In this episode of The Trades Podcast, hosts Jeff Mudd and Danny Torres interview the inventor of the EZ Measurement Trainer, John Gaddis, a game-changing tool designed to make learning tape measure reading faster, easier, and more effective for tradespeople at every level.

The conversation dives into the real-world challenges of teaching and learning one of the most fundamental skills in construction: accurate measuring. The inventor shares the origin story behind the product, the education gaps it’s designed to close, and how it's being used in trade schools, apprenticeship programs, and even job sites across the country.

Whether you're a trainer, a business owner, or someone new to the trades, this episode is packed with practical insights and an inspiring reminder that innovation doesn’t have to be high-tech to be high-impact.

Why tape measure reading is often a barrier for new tradespeople

How the EZ Measurement Trainer bridges the gap between classroom theory and hands-on skills

The inventor’s journey from idea to product to industry adoption

How trade educators and employers are using the tool to speed up training

Why better fundamentals lead to fewer mistakes and greater job site efficiency

EZ Measurement Trainer Inventor- John Gaddis – A trades professional and educator passionate about empowering the next generation of skilled workers through simple, smart innovations that solve real problems in the field.

Learn more: EZMeasurementTrainer.com

Contact for training and bulk orders: info@ezmeasurementtrainer.com

More trade industry interviews: TheTradesPodcast.com

In this powerful episode of The Trades Podcast, hosts Jeff Mudd and Danny Torres sit down with Curtis Hemmeler, Executive Director of the RV Technical Institute (RVTI), to talk about the critical need for skilled labor in one of the fastest-growing industries in the country—the recreational vehicle (RV) industry.

Curtis shares how RVTI is tackling the national technician shortage head-on through hands-on, accessible training programs designed to upskill the workforce and open doors to high-demand, high-reward careers. He also explores how RVTI collaborates with schools, dealers, and employers to modernize workforce development, and how business owners in the trades can tap into the opportunities in this $140+ billion industry.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone in the trades looking to expand, evolve, or explore a new pathway forward.

Why the RV industry is booming—and why it needs more technicians now

How RVTI’s training model is reshaping workforce development

What business owners and trade professionals can learn from RVTI’s scalable approach

How tradespeople can transition into or partner with the RV sector

The broader impact of vocational education on solving labor shortages across industries

Curtis Hemmeler is the Executive Director of the RV Technical Institute and a national leader in workforce development and technical education. With a background in aviation maintenance training and nonprofit leadership, Curtis brings a strategic, scalable approach to building talent pipelines across industries.

Learn more about the RV Technical Institute: RVTI.org

Connect with Curtis Hemmeler and his team: RVTI Staff Page

More interviews and insights for the skilled trades: TheTradesPodcast.com

In this insightful episode of The Trades Podcast, we sit down with Sara Graves, Chief Editor of Deck Specialist, the premier trade publication spotlighting innovation, craftsmanship, and community in the decking and outdoor living industry.

Sara opens up about her editorial journey, the evolution of deck design, and the role Deck Specialist plays in elevating the voice of trades professionals. From the latest material trends to the stories that fuel the passion behind the build, Sara offers a behind-the-scenes look at what makes the decking industry tick.

The editorial mission behind Deck Specialist and how it supports the decking trades

Emerging trends in outdoor living spaces and what pros should keep an eye on

Challenges and opportunities for builders in 2025

How storytelling and editorial exposure can elevate tradespeople and their businesses

Why community and craftsmanship are more vital than ever in the construction world

Sara Graves is the Chief Editor of Deck Specialist magazine, a niche publication dedicated to the professionals who design, build, and innovate in the world of outdoor living. With a career rooted in journalism and trade media, Sara brings a thoughtful, industry-connected perspective to every feature she curates.

Visit Deck Specialist Magazine

Connect with Sara and read her editorials: Sara Graves’ Author Page

Explore more interviews and insights at TheTradesPodcast.com