The Tradepreneur Show: Trade Business & Home Services Success with Patrick Somers

The Tradepreneur Show: Trade Business & Home Services Success with Patrick Somers

Video Podcast
di Patrick Somers | Contractor Success & Entrepreneurship
ImprenditoriaMiglioramento personale
Stagione 2

🚨 Why These Young People Chose the Trades Over College

Video
Is college still the best path to a successful career? On this episode of The Tradepreneur Show, Patrick Somers sits down with three young tradespeople to talk about why they chose HVAC and plumbing, what they're earning while they learn, and what life is really like in the skilled trades. From apprenticeships and trade school to getting paid on the job, they share their experiences, challenges, early paychecks, and why the trades can offer a debt-free path to a six-figure career. You'll hear firsthand stories about working in HVAC and plumbing, dealing with difficult jobs, learning from experienced technicians, and building the skills needed to eventually start your own business. If you're a young person deciding between college and a trade, a parent helping your child choose a career, or someone looking for a high-paying career without student debt, this episode offers an honest look at the opportunities available in the skilled trades.
S2 · E76
2 set 2026
37:05

Navigating the Tradepreneur Maze: The Leadership Gap and the Secrets to Mentorship and Business Growth in the Trades

Are you aware that the trades are facing a leadership gap, a crisis as seasoned professionals retire and leave a gaping hole in the workforce? Join Patrick Somers on this eye-opening episode of The Tradepreneur Show with Patrick as he sits down with Randy Juggassar, a building maintenance manager at Gordon Food Service and author of "Navigating the Maintenance Mentor Maze. " Together, they dive deep into the pressing issue of the leadership gap in the trades, particularly in maintenance and refrigeration, and why mentorship is the secret sauce to building a successful trade business. Randy shares practical advice for tradespeople, emphasizing that while technical skills can be taught, the art of mentorship is what truly shapes the future leaders of our industry. This conversation is packed with actionable strategies for entrepreneurs looking to scale their trade business and attract younger generations into the field. With humor and insight, they tackle the complexities of ammonia refrigeration and the rewarding nature of trades work, proving that self-employment in the trades can be both fulfilling and profitable. As they reflect on their personal experiences, Patrick and Randy highlight the importance of fostering training and mentorship to close the leadership gap in the trades. They also discuss how supporting organizations that prioritize these values can lead to business growth in home services. Plus, Randy reveals that proceeds from his book support the American Brain Tumor Society, adding a philanthropic twist to their engaging dialogue. If you're looking for insider stories from the trades and key ingredients for business success, this episode is a must-listen. Discover effective sales techniques for trades and learn how to master follow-up strategies that can help you close deals like a pro. Whether you’re in HVAC, plumbing, or any other trade, this episode offers the entrepreneurial insights you need to thrive. Don't miss out on this opportunity to level up your trade business mindset. Tune in to The Tradepreneur Show with Patrick and equip yourself with the tools to overcome challenges in the trades and build a career that stands the test of time. Hit that play button now and start your journey toward tradepreneur success today! Why are experienced maintenance leaders retiring faster than we can replace them? Randy Juggassar reveals the mentorship crisis hitting food distribution, cold storage, and ammonia refrigeration - and shares how his new book tackles the leadership gap that's threatening critical infrastructure across all trades. In this episode, we explore: (00:00) The ammonia refrigeration skills shortage and retiring workforce (02:41) Randy's background in building maintenance and Gordon Food Service (05:25) Why ammonia systems require specialized mentorship and training (07:59) How baby boomer retirements created a trades experience gap (09:46) The importance of mentorship in developing trade professionals (12:59) Why younger generations need different leadership approaches (16:22) Randy's journey from hospital food service to facility management (21:23) Learning multiple trades through hospital maintenance work (27:38) How Gordon Food Service builds ammonia operators through mentorship (33:20) The value of outdoor activities for trades professionals 👥 Connect with Us: Follow The Tradepreneur Show on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube 📩 Got feedback or episode ideas? Hit us up at info@thetradepreneurshow.com 👉 If this episode helped, leave a review and share it with your crew — we're building something real here.
S2 · E65
10 giu 2026
38:24

Embracing Solitude: Insights from My Vision Quest and Strategies for Thriving in the Trade Business World

What if stepping into the wild could unlock the secrets to your trade business success? Join me, Patrick Somers, on this transformative episode of The Tradepreneur Show with Patrick, where I recount my soul-stirring vision quest in the heart of Canada. After a week away from the mic, I dove deep into the serene wilderness of Pine Falls, Manitoba, engaging in indigenous ceremonies that reshaped my understanding of purpose and ambition. With gratitude for my guide Jamie, who introduced me to these sacred traditions and the Vision Quest, I share the profound solitude I encountered in the forest—where distractions faded, and clarity emerged. This wasn't just a getaway; it was a pivotal moment for self-improvement for tradespeople like you, revealing actionable strategies for entrepreneurs seeking to scale their trade business. As I reflect on my Vision Quest journey, I discuss the insights gained from my dreams and the powerful lessons imparted by the elders I met along the way. Throughout this episode, I delve into the seven sacred teachings that resonate deeply with the tradepreneur mindset: truth, respect, love, courage, honesty, wisdom, and humility. These principles are not just for personal growth; they are essential ingredients for building a successful trade business. Whether you’re closing deals in the trades or mastering follow-up techniques, aligning your business partnerships with these values can elevate your career in home services. Let’s face it: overcoming challenges in the trades requires more than just technical skills. It demands a mindset shift for success. I invite you to embrace the outdoors, not just for a break, but as a vital source of inspiration for your entrepreneurial journey. From financing options for trade companies to effective sales techniques for contractors, this episode is packed with insights that will help you thrive in your business. So, are you ready to take your trade business to the next level? Tune in and discover how connecting with nature can lead to breakthroughs in your career. Remember, the path to tradepreneur success stories begins with a single step—let this episode be yours. Don’t forget to subscribe and share your thoughts; your feedback fuels our journey together! Why spending four days alone in the wilderness without food, water, or distractions can unlock the clarity every business owner craves. Patrick shares raw insights from his Canadian Vision Quest, revealing how disconnecting from modern life and embracing ancient wisdom can transform your leadership, purpose, and business direction. In this episode, we explore: (00:00) Returning from a Vision Quest in Manitoba, Canada (02:35) The sweat lodge ceremony and sacred energy (04:43) Four days alone in the forest without food or water (06:57) When time moves differently and wildlife becomes your companion (08:26) The moment of total clarity about your purpose (10:10) Ancient wisdom about morning prayers and connecting with the Creator (13:35) Strange encounters and possible spiritual visits (16:22) Being the only one to complete the full fast (18:10) The seven sacred teachings from indigenous wisdom (22:12) How the beaver's gift relates to using your talents (24:21) Connecting ancient wisdom to modern business leadership 👥 Connect with Us: Follow The Tradepreneur Show on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube 📩 Got feedback or episode ideas? Hit us up at info@thetradepreneurshow.com 👉 If this episode helped, leave a review and share it with your crew — we're building something real here. 📲 Follow & Connect instagram.com/patricksomersofficial linkedin.com/in/patricksomersofficial youtube com/@patricksomersofficial www.tradepreneurshow.com
S2 · E64
3 giu 2026
27:51
Stagione 1

🚨 The Fire Safety Mistakes Every Contractor Needs to Know

Video
October is Fire Prevention Month, making this the perfect time for contractors, technicians, and tradespeople to rethink what fire safety looks like on the job. From damaged extension cords and overloaded outlets to brazing, lithium batteries, fire extinguishers, smoke detectors, and carbon monoxide detectors, Patrick Somers explains how developing a fire prevention mindset can help you catch problems before they become emergencies. But fire prevention isn't just about protecting yourself. Tradespeople entering homes and businesses have a unique opportunity to identify safety hazards, educate customers, and prevent potentially devastating incidents. Patrick shares real-world stories from his experience as a technician and volunteer firefighter, along with practical advice for business owners and technicians on fire extinguishers, home evacuation plans, emergency preparedness, and making safety part of your everyday routine.
S1 · E80
30 set 2026
18:29

🏜️ The Real Life of a Rattlesnake Rescuer in California - High Desert Dani

Video
What happens when a rattlesnake shows up under your house, in your car, or near your family and pets? Patrick Somers sits down with High Desert Dani (Danielle Wall), a Southern California rattlesnake rescuer and self-taught snake wrangler, to talk about rescuing rattlesnakes, relocating wildlife, and educating people about living safely alongside desert animals. Danielle shares how one rattlesnake encounter changed her life, the viral rescue that put her on the map, and what really happens when she gets an emergency call in the High Desert. Danielle also breaks down some of the biggest rattlesnake myths, including whether snakes chase people, whether baby rattlesnakes are more dangerous, when snakes are most active, and what you should actually do if you encounter one. She discusses the realities of running a donation-based wildlife rescue in California, the emotional side of difficult calls, and why respect, not fear, is the key to living in snake country. If you live in Southern California, spend time in the desert, or simply want to understand rattlesnakes better, this episode is packed with wild stories, practical snake safety tips, and a behind-the-scenes look at wildlife rescue.
S1 · E79
23 set 2026
48:31

🚨 Heat Can Kill: The Safety Rules Every Tradesperson Needs

Video
Working in extreme heat can be deadly, especially for HVAC technicians, plumbers, electricians, roofers, and other skilled tradespeople working in attics, rooftops, and outdoor jobsites. In this episode of The Tradepreneur Show, Patrick Somers breaks down practical heat illness prevention strategies and explains why every trade business needs a strong heat injury and illness prevention plan. From hydration and cooling areas to acclimation, rest breaks, ice, and leadership on the jobsite, Patrick shares the systems companies can use to keep their teams safe during extreme temperatures. But safety goes beyond simply following OSHA requirements. Patrick explains why every employee needs the authority to stop work when conditions become unsafe and why protecting workers and customers must come before productivity. He also shares powerful real-world stories involving emergency HVAC calls, vulnerable homeowners, and helping a family without adequate air conditioning. If you own or manage a trade business—or work in HVAC, plumbing, electrical, construction, or another physically demanding industry—this episode offers practical safety advice that could help prevent heat illness, protect your team, and save lives.
S1 · E78
16 set 2026
19:20

🚨 The Next Big Opportunity Isn't AI. It's the Trade

Video
AI is changing the world, but AI can't build a data center, install a power system, repair a cooling system, or fix a broken piece of equipment. In this episode of The Tradepreneur Show, Patrick Somers explains why the rapid growth of artificial intelligence could create a massive new opportunity for the skilled trades. From electricians and HVAC technicians to plumbers, welders, pipefitters, mechanics, and equipment operators, the people who build and maintain America's physical infrastructure could be at the center of an emerging "blue collar gold rush." With data center electricity demand expected to surge, an aging skilled-trades workforce, and trillions of dollars in infrastructure investment needed across the United States, Patrick breaks down why the demand for skilled labor could grow dramatically in the coming years. Whether you're a young person choosing a career, a tradesperson looking to build a business, or an entrepreneur searching for the next big opportunity, this episode explains why AI, infrastructure, and the skilled trades may be more connected than you think—and why the next generation of trade professionals could be positioned for tremendous opportunity.
S1 · E77
9 set 2026
19:21

🏆 From $10/Hour Employee to Multi-Million Dollar CEO

Video
Esplicito
Patrick Somers shares the unfiltered story of how he went from making $10 an hour in an entry-level HVAC job to co-owning a multi-million-dollar HVAC, plumbing, and electrical company. From working hospitals, warehouses, and roadside truck repair to owning a dry-cleaning business, surviving the 2008 recession, and starting over in the trades, Patrick explains why chasing opportunity instead of money changed the trajectory of his career. He breaks down the mindset, work ethic, perseverance, and ownership mentality that helped him move from employee to entrepreneur. Patrick also reveals the realities of buying and scaling a trade business, including personal guarantees, massive payroll pressure, cash-flow challenges, and the importance of having a supportive partner when you're risking everything to build a business. If you're a contractor, tradesperson, entrepreneur, or aspiring business owner, this episode is packed with practical lessons on leadership, business ownership, HVAC entrepreneurship, financial risk, resilience, and building a successful trades business from the ground up.
S1 · E75
26 ago 2026
27:37

🎭 This Simple Improv Trick Can Help You Close More Sales

Video
Patrick Somers breaks down one of the most powerful communication and sales techniques borrowed from improv: the "Yes, And" mindset. Learn how this simple approach can transform sales objections, customer service, leadership, difficult conversations, and personal relationships by acknowledging what someone is saying and building on it instead of becoming defensive. Patrick explains how "Yes, And" can help tradespeople uncover the real objection, build trust, improve communication, and create better outcomes in HVAC, home services, and other trade businesses. Patrick also shares a real customer service story where a one-star Yelp complaint became an $8,000 sale and a five-star review—all by taking responsibility, listening to the customer, and finding a way forward. If you're a contractor, business owner, salesperson, or tradepreneur looking to improve sales, objection handling, customer relationships, leadership, and communication skills, this episode gives you practical scripts and strategies you can start using immediately. Learn why saying "Yes, And" could completely change the way you handle difficult customers and close more business. 📱 Follow Us 📱 https://thetradepreneurshow.com/ https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61569550971156 https://www.instagram.com/thetradepreneurshow __________________________________________________________________________________ _© 2026 The Tradepreneur Show / Patrick Somers. All rights reserved._ _🎵 Original theme song: Blue Collar Working Man. Lyrics by Patrick Somers. Music created using Suno AI._ The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of The Tradepreneur Show. 📩 Guest inquiries, sponsorships and partnership opportunities: patrick@thetradepreneurshow.com
S1 · E74
19 ago 2026
22:31

Four Options, One Legal Pad: How to Present Choices That Close More Jobs

Most trades techs present one option and wonder why customers say no. Patrick Somers breaks down the psychology behind presenting 3 to 4 structured options, why a legal pad beats an iPad, and how analogies like sponges and overheated engines help homeowners say yes with confidence. In this episode, we explore: (00:00) Why presenting options is non-negotiable in the trades (01:03) Malcolm Gladwell, Pepsi, and the myth of one perfect answer (04:48) The Goldilocks principle and pushing customers to the middle (08:01) Why four options beats three - including the "no" option (09:02) Making sure the customer actually understands the need (10:39) Using medical and vehicle analogies to explain complex problems (15:25) Why a legal pad outperforms an iPad in the moment (18:51) Walking the customer through options live - with color and markup (23:52) Recap and how to build a presentation that earns trust 👥 Connect with Us: Follow The Tradepreneur Show on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube 📩 Got feedback or episode ideas? Hit us up at info@thetradepreneurshow.com 👉 If this episode helped, leave a review and share it with your crew — we're building something real here.
S1 · E73
18 ago 2026
26:07
1 di 8