Episodes

  • The Rise of the Trades: Are Corporate Jobs Losing Their Appeal?
    Nov 15 2024

    On this episode, John Finan offers his take on something Mike Holmes recently said. Mike believes that taking trade classes out of schools was "the worst decision in education." We'll find out whether John agrees.

    Polling shows more and more young adults want to take up a skilled trade instead of taking a corporate job. And why private equity firms are gobbling up companies that specialize in things like plumbing and electrical work.

    For more information about the Trade Up: Why buy a job when you can start a career? book, please visit: https://tradeupbook.ca/

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    14 mins
  • Stand-Up & Circuit Breakers: A Chat with Jim McNally
    Oct 29 2024

    On this episode, John sits down with comedian and electrician Jim McNally. Known for lighting up rooms both with laughs and literal lights, Jim shares the journey from following in his father’s footsteps as an electrician to building a career in comedy.

    Expect humour, stories from the stage (and the job site), and a peek behind the curtain at Jim’s unique double life.

    For more information about the Trade Up: Why buy a job when you can start a career? book, please visit: https://tradeupbook.ca/

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    25 mins
  • John & Lisa Talk News
    Oct 3 2024

    On this episode of the Trade Up Podcast, John & Lisa discuss several pressing issues in the world of skilled trades and education, including a recent article from Maclean's Magazine that explores salaries in the trades and why people change their minds about pursuing these careers.

    They also cover the key personality traits that make young people successful employees. Additionally, John addresses the current challenges in higher education, including recent cuts to international student admissions and the potential impact on the quality of university education.


    For more information about the Trade Up: Why buy a job when you can start a career? book, please visit: https://tradeupbook.ca/

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    13 mins
  • John & Lisa Talk News
    Sep 16 2024

    On this episode, John offers his take on a number of stories making the news, including the new awards for apprentices and mentors, and a reduction of foreign temporary workers announced, but not in the construction sector.

    John also reflects on his previous conversation with Campbell MacArthur about his unique experience in the trades industry.

    For more information about the Trade Up: Why buy a job when you can start a career? book, please visit: https://tradeupbook.ca/

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    26 mins
  • From the Trades to Owning a Business
    Aug 28 2024

    On this episode of The Trade Up Podcast, John Finan talks to Campbell MacArthur about his unique experience in the trades industry and his path to owning his own business, Cam's Colours Painting & Finishing.

    Learn more about Cam's Colours at https://www.camscolours.ca/.

    For more information about the Trade Up: Why buy a job when you can start a career? book, please visit: https://tradeupbook.ca/

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    19 mins
  • John & Lisa Talk News
    Jul 15 2024

    On this episode, John shares his thoughts on some freebie experiences for high school students that are looking for a path in the trades & why the "golden rule" shouldn't be followed. Lisa & John also talk about a new no-fee bank account for apprentices that's being offered by one of the big Canadian banks.

    For more information about the Trade Up: Why buy a job when you can start a career? book, please visit: https://tradeupbook.ca/

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    19 mins
  • A Move to the Trades & Working with Family
    Jun 22 2024

    On this episode of The Trade Up Podcast, John Finan talks to one of his newest employees at Finan Home Service - his son, Blake!

    Instead of following his Dad into the family business, Blake spent a few years on very different career paths. He'll explain why he has decided that a skilled trade is now the right move for him and for his family.

    For more information about the Trade Up: Why buy a job when you can start a career? book, please visit: https://tradeupbook.ca/

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    23 mins
  • John & Lisa Talk News
    Jun 7 2024

    John and Lisa discuss reasons why service calls are more expensive. They take a Mars-and-Venus look at empathy in the workplace. And John weighs in on some government decisions regarding skilled trades, including the FAST program, coming to Ontario high schools this fall.

    For more information about the Trade Up: Why buy a job when you can start a career? book, please visit: https://tradeupbook.ca/

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    24 mins