In this episode of Commercial Grade, host RC Victorino talks with Karly Rolls Hoehn, Vice President of Rolls Mechanical, about leadership that actually holds up in the field.

Karly grew up in the trades and now helps lead a family-owned mechanical contractor through its next chapter. She breaks down what “people first” really means when the work is hard, margins are tight, and quality still matters.

From embracing social media and marketing to implementing new technologies and exploring AI, she offers an honest look at how leaders can attract talent, maintain quality, and adapt without losing the human side of the work.

RC and Karly dig into the realities of hard work in the trades, the importance of apprenticeships, and why human connection still matters most—even as technology accelerates. They also talk candidly about succession planning, women in the trades, and the powerful role the trades play in strengthening local communities.

In this episode you’ll hear:

How growing up in the trades shaped Karly’s leadership style
What “people first” looks like when quality and accountability matter
Why apprenticeships are non-negotiable for the future workforce
What AI really means for skilled labor—and how leaders should approach it
The reality of hard work in the trades—and why it’s worth it
How women are raising the bar across the industry
Why human connection will always be the foundation of the trades

About the Guest:
Karly Rolls Hoehn is the Vice President of Rolls Mechanical, where she brings a people-first, high-energy approach to leadership in the skilled trades. Raised in the industry, Karly blends deep respect for craftsmanship with modern marketing, emerging technology, and strong quality control standards. She is a passionate advocate for apprenticeships, workforce development, and supporting women in the trades while helping lead a family-owned business into its next chapter.

Episode Timestamps:

(00:00) Introduction to the Podcast

(00:17) Meet Karly Rolls Hoehn

(00:43) An Eventful Year

(01:51) The Honey Moose Honeymoon

(02:57) Karly’s Trade Story

(03:15) Growing Up in the Trades

(04:04) Joining the Family Business

(04:23) The Importance of Skilled Trades

(06:00) High Energy and Passion for the Industry

(07:12) Family Dynamics and Career Choices

(08:22) Succession Planning and Leadership

(12:24) Embracing Social Media and Marketing

(15:16) Marketing Strategies and Team Involvement

(17:57) Attracting Talent and Industry Impact

(20:28) Leadership and Common-Sense Marketing

(21:29) Top Workplace Recognition

(22:37) The Role of AI in the Trades

(24:27) Coaching AI: The “Easy Button” for Leaders

(25:22) AI’s Practical Role in the Trades

(26:18) The Reality of Skilled Trades

(31:36) The Importance of Apprenticeships

(35:22) Women in the Skilled Trades

(47:11) The Future of the Skilled Trades

Links & Resources:

RC’s LinkedIn
Karly’s LinkedIn
Learn more about Rolls Mechanical
Learn more about BuildOps

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The Trades Don’t Run on Hype: Karly Rolls Hoehn on People, Work, and Standards