In this inspiring episode of The Trades Podcast, hosts Jeff Mudd and Danny Torres talk with Levi Torres, President and Owner of High Five Plumbing, Heating, Cooling, and Electric. Levi shares how he took his roots as a second-generation plumber and built one of Denver’s most dynamic service companies.

The conversation highlights High Five Plumbing’s unique culture, which emphasizes positivity and customer connection through the power of a high five. Levi also explains the company’s strategic expansion into HVAC and electrical services, their innovative training programs (including virtual reality for apprentices), and the importance of grassroots marketing in achieving growth.

Beyond business, Levi talks about the company’s deep commitment to community—donating over $145,000 to local nonprofits—and his long-term vision of becoming a national brand.

What You’ll Learn:

• Why a simple high five creates a lasting customer experience
• How High Five Plumbing transitioned into HVAC and electrical with strategy and purpose
• Why training programs and VR tools are critical for developing skilled technicians
• How grassroots marketing and culture drive long-term business growth
• The importance of giving back and building a community-focused brand
• Levi’s vision for scaling High Five Plumbing nationally

Jeff and Danny dive into conversation with David Bitan of Bumble Roofing. They cover how David built Bumble not just to be another roofing company, but one that stands out through customer experience, innovation, and community philanthropy. Listeners will hear about the early days, scaling through fancy tech tools, quality control, recruitment, and the importance of making promises you can keep.

What You’ll Learn:

How Bumble Roofing uses technology for fast, accurate roofing quotes (AI + satellite imagery) Business RadioX ®+2Entrepreneur+2

Why “white glove” service matters in roofing, and what that means in practice Business RadioX ®+1

Lessons from scaling via franchising and partnering with Empower Brands without losing identity PR Newswire+1

How giving back (e.g. donating to nonprofits per new roof) builds purpose and trust LinkedIn+1

The mindset required to lead in a fragmented industry where most roofing businesses are small and local Business RadioX ®+1

Bumble Roofing website: Learn about their services, customer promise, and company values

David Bitan LinkedIn: David Bitan, CEO of Bumble Roofing — insights on his journey and business philosophy LinkedIn

PR Newswire Article “Bumble Roofing Joins Forces with Empower Brands”: about their acquisition and expansion strategy PR Newswire

Business RadioX Interview “Disrupting the Roofing Industry: David Bitan’s Vision for a Better Customer Experience”: for deeper insight into how he’s shaping his brand’s service and growth.

In this episode of the Trades Podcast, hosts Danny Torres and Jeff Mudd interview Brian Huff, CEO of Midwest Technical Institute and Delta Technical College. They discuss the importance of skilled trades, particularly welding, and the growing demand for workers in these fields. Brian shares his journey from a welder to an educator, emphasizing the need for job placement and employer-focused education. The conversation also touches on the skills gap, the importance of soft skills, and the changing perceptions of trades in the education system. Brian provides insights into the future of the trades, the value of trade education, and advice for parents and students considering a career in the trades.

Takeaways

• Job placement is crucial for trade education success.
• The demand for skilled tradespeople is increasing.
• Welding is a vital skill with numerous job opportunities.
• The skills gap in the trades is urgent and growing.
• Soft skills are becoming increasingly important in trades education.
• Trade education is often more affordable than traditional college.
• A good work ethic can lead to career advancement in trades.
• The perception of trades as a second-tier option needs to change.
• Automation in trucking is still a long way off.
• The trades are foundational to the economy and society.

Midwest Technical Institute (MTI)
Website: www.midwesttech.edu
Phone: (888) 709-8324
Locations: Illinois and Missouri
Contact Page: https://www.midwesttech.edu/

Delta Technical College (DTC)
Website: www.deltatechnicalcollege.com
Phone: (866) 733-6652
Locations: Mississippi and Arkansas
Contact Page: https://www.deltatechnicalcollege.com

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Trades Podcast

03:01 Brian Huff's Journey in Welding and Education

05:52 The Growing Demand for Welders

08:50 The Skills Gap and Job Opportunities in Trades

11:43 Connecting Education with Employment

14:47 The Importance of Job Placement in Trade Education

17:48 The Future of Trucking and Automation

20:43 Changing Perceptions of Trades as a Career Path

24:06 The Eisenhower Moment and Vocational Education

25:53 The Shift in Education: Gen Z and Trade Skills

30:07 The Role of Educators in Trade Schools

32:23 The Importance of Soft Skills in Trades

34:18 The Essential Nature of Trades in Society

36:39 Becoming a Good Worker: The Key to Success

40:55 Opportunities in the Trades for Veterans and Young Adults

46:00 The Bright Future of Trade Careers