We bring together industry leaders and trade professionals to share their knowledge, secrets, and experiences in the trade industry. Our mission is to provide a platform for open and honest discussion about the realities of the trade business, and to empower our listeners with the knowledge and tools they need to succeed.
Our podcast is a place for conversation, where we invite guests to share their insights and advice on a range of topics related to trade, including entrepreneurship, business strategy, marketing, sales, and more. By facilitating a dialogue between our guests and our listeners, we aim to create a community of trade professionals who can learn from one another and collaborate to tackle the challenges of the trade industry.
We believe that learning about the trade industry should be engaging and fun. That’s why we strive to create high-quality content that is both informative and entertaining. Our guests come from a range of backgrounds and experiences, but they all have one thing in common: a passion for the trade business and a desire to share their knowledge and insights with others.
Vincent (VJ) Hoefling has a decade of experience in the trades, exemplifying his strong work ethic and dedication to the industry. He began his journey at Bruno Air in Bonita Springs, Florida, where he earned $12 an hour scrapping old air conditioning units. Through his relentless determination, VJ rose through the ranks, transitioning from scrapping to warehouse work, and eventually becoming the warehouse manager.
His career then took him to the field, where he gained expertise in installation, service, maintenance, and sales. Later, VJ returned to the office as an installation manager, where he met his future co-founder and co-host, Freddy Munoz. Together, they streamlined the installation department, leading to VJ’s promotion to Assistant Operations Manager. Following a company restructuring, he became the residential HVAC Manager and worked closely with Freddy for a year, honing their skills together.
When the opportunity arose, VJ took his talents to Colorado, joining a small company called Smith Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electrical as Operations Manager. Under his leadership, the company grew exponentially, from $694,000 to $17,000,000 in just four years. This period not only strengthened his partnership with Freddy but also allowed them both to learn how to scale and grow a business effectively. It was during this time that VJ obtained his Master Plumbing License and Master Mechanical License. Additionally, he met another future collaborator, co-host Josh Friede.
Josh Friede, a proficient journeyman plumber, boasts six years of diverse experience in the plumbing industry. His background spans commercial, new construction, and residential projects. Two years ago, Josh astutely transitioned from plumbing installation to sales, demonstrating an impressive knack for the trade.
In his first year of sales, Josh successfully sold an outstanding $1.5 million worth of products and services. He then doubled his performance, selling a remarkable $3 million in his second year. Currently, Josh is on track to achieve an impressive $4 million in sales this year alone.
Josh’s expertise extends beyond plumbing sales, as he is well-versed in multiple sales techniques and disciplines. In addition to his plumbing sales accomplishments, he has demonstrated proficiency in HVAC and electrical sales, making him an invaluable asset to any team.
Freddy Munoz started his career in the HVAC industry as an apprentice for a local contractor in Southwest Florida in 2015. He was a young and ambitious 19-year-old who quickly recognized the potential of the industry. Starting with service and maintenance, he soon transitioned to installation, always eager to absorb as much knowledge as possible.
Early on in his tenure, Freddy decided that he wanted to learn the ins and outs of the entire HVAC business so that he could eventually run his own company. He joined a local business, owned and operated by a young entrepreneur who was close to his age. In this role, he moved to the administrative side of the industry and gained invaluable experience as his knowledge grew daily.
Freddy learned that the success of any organization depends on both internal and external customers and the systems and processes that help everyone succeed. After jumping through the ranks from customer service to project management, he went on to work with Vincent, where they managed operations for the HVAC Installation Department. After Vincent’s departure, Freddy continued to run the department until he joined him in Colorado Springs at Smith Plumbing and Heating in 2020.
Over the course of three years, Freddy and Vincent grew the company from just over $6 million in revenue to $17 million in 2022. Freddy’s ambition, hard work, and commitment to excellence have helped him achieve great success in the HVAC industry.
Content that delves into the world of skilled trades. This high-quality podcast offers its audience a unique blend of industry insights, expert knowledge, and personal experiences shared by its engaging hosts. With a focus on various trades, from HVAC and plumbing to electrical work and more, the podcast provides a comprehensive understanding of these professions.
It highlights the latest trends, technologies, and best practices, keeping the audience up-to-date with the ever-evolving trades landscape. The audience not only gains access to educational content but also becomes part of a growing network of like-minded individuals Partner sponsors - Can we remove this section for now as we have no sponsors
The podcast features interviews with successful professionals, providing first-hand accounts of their journeys and valuable lessons learned along the way.
Listeners are drawn to "Trading of the Trades" for its authentic storytelling and practical advice, which helps those in the industry advance their careers or those interested in entering the field make informed decisions.
As an electrician, "Trading of the Trades" has become my ultimate podcast companion. Each episode, packed with real-world wisdom from seasoned contractors, provides a wealth of knowledge that's as enlightening as it is practical. It's like having a toolbox of industry insights right in your pocket. The camaraderie, passion, and authenticity of the hosts make it a truly engaging listen. A must for anyone in the trades. Plug in and power up your professional journey with this podcast!
Trading of the Trades" is a goldmine for contractors. As an HVAC professional, I've found the podcast to be a one-stop shop for insightful industry knowledge, practical advice, and engaging discussions. The rotating hosts bring authenticity and diverse expertise that is both enlightening and entertaining. Each episode feels like a masterclass in HVAC, plumbing, or electrical trades. A must-listen for any contractor aiming to stay ahead of the curve. Highly recommended!
As a lifelong plumber, I've found "Trading of the Trades" to be a game-changer. It's the perfect blend of expert advice, real-world experience, and engaging dialogue. The hosts' depth of knowledge in HVAC, electrical, and plumbing is unrivaled. This podcast has become my go-to resource for staying updated in the industry, making me feel more connected to my fellow tradespeople. It's like a virtual roundtable with the best in the business. Highly recommended!