What does it take to build a successful career—or a profitable business—in the skilled trades?
In this episode of the Trade Traction Road Show, recorded at the SkillsUSA National Championships in Atlanta, I sit down with John, better known online as The Bald Electrician.
John built and operated his own electrical contracting company for 26 years, employed more than 100 people, completed multiple acquisitions, and eventually sold his business. Today, he’s focused on mentoring apprentices, technicians, and the next generation of skilled trades professionals.
We talk honestly about electrical and plumbing apprenticeships, skilled trades careers, contractor profitability, marketing, licensing, mentorship, workforce development, private equity, and the challenges of running a successful trade business.
You’ll discover:
• Why apprentices need experienced mentors • How licensing can transform a skilled trades career • Why business ownership isn’t the only path to success • How everyday spending can affect your financial future • Why many plumbing, HVAC, and electrical contractors are working for free • What contractors must do to become more profitable • How reputation and differentiation make the phone ring • Why great technicians often need an operator to help run the business • What private equity understands about the skilled trades • Why contractors must know their true labor, overhead, and operating costs • How hiring apprentices helps contractors grow their next generation • Why every new contractor needs a second apprenticeship—this time in business
John and I also discuss the future of workforce development, virtual mentorship, training technology, and how retired tradespeople could continue passing their knowledge to younger technicians.
If you’re a plumber, electrician, HVAC technician, apprentice, journeyman, contractor, or skilled trades business owner, this conversation is packed with lessons earned through decades of real-world experience.
Ready to stop working for free and build a plumbing or HVAC business that creates freedom for you, your family, and your team?
Send me the number **30** on Instagram, and I’ll send you information about the Trade Traction Business Apprenticeship™:
0:00 Welcome to the Trade Traction Road Show 2:15 Meet John, The Bald Electrician 3:40 PHCC Connect 2026 4:35 Why mentorship matters in the skilled trades 10:25 Licensing and continuing your education 12:40 The skilled trades career ladder 16:25 Is owning a contracting business right for everyone? 20:40 Money lessons every apprentice and technician needs 23:45 Why so many contractors are working for free 27:25 How contractors can make the phone ring 30:00 Why starting a business requires going all in 32:35 Great technicians need a strong operator 34:00 Your second apprenticeship should be in business 36:35 Private equity, pricing, and contractor self-esteem 39:00 Residential versus commercial profit margins 41:15 Why everyone is already working for themselves 42:40 The future of apprenticeships and workforce development 45:00 Why small contractors should hire apprentices 48:40 Introducing Trades Tools 50:40 The future of virtual mentorship 52:30 Final advice for the next generation
ABOUT DENNIS
I’m Dennis Hamon—better known as Dennis The Apprentice. I spent 25 years building a residential plumbing and heating company to more than 60 employees and approximately $12 million in annual revenue before selling it for eight figures.
Today, I help plumbing and HVAC contractors stop working for free, become consistently profitable, develop great people, and build businesses that create real freedom.
Life is too short to take so long to figure out the business.
