The Trade Life by Projekt Network is a show about the real work, real pressure, and real satisfaction of building a career in the skilled trades. Host Ian MacFayden sits down with tradespeople, business owners, apprentices, and industry voices to unpack the stories, decisions, and lessons that shape life on the tools and in the office.
From starting out as an apprentice, to running your first crew, to pricing jobs, managing clients, navigating burnout, hiring talent, and scaling a business — this show goes beyond surface-level advice and gets into the realities of the trade world as it actually is.
If you’re in the trades, hiring trades, or building something of your own, The Trade Life gives you the conversations and perspectives that help you level up.
A Projekt Network Original.
The Trade Life by Projekt Network is a show about the real work, real pressure, and real satisfaction of building a career in the skilled trades. Host Ian MacFayden sits down with tradespeople, business owners, apprentices, and industry voices to unpack the stories, decisions, and lessons that shape life on the tools and in the office.
From starting out as an apprentice, to running your first crew, to pricing jobs, managing clients, navigating burnout, hiring talent, and scaling a business — this show goes beyond surface-level advice and gets into the realities of the trade world as it actually is.
If you’re in the trades, hiring trades, or building something of your own, The Trade Life gives you the conversations and perspectives that help you level up.
A Projekt Network Original.

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Summary
In the inaugural episode of The Trade Life podcast, Ian MacFayden and Aaron Miller share their journey in the trades, discussing the challenges and realities of starting and running a construction business. They emphasize the importance of open conversations, mentorship, and community within the trades, while also outlining future podcast topics that will delve deeper into various aspects of the industry. In this conversation, Ian MacFayden and Aaron discuss their journey in the construction and renovation industry, starting from their first house flip to building a successful company. They share insights on the challenges they faced, the importance of mentorship, the hustle of balancing work and renovation, and the lessons learned from mistakes. They emphasize the significance of building a strong team, financial management, and differentiating themselves in the market through building science and green practices.