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. 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
  2. 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
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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