The Trade Talks

Author: Roger Wakefield

With over 1.25 million subscribers, 42 year plumbing veteran Roger Wakefield discusses life in the skilled trades with blue collar industry veterans.
Be a guest on this podcast

Language: en-us

Genres: Business, Careers, Education, Self-Improvement

Contact email: Get it

Feed URL: Get it

iTunes ID: Get it

Get all podcast data

Listen Now...

The Trade Talks Podcast Grant Bothun Podcast #219
Episode 219
Saturday, 14 March, 2026

Welcome to The Trade Talks Live, where we celebrate the blue-collar trades and everything they stand for! Join us every wednesday from 3-4 PM as we dive into national news, review trade websites, and share tips on mindset growth to help you succeed. Don't miss this hour of insights, inspiration, and practical advice! In this episode, we sit down with Grant Bothun from Rescue Restoration to talk about the restoration industry, working with plumbers, insurance claims, and what really happens when water damage hits a home. Grant shares his journey from studying energy management at Oklahoma State and working in the oil and gas industry to partnering with his brother and building a restoration company focused on helping homeowners during some of their toughest moments. We dive into how restoration companies work with plumbers, HVAC companies, insurance adjusters, and homeowners to mitigate damage and rebuild homes after disasters. We also discuss the reality of running a trades business — the ups and downs of cash flow, the importance of trust and honesty with customers, and why the skilled trades (especially plumbing) are in huge demand right now. If you're a plumber, contractor, trades professional, or homeowner who wants to understand how water damage claims, mold remediation, and restoration actually work, this episode is packed with valuable insights. Whether you're in plumbing, automotive, HVAC, electrical — or you're a young person trying to figure out your path — this conversation shows how powerful the trades can be when you commit to excellence. The trades aren't a backup plan. They're a wealth-building plan. If you're in the trades (or thinking about it), drop a comment below and tell us: 👉 What made you fall in love with your craft? And if you got value from this, make sure to like, subscribe, and share it with someone who needs to hear this message. Let's build the next generation of skilled trades professionals the right way. — Roger Wakefield