The Lost Art of The Skilled Trades Podcast

I created The Lost Art of the Skilled Trades to spotlight the people, careers, and culture that keep America running — and to challenge outdated narratives around college, success, and what it means to do meaningful work.

The show is now streaming on all major platforms and reaches millions across  Spotify, Apply podcast, TikTok, LinkedIn, and YouTube including students, parents, educators, employers, and tradespeople nationwide.

Want to sponsor the show? I partner with brands and organizations aligned with trades education, workforce development, and tools that make a difference on the jobsite. Let’s talk. DM me or andrew@andrewbrown.net

Podcast Host

Skilled Trades Advisory Council

The Skilled Trades Advisory Council is a group of national advocates who have aligned to address a growing national crisis - Skilled Trade Labor Is Diminishing Throughout the United States. This movement is designed to address this predicament head on. 

Inaugural members of STAC include senior leaders from across the construction, retail, facilities management, and skilled trades industries who are ready to create awareness and opportunities of the growing need for skilled trades men and women.

Our Mission: STAC aims to unite the skill trades community and inspire North America's youth to consider related careers in the professional trades.

To combat the crisis facing skilled labor in the U.S., STAC’s founding advisors work together to leverage their resources, knowledge, and networks to elevate the skilled trades as high-paying, honorable, and often heroic career paths, including electrical, plumbing, HVAC, janitorial, construction, and other essential jobs that require a rejuvenated workforce.

Founding Member

The skilled trades changed my life  now I help others discover how they can change theirs.

After 9/11, I saw tradespeople risk everything to rebuild. It opened my eyes to just how essential, undervalued, and misunderstood these careers really are. I left corporate life and built Toolfetch a company that’s served tens of thousands of tradespeople with pro-grade tools and gear.

But that was just the beginning.

Today, I run The Lost Art of the Skilled Trades a podcast, media platform, and movement to bring awareness, respect, and new opportunities to the trades. My content reaches millions of students, parents, educators, and trades professionals across LinkedIn, TikTok, and YouTube.

🔧 How I can help:
For Brands & Trade Organizations: Want to reach the next generation of tradespeople? I offer podcast sponsorships, custom content, and social media campaigns that put your message in front of the right audience.

For Contractors, Employers, & Trade Schools: Need to attract talent? I speak, consult, and create content that helps you connect with Gen Z and build real pathways into the trades.

For Students, Parents, & Career Changers: I break down what it really takes to get into the trades from pay, culture, and lifestyle to apprenticeships and career growth. No fluff. Just the truth.

🎙 Host of The Lost Art of the Skilled Trades
💬 Speaker & Content Creator
🛠 Founder of Toolfetch

Let’s talk: andrew@andrewbrown.net or DM me here.

Andrew Brown

You spend $30K on school. $30K on tools. 

Just to make $30K starting out as an Auto Technician.

Not many people want to sign up for that.

Kids are doing the math. And the math is broken.

I asked 75,000 auto technicians why people are leaving the industry and the comments blew up.

Fix the pay.
Flat rate is a scam.
I made more at Wendy’s.
$30K in tools and $50K a year?
Dealers charge $200/hr and techs see $25.

One person said in the comments:

Automotive is the only trade where workers absorb the risk of ownership without the rewards.

Let that sink in.

We tell young people:
 Go to school
 Buy the tools
 Get certified
 Work faster
 Beat the book time
 Destroy your body
 Pay subscriptions just to diagnose
 Accept warranty cuts
 
And maybe… just maybe… you’ll make a living someday

Meanwhile:

- Vehicles are rolling computers
- Diagnostics take hours, not minutes
- Tool debt can hit $50K–$100K+
- Flat rate punishes techs when work slows
- And entry-level pay is competing with fast food

That’s not a worker shortage.

That’s a business model problem.

And before anyone says

I made it, so they should too.

Many of the same veterans also said:

I wouldn’t do it again.
The ROI is terrible.
The pay used to be better.
This industry will collapse if it doesn’t change.

Here’s the truth no one wants to say out loud:

⚠️ You cannot build the future of the auto industry on:

Broken pay models
Tool debt
Warranty theft
Burnout
And loyalty that only goes one direction

If you’re a:
Dealer principal
Shop owner
Manufacturer
Training provider
Industry leader

You have to answer this:

Why would a gen zer choose this path today over plumbing, electrical, aviation, or industrial maintenance?

Because right now… many are choosing to walk away.

👇 If you’re a tech, shop owner, educator, or student

What actually has to change for this industry to survive?

#skilledtrades ##jointhetrades #bluecollar #STAC

I help skilled trades companies hire Gen Z with in-the-field media. Founder, Trades Media | Host, The Lost Art of the Skilled Trades

Union apprentices today are on track to retire with $2M in their 401(k)
 
And a $5k–$6k pension check every month.

That’s straight from Tom Bigley Director of Plumbing Services for the United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices of the Plumbing and Pipefitting Industry.

Live at my booth at the PHCC connect show last month. 

Tom has spent 40+ years watching young apprentices build more long-term wealth than most people with degrees:

$1M-$2M in their 401(k)
$5k–$6k pension check every month
Healthcare from day one
Zero student debt
Paid training
Job security and upward mobility

And yet… almost nobody tells young people this.

Instead, we push them toward debt-heavy paths while ignoring the career track.

That quietly delivers seven-figure retirements without sacrificing 30 years of life or stability.

Tom said it best:

“The benefits outweigh the wages and young people never hear that part.”

They should.

Full video on YouTube: https://lnkd.in/exfvs_Qn
Spotify: https://lnkd.in/epXgh3hF
Apple podcast: https://lnkd.in/ezh5p3Kp

This one’s worth sharing.

#skilledtrades #jointhetrades #bluecollar #STAC Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors -National Association

Helping Companies & Schools Attract Gen Z into the Skilled Trades | Podcast Host | Keynote Speaker

550,000 plumbers are needed by 2027

No one wants to wait 2–4 weeks for a plumber.

And one brand isn’t waiting for someone else to fix it.

We talk a lot about the skilled trades shortage, but here’s the reality:

For every 5 plumbers who retire, only 1–2 are entering the field.

Most companies acknowledge the crisis.

Very few take responsibility for solving it.

But during my conversation at the PHCC Connect show with Vinny Arnese from American Standard (LIXIL)

Vinny shared:

We’re one of the largest plumbing manufacturers in the world.
 
We feel the responsibility to do something.

And they did.

A group inside LIXIL came together and built the Trade Up Program 

A nationwide initiative built around one simple but powerful idea:

It’s okay to trade up your career, no matter what age you are.

High school students.
Union apprentices.
Adults in their 30s, 40s, even 50s starting over.

American Standard is meeting them where they are in classrooms, training centers, trade schools, and community events across the country.

They’re not just selling plumbing supplies & toilets.

They’re building the future workforce of the plumbing industry.

They’re helping people find purpose, stability, and a path into a trade that protects public health every single day.

As Vinny said during our interview:

If we’re going to talk about the shortage, we need to actually do something about it.

And American Standard is.

This is the kind of industry leadership we need right now not just conversations, but action.

If more companies followed their lead, the skilled trades wouldn’t be facing a shortage…

Watch the episode on the Lost Art of The Skilled Trades

YouTube: https://lnkd.in/e7DA8_Ab
Spotify: https://lnkd.in/ehpkb_ZS
Apple podcast: https://lnkd.in/erDc32fw

I bring my podcast studio to events nationwide. If you want your conference featured -> www.tradesmedia.net or andrew@tradesmedia.net

#skilledtrades #jointhetrades #bluecollar #STAC

Here's how to reach Gen z in the trades.

Have an event coming up -> andrew@andrewbrown.net 

#skilledtrades #jointhetrades #bluecollar #STAC

Welders are upset about their wages.

Every day I get comments like:

How can I support a family on $20/hour
Entry-level job requiring 3–5 years experience at $20/hr? Come on.
Why is everyone acting like welders are getting rich.

This is the reality across my social media feeds welders, fabricators, fitters, all saying the same thing:

We love the work. We can’t survive on the pay.

That’s exactly why I went to FABTECH with the American Welding Society.

Not just to keynote on How to Reach Gen Z in the Trades.

Not just to tell a feel-good story.

But to have the hard conversation the one people usually avoid.

And on the Weld Wednesday Podcast with AWS’s Jason Becker…
we went there.

Wages
Mentorship
Training
Gen z and more.

People were crowding around the booth listening in.

Because this isn't content.

This is the future of the industry.

Listen here give me your feedback https://lnkd.in/eeTTnKBA

Drop a comment after you listen what’s the REAL fix?

Lets go!

Lets start a conversation on how to fix the shortage ->andrewbrown.net

#skilledtrades #jointhetrades #bluecollar #STAC

Plumbing careers are a lucrative Plan A

Not plan b.

What do you think?

#skilledtrades #jointhetrades #bluecollar #STAC

People are losing their jobs in tech due to AI.

After my keynote speech a young adult asked me a question.

He asked tech is laying off many people right now should I consider a trades path.

Here’s what i told him. ☝️

Looking for a keynote speaker on how to reah Gen z? 

Lets talk > andrew@andrewbrown.net 

#skilledtrades #jointhetrades #bluecollar #STAC

ALUTIIQ PACIFIC, LLC

⦁ Assists the PM in the management of project operations and activities to ensure corporate goals/objectives, and contract obligations are met.
⦁ In conjunction/synchronization with the PM, develops and maintains good working relationships with Contracting Office personnel, Alutiiq employees, and contract customers.
⦁ Assists the PM in identifying requirements, assigning priorities, coordinating task execution, and assessing contract performance.
⦁ Assists the PM in interpreting, initiating, and implementing corporate policies and procedures.
⦁ In conjunction with the PM, responsible for conducting employee performance evaluations; planning, assigning, and directing work; disciplining employees; addressing employee complaints.
⦁ Works with the PM in developing recovery plans for activities not meeting contract requirements.
⦁ Actively demonstrates safety management leadership and commitment by developing, implementing, monitoring, and improving initiatives focused on safety performance.
⦁ Complies with health, safety, and environmental rules and procedures and performs work in a manner that enhances the safety of the work environment.

Deputy Program Manager

Crozet Volunteer Fire Department

Responsible for all training needs of the department including new members, junior members, updates, re-certifications, advanced training, testing and monitoring performance.  In addition, develop table top exercises and drills to test skills and readiness.

Training Officer

UVA Inn at Darden

Responsible for physical property, including: planning, implementing, coordinating and managing all mechanical operations, maintenance, repair, design, specifications and modifications.

Site inspections; guest rooms, public space, parking lots, sidewalks, etc. 

Oversee department budget controls.

Manages capital budget, as needed, and projects.

Oversees all building systems including fire/life safety, plumbing, HVAC and electrical issues.

Negotiates contracts for property operations, including life safety. 

Manages contractor/vendor work.

Controls utility consumption including moving to more energy efficient facility.

Develop safety policies, procedures, and programs for the property. Also, Regional Safety Champion for Flik Hospitality.

Director of Facilities

Albemarle County Fire Rescue

Instructor for Firefighter I and II, Basic Pump Ops and EVOC

Instructor

FIREFIGHTER 1
Provide instruction for Firefighter 1 classes
Manage class of 24 students
Conduct practical exercises for required skills
Plan and conduct evolutions to develop skill competency 
Provide practical testing and grade students on competency

PUMP OPERATIONS
Provide instruction for Pump Operations Classes
Worked with class of 12 students
Setup stations for hands on training
Assist with testing student’s competency 

EMERGENCY VEHICLE OPERATIONS
Assist with instruction
Assist with driving course setup
Grade students on their ability to navigate course

Part Time Instructor

Shentel

Duties and Responsibilities:

Territory: Virginia, West Virginia and Kentucky

Facilities:
  - 80 Corporate Buildings
  - Includes switch rooms, data center, retail stores, and warehouses

Duties:
Building Maintenance: HVAC, plumbing, electrical, and service requirements

Janitorial: Supplies, cleaning all sites, and waste management

Grounds Maintenance: Manage Building and Grounds contracts for all sites and limited tower locations.

Office Services: Conference room usage, manager drink and snack vendors, and special projects

Budget: Manage and maintain the budget and forecasting future budget needs.

Renovations: Assist with renovation projects. 

Demonstrates and holds employees accountable for stewardship of the brand to include embodiment of the Shentel Way by ensuring appropriate use of the brand (name, logo, company, appearance, and attitude) within their respective team and organization.

Building and Grounds Supervisor

nTelos Wireless

Maintain Facilities: 300,000+ square feet of offices, switch room, and retail facilities in VA and WV;

Emergency Management Coordinator - Respond to emergencies as the Incident Command person and work with the Crisis Management Team to quickly handle the incident.

Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) – Manage the Access Control section of our SOX compliance requirements. 

Business Continuity – Conduct the Risk Analysis and Business Impact Analysis, develop contingency plans, test and update plans using emergency scenarios and table top exercises; 

Safety Committee Chairman – Lead the safety efforts for all corporate offices, retail facilities, field work and vehicles; 

Contracts - Negotiate and manage contracts for HVAC, janitorial, energy management, fire & life safety, grounds & landscaping, snow removal and security systems;
 
Investigations – Maintain an active investigation program for all incidents and accidents. Report directly to the General Council and the Insurance Liaison.  

Mail Room - Overall responsibility for Administrative Services operation, including supervision of Administrative Services Assistant;

Janitorial - Supervise building attendants in all corporate facilities and inspect quality of janitorial in all retail facilities;

Project Management – Develop and manage projects based on needs and requests for all corporate facilities;

Ergonomics – Conduct ergonomic assessments of individual workspaces.  Redesign workspaces to improve efficiency, enhance collaboration, and create a healthier environment.

Facilities Supervisor

The Boar's Head

ACCOMPLISHMENTS
― Project Manager for $7.5 million dollar renovation, $70,000 under budget at completion
― Negotiate contracts for liability insurance. 
― Reduced cost of employee accident claims $6,000 in the first year.
― Designed Emergency Preparedness Plans and Managed Disaster Recovery. 
― Provided training for central laundry employees and reduced injuries by 60%. 
― Installed energy efficient lighting - 56% reduction in power needs
― Installed Ozone in the laundry; 50% reduction in chemicals & 60 deg. reduction in water temp.
― Installed 150 geothermal units – 40% reduction in BTU.
― Negotiated recycling waste contracts


PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Director of Facilities
The Boar’s Head 
May 1978 – May 2011
Charlottesville, Virginia 

Facility Operations & Administration
― Oversee day-to-day facility maintenance operations
― Manage, troubleshoot and program Nortel Phone Switch with 1,000 extensions and voice mail.

Management and Personnel
― Manage a staff of 30 full time employees 
― Schedule maintenance, repair and preventive maintenance.
― Train staff to help them develop and grow.

Electricity, Plumbing, Heating and Cooling Systems
― Responsible for the maintenance of HVAC, electrical and plumbing systems through resort. 
― Managed, troubleshoot and program Building Automation Systems
― Maintain a chilled water plant to provide cooling in 4 separate buildings.

Energy Conservation Initiatives 
― Utilize energy conservation throughout the property to reduce the carbon footprint.
― Assisted in developing the chilled water plant for cooling in four separate buildings

Emergency Response Management
― Develop emergency action plans, procedures and evacuation plans for the resort.
― Developed Manager-on-Duty policies, procedures and reports

Firefighter - Fight fires, extinguish brush fires, motor vehicle accidents, Hazmat – Operations, pubic education, and help with new members.

Junior Member Advisor (1995-2003) - Develop Junior Member by-laws, train junior members, helped junior members develop by providing guidance and leadership.  75% of the junior members have become career firefighters.

Driver-Pump-Operator (2000 – current) – operate fire apparatus under emergency conditions. I am qualified to operate engines, tankers, brush trucks and aerial apparatus. 

Captain (2001-2005) – Role model, manage crews, scene management, discipline, use incident command system, protect crews, inspect equipment or apparatus, and lead the fire department.

Training Officer (2001-2010) – Coordinate training for all company meetings, create training programs, participate in Albemarle County Training Committee, keep records of member training and conduct live fire training events.

Battalion Chief (2005-2010) – Help guide the fire department direction, manage crews, incident commander for emergency incidents, ensure apparatus is in-service when returning from an emergency call, and provide support to the line officers and firefighters.

Firefighter (Battalion Chief)

My career is devoted to all facets of Facilities Management.  I cannot image a more enjoyable profession. Focusing maintenance teams to efficiently resolve client needs while providing great customer service makes the team successful.  Preventive maintenance and emergency preparedness go hand in hand and support continuity of operations. Operating facilities efficiently and safely reduces emergency repairs, increases energy efficiency, and improves owner profits.  It is enjoyable to work with architects and engineers from project development to its completion.  Establishing plans to improve safety and prepare for emergencies reduces stress during actual incident.  

Strengths
• Maximizing Efficiency in Maintenance and Operations
• Project Management
• Budgeting
• Servant Leadership 
• Training, Coaching, and Mentoring 
• Collaboration with people and departments  
• Emergency Preparedness 
• Emergency Management 
• Business Continuity 

Career Highlights
• Safety Programs I developed have been recognized by insurance companies and used as model 
    programs. 
• Business Continuity Discussion Panelist – IFMA Richmond Chapter
• Authored a white paper – Safety and Ergonomics for Hotel Housekeeping
• Developed Active Shooter plan 
• Published Business Continuity article in the IFMA Richmond Newsletter 

My leadership style is Servant Leadership and I enjoy helping others achieve their personal goals.

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