Why the Trades?: Recent Episodes
Speakeasy Podcast Network
Why the Trades? is a dive into the minds of the successful people that chose a trade as a career pathway. In our interviews , we ask the questions - why participants chose their profession, what does an average day look like, what are the pros and cons of their job, and where their specific industry is headed? Since many guests are entrepreneurs, we'll also explore aspects of working for yourself. This podcast is a tool to educate our listeners on the power of the trades and which one may be calling to them. Whether you're already a tradesman or looking for a stable and fulfilling career opportunity, we hope you join us on our journey through the trades. . Hosted by Clelland Russell, entrepreneur, tradesman, author, and advocate for the trades! crussell@proclaimroofing.com
Welcome back! This week, Clelland puts the finishing touches on Season 1 of Why The Trades? with very special guest Juva Barber. Juva is the Executive Vice President of the BIA of Greater Louisville, and she is helping to launch a building institute! The Building Institute of Greater Louisville kicks off its first semester on October 17, with the mission of launching careers in the trades. Together, we’ll cover:
- Why trades are the industry of opportunity & one of the few fields to be recession-proof.
- Why the shortage of tradespeople exists and how leaders like Juva are addressing it.
- Juva’s Top 3 Reasons why YOU should choose the trades.
- The opportunities The Building Institute of Greater Louisville can offer.
And more!
With that, we will hang up our spurs for the year and begin work on Season 2! We can’t thank our wonderful guests – and our amazing listeners – enough for making this show possible. More episodes (and puns) are coming in 2023.
Show Links
Connect with Clelland!
LinkedIn - Clelland Russell
FB - @WhytheTrades
Guest Links
Learn more about the Building Institute (and sign up!) here: https://www.buildinginstituteky.com/
BIA Website: https://www.bialouisville.com/
Juva's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juva-sizemore-barber-9b50b73/
The very simple exercise of listening to this podcast could help ease your pain and discomfort around picking a career in the trades. This week, Clelland is joined by Doctor Brad Conder for an in-depth discussion about the careers in physical therapy. Brad is also an entrepreneur, owning and operating Focus Physical Therapy in Louisville. As a practicing physician and business leader, Brad has insights on both how to learn PT and how to find freedom in the healthcare field. This week, we'll get into:
- Why empathy is such a powerful tool for physical therapists.
- The pay, conditions, and expectations that come with a career in PT.
- Why so many people suffer from lower back pain, and what you can do to ease it.
And much more! Thanks for checking out the show.
Show Links
Connect with Clelland!
LinkedIn - Clelland Russell
FB - @WhytheTrades
Guest Links
Check out Brad's practice: https://physicaltherapylouisville.com/
This week, Life Safety Technician Jeff Chamberlin joins Clelland to answer some burning questions about the critical skills that go into fire prevention. Starting as an avionics technician in the navy, Jeff has parlayed his military experience into a rewarding career in the trades. In today's episode, he and Clelland discuss:
- Who you really need to talk to before deciding to go into the military.
- How to "write your own ticket" in the safey business.
- The importance of Extreme Ownership - both as a leader and a worker.
- The benefits - and mobility - that this important trade can offer you.
And much more! As always, thanks for listening.
Show Links
Connect with Clelland!
LinkedIn - Clelland Russell
FB - @WhytheTrades
Guest Links
Learn more about what Jeff does at Engineered Design Group:
Jeff's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-chamberlin-93984540/
Engineered Design Group's Website: https://www.edg-ce.com/
Hey, Listeners! This week Clelland welcomes his good friend John Henry to the show. John is the owner of Cuttin it Close Lawn and Landscaping, a company that he has been operating since the age of 19. The two discuss the ins and outs of owning a lawn and landscaping company.
Show Links
Connect with Clelland!
LinkedIn - Clelland Russell
FB - @WhytheTrades
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Guest Info
Cuttin' It Close - Lawn & Landscaping - https://cuttinitclose.net
Welcome back listeners for another fantastic episode of Why The Trades. This week, Clelland has a conversation with the guys who keep our rollercoasters from falling to pieces, Jim Doiron & Bobby Britto of the Weber Group. The Weber Group takes on artistic fabrication projects around the world and has designed attractions, exhibits, and rides for amusement parks, zoos, and museums. Some of their clients include Busch Gardens, Nickelodeon, and Lego. Jim and Bobby discuss what it's like to be artistic welders for the firm, and make a compelling case for those who are looking for a place to go with their art degrees.
Show Links
Connect with Clelland!
LinkedIn - Clelland Russell
FB - @WhytheTrades
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Guest Info
Weber Group Inc - https://webergroupinc.com/destinations-experiences/theming-and-entertainment/
All Aboard for this week's edition of the Why the Trades Podcast. This week, Clelland chats with Chris Estep and Dustyn Grenon from Blessey Marine Services. Blessey owns and operates one of the youngest multi-faceted inland tank barge and vessel fleets in the United States. Chris and Dustyn provide Clelland with information on what barge crew members do from day-to-day, and why life at sea might be the life for you.
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Show Links
Connect with Clelland!
LinkedIn - Clelland Russell
FB - @WhytheTrades
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Guest Info
Blessey Marine Services - https://www.blessey.com
On this episode, Clelland brings in Dee Creech & Greg Stith of the Jefferson Community & Technical College (JCTC) to the studio to discuss the work & life of linemen. They also discuss the Linemen Training program available at JCTC available for those who want to embark on a career as a line technician in the utility industry.
Topics Discussed in this episode:
- The training it takes to become a linemen
- The pay & hours of line work.
- The dangers of the job
Show Links
Connect with Clelland!
LinkedIn - Clelland Russell
FB - @WhytheTrades
Guest Info
JCTC Linemen Training Program
This week Clelland welcomes Julian West, Owner of New Look Roofs, to the show. Julian has 20+ years in the industry had has quickly scaled his company to be one of the top-rated roofing companies in the state of Kentucky. Julian tells all of not only his success, his failures that have made him and his company even stronger
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Topics Discussed in this episode:
- Building a strong team
- The importance of marketing and great reviews
- Diversifying your offering
- Owning everything you touch!
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Show Links
Connect with Clelland!
LinkedIn - Clelland Russell
FB - @WhytheTrades
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Guest Info
Julian West
Owner, New Look Roofs
FB - https://www.facebook.com/roofingnsiding/
IG - https://www.instagram.com/newlookroofingandsiding502/
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Show Notes
This week Clelland welcomes Richard Darshwood to the studio. By day, Rich is a chef, by night, a world-class magician! Rich tells us about how he got into magic, and what it takes to make a living as a magician. Make sure you check out the youtube video to see some of the magic in action too!
Topics Discussed in this episode:
- The different types of magic
- How to become a magician
- The best books every aspiring magician should read. (40:30)
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Show Links
Connect with Clelland!
LinkedIn - Clelland Russell
FB - @WhytheTrades
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Guest Info
Richard E. Darshwood - https://www.darshwood.com
FB - @darshwood.conjurer
YT - Richard E. Darshwood
Show Notes
This week Clelland welcomes Jeff Walston, with Premise Construction. Jeff walks us through the main differences between commercial construction and residential. He touches on the many pitfalls of the industry, as well as his passion for it that keeps him going.
Topics Discussed in this episode:
- Commercial Construction & General Contracting
- Contractors vs. Employees
- OSHA
- Project Management Tech
- Cash Flow
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Show Links
Connect with Clelland!
LinkedIn - Clelland Russell
FB - @WhytheTrades
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Guest Info
Jeff Walston - Owner, Premise Construction
FB - @PremiseConstructionInc
IG - @PremiseConstructionInc
LinkedIn - Premise Construction
jeffwalston@premiseconstruction.com
Show Notes
This week Clelland welcomes Trish Sherlock, Co-Owner of Mosquito Hunters, to the show. Trish tells us how her desire to serve something greater than the dollar lead her to choose Mosquito Hunters as the franchise she invested in.
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Topics Discussed in this episode:
- Buying/Starting a Franchise
- Marketing Strategy
- Seasonal Work
- Challenges of Entrepreneurship
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Show Links
Connect with Clelland!
LinkedIn - Clelland Russell
FB - @WhytheTrades
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Guest Info
Trish Sherlock
Co-owner, Mosquito Hunters
FB - @MosquitoHuntersLouisville
IG - @MosquitoHunters Louisville_
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Interested in starting a franchise?
FRANNET
https://frannet.com
Show Notes
This week Clelland welcomes Ben Springer. With 10 years experience as an Industrial Electrician, Planner and Scheduler, Ben tells the ins and outs of electrical work in an industrial facility.
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Topics Discussed in this episode:
- Industrial, Commercial, and Residential Electrical Work
- PLCs
- Travel Work with Union and Contracts
- Universal Industry Knowledge
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Show Links
Connect with Clelland!
LinkedIn - Clelland Russell
FB - @WhytheTrades
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Guest Info
Ben Springer
Electrical Planner & Scheduler
www.bc.com
Show Notes
This week Clelland welcomes Chelsea Ellis-Hogan, of Jim Reynolds Asphalt Contractor, Inc. Chelsea tells her inspiring story of stepping out of high school and right into a management position within a 3rd generation business; the challenges she faced and how she overcame them.
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Topics Discussed in this episode:
- Company Culture and Respect
- Servant Leadership
- Different Ways of Learning
- From Blogging to Publishing a Book
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Show Links
Connect with Clelland!
LinkedIn - Clelland Russell
FB - @WhytheTrades
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Guest Info
Chelsea Ellis-Hogan - Jim Reynolds Asphalt Contractor, Inc
chelseaellishogan@gmail.com
Show Notes
This week Clelland welcomes the love and hero of his life, Talley Russell, and another super woman, Sarah Brady, to the show. Together they highlight the work of non-profits and tackle some heavy issues; from poverty to policy change and empowering people to become more self-sufficient.
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Topics Discussed in this episode:
- The Importance of having a Mentor
- The Non-Profit World
- Apprenticeship Programs
- Empowering People through Education & Skills
- Ending the Cycle of Poverty
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Show Links
Connect with Clelland!
LinkedIn - Clelland Russell
FB - @WhytheTrades
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Guest Info
Talley Russell - Director of Government Affairs for Humana (Board Member for FSH)
Sarah Brady - Family Scholar House
Show Notes
This week Clelland combines forces with JCPS again; this time at Pleasure Ridge Park High School featuring their welding program, Chad Lightle, PRP's Academy Coach, Dave McCoy, the Senior Welding Instructor, and Chad Anglin, OM for Wirecrafters, PRP's Welding Community partner. These guys cover the inception of the welding program to the polishing of students into high demand welders and expanding trades programming throughout our nation's school systems.
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Topics Discussed in this episode:
- Connecting with Students
- The Importance of Career and Technical Education (CTE)
- Career Pathways in JCPS
- Partnering with Businesses in the Community
- Celebrating the Trades
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Show Links
Connect with Clelland!
LinkedIn - Clelland Russell
FB - @WhytheTrades
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Guest Info
Josh Lightle - PRP Academy Coach
Dave McCoy - PRP Senior Welding Instructor
Chad Anglin - Operations Manager for Wirecrafters
Show Notes
This week Clelland is back at the campus of Prosser Career Education Center, and spoke with Electrical Teacher, Mike Bauerla, and one of his incredible students. They delve into the opportunities and programming at Prosser, and how they're making waves in the national conversation surrounding the trades.
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Topics Discussed in this episode:
- Prosser's Electrician Program
- Career Pathways
- Community Partnerships
- The Future of Electricity
- Modes of Learning
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Show Links
Connect with Clelland!
LinkedIn - Clelland Russell
FB - @WhytheTrades
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Guest Info
Mike Bauerla, Electrical Teacher
mbauerla@nafcs.org
Prosser Career Education Center
FB - @prossercec
IG - @prossercareers
Twitter - @ProsserCareers
YouTube - ProsserTV
Show Notes
This week Clelland visited the campus of Prosser Career Education Center, and spoke with Principal Nancy Campbell. They peeled back the layers of importance in properly preparing youth for the work force and empowering them with skills and experience.
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Topics Discussed in this episode:
- History of Prosser
- Number of Skilled Trades Represented
- Community Partnerships
- High School Curriculum and Night School
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Show Links
Connect with Clelland!
LinkedIn - Clelland Russell
FB - @WhytheTrades
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Guest Info
Nancy Campbell - Principal
Prosser Career Education Center
FB - @prossercec
IG - @prossercareers
Twitter - @ProsserCareers
YouTube - ProsserTV
Show Notes
This week Clelland welcomes Austin Kessler, Owner of Total Home Restoration & Remodel in Louisville, Kentucky. Austin nails it with some industry insight and tells his story of becoming an experienced General Contractor before reaching 30; his passions, challenges, successes, failures, and goals for the future.
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Topics Discussed in this episode:
- General Contractors
- Managing Sub-Contractors
- Organizational Development
- Residential vs. Commercial Contracting
- Managing Cash Flow
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Show Links
Connect with Clelland!
LinkedIn - Clelland Russell
FB - @WhytheTrades
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Guest Info
Austin Kessler - Owner
Total Home Restoration & Remodel
FB - @TotalHomeKy
IG - @TotalHomeKy
Show Notes
This week Clelland welcomes Kristin Wingfeld (Specialist of School Business Partnerships with JCPS) and Beau Johnston (Director of Career and Technical Education with JCPS) to discuss the innovations within JCPS concerning the Trades, career pathways, on the job training, and the addition of more trades programs.
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Topics Discussed in this episode:
- Being a Teacher and Administrator
- Career Technical Education
- Pathways Program in JCPS
- Taking Career Pathways National
- Creating Workforce
- Shaping the Future through Creative Education Reform
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Show Links
Connect with Clelland!
LinkedIn - Clelland Russell
FB - @WhytheTrades
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Guest Info
Kristin Wingfeld
Specialist of School Business Partnerships with JCPS
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Beau Johnston
Director of Career and Technical Education with JCPS
Show Notes
This week Clelland welcomes Iroquois High School Plumbing Instructor, Jason Disney, as well as one of his students and Ambassador of the Trades Program. They discuss the program
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Topics Discussed in this episode:
- A Career in Plumbing
- Becoming a Trades Teacher
- Skilled Trades Programs in High School
- Getting Youth Interested in the Trades
- Iroquois High School and JCPS Trades Programs
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Show Links
Connect with Clelland!
LinkedIn - Clelland Russell
FB - @WhytheTrades
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Guest Info
Jason Disney - Master Plumber
Plumbing Instructor - Iroquois High School
Show Notes
This week Clelland welcomes Verity Jones, Jill of all trades, and maybe a master of a few, but she may never tell you that. Verity tells her story from balancing life, school, and work to running a haunted house and being the master of her own destiny.
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Topics Discussed in this episode:
- Freedom in Entrepreneurship
- A Well Planned Business Model
- Curating and Running a Haunted House
- Importance of Cross Training in the Professional World
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Show Links
Connect with Clelland!
LinkedIn - Clelland Russell
FB - @WhytheTrades
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Guest Info
Verity Jones
Voice Actor - @verityvoice
Upright Bassist - Vice Tricks
FB - @vicetricks
Show Notes
This week Clelland welcomes Jessika Young, Team Member first, CEO second at Cimtech Inc. & Subsidiaries. Get ready to be inspired, motivated, and ready to join a team. Jessika shares the core secrets and foundation of the growing success of her Team and Cimtech in the world of manufacturing.
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Topics Discussed in this episode:
- Manufacturing
- Welding, Machining, and Fabricating
- Team Oriented Companies
- Company Core Values
- Community Outreach
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Show Links
Connect with Clelland!
LinkedIn - Clelland Russell
FB - @WhytheTrades
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Guest Info
Jessika Young - Team Member & Owner/CEO
Cimtech, Inc. & Subsidiaries
Show Notes
This week Clelland welcomes Mr. George Bard to the show to 'heavenly touch' on his experience as an Appliance Repair Man. Overcoming adversity and leaving a previous life behind, George shares his story of how a this trade helped him turn his life around.
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Topics Discussed in this episode:
- Appliance Repair Certifications
- Appliance Repair Costs
- The Entrepreneur Benefit vs. working for someone else
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Show Links
Connect with Clelland!
LinkedIn - Clelland Russell
FB - @WhytheTrades
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Guest Info
George Bard
Owner, Tinks Heavenly Touch Appliance Repair
tinksappliancerepair.com
Show Notes
This week Clelland welcomes Dr. Telly Sellars, JCTC Associate VP of Technical Education, to the show. Dr. Sellars and Clelland tackle some of the important questions surrounding technical education that prospective students should consider.
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Topics Discussed in this episode:
- Changes in Technology and Job Training
- Concerns in Higher and Technical Education
- Job Automation and What it Means
- Demand for Programmers and Technicians
- Workforce Solutions
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Show Links
Connect with Clelland!
LinkedIn - Clelland Russell
FB - @WhytheTrades
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Work Ready Kentucky
workreadykentucky.com
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Guest Info
Dr. Telly Sellars
Associate VP of Technical Education
JCTC (Jefferson Community & Technical College)
Show Notes
This week Clelland welcomes friend and master electrician, Mike Schultz to the podcast
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Topics Discussed in this episode:
- Life of an Electrician
- Electrician Apprenticeships
- The Pros & Cons of Life as an Electrician
- Local Unions
- Traveling Electrician
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Show Links
Connect with Clelland!
LinkedIn - Clelland Russell
FB - @WhytheTrades
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Guest Info
Mike Shcultz - Project Manager & Estimator
Laswell Electric Company, Inc.
Show Notes
This week Clelland welcomes friend and tradesman, John Ridgill, owner of Louisville Tree Service. John shares his diverse professional background and what led him into the woods...ahem, we mean the tree business. Tune in for some insightful business advice and plenty of reasons to get into tree service.
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Topics Discussed in this episode:
- Arborist vs. Tree Cutting
- Business Turnover
- Business Experience and Savviness
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Show Links
Connect with Clelland!
LinkedIn - Clelland Russell
FB - @WhytheTrades
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Guest Info
John Ridgill
Owner - Louisville Tree Service
FB - @LouisvilleTreeService
502.515.8199
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The Arrow Fund
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Ralphie's Promise
Show Notes
This week Clelland hit the road and found himself in Brighton, Michigan to interview Steve Gronow, local rock star in the Real Estate, Land Development, and Home Building industries.
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Topics Discussed in this episode:
- Land Development
- Real Estate
- Business Cashflow
- Vacant Land Acquisitions
- Marketing & Sales
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Show Links
Connect with Clelland!
LinkedIn - Clelland Russell
FB - @WhytheTrades
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Guest Info
Steve Gronow - Owner, Chestnut Home Builders and Real Estate
FB - @ChestnutDev
Show Notes
This week Clelland welcomes two painters to the show, Dorian Vuleta and Justin McCord. They cover the painting industry top to bottom, touching on multiple ways to make it as a painter and the opportunities it can provide; even when you feel like you may have none.
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Topics Discussed in this episode:
- Commercial vs. Residential Painting
- Growing a Painting Business
- Landing Contracts
- Customer Service
- Tools of the Trade
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Show Links
Connect with Clelland!
LinkedIn - Clelland Russell
FB - @WhytheTrades
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Guest Info
Dorian VuletaOwner, Kentucky Painting Company .
Justin McCordForemanPhillip Patterson Painting
Show Notes
This week Clelland speaks with Rich Connor, owner/operator of Lockstock Cyber Security & Analytics. They talk about the path to a position in this rapidly growing trade, trends in the field, and collaborating with other trades to increase security and profitability.
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Topics Discussed in this episode:
- Security, Connecting Cyber to Physical
- Crime Prevention by Environmental Design
- Security Analysis
- Detect, Deter, and Prevent Crime
- How Security can Enhance Your Company's Resum
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Show Links
Connect with Clelland!
LinkedIn - Clelland Russell
FB - @WhytheTrades
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Guest Info
Rich Connor
Lockstock Cyber Security & Analytics
Show Notes
This week Clelland speaks with Erik White, Owner & Operator of R.E. White Plumbing. Erik shares his story and sheds some light on the entrepreneurial aspects of running a plumbing business.
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Topics Discussed in this episode:
- Local Market Research
- Business Expenses in Plumbing
- Scaling a Plumbing Business to Sell
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Show Links
Connect with Clelland!
LinkedIn - Clelland Russell
FB - @WhytheTrades
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Guest Info
Erik White - Owner & Operator
R.E. White Plumbing
rewhitellc.com
Show Notes
This week Clelland speaks with Mike Lyons and Caj Meier about their careers in the HVAC controls market. They both share their stories, what lead them into their trade, and how they both wish they would've started sooner!
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Topics Discussed in this episode:
- High Demand Jobs
- Niche Area of Expertise
- HVAC Controls & Programming
- Commercial vs. Residential HVAC
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Show Links
Connect with Clelland!
LinkedIn - Clelland Russell
FB - @WhytheTrades
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Guest Info
Mike Lyons & Caj Meier
HVAC Controls & Mechanicals, and Security Professionals
Show Notes
This week Clelland ventures out of the studio and into the Three Boys Farm Distillery in Frankfort, Kentucky to talk with Master Distiller, Hunter Coffey. Hunter pours out some knowledge in and surrounding the world of bourbon.
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Topics Discussed in this episode:
- The Distilling Process
- The Ingredients of Bourbon (The Mash Bills)
- The History of Bourbon
- Bourbon Tourism
- The Kentucky Bourbon Trail
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Show Links
Connect with Clelland!
LinkedIn - Clelland Russell
FB - @WhytheTrades
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Guest Links
Hunter Coffey
Master Distiller at Three Boys Farm Distillery
The Kentucky Bourbon Trail
Show Notes
This week Clelland welcomes LTC (Army) Kirk Duncan to the show. This is a particularly special episode highlighting the Lieutenant Colonel's career in the Army, the education he received, the many benefits that come with enlisting and how they can connect to the trades.
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Topics Discussed in this episode:
- Military Benefits
- Higher Education Opportunities
- Health Coverage
- Rolling Military Experience into a Trades Business
- Military Retirement System
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Show Links
Connect with Clelland!
LinkedIn - Clelland Russell
FB - @WhytheTrades
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Guest Links
Lt. Colonel Kirk
Connect with LTC Duncan on LinkedIn
GoArmy.com
Show Notes
This week Clelland welcomes Tony Silver, General Contractor, Real Estate Investor, and Owner of Red Door Properties, to the show. Tony shares his journey from being a full time tradesman to applying his skills and knowledge to investing in real estate.
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Topics Discussed in this episode:
- Rental Properties
- General Contracting
- Flipping Houses
- Generational Wealth
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Show Links
Connect with Clelland!
LinkedIn - Clelland Russell
FB - @WhytheTrades
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Guest Links
Tony Silver, General Contractor & Real Estate Investor
Red Door Properties
Show Notes
This week Clelland welcomes his older brother, Brandon Russell. Brandon is an expert in the field of heating and air and has over 20 years of experience in the fields of HVAC and industrial refrigeration.
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Topics Discussed in this episode:
- HVAC
- Refrigeration
- Union Trade schools vs. Regular trade schools
- International trade industry
- How the tech industry has influenced the HVAC industry
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Show Links
Connect with Clelland!
LinkedIn - Clelland Russell
FB - @WhytheTrades
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Guest Links
Brandon Russell
Global Heating and Air Manufacturing
Heating and Air Specialist
Show Notes
This week Clelland welcomes Eli, 13 year old entrepreneur and owner of a grass cutting business. Eli found that his love of fishing and desire to have better gear necessitated his own money! One day he decided to ask his mom to teach him to mow the lawn. That lesson paved the way to landing his first neighborhood customer. From passing out flyers and knocking on doors he has grown his customer base to 9 lawns.
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Topics Discussed in this episode:
- Balancing school and a business
- Marketing Strategy
- Dealing with challenging customers
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Show Links
Connect with Clelland!
LinkedIn - Clelland Russell
FB - @WhytheTrades
Show Notes
This week Clelland welcomes Scott Barnes, Owner of Urgent Care Roofing, to the show. These two roofers square off and give listeners an aerial view of the running a roofing company. From being a sales rep for a couple companies to a manufacturing job at Ford that just wasn't satisfying, Scott finally embraced his entrepreneurial spirit, starting Urgent Care roofing in
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Show Links
Connect with Clelland!
LinkedIn - Clelland Russell
FB - @WhytheTrades
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Guest Links
Scott Barnes
Urgent Care Roofing
www.urgentcareroofing.com
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Highlander Run Club
Show Notes
This week Clelland welcomes Dayron Rodriguez, owner of Rodriguez Cleaning & Restoration to the podcast. Dayron gives the rundown on his industry, from straight forward carpet cleaning to tile steaming and the certifications needed to treat certain fibers with confidence. While there is a fairly substantial start-up cost entering into the carpet cleaning business, Dayron is proof that with proper motivation and a willingness to work, one can certainly be successful.
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Show Links
Connect with Clelland!
LinkedIn - Clelland Russell
FB - @WhytheTrades
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Guest Links
Dayron Rodriguez - Owner, Rodriguez Cleaning & Restoration
www.rodriguezcleanpro.com
FB - @rodriguezcleanpro
IG - @rodriguezcleanpro
YouTube
Show Notes
This week Clelland welcomes Brad Lawler of Home Team Inspection Services. Brad explains the process of home inspection. He details the different things home inspectors look for while looking through a house. He shares the story of a first time homeowners that didn't get an inspection and paid for it dearly after the close of their house. Brad shares what it takes to get started should you choose to become a home inspector, from the costs of school and certifications to getting dirty on the job and the money you can make.
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Show Links
Connect with Clelland!
LinkedIn - Clelland Russell
FB - @WhytheTrades
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Guest Links
Brad Lawler
Franchise Owner, Home Team Inspection Service
www.homeinspector-louisvilleky.com
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For more information on becoming a Certified Home Inspector, visit → bhi.ky.gov
Show Notes
This week Clelland welcomes Jack Graham, plumber with Jarboe's Heating, Cooling & Plumbing to the podcast. Jack gets the trade honestly, growing up digging ditches for his dad and learning the trade from the inside out. Jack tells his experience of growing and selling his own plumbing company, Pacific Plumbing, enjoying the day to day while keeping a birds eye view of his career, and why he loves the trade enough to continue working in it for another company now.
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Show Links
Connect with Clelland!
LinkedIn - Clelland Russell
FB - @WhytheTrades
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Guest Links
Jack Graham - Plumber
Jarboe's Plumbing
FB - @tkoparkinsons
Show Notes
This week Clelland welcomes Robert Soto, “master water blaster,” to the podcast. Robert is the proud owner of All Clean Pressure Washing and has been in the trade for 20 years. Robert speaks to the high profit margin that initially attracted him to the trade and the many techniques and tools that he’s learned to utilize that makes his job easier. Together, Robert and Clelland speak to how being a tradesman enables a person to become the master of their own destiny, only being limited by how hard you’re willing to work.
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Show Links
Connect with Clelland!
LinkedIn - Clelland Russell
FB - @WhytheTrades
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Guest Links
Robert Soto - Owner, All Clean Pressure Washing
502.235.3972
clean@louisvillepressurewashing.com
www.louisvillepressurewash.com
On this weeks episode, Clelland welcomes Becky "Dumpster Diva" Duncan, owner of redbox + Greater Louisville into the studio. Becky discusses the reasons why she choose to start a business in this unlikely trade. and how she utilizes the skills she has learned through years of work in marketing, and her time in the Air Force to make her name known in the industry. If you're curious about franchising your business, you should definitely tune in to hear some great reasons Becky chose to buy into a franchise instead of starting from the ground up. Also, this episode comes with wine.
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Show Links
Connect with Clelland!
LinkedIn - Clelland Russell
FB - @WhytheTrades
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Guest Links
Becky Duncan -
Owner, redbox + of Greater Louisville
https://www.redboxplus.com/greater-louisville
Co-Founder at New Vibes Wine Co.
http://newvibeswine.com/
Show Notes
This week Clelland welcomes Mike Ashley, owner of AA Auto Detailing. Mike tells us about the details within the details, and how his standard of detailing and approach to inspecting his cars helps him stand apart from his competition. Mike speaks to the value of having a base knowledge of his trade and how it can always be something to fall back on to generate income.
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Topics covered in this episode:
- Breaking into the Industry
- Marketing Tips & Strategy
- Hourly vs. Per Job
- Equipment to Get Started and more
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Show Links
Connect with Clelland!
LinkedIn - Clelland Russell
FB - @WhytheTrades
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Guest Links
Mike Ashley - AA Auto Detailing
FB - @aaautoanddetailing
Show Notes
This week Clelland welcomes his father-in-law, Billy, and his fellow Iron worker, Kelly. With a combined experience of almost 60 years in iron working, they talk shop with Clelland. They touch on a lot of ins and outs of iron working, the education that it takes to become an iron worker, and the way the local union operates.
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Topics covered in this episode:
- Apprenticeships
- Being a Union Member
- Types of Jobs for an Iron Worker
- The Pay and Freedom
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Show Links
Connect with Clelland!
LinkedIn - Clelland Russell
FB - @WhytheTrades
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Guest Links
Iron Workers Local 70 Union
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Billy Cockerel - Retired Iron Work, Local 70
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Kelly Cooper, Examining Committee Local 70
Show Notes
In the inaugural episode of Why the Trades?, Mr. Clelland Russell is joined by his long-time, best friend and business partner, Joe Jakoby. They dice things up, giving a good read on the trades as a whole, and specifically in the realm of roofing and window cleaning.
Topics covered in this episode:
- Typical day of a window cleaner
- Freedom that comes with the trades
- Starting a window cleaning business and much more
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This is a great kick-off for a podcast that is bringing invaluable information on the world of trades to it’s listeners!
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Show Links
Connect with Clelland!
LinkedIn - Clelland Russell
FB - @WhytheTrades
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Guest Info
Joe Jakoby
FB - @thewindowninjas
thewindowninjas.com
Why the Trades? is a dive into the minds of the successful people that chose a trade as a career pathway. In our interviews , we ask the questions - why participants chose their profession, what does an average day look like, what are the pros and cons of their job, and where their specific industry is headed? Since many guests are entrepreneurs, we'll also explore aspects of working for yourself. This podcast is a tool to educate our listeners on the power of the trades and which one may be calling to them. Whether you're already a tradesman or looking for a stable and fulfilling career opportunity, we hope you join us on our journey through the trades..Hosted by Clelland Russell, entrepreneur, tradesman, author, and advocate for the trades!
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Connect with Clelland!
LinkedIn - Clelland Russell
FB - @WhytheTrades
crussell@proclaimroofing.com