Growing Up in the Trades

The trades don’t struggle because people don’t care. They struggle when leadership doesn’t match the reality of the work.

In this episode of Commercial Grade, host RC Victorino sits down with Karly Rolls Hoehn, Vice President of Rolls Mechanical, to talk about what durable leadership actually looks like inside a family-owned company in the trades.

Karly grew up around HVAC, often riding along with her dad to job sites before she realized how unusual that experience was. That early exposure shaped how she sees the industry today—one that touches daily life but often goes unnoticed. As she puts it, “people don’t ask and think about things like, how did this get here?”

The Hiring Reality

Now helping lead Rolls Mechanical into its next chapter, Karly is candid about the hiring realities contractors face. She challenges the habit of waiting for a perfect candidate: “I’m looking for a five plus year experience, journeyman technician… yeah, well, they’re not available.” Instead, she makes the case for apprenticeships and on-the-job training as the only sustainable way to build teams. “You have to give people a chance.” 

The conversation also tackles common misconceptions about the work itself. “HGTV is the worst thing that’s ever happened to the skilled trades,” Karly jokes, pointing to how the physical and mental demands of the job are often glossed over.

Telling the Story of the Work

After decades without formal marketing, Rolls Mechanical began sharing its story more publicly—not to chase attention, but to spotlight the work and the people behind it. Karly explains that much of the best work in the trades happens out of sight, and marketing is a way to make that effort visible. By showing real jobs, real teams, and real environments, the company builds trust with both customers and future employees.

Technology Without Losing the Human Side

When the discussion turns to technology and AI, Karly is certain about one thing: tools should support people, not replace them. She warns against what she calls “easy button leaders”—those looking for shortcuts instead of better coaching and communication.

People Are the Business

Throughout the episode, one idea stays constant: people are the business. Or, as Karly says plainly, “the contract isn’t worth the paper it’s written on if we don’t have the team to do the work.”

Want to catch the full episode? Check out Commercial Grade on Spotify, Youtube, and Apple Podcasts.