The interview you never knew you needed #213 Roger Wakefiled

Welcome to The Trade Talks Live, where we celebrate the blue-collar trades and everything they stand for! Join us every weekday from 10-11 AM as we dive into national news, review trade websites, and share tips on mindset growth to help you succeed. Don't miss this hour of insights, inspiration, and practical advice! Welcome to The Trade Talks Live, where we celebrate the blue-collar trades and everything they stand for! Join us every weekday from 10-11 AM as we dive into national news, review trade websites, and share tips on mindset growth to help you succeed. Don't miss this hour of insights, inspiration, and practical advice! 2025 Is Over. Are the Trades Ready for What's Coming Next? The trades are at a crossroads—and most people aren't ready for what's ahead. After spending the last year talking with the biggest movers, shakers, and disruptors in plumbing, HVAC, and construction, I've seen two things very clearly: 🚨 serious threats that could wipe out unprepared businesses 🚀 massive opportunities that are turning apprentices into high earners faster than anyone expected In this episode, I turn the camera on myself and ask the hard questions most influencers won't touch. We talk openly about: The Silver Tsunami and what retiring tradesmen really means for 2026 Whether we're actually fixing the labor shortage—or just talking about it The truth behind "six figures in the trades" (and who really succeeds) Killing outdated trade stereotypes and why branding matters now more than ever Why soft skills, manners, and professionalism win more jobs than tools alone Mental health in construction and how the "tough it out" mindset is hurting our people AI, technology, and what's actually coming for the trades Why more women should be on job sites—and what's holding the industry back College vs. trade school: have parents finally started to get it? Do plumbers and tradespeople really need YouTube, TikTok, and social media to grow? This conversation isn't about hype. It's about survival, growth, and the future of the American tradesman. ⚠️ The next hour could change how you plan for 2026—and it might save your business from becoming obsolete. If the Silver Tsunami is real (it is), you're going to want to send this video to every contractor you know. Let's get to work.