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Trades stories hit TV, Milwaukee levels up blades, and Mike Rowe fires back at a bad plumber joke. Plus—new OSHA resources, fresh gear deals, and one Pro who’s raising the standard of top-tier service.
P.S. It’s National Careers in the Trades Week—know a top Pro under 40? Nominate them.
Table of contents
Industry news
Trades hit TV with new documentary
Building Back America’s Trades premieres this Saturday, April 11 at 10 a.m. ET/PT on Magnolia Network. The three-part series follows veterans, women, and career switchers rebuilding their lives through hands-on work. Backed by the Lowe’s Foundation, it’s part of a bigger push to spotlight the trades as an in-demand career path, plus show a look at the real people behind the tools.
Milwaukee drops a tougher blade
The new AX™ SAWZALL® blade is built for one thing: chewing through nail-loaded wood without slowing down. It’s up to 2X longer life vs. standard carbide blades, thanks to a NAILGUARD™ design that rips through nails instead of wrecking teeth.
Fewer swaps, cleaner cuts—grab it when it drops later this month.
Mike Rowe fires back at Kimmel “plumber” joke
After late-night TV host Jimmy Kimmel joked about a former plumber running Homeland Security, Dirty Jobs host and trades advocate Mike Rowe pushed back.
“I am a tad butt hurt by the suggestion that skilled workers should never evolve into something new, and that competence is somehow limited to one vocation,” wrote Rowe. “Is that not the embodiment of the American Dream?”
Raising the bar, one job at a time
It’s National Careers in Trades Week and we’re celebrating the Pros redefining what it means to work in the trades.
Angel G., owner of Intouch Servi Corporation in Orlando, FL, built his business on something simple: the idea that customers deserve to understand what’s happening in their own homes.
“Over time, I realized that my real value isn’t just repairing something—it’s giving the customer peace of mind,” Angel said.
That belief shows up in every job. Detailed inspections. Photos. Clear notes. Bilingual communication when it matters most. “Every job is treated as if it were my own asset,” he said.
Got a Pro we should feature next? Tell us more.
Pro perks
- Home Depot → Score $200 off a Milwaukee M18 Cordless Hammer Drill Combo Kit.
- Truewerk → Sign up for emails and texts and score 15% off.
- Academy Sports → Save 30% on select Caterpillar workboots.
Scribbling estimates on the back of a receipt? Grab this free estimate template and send clean, clear quotes—every time. Free download.
Stay compliant
More support, same rulebook
OSHA Cares is a new push to make inspections more collaborative. Think: more guidance, more resources, and real-time advice when they’re on-site.
What’s changing:
- More access to OSHA experts + compliance help
- New training + resources to fix issues
What’s not:
- OSHA can still fine you
- Rules didn’t get easier—just easier to understand
Recs
3 picks worth the click
A few issues back, we told you to try this. Michael R. of Plumbing Detectives SWFL took us up on it. ChatGPT turned his day job into a full-blown brand mascot.
- Turn yourself into a cartoon → Tell ChatGPT, “Create a caricature of me and my job based on everything you know about me.” Then see what it really thinks.
- Know a standout Pro under 40? → Trades 40 Under 40 is spotlighting the next generation of Pros making moves—owners, techs, and leaders pushing the industry forward.
- World Cup + $10K in tools? → Score match tickets, travel, and a $10,000 Home Depot gift card to load up on gear. Enter by 4/22.
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.
| Industry | Average job size % change |
| Carpet Cleaning | +5% |
| Electrical | +2% |
| Garage | +8% |
| General Contractor | +4% |
| HVAC | +2% |
| Landscaping & Lawn | +1% |
| Plumbing | +6% |
| Other | +4% |
This chart tracks average revenue per job across key trades using data from Housecall Pro businesses. We compare the past 28 days to the same period 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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