Best Eric Aune Andy Mickelson Podcasts (2025)

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How old is too old to start in the trades? 23:59

Play Pause

3d ago23:59

23:59

Would you hire someone with zero trade work experience? What if they're in their 30's? How old is too old to start in the trades? Send us a text Send us your feedback or topic ideas over on our social channels! Eric Aune @mechanicalhub Andy Mickelson @mick_plumb Newsletter sign up: https://bit.ly/MH_email…

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Lowest Bidders 29:55

10d ago29:55

29:55

Are you the low bid? Are you being beat by the low bidder but offering a more complete job, is it apple to apples? This week the guys chat about a recent encounter Eric had on the job with another local plumber. Send us a text Send us your feedback or topic ideas over on our social channels! Eric Aune @mechanicalhub Andy Mickelson @mick_plumb Newsl…

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Buy Now, Pay Later? 17:31

17d ago17:31

17:31

Our customer's finances are feeling the pinch more than ever as prices are the highest on record. Inflation, tariffs, shipping backlogs are just some of the bigger problems on the product side but a big part of the general population is finding it difficult manage unexpected bills. Eric is now offering financing and Andy is looking into it for his …

1
Accurate Estimates for Plumbing and HVAC 19:49

24d ago19:49

19:49

This isn't a how-to guide, let's get that out of the way immediately. The guys chat about the accuracy of estimates, whether the price of a job changes when things are missed AND how some companies operate on the "low upfront bid" and tack on the add-ons as the job progresses. Have experience or thoughts to share? Please do! Send us a text Send us …

1
Should We Buy USA Made? 31:53

1M ago31:53

31:53

As supply chains and tariffs are making running our service and construction businesses increasingly more difficult, is there benefit to buying only US? Do our customers care? Are they willing to pay more for products made in the US? Send us a text Send us your feedback or topic ideas over on our social channels! Eric Aune @mechanicalhub Andy Micke…

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Forging Partnerships 17:17

1M ago17:17

17:17

Eric's been working on a plan to partner with local builders for water conditioning in new construction homes and Andy talks about something similar they've been doing with a local general contractor in an affluent Missoula neighborhood. Send us a text Send us your feedback or topic ideas over on our social channels! Eric Aune @mechanicalhub Andy M…

1
No Custy? No Work! 24:02

1M ago24:02

24:02

Some recent changes to standard operating procedures were in order for Andy's plumbing & heating shop, Eric's making the change too. Do you work in client's home's when no one is there? Should you? Give this one a listen and let us know what you think by sending us a message using the link below! Send us a text Send us your feedback or topic ideas …

1
Andy's bougie new Veto bag! 56:24

3M ago56:24

56:24

New tools are great but new tool bags are awesome! Andy gives us a close look at his latest addition, the Veto Pro Pac Hybrid Tool and Meter bag (SB-LD) This episode is best viewed on the MH youtube channel: https://youtu.be/RjQVIcKgg7k Send us a text Send us your feedback or topic ideas over on our social channels! Eric Aune @mechanicalhub Andy Mi…

1
Live from AHR Expo: Milwaukee Tool’s John Jarzombek 30:46

3M ago30:46

30:46

Ever wonder how Milwaukee Tool decides what to build next or how they test them? Our guest John Jarzombek is a project manager at Milwaukee Tool. John has personally managed teams developing tools such as the MX Fuel Pipe Threader, the new roll groover, The Ringer and more. It was fun to have John join us in Orlando at the AHR Expo podcasts pavilli…

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Live from AHR w/ Mike Cameron 27:48

4M ago27:48

27:48

Are gas absorption heat pumps a viable alternative to the electrification of our heating and cooling systems? Mike Cameron is a longtime Canadian friend working in Vancouver, BC. Mike installs and services a lot of the GAHP units, some are only prototypes but all are performing impressively. Send us a text Send us your feedback or topic ideas over …

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Get Connected! Tips on building a solid support team 33:44

4M ago33:44

33:44

Building relationships with your local suppliers, reps and sales people is important for the success of your business. Of course it is! This week the guys talk about a recent discussion happening behind the scenes about sourcing parts for hvac systems, buying local and/or online. We've talked about this topic differently in the past, thanks for tak…

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Solar, HVAC and Boiler talk oh my! 33:15

4M ago33:15

33:15

Andy starts off a little spicy in this one. Sometimes the social media comment section is a terrible place! Thanks to Reed Wiens for writing in to the show, this was a fun conversation! Send us a text Send us your feedback or topic ideas over on our social channels! Eric Aune @mechanicalhub Andy Mickelson @mick_plumb Newsletter sign up: https://bit…

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Why does Eric hate zone pumps? Mixing valves, water heaters and more. 40:08

4M ago40:08

40:08

Thank you all for messaging! This was a fun conversation! Send us a text Send us your feedback or topic ideas over on our social channels! Eric Aune @mechanicalhub Andy Mickelson @mick_plumb Newsletter sign up: https://bit.ly/MH_emailBy Eric Aune, Andy Mickelson

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Attention Menards Shoppers: Fight in the lumberyard 33:12

5M ago33:12

33:12

Chad joins the guys to tell the story of a birthday gone bad and it might be all because of an orange bucket…you’ll have to listen to hear the whole story. Send us a text Send us your feedback or topic ideas over on our social channels! Eric Aune @mechanicalhub Andy Mickelson @mick_plumb Newsletter sign up: https://bit.ly/MH_email…

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Mixed Bag: Resi Fire Sprinklers, GPS tracking and time keeping, Gas station bathrooms w/ Chad 26:11

5M ago26:11

26:11

Send us a text Send us your feedback or topic ideas over on our social channels! Eric Aune @mechanicalhub Andy Mickelson @mick_plumb Newsletter sign up: https://bit.ly/MH_emailBy Eric Aune, Andy Mickelson, Chad Killinger

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Career Milestones? Was 2024 the tipping point for tech and time? 36:12

5M ago36:12

36:12

Andy shares a few things he's observed over the last year that stand out. Eric is a little nervous when looking back on three specific jobs...are we old enough to be replacing equipment we installed new? Send us a text Send us your feedback or topic ideas over on our social channels! Eric Aune @mechanicalhub Andy Mickelson @mick_plumb Newsletter si…

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Those free “find a contractor” listings 28:21

5M ago28:21

28:21

Back when we started out it was tough to get the phone to ring. Getting listed on manufacturer’s websites was one way we got our business name out there. Are you doing it? Send us a text Send us your feedback or topic ideas over on our social channels! Eric Aune @mechanicalhub Andy Mickelson @mick_plumb Newsletter sign up: https://bit.ly/MH_email…

1
Fan Mail: How Does Andy Get Any Work Done? 39:23

6M ago39:23

39:23

The guys answer some questions sent in by listeners Send us a text Send us your feedback or topic ideas over on our social channels! Eric Aune @mechanicalhub Andy Mickelson @mick_plumb Newsletter sign up: https://bit.ly/MH_emailBy Eric Aune, Andy Mickelson

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Tool Reviews with Eric & Andy 37:17

6M ago37:17

37:17

This episode works best as a video, you can watch it over on the MH YouTube channel https://bit.ly/4g4zYXp Send us a text Send us your feedback or topic ideas over on our social channels! Eric Aune @mechanicalhub Andy Mickelson @mick_plumb Newsletter sign up: https://bit.ly/MH_emailBy Eric Aune, Andy Mickelson

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When Podcasts Collide 48:00

6M ago48:00

48:00

This week the guys are joined virtually by the hosts of the Appetite For Construction podcast, John Mesenbrink & Tim Ward. It's that time of year again where we take a look back and even forward into the new year. There was some fun bs'ing as well. Hope you enjoy! Send us a text Send us your feedback or topic ideas over on our social channels! Eric…

1
MTGA Road Trip! 52:57

6M ago52:57

52:57

It's roadtrip time for Andy as he met up with Eric for a super top secret install in Northern MN. You’ll have to watch [or listen] to learn all about the project. If the podcast just isn’t enough you could search the tag “#duluthbuild” on Instagram for more from the project job site. Okay, J/K....Air-to-Water Heat Pumps are having a time right now,…

1
B.S. & Bad Jobs. 33:25

7M ago33:25

33:25

Not all projects are run & organized the same, obviously. This week the guys have a short BS session and talk about a job Eric has coming up and one of Andy's preferred general contractors. Send us a text Send us your feedback or topic ideas over on our social channels! Eric Aune @mechanicalhub Andy Mickelson @mick_plumb Newsletter sign up: https:/…

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Special Guest: Apprentice Adam Parent 40:08

7M ago40:08

40:08

Canadian apprentice Adam Parent joins the guys to talk about his experiences and thoughts bout joining the plumbing trade in Canada. Adam's experience in both residential and commercial work doing both plumbing and heating new construction, remodel and service have helped him hone his skills and find a place where he's challenged but excited to lea…

1
Van Talk: Guess what? Wrong Part! 30:32

7M ago30:32

30:32

It's never great when service vehicles break down but it's even worse when local mechanics are out weeks for repairs and parts are hard to track down. This week Andy retells the story of a relative simple fix for a recent breakdown. How hard can it be to replace a starter on a 2020 Ford Transit anyway? Send us a text Send us your feedback or topic …

1
Tech in the Trades: Smarter Small Businesses 44:07

7M ago44:07

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? 37:51

8M ago37:51

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…

1
The really big listener question episode! 37:14

8M ago37:14

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 Newsletter sign up: https://bit.ly/MH_email…

1
All new heating & hot water system at Eric’s house 50:21

8M ago50:21

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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Eric hates trailers 32:59

8M ago32:59

32:59

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…

1
Have you ever taken over a job someone else started? 36:31

8M ago36:31

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…

1
Throw back from down under! 42:10

9M ago42:10

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 Newsletter sign up: https://bit.ly/MH_email…

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Update from a recent HPWH install 37:37

9M ago37:37

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…

1
Dealing with a tough day and a difficult customer 30:33

9M ago30:33

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…

1
Dude has CO poisoning for sure! 43:17

9M ago43:17

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 36:00

10M ago36:00

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…

1
Wives Special #2 Working with your spouse... 41:16

10M ago41:16

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... 55:09

10M ago55:09

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 & …

1
The Milwaukee Pipeline podcast you did not expect! 39:43

10M ago39:43

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…

1
Viking Invasion! BS session with Colton Henkowski 41:03

11M ago41:03

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…

1
Stress Less! 30:07

11M ago30:07

30:07

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 Ne…

1
Andy's Van Upgrade 34:26

11M ago34:26

34:26

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 Newsletter sign up: https://bit.ly/MH_emailBy Eric Aune, Andy Mickelson

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Weird Science? Are you using A.I. in your business or on the job? 35:30

11M ago35:30

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

12M ago31:26

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 Newsletter sign up: https://bit.ly/MH…

1
Taking On New Jobs 30:08

12M ago30:08

30:08

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 Newsletter sign up: https://bit.ly/MH_email…

1
More EV Fleet talk w/ HVAC Jay 50:09

12M ago50:09

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…

1
Road trip! HVAC Connected 21:31

1y ago21:31

21:31

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…

1
Keeping It Clean, Starting with the Shop! 27:43

1y ago27:43

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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That new tool smell! 54:44

1y ago54:44

54:44

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…

1
E.V. Fleets? Can the contracting community make the switch to electric trucks, cargo vans and service vehicles? 47:56

1y ago47:56

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…

1
What do we want? No BS! When do we want it? NOW! 29:31

1y ago29:31

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…