Trades Reference
Practical learning and reference for plumbers, electricians, and HVAC professionals
Parts guides, tools of the trade, trusted vendors, and lessons on the craft and business — built by a working tradesman, reviewed by real professionals.
Everything your trade needs
From diagnosis to business, all in one place.
Parts
Models, repair references, and material specs for your trade.
Tools of the Trade
The tools worth owning, picked for the work you actually do.
Vendors
Trusted manufacturer and supplier links, all in one place.
Building a Better You
Lessons on the craft, customers, and your career.
Building a Better You — Sample Lesson
Here's a glimpse at what members access:
From Plumbing
How to Choose a Good Company to Work For
Why This Matters Not every shop is worth working for, and the difference shows up in your paycheck, your skills, and how long you stay in the trade. Here's what to actually look at before you take a job, not just the hourly rate on the flyer. Pay and Daily Reality Pay structure — is it hourly, commission, or a mix? Ask how techs are actually paid on a normal week, not just the best-case number they lead with. How lea…
Lessons by section:
Servicing the Demand Call Customer
- Every In-Home Call Is Also a Sales Call
- How to Present What You Found (Without Sounding Like a Salesman)
- Selling the Value Behind the Price, Not Just the Price
- +1 more
Servicing the Maintenance Plan Customer
- What to Check on Every Maintenance Visit (Your Upsell Checklist)
- Selling the Annual Maintenance Plan Itself
- Renewing and Winning Back Maintenance Plan Members
- +1 more
Trade Skills
- Diagnosing a Leak Before You Start Repairs
- Sweating Copper Pipe the Right Way
- Working With PEX: Connections, Tools, and Common Mistakes
- +8 more
Company & Career
- How to Choose a Good Company to Work For
- Selling the Company, Not Just the Job
- Moving from Apprentice to Journeyman (and Beyond)
- +3 more
Office & Management
- Dispatching for Efficiency: Routing the Right Tech to the Right Call
- Handling a True Emergency Call at Dispatch
- The Receptionist's Role in the Customer's First Impression
- +5 more
"One place for the trade knowledge that actually matters."
That's why Trades Reference brings together parts guides, tool picks, trusted vendors, and real lessons on the craft and business — built by tradespeople, for tradespeople.
Read our full missionJobsite Essentials
OSHA Workplace Safety
Official U.S. Department of Labor resources on workplace safety, standards, worker rights, and training.
811 Before You Dig
Find your state's 811 center and call before any excavation. Essential for preventing underground utility strikes.
NIOSH - Workplace Safety
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health — research, recommendations, and resources for job site safety.
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Start learning
Unlock Building a Better You, browse your trade's hub, and build your own profile.
Ready to get better at your trade?
Create your account and unlock Building a Better You lessons — plus parts guides, vendor references, and a personalized dashboard for your trade.
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