August 2024

Cold plunges, popularized several years ago by Dutch extreme athlete Wim Hof, also known as “The Iceman,” are a way of intentionally exposing your body to controlled stress. This practice helps build resilience, preparing your body to better handle external stressors and the challenges of daily life. Cold plunges continue to attract those looking for natural methods to enhance both body and mind. While the idea of immersing yourself in icy water may sound daunting, the benefits are profound and offer a refreshing way to enhance your physical and mental well-being. From athletes to assemblers on a manufacturing shop floor, this practice can help speed up muscle recovery, boost your mood and energy naturally, and so much more. Here are just a few of the benefits you can experience after immersing yourself in frigid waters.

1.) Accelerated Muscle Recovery

One of the most well-known benefits of cold plunges is their ability to accelerate muscle recovery. After being on your feet all day, cold-water immersion can help reduce muscle soreness and inflammation. The cold constricts blood vessels, reducing swelling, and when you warm up afterward, your blood vessels dilate, promoting circulation and flushing out toxins from your muscles. This process benefits not only athletes but anyone who engages in strenuous muscle work, helping to alleviate delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) often felt after intense physical activity.

2.) Enhanced Circulation

Cold plunges can significantly enhance your circulation. When you immerse yourself in cold water, your body works harder to maintain its core temperature. This increased effort causes your heart to pump more efficiently, improving overall blood flow. Enhanced circulation delivers more oxygen and nutrients to your organs and muscles, leading to better overall health and increased energy levels.

3.) Improved Mental Clarity and Mood

The mental benefits of cold plunges are just as compelling as the physical ones. The shock of cold water can trigger a release of endorphins, the body’s natural “feel-good” hormones. This rush can elevate your mood, reduce stress, and provide a sense of mental clarity. Many people report feeling more focused and alert after a cold plunge, making it a great way to start your day or refresh your mind during a midday slump.

4.) Increased Resilience to Stress

Cold plunges can also help build mental resilience. Regular exposure to cold water teaches your body and mind to adapt to stress. The initial shock of the cold water is something that you learn to manage and even embrace over time. This adaptation can translate to other areas of life, helping you become more resilient to everyday stressors.

5.) Boosted Immune Function

Regular exposure to cold water can positively impact your immune system. Cold plunges stimulate the production of white blood cells and increase your body’s resistance to illness. Over time, this can lead to a stronger immune system, helping you fend off common colds and other infections. Some studies even suggest that cold exposure can improve your body’s response to stress, further bolstering your immune function.

6.) A Natural Energy Boost

If you’re looking for a natural way to boost your energy, a cold plunge might be the answer. The sudden jolt of cold water can wake up your entire system, providing a rush of adrenaline that can leave you feeling invigorated. This boost in energy can be a great alternative to caffeine, offering a natural way to start your day or recharge during a sluggish afternoon.

How to Incorporate Cold Plunges into Your Routine

Starting with cold plunges doesn’t require a lot of equipment or time. You can begin by simply turning your shower to cold for the last 30 seconds and gradually increase the duration as your body adapts. If you have access to a cold plunge pool, an icy lake, or can create an ice bath at home, aim to immerse yourself for 1-3 minutes at a time.

Conclusion

Cold plunges offer a wide range of benefits, from enhanced physical recovery to improved mental clarity and stress resilience. While it may take some time to get used to the chilly temperatures, the rewards are well worth the effort. Whether you’re looking to improve your body’s performance, boost your immune system, or simply feel more energized and focused, cold plunges are a powerful tool to add to your wellness routine. So, take the plunge—you might just find it to be the refresh you’ve been looking for.

A patent is a legal document granted by a sovereign authority to an inventor or inventors, giving them the right (for a set amount of time) to prevent others from making, using, or selling their invention. Legal jargon like that might make patents seem like a boring conversation topic, but patents are critical to protecting intellectual property around the world and are much more interesting than you may believe. Read on to learn ten of the most interesting facts about patents we’ve found to see what we mean!

The very first patent granted was given to Filippo Brunelleschi in Florence. Filippo created an invention and secured a patent for his creation. It was for a boat to move heavy loads of large marble slabs up the Arno River during the construction of the Florence cathedral, which began in 1296 and took 140 years to complete.
From 1790-1836, U.S. patents were initially held in the Blodget Hotel in Washington, D.C. In 1836, a fire in this office blazed, destroying what is believed to be 10,000 patent drawings and 7,000 patent models. Of these, 2,845 patents have been restored, with the inventor resubmitting the drawings to the patent office.
Mary Dixon Kies was the first woman to not only receive a U.S. patent under her own name but also the first woman to apply under her own name in 1809. This is a big deal since women were not legally allowed patent rights under their own names until the mid-1800s.
President Abraham Lincoln held Patent No. 6,469, which was for a device to “buoy vessels over shoals.” Although never put to use, he is the only president to hold a patent.
In 1903, Lizzie Magie patented an anti-capitalist game called “The Landlord’s Game” (U.S. patent No. 748,626). Thirty years later, Hasbro’s “Monopoly” was invented (based on Magie’s game) and received Patent No. 2,026,082.
A man named Shunpei Yamazaki in Japan holds the Guinness World Record for the most patents, at 11,353.
In 1882, Samuel S. Applegate received a patent for his “Device For Waking Persons From Sleep.” This device connected a wall-mounted alarm clock to a wooden frame. On the frame were suspended wooden blocks, which were placed directly above the sleeper’s head. When the alarm rang, the frame would drop, causing the blocks to hit the person in the face. Applegate himself admitted in his patent application that “these cause pain.”
The IBM Simon Personal Communicator (SPC) is considered the first smartphone and was released to consumers in 1994.
In June 2024, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office issued its 12 millionth patent.
As of 2023, the University of California held over 12,700 patents, more than any other university in the world. Close behind was the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), and in third place was the University of Texas system.

These facts prove that the topic of patents is far from boring. But we have more to share! If you have an invention that you want to patent, start with the Inventors Assistance Center of the United States Patent and Trademark Office (opens in a new tab). Want to learn more interesting facts? Then check out our previous blogs (opens in a new tab). And, if you have some interesting facts of your own, send them to our Writing Team. We might make a blog out of them next!

Recent reports from the Federal Reserve paint a concerning picture of the U.S. job market. Employment levels are not just stagnating; they’re declining in key sectors. Alongside this, there’s growing dissatisfaction among workers, particularly regarding pay. More individuals are seeking new opportunities, driven by the desire for better compensation and work-life balance. These factors contribute to a volatile labor market where businesses are struggling to maintain a stable and skilled workforce.

The Challenges Facing Employers

For businesses, the current landscape presents several challenges:

Labor Shortages: With declining employment levels, finding skilled workers to fill essential roles has become increasingly difficult. The competition for talent is fierce, and traditional hiring methods are no longer sufficient.
Increased Turnover: As dissatisfaction with pay and job conditions grows, companies are seeing higher turnover rates. This not only disrupts operations but also increases the costs associated with hiring and training new employees.
Operational Efficiency: Maintaining operational efficiency is harder than ever. With fewer workers available and those in place potentially less engaged, businesses are facing productivity declines and difficulties in meeting demand.

Why FlexTrades is the Solution

In this challenging environment, FlexTrades stands out as a vital partner for businesses looking to navigate the complexities of the current job market. Here’s how FlexTrades can help:

On-Demand Skilled Labor: FlexTrades specializes in providing on-demand access to a vast pool of skilled tradespeople and manufacturing talent. Whether you need welders, machinists, electricians, or other specialized roles, FlexTrades can rapidly deploy the right professionals to meet your needs.
Flexibility and Scalability: Unlike traditional workforce management models, FlexTrades offers unparalleled flexibility. You can scale your workforce up or down based on production needs, helping you manage labor costs more effectively. This adaptability is crucial in a market where labor availability can fluctuate.
Quality Assurance: FlexTrades doesn’t just provide workers; it provides top-tier professionals who have been thoroughly vetted and possess the expertise to excel in their roles. This ensures that your operations continue to run smoothly, even in the face of broader labor market challenges.
Retention and Stability: By partnering with FlexTrades, businesses can reduce turnover and maintain a more stable workforce. FlexTrades’ professionals are committed to their craft, and their focus on quality work means they are less likely to contribute to the dissatisfaction and turnover seen elsewhere in the job market.

The Path Forward

As the U.S. job market continues to evolve, businesses must adapt to survive and thrive. The challenges of today — labor shortages, increased turnover, and operational inefficiencies — require innovative solutions. FlexTrades offers exactly that — a reliable, flexible, and skilled workforce that can meet the demands of modern industry.

By partnering with FlexTrades, businesses can not only weather the current storm but also position themselves for long-term success. In a world where the only constant is change, FlexTrades provides the stability and expertise necessary to keep your business moving forward.

Contact our team today to learn more or to schedule a free consultation.

Imagine this: It’s the middle of a critical production run, and suddenly, one of your key machines goes down. You’ve got orders piling up, deadlines looming, and a workforce already stretched to its limits. In that moment, panic sets in — how will you get everything back on track without the skilled labor needed to fix the problem?

This scenario is all too common in the manufacturing world today, where labor shortages can disrupt operations and threaten profitability. But what if there was a way to prevent this? What if you could have a team of highly skilled tradespeople at your fingertips, ready to step in at a moment’s notice? That’s exactly where FlexTrades comes into play.

The FlexTrades Advantage

1. Immediate Access to Skilled Talent

When production deadlines loom and your current workforce is stretched thin, the last thing you need is a lengthy hiring process. FlexTrades provides immediate access to a vast network of skilled tradespeople. Whether you need welders, machinists, electricians, or other specialized roles, FlexTrades can rapidly deploy the right talent to keep your operations running smoothly.

2. Cost-Effective Workforce Solutions

Hiring full-time employees comes with significant overhead costs, including benefits, training, and administrative expenses. FlexTrades offers a more cost-effective solution by providing highly skilled workers on an as-needed basis. This flexibility allows you to scale your workforce up or down according to production demands, helping you manage labor costs more effectively.

3. Quality You Can Trust

With FlexTrades, you’re not just getting any worker — you’re getting top-tier professionals who have been thoroughly vetted and possess the expertise needed to excel in your industry. Our tradespeople are experienced, reliable, and ready to contribute from day one, ensuring that your production lines remain efficient and productive.

4. Minimized Downtime

In manufacturing, downtime can be costly. When critical roles go unfilled due to labor shortages, production slows down, and revenue can take a hit. FlexTrades helps you avoid these pitfalls by providing skilled workers who can step in quickly and seamlessly. With our on-demand talent pool, you can minimize downtime and keep your operations running at full capacity.

5. Tailored to Your Needs

Every manufacturing operation is unique, and so are its labor requirements. FlexTrades works closely with you to understand your specific needs and match you with the right talent. Whether you’re dealing with seasonal surges, unexpected vacancies, or specialized project requirements, FlexTrades provides a customized workforce solution that aligns with your goals.

Why Choose FlexTrades?

The answer is simple: FlexTrades offers unparalleled flexibility, quality, and cost-effectiveness in workforce management. By partnering with us, you gain a strategic advantage, ensuring that your manufacturing operations remain resilient in the face of labor challenges.

Ready to Solve Your Labor Challenges?

Don’t let labor shortages hold your business back. FlexTrades is here to provide the skilled workforce you need, exactly when you need it. Contact us today to learn more about how our on-demand talent solutions can help you maintain productivity and stay ahead of the competition.

Grab your coffee, put on your hard hat (or maybe just your reading glasses), and let’s dive into a day that’s all about celebrating the people who quite literally build our world. Yes, we’re talking about National Tradesmen Day, which falls on Friday, September 20th this year. At FlexTrades, this day is extra special because skilled tradespeople aren’t just a part of our business… they are our business. Without them, the gears of industry would grind to a halt, and we’d all be in a world of hurt.

The Heartbeat of American Industry

Let’s get real for a second. When you flip on a light switch, drive across a bridge, or even sit down on a chair, do you ever stop to think about the folks who made that possible? Those are the skilled tradespeople — electricians, welders, machinists, carpenters — who work tirelessly behind the scenes to keep everything running smoothly. They’re the ones who show up, rain or shine, to do the jobs that most of us wouldn’t even know where to start.

At FlexTrades, we’ve had the pleasure of working with some of the best in the business. These men and women are more than just workers; they’re artisans, engineers, problem-solvers, and innovators. And on National Tradesmen Day, we’re throwing every ounce of “proverbial confetti” we have in their honor.

The Coolest Facts About Skilled Trades (That You Didn’t Know)

Fun Fact #1: By 2028, skilled trades jobs are expected to grow by 10%. That means there’s never been a better time to be in the trades!
Fun Fact #2: The Hoover Dam, a modern marvel, was built by over 21,000 tradespeople who braved blistering desert heat to make it happen.
Fun Fact #3: Think you need a degree to be successful? Many skilled tradespeople earn six-figure salaries without enduring a single day of college debt. Now, that’s smart!

How FlexTrades Is More Than Just a Job Connection

Here at FlexTrades, we like to think of ourselves as matchmakers; not in the romantic sense, but in the “connecting awesome people with awesome opportunities” sense. We know that behind every job title is a person with dreams, goals, and a unique set of skills. That’s why we don’t just fill positions, we help skilled tradespeople find the right fit, the place where they can grow, thrive, and maybe even find a true work family.

Our team is passionate about making sure these unsung heroes get the recognition, and the opportunities, they deserve. Because let’s face it, without skilled tradespeople, our entire world would come to a standstill.

Let’s Make Some Noise for the Tradespeople!

So, how can you celebrate National Tradesmen Day? It’s simple. Give a shout-out to the tradespeople in your life. Maybe it’s your neighbor who’s an electrician, the carpenter who helped you build your dream kitchen, or the HVAC technician who keeps your home cool in the summer. These folks are the real MVPs, and they deserve all the praise we can give.

In the ever-changing landscape of U.S. manufacturing, staying ahead of the curve requires not only cutting-edge technology but also a skilled workforce ready to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving industry. FlexTrades understands the intricate needs of manufacturing operations and stands as a premier provider of manufacturing labor support, manufacturing support, and manufacturing support services. In this blog post, we explore how FlexTrades can elevate your manufacturing processes and help you achieve operational excellence.

The Importance of Manufacturing Labor Support

Manufacturing labor support is crucial in ensuring that your production lines run smoothly, efficiently, and without interruption. At FlexTrades, we specialize in providing highly skilled labor that seamlessly integrates with your existing team. Our professionals are equipped to handle various roles, from assembly line workers to specialized technicians, ensuring that your operations remain robust and productive.

Key Benefits of Manufacturing Labor Support

Flexibility and Scalability: With FlexTrades, you can easily scale your workforce up or down based on production demands, seasonal needs, or project-based requirements.
Expertise: Our team consists of seasoned professionals who bring a wealth of experience and expertise to your operations, minimizing downtime and maximizing productivity.
Cost Efficiency: Hiring temporary or project-based labor support can significantly reduce overhead costs associated with full-time employment, such as benefits and training.

Why Choose FlexTrades for Manufacturing Support?

FlexTrades stands out in the industry due to our commitment to excellence and our deep understanding of the manufacturing sector. Here’s why partnering with us can make a significant difference:

Tailored Solutions: We understand that every manufacturing operation is unique. Our solutions are customized to meet the specific needs of your business, ensuring optimal results.
Reliability: With FlexTrades, you can count on reliable and consistent support. Our professionals are thoroughly vetted and trained to deliver top-notch performance.
Innovative Approach: We leverage the latest technologies and best practices to provide innovative solutions that enhance your manufacturing processes.

Contact Our Team

In today’s competitive manufacturing landscape, having a reliable partner for manufacturing labor support, manufacturing support, and manufacturing support services is essential. FlexTrades is dedicated to helping you achieve operational excellence through our comprehensive and customized solutions. Contact us today to learn more about how we can support your manufacturing needs and help you stay ahead in the industry.

Green energy, clean energy, renewable energy! Although they seem like the newest trend, these ideas have been around for quite some time. In fact, the first congressional act passed in the United States aimed at these pursuits was the Clean Air Act in 1970. Since then, we’ve seen the following “green” laws passed as well (among many others):

Energy Policy & Conservation Act – 1975
Alternative Motor Fuels Act – 1988
Energy Policy Act (EPAct) – 1992
Energy Independence and Security Act – 2007
American Recovery & Reinvestment Act – 2009 (included investments in energy independence and renewable energy technologies – among other things).

Most recently, the United States passed the Inflation Reduction Act in August 2022. This act is intended to fight inflation, promote growth in the economy, and bring back manufacturing to the U.S. while also putting investments into clean energy. Investments include tax incentives for Americans who purchase electric vehicles (EVs) and energize their homes with energy-efficient appliances, solar panels, HVAC systems, insulation, windows, and even wind turbines. And that’s just at the consumer level. At the commercial and industrial levels, this act also provides funding for domestic programs including renewable energy (again, like wind turbines).

So, let’s talk a little bit about wind turbines and wind power. It can be a polarizing topic, but like them or not, they are the leading renewable energy source in the United States.

Wind has been generating power for a long time. Just consider the historical images you’ve seen of sailing ships or even the Dutch windmills in Holland, which were built with the intention of pumping water to drain the land. But those are windmills, and what we have today are wind turbines. Turbines have quite the history themselves, starting with a Scottish electrical engineer named James Blyth.

James Blyth is recognized as the first person to harness wind for electricity when he designed and built a wind turbine to power his home in July 1887. Although he’s recognized with this achievement, a lot of credit is also given to Poul la Cour, a Danish scientist. He used a wind turbine to provide lighting for his entire village of Askov. He also started the Society of Wind Electricians in 1903. He even discovered that wind turbines with fewer blades spinning at faster speeds are more efficient than turbines with more blades spinning slower.

A lot has happened, in terms of development, between then and now, around the science of windmills and wind turbines (find out here), but let’s spend a minute focusing on just turbines.

There are two types of wind turbines: Horizontal-axis wind turbines (HAWTs) and vertical-axis wind turbines (VAWTs). Those that you see most often are the horizontal-axis turbines, which stand tall and proud (often in the middle of nowhere) with blades that look like airplane propellers. In fact, wind turbines use aeronautical science similar to that of aircraft rotors and wings. Wind flows over the blades creating lift and causing the blades to spin, which then drives a shaft to turn an electric generator. That generator, well, generates electricity.

But just how much electricity do they produce? To keep it simple, the average turbine in 2020 produced enough electricity (in just 46 minutes) to power the average home for one full month, according to the US Geological Survey. To measure the power produced by turbines, we use megawatts (MW), megawatt-hours (mWh), kilowatts (KW), and kilowatt-hours (kWh) which can be quite confusing. Essentially, MW and KW measure power while mWh and kWh measure energy and electricity.

An average onshore turbine (yes, offshore turbines are a thing) has the capacity to produce 2-3 megawatts (MW), which in turn can generate 6 million kilowatt-hours of electricity per year.

Here in the United States, with the focus on wind power over the years, we’ve managed to go from 2.8 billion kilowatt-hours of wind power in 1990 to 434 billion kilowatt-hours in 2022. That’s a 15,400% increase in just 32 years. These 434 billion kilowatt-hours in 2022 provided 10% of the total energy used in the United States (with 25% of that coming from Texas alone). The current goal is to use wind to produce 20% of total energy in the United States by 2030 and 35% by 2050.

These goals not only support our green energy and renewable energy initiatives but also support our efforts to increase domestic, onshore manufacturing.

In fact, according to cleanpower.org, the wind power industry does a lot for American manufacturing.

There are over 72,000 wind turbines in the country.
Wind power is the 4th largest source of electricity generation in the country (which is enough to power 46 million American homes).
Wind power is the largest source of renewable energy, providing 10% of the country’s electricity.
There are over 450 manufacturing facilities in the United States building wind-related parts and materials.
Of these facilities, the top three facilities producing the turbines themselves are GE Vernova, Vestas, and Siemens Gamesa.
The wind power industry employs 120,000+ Americans across 50 states with 20,000 of those jobs in wind manufacturing facilities!
And this industry employs American veterans at a rate higher than the national average!

As a promoter of American manufacturing and the skilled people who make it happen, we can’t deny that this initiative is good for domestic manufacturing. If you work in manufacturing, you likely feel similarly, so as a fellow manufacturing supporter, we would love to work with you!

If you’re looking for skilled technicians to help you in your own manufacturing facility (regardless of industry), contact us now! Or, if you’re looking to join our team of highly skilled traveling technicians and engineers (we welcome veterans too!), please contact a recruiter.