In this conversation, Jeff and Danny talk with John Figueroa about the values and processes that define On Point Heating and Air. John breaks down what customers truly expect from an HVAC professional, how his team stays ahead of industry best practices, and why consistent training is essential for both quality and culture.

Topics include maintaining strong communication with homeowners, installing with precision, developing teams with integrity, and staying committed to service excellence. John also talks about the responsibility that comes with entering customers’ homes and the importance of earning their trust every step of the way.

• On Point Heating and Air
  https://www.onpointheatingandair.com
  • CONTACT US
    • (619) 272-6055

• Why personalized service matters in HVAC
• How to build trust through transparency and education
• What separates premium service companies from the competition
• How leadership and communication shape a service business
• Why technicians need continual training and development
• What it takes to grow a values-driven trades company
• This trade is not a nine to five.
• Working hours can extend until the job is done.
• Customer expectations can lead to longer work hours.
• The HVAC industry requires dedication and flexibility.
• Residential HVAC work often involves urgent customer needs.
• Professionals must be prepared for unpredictable schedules.
• Job satisfaction is tied to customer comfort.
• Challenges in HVAC can be rewarding when resolved.
• Time management is crucial in this field.
• Understanding customer needs is essential for success.

Website
https://www.thetradespodcast.com

Hosted by
Jeff Mudd and Danny Torres

The Trades Podcast features real conversations with business owners, trades leaders, and industry innovators making an impact in the skilled trades community.

If this episode inspires you, share it with someone in the trades or anyone thinking about starting a home-services business. Like, comment, and subscribe to help more people discover these conversations.

In this episode of the Trades Podcast, Danny Torres, Jeff Mudd, Taylor Bray, and Juri Peterson discuss the importance of the PHCC San Diego chapter in promoting the trades, particularly plumbing and HVAC. They provide updates on training programs, including the pre-apprenticeship and four-year apprenticeship programs, and share success stories of students who have found employment after completing these programs. The conversation also covers employer sponsorship for training, the significance of backflow certification, and the upcoming trades expo, which aims to engage the community and provide resources for those interested in the trades.

Takeaways

• PHCC San Diego is dedicated to promoting the trades.
• The pre-apprenticeship program has seen significant success.
• 80% of students from the pre-apprenticeship program find work.
• Employer sponsorship is crucial for apprenticeship programs.
• The four-year apprenticeship program is federally accredited.
• HVAC training programs are expanding to meet industry needs.
• Backflow certification is essential for community health and safety.
• The trades expo offers valuable resources and networking opportunities.
• Interactive learning experiences are being introduced at the expo.
• PHCC is a valuable resource for anyone in the trades.

👉 Learn more and register for the next PHCCSD Trades Expo:
https://www.phccsd.org/trades-expo
Encourage your team, your apprentices, your community partners, and your local schools to attend. Spread the word. The next generation is counting on us.

Whether you are a contractor looking to hire, a vendor wanting to participate, or an educator seeking opportunities for your students, PHCCSD is ready to support you.

PHCC San Diego Chapter
Website: https://www.phccsd.org
General Contact: https://www.phccsd.org/contact
Phone: (858) 693-3855
Email: info@phccsd.org

Taylor Bray, PHCC San Diego
Juri Peterson, PHCC San Diego

Hosted by Jeff Mudd and Danny Torres of TheTradesPodcast.com

Share this episode with educators, students, parents, and contractors who care about rebuilding the skilled trades workforce.
Leave a comment letting us know how the trades have impacted your life or business.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Trades Podcast and PHCC San Diego

01:51 Overview of PHCC and Its Importance

05:46 Training Programs and Their Impact

09:41 Success Stories and Instructor Highlights

13:43 Financial Support and Scholarships for Students

17:42 National Reach and Online Training Opportunities

21:39 Four-Year Apprenticeship Program Overview

23:53 The Value of Apprenticeship Programs

27:48 Exploring HVAC Training Opportunities

29:43 Backflow Certification and Its Importance

32:36 Upcoming Trades Expo: What to Expect

37:46 Interactive Learning: The Escape Room Experience

Summary

In this conversation, John Pierson shares his personal experience with mosquitoes and the challenges he faced while trying to create a mosquito-free outdoor space. He discusses his initial solution of using tiki torches and the problems that arose from that approach. Ultimately, this led to the innovative idea of BuzzCaps, a product designed to enhance outdoor living by effectively managing mosquito issues.

Takeaways

• John faced a significant mosquito problem in his outdoor space.
• He initially tried using tiki torches for mosquito control.
• Tiki torches proved to be an ineffective solution.
• John's frustration led him to think creatively about the problem.
• The idea for BuzzCaps emerged from his need for a better solution.
• BuzzCaps are designed to attach to privacy fences for better stability.
• John's experience highlights the importance of innovation in everyday problems.
• The conversation emphasizes the value of persistence in problem-solving.
• Outdoor living spaces can be improved with innovative products.
• John's story is a testament to turning challenges into opportunities.
• Transform Your Outdoor Experience with BuzzCaps: A Game-Changer for Homeowners

1. The Birth of BuzzCaps

John Pierson shares the story of how he and his family created BuzzCaps. After building their first pool in Maine, they struggled with mosquito infestations that ruined their evenings. Inspired by their challenges, John set out to develop a product that would allow them to enjoy their poolside without the pesky bugs. Thus, BuzzCaps was born—a simple yet effective solution that transforms deck or fence posts into tiki torches, utilizing citronella oil to deter mosquitoes naturally.

2. Understanding the Product

BuzzCaps are designed to fit on four-inch or five-inch posts and require no tools for installation. Each product comes with a 12-ounce oil canister to hold citronella oil, which masks human scent and keeps mosquitoes at bay. This innovative design not only solves a common problem but does so in a way that enhances the aesthetic of outdoor living spaces. John emphasizes that a clean and upscale look was a priority during development, making BuzzCaps an attractive addition to any deck or backyard.

3. A Family Affair

What makes BuzzCaps special is its family-oriented foundation. John, his wife Lisa, and their son Max collaborated throughout the design process. They voted on various names, ultimately settling on BuzzCaps, which cleverly reflects the product's purpose. John credits his family for their encouragement and feedback, helping him refine the design to its current successful form.

4. The Importance of Networking

John highlights the significance of networking in growing BuzzCaps. During his first expo experience at the Pool, Spa, Deck, and Patio Expo in Vegas, he made valuable connections with distributors and learned about the industry. This exposure opened doors to new opportunities and potential partnerships, proving that stepping outside one's comfort zone can yield incredible results.

5. Future Prospects

As a relatively young company, BuzzCaps is focused on spreading awareness about their product. John envisions expanding their product line to cater to different materials and post sizes, further enhancing outdoor living experiences for homeowners. This innovative approach shows that BuzzCaps is not just a product but a brand dedicated to improving outdoor spaces.

Conclusion:

BuzzCaps presents a fresh solution to a longstanding problem for outdoor enthusiasts. The combination of thoughtful design, family collaboration, and effective networking has positioned BuzzCaps as a standout product in the home improvement industry. By offering a stylish way to enjoy outdoor living without the nuisance of mosquitoes, BuzzCaps is set to transform backyards everywhere.

Key Takeaways:

- BuzzCaps is a family-run business that provides an innovative solution for mosquito control in outdoor spaces.

- The product is designed to enhance the aesthetic of decks and fences while providing a functional benefit.

- Networking and community engagement are crucial for startup success, as demonstrated by John's experience at industry expos.

- BuzzCaps aims to expand its product offerings to meet diverse customer needs.

Finding What’s Hidden — Precision, People & Performance in Leak Detection

In this episode of The Trades Podcast, hosts Jeff Mudd and Danny Torres interview Joseph Hernandez, Division Manager at CPL Detection, a leader in leak detection and underground utility locating. Joseph shares how his team combines advanced technology with expert craftsmanship to provide accurate, efficient, and trustworthy detection services across Southern California.

The conversation dives into the importance of precision in the trades, team leadership, mentorship, and developing a workforce that takes pride in solving tough problems. Joseph highlights how CPL Detection’s approach to training and innovation sets them apart, emphasizing professionalism, customer trust, and service excellence.

Whether you’re running a trade business or managing field technicians, Joseph’s insights reveal how building culture, communication, and capability can elevate your company’s reputation and long-term success.

Key takeaways:

• CPL has been in operation since 1976, focusing on leak detection and utility locating.
• Leak detection is an emergency response service, while utility locating is more planned and preventative.
• Ignoring leaks can lead to significant property damage and increased costs.
• CPL has improved its apprenticeship program, reducing training time while enhancing skill development.
• Company culture at CPL emphasizes core values like teamwork and excellence.
• CPL is committed to employee growth and offers opportunities for advancement.
• The company actively engages in community education about utility safety and damage prevention.
• CPL's leadership encourages open communication and values employee input.
• The demand for leak detection and utility locating services remains strong despite market fluctuations.
• CPL is focused on innovation, including developing new utility locating equipment.

🌐 CPL Detection — www.CPLDetection.com
📍 Learn more about CPL Detection’s leadership team: Our Team
📧 Email: info@cpldetection.com
💬 Connect with Joseph Hernandez on LinkedIn

CPL SAN DIEGO

1483 N. Second Street Suite #201 El Cajon, CA 92021
6197984479

CPL RIVERSIDE/ORANGE COUNTY

505 N. Smith Ave., Suite 107 Corona CA 92878
951-302-5057

CPL TENNESSEE

PO Box 216 Dandridge, TN 37725
865-545-9160

Email: info@cpldetection.com

🎙 The Trades Podcast — TheTradesPodcast.com
Follow on Instagram, YouTube, and Spotify for more interviews with industry leaders.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to CPL and Its Services

06:52 Understanding Leak Detection vs. Utility Locating

13:15 Consequences of Ignoring Leaks

19:10 The Importance of Utility Locating

24:10 CPL's Growth and Training Programs

27:39 Building a Strong Company Culture

35:49 The Importance of Growth and Development

42:56 Leadership and Employee Empowerment

50:02 Navigating Industry Challenges and Opportunities

In this powerful episode of The Trades Podcast, hosts Jeff Mudd and Danny Torres sit down with Cliff Brooks, Co-Owner of Pest In Class®, a company redefining professional development in the pest control industry.

Cliff shares how Pest In Class is bridging the gap between education and real-world application—empowering technicians, company owners, and service leaders to reach new levels of excellence. From modernizing training programs to embracing digital learning platforms, Cliff explains how raising standards can attract better talent, improve retention, and boost long-term customer trust.

Listeners will walk away with inspiration and tangible insights about leadership, training culture, and how continuous education drives both individual growth and industry advancement.

Whether you’re in pest management, facility maintenance, or any skilled trade, this conversation will remind you that when you invest in people, you elevate the profession.

The vision behind Pest In Class® and its mission to professionalize pest control training.

How technology-driven learning can simplify onboarding and career advancement.

Why investing in technician education increases retention and customer satisfaction.

The importance of leadership in shaping culture and service standards.

How digital tools make technical learning accessible, practical, and scalable.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Pesting Class Exterminating

02:43 Quality Over Competition in Pest Control

06:04 The Importance of Trades Education

10:38 Navigating the College vs. Trades Debate

14:08 The Current Job Market and Trade Opportunities

18:36 Pesting Class's Service Area and Customer Base

19:48 Understanding Common Pests

25:26 Integrated Pest Management Strategies

29:58 The Utility of Pest Control Services

33:55 Building Trust Through Quality Inspections

39:20 Innovative Pest Control Solutions

44:50 Personal Experiences in Pest Control

49:55 Customer-Centric Business Model

55:23 Engaging Customers with Pet Safety

In this episode of The Trades Podcast, hosts Jeff Mudd and Danny Torres interview Dan Clapper, Commercial HVAC and Facility Maintenance Expert at Interplay Learning, to uncover how digital innovation is transforming education in the skilled trades.

Dan discusses how Interplay Learning is empowering tradespeople and companies with 3D simulation and virtual reality (VR) training that bridges the gap between theory and hands-on experience. The platform helps organizations train employees faster, increase safety awareness, and improve retention rates by delivering practical, repeatable training scenarios anytime, anywhere.

The conversation covers the growing need for accessible trades education, the challenges of recruiting and developing skilled workers, and how technology can make technical learning engaging and effective for all skill levels. Dan also shares real success stories from companies leveraging Interplay Learning to upskill their workforce and build stronger, more confident teams.

Whether you’re an HVAC professional, facility maintenance manager, or business owner looking to modernize your training approach, this episode will show how innovation is driving progress in the trades industry.

In this episode of The Trades Podcast, hosts Jeff Mudd and Danny Torres welcome Erin Izen, Executive Director of The Home Depot Foundation®, for an uplifting conversation about service, opportunity, and the power of skilled trades to transform communities.

Erin shares how The Home Depot Foundation® is helping address the skilled labor shortage through its Path to Pro™ program, which provides free training, scholarships, and career resources to help individuals build meaningful careers in the trades. From supporting U.S. military veterans to empowering young people through partnerships with organizations such as Boys and Girls Clubs of America®, Erin highlights how strategic investment and community collaboration can open doors to lifelong careers and generational stability.

This episode is a reminder that building futures is not just about tools and materials. It is about lifting people up, restoring purpose, and creating pathways to prosperity through skilled work. If you believe in strengthening your workforce, supporting your community, or inspiring the next generation of trades professionals, this is an episode worth sharing.

• The Home Depot Foundation® — https://HomeDepotFoundation.org
• Path to Pro™ — https://www.pathtopro.com/
• Veteran Support Programs — https://corporate.homedepot.com/page/veteran-housing-grants

• Nearly $600 million invested in veteran causes and skilled trades initiatives
• 400,000+ open skilled trade jobs nationwide
• How Path to Pro™ prepares the next generation of tradespeople
• Partnering with Boys and Girls Clubs of America® to inspire youth early
• Why community engagement and workforce development go hand in hand

If you believe in empowering the trades, building stronger communities, and creating pathways to prosperity, share this episode with someone who needs to hear it.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to The Trades Podcast

01:23 Meet Erin Izen and Home Depot Foundation

03:15 Home Depot's Commitment to Veterans and Community

10:52 The Path to Pro: Addressing the Skilled Labor Gap

21:30 Engaging Youth and Parents in Skilled Trades

27:31 Diverse Pathways into the Trades

28:16 Investing in Youth: Path to Pro Updates

29:30 Focus on Key Trade Skills

32:37 Challenges in Trade Education

34:34 Community Engagement and Support

37:01 Addressing the Skilled Trades Shortage

38:37 Empowering Future Generations

40:00 Innovative Approaches to Trade Training

42:53 Influencing Young Minds

46:16 Partnerships with Boys and Girls Club

48:46 Creating Generational Wealth through Trades

In this episode of The Trades Podcast, hosts Jeff and Danny interview Laura Basili, Chief Marketing Officer at Brazilian Lumber. Laura shares how premium hardwood materials, sustainability, and education have positioned the company as a trusted partner for contractors, deck builders, architects, and designers.

She explains how answering real-world installation questions, simplifying sourcing, and elevating product awareness help trade professionals stand out in a competitive industry. The conversation explores how branding, customer relationships, and digital presence can grow a trades-based business and create long-term trust.

Laura also discusses:

The rise of sustainable hardwood decking

Educating contractors through FAQs and customer resources

Marketing strategies tailored to trades professionals

Helping builders and service providers improve visibility

Why storytelling and authenticity matter in construction branding

Listeners will walk away inspired to rethink how they communicate their value, showcase their craft, and build brands that last.