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Home Talking Trades

Talking Trades

Interview Day

Matt and Eric head back to the shop and sit down to really talk about what it's like working in the trades as a plumber. They discuss pros and cons of being your own boss and working in the plumbing industry.

Matt asks Eric some difficult questions and gets insight into the path Eric chose - leading him to be a successful homeowner and business owner at a young age. Eric leaves Matt with some valuable insight for someone wishing to pursue a career in plumbing. 

Thank you to our Sponsors!

  

Episodes

Talking Trades

Episode 1    

This BUILD Original Series showcases industry experts sharing insights on high-performance homes and trade careers. Thank you to our sponsors Frontdoor and Sashco!

Talking Plumbing: Part 1

Episode 2    

Matt spends a day with Master Plumber and Electrical Contractor Eric Aune in Minneapolis, learning about his journey in the trades and the benefits of being your own boss. Thank you to our sponsors!

Talking Plumbing: Part 2

Episode 3    

Matt gains real-world plumbing experience on apprentice day, discussing wages and career start with Eric. Thanks to sponsors Frontdoor and Sashco for their support!

Talking Electrical: Part 1

Episode 5    

Matt meets Master Electrician CJ Nielsen in Napa, CA, learning about craftsmanship and the variety of work in the electrical trade. They discuss CJ's path to becoming a business owner. Thank you to our sponsors!

Talking Electrical: Part 2

Episode 6    

Matt learns from CJ about the daily life of an electrician and the importance of practice and patience. CJ shares advice for those starting in the trades and his own journey.

Talking Electrical: Part 3

Episode 7    

Matt and CJ discuss their experiences and perspectives in the electrical trade, sharing stories of camaraderie and reflecting on attitudes towards trades. Special thanks to sponsors Frontdoor and Sashco.

Talking Drywall: Part 1

Episode 8    

Matt spent a day learning about drywalling in Bozeman, Montana with Master Drywaller Lydia Crowder. He got hands-on experience mixing mud and gained insight into the complexity of the trade.

Talking Drywall: Part 2

Episode 9    

Matt learns about the steps to becoming a drywaller from Lydia and experiences first-hand how messy and challenging the trade can be on Apprentice Day.

Talking Drywall: Part 3

Episode 10    

Matt and Lydia discuss Lydia's journey in the drywall trade, average earnings, and her experiences. Special offer from Sashco for Pro viewers. Thank you to our sponsors Frontdoor and Sashco.

Talking Carpentry: Part 1

Episode 11    

Matt is heading east to visit Zack Dettmore, a Master Carpenter & Home Remodeling Contractor in New Jersey.

Talking Carpentry: Part 2

Episode 12    

Matt visits Zack's workshop and Matt is ready to work! The two start on a restoration journey of a 130-year-old door salvaged from a home renovation project. They discuss the intricacies of the restoration process and Matt learns carpentry tips and tracks from Master Carpenter, Zack.

Talking Carpentry: Part 3

Episode 13    

In this episode of Talking Trades, Master Carpenter Zack and Builder Matt discuss the career trajectory of a junior carpenter, highlighting the opportunities and challenges along the way. They discuss the incremental increase in wages as skills improve, with potential earnings reaching $87 an hour for highly skilled tradespeople.

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