How the Trades Are Replacing College for Gen Z to Build Real Careers with Kyle Smith Part 1

In this episode of the HVAC Know It All Podcast, host Gary McCreadie talks with Kyle Smith, HVAC technician and account manager at MK Mechanical, LLC. Kyle shares insights about his new book "Grit, Grind, and Glory in the Trades", written to guide young people considering a future in the trades. He and Gary discuss the growing use of smart tools and predictive maintenance in HVAC, and whether these are being designed for a shrinking workforce. Kyle also talks about his own path in the industry, the decline of traditional college education, and why trades still offer a strong, hands-on career for the next generation.

In this episode, Kyle Smith shares why he wrote his book "Grit, Grind, and Glory in the Trades" to help young people understand what it is really like to work in HVAC and other trades. He explains how many skilled workers are retiring without passing down knowledge, and how new tools and AI are changing the job. Kyle and Gary talk about the future of the industry, including predictive maintenance and smart systems. They also discuss the decline of college as the only path to success and how the trades can be a great option for people who like to work with their hands and solve problems in the real world.

Expect to Learn:

• Why Kyle Smith wrote a book to guide new workers in the trades.

• How AI and smart tools are changing the HVAC industry.

• Why the trades are still a strong career path for hands-on learners.

• How predictive maintenance could shape the future of HVAC service.

• Why college is not the only way to build a successful and rewarding career.

 

Episode Highlights:

[00:00] - Intro to Kyle Smith in Part 1

[01:58] - Why He Wrote the Book: Bridging the Skills Gap

[03:21] - Are New Tools & AI Making Up for a Lack of Skill?

[05:26] - The Future: AI Diagnostics vs. Technician Know-How

[07:24] - Why Core Troubleshooting Skills Will Always Be Essential

[13:04] - Will Trade Promotion Actually Attract New People?

[19:24] - The Internet Economy vs. Hands-On Trades for the Next Generation

 

This Episode is Kindly Sponsored by:

Master: https://www.master.ca/

Cintas: https://www.cintas.com/

Cool Air Products: https://www.coolairproducts.net/

property.com: https://mccreadie.property.com

SupplyHouse: https://www.supplyhouse.com/tm
Use promo code HKIA5 to get 5% off your first order at Supplyhouse!

 

Follow the Guest Kyle Smith on:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kyle-smith-403b998a/

MK Mechanical, LLC: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mk-mechanical-llc/

 

Website: 

MK Mechanical, LLC: https://www.mk-mechanical.com/ 

 

Follow the Host:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gary-mccreadie-38217a77/

Website: https://www.hvacknowitall.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/HVAC-Know-It-All-2/61569643061429/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hvacknowitall1/