Ep 22: From Prison to Leading an HVAC Company | The Power of Second Chances with Brad Henderson

In this episode of Skilled AF, we sit down with Bradley Henderson, Operations Leader at Bay Climate Control & Refrigeration and Founder of Plumb Line Operations, to explore one of the most powerful comeback stories in the skilled trades. Brad's path wasn't conventional. After battling opioid addiction, serving time in prison, and losing nearly everything, he made a decision that changed the course of his life. Today, he leads operations for a growing HVAC company while building a mission-driven organization focused on helping people with criminal records rebuild their lives through careers in the skilled trades. This episode explores what it really means to earn a second chance, and why giving someone that opportunity doesn't just change one life – it changes the people around them's life and can strengthen an entire industry.

In This Episode:

>Brad's journey from addiction and incarceration to executive leadership

>How prison became the turning point that changed his life

>The opioid epidemic and addiction in the construction industry

>Why accountability became the foundation of his recovery

>The mentors who helped him rebuild his life

>Why consistency matters more than talent

>Building Plumb Line Operations and creating opportunities for second-chance workers

>Why the skilled trades need to rethink hiring people with criminal records

>The workforce shortage and an overlooked talent pipeline

>Leadership, operational excellence, and creating systems that help people succeed

>What employers can learn about giving people a genuine second chance

Guest info:

Bradley Henderson

Project Manager for Bay Climate Control & Refrigeration | Founder, of Plumb Line Operations

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Founder, Amanda Luchetti; ✉️: amanda@theskilledproject.com

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