Commercial Grade

BuildOps
  • 4.4 (7)
  • BUSINESS
  • UPDATED BIMONTHLY

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, 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.

Episodes

  1. The Trades Need the Next Generation: Brooke Laing & Eric Hyatt on Stepping In

    3D AGO

    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.

    41 min
  2. The Trades Don’t Run on Shortcuts: Rich Malachy on Building What Lasts

    FEB 4

    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 realizeHow Rich navigated college, career uncertainty, and leadership transitionWhat strong core values look like in real service businessesWhy culture is the foundation of growth and retentionHow Malachy Cares uses social media and branding intentionallyWhat AI could mean for the future of the tradesWhy 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.

    42 min
  3. Why “Tough It Out” Is Failing the Trades: Mental Health & Recovery with Josh Vitale (Project BUILT)

    JAN 21

    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 environmentsHow addiction quietly takes hold in the construction industryWhat hitting rock bottom taught Josh about recovery and leadershipWhy mental health support must involve families—not just workersHow Project Built is creating real-world solutions beyond awarenessThe role superintendents and leaders play in preventing crisesWhy younger generations are demanding changeWhat it takes to build a truly supportive job site cultureEpisode 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.

    47 min
  4. The Trades Don’t Run on Hype: Karly Rolls Hoehn on People, Work, and Standards

    JAN 7

    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 styleWhat “people first” looks like when quality and accountability matterWhy apprenticeships are non-negotiable for the future workforceWhat AI really means for skilled labor—and how leaders should approach itThe reality of hard work in the trades—and why it’s worth itHow women are raising the bar across the industryWhy 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: RC’s LinkedInKarly’s LinkedInLearn more about Rolls MechanicalLearn more about BuildOps Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    50 min
  5. Youth in the Trades: Henry Kneeland on Finding His Place in HVAC

    12/17/2025

    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 pathWhy hands-on learning resonates more than traditional classroom modelsWhat today’s students are thinking about career stability and earning potentialWhy the labor gap persists — and what might actually help close itHow technology is shaping the work of modern HVAC techniciansWhat employers can do to attract and retain young talentHenry’s advice for teens exploring their optionsTake 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: RC’s LinkedInHenry’s LinkedInLearn more about Carolina Chillers 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.

    46 min
  6. Leading by Example: Angie Simon on Empowering Women in the Industry

    12/04/2025

    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: RC’s LinkedInAngie’s LinkedInLearn more about Heavy Metal Summer ExperienceLearn more about Western Allied MechanicalLearn more about SMACNA’s Be4All ProgramLearn 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.

    46 min
  7. Futureproof: Greg Crumpton on Building the Next Generation of the Trades

    11/13/2025

    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 worldWhy mentorship and education matter more than everWhat AI really means for hands-on workHow to keep skilled labor alive as demand growsIt’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: RC’s LinkedInGreg’s LinkedIn Learn more at ServiceLogic.comLearn more at BuildOps.com 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.

    44 min

  8. 11/07/2025

    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.

    1 min

Trailer

Ratings & Reviews

4.4
out of 5
7 Ratings

About

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, 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.

Information

  • Creator
    BuildOps
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    8
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025
  • Show Website
    Commercial Grade