In this episode, Jeff and Danny sit down with Scott Levene, Vice President of LevCo, to discuss how a multi-generation family business stays competitive in a rapidly changing home-services and energy landscape.

Scott shares the history of the company, which began in 1980 and has grown from fuel delivery into a full-service provider of HVAC, heating oil, propane, and home comfort solutions. The discussion focuses on preserving company culture, leading through generational transitions, and using technology to create better customer experiences.

The incredible journey of LevCo, from its early beginnings as a coal and fuel company...

In today's competitive job market, retaining skilled employees is more crucial than ever, especially in the trades. In a recent podcast episode, Danny and Jeff delve into effective strategies for keeping employees engaged and happy, ensuring they stay loyal to your business. Here, we break down their insights and recommendations into actionable steps that can help you build a thriving work environment.

Understanding the Importance of Employee Retention  

Employee retention is not just a buzzword; it's a vital component of a successful business. Danny and Jeff highlight the volatile nature of the trades, wh...

In this episode, Jeff and Danny explore the current state of contractor advocacy with Mark Valentini and Taylor Bray, focusing on the most pressing legislative issues impacting the plumbing and HVAC trades.

The conversation covers:

M...

What if the biggest opportunity in today’s economy isn’t being talked about enough? In this episode of The Trades Podcast, hosts Jeff Mudd and Danny Torres break down the latest insights from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and reveal a powerful truth, the skilled trades are not just in demand, they are essential to the future of the workforce.

With hundreds of thousands of open positions across industries like plumbing, electrical, and HVAC, Jeff and Danny unpack what’s driving the gap, from retiring professionals to a lack of awareness among younger generations. But th...

In this episode, Jeff and Danny sit down with Chris Koch, a Head Coach and Trainer at Business Development Resources, to discuss how trades businesses can build stronger teams and more profitable operations.

Chris draws from decades of experience in HVAC and plumbing service companies, where he worked across service, installation, sales, and management roles before becoming a coach and trainer for contractors across North America.

The conversation focuses on leadership development, employee engagement, and the systems that allow trades companies to scale without losing culture or quality. Chris explains why investing in training, transparency...

In this episode of The Trades Podcast, hosts discuss the importance of trades and skills in today's economy with guest Zachary Greg Hansen, author of 'The Trade Gap.' Zach shares his personal journey from a traditional education path to discovering the value of trades, the flaws in the education system, and the need for a shift in perspective towards vocational training. The conversation covers the challenges faced by individuals in the trades, the importance of adaptability in the workforce, and recommendations for bridging the trades gap. Zach emphasizes the need for parents and educators to support young people...

In this uplifting episode, Jeff and Danny sit down with Shonna Jordan, founder and CEO of JordanJordan.com Marketing, for a conversation that goes beyond logos and ads and focuses on why your marketing matters. Shonna explains how understanding brand purpose, customer psychology, and tailored messaging can help trades businesses break through noise and build long-term success.

You’ll hear Shonna discuss:

What does it look like when passion, community, and craftsmanship come together to build more than a business? In this episode of The Trades Podcast, hosts Jeff Mudd and Danny Torres sit down with Talena Handley, CEO of Girly Garage, to explore how a single idea can grow into a vibrant community built around cars, confidence, and connection.

In this episode, Jeff and Danny sit down with Talena Handley, CEO of Girly Garage, a community-first company dedicated to making automotive education accessible and empowering. Talena discusses how Girly Garage was built around the idea that anyone can...

In this conversation, Jeff and Danny talk with Rafael Torres about the journey of growing Lefty’s Plumbing Services and the values that guide the company’s work. Rafael discusses how maintaining professionalism, clear communication, and high standards has helped the company earn repeat customers and strong referrals.

The discussion also covers training technicians, developing a reliable team, and the importance of staying organized and responsive in a fast-moving service environment. Rafael shares practical insights into running a plumbing company, managing customer expectations, and maintaining quality as the business grows.

Resources and Me...

In this episode of the Trades Podcast, Danny and Jeff discuss the challenges and opportunities in attracting young adults to the trades. They explore the importance of paid on-the-job training, creating certificate programs, and the role of technology in training. The conversation also highlights the significance of mentorship, company culture, and engaging with schools to recruit the next generation of tradespeople. With insights from industry experts, the episode provides actionable strategies for business owners to retain employees and build a strong workforce in the trades.

The conversation highlights the importance of mentorship, career progression, workplace culture, and...

In this episode, Jeff and Danny talk with Tommy Holstein, CEO of Solid Ground STL, about the challenges and rewards of leading a construction and foundation repair company. Tommy explains why attention to detail, honesty with customers, and strong internal culture are essential in an industry where trust and safety matter most.

The conversation explores leadership under pressure, growing a skilled team, and maintaining high standards as a business scales. Tommy also discusses the importance of educating homeowners, standing behind your work, and making decisions that protect both people and property.

Resources and Mentions

In this episode of The Trades Podcast, hosts Jeff and Danny welcome Kathy Denton from Berger Hardware, who shares her extensive experience in the door hardware industry. Kathy discusses her journey from being a client to working at Berger Hardware for over 32 years. She highlights the transition to their new location in Encinitas, the unique showroom experience, and the importance of building relationships with clients and contractors. Kathy also explains how they guide homeowners and contractors through the selection process, the impact of technology on hardware, and the value of their job walk services. The conversation emphasizes the commitment...

In this episode, Jeff and Danny talk with Greg Schmitt about how he built Huge Handyman SD into one of San Diego’s go-to handyman service companies. Greg explains the importance of communication, integrity, and skill when working inside a customer’s home. He also shares how he built a service model that focuses on solving problems quickly and correctly while giving homeowners peace of mind.

You will hear Greg discuss the value of dependable technicians, the impact of treating customers with respect, and the importance of offering a broad skill set that covers everything from repairs to i...

In this conversation, Jeff and Danny talk with John Figueroa about the values and processes that define On Point Heating and Air. John breaks down what customers truly expect from an HVAC professional, how his team stays ahead of industry best practices, and why consistent training is essential for both quality and culture.

Topics include maintaining strong communication with homeowners, installing with precision, developing teams with integrity, and staying committed to service excellence. John also talks about the responsibility that comes with entering customers’ homes and the importance of earning their trust every step of the way.

In this episode of the Trades Podcast, Danny Torres, Jeff Mudd, Taylor Bray, and Juri Peterson discuss the importance of the PHCC San Diego chapter in promoting the trades, particularly plumbing and HVAC. They provide updates on training programs, including the pre-apprenticeship and four-year apprenticeship programs, and share success stories of students who have found employment after completing these programs. The conversation also covers employer sponsorship for training, the significance of backflow certification, and the upcoming trades expo, which aims to engage the community and provide resources for those interested in the trades.

Ta...

Summary

In this conversation, John Pierson shares his personal experience with mosquitoes and the challenges he faced while trying to create a mosquito-free outdoor space. He discusses his initial solution of using tiki torches and the problems that arose from that approach. Ultimately, this led to the innovative idea of BuzzCaps, a product designed to enhance outdoor living by effectively managing mosquito issues.

Takeaways

Finding What’s Hidden — Precision, People & Performance in Leak Detection

In this episode of The Trades Podcast, hosts Jeff Mudd and Danny Torres interview Joseph Hernandez, Division Manager at CPL Detection, a leader in leak detection and underground utility locating. Joseph shares how his team combines advanced technology with expert craftsmanship to provide accurate, efficient, and trustworthy detection services across Southern California.

The conversation dives into the importance of precision in the trades, team leadership, mentorship, and developing a workforce that takes pride in solving tough problems. Joseph highlights how CPL Detection’s approach to traini...

Episode Notes

In this powerful episode of The Trades Podcast, hosts Jeff Mudd and Danny Torres sit down with Cliff Brooks, Co-Owner of Pest In Class®, a company redefining professional development in the pest control industry.

Cliff shares how Pest In Class is bridging the gap between education and real-world application—empowering technicians, company owners, and service leaders to reach new levels of excellence. From modernizing training programs to embracing digital learning platforms, Cliff explains how raising standards can attract better talent, improve retention, and boost long-term customer trust.

Listeners will walk away wit...

In this episode of The Trades Podcast, hosts Jeff Mudd and Danny Torres interview Dan Clapper, Commercial HVAC and Facility Maintenance Expert at Interplay Learning, to uncover how digital innovation is transforming education in the skilled trades.

Dan discusses how Interplay Learning is empowering tradespeople and companies with 3D simulation and virtual reality (VR) training that bridges the gap between theory and hands-on experience. The platform helps organizations train employees faster, increase safety awareness, and improve retention rates by delivering practical, repeatable training scenarios anytime, anywhere.

The conversation covers the growing need for accessible trades...

In this episode of The Trades Podcast, hosts Jeff Mudd and Danny Torres welcome Erin Izen, Executive Director of The Home Depot Foundation®, for an uplifting conversation about service, opportunity, and the power of skilled trades to transform communities.

Erin shares how The Home Depot Foundation® is helping address the skilled labor shortage through its Path to Pro™ program, which provides free training, scholarships, and career resources to help individuals build meaningful careers in the trades. From supporting U.S. military veterans to empowering young people through partnerships with organizations such as Boys and Girls Clubs of Amer...

In this episode of The Trades Podcast, hosts Jeff and Danny interview Laura Basili, Chief Marketing Officer at Brazilian Lumber. Laura shares how premium hardwood materials, sustainability, and education have positioned the company as a trusted partner for contractors, deck builders, architects, and designers.

She explains how answering real-world installation questions, simplifying sourcing, and elevating product awareness help trade professionals stand out in a competitive industry. The conversation explores how branding, customer relationships, and digital presence can grow a trades-based business and create long-term trust.

Laura also discusses:

The rise of sustainable hardwood...

In this inspiring episode of The Trades Podcast, hosts Jeff Mudd and Danny Torres talk with Levi Torres, President and Owner of High Five Plumbing, Heating, Cooling, and Electric. Levi shares how he took his roots as a second-generation plumber and built one of Denver’s most dynamic service companies.

The conversation highlights High Five Plumbing’s unique culture, which emphasizes positivity and customer connection through the power of a high five. Levi also explains the company’s strategic expansion into HVAC and electrical services, their innovative training programs (including virtual reality for apprentices), and the importance of gra...

Jeff and Danny dive into conversation with David Bitan of Bumble Roofing. They cover how David built Bumble not just to be another roofing company, but one that stands out through customer experience, innovation, and community philanthropy. Listeners will hear about the early days, scaling through fancy tech tools, quality control, recruitment, and the importance of making promises you can keep.

What You’ll Learn:

How Bumble Roofing uses technology for fast, accurate roofing quotes (AI + satellite imagery) Business RadioX ®+2Entrepreneur+2

Why “white glove” service matters in roofing, and what that means in practic...

In this episode of the Trades Podcast, hosts Danny Torres and Jeff Mudd interview Brian Huff, CEO of Midwest Technical Institute and Delta Technical College. They discuss the importance of skilled trades, particularly welding, and the growing demand for workers in these fields. Brian shares his journey from a welder to an educator, emphasizing the need for job placement and employer-focused education. The conversation also touches on the skills gap, the importance of soft skills, and the changing perceptions of trades in the education system. Brian provides insights into the future of the trades, the value of trade education...

Description:
Jeff and Danny talk with Jeremy Logsdon, who co-founded Preventive Pest Control in 2002. He discusses how he turned early hustle, door-to-door sales, and a boots-on-the-ground mindset into a business that now spans nine locally operated branches. Jeremy also shares how leading people, not just solving pest problems, became the critical skill that made his business thrive.

What You’ll Learn:

The unconventional start that led Jeremy into pest control

How early lessons on leadership and persistence shaped his business ethos

Strategies for building a company through adversity rather than av...

Join Jeff and Danny as they sit down with April Edwards, the skilled marketer behind Deck Builder Marketers. With a keen focus on deck building contractors, April walks through how she helps them grow with targeted strategies—from ranking higher in Google to generating consistent leads and crafting marketing systems that work.

What You’ll Learn

Why specializing in deck builder marketing unlocked growth and clarity for April’s business

How being easy to find online—especially by ranking #1 for the right keywords—drives real results

How April’s team uses AI, Google B...

In this episode, Jeff and Danny talk with Ryan Gladwin, Lead Instructor at Love’s Truck Care Academy—a specialized, paid, accelerated training program for diesel technicians. They discuss how Love’s designed the program to blend classroom instruction and hands-on experience, equipping new technicians to handle 11 heavy-duty systems and graduate as capable, confident Level 5 technicians.

LinkedIn Ryan Gladwin https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-gladwin-a77556282/

Key Takeaways:

Insight into Love’s Truck Care Academy curriculum and training philosophy

The value of paid, accelerated training for future diesel technicians

The positive...

Jeff and Danny explore financial planning strategies for service business owners with Chad Hufford, founder of Veritas Wealth Management. Chad discusses his background, his coaching-first approach, and how he creates custom financial blueprints that help trades professionals reach long-term goals with less stress.

What You’ll Learn:

How Chad combines coaching, planning, and financial education to serve clients

The role of holistic financial strategies—not just investment—in business success

Why clear long-term goals ease financial anxiety and drive better decisions

How market tools like SmartVestor Pro guide client growth...

Episode Summary
Jeff and Danny talk with Nate Seeley of BlueSoft about the steps needed to build a website that actually drives business. Nate highlights how they support small service businesses through digital marketing systems, Google Business Profiles, CRM guidance, and web strategies built to get results.

What You’ll Learn

Why tracking real metrics (calls, form sends, keyword ranks) matters more than vanity stats

The importance of foundational digital assets like Google Business Profiles

Thoughtful CRM and website design practices that you can implement now

How BlueSoft he...

In this episode of The Trades Podcast, hosts Jeff Mudd and Danny Torres sit down with Trevor Wegner, Owner of TW Craftsmen, to explore how true craftsmanship, business discipline, and a passion for outdoor design come together to build more than just beautiful decks. Trevor opens up about the values that drive his work, the lessons he's learned from running a high-end service business, and how he's built a brand known for quality, trust, and integrity.

Whether you're a tradesperson looking to elevate your skill set, a business owner focused on branding and client relationships, or someone...

In this motivating episode of The Trades Podcast, hosts Jeff Mudd and Danny Torres talk with Jason Noel, Master Advisor at CEO Warrior, a powerful platform helping service business owners lead with confidence, clarity, and control.

Jason shares the raw reality of running a service business and how most owners get stuck in a cycle of chaos, wearing too many hats and barely keeping up. Through his journey from overwhelmed contractor to transformational leader, Jason reveals the tools, strategies, and mindset shifts that helped him break free and scale his business to success.

CEO Warrior...

In this insightful episode of The Trades Podcast, hosts Jeff Mudd and Danny Torres sit down with Patrick Fee, Owner of Mr. Drain Plumbing, to explore what it takes to build and sustain a thriving plumbing business in today’s competitive marketplace.

Patrick shares his journey from technician to business owner, unpacking the real-world strategies that have helped him grow Mr. Drain into a trusted name in plumbing services. From training and leadership to customer service and company culture, Patrick offers honest insights into the challenges and rewards of running a service-based trades company.

Whether yo...

In this dynamic episode of The Trades Podcast, hosts Jeff Mudd and Danny Torres sit down with Charlie Cina, CEO of One Tap Connect—the premium digital business card platform designed to help sales professionals and contractors instantly connect, convert, and stand out.

Charlie brings his expertise in high-level sales and personal branding to the table, sharing how One Tap Connect is transforming the way professionals in the trades make a lasting impression. From instantly sharing contact info and reviews to showcasing portfolios and capturing leads on the spot, One Tap is helping sales pros close deals qu...

In this episode of The Trades Podcast, hosts Jeff Mudd and Danny Torres interview the inventor of the EZ Measurement Trainer, John Gaddis, a game-changing tool designed to make learning tape measure reading faster, easier, and more effective for tradespeople at every level.

The conversation dives into the real-world challenges of teaching and learning one of the most fundamental skills in construction: accurate measuring. The inventor shares the origin story behind the product, the education gaps it’s designed to close, and how it's being used in trade schools, apprenticeship programs, and even job sites across the co...

In this powerful episode of The Trades Podcast, hosts Jeff Mudd and Danny Torres sit down with Curtis Hemmeler, Executive Director of the RV Technical Institute (RVTI), to talk about the critical need for skilled labor in one of the fastest-growing industries in the country—the recreational vehicle (RV) industry.

Curtis shares how RVTI is tackling the national technician shortage head-on through hands-on, accessible training programs designed to upskill the workforce and open doors to high-demand, high-reward careers. He also explores how RVTI collaborates with schools, dealers, and employers to modernize workforce development, and how business owners in...

A Conversation with Sara Graves of Deck Specialist

🎙️ Episode Summary:

In this insightful episode of The Trades Podcast, we sit down with Sara Graves, Chief Editor of Deck Specialist, the premier trade publication spotlighting innovation, craftsmanship, and community in the decking and outdoor living industry.

Sara opens up about her editorial journey, the evolution of deck design, and the role Deck Specialist plays in elevating the voice of trades professionals. From the latest material trends to the stories that fuel the passion behind the build, Sara offers a behind-the-scenes look at what makes the d...

Listening to our clients since 1975.

All great projects, like your home, begin with a conversation. For four generations, we’ve been building and remodeling homes for San Diego homeowners.

We will guide you every step along the way, offering you options, and then making decisions together. You’ll know what you’re getting, how much it will cost, and the steps it will take. And if something changes, we’ll let you know beforehand.

By the time we’re done working together, you’ll feel like family too.

🔨 Episode Overview:

Building Industry Association of San Diego

https://biasandiego.org/

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9201 Spectrum Center Blvd., Suite 110 • San Diego, CA 92123

Lori Holt Pfeiler

President & CEO

lori@biasandiego.org

Shannon Gaunt

Director of Operations & Membership

shannon@biasandiego.org

Our Mission & Values

The Building Industry Association of San Diego envisions a region where every San Diegan can afford a quality home in vibrant communities that include good schools, clean parks...

Our Story

With over 20 years of electrical experience, Steven C. Poston Electrical is San Diego’s premier choice of electrician. Our multitude of satisfied, repeat clients speaks volumes about the quality of our work. They include the San Diego County sheriff’s department, the Coronado police department, and the Bonita Sunnyside branch library and museum. We offer an economical, budget savvy pricing structure without sacrificing quality.

I am your neighborhood electrician where fair pricing is standard and we do not gouge your checkbook. No job is too big or too small and we completely understand elec...

I started plumbing in the oil fields back in 1982. Building the oil derricks then running raw crude oil lines to the manifolds that directed the oil to the refineries.
With my mechanical Engineering education, I've been fortunate enough to direct my skills and talents to the specialized fields that we as a company currently enjoy.
I helped prototype the Seesnake sewer camera which is still the leading sewer camera in our industry. We did that way back in the early 90's when the City of Del Mar was replacing all of their water and sewer lines.
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