Whether you're a seasoned professional, a newcomer, or simply interested in the trades, the "Make Trades Great Again" podcast offers something for everyone. Our goal is to promote the value of skilled trades, provide essential resources, and build a strong community of passionate individuals. Industry Insights - Educational Content - Community Stories - Technology in Trades Tune in now and be part of the movement to make trades great again!
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Tech in the Trades: Smarter Small Businesses
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44:07
In this episode of Make Trades Great Again, Eric and Andy dive into how artificial intelligence, especially tools like ChatGPT, is reshaping the trades industry. They share personal experiences on using AI for everything from generating heat load calculations and troubleshooting boiler issues to crafting proposals and even coming up with recipe ide…
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Hey ChatGPT: What trade shows should we attend?
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37:51
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37:51
Industry trade shows are an awesome way to see the latest new technology, to network with manufacturers and their reps, or even make purchases with some of the best deals of the year. This week the guys ask ChatGPT for a list of important shows throughout the plumbing, hvac and building industries. Why you should attend, where and when they are, ar…
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The really big listener question episode!
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37:14
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37:14
Have you sent in a message to the guys recently? This was a fun episode, we tried to get to all the questions, thank you for sending them our way! Send us a text Send us your feedback or topic ideas over on our social channels! Eric Aune @mechanicalhub Andy Mickelson @mick_plumb Check out our website: mechanical-hub.com…
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All new heating & hot water system at Eric’s house
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50:21
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50:21
What do you do when your spouse leaves town for the weekend? The only obvious answer for Eric was to tear out their two tankless water heaters and the boiler so he could start over. But wait, there’s more! In order for this to be called a success it had be finished before Heather returned home after just two days away. Send us a text Send us your f…
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The title may be confusing or even misleading. The guys talk about a recent trailer purchase Eric made for the business. It's not anything special but it should help with the workflow. Here's to hoping he made the right purchase! Send us a text Send us your feedback or topic ideas over on our social channels! Eric Aune @mechanicalhub Andy Mickelson…
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Have you ever taken over a job someone else started?
36:31
36:31
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36:31
Thanks to longtime listener Will Rutherford for writing in to the show asking our thoughts on taking a job started by another contractor. Also, have you ever walked on a job? You might be surprised who actually has (Andy or Eric?)! Thanks Will! Send us a text Send us your feedback or topic ideas over on our social channels! Eric Aune @mechanicalhub…
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Throw back from down under!
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42:10
Hey we got caught up in vacation, so here is a throw back from our conversation with Patrick Caldow @caldowplumbing on IG. We'll be back soon with new content! Send us a text Send us your feedback or topic ideas over on our social channels! Eric Aune @mechanicalhub Andy Mickelson @mick_plumb Check out our website: mechanical-hub.com…
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Update from a recent HPWH install
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37:37
Industry news starts off today's episode with earning report from Lowe's indicating a droopy economy related to home improvements. But don't let that get you down! Eric gives us a recap of a recent Heat Pump Water Heater install. Send us a text Send us your feedback or topic ideas over on our social channels! Eric Aune @mechanicalhub Andy Mickelson…
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Dealing with a tough day and a difficult customer
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30:33
Not every day is great. Sometimes you need to depend on the ones who depend on you. Side note: No mater how much you talk thru a project and setting expectations before the job, there’s likely going to be some revelations by the customer as they realize how things are different now. After you did the install of the new furnace or water heater etc S…
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Dude has CO poisoning for sure!
43:17
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43:17
One of Andy's recent projects takes a turn for the worse when the general contractor decides safety is definitely not first! Warning: This episode is probably cool af and you'll likely be hooked for life on the MTGA podcast! Send us a text Send us your feedback or topic ideas over on our social channels! Eric Aune @mechanicalhub Andy Mickelson @mic…
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4 Years of MTGA! Looking back
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36:00
We're so excited and thankful for all the support and reaching this milestone! In this week's episode the guys look back at some highlights from the first four years of the MTGA podcast! There have been many great guests and some big supporters over the years. Special thanks to all who have dropped in, stuck around, sent in your ideas and questions…
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Wives Special #2 Working with your spouse...
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41:16
"Do you have any advice for couples considering starting a business together?" We had so much fun having the girls join us that we asked them back for another episode and it was awesome. Once again we'd like to thank Sheryl and Heather for putting up with us and for making every day better as we work our way to the top building our business and mak…
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Wives Special! Knowing what you know now...
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55:09
Ever think "If only I knew then what I know now" ? We are so pumped to bring you this and the next episode with special Guests Heather Aune & Sheryl Mickelson, the obvious better halves of the MTGA team. Sheryl runs the office and a good part of the business for Mickelson Plumbing & Heating. Heather has done the books for both MH & Aune Plumbing & …
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The Milwaukee Pipeline podcast you did not expect!
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39:43
Milwaukee Tool invited Eric out to see all the new tools available and coming soon to a job site near you. Eric gives us an inside look at some of the new tools and info you might not have seen yet. This episode has a ton of visual info best viewed on the MH Youtube channel Send us a text Send us your feedback or topic ideas over on our social chan…
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Viking Invasion! BS session with Colton Henkowski
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41:03
You might know Colton as @viking_pipefitter on the socials. You might know him from a training session or trades show when he worked for Viega but do you know how he got his start? This was a fun conversation, we hope you enjoy it! Send us a text Send us your feedback or topic ideas over on our social channels! Eric Aune @mechanicalhub Andy Mickels…
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The guys talk stress relief and how to handle the day-to-day stresses of running a small business. Some days are better than others for sure but having one or two things to keep you sane can make a huge difference! Send us a text Send us your feedback or topic ideas over on our social channels! Eric Aune @mechanicalhub Andy Mickelson @mick_plumb Ch…
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The guys are bs'ing about vans again. Should we change the title to the podcast to "Van Talk"? lol Send us a text Send us your feedback or topic ideas over on our social channels! Eric Aune @mechanicalhub Andy Mickelson @mick_plumb Check out our website: mechanical-hub.comโดย Eric Aune, Andy Mickelson
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Weird Science? Are you using A.I. in your business or on the job?
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35:30
The guys talk AI and how they've been using it for work. Scheduling, emails, videos etc. are just some of the ways Eric has put ChatGPT to work for him. Are you using any form of artificial intelligence on the job or in the office for day to day tasks? We'd really like to talk to you about it so text us! Send us a text Send us your feedback or topi…
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Where should I buy the water heater?
31:26
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31:26
Most would agree it’s a good idea to have options when it comes to supply chain but we’re often loyal to at least one supplier. So, what would make you switch to another supplier? Send us a text Send us your feedback or topic ideas over on our social channels! Eric Aune @mechanicalhub Andy Mickelson @mick_plumb Check out our website: mechanical-hub…
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As things slow down and the job outlook or load changes we have to consider how to fill the schedule. Does that mean taking on work you normally wouldn't? Send us a text Send us your feedback or topic ideas over on our social channels! Eric Aune @mechanicalhub Andy Mickelson @mick_plumb Check out our website: mechanical-hub.com…
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More EV Fleet talk w/ HVAC Jay
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50:09
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50:09
Longtime friend of MTGA, Jason Norman joins Eric & Andy to get deeper into the EV Fleet debate. Will we be forced to change our work schedules, driving habits? Will field techs no longer get to drive their work van home? This has been a very popular topic for the podcast, thank you all for the feedback and listens! Send us a text Send us your feedb…
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Eric hits the road, or sky’s to join Andy in Missoula for a special project. We’ve talked connected appliances and controls many times on the podcast and do it again this time. A couple new Tekmar products will serve Andy’s clients well. Send us a text Send us your feedback or topic ideas over on our social channels! Eric Aune @mechanicalhub Andy M…
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Keeping It Clean, Starting with the Shop!
27:43
27:43
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27:43
There's no other way to say it, it sucks falling behind on keeping the shop and vehicles tidy. Extra money is spent on redundant materials and tools, time is lost looking for that one thing you just know you had... The guys talk shop and all things that go with it in this episode of the Make Trades Great Again podcast. Send us a text Send us your f…
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Milwaukee Tool recently announced and shipped the long awaited M12 tubing cutter capable of cutting up to 2" copper pipe. Whoa, whoa that's not all! Andy makes a pretty bold statement, naming the BEST SCREWDRIVER IN THE WORLD. Hint: It's a Wiha. The guys talk new tools, favorite tools and get into some general BS about tools for the heck of it. Sen…
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E.V. Fleets? Can the contracting community make the switch to electric trucks, cargo vans and service vehicles?
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47:56
MTGA friend Denver Baker joins the guys to talk E.V.’s. Specifically, service vehicles for his or the many HVAC contracting companies. The crew talks tech, charging, current offerings from the usual suspects and so new auto makers offering rechargeable cargo vehicles. We’d love to hear your thoughts on the subject! Send us a text Send us your feedb…
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What do we want? No BS! When do we want it? NOW!
29:31
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29:31
The guys answer an email from a friend of the show. What do we want from our sales people? Mark says he's recently moved into an outside sales position for the supply company he works for, he's looking for our feedback on what we are looking for from our sales partners in the industry. Send us a text Send us your feedback or topic ideas over on our…
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Ever just get to a point you cant stand your own playlist? We have and Andy wants to know what you're listening to. This week the guys relax and reminisce about the early days of XM Radio and talk about some of their favorite things to stream now. Send us a text Send us your feedback or topic ideas over on our social channels! Eric Aune @mechanical…
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Power struggles over the grid in Minnesota!
38:28
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38:28
Some pretty big changes are in the works for how Minnesotans pay for, and use electricity which had the guys discussing everything from electrification, off-peak electrical and the home heating utility usages from one state to the next. To our faithful listeners: No actual investigative journalism was used for this groundbreaking discussion and rev…
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Eric had surgery. He wont shut up about it...
21:29
21:29
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21:29
In all seriousness, the guys do talk about a couple recent medical events as a reminder that none of are invincible and taking care of ourselves is paramount to having a long successful career in the trades. Pre-surgery talk started back in February in episode 279: https://maketrades.buzzsprout.com Send us a text Send us your feedback or topic idea…
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Tips & Tricks for Economic Shifts
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26:34
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26:34
Eric and Andy share insights and strategies for navigating economic slowdowns amidst shifting market conditions. Whether it's seasonal fluctuations or the impact of high interest rates and inflation on consumer behavior, they delve into practical approaches. This episode focuses on the effective practices that have sustained their plumbing and heat…
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Big changes coming for MTGA
12:16
12:16
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12:16
It’s time for a break from new episodes while the guys work on a new approach to delivering the MTGA content and topics. Please take a look at any one of the 280 previous episodes in our library if you haven’t heard them all. We will be back, thank you for your continued support! Send us a text Send us your feedback or topic ideas over on our socia…
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Credit card payments are the norm but how much of a risk are they if payments can be easily disputed and taken from you? The guys talk about this as it all started from, where else but a stupid Facebook group… Send us a text Send us your feedback or topic ideas over on our social channels! Eric Aune @mechanicalhub Andy Mickelson @mick_plumb Check o…
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Eric has a minor surgery coming up, Andy just had one himself and both could've been done months or even years ago but it's too easy to put it off for another day. In this episode the guys say lit like it is, you gotta make yourself a priority, if you don't it's only going to get worse. Send us a text Send us your feedback or topic ideas over on ou…
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Becky & Michael, RIDGID Tools
21:40
21:40
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21:40
Here's another one from AHR Expo 2024. Our friends Becky Brotherton and Michael Provenzano join us to talk about the iconic tool company's 100 years of manufacturing history and more. Send us a text Send us your feedback or topic ideas over on our social channels! Eric Aune @mechanicalhub Andy Mickelson @mick_plumb Check out our website: mechanical…
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Samsung HVAC's Wade McCorkel live from AHR Expo
21:17
21:17
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21:17
Heat Pumps are everywhere and Samsung HVAC has new technology on the market now and coming. Wade McCorkel of Samsung HVAC joins the guys at AHR Expo in Chicago to talk dual fuel and universal heat pump tech. Send us a text Send us your feedback or topic ideas over on our social channels! Eric Aune @mechanicalhub Andy Mickelson @mick_plumb Check out…
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Bryan Orr, host of HVAC School Podcast
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28:17
Live from AHR Expo in Chicago, the guys sit down with Bryan Orr. Bryan Orr is the Co-Owner of Kalos Services Inc. an Orlando- area HVAC contracting business as well as an audio nerd and podcaster. Send us a text Send us your feedback or topic ideas over on our social channels! Eric Aune @mechanicalhub Andy Mickelson @mick_plumb Check out our websit…
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Warning: Lots of weather talk in this one lol. When the weather dips to the double digits below zero (F) the heat needs to stay on because setting-back the temperature may be a recipe for disaster. The guys talk ways to combat the extreme cold and how talking with your customers ahead of the storm might be useful. Send us a text Send us your feedba…
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Setting expectations ahead of starting a job is an obvious step in the process of service, repair, construction right? Eric tells of a recent job when it didn’t start out so great. Send us a text Send us your feedback or topic ideas over on our social channels! Eric Aune @mechanicalhub Andy Mickelson @mick_plumb Check out our website: mechanical-hu…
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Eric looks back on '23, Forward into 2024
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18:53
Will Aune Plumbing expand in 2024? Looking back on 2023 and forward in the new year. There's always time to make plans and set goals but the new year seems like the most appropriate. What are some of your goals for 2024? Send us a text Send us your feedback or topic ideas over on our social channels! Eric Aune @mechanicalhub Andy Mickelson @mick_pl…
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5 Things Apprentices Should Do Every Day
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34:14
If you're an apprentice this one's for you! If you're not an apprentice but know someone coming up in the trades, please share this with them asap! In this episode Eric & Andy go thru a list of five things/habits/behaviors today's apprentice needs to do or think about daily. Send us a text Send us your feedback or topic ideas over on our social cha…
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It's that time of year to look forward into the new year. This is also worth reflecting on the past year to gauge successes. This isn't a New Year Resolution episode! Send us a text Send us your feedback or topic ideas over on our social channels! Eric Aune @mechanicalhub Andy Mickelson @mick_plumb Check out our website: mechanical-hub.com…
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Chad joins the guys to take a buzzfeed quiz to see what career we’re supposed to have. The results are as ridiculous as you probably expect. Thanks to our friend Chad Killinger for joining us. Send us a text Send us your feedback or topic ideas over on our social channels! Eric Aune @mechanicalhub Andy Mickelson @mick_plumb Check out our website: m…
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Breaking Down the Estimating Process
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34:52
“If you break it down into bitesize pieces you can eat an elephant” -Andy In this episode the guys talk over how to approach estimating jobs large and small. Thanks to everyone writing in lately! Send us a text Send us your feedback or topic ideas over on our social channels! Eric Aune @mechanicalhub Andy Mickelson @mick_plumb Check out our website…
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Some old school tactics still work when looking for employment no matter how many job services are out there. The internet is awesome but following up on a job application can get you ahead of the competition. Also did you know there is a whole online service just for blue collar jobs? Check this out and more in this episode where the guys talk abo…
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New in town & starting a business?
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24:43
More listener mail from Australia. The guys talk about some things they’d consider in preparation of starting a new business. Send us a text Send us your feedback or topic ideas over on our social channels! Eric Aune @mechanicalhub Andy Mickelson @mick_plumb Check out our website: mechanical-hub.comโดย Eric Aune, Andy Mickelson
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To Replace or Not to Replace
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18:40
Luke, from Adelaide, Australia writes in to ask about our thoughts on inexperienced technicians driving a throw away society vs. finding the fault and repairing equipment. Send us a text Send us your feedback or topic ideas over on our social channels! Eric Aune @mechanicalhub Andy Mickelson @mick_plumb Check out our website: mechanical-hub.com…
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Never Work With Family. Buying the business, not the baggage
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29:16
Longtime listener Dillon writes in with a followup to an episode from almost two years ago when he was looking for advice on buying the business he was working for. Dillon is at the point in owning the business where he needs to expand. He also had to fire the son of the former owner of the business. Is not hiring and expanding as much of a risk as…
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Take this job and shove it!
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33:37
Andy tells us about a problem job they’ve been dealing with for a few years. Ever have one of those jobs you wish you never took on? How about a piece of equipment or materials you regret installing? Send us a text Send us your feedback or topic ideas over on our social channels! Eric Aune @mechanicalhub Andy Mickelson @mick_plumb Check out our web…
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What’s an ideal length of apprenticeship?
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15:02
How long is long enough for proper training in the skilled trades? It’s no secret we are not attracting more young adults than needed into the trades, could a shorter training period move the needle on interest? What are your thoughts? We’d love to hear from you! Send us a text Send us your feedback or topic ideas over on our social channels! Eric …
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New business idea? Off grid heating
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24:35
We recently talked about all these connected systems and appliances but what about an old school, simple system that’s not connected? Are we talking survival/prepping type of clientele or just simplification? Send us a text Send us your feedback or topic ideas over on our social channels! Eric Aune @mechanicalhub Andy Mickelson @mick_plumb Check ou…
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