Dave Grulke, better known in Milwaukee as Big Dave, landed in the skilled trades after a challenging period of unemployment. Dave tells host Angie Hicks, the Co-Founder of Angi, about his inspiring “rubble to riches” story, by “trading up” to a successful remodeling business, sharing solid advice and specific “how-to’s” around starting a new career in the trades.

Big Dave’s was born out of some DIY experience and a love of home renovation. Despite the risky move of starting his own business after his layoff, Dave's determination ultimately paid off. Hear about the milestones of his on-the-job education, the influence of partnerships with other contractors, and the crucial role trade associations played in his business's growth.

He also learned to pivot again, narrowing his focus to kitchen and bathroom remodeling, and the part Angi (then Angie's List) played in this specialization. Dave explains the importance of collaborating with trusted subcontractors and how he worked to find the perfect team. He even talks about what homeowners themselves should understand when starting a remodeling job.

Finally, when Angie asks him to answer a listener’s question with a Trade Up Tip, Dave’s decades of experience kicks in. Hear why he says that if you’re thinking about it, then just “start!” – and how to do just that.

Trade Up's latest podcast episode, "Concrete Dreams: From Apprentice to Industry Leader" is the inspiring story of Matt DiBara, a fourth-generation mason. Matt tells Trade Up host, Angie Hicks, about his journey – from a fascination with the construction world at an early age (even the celebratory moment he pulled on his first steel-toed boots at age 9!), how he was nurtured as the fourth generation of an Italian immigrant family business, to the starts and stops and ultimate success in building his own business (yes, with some smart marketing moves he made on then Angie’s List to being a top pro on Angi today!)

The two discuss Matt's formative years and the confidence he gained via SkillsUSA, a youth organization instrumental in developing skills. Winning a SkillsUSA competition validated his abilities outside of his family's encouragement, motivating him to try for entrepreneurial experience in California. His side ventures – including “The Undercover Contractor” which helps homeowners prevail -- are a testament to his commitment to improving the homeowner-contractor relationship and exhibits the enormous entrepreneurial potential within the skilled trades.

But Matt talks candidly about the labor shortage in the construction industry, sharing his personal struggles with hiring skilled tradespeople and the innovative solutions he developed to overcome them. This led to another side venture -- a unique recruitment model and educational consultancy that helps firms hire and retain good skilled workers.

"The challenge in the trades isn't about the work itself, but about finding the right people. I realized that if I wanted to overcome this, I needed to think outside the box."

Listen to this episode to hear how Matt built a thriving business — and why he encourages others to appreciate the skilled trades...and let's continue to celebrate those who build, repair, and maintain our homes. Join the conversation at Angie.com/tradeup and share your own experiences in the trades.

Join the conversation at Angi.com/tradeup and share your own experiences in the trades. Let's continue to uplift the stories of those who build, repair, and maintain our homes.

When Vinnie Curcie went from crunching numbers in finance to climbing roofs in construction, he was stepping into more than just a career change; he ultimately was fueling a revolution for homeowners and the planet alike when he discovered a passion for solar energy. Now the CEO of OC Solar, Vinnie shares with Angi Co-founder, Angie Hicks, the story of his own company's rise. Hear how it was sparked, in part, by the 2009 economic downturn, about his dedication to environmental stewardship, and the tangible homeowner savings on energy costs that have become a trademark of his work.

Angie's conversation with Vinnie is a reminder of the opportunities the skilled trades present, not just in the satisfaction of building solar paneled roofs, but in constructing long-lasting relationships and community ties. Listen along as Vinnie sheds light on the importance of energy-efficient practices for homeowners, and just why the future looks radiant for joining the skilled trades, whether in Southern California like Vinnie, or anywhere.

Listen now on angi.com/tradeup or catch the episode on YouTube.