Getting the Phones to Ring

In this episode, Dustin shares a humbling story about replacing a ceiling fan in a two-story entryway with a 22-foot ceiling. He explains how relying on old methods with a Baker scaffold left him feeling motion sick, unsafe, and frustrated for not choosing a better solution sooner. Reflecting on how aging changes his work, he highlights why using the safest and most efficient tools matters, even if it costs more upfront. He also discusses the responsibility of leaders to keep their crews safe, challenging tradespeople to rethink how and why they do things the way they do on the job. Want to learn more about becoming an electrician or mastering the craft? Visit ElectricianU.com for courses, resources, and everything you need to succeed!

Starting your own electrical business? This episode breaks down everything that went into the first month of launching a new company, from setting up Google listings and building a website to burning money on lead gen services just to get those first few calls. Dustin shares the realities of lead platforms like Yelp, Thumbtack, and Nextdoor, what actually worked, and how much he spent to build trust and get noticed in a saturated market. It’s a real-world, boots-on-the-ground look at what it takes to get the phones to ring from week one. Want to learn more about becoming an electrician or mastering the craft? Visit ElectricianU.com for courses, resources, and everything you need to succeed!

I fired a pool company, and it wasn’t because of bad work. It was because they failed at the one thing every service professional needs to get right: follow through. Electricians, plumbers, HVAC techs, and other tradespeople lose work every day not because of their skills, but because they miss appointments, fail to communicate, and break trust with their customers. If you're in the field and trying to grow your electrical business, gain repeat clients, or build a strong reputation, this story is a reality check.In this podcast, I walk through what happened, what they got wrong, and what every tradesperson should be doing to avoid getting fired. From missed appointments and schedule changes to ignored follow-ups and broken equipment, this experience shows why clear communication, strong scheduling, and solid customer service are more important than ever.But this isn't just about one bad company. It's about the habits that make or break a business. Whether you're brand new to the trade or a seasoned pro, how you show up matters. We talk about:Managing your schedule without letting things slipBuilding customer trust through clear communicationHow to fix your mistakes and still keep the clientTools that help you stay organized and consistentFollow through is not optional. It's what defines your work, your reputation, and your future in the trades. Customers may forgive a mistake, but they will not forget being left in the dark. Make sure you are the one they call back, not the one they warn others about.Want to learn more about becoming an electrician or mastering the craft? Visit ElectricianU.com for courses, resources, and everything you need to succeed!

Drake and Dustin open up about the power of self-awareness and the often-overlooked impact of unchecked thoughts. They explore how internal narratives, daily frustrations, and conditioned behaviors can shape your reality without you realizing it. From road rage to family dynamics, the discussion digs into practical ways to catch yourself mid-thought, choose a different path, and take control of your mental environment. This episode offers real-world examples, relatable experiences, and honest talk about how to be more mindful and intentional in both work and life. Want to learn more about becoming an electrician or mastering the craft? Visit ElectricianU.com for courses, resources, and everything you need to succeed!

Dustin and Drake unpack how mentors, teachers, and journeymen shape the paths of those entering the electrical trade. They share personal stories of inspiration and discouragement, digging into how one bad leader can derail a promising future while the right mentor can ignite a lifelong passion. This episode is a wake-up call for every journeyman and leader in the field to recognize the influence they have, whether they want it or not. They explore what makes a good teacher, how to assess apprentices fairly, and why humility, patience, and intention are essential in building a better industry. Want to learn more about becoming an electrician or mastering the craft? Visit ElectricianU.com for courses, resources, and everything you need to succeed!

Dustin talks with Sean Samson about how electrical contractors can break past the million-dollar ceiling by shifting from a transactional model to one driven by recurring service contracts. Sean explains how most contractors overlook opportunities hiding in plain sight, specifically NFPA 70B and 70E, and how electricians can borrow strategies from the HVAC world to build consistent revenue. They dive into the mindset shift from contractor to sales consultant, why scaling requires process, and how to stop competing on price. If you're trying to grow a real business, this episode maps out what that actually looks like. For more on Sean's methods and training programs, visit seansamsontraining.com. Want to learn more about becoming an electrician or mastering the craft? Visit ElectricianU.com for courses, resources, and everything you need to succeed!

In this episode, Dustin and Drake break down the myth of mastery and why real masters never stop learning. They share personal stories from the field, talk about how comfort can kill creativity, and challenge electricians to rethink how they measure success. The conversation highlights why staying curious, constantly improving, and embracing change are essential for mastering any craft without ever getting stuck thinking you’ve "made it." Want to learn more about becoming an electrician or mastering the craft? Visit ElectricianU.com for courses, resources, and everything you need to succeed!

It’s about what it really takes to be a present, reliable tradesperson and a present, reliable parent.In this episode, Drake and Dustin get personal about what it means to raise kids while working full-time in the trades. Whether you're a single parent grinding through apprentice wages or navigating co-parenting and full schedules, this conversation dives into the mindset, structure, and self-awareness it takes to do both roles well, without burning out or making excuses.They talk openly about:Parenting through exhaustion without treating your kid like an afterthoughtWhat showing up really looks like in both rolesWhy transparency with your employer matters more than excusesHow company culture can make or break working parentsLeading at home and on the job by modeling respect, integrity, and follow-throughThis isn’t about being perfect. It’s about doing the work, being honest, staying present, and choosing to show up, even when it’s hard. Especially when it’s hard.Want to learn more about becoming an electrician or mastering the craft? Visit ElectricianU.com for courses, resources, and everything you need to succeed!

Are you considering starting or switching to a career as an electrician? Can you actually afford to make the leap? In this episode, we break down the financial realities of entering the trade, from low apprentice wages to the rising cost of living. Using real numbers from cities like Austin, San Francisco, and Memphis, we explore what it takes to survive on an electrician's salary at different stages of life. Whether you're a young apprentice or a journeyman supporting a family, this episode helps you understand what you should be earning and how to negotiate a fair wage. Want to learn more about becoming an electrician or mastering the craft? Visit ElectricianU.com for courses, resources, and everything you need to succeed!

Dustin and Drake go live to answer some of the most common and ridiculous questions they’ve heard from apprentices. From whether you can wear sandals on the job to why cheap tools are a bad idea, they cover real-life worksite etiquette, safety, and the importance of work ethic. They also dive into imposter syndrome, learning in the field versus schooling, and why cleaning up at the end of the day isn't optional. Whether you're new to the trade or a seasoned electrician, this episode is packed with hard truths and solid advice. Want to learn more about becoming an electrician or mastering the craft? Visit ElectricianU.com for courses, resources, and everything you need to succeed!