Work and Talk Podcast | Building Builders in the Trades

Wilson Matthew Betances - Powered by Energize Us Edu Inc
  • 4.5 (8)
  • CAREERS
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

This show focuses on craft, judgment, standards, and responsibility in electrical and construction. Conversations are grounded in experience and address what apprentices, journeymen, and leaders must understand to carry the work forward correctly. Work & Talk includes two formats: THE BUILDERS SHOW A morning show focused on craft, training, jobsite culture, and industry needs. Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. WORK & TALK Long-form conversations centered on building builders through experience, decisions, and accountability Wednesday Evening.

  1. 12H AGO

    What Electricians Need to Stop Doing in 2026

    This episode of The Builder Show is a direct conversation for electricians, journeymen, apprentices, and electrical contractors heading into 2026.We’re not talking about motivation.We’re talking about real behaviors in the trade that are holding people back — complacency, avoiding licensure, relying on one contract, doing journeyman work without journeyman authority, and mistaking “showing up” for progress.In this episode, we break down:Why doing the same thing you did last year won’t work in 2026How unlicensed electricians quietly lose leverage, pay, and optionsWhy “good work” alone doesn’t protect your job anymoreThe difference between movement and actual progress in the tradesWhat electricians can change right now to separate themselvesThis show is for people who want more than a paycheck.If you’re an electrician who wants respect, stability, and long-term options — this episode is for you.🎧 Listen to the full episodeAvailable on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts.📌 Explore More:🌐 Website: energizeus-edu.today🛠️ Builders Convention: thebuildersconvention.com/optin🎙️ More Episodes: podcast.energizeus-edu.today🏗️ B.U.L.D. Association: info.energizeus-edu.today/buld-association📘 Free eBook: info.energizeus-edu.today/blueprint-ebook📸 Follow Us: @energizeusedu on Instagram

    30 min

  2. 5D AGO

    Electricians & Contractors: Why Blue-Collar Lost Respect (And How We Fix It)

    Electricians and contractors didn’t lose respect overnight — it happened over generations.In this episode of The Builders Show, we break down why blue-collar work used to be respected like any other profession, how that reputation changed, and what electricians, journeymen, and contractors can do today to rebuild trust and authority.We talk about the origin of blue-collar work, the shift toward mass production and college culture, and why licensure, professionalism, communication, and standards matter more than ever in the skilled trades.This episode is for electricians, contractors, and anyone working in construction who wants to be taken seriously by homeowners, inspectors, and the next generation entering the trades.The Builders Show airs every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 7am EST / 4am PST.📌 Explore More:🌐 Website: energizeus-edu.today🛠️ Builders Convention: thebuildersconvention.com/optin🎙️ More Episodes: podcast.energizeus-edu.today🏗️ B.U.L.D. Association: info.energizeus-edu.today/buld-association📘 Free eBook: info.energizeus-edu.today/blueprint-ebook📸 Follow Us: @energizeusedu on Instagram

    32 min

  3. JAN 5

    Why Your Journeyman License Changes Everything as an Electrician in 2026

    Every January, electricians set goals — and then quietly drift back into the same routine.In this episode of The Builders Show, we talk about why so many electricians, apprentices, and journeymen lose momentum after the New Year, why “just showing up” eventually works against you, and why licensure, communication, and intentional growth matter more than ever in the trades.This conversation breaks down what we see every week working with electricians and contractors across the country — people with talent, work ethic, and opportunity who stall out because they stop planning, stop learning, and stop pushing themselves forward.We cover:– Why New Year motivation fades fast in the trades– How complacency shows up on the jobsite– Why licensure changes your career direction– Why communication separates leaders from labor– How electricians can stand out without working more hoursIf you’re an electrician heading into 2026 and don’t want another year to disappear, this episode will hit home.The Builders Show airs every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 7am EST / 4am PST.📌 Explore More:🌐 Website: energizeus-edu.today🛠️ Builders Convention: thebuildersconvention.com/optin🎙️ More Episodes: podcast.energizeus-edu.today🏗️ B.U.L.D. Association: info.energizeus-edu.today/buld-association📘 Free eBook: info.energizeus-edu.today/blueprint-ebook📸 Follow Us: @energizeusedu on Instagram

    35 min

  4. JAN 2

    Electricians: The Hidden Cost of Not Getting Licensed in 2026

    Most electricians don’t realize how much money and time they’re quietly giving up by delaying licensure.Going into 2026, staying unlicensed doesn’t mean you’re failing — but it does mean your income is capped, your job options are limited, and you’re likely working more hours than necessary just to keep pace.In this kickoff episode of The Builders Show, we break down the real cost of avoiding licensure in the electrical trade. Not in theory — but in missed income, delayed opportunities, and years spent doing side work instead of building leverage.This conversation is about what actually changes when electricians commit to getting licensed: access to better work, higher earning potential, more control over time, and clearer long-term options in the trade.We also talk about why so many electricians drift year to year without a plan, why “just showing up” eventually works against you, and why 2026 is the year to stop leaving money on the table.If you’re an electrician, apprentice, or journeyman who wants more than another busy year, this episode will help you understand what licensure really unlocks — and why delaying it costs more than most people think.The Builders Show airs every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 7am EST / 4am PST.📌 Explore More:🌐 Website: energizeus-edu.today🛠️ Builders Convention: thebuildersconvention.com🎙️ More Episodes: podcast.energizeus-edu.today🏗️ B.U.L.D. Association: info.energizeus-edu.today/buld-association📘 Free eBook: info.energizeus-edu.today/blueprint-ebook📸 Follow Us: @energizeusedu on Instagram

    31 min

  5. 10/16/2025

    From Thomas Edison to the Next Gen Contractor | The Legacy and Future of Leviton Manufacturing

    Welcome back to the Work & Talk Podcast — the podcast for tradespeople, by tradespeople. In this exclusive episode, we sit down with Leviton Manufacturing Company — one of the most historic names in electrical innovation — to explore how a partnership with Thomas Edison sparked a century of progress that continues to shape the electrical industry today. 🎧 Recorded LIVE from Leviton LIVE Nashville, this episode dives into Leviton’s 100+ year legacy, their role in powering America’s growth, and how the Next Gen Contractor Event is paving the way for the future of electricians, contractors, and builders. 💡 In This Episode:The history of Leviton and Thomas Edison’s collaborationHow Leviton evolved from the lighting era to modern smart home solutionsWhy Leviton remains a trusted brand for electricians worldwideThe Next Gen Contractor Event: hands-on training, innovation, and education “AI can’t wire a house” — the human side of the skilled tradesWhole Home discussion: Performance. Electrification. Trust. How Leviton is shaping the next 100 years of electrical work ⚡ Why This Matters:Leviton isn’t just a brand — it’s the backbone of an industry. From switches and controls to complete energy ecosystems, this conversation is about honoring the past, celebrating innovation, and empowering the next generation of builders. 📍 Watch or Listen Now:YouTube | Spotify | Apple Podcasts🎧 podcast.energizeus-edu.today👷 Hosted by: @willmbetances & @cameronvogelsang🎥 Presented by: @workntalkpodcast🎙️

    30 min

  6. 10/09/2025

    From Chaos to Cash Flow: How Contractors Get 6–10 Hours Back Weekly

    The Work & Talk Podcast — for tradespeople, by tradespeople.Today we sit down with Justin Lund (@itsjustinlund) to unpack the Delegation Priority Pyramid — a simple, repeatable framework for contractors to buy back 6–10 hours a week, fix cash flow, and stop firefighting. What we cover: Why your first hire isn’t a journeyman — it’s admin (and how to know) The Delegation Priority Pyramid: Admin → Marketing → Sales → Leadership How one HVAC company had $800,000 stuck in AR — and collected $600K in 90 days Founder Freedom Playbook (free): track your time, find bottlenecks, delegate the right work Buying back your time: 10 hours = more bids, better clients, fewer late nights Cash flow reality: AR, payroll, taxes, and the systems that keep you out of trouble Routine > heroics: how to avoid burnout and build a business you actually enjoy Why watch: If you’re in Year 0–3 or bouncing between $500K–$2M and feel stuck, this episode gives you a practical plan to grow without hating your life. Guest: @itsjustinlund (IG/TT/LI)Hosts: @workntalkpodcast 🎧 Listen everywhere: podcast.energizeus-edu.today Live cadence: The Builders Show — Mon/Wed/Fri @ 7 AM ET • Guest episodes — Wed @ 8 PM ET Comment: What will you delegate first this week (admin, AR follow-ups, materials runs, inbox)? We’ll feature a few in the next show.

    44 min

  7. 10/06/2025

    The Builders Show | Contractor Business Plan 101: Pricing, Leads & Your First Year (Leviton Next Gen)

    Going out on your own? We cover first-year mistakes, pricing you can defend, lead flow that works, and the “Contractor GPS” so you stop winging it. Plus TN licensing (LLE vs CE) and a look ahead to Leviton’s Next Gen Contractors event.Subscribe for The Builders Show M/W/F 7 AM ET • @workntalkpodcastThe Builders Show — the morning show for builders, electricians, and contractors.We took a week off (baby on the way!) and we’re back with a tactical episode for anyone in Year 0–3 of business or about to go out on their own.What we cover today:First-year contractor mistakes (and how to avoid them)The Contractor GPS: how to set a destination (not just “get jobs”)Pricing basics: stop guessing — start with targets, quarters, and weekly revenueLead flow: what actually works early (and what to avoid)Saying no to bad customers without starving your pipelineTN Licensing: LLE vs CE (scope, limits, prep that actually helps)Leviton Next Gen Contractors Event (Nashville): what we’ll share on business planning, pricing & load centersWhy watch: Real, usable steps before you clock in — build a business you don’t end up hating.Listen anywhere: podcast.energizeus-edu.todayFollow: @workntalkpodcast (IG & YouTube)Live cadence: The Builders Show — Mon/Wed/Fri @ 7 AM ET • Guest episodes — Wed @ 8 PM ETComment: What’s your one move this week — apply for a license, price a MPU, join an association, or set a monthly target?

    30 min

  8. 10/05/2025

    Work & Talk Podcast | “Passing the Test” w/ Sergio Cortes (Surge Electrical Training) How to crush your electrical exam + build leadership in the trades

    Welcome back to the Work & Talk Podcast – the podcast for tradespeople by tradespeople.This week Will sits down with Sergio Cortes (El Profe) of Surge Electrical Training, the creator of the Surge Method that’s helping electricians pass their licensing exams nationwide.We’ve worked with Sergio for almost two years behind the scenes, but this is the first time we’ve sat down to share his story: from the Coast Guard to master electrician at 25, to opening his own business and now teaching 40+ electricians a month how to pass.Military roots → residential rewires → big jobs → teachingWhy leadership matters as much as skillset (even as an apprentice)The Surge Method: reading the NEC like a jobsite, not a textbookHow to prep once and pass your exam instead of paying fee after feeThe coming shift in solar & renewables: “soletricians,” battery installs, and why code knowledge = career leverageSergio’s new book & on-demand platform (Spanish + English)Why listen: If you’re thinking about your license, your first crew lead role, or moving from installer to professional, this episode gives you a playbook.🎧 Full audio: ⁠podcast.energizeus-edu.today⁠Follow our hosts: @workntalkpodcast @willmbetancesFollow our guest:  @surgeelectricaltrainingSubscribe for live morning shows M/W/F 7 AM ET and guest episodes Wed 8 PM ETComment: What’s the one thing holding you back from your license or leadership role? We’ll feature a few in our next Q&A episode.Want to be a guest or sponsor? Fill out the link in bio to showcase your business, vision, or brand on the show.What you’ll hear:📲 Call to Action (end of description)

    42 min
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4.5
out of 5
8 Ratings

About

This show focuses on craft, judgment, standards, and responsibility in electrical and construction. Conversations are grounded in experience and address what apprentices, journeymen, and leaders must understand to carry the work forward correctly. Work & Talk includes two formats: THE BUILDERS SHOW A morning show focused on craft, training, jobsite culture, and industry needs. Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. WORK & TALK Long-form conversations centered on building builders through experience, decisions, and accountability Wednesday Evening.

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