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. Trades Careers, Wages, and AI: Martin King on Attracting Talent in a Changing Industry

    MAY 6

    Trades Careers, Wages, and AI: Martin King on Attracting Talent in a Changing Industry

    In this episode of Commercial Grade, host RC Victorino sits down with Martin King—HVAC veteran, entrepreneur, and founder of Legacy Chiller Systems, J&M Fluidics, and Skilled Trades Rescue—to unpack decades of experience building, scaling, and evolving in the trades. Martin shares how he entered the HVAC industry through technical training and a union apprenticeship, eventually growing his own company from a single van into a 30+ truck operation before selling. He opens up about the realities of business ownership—from early hiring mistakes to the “cold sweats” of making payroll—and how growth introduces new layers of complexity that many owners underestimate. A turning point in Martin’s career came from a single customer request that led him into process chillers and ultimately the creation of Legacy Chiller Systems. From there, the conversation expands into today’s biggest challenges in the trades, including labor shortages, rising wages, technician mobility, and the shifting expectations of the modern workforce. Martin also discusses his mission through Skilled Trades Rescue, where he supports professionals, business owners, career explorers, and parents by providing guidance on financial literacy, career pathways, and starting a business in the trades. Finally, RC and Martin explore the growing role of AI in the industry—why it will enhance productivity rather than replace skilled labor in the near term, and what tradespeople should be doing now to stay ahead. In this episode you’ll hear: • How Martin scaled an HVAC business from 1 van to 30+ trucks • The biggest mistakes new trade business owners make • Why growth creates operational chaos (and how to manage it) • The real reason behind today’s labor shortages • How rising wages and technician mobility are reshaping the industry • What Skilled Trades Rescue is doing to support the workforce • Why financial literacy is critical for tradespeople • How AI will impact (but not replace) skilled labor Episode Timestamps: (00:00) Cold Sweats Mindset: Grit and Resilience in the Trades (00:14) Meet Martin King: HVAC Entrepreneur and Founder of King Air (01:38) From Tech School to the Union: Entering the Skilled Trades (02:26) Starting King Air: Building an HVAC Business from Scratch (03:00) The Accidental Chiller Breakthrough That Changed Everything (06:54) Lessons From Dad: Work Ethic, Leadership, and Early Influence (09:29) Hiring Challenges and Backlog Cycles in HVAC (12:36) Growth Tiers: Scaling a Business Without Chaos (14:09) Labor Market Shifts: Why Hiring in the Trades Is Changing (18:03) The Skilled Trades Talent Shortage—and How to Fix It (20:13) Money, Margins, and Business Coaching for Contractors (23:54) College vs. Trades: What Parents Should Know (26:02) AI and the Future of Skilled Trades (29:18) What Makes a Superstar HVAC Technician (34:28) How to Attract and Retain Top Trade Talent (37:28) Lightning Round: Quick Takes and Advice (39:08) Wrap-Up and Where to Connect   About the Guest: Martin King is an HVAC veteran, entrepreneur, and industry advocate with decades of experience in the skilled trades. He is the founder of Legacy Chiller Systems, J&M Fluidics, and Skilled Trades Rescue. After starting his career through technical training and a union apprenticeship, Martin built and scaled a successful HVAC company from a single van to a 30+ truck operation before exiting. Today, he focuses on supporting the next generation of tradespeople through coaching, workforce development, and education initiatives aimed at improving retention, financial literacy, and career pathways in the trades. Links & Resources: • Martin King on LinkedIn • Skilled Trades Rescue • Legacy Chiller Systems • 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.

    40 min
  2. Building HVAC Leaders: Curtis Perry Jr. on Service, Training, and the Trades

    APR 15

    Building HVAC Leaders: Curtis Perry Jr. on Service, Training, and the Trades

    In this episode of Commercial Grade, host RC Victorino sits down with Curtis Perry Jr., an HVAC Service Technician, last year’s Above and Beyond Award winner, for a conversation about service, leadership, and what it really takes to grow in the trades. Curtis shares how his path started with trade electives in high school, then took shape after a message at church inspired him to learn something hands-on. He initially considered appliance repair, but once he got exposure to HVAC, it clicked—and he’s been building his career ever since. RC and Curtis talk about the realities of learning in the field, including the challenge of on-the-job training when certain equipment only shows up once in a while. Curtis explains why experience under pressure matters, how repetition builds confidence, and how he developed into a service team lead who helps bridge the gap between technicians and the office. They also dig into what leadership really means in the trades: being available, caring about your people, investing in training, and helping others improve instead of just expecting results. Curtis explains why “above and beyond” service means going deeper than surface-level checks—it means doing the thorough diagnostic work, understanding the full problem, and earning trust with customers and coworkers alike. The conversation also explores how the industry can attract more young people through career fairs, social media, and jobsite exposure, along with why the trades aren’t for everyone—and why honesty matters. Curtis also challenges old assumptions about trade careers, especially when it comes to pay, growth, and long-term opportunity. In this episode, you’ll hear: • How Curtis found his path into HVAC • Why hands-on training matters more than theory alone • The learning gaps that come with real field experience • What great leadership looks like in service work • Why “above and beyond” starts with better diagnostics • How to attract more young people to the trades • What people still get wrong about HVAC careers Episode Timestamps: (00:00) Welcome and guest intro (00:52) Curtis’s trade origin story (02:41) Why HVAC won out (05:55) Learning on the job (08:52) Becoming a service team lead (10:52) Defining great leadership (13:24) The Above and Beyond Award (17:44) Service mindset and caring for people (19:00) Attracting new talent to the trades (23:29) The reality of the work (27:03) Lightning round (32:39) Final thoughts and wrap About the Guest: Curtis Perry Jr. is an HVAC professional and service team lead based in Columbia, South Carolina. Recognized as last year’s Above and Beyond Award winner by his emplyer, Curtis is known for his commitment to doing the job right, supporting fellow technicians, and leading with care. His career began with trade electives in high school and has grown through hands-on experience, technical development, and a strong service mindset. Today, he helps bridge the gap between the field and the office while mentoring others and advocating for more young people to explore the opportunities available in the trades. Links & Resources: • Curtis Perry Jr. on LinkedIn •  RC Victorino on LinkedIn • 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.

    32 min
  3. Building Builders: Wilson Matthew Betances on Fixing Trade Culture

    MAR 25

    Building Builders: Wilson Matthew Betances on Fixing Trade Culture

    In this episode of Commercial Grade, host RC Victorino sits down with Wilson Matthew Betances, owner of Energize Us and founder of Energize Us EDU, to break down what’s really holding the skilled trades back—and how to fix it at the cultural level. Wilson shares why he intentionally took on three different roles in the electrical trade—contractor, inspector, and educator—to understand the entire system and protect himself from the physical demands that burn so many people out. He explains why earning an electrical license is the single biggest unlock in the industry, and why so few apprentices make it there. RC and Wilson dig into the hard truth: the real crisis isn’t recruiting new people, it’s losing the ones we already have. Wilson details how outdated leadership styles, ego-driven inspections, inconsistent interpretations of electrical code, and a punishing jobsite culture push workers out long before they become experts. They also explore how Energize Us EDU is redefining training with soft skills, leadership development, digital tools, and fast-growing content designed to surface pain points and guide people toward classes, events, and career pathways. In this episode you’ll hear: • Why trade culture—not talent—is the biggest barrier • The licensing bottleneck and why it derails so many apprentices • How inspection culture creates unnecessary cost and conflict • Why retention is the real workforce crisis • The generational gaps shaping leadership and expectations • How content, storytelling, and digital tools attract new tradespeople • Why Energize Us EDU focuses on “building builders and leaders” Episode Timestamps: (00:00) Trades Change Lives (00:32) Meet Wilson Matthew Betances (01:19) Fast‑Track Credentials (04:40) Sacrifice and Strategy (07:24) Code Over Ego (08:57) Challenging Bad Inspections (12:20) Why He Chose the Trades (16:00) Falling for Electrical (17:49) Retention, Not Shortage (20:30) Fixing Trade Culture (23:55) Generational Leadership Cycle (24:43) Waves of Opportunity (26:01) Breaking Construction Status Quo (26:46) Why He Creates Content (27:24) Industry Pain Points and Inspectors (29:18) Content Strategy and Viral Topics (32:08) Analytics Wins and Building a Team (34:10) Energize Us EDU Mission (35:44) Recruiting Trades in the Digital Age (38:30) Authenticity and Setting Expectations (40:51) Lightning Round + AI Workflow (44:15) Misconceptions and the Future of the Trades (47:06) Where to Find Energize Us About the Guest: Wilson Matthew Betances is the owner of Energize Us and founder of Energize Us EDU, organizations dedicated to modernizing the skilled trades through apprenticeship training, soft skills, leadership development, and content-driven education. With experience as a contractor, inspector, and educator, Wilson has a 360° view of the electrical industry. His mission is to transform trade culture, improve retention, and “build builders and leaders” for the next generation. Links & Resources: • Wilson Matthew Betances on LinkedIn • RC Victorino on LinkedIn • Energize Us EDU • 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.

    48 min
  4. Passing the Torch: Manja Horner on Training the Next Generation Faster

    MAR 4

    Passing the Torch: Manja Horner on Training the Next Generation Faster

    In this episode of Commercial Grade, host RC Victorino sits down with Manja Horner, founder and CEO of Boost ld and author of the upcoming book Pass the Torch. With a background that spans historic restoration, music education, homeschooling, and corporate training, Manja brings a unique perspective to the workforce crisis unfolding across the trades. Manja shares early memories from her father’s all‑girls restoration crew and how witnessing poor restoration work later in life pushed her to focus on training systems that actually work. She breaks down why skilled labor shortages continue to worsen, how tribal knowledge is disappearing as older workers retire, and why structured “skill stacking” and multi‑year onboarding pathways are essential for accelerating competency. RC and Manja explore why employers struggle to run effective apprenticeship programs, why younger owners tend to embrace digital tools and systematic training, and how improved career roadmaps can boost both retention and productivity. They also discuss AI’s potential impact on workforce development, the need for early exposure to shop class and hands‑on learning, and the urgency of documenting decades of craftsmanship before it’s too late. In this episode you’ll hear: • Why the trades are losing tribal knowledge faster than it’s being replaced • How Manja’s journey from violin teacher to CEO shaped her approach to training • What “skill stacking” looks like in real workforce programs • Why structured roadmaps dramatically improve retention • What Gen Z really wants from employers • How AI will shift both training and the trades workforce • Why craftsmanship must be intentionally preserved • How to rebuild the shop‑class pipeline for the next generation Episode Timestamps: (00:00) Skilled Trades Industry Wake‑Up (00:18) Meet Manja Horner (01:09) All‑Girls Restoration Crew (03:20) Craftsmanship, Heritage, and Early Influence (04:57) Music Background and Teaching Roots (07:24) Homeschooling and Mentorship (09:53) Early Digital Shift with QuickBooks (11:14) From Corporate Training to CEO (13:32) The Brick‑Dust Turning Point (15:27) Skill Stacking to Close Workforce Gaps (20:55) Making Training Real on the Job (22:41) Training Roadmaps that Boost Retention (24:34) Career Pathways that Keep People in the Trades (25:26) What Gen Z Wants from Employers (26:42) Apprenticeship Challenges for Employers (28:18) AI and Workforce Transformation (30:06) Pass the Torch — Book Preview (32:28) Capturing Tribal Knowledge (33:51) Attracting the Next Generation (34:42) Rebuilding the Shop‑Class Pipeline (39:10) Incentives, Stigma, and Youth Exposure (40:45) Repair and Restoration Skills (41:39) Lightning Round and Wrap‑Up About the Guest: Manja Horner is the founder and CEO of Boost ld, an Ontario‑based company specializing in HR, skills development, and training for the skilled trades. Her career has spanned historic restoration, music education, homeschooling, and corporate training — giving her a unique lens on how people learn and how craftsmanship is transferred between generations. Manja is the author of the upcoming book Pass the Torch, which explores solutions to the skilled labor shortage, including structured onboarding, skill stacking, and capturing tribal knowledge before it disappears. She works with trade businesses across North America to modernize workforce development and build training that is faster, clearer, and more effective. Links & Resources: RC’s LinkedIn Manja Horner on LinkedInPass the Torch Learn more about Boost ld 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
  5. The Trades Need the Next Generation: Brooke Laing & Eric Hyatt on Stepping In

    FEB 18

    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
  6. 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
  7. 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
  8. 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
  9. 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
  10. 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
  11. 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

  12. 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
    12
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025
  • Show Website
    Commercial Grade