PODCAST · education
WIRED WATTSMART
by Josh Torpey
Wired Wattsmart – Where blue-collar hustle meets real-world success.What started as straight-up electrical tips and trade talk has wired into something bigger. Join host Josh Torpey for honest conversations on entrepreneurship, blue-collar finance, building wealth as a tradesperson, and the real stories behind the businesses that power our world.From practical electrical advice and industry insights to inspiring Business Backstories interviews with owners, operators, and go-getters who turned skills into empires—you’ll get the motivation, money moves, and mindset shifts you actually need.Whether you’re an electrician, contractor, tradesperson, or just someone who respects hard work and smart money, this is your go-to podcast for staying wired, getting smarter, and building a life that doesn’t suck.New episodes drop regularly. Plug in and level up.
Episodes
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Building a Business From Nothing | Melissa Brewer of MB Designs
What does it really take to build a successful business from the ground up? On this episode of Wired Wattsmart, host Josh Torpey sits down with Melissa Brewer, owner of MB Designs in the Yakima Valley, to talk about the realities of entrepreneurship, interior design, remodeling, and leadership....
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How to Lead a Job Site | Project Management Part 1 of 3
Project management starts long before you get into job costing and spreadsheets. It starts on the job site. In Part 1 of this Wired Wattsmart project management series, Josh Torpey breaks down what it takes to be an effective working foreman and lead a crew in the field. We’re talking leadership,...
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Opportunity Meets Preparation | George Balowski
In this episode of the Wired Wattsmart Podcast, Josh sits down with George Balowski of Guild Mortgage for a conversation that goes far beyond home loans. George shares his journey from playing college football at Eastern Oregon University to starting over in Yakima, building a network from…
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Episode 18: Jeremy Shepherd's journey into entrepreneurship wasn't easy—but it's one built on persistence, calculated risks, and learning through experience.
In this episode, Josh sits down with Jeremy, owner of Shepherd Plumbing, to talk about what it really takes to build a successful trades business. From starting with one truck and a handful of tools to growing a thriving plumbing company, Jeremy shares the highs, the setbacks, and the lessons…
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Most people see the finished business—they don't see what it took to build it.
In this episode of the Wired Wattsmart Podcast, Josh sits down with Jeremy Shepherd, owner of Shepherd Plumbing, to talk about the real journey behind building a successful trades business. Jeremy shares how he left school after eighth grade, battled addiction, got sober, built his company from a...
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Leadership, Service & Public Safety | A Conversation with Jake Church
Leadership isn't just about holding a title—it's about serving people, building trust, and making difficult decisions when they matter most. In this episode of the Wired Wattsmart Podcast, Josh sits down with Yakima County Sheriff candidate Jake Church for an open conversation about leadership,...
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The Biggest Hot Tub Mistakes Homeowners Make
Thinking about buying a hot tub? Before you make the purchase, there are a few electrical requirements every homeowner should understand. In this episode of Wired Wattsmart, Josh breaks down the most common issues homeowners run into when installing a new hot tub, including panel capacity, GFCI...
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The Real Formula for Building Wealth | Art Torres
ost people think wealth is about money. Art Torres believes it's much more than that. In this episode of Wired Wattsmart, Josh sits down with entrepreneur, business banker, husband, and father Art Torres to discuss the financial roadmap for blue-collar workers and young adults looking to build a...
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Nobody Talks About The Reality of Entrepreneurship | Jeremy Sandino Yakima MMA
Most people see the highlights. The nice cars. The successful businesses. The freedom. What they don't see is the debt, stress, sacrifices, failures, bad partnerships, and years of work behind it. In this episode of Wired Wattsmart, Josh Torpey sits down with entrepreneur Jeremy Sandino to…
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From Tradesman to Business Owner: The Money Roadmap
Most young tradesmen never get taught how to build wealth, manage money, or eventually start their own business. In Part 3 of our Money Management Series, Josh breaks down the roadmap that helped him go from learning a trade to flipping his first house and eventually launching Wattsmart Electric....
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Blue Collar Guys Have An Edge
Part 2 of the Wired Wattsmart Money Management Series is all about using the trades to create real opportunities. Josh breaks down how blue-collar workers can use side work, tools, sweat equity, and fixer-upper houses to level up financially — without chasing “get rich quick” garbage. ⚡ This...
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What if young tradesmen started treating money like a tool instead of a problem?
In this episode of Wired Wattsmart, Josh kicks off Part 1 of a 3-part money management series built specifically for blue-collar workers, apprentices, and future business owners. This isn’t “finance guru” advice — it’s real-world lessons from someone who built it firsthand.Josh talks about:⚡...
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From Lineman To Investor
From climbing powerline towers to building businesses—this episode dives into what it really takes to level up beyond the trade. We talk about the mindset shift from employee to entrepreneur, why most blue collar guys stay stuck financially, and how learning to manage money, take risks, and find...
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From Dive Bar to Local Staple… Why He’s Selling Bill’s Place
In this episode, I sit down with Doug Grandstrand, owner of Bill’s Place—one of Yakima’s most well-known local bars and restaurants. Doug shares how he went from retiring after 34 years at Shields to buying a run-down dive bar… and turning it into a thriving business. We talk about everything…
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Taking the Leap: Balancing Ambition and Reality in Entrepreneurship
Join Josh Torpey as he sits down with Joe Cardenas, a young entrepreneur who shares his journey from a stable job to starting his own business. In this candid conversation, Joe opens up about the challenges of entrepreneurship, the importance of work-life balance, and the fulfillment he finds in...
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How COVID Disrupted Supply Chains and Changed Electrical Industry Forever
Most electrical distribution and contracting professionals don’t realize how interconnected their worlds truly are. Tyler Hicks, a seasoned outside sales rep and former branch manager at Stoneway Electric Supply, pulls back the curtain on the industry’s hidden frameworks and reveals how strategic...
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How Industrial Control Wiring Became a Distinct Skill Within Electricians’ Trade
Most electricians never get the chance to master the art of control wiring or design the systems that power industrial giants. Chase Larson broke into the industry early on, combining hands-on apprenticeship with over three decades of expertise — and now he’s a control engineer shaping the future...
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Building Wealth Through Real Estate and Business with Brad Chandler
Building Wealth Through Real Estate and Business with Brad ChandlerIn this episode, Brad Chandler shares his journey from flipping houses to building a successful real estate business and investment ecosystem in Yakima. He discusses strategies for affordable renovations, team building, and...
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Josh Torpey sits down with Bryce Takamori of Graphite Construction to break down what it really takes to become a general contractor—and what most people don’t see behind the scenes.
Josh Torpey sits down with Bryce Takamori of Graphite Construction to break down what it really takes to become a general contractor—and what most people don’t see behind the scenes. Bryce shares his path from excavation and civil work to running a successful GC business in the Yakima Valley,...
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The Simple Step That Could Save You Thousands During Your Home Build
Most homeowners and builders overlook the critical early steps that can make or break a house wiring project—and end up costing thousands. Discover the insider process that electricians use to guarantee your dream home’s electrical system is precisely tailored to your needs, budget, and future...
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From Green Apprentice to Lead: The Real Secrets to Success in the Electrical Trade
Join Ash Brown, a seasoned journeyman electrician, as he reveals the keys to thriving in the trades. Perfect for young aspirants and those feeling daunted by the journey, this episode offers a roadmap to success without a college degree. Discover how basic math, organization, and a strong work...
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Introduction to Electrical Safety Checks
In this episode, Josh Torpey introduces Wired WattSmart's $50 electrical safety check, an entry-level inspection service for homeowners. He explains the importance of having your electrical panel inspected, especially if you've never done it before or have recently moved into a new home. The...
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Standby Generators: What You Need to Know
Summary In this episode, Josh Torpey discusses home standby generators, covering various types, sizing, fuel options, transfer switches, installation considerations, costs, and maintenance. He emphasizes the importance of understanding your power needs and expectations when selecting a generator,...
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Unlocking the Future: Smart Home Basics
Summary In this podcast episode, Josh Torpey and Jeff Mercer discuss the fundamentals of smart home technology, exploring various products and systems that enhance convenience, security, and energy efficiency in homes. They cover topics such as lighting automation, smart thermostats, security...
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Starting Your Electrical Career
This episode is tailored for those interested in entering the electrical industry, offering insights into the various licenses available, such as the 01 General Journeyman and specialty licenses. It highlights the importance of accredited apprenticeship programs and provides advice for young...
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Zinsko Panels: A Homeowner's Guide
In this episode of Wired WattSmart, Josh Torpey discusses the risks associated with Zinsko electrical panels, common in homes from the 1960s to 1980s. He explains how these panels can fail to trip during overloads, posing fire hazards, and advises on identifying problematic panels. The episode…
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Wired Wattsmart – Where blue-collar hustle meets real-world success.What started as straight-up electrical tips and trade talk has wired into something bigger. Join host Josh Torpey for honest conversations on entrepreneurship, blue-collar finance, building wealth as a tradesperson, and the real stories behind the businesses that power our world.From practical electrical advice and industry insights to inspiring Business Backstories interviews with owners, operators, and go-getters who turned skills into empires—you’ll get the motivation, money moves, and mindset shifts you actually need.Whether you’re an electrician, contractor, tradesperson, or just someone who respects hard work and smart money, this is your go-to podcast for staying wired, getting smarter, and building a life that doesn’t suck.New episodes drop regularly. Plug in and level up.
HOSTED BY
Josh Torpey
CATEGORIES
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does WIRED WATTSMART have?
WIRED WATTSMART currently has 26 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is WIRED WATTSMART about?
Wired Wattsmart – Where blue-collar hustle meets real-world success.What started as straight-up electrical tips and trade talk has wired into something bigger. Join host Josh Torpey for honest conversations on entrepreneurship, blue-collar finance, building wealth as a tradesperson, and the real...
How often does WIRED WATTSMART release new episodes?
WIRED WATTSMART has 26 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to WIRED WATTSMART?
You can listen to WIRED WATTSMART on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts WIRED WATTSMART?
WIRED WATTSMART is created and hosted by Josh Torpey.
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