Circle Of Trades

Todd Studer and Travis Waldstein talk spring HVAC and plumbing work, rising costs in the trades, local business updates, Rusty Cuts new ownership, supporting small town businesses, and concerns about licensing standards in the HVAC industry.

Todd Studer and Travis Waldstein take Circle of Trades outdoors at Botna Bend Park for a laid back conversation about camping, local meat lockers, grilling, spring plumbing and HVAC calls, storm season, and protecting outdoor equipment.

Travis Waldstein joins Todd for a spring conversation covering mowing season, small engine repairs, Celebrate CB, Railroad Days, local construction growth, trade opportunities, and why southwest Iowa continues to feel like a good place to build and do business.

Travis Waldstein joins Todd for a conversation on why showing up for rural communities matters, how local trades are evolving, and why supporting small town businesses is critical to keeping southwest Iowa strong.

An impromptu episode of Circle of Trades as Travis Waldstein stops by the studio and dives into real shop talk from septic installs to business growth plus a little Midwest sports and small town perspective along the way.

Travis Waldstein leads the conversation on Iowa basketball’s surprising run, ongoing growth at Waldstein Plumbing and Air Serve, and the importance of getting outside and recharging this time of year. A mix of sports, business updates, and local perspective from one of Council Bluffs’ busiest operators.Hashtags#CircleOfTrades #TravisWaldstein #SmallBusiness #IowaBasketball #CouncilBluffs #PottawattamieCounty #SupportLocal #YourVoiceAmplified

Travis Waldstein leads the conversation on the transition into spring HVAC and plumbing work, what customers are asking for right now, and how Iowa Western’s expanding apprenticeship programs are creating real opportunities for both employers and the next generation of skilled trades workers.

Todd Studer sits down with Travis Waldstein of Aire Serv Heating and Air Conditioning and Waldstein Plumbing to talk about a major step forward for the company. Travis shares why hiring the right operations person can transform a growing business, how leadership requires learning to let go of certain responsibilities, and why building the right team is the key to scaling. The conversation also touches on lessons from franchise training, business growth in Council Bluffs, and the mindset required to move a company to the next level.

Todd Studer and Travis Waldstein cover a lot of ground in this Circle of Trades conversation, from old houses and outdated plumbing systems to how service businesses earn trust in smaller communities. Travis shares why older homes require deeper technical knowledge, why meeting customers where they are matters, and how empathy, options, and long term relationships should come before chasing dollars. The episode also dives into local business growth, legacy planning, passive income, and what it really means to build something that lasts for the next generation.

Todd and Travis get into a very real service business problem: how do you handle after hours calls when people are stressed, it feels like an emergency, and nobody wants to fight a phone tree or an AI bot. Travis shares what he’s tried, what has worked and what has not, and why “less is more” can matter when customers just want a live human fast. Along the way, they hit the bigger point: communication is not a nice to have, it is survival in a trade business.Hashtags:#CircleOfTrades#ToddStuder#TravisWaldstein#AireServ#WaldsteinPlumbing#ServiceBusiness#CustomerExperience#AfterHoursCalls#CallCenter#BusinessCommunication#SmallMarketMedia

Travis Waldstein checks in from the real world of contracting after a rough stretch at the shop. Water line breaks road closures power issues and the kind of problem solving that never shows up in the brochure plus a quick detour into travel stories and early Hawkeye football talk.

Todd Studer and Travis Waldstein are back in the studio for another episode of Circle Of Trades, starting with wrestling and local sports talk before getting into what really matters in the trades world. The conversation centers on integrity, accountability, and responsibility in business, what it looks like to own mistakes, and why strong culture matters from the shop to the jobsite. Along the way, Todd gets practical travel advice from Travis ahead of his first international flight to Mexico, and the two trade stories that only blue collar life can produce.

Todd Studer and Travis Waldstein are back for another episode of Circle Of Trades, mixing shop talk, workforce issues, apprenticeships, and the realities of running a trades business with plenty of humor along the way. From workforce development at Iowa Western to fuel costs, material pricing, apprenticeships, and the business side of HVAC and plumbing, this conversation covers what trades professionals are really dealing with right now in Southwest Iowa and beyond.

Travis Waldstein from Aire Serv Heating and Air Conditioning and Waldstein Plumbing joins Todd Studer to kick off 2026 with a wide ranging conversation about business growth reflection and forward momentum. Coming off a Hawkeye bowl win the discussion moves into hiring an operations manager evolving leadership roles adapting to economic shifts and why strong processes matter as companies scale. They also touch on workforce needs in the trades community optimism heading into the new year and how staying flexible focused and willing to try is what keeps businesses moving forward.

Travis Waldstein from Aire Serv Heating and Air Conditioning and Waldstein Plumbing joins Todd Studer for a real life episode that literally starts with Travis grandkids on his lap. With the holidays approaching they talk about what it means to run 24 7 service when emergencies do not take days off how teams balance on call work with family time and what unpredictable Midwest weather means for the trades. The conversation also looks ahead to business planning for 2026 industry changes and why building a company is ultimately about people family and the next generation.

Travis Waldstein of Aire Serv Heating and Air Conditioning and Waldstein Plumbing joins Circle of Trades for a wide ranging shop talk episode. We dig into what contractors notice in a 100 year old building, how sound and airflow actually work in a recording space, what cold snaps mean for frozen pipes and water damage, and why “fix it now or pay later” is real. Travis also shares a big update on shifting apprenticeship training to Iowa Western, why programs like Career Advantage matter, and what it could mean for building a stronger trades workforce locally. Plus, a quick preview of the return of a Council Bluffs home show at the Mid-America Center in January.

Back with another episode of Circle of Trades, Todd Studer sits down with Travis Waldstein of Aire Serv Heating and Air Conditioning and Waldstein Plumbing for a wide-ranging conversation that blends winter HVAC realities with the bigger picture of running a trades business. From cold snaps and emergency calls to planning for slower months, staffing, private equity pressure, and what it really takes to build a sustainable service company, this episode is an honest look at the challenges and decisions trades professionals face beyond the job site.

On this episode of Circle of Trades, Todd Studer sits down with Travis Waldstein of Aire Serv Heating and Air Conditioning and Waldstein Plumbing for a real-world look at how tariffs and commodity pricing are driving up the cost of parts, fixtures, and equipment. They talk about what those increases mean for contractors and customers, why quotes can only stay “good” for so long, and how small businesses handle tough pricing conversations while still getting the job done.

Travis Waldstein of Aire Serv Heating and Air Conditioning and Hayden Waldstein of Waldstein Plumbing for a practical winter-prep episode of Circle of Trades. The conversation covers simple steps that prevent frozen pipes and water damage, why HVAC airflow impacts plumbing problems, and how smart shutoff valves and moisture sensors can protect a home when you travel. They also get into water testing, hard water impacts on fixtures and warranties, and why small-town water systems and rural wells deserve more attention. Plenty of real-world advice, a few laughs, and a clear takeaway: protect your home before winter gets serious.

Todd Studer sits down with Travis Waldstein of Aire Serv Heating and Air Conditioning and Waldstein Plumbing for a wide-ranging Circle of Trades conversation. They recap the recent local election, talk about staying civil online, and break down what homeowners should know as year-end HVAC and efficiency incentives change. From energy realities to practical decisions on furnaces and air conditioners, this episode blends community perspective with real-world trade experience, plus a little Hawkeye talk along the way.

On this episode of Circle of Trades, Todd Studer welcomes back Travis Waldstein from Air Serv Heating and Air Conditioning and Waldstein Plumbing. Travis returns fresh from the Heartland Developers Conference with stories from the AIM Institute’s big event at the Mid America Center. From tech talks that went way over his head to the excitement of a potential long term partnership with the venue, there is plenty to break down.The conversation quickly shifts to what Travis knows best: local projects, local contractors, and why supporting local businesses matters. From major developments like South Point Apartments and Whispering Oaks to fire stations, commercial builds, and underground work, Travis lays out what is happening across Council Bluffs, Pottawattamie County, and even parts of Mills County.Todd and Travis also dive into chambers of commerce, the value of community involvement, why small towns need strong local services, and a little friendly banter about football, mashed potatoes, and long lost coolers. It is local talk at its finest, packed with honesty, humor, and a real look at how the trades keep our communities moving.#CircleOfTrades #LoessHillsMedia #LocalBusiness #CouncilBluffs #PottawattamieCounty #MillsCounty #TradesTalk #HVAC #Plumbing #SupportLocal #IowaPodcast

Travis welcomes interior designer Courtney Otte for a fast tour through real-world remodels, from barndominiums to full gut jobs. They dig into client onboarding, the red dot green dot method, working smoothly with contractors, and why today’s homeowners are leaning into organic palettes, darker woods, and smarter planning. Practical talk for anyone in the trades or getting ready to renovate in Council Bluffs and beyond.

On this Circle of Trades, Travis sits down with Todd and Jane to talk real winter prep. We cover why preseason furnace checks matter, what the annual service plan includes, how filter size affects airflow, and simple ways to avoid emergency calls when temps drop. There is banter about lost bets, spicy Chex Mix, and a cameo from a very chatty rooster, but the takeaway is clear. Pick up the phone, get on the schedule, and fix small problems before they become big ones.

On this episode of Circle of Trades, Todd Studer and Travis Waldstein mark the 100th episode milestone. The conversation ranges from football takes and local reflections to bigger-picture thoughts about society, work in the trades, and why conversations matter. It’s a mix of light banter, serious reflection, and plenty of laughs along the way.

Travis talks with a classmate from his high school days who is now a successful marketer on this episode of Circle of Trades!

Travis shares his views on the upcoming local Council Bluffs Iowa election 

Amy Luckenbill is the director of HR for Keystone Glass Company in Omaha Nebraska and gives some great insights on hiring and maintaining talent on this episode of Circle of Trades!

Travis continues to highlight CSR's, this time it's Maddy Imes on Circle of Trades!

Samantha Jo is a CSR for Waldstein Plumbing, and joins Travis and Todd on this episode of Circle of Trades!

Travis goes for the record of consecutive election losses streak, and the importance of being licensed as a contractor on this episode of Circle of Trades!

The AIM Institute in Omaha recently hosted Infotec 2025, and Travis and Todd give a recap...along with hearing about Travis' CDL training on this episode of Circle of Trades!

Luke Barrett is a new journeyman and joins Travis on this episode of Circle of Trades!

We bench Travis and bring in the rookie Hayden Waldstein on this episode of Circle of Trades!

Rick Graybill from FoxCo Fabrication is on the show!  Rick and his team will be at World of Wheels at CHI in Omaha March 7-9, 2025!

Travis and educator Angie Tanksly discuss her career as a teacher, and options available to young people after high school on this episode of Circle of Trades!

What is it like to choose the trades as a career?  Meet apprentice Sam Barrientos on this episode of Circle of Trades!#tradesmen #hvac #plumbing #packers

Travis and Todd discuss college football, and the rising home costs. We also are joined by a guest...a cricket decided make his presence known in the Waldstein shop.

Travis pulls Todd Studer off the bench to come back and host on Circle of Trades!

Travis welcomes Tyler Decker back to podcast

Travis gives us an update on the devastating flood in northwest Iowa, including his hometown of Spencer.

And now part 2 with designer Paul Pape, Santa for Nerds...

Check out part 2 of Travis sitting down with Rick Graybill, FoxCo Fabrication of Council Bluffs.

Get ready to learn, laugh, and be inspired as Travis welcomes Rick Graybill of FoxCo Fabrication to Circle of Trades!   This is part 1 of 2.

If you haven't heard part 1 of the conversation with Travis and Brandon Bushey, listen to that first!

Meet Brandon Bushey, a business expert who understands what it takes to run a successful franchise.  This is part 1 of 2.

This is the second part of Travis' conversation with Ryan Cannoy.  If you haven't heard part one yet, go back and listen to episode 62 first!