WIRED WATTSMART

Josh Torpey

Wired Wattsmart – Where blue-collar hustle meets real-world success. What started as straight-up electrical tips and trade talk has wired into something bigger. Join host Josh Torpey for honest conversations on entrepreneurship, blue-collar finance, building wealth as a tradesperson, and the real stories behind the businesses that power our world. From practical electrical advice and industry insights to inspiring Business Backstories interviews with owners, operators, and go-getters who turned skills into empires—you’ll get the motivation, money moves, and mindset shifts you actually need. Whether you’re an electrician, contractor, tradesperson, or just someone who respects hard work and smart money, this is your go-to podcast for staying wired, getting smarter, and building a life that doesn’t suck. New episodes drop regularly. Plug in and level up.

  1. Mar 11

    How COVID Disrupted Supply Chains and Changed Electrical Industry Forever

    Most electrical distribution and contracting professionals don’t realize how interconnected their worlds truly are. Tyler Hicks, a seasoned outside sales rep and former branch manager at Stoneway Electric Supply, pulls back the curtain on the industry’s hidden frameworks and reveals how strategic value engineering, supplier relationships, and market trends shape every project — from bid to build. If you’re in the trades, running a business, or just curious about what really drives the power industry, this episode sparks new insights and practical tactics you can implement today.Tyler's journey from working on cars and framing houses to managing a multi-decade career at Stoneway offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at how distribution giants influence project costs and timelines. He breaks down complex concepts like value engineering — showing how contractors can cut costs by choosing comparable, less expensive products without sacrificing quality. You’ll discover the importance of strong manufacturer partnerships, how supply chain disruptions from COVID exposed vulnerabilities in material availability, and what that means for your next project’s budget and schedule.We also dive deep into how the market for raw materials like copper and steel fluctuates unpredictably, and why savvy contractors and suppliers stay ahead by monitoring commodities. Tyler shares insider tips on navigating lead times, stockpiling, and making smarter purchasing decisions in a rollercoaster economy. Plus, get his perspective on how economic changes, legislation, and industry technology—including AI—are transforming the way we work, bid, and succeed.This episode is perfect for electricians, project managers, suppliers, and entrepreneurs who want to turn complexity into opportunity. If you’re tired of surprises throwing your projects off course or want to understand how to negotiate better deals with suppliers and clients, Tyler’s insights will elevate your game. Lean into the truths that keep the lights on — because mastering industry nuance isn’t just smart; it’s essential.Why this works:This episode hooks listeners with concrete, industry-specific insights and promises real-world applications, appealing directly to those in or associated with the electrical trades. It builds curiosity by teasing insider knowledge on market disruptions and strategic partnerships, while the detailed discussion of value engineering, supply chain challenges, and commodities provides tangible benefits. The engaging storytelling and authoritative perspectives make it impossible not to hit play, eager to learn how to better navigate today’s complex industry landscape.Character count: 3632/4000

    52 min
  2. Mar 4

    How Industrial Control Wiring Became a Distinct Skill Within Electricians’ Trade

    Most electricians never get the chance to master the art of control wiring or design the systems that power industrial giants. Chase Larson broke into the industry early on, combining hands-on apprenticeship with over three decades of expertise — and now he’s a control engineer shaping the future of automation.In this episode, Chase shares how he transitioned from a field electrician to a top-tier control systems designer, revealing the secret sauce behind managing complex PLC programming and making sense of convoluted wiring diagrams. You'll discover why breaking problems into small chunks simplifies troubleshooting, how meticulous planning saves thousands on big projects, and why the skills you develop in the trades are more valuable than you think — including how math, design, and even AI are reshaping the industry.We break down: The key differences between industrial control wiring and residential or commercial projects, and why control wiring is its own beastHow PLC programming works, the best languages to learn, and why ladder logic is a game-changerWhy top-tier system design and CAD tools give electricians a serious edge in efficiency and future-proofing their careersThe impact of energy codes, smart buildings, and the shift away from natural gas on electrical workChase’s honest take on AI’s role in the trades and the critical importance of developing adaptable, tech-savvy skillsThis isn’t just for electricians — it’s essential insight for anyone looking to future-proof their career in a transforming industry. Whether you’re just starting, a seasoned pro, or exploring control systems, you’ll walk away with a clearer view of how to leverage your skills in a high-demand, rapidly evolving space.Perfect for tradespeople hungry for a competitive edge, contractors striving for precision, or curious minds eager to understand the future of automation — this episode puts you inside the mind of a master who’s seen it all.Guest Chase Larson is a control engineer with a rich background in industrial automation, PLC programming, and electrical design for large-scale food and commercial projects. His expertise bridges the gap between hands-on trades and high-level system architecture.

    59 min

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Wired Wattsmart – Where blue-collar hustle meets real-world success. What started as straight-up electrical tips and trade talk has wired into something bigger. Join host Josh Torpey for honest conversations on entrepreneurship, blue-collar finance, building wealth as a tradesperson, and the real stories behind the businesses that power our world. From practical electrical advice and industry insights to inspiring Business Backstories interviews with owners, operators, and go-getters who turned skills into empires—you’ll get the motivation, money moves, and mindset shifts you actually need. Whether you’re an electrician, contractor, tradesperson, or just someone who respects hard work and smart money, this is your go-to podcast for staying wired, getting smarter, and building a life that doesn’t suck. New episodes drop regularly. Plug in and level up.