Podcast
Commercial Grade
Hosted by BuildOps · EN
What makes a contractor commercial grade? It’s not the size of your crew or the trucks you drive - it’s how you show up when it matters. Hosted by RC Victorino, Commercial Grade goes behind the scenes with industry leaders, innovators, and experts shaping the future of commercial contracting. From leadership on the jobsite to game-changing tech in the back office, every episode delivers real stories and hard-earned lessons for contractors who take pride in building what others depend on. This is Commercial Grade. A podcast from BuildOps.
15episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Why “Tough It Out” Is Failing the Trades: Mental Health & Recovery with Josh Vitale (Project BUILT)
Jan 2100:47:00Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Commercial Grade, host RC Victorino sits down with Josh Vitale, founder of Project BUILT, to have an honest conversation about addiction, mental health, and what the trades are getting wrong—and right—when it comes to supporting their people.Josh grew up in the construction world and followed a familiar path many never talk about: high pressure, long hours, silence around mental health, and ultimately addiction. After hitting rock bottom, Josh chose recovery—and turned that experience into a mission to help others in the industry do the same.Together, RC and Josh unpack the cultural challenges that make mental health conversations difficult in the trades, the generational shifts happening on job sites, and why leadership plays a critical role in creating safer, healthier work environments. Josh explains how Project Built approaches mental health differently—through peer support, family retreats, crisis planning, and training leaders to recognize when someone needs help.This episode doesn’t sugarcoat the realities of the work—but it offers a real path forward for an industry built on strength that often forgets vulnerability.In this episode you’ll hear:Why stress and burnout are baked into many trade environmentsHow addiction quietly takes hold in the construction industryWhat hitting rock bottom taught Josh about recovery and leadershipWhy mental health support must involve families—not just workersHow Project Built is creating real-world solutions beyond awarenessThe role superintendents and leaders play in preventing crisesWhy younger generations are demanding changeWhat it takes to build a truly supportive job site cultureEpisode Timestamps:(00:00) Understanding the Stress in the Trades(00:31) Introduction to the Podcast and Guest(01:02) Josh Vitale’s Journey into the Trades(04:56) Challenges and Realizations in the Industry(07:45) Hitting Rock Bottom and Seeking Help(11:43) The Birth of Project Built(18:26) Scaling Project Built’s Impact(25:46) A Young Man’s Struggle and Asking for Help(26:04) Generational Differences in Mental Health(26:30) Challenges Facing Younger Trade Workers(29:04) The Role of Superintendents in Mental Health(29:43) Training Leaders to Support Their Teams(31:00) Creating a Supportive Work Environment(32:10) Judgment, Recovery, and Personal Reflection(37:40) Why Every Company Needs a Crisis Plan(40:00) Advice to a Younger Self(41:14) The Future of Mental Health in the Trades(42:17) Lightning Round: Personal Insights(45:45) Getting Involved with Project BuiltLinks & Resources:RC’s LinkedInJosh Vitale on LinkedInLearn more about Project BuiltLearn more at BuildOps.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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The Trades Don’t Run on Hype: Karly Rolls Hoehn on People, Work, and Standards
Jan 700:49:55Tap to summarizeIn 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 styleWhat “people first” looks like when quality and accountability matterWhy apprenticeships are non-negotiable for the future workforceWhat AI really means for skilled labor—and how leaders should approach itThe reality of hard work in the trades—and why it’s worth itHow women are raising the bar across the industryWhy 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 LinkedInKarly’s LinkedInLearn more about Rolls MechanicalLearn more about BuildOps Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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Youth in the Trades: Henry Kneeland on Finding His Place in HVAC
Dec 1700:45:54Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Commercial Grade, RC Victorino sits down with Henry Kneeland of Carolina Chillers — a young HVAC apprentice and rising technician — to explore what draws the next generation to mechanical contracting and what keeps them engaged.Henry’s story underscores the power of mentorship, early exposure, and hands-on training. From discovering HVAC in high school shop classes to working full-time while continuing his education, Henry offers a candid look at the opportunities and obstacles facing young workers today.In this episode you’ll hear:How early mentors and instructors can change a career pathWhy hands-on learning resonates more than traditional classroom modelsWhat today’s students are thinking about career stability and earning potentialWhy the labor gap persists — and what might actually help close itHow technology is shaping the work of modern HVAC techniciansWhat employers can do to attract and retain young talentHenry’s advice for teens exploring their optionsTake an honest, energetic look at the next generation of skilled trades professionals — from someone living it right now.Henry Kneeland is an HVAC apprentice and technician with Carolina Chillers. Introduced to the trades during high school, Henry quickly found passion and purpose in hands-on mechanical work. Today he balances full-time HVAC fieldwork with continued education, developing expertise in refrigeration, chillers, and modern HVAC technologies.Henry is a strong advocate for mentorship and early exposure to the trades, often sharing his journey to help more young people see the opportunities available in mechanical contracting and skilled labor. Episode Timestamps:(00:00) Introduction to the Trades(00:23) Meet Henry Neland: HVAC Service Tech(01:10) Henry's Journey into the Trades(02:05) The Importance of Mentorship(02:53) High School Experiences and Career Decisions(07:46) Choosing HVAC: A Process of Elimination(10:18) Balancing Work and Education(13:46) The Value of Hands-On Learning(19:37) The Future of Trades and Attracting New Talent(23:19) Challenges in Promoting Trades in Schools(24:12) Increasing Exposure to Trades for Younger Students(28:06) The Importance of Mentorship in Trades(32:51) Experience and Training at Carolina Chiller(37:15) Embracing Technology in the Trades(39:23) Advice for the Younger Generation(40:57) Lightning Round: Tools, Gadgets, and Misconceptions(44:32) Attracting the Next Generation to the Trades(45:22) Conclusion and Final Thoughts Links & Resources:RC’s LinkedInHenry’s LinkedInLearn more about Carolina Chillers Learn more at BuildOps.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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Leading by Example: Angie Simon on Empowering Women in the Industry
Dec 400:46:16Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Commercial Grade, host RC Victorino sits down with Angie Simon — past President and CEO of Western Allied Mechanical, and the driving force behind Heavy Metal Summer Experience — to explore what it takes to lead, inspire, and reshape an industry.From her early days as one of the few female project managers in HVAC to spearheading national initiatives for workforce development and diversity, Angie has spent her career making the trades more inclusive and accessible.Find out what it was like entering the industry as a young woman, why inclusivity is essential for the future of construction, and how technology is reshaping mechanical contracting.Angie Simon is the Co-founder and President of Heavy Metal Summer Experience, a nationwide program introducing high school students to rewarding careers in the skilled trades. She is also the past President and CEO of Western Allied Mechanical, where she spent decades championing innovation, safety, and leadership development.Angie currently leads multiple national initiatives focused on workforce development and inclusivity, including SMACNA’s Be4All program. A recognized industry leader, she continues to mentor young professionals, advocate for women in construction, and build pathways for the future workforce. Episode Timestamps:(00:00) Introduction and Safety Culture Evolution(00:20) Meet Angie Simon: Trailblazer in the Trades(02:01) Angie’s Journey into the Trades(04:16) Falling in Love with HVAC(12:39) Challenges and Triumphs as a Female Project Manager(20:18) The Importance of Inclusivity in Construction(24:06) Promoting Inclusiveness in the Workplace(24:41) Initiatives for a Diverse Workforce(26:17) Heavy Metal Summer Experience(28:46) Impact Stories from the Camps(31:53) Challenges and Changes in Education(36:11) Technological Advancements in Construction(38:43) Growth and Future of the Camps(40:12) Personal Reflections and Advice(41:45) Lightning Round: Quick Insights(45:34) Conclusion and Final ThoughtsLinks & Resources:RC’s LinkedInAngie’s LinkedInLearn more about Heavy Metal Summer ExperienceLearn more about Western Allied MechanicalLearn more about SMACNA’s Be4All ProgramLearn more at BuildOps.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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Futureproof: Greg Crumpton on Building the Next Generation of the Trades
Nov 1300:44:11Tap to summarizeBefore there were algorithms, there were hands.In this first episode of Commercial Grade, host RC Victorino sits down with Greg Crumpton, VP at Service Logic, to talk about what it means to futureproof the trades.Greg grew up learning HVAC from his dad — long before anyone called it “mission-critical infrastructure.” From apprentice to company owner to executive, he’s spent his career keeping buildings running and people working. But he’s never stopped learning.Now, he’s investing in startups that bring AI and digital tools into the same trade his father taught him. The conversation covers:How to rebuild respect for the trades in a white-collar worldWhy mentorship and education matter more than everWhat AI really means for hands-on workHow to keep skilled labor alive as demand growsIt’s a conversation about curiosity, craftsmanship, and the people determined to keep this work moving forward.About the Guest:Greg Crumpton is the Vice President of Service Logic, North America’s largest privately held HVAC and mechanical services company. With more than 40 years in the field, Greg combines hands-on expertise with a forward-looking view of technology and leadership.He’s also an investor and advisor to companies like Atom Power and Gravity Driven Technologies, helping bridge the gap between old-school know-how and new-school innovation. A lifelong advocate for education and mentorship, Greg supports initiatives like Bring Back the Trades and Nomad Futurist, focused on preparing the next generation to lead.Episode Timestamps: (00:00) Introduction and Guest Welcome(00:54) Greg Crumpton's Early Life and Entry into Trades(02:33) Learning and Growing in the Trades(05:22) Building a Career and Personal Reflections(10:58) The Importance of Trade Education(14:40) Challenges and Opportunities in the Trades(21:04) The Role of AI and Future of Work(23:09) AI's Impact on the Trades(23:53) Modular Data Centers in South Carolina(24:42) The Growing Demand for Skilled Trades(26:32) Encouraging Diversity in the Trades(27:13) A Personal Story of Entering the Trades(35:14) The Importance of Retention and Generational Differences(40:43) Lightning Round: Future, Tools, and MisconceptionsLinks & Resources:RC’s LinkedInGreg’s LinkedIn Learn more at ServiceLogic.comLearn more at BuildOps.comOur Sponsor: Commercial contractors are building America. BuildOps gives them the system to stay ahead — from dispatch to final invoice. One platform keeps every job moving with the insight to see it, the foresight to plan it and the power to act fast. 'Because with work this critical, you need a platform you can trust. BuildOps, mission control for commercial contractors. Visit buildops.com to learn more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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