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BlackRock just put $100M behind training the trades. Angi + ChatGPT is changing how customers find and book Pros. And ENERGY STAR? Survived, got funded, and even switched addresses.
Plus, a no-nonsense tax guide, Lowe’s mini buckets are back, a free pricing template—and we’re spotlighting the next generation with Trades 40 Under 40.
Know a Pro making waves? Nominate them (or yourself).
Table of contents
Industry news
BlackRock just bet $100 million on the trades
Through their “Future Builders” program, BlackRock is backing the training of 50,000 new electricians, plumbers, HVAC techs, and ironworkers over the next five years.
When the biggest asset manager on earth starts funding the trades, you know demand isn’t slowing down anytime soon—and even Wall Street is taking notice.
→ See what it means for the industry
Angi plugs into ChatGPT—what it means for leads
Homeowners aren’t just Googling anymore. They’re asking ChatGPT what to fix and what it’ll cost. Angi’s new app lets users go from that question straight to connecting with a local Pro.
According to Angi, users who start with their AI Helper are 3x more likely to request a quote. If customers start with AI, some of those leads may get routed before they ever hit Google or your website.
→ See the full breakdown from HomePros
ENERGY STAR lives on
ENERGY STAR just got $33M in funding through September 2026, and it’s shifting from the EPA over to the Department of Energy.
For HVAC Pros, nothing changes where it counts: that blue label still helps close jobs and build trust with customers. You’ve got the green light to keep using it as a selling point.
→ Get the full update from ACHR News
Trades 40 Under 40—nominations are open
Know a Pro under 40 who’s absolutely crushing it? Trades 40 Under 40 recognizes the ones putting in the work, leading crews, and raising the bar across the U.S. and Canada.
Got someone in mind? Nominate them. Think it’s you? Throw your name in.
Nominations close April 30.
→ Nominate a Pro or apply yourself
Pro perks
- Academy Sports → Score $20 off select Wolverine work boots
- Home Depot → Buy Milwaukee tools and get a free M18 Lithium-Ion Battery Pack
- Acme Tools → Save $50 on select STIHL tools
Stay compliant
Getting ready for tax season? Start here
Taxes sneak up fast—especially when you’re busy running jobs. This quick tax guide breaks down the basics: what to track, how to set aside cash, and when to pay so you’re not scrambling later.
Recs
3 quick hits we’re into this week:
- Need a break?
Metallica’s taking over the Sphere in Vegas. Massive sound, wild visuals, and a solid excuse to get off the jobsite for a night. - Tiny bucket, big energy
Lowe’s dropped a mini teal bucket—the spring sequel to last year’s “tiny totes.” Perfect for loose nails, screws, or whatever’s rolling around your truck. - Plank or Shrimp?
Now that’s one way to change baseboard outlets. Not saying it’s the way.
Job size snapshot
How are tickets trending in the trades?
Watch this spot for how average job sizes compare to last year—what’s up, what’s down, and where the money’s moving.
Average job size change by industry:
- Carpet Cleaning: +4%
- Electrical: +1%
- Garage: +2%
- HVAC: +2%
- Landscaping & Lawn: +1%
- Plumbing: +8%
- Other: +3%
Job Size Snapshot looks at ticket size across key trades using data from Housecall Pro businesses. We compare the last 28 days to the same time last year to spot trends in job size. Data includes all payment types (credit card, ACH, loans, cash, etc.), excluding service agreements.
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