Send us a text Special thanks to our sponsor: SupplyHouse – Get the best tools & supplies! https://www.supplyhouse.com Welcome to the Sparky Life podcast with your host, Lia Lamela ! In this episode, we dive into a crucial topic that everyone should be aware of: the coming biggest recession in United States history and why construction workers and skilled trade professionals are positioned to be the ultimate survivors. We break down the economic storm, the fascinating theory of K-waves , and discuss how events and figures like Warren Buffett's cash holdings and the presidency of Donald Trump play a role. Tune in to understand: Why historical cycles and market trends point towards an economic downturn. The significance of the Kondratiev wave (K-wave) and what past cycles tell us. Why the slowing housing market , inflation , and corporate layoffs are key indicators. The potential impact of Donald Trump's presidency on the timing and severity of the crash. Crucially, why construction jobs are recession-proof . Actionable strategies for those in the skilled trades to not just survive, but thrive during an economic downturn, including getting more certifications, building a strong network, and managing your finances wisely. This is a must-listen for anyone in the construction industry or considering a career in the skilled trades! Timestamps: 0:00 - Introduction to Sparky Life and the looming economic recession 1:01 - Why a major recession is predicted: Slowing housing market and Warren Buffett's cash 2:15 - Inflation, debt, and the concept of K-waves explained 3:30 - Historical K-wave crashes and the current economic phase 4:35 - Donald Trump's presidency and its connection to the upcoming recession 6:10 - Why construction and skilled trades will survive and thrive during a recession 7:18 - Strategies for construction professionals to prepare and succeed 8:30 - Final thoughts and call to subscribe Socials: 📲 Follow me on social media for more adventures: 𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦: https://www.instagram.com/ sparkylifeoflia 𝐅𝐚𝐜𝐞𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤: https://www.facebook.com/thesparkylifepodcast Don't forget to subscribe to The Sparky Life for more insights into the construction industry! Keywords: recession , economic downturn , construction , skilled trades , K-wave (Kondratiev wave), housing market , interest rates, inflation , debt, corporate layoffs, Warren Buffett , cash holdings, Donald Trump , presidency, infrastructure, repair, government spending, certifications, network, skills, Lia Lamela , biggest recession in United States history , construction workers and skilled trade professionals , recession-proof Support the show…

Send us a text Ever wondered why you should NEVER take the elevator during a fire in a high-rise? This video dives deep into the life-saving technology of elevator recall and the critical role it plays in fire safety. Learn why elevator recall is one of the most important fire safety systems in a building and how it's designed to prevent you from unknowingly entering a dangerous situation. 00:00 - Introduction to Sparky Life and the topic of elevators and fire safety. 00:30 - The crucial rule: Never take the elevator during a fire. 00:50 - Understanding elevator recall: How fire alarms take control. 01:40 - The disaster that led to elevator recall: The MGM Grand Fire in 1980. 02:45 - The danger of fire spread and smoke inhalation (responsible for 80-90% of fire deaths). 03:30 - How elevator recall works: Phase one (automatic recall). 04:30 - How elevator recall works: Phase two (firefighter control). 05:15 - Why elevator mechanics and fire alarm technicians must work together. 06:00 - The roles of elevator mechanics in elevator recall. 06:45 - The roles of fire alarm technicians in elevator recall. 07:30 - The importance of their collaboration for system functionality. 08:15 - Salaries in the field: Elevator mechanics (entry-level, experienced, union/specialised). 09:15 - Salaries in the field: Fire alarm technicians (entry-level, certified/experienced). 10:00 - Elevator safety guidelines during a fire: Don't use elevators, exit immediately if in one. 10:45 - Why elevators recall to a safe floor. 11:15 - The importance of using stairs and knowing emergency stairwells. 11:45 - Priority in a fire: Get safe first, then alert emergency services (unless trapped). 12:30 - Elevator recall as a critical safety net, but avoiding elevators is best. 13:00 - Mention of NFPA72 code requirements (chapter 21.3). 13:30 - Conclusion 💡 Special Thanks to Our Sponsor: SupplyHouse – Get the best tools & supplies!: https://www.supplyhouse.com Don't forget to subscribe for more insights into the builders of our civilization and the technologies that keep us safe! Drop a comment below with "fire alarm" if you found this episode fiery! Keywords: Elevator recall, Fire safety, High-rise buildings, Fire alarm systems, Smoke detectors, Heat detectors, NFPA72, Emergency recall operation, Elevator mechanics, Fire alarm technicians, MGM Grand Fire (1980), Smoke inhalation, Evacuation, Stairwells, Automatic recall (Phase one), Firefighter control (Phase two), Supply House, Salaries (elevator mechanics, fire alarm technicians), Emergency services, Safe floor/Lobby, Fire spread. Support the show…

Send us a text We speak with Megan Switzer for a raw and honest conversation about the complex dynamics of women supporting women, particularly within male-dominated fields. Get ready for some eye-opening truths as they delve into the question of why women don't always support each other. Drawing on Dr. Sha Andrews' research (as featured in Forbes) , they discuss the "power dead even rule" coined by Pat Helm and colleagues from "Hardball for Women", which suggests that for healthy relationships between women, their power and self-esteem must be perceived as similar. They explore how disruptions in this balance can lead to negative behaviours and a lack of support. Lia and Megan also touch upon: The influence of emotional intelligence (EQ) and how women in higher leadership may adopt more male-specific competencies. Megan's personal experiences entering the construction industry as a general contractor and the contrasting support she received online versus on the job site. The "Queen Bee Syndrome" and the mindset of scarcity that can sometimes exist. Anecdotes of both supportive and unsupportive interactions with other women in the industry, including a revealing experience with a non-profit aimed at empowering women. Personal reflections on the challenges of forming and maintaining strong female friendships and the impact of societal expectations. The importance of consciously working to change negative patterns and truly support other women. The hosts share powerful insights and experiences on navigating a male-dominated environment and the vital need for female solidarity. Stay tuned until the end for an exciting announcement! Lia and Megan reveal that they will be starting a monthly talk show called "Hard Hat and Acrylics" , taking a more NPR-style approach to discussing research, facts, and various topics within the construction space, from workwear to AI. 00:01:00 - The "Power Dead Even Rule" and Lack of Support Among Women 00:04:09 - Contrasting Online Support vs. Job Site Reality 00:05:58 - Trying to Protect a Female Intern from Negative Dynamics 00:19:03 - Queen Bee Syndrome and the Scarcity Mindset (Dr. Sha Andrews) 00:23:44 - Negative Experience with a Women's Non-Profit and Sabotage : 00:27:29 - Differing Reactions to Being Surpassed by Male vs. Female Competitors (Danica Patrick) 00:33:44 - The Fallacy of Becoming "One of the Guys" and Lack of True Support 00:37:48 - Realising the Importance of Female Friendships and Community 00:45:22 - The Need for Genuine Support Beyond Superficial Interactions 01:03:53 - Madeline Albright's Quote About Women Not Supporting Women 🌟 Meet Our Guest – Megan Switzer! 🌟 Host of Doin’ Girly Things 📢 Follow Megan & Stay Inspired: Megan: https://meganswitzer.com/ 💡 Special Thanks to Our Sponsor: SupplyHouse – Get the best tools & supplies!: https://www.supplyhouse.com Keywords: Women supporting women Lack of support Construction industry Male-dominated industry/fields Power dead even rule Queen Bee syndrome Scarcity mindset Female friendships Assertiveness Online vs. offline support Internalised biases/misogyny Mentorship Competition (negative) Solidarity Support the show…

Send us a text In this episode of Sparky Life we discuss the critical role of digital presence in the construction industry with tech guru Daniel Leal. We explore the importance of having a professional website, the impact of technology on business efficiency, and the evolving landscape of education in tech careers. Daniel shares his journey from a small town in Texas to becoming a successful entrepreneur, emphasizing the need for skilled trades to embrace technology for growth. The conversation also highlights the significance of aesthetics in online presence and how it influences customer perception. In this conversation, the speakers discuss the importance of website design and communication for businesses, particularly in the construction industry. They emphasize the need for clear messaging, aesthetic appeal, and the use of technology to enhance efficiency. The discussion includes practical tips for improving website design and the benefits of leveraging apps to streamline business operations. Chapters 00:00 The Importance of Digital Presence in Construction 03:00 Insights from the Aspire Event 05:56 Embracing Technology in the Construction Industry 08:49 Daniel's Journey in Tech and Entrepreneurship 11:45 The Evolving Role of Education in Tech Careers 15:05 The Human Element in Tech and AI 17:52 Leveraging Technology for Business Growth 21:10 Building Credibility Through Online Presence 23:48 Aesthetic Impact on Business Perception 26:46 Website Tweaks for Success 37:06 The Importance of Clear Communication 49:02 Leveraging Technology for Efficiency 🌟 Meet Our Guest – Daniel Leal! 🌟 Entrepreneur and tech wizard behind Spiderbug AI. Specializes in custom websites, AI chatbots, lead generation tools, and app development to drive your business forward. 📢 Follow Barb & Stay Inspired: BARB ALLEN: www.spiderbug.ai Instagram: danielleal04 💡 Special Thanks to Our Sponsor: SupplyHouse – Get the best tools & supplies!: https://www.supplyhouse.com Keywords construction, digital presence, technology, entrepreneurship, AI, website design, business growth, education, skilled trades, marketing, website design, construction consulting, business success, clear communication, technology in trades, app development, skilled trades, marketing strategies, branding, user experience Support the show…

Send us a text In this electrifying episode of The Sparky Life, host Lia Lamela dives deep into the dynamic world of the construction industry with an absolute powerhouse: Barb Allen, a trailblazer with over three decades of experience in leadership, from a licensed carpenter to superintendent and business owner. Join us in todays amazing conversation. 0:00 Introduction: Women Reshaping Construction and Persistent Challenges 1:00 Introducing Barb Allen: Extensive Experience and Perspective 2:30 Being Labelled "Difficult" as a Female Leader 4:30 Leadership Techniques: Letting People Come to Their Own Conclusions 7:30 The Initial Shock of Women in the Trades 8:30 Shift to Microaggressions and Unconscious Biases 11:30 Differences in Male and Female Conversational Styles 12:30 Dealing with "Yesing to Death" and Lack of Follow-Through 14:30 Leadership Title Without Actual Authority 17:30 Bosses Undermining Authority and the Importance of Reinforcement 19:30 The Constant Need to Reprove and Reasons for Women Leaving 21:30 Having Conversations with Leaders About Lack of Authority 25:00 Using the Socratic Method for Leadership Discussions 27:30 Approaching Leaders with the Assumption of Good Intentions 28:30 Sponsor Message: Supply House 29:30 Lack of Understanding from Clients and Design Teams 31:30 Assumptions About Women's Lack of Field Experience 34:30 Leadership Skills Versus Trade Skills and the Peter Principle 37:30 The Necessity of Leadership Training and its Impact on the Bottom Line 40:30 Reasons for Leaving Jobs: Bad Bosses Versus Pay 41:30 The Cost of Employee Turnover and the Practice of Pigeonholing 43:00 Differences in Male and Female Leaders Letting People Go 46:00 Being the One to Speak Up in Meetings and Male Colleagues' Reactions 48:00 Advice on Speaking Up and Potential Career Repercussions 52:30 Example of Inappropriate Industry Event and Varying Reactions 57:30 The Importance of Building a Strong Support Network 58:30 Where to Find Barb Allen and Her Podcast Follow Barb here - www.constructionbarb.com or @constructionbarb Thanks to our sponsor SupplyHouse! - Visit www.supplyhouse.com/t-m 🔥 Don’t forget to LIKE 👍, COMMENT 💬, SUBSCRIBE 🔔 for more motivation & success tips! 📲 Follow me on social media for more adventures: Instagram: @yourconstructionnetwork Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thesparkylifepodcast #construction #womeninconstruction #leadership #mentorship #career #trades #superintendent #genderequality #podcast #lialamela #barballen #thesparkylife #constructionbarb #constructivebehaviors #empowerment #building #industry #2025 Support the show…

Send us a text Welcome to the Sparky Life! We welcome Jonathan Cinelli, a strategic construction broker and licensed electrician with three decades of experience, to discuss how to rebuild the foundation of the construction industry. In this episode, Jonathan addresses the toxic culture within the construction industry and shares his forward-thinking approach to business, which disrupts traditional toxicity and transactionalism. 00:00:00 - Introduction: The Construction Industry Crisis. 00:02:55 - Introducing Jonathan Cinelli: Rebuilding Construction. 00:03:58 - Jonathan's Background and Leadership Approach. 00:06:57 - Encouraging Understanding & Supporting People. 00:16:58 - Building Trust & Team Dynamics. 00:20:37 - Addressing Flaws: Change Orders & Communication. 00:26:59 - Creative Solutions: Food, Connection, and Culture. 00:33:25 - Changing the Culture: A People-First Approach. 00:39:06 - Qualities of a Great Leader. 00:40:02 - Contact Information and Closing. Follow Jonathan here - @jonathanacinelli Thanks to our sponsor SupplyHouse! - Visit www.supplyhouse.com/t-m 🔥 Don’t forget to LIKE 👍, COMMENT 💬, SUBSCRIBE 🔔 for more motivation & success tips! 📲 Follow me on social media for more adventures: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yourconstructionnetwork Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thesparkylifepodcast Support the show…

Send us a text Welcome back to the Sparky Life with your host, Lia Lamela! In this episode, Lia discusses the importance of women supporting women in the construction industry. Key points from this episode: • The challenges women face in male-dominated spaces and how networking and support can help. • An appeal for women to come together, build each other up, and create larger networks for success in their careers. • The need for genuine support and sponsorship rather than superficial interactions. • The idea that women need to take responsibility for making changes and improving relationships with one another. • A call to action for women to support, sponsor, employ, and uplift each other. Timestamps: 00:00:00 - Introduction to Women in Construction 00:01:24 - The "Mean Girl" Phenomenon 00:02:24 - Networking and Sponsorship 00:03:27 - Superficial vs. True Support 00:04:27 - Changing the Culture 00:05:14 - Responsibility on Women 00:06:16 - Tribal Sisterhood 00:06:57 - Call to Action 00:07:23 - Listener Engagement 00:07:58 - Your Construction Network 00:08:42 - Closing Remarks Quotes: "If we came together and focused more on building each other up and really supporting one another... a lot of the challenges that we face in our industry, we wouldn't face." - 00:01:47 "I have met so many, so many different amazing people in the construction industry, but I have really found that it is hard to find women that really support other women." - 00:03:13 Thanks to our sponsor SupplyHouse! - Visit www.supplyhouse.com/t-m 🔥 Don’t forget to 𝐋𝐈𝐊𝐄 👍, 𝐂𝐎𝐌𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐓 💬, 𝐒𝐔𝐁𝐒𝐂𝐑𝐈𝐁𝐄 🔔 for more motivation & success tips! 📲 Follow me on social media for more adventures: 𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦: https://www.instagram.com/yourconstructionnetwork 𝐅𝐚𝐜𝐞𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤: https://www.facebook.com/thesparkylifepodcast Support the show…

Send us a text Join Lia Lamela on The Sparky Life as she interviews Jack Teetor, the creator of the documentary, Blind Logic: The Ralph Teetor Story. This captivating film tells the inspiring story of Ralph Teetor, a man whose life intertwined with the birth of the American automobile age and the industrial revolution. Discover the extraordinary journey of Ralph Teetor, who despite losing his sight at the age of five, became a leader in the automotive industry. His parents raised him to believe he was not handicapped, which allowed him to develop his other senses and pursue his passions for mechanics and engineering. 00:00:00 - Introduction to Ralph Teetor and Blind Logic 00:02:58 - Ralph Teetor: An American Icon 00:04:15 - The Impact of Blindness on Ralph's Life 00:06:10 - Early Engineering Feats 00:08:01 - The Making of the Documentary 00:10:08 - Historical Accuracy and the Growth of the Automobile Industry 00:12:12 - Ralph Teetor's Impact on his Community 00:13:52 - The Rise of Unions and Labor Relations 00:15:56 - Union Strikes and the Mafia's Influence 00:17:40 - Martial Law and Employee Loyalty 00:19:02 - The Value of Good Leadership 00:20:32 - Ralph Teetor's Visionary Thinking 00:21:06 - The Meaning of "Blind Logic" 00:22:01 - Distribution of the Documentary 00:23:59 - Ralph's Legacy and Parallels to the Modern Automobile Industry This episode offers a sneak peek into an inspiring documentary about an extraordinary man. It is a must-watch for anyone interested in the history of the automobile, leadership, and the power of vision and determination. For more information visit - www.blindlogicproductions.com Thanks to our sponsor! - www.supplyhouse.com/t-m Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe to The Sparky Life for more stories about the builders of our civilization! Support the show…

Send us a text This podcast episode features a discussion between Lia Lamela and Coach Ike, a construction industry veteran, focusing on the challenges and nuances of working in construction, particularly the relationship between tradespeople and superintendents. The conversation highlights how important it is to understand the pressures and perspectives of everyone on a job site. Coach Ike shares his experiences and insights on leadership, communication, and how to navigate difficult situations and people. 00:00:00 - Introduction to Coach Ike and the Podcast Welcome back to the Sparky Life with Leah LaMela and guest Coach Ike, discussing superintendents in construction. 00:01:04 - Sponsor Message: SupplyHouse A quick word from the sponsor, SupplyHouse.com, highlighting their services and inventory. 00:01:41 - Coach Ike's Experience in Construction Lia introduces Coach Ike and his extensive experience in the construction industry. 00:02:38 - Learning from Mistakes Discussion on the importance of learning from failures and sharing personal experiences. 00:03:39 - Coach Ike's Early Blunder Coach Ike shares a story from his early days as a superintendent and a mistake he made. 00:05:42 - Understanding Superintendents Lia reflects on her experiences with superintendents and the common misconceptions about them. 00:06:54 - Frustrations on the Job Site Lia shares her frustrations with a subcontractor during a fire alarm installation project. 00:09:34 - Identifying Poor Leadership Lia asks Coach Ike how to identify ineffective superintendents and their leadership styles. 00:10:58 - The Coffee Bean Analogy Coach Ike discusses the importance of maintaining a positive attitude despite challenges. 00:12:56 - Navigating Relationships with Superintendents Advice on building rapport with superintendents and understanding their perspectives. 00:17:02 - The Role of Superintendents Leah shares insights from a YouTube video about the responsibilities and challenges faced by superintendents. 00:19:21 - Handling Ethical Dilemmas Discussion on how to respond to unethical requests from superintendents or higher-ups. 00:24:11 - Maintaining Integrity in the Industry Coach Ike emphasizes the importance of integrity and reputation in construction. 00:28:04 - Opportunities in the Construction Industry Leah talks about the abundance of job opportunities in the construction field. 00:30:18 - Effective Communication Strategies Coach Ike shares tips on how to communicate effectively with superintendents and team members. 00:32:17 - Asking the Right Questions Advice on how to ask questions that elicit valuable information from superintendents. 00:40:16 - Dealing with "Yesing" Strategies for handling situations where team members agree without taking action. You can find out more about Coach Ike here: Instagram - @the_construction_mentor Course - coursecareers.com/a/ike?course=construction-management&campaign=IG Support the show…

Send us a text Welcome to Sparky Life, where we chat with the builders of our civilisation! In this episode, Lia Lamela welcomes James Hatfield, the Chief Revenue Officer of Live Switch, a total disruptor in the trades tech space. James Hatfield, a "blue-collar baddie", shares his journey from running painting and power washing companies to revolutionising how skilled trades operate with innovative tech tools. It's a real conversation with someone who gets the real world of construction, and it's not what you think! This isn't your typical tech talk; James brings a relatable, down-to-earth perspective that you'll appreciate. He gets the frustrations of the trades because he’s lived it! From his early days knocking on doors to building a multi-billion dollar tech company, James shares what it means to create opportunities for those of us who work with our hands. It's packed with insights, laughs, and actionable advice you can use, whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out. We also discuss everything from the importance of human connection in a digital world to the value of community college and the importance of building your personal board of directors! Timestamps: 0:00 Intro 0:42 Introducing James Hatfield and Live Switch 2:10 The Story Behind Live Switch 4:15 How Live Switch Works in the Field 7:55 Internet and Connectivity Challenges 10:00 The Problem with Software Engineers 12:50 The inspiration behind the 911 tech 14:40 How Live Switch is helping the trades 17:00 The meaning behind the name 'Live Switch' 18:00 Why James Created Live Switch 19:50 Bridging the Gap Between Technology and Skilled Trades 24:00 The Importance of Human Customer Service 32:40 The disconnect between sales and technicians 37:50 Using QR codes 40:40 How to get past resistance to tech 46:00 Advice for aspiring entrepreneurs in the trades 49:00 Networking Tips 51:50 Advice for Introverts 54:50 James’ Personal Story 59:00 College or Not College 69:00 Closing remarks Interesting Quotes: "Why are you driving to bid right now like a cave person?" "It's better to serve than to be served." Sponsor: This episode is brought to you by SupplyHouse.com - your go-to for all things electrical. Check them out at www.supplyhouse.com/t-m for a huge inventory of top brands and real customer service. Guest: James Hatfield, Chief Revenue Officer of Live Switch, bringing innovative tech solutions to the skilled trades. Host: Lia Lamela Key Topics: Live video technology, skilled trades, construction, virtual estimates, customer service, entrepreneurship, networking, community college, overcoming challenges. Don't forget to subscribe for more episodes of Sparky Life, where we discuss all things construction and career-oriented! Let us know in the comments if you tried James’ LinkedIn challenge! Support the show…

Send us a text Thanks to our sponsor www.supplyhouse.com/t-m - the best place to pick up your construction supplies. In this eye-opening episode of The Sparky Life, Lia sits down with Andrea Janzen, founder and CEO of Ambition Theory, to discuss a groundbreaking revelation: mentorship may not be the key to career success as we’ve always believed. Join Lia and Andrea as they dive deep into the nuances of mentorship, particularly how it affects men and women differently in the workplace. Discover the concept of sponsorship versus mentorship, and learn why women often find themselves needing to prove their worth repeatedly in male-dominated industries like construction. Andrea shares compelling research that highlights the unconscious biases at play and offers actionable insights for women looking to navigate their careers more effectively. If you’ve ever felt overlooked or undervalued in your professional journey, this episode is a must-listen! Find out more about Andrea here: Ambition Theory: www.ambitiontheory.com Ambition Theory Women In Construction Podcast: www.ambitiontheory.com/the-ambition-theory-podcast/ NAWIC Leadership Academy x Ambition Theory: www.nawicleadershipacademy.org/ 00:00:00 - Introduction to the Episode 00:01:31 - Defining Mentorship 00:02:45 - Personal Experiences with Mentorship 00:03:44 - The Gender Gap in Mentorship 00:06:00 - The Challenge of Implementation 00:08:28 - Sponsorship vs. Mentorship 00:12:15 - The Importance of Sponsorship 00:16:05 - Networking and Building Relationships 00:20:03 - Prove It Again Bias 00:21:10 - The Burden of Reproving 00:24:17 - Transactional vs. Transformational Leadership 00:30:28 - The Disconnect in Leadership Skills 00:32:06 - The Role of Transformational Leadership 00:39:18 - Cultural Fit and Leadership 00:40:30 - The Value of Women in Leadership 00:44:08 - Taking Action for Change Tune in for an enlightening conversation that challenges traditional beliefs about mentorship and empowers you to take charge of your career path! Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell for more inspiring content! Support the show…

Send us a text Welcome to this episode of The Sparky Life! Join host Lia Lamela as she catches up with her good buddy, Stephen Richardson, a recent reality TV star from Love is Blind and a dedicated electrician. In this engaging conversation, Stephen shares his journey in the skilled trades, discussing the challenges he faced during his apprenticeship and how he ultimately found his passion for electrical work. They dive deep into the often-overlooked aspects of the trades, including the importance of mental health and the need for supportive work environments. 00:00:00 - Introduction to Stephen Richardson Welcome back and introduction of Stephen Richardson, a recent reality TV star from Love is Blind and a fellow electrician. 00:02:10 - Stephen's Journey in the Electrical Trade Discussion about Stephen's experiences as an electrician, including his work with big terminations and data centers. 00:03:45 - Physical Demands of the Trade Exploration of the physical challenges in the electrical field and how Stephen manages them. 00:06:22 - The Nature of Data Centers Explanation of what data centers are and the importance of redundant power systems. 00:08:30 - Different Perspectives on the Skilled Trades Comparison of Stephen's and Leah's experiences in the trades, highlighting the impact of leadership and environment. 00:12:13 - Burnout and Job Satisfaction Discussion on the feelings of burnout and dissatisfaction in the apprenticeship phase. 00:16:02 - Mental Health in the Trades The importance of mental health awareness in the construction industry and its impact on workers. 00:27:00 - Hitting Rock Bottom Stephen shares his experience of hitting rock bottom and the turning point in his career. 00:30:10 - Supportive Leadership The role of supportive leadership in Stephen's career and how it helped him regain his motivation. 00:36:07 - Finding a Positive Work Environment The significance of a positive work environment and camaraderie among workers in the trades. 00:42:03 - Empowerment and Options in the Trades Encouragement for workers to seek out supportive companies and not feel trapped in negative environments. 00:49:09 - Conclusion and Reflection Wrap-up of the conversation, reflecting on Stephen's growth and evolution in his career. Key Highlights: Stephen's transition from wrestling with his career choice to embracing the joys of being an electrician. Insights into working in data centers and the critical role electricians play in maintaining our digital infrastructure. The impact of toxic work environments and the importance of good leadership in the trades. Tips on how to create a positive work culture and support mental health in the construction industry. Whether you're an aspiring electrician, a seasoned pro, or just curious about the skilled trades, this episode is packed with valuable insights and inspiration. Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell for more episodes every Thursday! Sponsored by: www.supplyhouse.com - Your go-to source for top brands and real customer service in the electrical industry. Support the show…

Send us a text Check out www.supplyhouse.com for all your electrical needs! 💡⚡️ In this episode, host Lia Lamela dives deep into the fascinating world of batteries and DC electricity. Have you ever felt that frustration when your device runs out of battery? Join Lia as she breaks down how batteries work, how they are made, and the science behind storing energy. Discover the components of a typical 1.5V alkaline battery, the role of electrons, and the common misconceptions surrounding electricity. Lia also shares a unique analogy that helps explain the electric field and how it drives the movement of electrons in a circuit. Whether you're a seasoned electrician or just curious about how the devices we rely on every day function, this episode is packed with valuable insights and knowledge. Don't forget to subscribe and share the podcast to support the Sparky Life community! 00:00:00 - Introduction to Battery Frustrations 00:01:47 - Welcome to Sparky Life 00:02:31 - Understanding Battery Basics 00:03:34 - Battery Construction and Components 00:05:11 - What is a Short Circuit? 00:06:04 - Misconceptions About Electron Flow 00:07:31 - The Role of Electric Fields 00:10:04 - Analogy of the Electric Field 00:12:27 - Conclusion: The Importance of Batteries 00:13:10 - Closing Remarks and Call to Action Tune in every Thursday for more electrifying content! ⚡ Support the show…

Send us a text Welcome back to The Sparky Life! In this electrifying episode, host Lia Lamela sits down with fire protection guru Chad Tester. With a background that spans various aspects of fire safety, Chad shares his journey from commercial fishing to becoming a fire protection expert. Join us as we dive into: Chad's unique path into the skilled trades and how he discovered his passion for fire protection. The importance of hands-on experience in the trades and how it shapes your career. The value of interpersonal skills in the construction industry and how to effectively communicate with clients. Insights on the challenges faced in the industry, including the stigma surrounding skilled trades. The significance of collaboration and knowledge-sharing in elevating the fire protection community. Chad also opens up about his personal journey, discussing the impact of overcoming addiction and finding purpose in his work. This episode is packed with inspiration, practical advice, and a fresh perspective on the skilled trades. 00:00:00 - Introduction to Chad Tester and Fire Protection 00:01:14 - Chad's Journey into Fire Protection 00:02:36 - Starting in the Trades: From Fishing to Fire 00:05:16 - Finding Your Path in Skilled Trades 00:07:27 - The Value of Vocational Training 00:10:07 - Challenges and Growth in Fire Protection 00:11:31 - Continuous Learning and Licensing 00:13:11 - Understanding the Importance of Fire Protection 00:14:15 - Service Calls: Real-World Experiences 00:18:16 - Training and Knowledge Sharing in the Industry 00:20:59 - The Importance of Soft Skills in Construction 00:22:04 - Breaking Stereotypes in the Trades 00:24:04 - The Impact of Social Media on Networking 00:26:04 - Job Security and Opportunities in Fire Protection 00:30:34 - Addressing Challenges in the Industry 00:32:08 - The Power of Collaboration and Knowledge Sharing 00:36:00 - Personal Growth and Finding Purpose 00:38:26 - Catalysts for Change: Personal Stories 00:42:58 - Encouragement for Those Struggling 00:45:45 - Conclusion and Resources for Further Contact Quotes: "I could never expect an 18-year-old kid to know what they want to do with the rest of their life and then to ask to put them into all this debt." - 00:06:31 "You have to do it for yourself. You have to wake up and go, you know what? I want to change, and I want to be a better person." - 00:38:20 Don't miss out on this enlightening conversation! Connect with Chad: @redcollar_retro Support our sponsor: Check out SupplyHouse.com for all your electrical and fire protection needs! Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell for more episodes! Follow us on social media: 💥 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lia-lamela-820a33155 💥 Website: https://sparkylifesolutionsllc.com 💥 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sparkylifeoflia/ 💥 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thesparkylifepodcast 💥 YouTube: @sparkylifeoflia We appreciate your support and look forward to having you with us in our next episode. 😊😇 Support the show…

Send us a text Welcome back to another episode of The Sparky Life! Join your host, Lia Lamela, as she shares three hilarious and eye-opening trade tales from the world of construction. In this episode, Lia dives into the challenges faced by blue-collar workers, including a shocking story about a port-a-potty nightmare, a frustrating encounter with a clueless boss, and a plumbing disaster that takes an unexpected turn. Whether you're a seasoned tradesperson or just curious about the construction industry, these stories will resonate with anyone who's ever faced the ups and downs of working in the field. Don't forget to check out our sponsor, SupplyHouse.com, for all your electrical needs with real customer service from real people! If you enjoy the episode, please like, subscribe, and share your own trade tales with us. Let's keep the conversation going and create the sparks in your life! Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction 00:11 - Sponsor Message: SupplyHouse.com 00:54 - Trade Tale 1: Port-a-Potty Woes 03:37 - Trade Tale 2: The Big Boss Blunder 10:52 - Trade Tale 3: Jim's Plumbing Fiasco 21:48 - Conclusion Quotes: "I packed up my stuff and left. He didn't say another word to me." - 00:11:02 "What are you gonna do? He sneaks out the window on the roof, shimmies down somehow, and drives away?" - 00:20:28 Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell for more episodes! Follow us on social media: 💥 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lia-lamela-820a33155 💥 Website: https://sparkylifesolutionsllc.com 💥 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sparkylifeoflia/ 💥 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thesparkylifepodcast 💥 YouTube: @sparkylifeoflia We appreciate your support and look forward to having you with us in our next episode. 😊😇 Support the show…