Sparky Life
On Your Construction Network the Sparky Life Podcast with Lia Lamela, every Thursday has remarkable stories and points of view from journeyman and woman who build the things that make our lives work! These lessons learned are not only valuable for those engaged in the skilled trades but frankly for all of us whether we use tools literally or figuratively in our daily lives. I share with you my electrical journey, experiences and insight through engaging banter with those I have met along the way. If you are interested in trade tales, an industry frought with excitement and risk subscribe and be notified every Thursday when trade tales continue. We build the world we want to live in. Let’s band together to create the sparks in our lives!
Sparky Life
This HVAC Cowboy Built His Own Empire – Here’s How
Get the best tools & supplies → www.supplyhouse.com/t-m - Use code SH5 for 5% off!
Welcome to another episode of The Sparky Life Podcast, where we shine a light on the real heroes of the skilled trades. In this raw and inspiring conversation, Lia sits down with Bobby Armstrong – an HVAC technician, entrepreneur, and all-around badass – who opens up about his wild ride through the trades, from childhood struggles to launching his own business.
We cover addiction, stereotypes, money management, and why the skilled trades deserve more respect. If you’ve ever thought about ditching the 9-5 to build something with your own hands — this episode is for you.
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💬 In This Episode:
• Bobby’s journey from rebellious teen to respected HVAC technician
• How the skilled trades helped him overcome addiction and find purpose
• What people get wrong about construction workers
• The hidden math and intelligence behind hands-on trades
• Money talk: how owning a business changed his life
• Breaking the cycle of toxic construction site culture
• Why tradespeople are the backbone of modern civilization
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⏱️ Timestamps:
0:00 – Intro: This might make you quit your desk job
0:36 – Meet Bobby: HVAC Indiana Jones
1:04 – Childhood, family, and finding the trades
6:10 – From substance abuse to success story
10:30 – Breaking blue-collar stereotypes
17:00 – Why trades = purpose + pride
24:30 – What people don’t get about tradespeople
28:42 – Financial freedom & launching an HVAC business
31:54 – Final thoughts + subscribe!
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🎧 Don’t Miss This If You’re:
• In the trades or considering a career in them
• Battling stereotypes or burnout
• Curious how real people build freedom through skilled work
• Ready to be inspired (or laugh at a pee bottle in the wall)
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📲 Stay Connected:
Instagram: @sparkylifeoflia
Facebook: The Sparky Life Podcast
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🛠️ Huge thanks to our sponsor: SupplyHouse
Get the best tools & supplies → supplyhouse.com/t-m
Use code SH5 for 5% off!
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🔍 Keywords:
hvac, construction podcast, trades career, electrician, skilled trades stories, quitting corporate, Bobby Armstrong, addiction recovery, trades entrepreneurship, blue collar jobs, women in trades, working class heroes, financial freedom, trades business, respect tradespeople, ditching 9-5
