You didn’t get into the trades to work nonstop and still feel broke.
In this episode of Trade Traction, Dennis sits down with Ken Smith, Incoming National President of MSI, to talk about what actually creates long-term traction in the trades — beyond just staying busy.
Ken shares decades of experience, from starting as a technician to leading large multi-state operations, and explains why purpose, discipline, standards, and involvement outside your own shop are what separate contractors who grow from those who stay stuck.
This conversation is for plumbing, HVAC, and service contractors who want:
A stable, respected career in the trades
A business that doesn’t rely on burnout
Long-term opportunity instead of short-term hustle
Clear standards for leadership, hiring, and growth
If you’re tired of spinning your wheels and want your effort to finally turn into momentum, this episode will resonate.
Guest: Ken Smith
Host: Dennis Hamon
Event: PHCC Connect
Timestamps:
00:00 – Why tradespeople feel overworked but underpaid
00:14 – Busy, booked out… and still working for free
00:23 – Introducing Ken Smith (Incoming National President, MSI)
00:45 – Why purpose matters more than money
01:02 – What creates real upward momentum in the trades
01:18 – Welcome to the Trade Traction Podcast (PHCC Connect)
02:04 – Why the trades offer more opportunity than ever
02:53 – The real challenge: people, training, and engagement
03:19 – Abundance mindset vs scarcity in the trades
03:44 – Starting as an apprentice and saying yes to opportunity
04:24 – Reputation, professionalism, and long-term growth
05:04 – Learning the trade before YouTube existed
05:59 – Why mechanical skill transfers across industries
06:45 – Moving from service tech to leadership
07:34 – Organic growth vs acquisition
08:23 – Why parents misunderstand the trades
09:06 – Redefining success without college debt
09:37 – Financial head start tradespeople have early in life
10:19 – Young people, family goals, and stability
10:46 – Why connection and purpose matter more than income
11:14 – Starting early with savings and discipline
12:06 – Purpose-driven work leads to long-term success
12:24 – Why the trades are globally recession-proof
12:48 – Stability vs “sexy” careers
13:16 – Driving records and why they matter more than people think
14:16 – One ticket can change a young tech’s career
15:34 – Discipline, standards, and reduced business drama
16:29 – Hiring standards and fixing cultural issues
17:41 – Why desperation leads to bad hiring decisions
18:56 – The future of the trades and leadership vision
19:26 – Opportunity across ownership, supply, and manufacturing
20:36 – Purpose, service, and why the trades matter
21:20 – Making money with skill, intellect, and tools
22:19 – Final takeaway: don’t build alone
22:48 – Why involvement and community accelerate growth
23:22 – Closing message: traction comes from working smarter together
#trade
The Podcast that helps plumbing and heating service contractors stop working for free and actually turn a profit.
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