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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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Ready to listen in to a great conversation over a delicious cup of coffee? Maxwell's Iowa CoffeeCast offers an engaging blend of candid interviews, commentary, and humor, providing listeners with fresh insight and perspective into the lives of fellow Iowans who have interesting stories to tell. Maxwell is a decades-long Iowa broadcaster and his easygoing and relatable hosting style, combined with the genuine and heartfelt nature of the conversations, creates a welcoming atmosphere for listen ...
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In this episode of Maxwell's Iowa CoffeeCast, Greg Edwards, President and CEO of Catch Des Moines, shared exciting developments for the city. This fall, Des Moines landed two major events that will significantly impact the local economy. The first is the TEAMS Conference, scheduled for 2031. This prestigious event brings together governing bodies o…
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In this engaging interview on Maxwell's Iowa CoffeeCast, presented by Wellabe, Iowa country music artist Jason Brown reflects on his journey to becoming a successful musician, shaped by his roots in church music, family influences, and a relentless pursuit of his passion. Jason recalls how his grandmother discovered his talent when he was just four…
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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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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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On Maxwell's Iowa CoffeeCast, Ben Gislason, play-by-play announcer and Director of Broadcasting and Team Services for the Iowa Wild hockey team, shares the intricacies of his role. Gislason delves into the origins of his hockey journey, and talks about his Minnesota high school, junior hockey, and college hockey years. The discussion shifts to his …
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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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In this episode of Maxwell's Iowa CoffeeCast, Willie Farrell, an Iowa-born comedian, reminisces about his 40-year career in comedy. Willie recounts his start at Spaghetti Works in Des Moines, where his talent quickly garnered attention, even earning comparisons to Freddie Prinze and Tony Danza. Encouraged by his mentor, former KCCI-TV personality, …
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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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In this captivating episode of Maxwell’s Iowa CoffeeCast, presented by Wellabe, Maxwell interviews Robert Warren, the dynamic CEO of Hoyt Sherman Place, about the historic venue’s remarkable success and transformation. Warren reflects on a record-breaking fiscal year, with Hoyt Sherman Place hosting over 100 headline events and bringing in $6 milli…
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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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In this episode of Maxwell’s Iowa CoffeeCast, host Maxwell sits down with Grant Gillon, the 2023 winner of MasterChef, to discuss his journey from a small-town dad in Altoona, Iowa, to national fame as a self-taught culinary star. Grant opens up about what it was like transitioning from being a home cook to navigating the intense spotlight of a hit…
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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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The Weekend Pour: Building Dreams Inside HomeShowExpo 2024 with HBA's Dan Knoup & Kirk Mickelson of KRM Custom Homes
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In this episode of Maxwell's Iowa CoffeeCast "Weekend Pour," Maxwell sits down with two key players in the Greater Des Moines' home-building scene: Dan Knoup, Executive Officer of the Home Builders Association of Greater Des Moines, and Kirk Mickelson, owner of KRM Custom Homes. Recorded on-site at KRM's stunning home in this year’s HomeShowExpo 20…
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In this episode of Maxwell's Iowa CoffeeCast, Maxwell interviews singer-songwriter Patricia Holly, whose musical journey to success began by simply having fun on TikTok. Initially, she gained followers by making satirical videos of the Johnny Depp-Amber Heard trial. Her humorous take on the courtroom antics struck a chord, and she quickly built a f…
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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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In this emotional episode of Maxwell's Iowa CoffeeCast, Maxwell interviews MaryBeth Meyer, who shares the powerful story of her son James’s battle with cancer. James, now a healthy second-grader, was diagnosed with bilateral Wilms tumor, a rare kidney cancer, when he was just 15 months old. MaryBeth recounts the initial shock of the diagnosis and t…
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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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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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In this episode of the Iowa CoffeeCast, Maxwell sits down with Iowan, Andy Elliott, SVP of Country Promotion with Red Street Records, who made a significant career shift to pursue a passion for promoting country music. Andy shares the story of his journey from behind the microphone, as a popular Iowa radio host and program director, to finding his …
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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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In this episode of the Iowa CoffeeCast, Maxwell sits down with actor and magician, Patrick Albanese, known for his role in the long-running show "Triple Espresso," in which he has performed over 3,800 times. The comedy is remembered, historically, as Iowa's longest-running professional show at Des Moines Performing Arts' Temple Theatre. The convers…
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"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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In this episode of Maxwell's Iowa CoffeeCast, Paul Despenas details his Grandfather's journey from Greece to Mason City in the 1920s, driven by the promise of jobs at a cement plant. Despite an injury that ended his grandfather's work there, the family thrived by diversifying into produce. Paul's father, a Navy veteran, transitioned from jewelry sa…
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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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Maxwell's Iowa CoffeeCast features a heartwarming and insightful interview with Al Downey, a 96-year-old Playhouse legend. Al and his wife, Ruth, sat down over coffee with Maxwell and he shared his incredible life story, starting with his birth in 1928 in Ottumwa, Iowa, delivered by his midwife grandmother. He recounts his early years, moving betwe…
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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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Welcome to Maxwell’s Iowa Coffee Cast! In this episode, Maxwell features Brooks Reynolds, co-founder of the Blue Ribbon Bacon Festival and operator of JR’s South Pork Ranch at the Iowa State Fair. Brooks shares his family’s deep-rooted history with the fair, dating back to the 1950s when his uncles sold radios and chickens. He describes his venture…
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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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In the latest episode of Maxwell's Iowa CoffeeCast, Maxwell sits down with Keith Brown, a long-time Iowa resident and multi-talented musician. Keith shares fascinating stories from his extensive music career, including his early days performing with bands like The Shillings and The Pillars, and his experiences recording and engineering. Keith recou…
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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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In this episode of Maxwell's Iowa CoffeeCast, Maxwell hosted Dr. Bryan Hall, a licensed Mental Health Counselor and Clinic Director at Ellie Mental Health in Clive, Iowa, for an in-depth conversation about contemporary anxiety issues among adults, particularly related to family and work. Dr. Hall highlighted that many of his clients' anxieties stem…
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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.comΑπό τον Eric Aune, Andy Mickelson
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In this episode of Maxwell's Iowa CoffeeCast, Maxwell meets with Scott Reister, an Iowa television sports journalist, at the Urbandale Public Library to discuss Scott's debut novel, Baseball Spy. This juvenile mystery novel, which is selling well on Amazon and Barnes & Noble, originated from Scott's childhood fantasy while playing baseball, where o…
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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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This episode of Maxwell’s Iowa CoffeeCast features an engaging conversation with Aviana Gedler, a talented jazz vocalist from Des Moines. Aviana, known for her impressive jazz performances, shares her journey from growing up in Iowa to studying jazz vocal music in Boston. She discusses her early influences, including her brother and high school jaz…
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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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Maxwell's Iowa CoffeeCast, hosted by Maxwell Schaeffer, debuts with a candid conversation with his former radio morning partner, Amy Sweet. The duo previously hosted the popular Max and Amy morning show on WHO radio, only to be abruptly let go in early March of 2024. They were informed of their termination during a routine meeting, which turned out…
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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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