Presented by GYG
Wednesday, February 18th, 2026
Good morning! Welcome to The Tradesman, a 5-minute newsletter tailored just for America’s tradesmen.
Music has changed a lot over the years. To see just how much, check out the comparison of today’s top hits and 1984’s below!
Work days can be stressful, but it’s important not to let them affect your family. Scroll down to find tips on how to prevent this.
Secret Giveaway Winner
Congratulations to Craig S from Steve Salyer Electric for finding our secret McDonalds Giveaway in Monday’s edition!
Craig, you have 14 days to reply to this email and claim your prize!
For everyone else, always be sure to keep your eyes peeled when reading our newsletter! We like to hide some surprise giveaways every once in a while. 😉
Which is better, Country or Classic Rock?
According to the Billboard Top 100, the number one song this week is “Choosin’ Texas” by Ella Langley.
But get this, 40 years ago today, the No. 2 top song was “Jump” by Van Halen.
In case you were wondering, the No. 1 song on this day in 1984 was an acquired taste, at least that’s what we think, “Karma Chameleon” by Culture Club.
What do falling, tripping/slipping, and electricity have in common?
According to a reputable personal injury law office, these are the 10 most common construction site accidents.
Leading the list is falling from heights, with tripping and slipping close behind at No. 2.
The fifth-most frequent job site accident is particularly painful. Check out No. 5, and the full list here.
Morning Meme
Decompressing Drives Home
We love our kids, but sometimes after a long, stressful day at work, entertaining them can feel a bit overwhelming.
It can be hard not to blow up at our kids after a stressful day. So how do we make sure that doesn’t happen? Believe it or not, your drive home from work will be your friend.
Use this time alone to decompress. Listen to music, sit in silence, do whatever you need to do to make sure you aren’t bringing your work’s baggage into the home.
Click here for more tips.
Early Tax Filing May Bring You Thousands
Early tax filers are getting bigger refunds!
According to the Internal Revenue Service, as of February 6, 2026, the average refund is up 11% from last year and averages around $2,200.
The increase is due to a series of provisions in President Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill” that he signed in July 2025. Read more about the refunds here.
POLL
Country Music or Classic Rock?
Previous Results
What brand of grill should we choose for our next grill giveaway?
Blackstone - 25%
Weber - 25%
Treager - 37.5%
Other - 12.5%
Thank you for reading Wednesday’s edition of The Tradesman. We always welcome any reader feedback by simply replying to this email!