The Top 1% of the Skilled Trades | The Trade Talks #154

Mark Rhodes is an instructor at one of the best trade schools in Texas, ForgeNow. Skilled in many trades, he’s a plumber but is also currently teaching a commercial HVAC class. ForgeNow specializes in fast-tracking green candidates and getting them job site ready in less than 8 weeks. He was trained and certified in HVAC through the Lindsey-Cooper Refigeration School. He has also worked in the skilled trades for over twenty years as a commercial and residential plumber. He learned his sense of discipline from his father, as well as the former military supervisors he trained under. He worked in residential service for ten years, and enjoyed it more because of the communication and engagement with the customers you’re helping. “To see the look one somebody’s that you helped when walking out the door is priceless,” he said. The brazing, the soldering, the welding, the hand-on, practical application at work is what appeals most to him. “Basically, anything with fire.” In this episode they discuss the difference between running gas lines versus water lines. Their love of setting and installing water heaters. Mark also enjoys setting fixtures and replacing toilets. His plans for the future are to become a master plumber and then maybe start his own business someday. From ForgeNow’s Website: ForgeNow equips, trains, credentials, and provides career placement support in the traditional tool-belt trades.ForgeNow offers intense, immersive, hands-on training courses designed for trades professionals. Crafted with the help of industry experts and contractors, our technical programs are designed for the unique needs of the field. Choose from four career pathways and embark on a new future with ForgeNow. Go to: https://forgenow.com   Our Sponsor: LeakPro | Leak Detection Equipment LeakPro® has been providing reliable slab leak and swimming pool leak detection equipment for 40 years. Our products can help you find underground water leaks quickly and easily!  Go to https://leak-pro.com   Tradesmen built America. This is the "Blue Collar Channel"... Where you can listen to the top tradespeople around the world. Everything you need to learn about getting into the trades, becoming the best tradesman, starting your own business, and using networking and social media... To GROW in the trades!!!!