Podcast: Blue is the New White w/ Josh Zolin & Mark Padgett

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Career Growth and Opportunity in the Skilled Trades

In Blue is the New White, host Josh Zolin speaks with Mark Padgett, Account Executive at XOi Technologies, about his personal and professional journey through the skilled trades. Mark shares how he began his career as an HVAC apprentice, later explored other paths, and ultimately returned to the trades where he built a long-term career. The conversation highlights the breadth of opportunity available within the skilled trades, from technical field roles to leadership and industry-focused positions. Mark reflects on how his experiences shaped his appreciation for the industry and how he now contributes to supporting and advancing the field he is passionate about.

Service

Recruiting & Retention

Published On

September 2019

Hosts

Josh Zolin

Duration

minutes

What you’ll discover

Blue-collar leadership done right

Josh Zolin discusses leadership values that drive better outcomes in blue-collar businesses.

Leadership is a cultural statement

Leadership behavior shapes how teams operate and how work gets done across the organization.

Blue collar deserves white glove respect

This episode highlights the value and recognition skilled trades professionals deserve.

Better culture, better retention

Technicians stay where they feel supported and equipped to do their job well.

Watch now

Exploring Careers and Opportunities in the Skilled Trades

In this episode of Josh Zolin’s “Blue is the New White,” he sat down with Mark Padgett, an Account Executive here at XOi Technologies.

Mark is a family man and an extreme advocate of the skilled trades. He started his career as an HVAC technician apprentice and then decided to pursue a degree in Theology to become a pastor.

Ultimately, he concluded that a career in the trades was what he wanted in life. He worked his way up through the ranks and explored many of the trajectories available in the industry until he ultimately landed in a position that serves the industry that he loves so much in ways he never thought possible.