business The future of marketing for plumbers, roofers, and contractors AI influencers, automated content, and scaling your brand faster than ever The death of traditional SEO and the rise of Answer Engine Optimization (AEO) Real-world examples of cutting lead costs and increasing revenue using AI Why ignoring AI today could cost you your business tomorrow Aoife shares how she went from fitness and modeling to building cutting-edge AI systems that can create full courses, ads, and marketing campaigns in days—not months.

    1h 7m

  7. APR 22

    Why Cheap Jobs Will Cost You

    Welcome to The Trade Talks Live, where we celebrate the blue-collar trades and everything they stand for! Join us every Wednesday from 3:00-4:00 Cental 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! A big thank you to Leak-Pro for sponsoring this episode of The Trade Talks Live! Register for my FREE webinar! https://www.justmetroger.com LeakPro provides state-of-the-art leak detection solutions specifically designed for plumbers, helping professionals pinpoint hidden leaks with accuracy and efficiency. By utilizing advanced acoustic technology and digital sensors, LeakPro allows plumbers to reduce unnecessary damage, saving time and money on every job. LeakPro's tools are essential for detecting slab leaks, pipe leaks, and irrigation system failures without

    1 hr

  8. APR 11

    Starting plumbing in his 40's #221 Ben Friedman

    Welcome to The Trade Talks Podcast, where we celebrate the blue-collar trades and everything they stand for! Join us every other Saturday for the Trade Talks Podcast and every Wednesday from 3-4 PM for the Trade Talks Live 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! n this episode of The Trade, Roger Wakefield sits down with a seasoned plumber who went from the mortgage industry to the trades out of necessity—and built a career that led him to serve on the Texas plumbing board, influence regulations, and help grow a successful business. They dive into: Starting a plumbing career later in life (and why it's NOT too late) The reality of working your way from apprentice to master plumber How a family plumbing business grew into a high-revenue operation The difference between transactional vs. relationship-based service How plumbers can earn $100K–$175K+ (and what it really takes) Why soft skills and communication matter just as much as technical ability Behind-the-scenes insights into plumbing laws, licensing, and the Texas board The truth about tunneling, training, and the future of the trade If you've ever thought about leaving a desk job for the trades—or you're already in plumbing and want to level up—this conversation is packed with real-world insight you won't hear anywhere else. 👉 Whether you're 20 or 50, this episode proves it's never too late to build a successful career in the skilled trades.

    1h 7m
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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.

Information

  • Creator
    Roger Wakefield
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    100
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025
  • Show Website
    The Trade Talks

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