Shows
I-71 RundownGuardians Weekend Recap, Cavs Questions & Kirk Barto | I-71 RundownThis episode of I-71 Rundown covers a wild weekend in Ohio sports: ⚾ Guardians Recap – Key takeaways from the weekend series, the Manzardo dilemma continues, and thoughts on the pitching situation going forward. 🏀 Cavs Offseason Watch – Who stays, who goes, and what’s next after Koby Altman’s front office shakeup? 📰 Kirk Barton Update – The latest on the tragic story surrounding the former Buckeye, the media fallout, and what it means for Buckeye Scoop and Ohio State coverage. 🎙️ Plus: Weekend sports headlines, reactions, and your favorite segments from the world of Cleveland and Ohio sports. 2025-06-231h 12
Contractors ToolboxHow a Virginia Roofing Company Used AI Technology to Increase Its Lead Set Rate to Over 90%In this episode, CCN Director of Member & Partner Experience Drew Barto is joined by Roofing and More Marketing Manager Sawyer Guinn to discuss the impact a CCN Membership has had on him and to learn how Roofing and More is using AI in its business. Sawyer reveals a troubling decrease in set rate at the beginning of 2025 and what actions he took to address the issue. You’ll learn who Roofing and More partnered with to improve its set rate to over 90%, the role of Artificial Intelligence in their marketing department, and some key benefits of AI that might not hav...2025-06-1734 minContractors ToolboxThe Hidden Costs of Poor Workflow Management & How To Improve It | Rick OlejnikIn this episode, CCN Director of Member & Partner Experience Drew Barto is joined by Cilio Technologies CEO & President Rick Olejnik. Rick defines workflow management and identifies inefficiencies he sees among most contractors in this area. You’ll learn how poor workflow management directly impacts your bottom line, customer satisfaction, and your company’s reputation, and the steps you can take to avoid these issues. This episode is ideal for contractors that are looking to scale their businesses but need to improve workflow processes in order to achieve their growth goals profitably. 2025-04-1526 minContractors ToolboxHow to Become the Most Known & Trusted Brand in Your Market | Marcus SheridanMarcus Sheridan, author of “They Ask, You Answer” and “Endless Customers” joins CCN Director of Member & Partner Experience Drew Barto for this information-rich episode of the Contractors Toolbox Podcast. Marcus will be the keynote speaker at CCN’s Spring Conference in Miami from April 24-27, 2025 in Miami. As a world-renowned communication expert, author, and keynote speaker, Marcus helps brands, sales teams, and leaders build deeper human connections and establish more trust with their audiences. With over 13 years of experience in the speaking industry and 23 years as an entrepreneur, Marcus has honed his craft as a master communicator, helping individuals and organization...2025-04-0846 minContractors ToolboxHow Contractors Can Build Call Centers from Zero to 10+ Reps Using AI | Nate JoensIn this episode, CCN Director of Member & Partner Experience Drew Barto is joined by Structurely Co-Founder & Chief Innovation Officer Nate Joens. This is Nate’s second time on the program. Nate shares whether AI can be used to build a call center for a company of your size, when the time is right to begin building a call center, the best balance between human call center reps and AI reps, how your call center should be handling aggregator or new form leads and old or rehashed leads, and much more. This episode is ideal for co...2025-04-0127 minContractors ToolboxWhat Makes Website Retargeting & Targeted Direct Mail Work Wonders for Contractor Lead Generation Efforts? | David MichaelsonIn this episode, CCN Director of Member & Partner Experience Drew Barto talks with Celebration Marketing Founder & Owner David Michaelson. David has been in the direct mail advertising industry for more than 30 years and has extensive experience helping home improvement companies generate leads and close more sales. You’ll learn about the benefits of several personalized targeted direct mail programs, including neighborhood proximity mailings and new mover mailers. Plus, you’ll find out ways in which contractors are using website visitor retargeting to create killer marketing campaigns that generate low-cost, high-quality leads. This episode is ideal for...2025-03-2524 minContractors ToolboxHow to Effectively Deploy AI in Home Improvement & Home Services Businesses | Daniel DeMatteoIn this episode, CCN Director of Member & Partner Experience Drew Barto talks with Revin AI Head of Revenue Daniel DeMatteo. Daniel shares his insights on how home improvement and home services companies can best deploy AI in their businesses and what it could look like over the next 24 months. You’ll learn about the increasing role of AI in call centers and which elements of a call center should be left to humans, the top ways to communicate with today’s customers, and receive an update on the TCPA one-to-one consents laws. This episode is idea...2025-03-1820 minContractors ToolboxHow to Add 10 to 20 Percent in Revenue Without Paying More for Leads | Alan MichaelIn this episode, CCN Director of Member & Partner Experience Drew Barto talks with the creator of Ultimate Rainmaker Lead Generation Services & Rehash Program, Alan Michael. Alan has been in the home improvement industry for 40-plus years and has helped contractors accumulate more than $150 million in additional sales. You’ll learn how contractors can add 10-20% in revenue without paying more for leads, best practices and keys to making rehash programs successful, and mistakes to avoid when implementing rehash into your home improvement business. This episode is ideal for contractors who want to close more sales wi...2025-02-1828 minContractors ToolboxHow Contractors Can Buy Back Their Time by Outsourcing Client Communications | Chris DirollIn this episode, CCN Director of Member & Partner Experience Drew Barto talks with SMA Support Services Director of Ideas & Revenue Chris Diroll. Chris reveals some of the biggest challenges contractors face when it comes to communicating effectively and efficiently with clients. You’ll learn how to improve workflows and discover the key metrics contractors should track to ensure their customer experience is delivering 5-star results. This episode is ideal for small to medium sized home improvement contractors that have considered outsourcing client communication tasks but don’t know where to get started and how beneficial it c...2025-02-0422 minContractors ToolboxHow Contractors Build Community by Networking at CCN Conferences | Gary CohenIn this episode, CCN Director of Member & Partner Experience Drew Barto is joined by CCN VP Gary Cohen for a discussion on the importance of building a community or network of peers in the home improvement industry. Being a business owner can feel like a lonely existence. Gary and Drew talk about ways in which Certified Contractors Network fosters community and collaboration among business owners who are experiencing many of the same issues and obstacles. Gary highlights CCN’s three annual conferences as steppingstones to business success and growing one’s network. Drew concludes the epis...2024-11-3019 minContractors ToolboxHow to Grow Your Business the Right Way: Tips from a $50 Million Roofer Who Retired at Age 47 | Ken KellyIn this episode, CCN Director of Member & Partner Experience Drew Barto is joined by Ken Kelly. Ken took over his family business—Kelly Roofing—in 1993 and grew it to $50 million in annual revenue and 300+ employees. He sold the business in 2020 and retired at the age of 47. Ken shares his expert insight on how to properly grow a contracting business, including tips on what businesses at different revenue levels need to focus on most, five rules for growth he learned from Elon Musk, the importance of discipline, five keys to growing your people, and much more. 2024-10-2926 minContractors ToolboxWhat Contractors Need to Know About New Lead Gen Laws Before 2025 and How AI Can Help | Nate JoensAs of January 2025, new FCC lead generation laws will require contractors to have explicit 1:1 consent to call or text leads, impacting how companies can engage with their potential customers. Home improvement companies have until the end of 2024 to freely contact existing leads, making it crucial to ramp up outreach efforts before the laws take effect and then to comply with the rules after that. In this episode, CCN Director of Member & Partner Experience Drew Barto is joined by Structurely Co-Founder & Chief Innovation Officer Nate Joens. Nate has led Structurely to 10x growth in conversations processed a...2024-10-0823 minContractors ToolboxChicagoland Siding, Window, and Door Contractor Talks Marketing Success & Growing Tech Stack | Tara DawnIn this episode, CCN Director of Member & Partner Experience Drew Barto is joined by Opal Enterprises Co-Owner and long-time CCN member Tara Dawn. Tara shares how she’s doing more with what she has and how she uses a mix of traditional and modern marketing vehicles with an ever-growing tech stack to improve sales processes and increase lead flow. Drew and Tara discuss what’s working today and which types of offers and promotions are making the phones ring at a higher rate. This episode is a must-listen for any home improvement contractor looking for mark...2024-09-1729 minContractors ToolboxThe Benefits of Adding Low-Ticket, High-Margin Home Improvement Products to a Contractor's Portfolio | Karen SagerIn this episode, CCN Director of Member & Partner Experience Drew Barto talks with MicroMeshGutterGuards.com (MMGG) President & CEO Karen Sager. Karen unveils the benefits of adding low-ticket, high-margin product lines that can be installed quickly to inject consistent cash into any contractor’s business. You’ll learn details of her fast-to-cash concept and how to take advantage of this approach, indications of positive cash flow that you can track, how to become more efficient with labor costs as a percentage of your business, and much more. This episode is ideal for home improvement contractors—especially roofin...2024-09-1020 minContractors ToolboxHow Contractors Can Create Effective Lead-Nurturing Email Campaigns | Jenni McMorranIn this episode, CCN Director of Member & Partner Experience Drew Barto talks with Renoworks Contractor Channel Partner Manager Jenni McMorran. The discussion is centered around employing effective email campaigns that result in booking more appointments and closing more sales. You will learn best practices for capturing email addresses, creating unique email messages for leads at different stages of the buying cycle, which types of emails are most likely to generate responses from homeowners, and how busy contractors can automate their email marketing process to ensure it gets done regularly. This episode is perfect for contractors...2024-07-2320 minContractors ToolboxA Discussion About New Initiatives at Certified Contractors Network | Drew BartoIn this episode, Gary talks with CCN’s new Director of Member and Partner Experience. The discussion will address many of the new initiatives at CCN, including some changes to our Contractors Toolbox podcast. Other topics will be strategic partnerships, The new L&D branding of CCN University, and changes coming to our financing program, all of which will continuously improve our member experience at CCN. This episode is perfect for members of CCN as well as contractors who would like to learn more about all that CCN has to offer.2024-07-1639 min
Rock Stars of Remodeling with Drew Barto17. Why Adam Carolla Chose Comedy Over CarpentryOn this special episode of Rock Stars of Remodeling, Adam Carolla joins host Drew Barto to discuss his career in construction and why he ultimately chose comedy over carpentry. He also shares his thoughts on his visit to the 2024 NAHB International Builders' Show and the 30th annual Pro Builder's Show Village.
Adam Carolla co-hosted "Loveline" with Dr. Drew, co-created and co-hosted "The Man Show" with Jimmy Kimmel, and co-created Comedy Central's "Crank Yankers", among several other successful TV shows. Now, Carolla hosts one of the most popular podcasts on the planet, "The Adam Carolla Show".
If you, like millions of...2024-04-0211 min
Rock Stars of Remodeling with Drew Barto16: Homeowner Trends When Selecting Manufactured Stone | Chance Shalosky | ProViaOn this episode of Rock Stars of Remodeling, host Drew Barto explores what's trending among homeowners when it comes to choosing manufactured stone for exterior and interior applications on their homes.
Drew invited Chance Shalosky onto the show to share his expert insight on this topic. Chance is ProVia’s Product Manager of Stone & Roofing.
Chance reveals design and color trends that contractors should consider when seeking to sell stone to homeowners in 2024.
ProVia is based out of Sugar Creek, Ohio, and offers a wide range of exterior remodeling products including entry and patio doors, vinyl windows and siding, manufactured st...2024-04-0106 min
Rock Stars of Remodeling with Drew Barto15: Why a $10 Million Custom Remodeler Started a One-Day Bath Business | Sam DeMaioSam DeMaio is the owner of Showcase Remodels out of New Jersey. Showcase offers a well-rounded lineup of home improvement solutions, from kitchens, baths, and flooring on the interior, to roofing, siding, and decks on the exterior.
On this episode of Rock Stars of Remodeling, Sam shares why, despite his success as a custom remodeler, he decided to add a one-day bath business. Plus, he sheds some light on what he believes to be the most critical processes remodelers and home improvement companies need to have in place to be successful.
This episode of Rock Stars of Remodeling is brought...2024-03-2717 min
Rock Stars of Remodeling with Drew Barto14: How Contractors Can Determine the Value of Every Lead | Jonathan Weinberg | Builder PrimeOn this episode of Rock Stars of Remodeling, host Drew Barto sits down with Builder Prime Founder and CEO Jonathan Weinberg to discuss several timely marketing and sales topics that remodeling and home improvement contractors will want to hear.
Jonathan reveals how contractors can effectively determine the value of each lead to their business, and why they must do so.
He also addresses the key challenges faced by home improvement contractors in managing and nurturing leads through their entire pipeline or funnel.
Finally, he introduces the concept of the "happy path" in a sales pipeline and explains how key touchpoints...2024-02-2008 min
Rock Stars of Remodeling with Drew Barto13: Tips to Help Contractors Recruit Top Talent and Overcome Labor Issues | The Home DoctorPhillip Gehrig is the CEO of The Home Doctor. The Home Doctor specializes in replacement windows and roofs, serving customers in Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, and Washington, DC, with a projected 2023 revenue of $10 million.
On this episode of Rock Stars of Remodeling, Phillip shares his story of perseverance and reveals some out-of-the-box ideas he uses to hire and retain talent.
If you're a contractor and you find yourself or your business in a rut, Phillip's story will serve as inspiration to keep going and uncover unique solutions to overcome your obstacles and grow your business.
Find Us:
Pro Remodeler: www...2023-11-2912 min
Rock Stars of Remodeling with Drew Barto12: Top Traits Contractors Should Demand from Product Partners | Randy Albaugh | ProViaOn this episode of Rock Stars of Remodeling, host Drew Barto explores what contractors should be looking for in product partners. After all, the long-term viability of your business is only as good as the service you provide and the products you install.
Drew invited Randy Albaugh onto the show to share his nearly 30 years of invaluable insight on this topic. Randy is ProVia’s Director of Sales, Northeast, specifically in the window and door division.
Randy reveals the most significant pain points contractors face when dealing with manufacturers and shares the attributes contractors should be looking for in product pa...2023-10-1210 min
Rock Stars of Remodeling with Drew Barto11: How to Generate High-Quality Leads with Content Marketing | Ryan Shutt | Southwest ExteriorsRyan Shutt is the CEO of Southwest Exteriors, an exterior remodeling business based in San Antonio, Texas. Southwest Exteriors features replacement windows, doors, siding, and concrete floor coatings among its services.
On this episode of Rock Stars of Remodeling, Ryan shares details on his content marketing strategy and how he's using it to give his company an edge over its competitors in finding new customers online. You'll learn how Southwest Exteriors has increased its web traffic from 3,000 monthly visitors to more than 35,000 visitors each month. Plus, find out how transparency in content marketing has helped to enhance the quality of...2023-09-2716 min
Rock Stars of Remodeling with Drew Barto10: 5 Dangerous Practices That Get Contractors Into Legal TroubleD.S. Berenson is the managing partner of Berenson LLP in Washington, D.C. He serves as general counsel and special counsel to home improvement contractors and remodeling industry manufacturers on a full range of industry matters.
On this episode of the Rock Stars of Remodeling podcast, Berenson shares some dangerous practices that could get contractors into legal trouble. You might be surprised to learn that you’re unknowingly doing something on his list. Listen to find out!
If you're looking for even more information to help protect yourself, Berenson will also conduct two home improvement legal conferences in the fa...2023-09-0517 min
Rock Stars of Remodeling with Drew Barto9: Where Contractors Go to Grow | Gary A. Cohen | Certified Contractors NetworkGary Cohen is the Vice President at Certified Contractors Network, or CCN. He has over 30 years of experience in the home improvement industry and also spent 11 years as a Clinical Professor of Business at the University of Maryland. He is the mastermind behind CCN's revamped training platform designed exclusively for home improvement pros.
On this episode of Rock Stars of Remodeling, Gary will share all the ways in which CCN is helping contractors grow their businesses through coaching, training, and networking with a community of successful contractors.
Find Us:
Pro Remodeler: www.proremodeler.com
Certified Contractors Network: www.contractors.net2023-08-1716 min
Rock Stars of Remodeling with Drew Barto8: A Sales Compensation Structure That Helps Contractors Increase Retention | Nick Roberts | HomefixNick Roberts is the Executive Vice President at Homefix Custom Remodeling, an exterior remodeling company with eight locations throughout the east coast of the United States. He is a member of Pro Remodeler’s Forty Under 40 Class of 2023, and someone who worked his way from a canvasser at his company all the way up to the leadership position he now holds.
On this episode of Rock Stars of Remodeling, you will learn more about Nick's fascinating journey through the ranks at Homefix and get insight into his innovative tiered sales compensation structure that has helped increase retention (among other benefits) in...2023-07-1915 min
Rock Stars of Remodeling with Drew Barto7: 3 Things Top-Performing Salespeople Do Differently | Sebastian Jimenez | RillavoiceOn this episode of Rock Stars of Remodeling, Rillavoice co-founder and CEO Sebastian Jimenez Bienen identifies three things top-performing home improvement salespeople do differently, according to the data from over 500,000 recorded in-home sales calls. Plus, he shares interesting insights on how sales managers can better leverage their time.
Forget ridealongs. Use Rillavoice to record, transcribe, and analyze all the conversations your reps have with customers in homes. Visit rillavoice.com to learn how you can use AI to make your sales teams bionic.
Find Us:
Pro Remodeler: www.proremodeler.com
Rillavoice: www.rillavoice.com2023-06-2710 min
AIS The Above Industry Standard PodcastAIS The Above Industry Standard Podcast (Drew Barto)Welcome to the AIS (Above Industry Standard) Podcast, hosted by Ryan Kelly! In this exciting episode, Ryan is joined by Drew Barto, Director of Home Improvement at Pro Remodeler and the host of the Rock Stars of Remodeling podcast. Get ready to dive into the world of digital marketing and discover the power of The Pinnacle Experience Conference.
In this captivating conversation, Ryan and Drew explore the ever-evolving landscape of digital marketing and its impact on the home improvement industry. As a seasoned professional, Drew shares invaluable insights, tips, and strategies that have helped him thrive in...2023-06-2343 min
Rock Stars of Remodeling with Drew Barto6: 3 Steps for Evaluating Lead Sources | Jay Shah | Dreamstyle RemodelingA member of Pro Remodeler’s prestigious Forty Under 40 Class of 2022, Jay Shah is the Director of Marketing at Dreamstyle Remodeling, a full-service remodeler with locations across six states and annual revenue of over $190 million in 2022.
On this episode of Rock Stars of Remodeling, Jay reveals his unique 3-step method for evaluating the effectiveness of lead sources, discusses how home improvement businesses of any size can combat the current difficult lead gen landscape, and shares new lead sources he’s having success with in 2023.
If you want to hear more from Jay after listening to this episode, you're in luck. He'l...2023-06-1516 minContractors ToolboxA Conversation with the Director of Home Improvement at Pro Remodeler | Drew BartoIn this episode, Gary talks with Drew Barto, Director of Home Improvement at Pro Remodeler. Drew shares his story about entering our industry 14 years ago as the Director of Marketing for long-time CCN member, Energy Swing Windows, owned by Steve Rennekamp. After 13 years at Energy Swing, Drew talks about why he joined Pro Remodeler and his strong motivation for positively impacting contractors by the thousands. The discussion also moves into forms of marketing and the way to deal with a reduction in inbound leads. This was a great conversation and would be great for anyone...2023-05-3038 min
Rock Stars of Remodeling with Drew Barto5: How Home Improvement Companies Use Text Messages | Andrew Martin | MarlimarOn this episode of Rock Stars of Remodeling, Marlimar Vice President of New Services Andrew Martin shares ways in which home improvement contractors are using text messaging services to connect with customers at a higher rate and stay in touch with them throughout the customer life cycle. Plus, Martin shares best practices for communicating via text messages to ensure your business comes across as authentic.
Marlimar Mobile Strategies is the home improvement industry's most experienced and comprehensive provider of text messaging services, which elicit faster responses from consumers to increase sales, impact productivity, and improve consumer experience.
Find Us:
Pro...2023-05-2307 min
Rock Stars of Remodeling with Drew Barto4: 3 Keys to Growing a Successful & Scalable Home Improvement Business | Charlie GindeleHome improvement sales and lead gen legend Charlie Gindele has over 50 years of industry experience, including running the wildly successful Renewal by Andersen of Orange County (Calif.). He accumulated more than $425 million in home improvement sales over his career.
Despite selling his business back in 2021, Gindele continues to share his invaluable insight with contractors through coaching at Certified Contractors Network, speaking engagements, and his book, “Lessons Learned: My Journey from Contractor to Businessman”.
In his book, he shares 10 lessons he’s learned that will help contractors grow their businesses and improve their lives. On this episode of Rock Stars of Remode...2023-05-2221 min
Rock Stars of Remodeling with Drew Barto3: Modern Sales Solutions & Tech Tools for Contractors | Ian Foltz | American Remodeling EnterprisesIan Foltz, Vice President of American Remodeling Enterprises and its sister company Epoxy Floor Experts, has experienced explosive sales growth post-pandemic while many in the home improvement industry are seeing sales dwindle. Serving much of central Pennsylvania and Maryland, his businesses are projected to surpass $20 million in revenue in 2023.
On this episode of Rock Stars of Remodeling, Foltz sits down with Pro Remodeler's director of home improvement Drew Barto to discuss how he has adapted to today’s busy consumer by adjusting his sales process and by implementing tech tools and apps designed to increase closing rates and improve customer ex...2023-04-1215 min
Rock Stars of Remodeling with Drew Barto2: How Outback Deck Increased Its Average Job Size by 23% with FinancingIf you manage a sales team for a home improvement company that sells big-ticket items, this episode of Rock Stars of Remodeling was recorded just for you!
Bryan Miller & John Gwaltney, Senior Partners at Georgia-based Outback Deck, Inc., made a commitment to using a finance-first approach when presenting pricing in homes. Since implementing this strategy, 35% of their projects have been financed, and their average job size has increased by 23%.
On this episode of Rock Stars of Remodeling, Miller & Gwaltney joined Pro Remodeler's director of home improvement Drew Barto to detail what it takes to implement a robust financing program into...2023-01-1918 min
Rock Stars of Remodeling with Drew Barto1: The #1 Marketing Rule Contractors Must Follow for Success in 2023 | Tara Dawn | Opal EnterprisesWhen business is booming like it has been for most contractors the past couple of years, it's easy to forget the key components of effective lead generation.
Tara Dawn, co-owner and marketing manager of Chicago-based Opal Enterprises Windows & Siding, Inc., admits that she relied too heavily on branding her business through her marketing efforts and had to re-learn that the number one goal of marketing is to get the phones to ring.
On this episode of Rock Stars of Remodeling, Dawn sits down with Pro Remodeler's director of home improvement Drew Barto to reveal her plans for a well-balanced marketing...2022-12-1315 min
Platonic Polyamory (fka Undressing Underground)Episode 76 - Nia King, Drew Ariolla-Sands, Ambrosia BartosekulvaToday Sara Century finally finishes off our series of talks with artists and critics about their plans and feelings going forward in our current cultural climate. We’re sorry about the delay, but between the two of us we’re suddenly working like 150 hours/week after months of a combined 0 hours/week. We were actually going to upload this on Friday but then as we were getting it ready WWIII happened... But, we’re here now! Or she is. And she’s talking to a few more of her crazy talented friends about their work and their plans for their work des...2017-04-1157 min