The Trades Are for Losers: From Doubter to Red Seal Electrical Contractor with Cory Byron

🎙️ HVAC R&D Podcast — Episode 178 The Trades Are for Losers? From Doubter to Red Seal Electrical Contractor with Cory Byron Cory Byron once believed the trades were a dead-end path… until he realized the kind of life, freedom, and business you can build with your hands, your systems, and your work ethic. Today, Cory is the co-owner of Van City Electric, one of the most trusted electrical companies in Vancouver, British Columbia, and the founder of Next Step Systems, where he helps trades businesses modernize operations, simplify their tech stack, and scale without burning out. As the first electrical contractor ever featured on HVAC R&D, Cory opens up a whole new side of the trades for the TradeCrew — from building a multi-million dollar company to creating systems technicians actually follow. Rhydon and Cory also dive into their shared journey as LiveSwitch ambassadors, how technology is changing the race to the face, and where AI is creating real leverage inside modern service businesses. 🔧 In this episode, we cover: Why the trades can be the ultimate long-term career path Building an electrical company from the ground up Creating systems your team will actually use Using AI and video tools to speed up quoting and improve customer experience The fastest ROI systems for growing trades businesses How to scale without sacrificing quality control Winning credibility before you ever step through the door Building a tech stack that scales beyond the owner Whether you’re HVAC, electrical, plumbing, or anywhere else in the skilled trades, this episode will challenge the way you think about growth, systems, and the future of service businesses. 🎧 Listen now and subscribe so you never miss a drop. 🙏 Thank you to our partners: DiversiTech • LiveSwitch • RLS • Resideo • Mann+Hummel • True Nature Meats Co. 🎵 Music credit: Alex Grohl 🌐 www.hvacrnd.com