Roger Wakefield: How to Succeed in the Trades Industry

Roger Wakefield: How to Succeed in the Trades Industry

Author: Andrew Brown June 25, 2025 Duration: 54:20

Roger Wakefield—plumbing legend and trades influencer—shares how to become a plumber, grow your brand, and start a successful plumbing business.

Host Andrew Brown sits down one of the most recognized names in the trades industry, Roger Wakefield, to break down how to become a plumber, succeed as an apprentice, and build a powerful personal brand as a trades professional. With millions of views on YouTube and decades of hands-on experience, Roger shares what it really takes to thrive in the skilled trades: from plumbing apprenticeship tips to starting a plumbing business that stands out.

Whether you're just entering the trades or looking to scale your own company, this conversation delivers real-world, no-fluff skilled trades career advice from a leader who's done it all and taught thousands to do the same.

IN THIS EPISODE:

(00:02:10) – How to Become a Plumber: Roger’s first job with zero plumbing experience

(00:08:45) – Personal Branding for Tradespeople: Why it’s no longer optional

(00:19:20) – Plumbing Apprenticeship Tips: Interview tactics that get you hired

(00:33:10) – Starting a Plumbing Business: Data-driven marketing and strategy

(00:47:35) – Career Growth in the Trades: From apprentice to owner

(01:01:00) – Human Skills > Hard Skills: Why soft skills drive trades careers

Key Takeaways:

● You can start your plumbing career with no experience—how to become a plumber is more about mindset than credentials.

Personal branding for tradespeople builds trust, visibility, and long-term opportunity in the skilled trades industry.

● Use these plumbing apprenticeship tips to stand out in interviews and get hired fast.

● If you're starting a plumbing business, you need to understand pricing, strategy, and your KPIs—or risk failing early.

About the Guest:

Roger Wakefield is a licensed plumber, YouTube creator, keynote speaker, and fierce advocate for trades careers. With over 45 years in the trades industry, he’s helped thousands understand how to become a plumber, launch a plumbing business, and leverage personal branding for tradespeople to grow their reputation and revenue. His content has made a global impact, proving that being a plumber today means much more than just turning wrenches.

Keywords:

How to Become a Plumber, Plumbing Apprenticeship Tips, Skilled Trades Career Advice, Personal Branding for Tradespeople, Starting a Plumbing Business, Skilled Trades, Trades Industry, Roger Wakefield, Andrew Brown, Toolfetch, HVAC, Carpentry, Electricians, Plumbers, Millwrights, Construction, Tradespeople, Craftsmanship, Problem-solving, Creativity, Advocacy, Trades Careers, Contractors, Education, Skilled Trades Advisory Council

Resources:

LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rogerwakefield/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGIMKh92vaL0_Yc0u4GYhHA

Website: https://rogerwakefield.com/

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Every dollar helps us keep bringing unfiltered insights from the trades, straight to your ears.


There's a quiet revolution happening in the workforce, one built on the sound of a hammer, the hum of a saw, and the satisfaction of a job done with your own hands. The Lost Art Of the Skilled Trades is a conversation about that shift, guided by Andrew Brown. This isn't just a technical manual; it's a deep exploration of the craft, business, and profound personal fulfillment found in skilled trades. Andrew draws from his own journey through hands-on work and entrepreneurship to frame discussions that are as much about building a life as they are about building things. Each episode connects the dots between practical skill, viable career paths, and the entrepreneurial mindset needed to thrive independently. You'll hear from seasoned professionals who share their hard-won wisdom, alongside discussions on navigating the business side of trades, from client relations to financial stability. The goal is to elevate the conversation around these essential careers, moving beyond stereotypes to highlight the creativity, critical thinking, and dignity inherent in skilled work. Tune into this podcast for honest stories, actionable advice, and a renewed appreciation for the foundational crafts that shape our world.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 90

The Lost Art Of the Skilled Trades
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