Trade Entrepreneur Podcast

01/09/2024

🎩 A Must-Listen For All NEW Tradespeople 🎩

Mike Woods trained at Mr Soot Training Centre earlier this year. He’s now a HETAS approved sweep and facing his first ‘silly season’.

In this interview, Mike talks to David about his background, why he swapped careers, started Woodsman Log Burners and Stoves and Woodsman Chimney Sweep and Repair and what he’s expecting over the autumn and winter months.

Full interview here 👇

https://tradeentrepreneurpodcast.buzzsprout.com/1911509/15481407-71-preparing-for-my-first-silly-season-interview-with-hetas-chimney-sweep-mike-woods

26/07/2024

🎙️ #70 - Football Sponsorship: Shared Goals ⚽️

When non-league Marine Football Club were drawn against Tottenham Hotspur in the FA Cup, it transformed the Merseyside team.

Their Commercial Manager Cara Leach joins David to discuss how they're now engaging with local businesses to provide a real hub for the community.

Listen now 👉 https://tradeentrepreneurpodcast.buzzsprout.com/1911509/15391823-70-how-football-sponsorship-can-transform-your-community-and-business-interview-with-cara-leach-of-marine-fc

12/05/2024

🎙️ Episode 68 - ‘I Went From Black Tie To Black Hands! 🎙️

Yorkshire marketing professional Gary Walker traded black tie dinners for black hands when he trained at Mr Soot Training Centre to become a HETAS approved chimney sweep.

He talks to our founder David about his first 'silly season' with Swept. Chimney Sweeping Services and how his background is giving his brand the marketing edge.

Listen to the full interview here 👉 https://tradeentrepreneurpodcast.buzzsprout.com/1911509/15049005-68-from-black-tie-to-black-hands-gary-walker-s-career-change-to-a-hetas-approved-chimney-sweep

This episode is brought to you in conjunction with Advance Chimney Cameras - the quality CCTV flue inspection equipment used by professionals. Visit www.chimneyinspectioncamera.co.uk

10/03/2024

🎙️Episode #67 - Why I LEFT My Business For Six Months 🎙️

Byron Schramm left his business Midtown Chimney Sweeps in Colorado, US, behind for six months - and set out for a European adventure.

David catches up with him on the British leg of his tour to discuss chimneys, entrepreneurship and the work-life balance ‘myth’.

This episode is brought to you in association with Rodstation chimney rods - the equipment used by professional sweeps internationally. Visit www.rodstation.co.uk for more information.

Full Interview 👉 📻 https://tradeentrepreneurpodcast.buzzsprout.com/1911509/14391532-67-why-i-left-my-business-for-six-months-interview-with-byron-schramm-of-midtown-chimney-sweep-franchise

04/02/2024

🎙️ #66 - Why We MUST Bridge The White-Blue Collar Divide 🎙️

Marketing expert Daniel Ezzatvar researched the construction sector for his Masters Degree.

He tells David how he’s now using that as a springboard to help bridge the white-blue collar divide across the sector.

Listen now 👇

https://tradeentrepreneurpodcast.buzzsprout.com/1911509/14391527-66-we-must-bridge-the-white-blue-collar-divide-interview-with-daniel-ezzatvar

PS - This episode is brought to you in conjunction with Fireplace Specialist Magazine - the official and only independent trade magazine supporting the industry. Read the latest edition at www.fireplacespecialistmagazine.co.uk

03/09/2023

🎙️ Episode #65 - It was the biggest SHOCK - I almost couldn’t cope’ 🎙️

James Archer went from one-man-in-his-shed to being the face of one of the UK’s best known stove brands.

But as Clock Woodburners underwent a meteoric rise, James found it a challenge to adapt to these new pressures.

In a frank interview with David, James talks about how he started out in the industry, the secret behind Clock’s success, and his plans for the future.

Listen now 👉 https://tradeentrepreneurpodcast.buzzsprout.com/1911509/13230752-65-it-was-the-biggest-shock-i-almost-couldn-t-cope-james-archer-of-clock-woodburners

06/08/2023

🎙️ From Franchisee To Franchisor 🎙️

In our latest episode, Liam Hobbs, of More Than Loft Ladders, recounts his entrepreneurial journey from buying a franchise to becoming the owner of the entire company,

Inspirational stuff from Liam, who speaks with honesty and passion about his life and experiences

Listen now 👇

https://tradeentrepreneurpodcast.buzzsprout.com/1911509/13040192-64-franchisee-to-franchisor-liam-hobbs-of-more-than-loft-ladders

24/06/2023

🎙️ #63 - Sweepin’ USA! 🎙️

This week David had the pleasure of welcoming Joe Gomez, from The Sweep Master to Manchester.

Joe, who has undertaken the Chimney Safety Institute of America exams, spent two days shadowing him, in a quest to expand his knowledge of sweeping and business.

He also took time out to join David for our latest podcast, discussing what UK sweeps could learn from America.

👉 Full report: https://mr-soot.com/2023/06/24/sweep-swap-2023-joes-transatlantic-mission/

👉 50 minute interview: https://tradeentrepreneurpodcast.buzzsprout.com/1911509/13074602-63-how-british-chimney-sweeps-can-learn-from-the-usa-interview-with-joe-gomez

04/06/2023

🎙️The Interview They’re ALL Talking About… 🎙️

Our episode with Josh Firkins last week has become one of the most listened-to since Trade Entrepreneur started.

In it, he gives a frank assessment of the state of the industry, and what he thinks should happen next.

Listen to the hour-long interview at https://tradeentrepreneurpodcast.buzzsprout.com/1911509/12929326-62-chimney-sweep-associations-got-it-wrong-here-s-how-to-fix-it

28/05/2023

🎙️ Episode 62 - ‘How Chimney Sweeping Associations Got It Wrong’🎙️

Josh Firkins of Chimney Training gives David his candid assessment on the state of the industry. He reveals how he:

- Voted AGAINST Training New Sweeps

- Believes The Associations Are ‘Missing A Trick’

- Wants Current Businesses To EXPAND Rather Than New One-Man Bands Being Created

- Deemed Association Training ‘Not Good Enough’

It’s a MUST-LISTEN for anyone connected with the solid fuel trade.

Available now 👉 https://tradeentrepreneurpodcast.buzzsprout.com/1911509/12929326-62-chimney-sweep-associations-got-it-wrong-here-s-how-to-fix-it

27/05/2023

The next episode is a MUST-LISTEN for anyone interested in the solid fuel industry.

Our host David sits down with Josh Firkins, of Chimney Training, to discuss the future of the sweeping industry.

In the hour-long show, Josh reveals:

- Why he chose to enter the family business

- His views on industry training standards

- And how he believes its trade associations have got it WRONG…

The show will be available from 6am on Sunday May 28 via www.trade-entrepreneur.co.uk

Don’t forget to tune in - you won’t want to miss it!

02/04/2023

🎙 Interview: Why I’m Expanding My Chimney Sweeping Business 🎙

Many sweeps and sole traders spend ages toying with the idea of taking on an extra person.

Alastair Kemp was the same, as we heard on the Trade Entrepreneur Podcast 12 months ago.

He’s now back on the show to share with us what happened next…

In a follow up to last year's interview about whether to grown his one-man band, Wilts chimney sweep Alastair Kemp returns to the show to reflect on what he did next...

19/03/2023

#60 - Taxing Times: Why Some Businesses Are Stalling

With a sluggish economy, the UK needs small businesses to drive growth. So why are some unable to meet even their own aspirations? In this episode, David talks about a key issue which the Government needs to sort out ASAP...

With a sluggish economy, the UK needs small businesses to drive growth. So why are some unable to meet even their own aspirations? In this episode, David reveals a key issue which the Government needs to sort out ASAP...

12/03/2023

#𝟓𝟗 - 𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐈 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐀 𝐏𝐨𝐝𝐜𝐚𝐬𝐭, 𝐁𝐞𝐜𝐚𝐦𝐞 𝐀 𝐁𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐌𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐨𝐫 & 𝐍𝐨𝐰 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐅𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐨𝐰 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐨𝐩𝐥𝐞 ⚒️ 🤝

Focusing solely on your business means potentially missing out on opportunities.

In this episode, David outlines how 'outside' interests beyond your day-to-day work can help you and your business...

Focusing solely on your business means potentially missing out on opportunities. In this episode, David outlines how 'outside' interests beyond your day-to-day work can help you and your business...

05/03/2023

😬 Work Slowing Down? 😬
Cashflow can be tricky in a seasonal business, and inhibit future growth plans. But there are some steps you can take to expand your business AND continue to grow all-year-round...

Cashflow can be tricky in a seasonal business. But there are some steps you can take to counteract that, as David discusses in this episode...

26/02/2023

⛔️ Mindset Which RUINS Business Growth... ⛔️

Expanding your business can be challenging, but having a scarcity mindset can strangle any idea at birth. In this episode, David looks at how overcoming this is vital if you want to grow...

Expanding your business can be challenging, but having a scarcity mindset can strangle any idea at birth. In this episode, David looks at how overcoming this is vital if you want to grow...

19/02/2023

#56 - Five Tips For GROWTH In A Recession

It's clear we're in choppy financial waters - and adapting to survive can be a necessity. In this week's Trade Entrepreneur Podcast episode, David looks at how you can grow even when the economy is shrinking...

It's clear we're in choppy financial waters - and adapting to survive can be a necessity. In this episode, David looks at how you can grow even when the economy is shrinking...

12/02/2023

Episode #55 - Why Failure Definitely *Is* An Option

Too many people are scared of failure. But it's actually an essential ingredient to any success story. In this episode, David explains why we need to redefine our relationship with it...

Too many people are scared of failure. But it's actually an essential ingredient to any success story. In this episode, David explains why we need to redefine our relationship with it...

05/02/2023

🍔 Episode 54 - Lessons from The Founder 🍔

When Ray Kroc travelled to a small restaurant in California, little did he know it would be the first step towards creating a global brand. This week, David reveals why you too should watch 'The Founder' - the story of McDonald's

https://tradeentrepreneurpodcast.buzzsprout.com/1911509/12171379-lessons-from-the-founder-aka-mcdonald-s-the-movie

29/01/2023

✅ Why Consistency Matters in Business ✅

It's tempting to let routines slide, but the key to success often relies on the repetition of tasks which, ultimately, lead you towards your goals...

It's tempting to let routines slide, but the key to success often relies on the repetition of tasks which, ultimately, lead you towards your goals...

22/01/2023

⚒️ Why Tradespeople FAIL To Grow ❎

Many tradespeople want to expand their business, but when it comes to the crunch, some just can't do it. Is it down to circumstances, or is there something else at play? In this episode, David looks at the 5 reasons why many one-person bands remain stuck...

Many want to expand, but when it comes to the crunch. many tradespeople just can't do it. Is it down to circumstances, or is there something else at play? In this episode, David looks at the 5 reasons why many one-person bands remain stuck...

15/01/2023

😴 Stop BORING Your Customers 😴

As business owners, it's easy to believe customers care about the same things you do.

It's rarely the case.

In this episode, David reveals the 5 things customers really couldn't care less about...

As business owners, it's easy to believe customers care about they same things you do. It's rarely the case. In this episode, David reveals the 5 things customers really couldn't care less about...

08/01/2023

🎙 Trade Entrepreneur Returns! 🎙

January is a peak time for people taking the plunge and setting up a new business. In his first podcast of 2023, David discusses the five lessons he took from his own business start-up...

January is a peak time for people taking the plunge and setting up a new business. In this episode, David discusses the five lessons he took from his own business start-up...

18/12/2022

🎄 Christmas: A Time For Reflection & Planning Ahead 🎄

In his final podcast of 2022, David explains why Christmas and New Year provides a welcome opportunity to both look forward and back...

In his final podcast of 2022, David explains why Christmas and New Year provides a welcome opportunity to both look forward and back...

11/12/2022

⚒️ Entrepreneurs On The Tools! ⚒️

For those who aren't yet 'off the tools', this can be the hardest part of the entrepreneurial journey. In this episode, David talks about his own experiences about working both 'in' and 'on' the business at the same time...

For those who aren't yet 'off the tools', this can be the hardest part of the entrepreneurial journey. In this episode, David talks about his own experiences about working both 'in' and 'on' the business at the same time...

04/12/2022

🚫 Don’t Let Perfect Be The Enemy of Good ✅

Too many great ideas never see the light of day - because people are scared they're 'not ready'. In this episode, David discusses why no idea is ever perfect...

Too many great ideas never see the light of day - because people are scared they're 'not ready'. In this episode, David discusses why no idea is ever perfect...

27/11/2022

🎙️ #46 - Why I’m Expanding Mr Soot Chimney Sweep Again 🎙️

After starting the growth journey in early 2021, David explains why he is now ready to take it to the next level in 2023...

After starting his growth journey in early 2021, David is now ready to take it to the next level in 2023...

20/11/2022

🎙 #45 - When Professionals Act Unprofessionally…🎙

The term is widely recognised, but rarely understood. In this episode, David examines how you need to guard against so many things which could undermine you and your professionalism in the eyes of customers.

The term is widely recognised, but rarely understood. In this episode, David examines how you need to guard against so many things which could undermine you and your professionalism in the eyes of customers.

13/11/2022

🎙 #44 - Why Everyone Is NOT Your Customer 🎙

David returns to Ashton Old Baths in Tameside, Manchester, to chat with Brianna Harvey, of Digital Flamingo.

They discuss why scattergun social media marketing doesn't work, and why you need to know your target customer.

David returns to Ashton Old Baths in Tameside, Manchester, to chat with Brianna Harvey, of Digital Flamingo. They discuss why scattergun social media marketing doesn't work, and why you need to know your target customer

06/11/2022

🇺🇸 Epsiode 43 - Celebrating Entrepreneurs: What Britain Can Learn from the USA 🇬🇧

We really enjoyed this week’s Trade Entrepreneur Podcast interview with Brianna Harvey of Digital Flamingo.

Brianna is from Tampa Bay, Florida, but has lived in the UK for the past 13 years.

So she’s a great person to ask about something which puzzles many - why do Americans seems to be enthusiastic supporters of entrepreneurship yet the British seem almost the opposite?

You see it on US trade forums; there’s a lot more positivity towards growing their businesses and generally being supportive about celebrating individual ‘wins’.

Whereas in Britain it’s almost seen as ‘showing off’ and fewer people like to be seen to be doing well.

Brianna talks about how the American Dream plays a big part in their psyche, and also how maybe men find it hard to show happiness for their contemporaries as they’re more ‘competitive’ by nature. Mixed in with the British ‘stiff upper lip’, it can make the UK a very different environment.

Great episode and well worth a listen…

https://tradeentrepreneurpodcast.buzzsprout.com/1911509/11635780-43-celebrating-entrepreneurs-what-britain-can-learn-from-america