Shows
The Trade Up PodcastTiling Her Own Path: Jada Finch on Trades, Art, and IndependenceOn this episode of The Trade Up Podcast, John Finan talks with Jada Finch, a 21-year-old professional tiler who started at just 15 and now runs her own company. Jada shares how she balanced full-time work during COVID schooling, converted a bus into a camper, and approaches tiling as an art form. She discusses the freedom her career choice has given her compared to university-bound peers and navigating family expectations in the trades.Find and discover her company Pink Collar Contracting & Tile!For more information about the Trade Up: Why buy a...2025-03-1124 minThe Trade Up PodcastSmart Trades: AI Insights & the Future of Canadian UniversitiesOn this episode of The Trade Up Podcast, John explains what he's learning about Artificial Intelligence and how it applies to skilled trades and to business owners like himself.Plus, John shares his forward-thinking insights on the future of Canadian universities, highlighting pivotal changes in higher education that could make skilled trades an even more attractive career path. Tune in for an engaging conversation with your hosts Lisa Brandt & John Finan!For more information about the Trade Up: Why buy a job when you can start a career? book, please visit: h...2025-02-2525 minThe Trade Up PodcastBreaking Myths & Building TradesWelcome to Season 2 of The Trade Up Podcast! On this episode, Lisa and John tackle the age-old question: Are younger workers really lazy? You might think you know the answer, but the surprising reason behind this stereotype will have you rethinking generational divides. They also discuss the growing trend of younger students entering trades programs and how companies like John's are recruiting skilled workers in innovative ways.From understanding what "NEET" means for young people to uncovering the best platforms for finding trades jobs, this episode offers a fresh perspective on the challenges and opportunities in the...2025-01-2818 minThe Trade Up PodcastWork-Life Balance & Building CareersOn this episode of Trade Up, Lisa Brandt and John Finan discuss what today’s young people entering the trades are looking for—work-life balance, caring leadership, and clear career advancement opportunities. John also dives into Helmets to Hardhats, a program supporting military veterans transitioning into trades careers, and shares his perspective on how the industry can adapt to meet these changing priorities. With historical insights and actionable advice, this episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about the future of the trades.If you’d like to share your story or be a guest on the podcas...2024-12-1312 minThe Trade Up PodcastWired for Success: Bella Cantin’s Journey in the TradesOn this episode of The Trade Up Podcast, John Finan sits down with Bella Cantin, a network cabling apprentice who shares her inspiring journey into the skilled trades. Bella discusses finding her niche after exploring carpentry, her love for hands-on work, and the invaluable lessons learned from her father, a multi-trade professional.From navigating live train tracks to working across Ontario and transitioning between unions, Bella's story is packed with insights for anyone curious about careers in the trades. She also reflects on why skipping university was the right choice for her and how she’s building a...2024-11-2923 minThe Trade Up PodcastThe Rise of the Trades: Are Corporate Jobs Losing Their Appeal?On this episode, John Finan offers his take on something Mike Holmes recently said. Mike believes that taking trade classes out of schools was "the worst decision in education." We'll find out whether John agrees. Polling shows more and more young adults want to take up a skilled trade instead of taking a corporate job. And why private equity firms are gobbling up companies that specialize in things like plumbing and electrical work. For more information about the Trade Up: Why buy a job when you can start a career? book, please visit: ht...2024-11-1513 minThe Trade Up PodcastStand-Up & Circuit Breakers: A Chat with Jim McNallyOn this episode, John sits down with comedian and electrician Jim McNally. Known for lighting up rooms both with laughs and literal lights, Jim shares the journey from following in his father’s footsteps as an electrician to building a career in comedy. Expect humour, stories from the stage (and the job site), and a peek behind the curtain at Jim’s unique double life.For more information about the Trade Up: Why buy a job when you can start a career? book, please visit: https://tradeupbook.ca/2024-10-2925 minThe Trade Up PodcastJohn & Lisa Talk NewsOn this episode of the Trade Up Podcast, John & Lisa discuss several pressing issues in the world of skilled trades and education, including a recent article from Maclean's Magazine that explores salaries in the trades and why people change their minds about pursuing these careers. They also cover the key personality traits that make young people successful employees. Additionally, John addresses the current challenges in higher education, including recent cuts to international student admissions and the potential impact on the quality of university education. For more information about the Trade Up: Wh...2024-10-0313 minThe Trade Up PodcastJohn & Lisa Talk NewsOn this episode, John offers his take on a number of stories making the news, including the new awards for apprentices and mentors, and a reduction of foreign temporary workers announced, but not in the construction sector. John also reflects on his previous conversation with Campbell MacArthur about his unique experience in the trades industry.For more information about the Trade Up: Why buy a job when you can start a career? book, please visit: https://tradeupbook.ca/2024-09-1625 minThe Trade Up PodcastFrom the Trades to Owning a BusinessOn this episode of The Trade Up Podcast, John Finan talks to Campbell MacArthur about his unique experience in the trades industry and his path to owning his own business, Cam's Colours Painting & Finishing.Learn more about Cam's Colours at https://www.camscolours.ca/.For more information about the Trade Up: Why buy a job when you can start a career? book, please visit: https://tradeupbook.ca/2024-08-2819 minThe Trade Up PodcastJohn & Lisa Talk NewsOn this episode, John shares his thoughts on some freebie experiences for high school students that are looking for a path in the trades & why the "golden rule" shouldn't be followed. Lisa & John also talk about a new no-fee bank account for apprentices that's being offered by one of the big Canadian banks.For more information about the Trade Up: Why buy a job when you can start a career? book, please visit: https://tradeupbook.ca/2024-07-1518 minThe Trade Up PodcastA Move to the Trades & Working with FamilyOn this episode of The Trade Up Podcast, John Finan talks to one of his newest employees at Finan Home Service - his son, Blake! Instead of following his Dad into the family business, Blake spent a few years on very different career paths. He'll explain why he has decided that a skilled trade is now the right move for him and for his family.For more information about the Trade Up: Why buy a job when you can start a career? book, please visit: https://tradeupbook.ca/2024-06-2222 minThe Trade Up PodcastJohn & Lisa Talk NewsJohn and Lisa discuss reasons why service calls are more expensive. They take a Mars-and-Venus look at empathy in the workplace. And John weighs in on some government decisions regarding skilled trades, including the FAST program, coming to Ontario high schools this fall.For more information about the Trade Up: Why buy a job when you can start a career? book, please visit: https://tradeupbook.ca/2024-06-0723 minThe Trade Up PodcastWorking to Breakdown Barriers for Women in the TradesOn this episode of The Trade Up Podcast, John is joined by Brandi Ferenc, a 313A - Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Systems Mechanic and founder of Fair Trades Toolbox. As a woman journeyperson in a male dominated sector - HVAC - Brandi knows the barriers women still face on the job. Now, she works with companies to help improve things for women AND men in skilled trades. Brandi has been named one of Canada's 100 Most Powerful Women for the past two years. For more information about the Trade Up: Why buy a job when yo...2024-05-1728 minThe Trade Up PodcastLisa & John Talk NewsOn this episode of The Trade Up Podcast, Lisa Brandt gets John Finan's thoughts about pre-apprenticeships and the best way to get into a trade if you can't secure an apprenticeship. Also, the barriers to getting experience, and when it is and isn’t worth going to college for a trade.John also weighs in on how far new federal money will go that's been earmarked to prop up skilled trades.For more information about the Trade Up: Why buy a job when you can start a career? book, please vi...2024-05-0328 min