JOHN WILSON - Podcast Details

Shows

Owned and Operated - A Plumbing, Electrical, and HVAC Business Growth Podcast#224 Top Cash Flow Mistakes in Home Services and How to Fix ThemIn this episode of Owned and Operated, John and Jack break down the most underrated—and often misunderstood—pillar of business success: cash flow.They dive deep into what cash flow actually means (hint: it’s not EBITDA or net profit) and why failing to understand it almost tanked their companies. From sharing near-miss horror stories to the practical systems they've built—like automatic savings transfers and cash forecasting—this episode is a must-watch for any operator who wants to build a sustainable, growth-ready business.Wh...2025-07-1743 min

Owned and Operated - A Plumbing, Electrical, and HVAC Business Growth Podcast#221 No More Tech Turnover: How to Hire and Keep the BestIn this episode of Owned and Operated, John and Jack break down the full playbook for hiring HVAC and plumbing technicians—from sourcing to retention. They dive into the real-world challenges of technician recruitment and share the strategies they use to keep a steady pipeline of high-quality candidates. From building a branded hiring engine to managing seasonal swings, this episode delivers tactical advice and real SOPs that help home service businesses grow their field teams with intention.They cover why recruiting never stops, how to build a budget that supports year-round hiring, and why on...2025-07-1041 min

Owned and Operated - A Plumbing, Electrical, and HVAC Business Growth Podcast#220 Buy vs. Build: Start or Acquire Your First Business?In this episode of Owned and Operated, John and Jack dive into one of the most common questions in home services: Should you buy a business or build one from scratch? Focusing on HVAC and plumbing companies, they break down the pros and cons of each path—sharing real-world insights on risk management, startup challenges, and acquisition strategy. Whether you're eyeing your first location or expanding your footprint, this episode helps frame the decision around your skills, experience, and resources.They cover everything from interest rates and international contracting to the realities of marketing and cultural fit in...2025-07-0839 min

Owned and Operated - A Plumbing, Electrical, and HVAC Business Growth Podcast#218 Why $20M Doesn’t Mean You’ve Made ItIn this episode of Owned and Operated, John and Jack unpack what leadership looks like inside a $20–40 million home service business—and why that size still feels small. They explore how companies in this range often remain personality-driven, even with impressive revenue, and what it really takes to level up. From forming HR and marketing departments to structuring a true senior leadership team, they dig into the growing pains and leadership gaps most businesses face on the way to maturity.The conversation dives deep into leadership development, internal promotions, and when...2025-07-0327 min

Owned and Operated - A Plumbing, Electrical, and HVAC Business Growth Podcast#217 We Hit $1M Profit — Here’s Exactly How We Did ItIn this episode of Owned and Operated, John and Jack return to the studio to tackle the real-world challenges of running a successful HVAC business during peak summer heat. They dive into how weather-related service demand, infrastructure upgrades, and a mature home service team contribute to record-breaking weekly revenues and improved operational efficiency.Discover how HVAC businesses can scale profitably by investing in technician retention, labor-saving automations, and strategic overseas staffing. John and Jack break down the processes that drive high performance—from sales training to data-driven decisions—all on t...2025-07-0134 min

Owned and Operated - A Plumbing, Electrical, and HVAC Business Growth Podcast#215 Why You’re Not Getting Promoted.... and How to Fix ItIn this episode of Owned and Operated, we’re exploring how to grow your career inside a home service company. From internal promotions to mindset shifts, John and Brandon Niro break down what it really takes to move up and lead.Brandon shares how 30–40% of the Wilson team has been promoted from within—and what separates those who grow fast from those who stall. They dig into Wilson’s 52-week Emerging Leaders program, the role of emotional intelligence and financial literacy, and how team members can take initiative to become future leaders.If...2025-06-2643 min

Owned and Operated - A Plumbing, Electrical, and HVAC Business Growth Podcast#211 What Growing Home Service Companies Get Right About SalesIn this episode of Owned and Operated, HVAC business experts Jack Carr and John Wilson break down the sales strategies that drive revenue growth at every stage of a home service company’s journey. Whether you're running a $1M shop or scaling past $50M, understanding how to structure your HVAC sales team is critical—and it starts with knowing the difference between marketed leads and technician-generated leads.Jack and John explore why top HVAC companies like Four Seasons, Logan Services, and Peterman Brot...2025-06-1734 min

Owned and Operated - A Plumbing, Electrical, and HVAC Business Growth Podcast#197 What’s Actually Working in Home Service Marketing in 2025 (Proven Growth Strategies)John teams up with Sam Preston, CEO of Service Scalers, to break down the exact marketing strategies that move the needle for home service businesses. Whether you’re HVAC, plumbing, or any trades business, you'll learn how to prioritize channels that capture demand today—before wasting money on ones that might (or might not) pay off later.Struggling to turn marketing dollars into real leads? This episode is your blueprint.From real-world wins to costly missteps, John and Sam unpack where most businesses go wrong—like blowing budgets on flashy billboards while ignori...2025-05-1559 min

Owned and Operated - A Plumbing, Electrical, and HVAC Business Growth Podcast#193 The Truth Behind Scaling a Successful Plumbing BusinessWant to grow and scale your plumbing business with proven strategies for sales, operations, and fulfillment? In this episode of Owned and Operated, we break down exactly how to build a successful plumbing company—from optimizing pricing structures and boosting conversion rates to training teams and improving customer experience. Hosts John Wilson and Jack Carr share their real-world experiences growing a profitable plumbing business, revealing hard-won lessons and key tactics that drive sustainable growth in the home service industry.Whether you’re a plumbing business owner, contractor, or service entrepreneur, this...2025-05-0637 min

Owned and Operated - A Plumbing, Electrical, and HVAC Business Growth Podcast#191 How AI Is Transforming Lead Generation and Market ExpansionWant to grow your HVAC, plumbing, or roofing business using AI, lead generation, and marketing automation? In this episode of Owned and Operated, we dive into how artificial intelligence is transforming the home service industry. Host John Wilson sits down with James Zaner from Modernize to explore cutting-edge strategies for using AI-powered tools to generate high-quality leads, automate operations, and expand into new markets. Whether you're a contractor, service business owner, or operator looking to scale, this episode is your playbook for growth through AI integration, customer segmentation, and smart marketing systems.Discover how...2025-05-0158 min

Owned and Operated - A Plumbing, Electrical, and HVAC Business Growth Podcast#183 The $250M HVAC Collapse: Inside Air Pros' BankruptcyIn this episode we discuss Air Pro Solutions, a once-thriving HVAC company, crumbled under $250 million in debt, exposing the dangers of aggressive acquisitions, reckless spending, and poor financial planning. From sponsoring the Miami Dolphins to underestimating inflation, rising interest rates, and integration challenges, this deep dive breaks down how their strategy led to one of the biggest HVAC business failures in history.🚀 In This Episode, We Cover:🔹 The power of Google My Business (GMB) & Local Service Ads (LSAs) for lead generation🔹 How strategic hiring & project management drive success🔹 Overcoming seasonality challenges in the roofing...2025-04-0437 min

Owned and Operated - A Plumbing, Electrical, and HVAC Business Growth Podcast#181 From Plumbing to Profits: One Entrepreneur’s Journey to Business Success & Growth Strategies💧 Plumbing pro Kenny Bush joins us to talk about building a plumbing business, branding, and mastering SEO to dominate local search!From scaling Da Vinci’s Best Plumbing to leveraging Google reviews for massive growth, Kenny shares key insights for anyone in the trades.Would you start a business without a game plan? 🔧💡 If you're in the trades or thinking about launching your own business, don’t miss this one!💼 Special Thanks to Service Scalers!We’ve been partnering with Service Scalers to maximize our Lo...2025-03-2751 min

Owned and Operated - A Plumbing, Electrical, and HVAC Business Growth PodcastLEGENDS #180 | Roger Wakefield: Shaping the Next Generation of PlumbersPlumbing influencer Roger Wakefield joins us to talk about building a plumbing business, mastering Google My Business (GMB) and Local Service Ads (LSAs), and how social media has transformed the skilled trades industry.With hundreds of thousands in sales coming from GMBs and a mission to train the next wave of tradespeople, Roger shares insights on how he turned Texas Green Plumbing into a powerhouse. From starting in the industry to scaling a business and inspiring the next generation of plumbers, this episode is packed with value!🌟 In This Episode, We Cover:🔹 The po...2025-03-251h 01

Owned and Operated - A Plumbing, Electrical, and HVAC Business Growth Podcast#179 HVAC, Plumbing & Electrical SOPs: Multi-Touchpoint Strategies for BusinessLooking to streamline operations for your HVAC, plumbing, or electrical business? In this video, we break down multi-touchpoint SOPs to help you improve efficiency, enhance customer service, and boost profitability. Whether you're managing service calls, optimizing workflows, or improving team coordination, having solid standard operating procedures (SOPs) is key to scaling your business.🌟 In This Episode We Cover How to 🔹 Improve technician efficiency🔹 Enhance customer communication🔹 Automate and standardize processes💼 Shoutout to Avoca AI! Looking to train your call center and improve technician performance? Avoca AI helps teams identify issues...2025-03-2045 min

An Irish FamilyEpisode 3 - John Christopher BirdIn this episode John Wilson talks to John Christopher Bird, his first cousin, once removed about growing up in Ireland, his memories of holidays in Ballydulea, his career and his marriage to Mary, a Roman Catholic, which not quite scandalised, but was met with a certain disapproval, let's say, by some of his Bird relatives.2025-02-211h 01

Owned and Operated - A Plumbing, Electrical, and HVAC Business Growth Podcast#170 - "Most Sales People Suck at Their Job": How Siro’s AI Is Turning Sales Reps Into Top Performers with Jake CroninIn this episode, Jake Cronin, CEO of Siro, delves into the intricacies of modern sales coaching utilizing advanced AI technologies. From his transformative experiences on the sales floor to building Siro, Cronin shares invaluable insights on leveraging data to enhance sales performance and process adherence. Jake highlights the pivotal role of AI in capturing and analyzing in-person sales interactions, offering a comprehensive look at Siro’s evolution, upcoming innovations, and the profound impact on sales training. This episode is packed with insights you won’t get anywhere else.Special Thanks to Service Scalers 2025-02-1851 min

Owned and Operated - A Plumbing, Electrical, and HVAC Business Growth Podcast#158 Pricing Effectively Based On Your EfficiencyJoin John and Jack as they break down the do’s and don’ts of strategic pricing and why gross profit matters more than gross margin. They’ll also chat about handling discounts, boosting inside sales, and training your team to hit those numbers. Plus, hear about their crazy year-over-year growth and their open book management style. Tune in for some real talk on making your service business thrive!Wilson Companies just wrapped up the year in the low $20M range, and they couldn’t be more pumped. Most of the industry didn’t see the same level of s...2024-12-3141 min

Owned and Operated - A Plumbing, Electrical, and HVAC Business Growth Podcast#155 - Merging Cultures: Challenges In Home Service AcquisitionsIn this episode of "Owned and Operated," hosts John Wilson and Jack Carr are joined by guest Nathan Lenahan, co-owner of Bart's Heating and Air. Nathan shares his journey of rapidly scaling his HVAC business through strategic home service acquisitions, growing from a $1 million revenue company to over $10 million. He discusses the challenges and considerations involved in merging companies, including integrating cultures, compensation structures, and deciding whether to rebrand under a larger, more recognized name. They’ll also get into the importance of people management, maintaining company values, and the shift from acquisition-led growth to focusing more on...2024-12-1052 min

Owned and Operated - A Plumbing, Electrical, and HVAC Business Growth Podcast#154 - Business Cost Management and Sustainable Home Service GrowthIn this episode of Owned and Operated, John Wilson welcomes Luke Weiden from Deljo Heating and Cooling. They discuss the importance of profitability in business sustainability and strategies for operating more efficiently. Luke shares his experience in partnering with Heartland Home Services, his approach to cost management, and the significance of leadership development. They’ll talk about field efficiency, head count reduction, and optimizing service calls. They also explore how improving financials can support growth while driving high revenue per employee.LEARN MORE ABOUT SERVICE SCALERS Get your ow...2024-12-0349 min

Owned and Operated - A Plumbing, Electrical, and HVAC Business Growth Podcast#153 - AI In Customer Service with Hatch and Chris BacheJoin John Wilson in this special episode of Owned and Operated, with guest Chris Bache, CEO of Hatch, sharing insights on how Hatch software has transformed AI in customer service and the power of the SMS campaign. He explains how AI can streamline customer follow-ups and improve response rates by automating initial contacts. Chris also discusses the evolution of Hatch, starting as a small company to becoming a major player in the industry, helping over 2000 businesses optimize their sales processes. A SPECIAL THANKS TO HATCHTurn communication into conversion with...2024-11-2628 min

Owned and Operated - A Plumbing, Electrical, and HVAC Business Growth Podcast#152 - Advice for Selling a Home Service Business with Leap PartnersIn this episode of 'Owned and Operated,' host Jack welcomes John and Justin from LEAP Partners to talk about what goes into the world of private equity home service business roll-ups. The two share a useful look into the importance of understanding your business's financials, the role of culture in acquisitions, and the unique approach of LEAP Partners in supporting business growth. Whether you're a current business owner or looking to buy or sell, this episode offers practical advice and inspiring stories of success in the home services industry.Thanks to Our Sponsor Supply House 2024-11-1944 min

Owned and Operated - A Plumbing, Electrical, and HVAC Business Growth Podcast#151 - From Leads to Revenue: Maximizing Your Marketing ROI with Sam PrestonHe’s back! John is joined by Sam Preston, the dynamic CEO of Service Scalers, a marketing powerhouse specializing in helping home service businesses scale fast, for a recent livestream Q&A for the Owned and Operated Facebook Group. If you’re looking to grow your business and dominate your local market, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.Learn more about Service Scalers, get your own home services business website, and dominate the SEO and Google Ads game, then check them out today.Sam and John look into the strate...2024-11-1241 min

Owned and Operated - A Plumbing, Electrical, and HVAC Business Growth Podcast#146 -Peter Lohmann and Home Service Branding as Lead GenerationIn this episode of Owned and Operated, John explains the world of home service business growth with CEO Peter Lohmann, focusing on how branding can serve as a powerful lead-generation tool. John and Peter explore the journey of scaling a home service company, including the challenges, insights, and opportunities that come with driving marketing efforts and building operational efficiency.Key takeaways from this episode include the critical role that marketing and branding play in generating leads, the importance of optimizing call centers, and how to scale operations efficiently. John also emphasizes the value of finding the right...2024-10-0859 min

Owned and Operated - A Plumbing, Electrical, and HVAC Business Growth Podcast#144 - Call Center Commission and Navigating HVAC Equipment PricingIt’s Breaking $5M Workshop week, and Jack and John are together in the studio for the first time! What happens when you get these two together? They talk about call centers, that’s what. They break down organizational changes driven by AI, adjustments to call center compensation and the broader implications for business efficiency. They’ll also stress the importance of continuously negotiating with vendors to reduce costs and increase profitability. Networking and learning from industry peers is also highlighted as a vital resource for business growth and uncovering new strategies.Turn communication into conver...2024-09-2448 min

Owned and Operated - A Plumbing, Electrical, and HVAC Business Growth Podcast#142 - TR Miller's Brian Sloan and Scaling a Multi-Generational BusinessIn this episode of 'Owned and Operated,' John Wilson talks with owner Brian Sloan from TR Miller to discuss the nuances of business management and growth in HVAC and plumbing. What was the process for Brian of transitioning from a hands-on operator to a business owner mindset, learning the intricacies of multi-location management, and finding the importance of strategic partnerships? Brian shares his experiences with TR Miller’s growth trajectory, the lessons learned from slowdowns and operational challenges, and the significance of maintaining a balance between customer service, employee engagement, and financial performance. Learn more...2024-09-1049 min

Owned and Operated - A Plumbing, Electrical, and HVAC Business Growth Podcast#140 - Navigating the ServiceTitan KPI Minefield with Danny PeaveyIn this episode of Owned and Operated, hosts John Wilson and Jack welcome back Home Service Engine Founder Danny Peevey to discuss the complexities and challenges of making KPI, data-driven decisions in the home services industry. What starts with a talk on the importance of site visits and peer comparisons then turns to the complexities of ServiceTitan and the importance of knowing what to do with all that data. Do your employees know how to effectively use KPIs and the data you’re gaining from your business? Learn more about Sagan Passport and what it...2024-08-2728 min

Owned and Operated - A Plumbing, Electrical, and HVAC Business Growth Podcast#139 - LEGENDS: Chad Peterman’s $120M Home Service Scaling StrategyOwned and Operated continues its new Legends series, focusing on the stories of the home service industry’s most successful entrepreneurs. John Wilson and Jack Carr are joined by special guest Chad Peterman, President and CEO of Peterman Brothers–a $120M home service empire with over 700 employees and eight locations. Follow along as Chad discusses how a centralized operation opened the door for expansion, the realities of recruiting and marketing for a large organization, and the power of podcasting and branding to help find the right hiring fits for your business culture.Service Scalers can help...2024-08-2353 min

Owned and Operated - A Plumbing, Electrical, and HVAC Business Growth Podcast#138 - LEGENDS: Matt Ballard’s Balance of New Construction and ResidentialOwned and Operated continues its new LEGENDS series, focusing on the stories of the home service industry’s most successful entrepreneurs. John Wilson is joined by special guest Matt Ballard of Sunrise Mechanical, a $55M HVAC and plumbing company that works in small residential, commercial, and new construction. Matt discusses the balance between working in the two worlds of new construction and residential home services and how it led to being in over 6,000 homes in one year while also spending big dollars on equipment on the construction side. The two also discuss Matt’s plans for future vertical expansions and...2024-08-2145 min

Owned and Operated - A Plumbing, Electrical, and HVAC Business Growth Podcast#137 - LEGENDS: How Tommy Mello Built a $200M Home Service BusinessOwned and Operated kicks off its new LEGENDS series, focusing on the stories of the home service industry’s most successful entrepreneurs. John Wilson and Jack Carr are joined by special guest Tommy Mello, founder and CEO of A1 Garage, which operates in over 20 states, with over 50 locations. The talk with Tommy covers his insistence on a strong company culture, how partnerships drove his company to new milestones, and the reasons why networking in the home service space is so important to constant business growth and success. Tommy also discusses his most recent book, ‘Elevate’, creating a busine...2024-08-191h 03

Owned and Operated - A Plumbing, Electrical, and HVAC Business Growth Podcast#134 - HVAC Business Ups and Downs and Creating Your Organizational StructureJohn joins the show this week from the middle of the woods as he and Jack discuss creating your home service business organizational structure, org charts, and the issues with hiring leaders. It’s also peak HVAC business season and that means an inevitable downturn. Are Jack and John prepared for an HVAC shoulder season? Will John find his way out of the woods? Give a listen to this week’s show, hear about organizational structure for small business owners, and get a massive knowledge level-up on how to grow your business through hiring.Episode Hosts: 🎤...2024-07-3036 min

Owned and Operated - A Plumbing, Electrical, and HVAC Business Growth Podcast#133 - Managing HVAC Growth and Infrastructure in the Summer HeatJuly heat got you down? Then you must not work in the HVAC business, because things are hotter than ever for Jack and John, as they talk about trying to keep up with the massive summertime HVAC rush, the stretch of record-breaking home service sales records, and growth all around. But that begs the question: When you’re making summer hay what are the best moves to make in regards to expansion, future plans, and increasing your place in the market? Join Owned and Operated this week as the show breaks down the operational and real estate strategies around gr...2024-07-1630 min

Owned and Operated - A Plumbing, Electrical, and HVAC Business Growth Podcast#132 - Rebranding, Team Lead Pay, and GMB: Your Questions, AnsweredIt’s June Q&A time, as John tackles strategies for increasing revenue per plumber and HVAC technician, tracking key performance indicators (KPIs), and tips for managing warehouse inventory and consignment. He’ll also get into hiring team leads, implementing incentive-based compensation plans, rebranding strategies after acquisitions, and navigating successful business models like new construction. Want to make sure you’re live for the next livestream? Learn more about John’s exclusive Facebook group over at www.ownedandoperated.com. Episode Hosts: 🎤John Wilson: @WilsonCompanies on TwitterJack Carr: @TheHVACJack...2024-07-0939 min

Owned and Operated - A Plumbing, Electrical, and HVAC Business Growth Podcast#131 - The AI Call Center Revolution with Avoca Founder Tyson ChenJoin John Wilson and Jack Carr on 'Owned and Operated' as they look into the cutting-edge world of AI-powered call centers for home service businesses with Tyson from Avoca AI. Discover how AI is transforming the efficiency and effectiveness of call centers in the trades, optimizing everything from after-hours calls to specialized CSR allocation. Tyson shares his extensive background in AI, his journey into the trades, and the groundbreaking features of Avoca's platform. Learn about best practices, the impact of empathy statements, and strategies to enhance your call center's performance, all while setting up your team for...2024-07-0248 min

Owned and Operated - A Plumbing, Electrical, and HVAC Business Growth Podcast#127 - May Q&A Session with John WilsonJoin John Wilson on this special episode of 'Owned and Operated' as he dives into the world of home service businesses, focusing on plumbing, HVAC, and electric growth. It’s the end of the month and that means it’s time for John’s first Live Q&A with questions from the OaO private Facebook group! He answers pre-submitted questions about building business blueprints, recruiting for small operations, pricing during slow periods, and integrating new brands after acquisitions. Want to be there live for the next Q&A? Look below for a link to joining the Facebook group!00...2024-06-0434 min

Owned and Operated - A Plumbing, Electrical, and HVAC Business Growth Podcast#126 - Plumbing Dreams, Million Dollar Goals: How to Grow Your Home Service BusinessJoin John Wilson and Jack Carr in another episode of 'Owned and Operated,' where they dive deep into how to grow in the home service business; specifically residential plumbing, HVAC, and electric services. John discusses the challenges of thinking too small, the benefits of having substantial goals, and the potential of raising capital to scale operations. With insights on securing C-level talent and optimizing business growth, this session is packed with valuable advice for home service entrepreneurs looking to elevate their companies. Don't forget to leave a five-star review and subscribe for more...2024-05-3029 min

Owned and Operated - A Plumbing, Electrical, and HVAC Business Growth Podcast#123 - Overselling, Whiplash, and Capacity: Optimization in Home Service BusinessesIn this episode of Owned and Operated, hosts John Wilson and Jack Carr share insights from running a home service business specializing in residential plumbing, HVAC, and electric growth, in podcast form. This week, the two talk strategies for managing capacity and fulfillment to keep up with sales, with the importance of focusing on core services for optimization, and setting up efficient business models to drive growth. Don’t let May whiplash get you into a bottleneck!00:00 Welcome to Owned and Operated: A Home Service Business Deep Dive00:28 Exclusive Service Scalers Promo: Boost Your Business00:51 Th...2024-05-2139 min

Owned and Operated - A Plumbing, Electrical, and HVAC Business Growth Podcast#120 - Rich Jordan and Knowing What Your Real Business Is In Home ServiceIn this episode of 'Owned and Operated,' host John Wilson and guest Rich Jordan discuss the intricacies of running a home service business, focusing on the residential plumbing, HVAC, and electric sectors. They delve into the challenges of maintaining profitability in the HVAC installation sector, exploring the unpredictability of business demands, material cost fluctuations, and the impact of seasonal changes. The conversation highlights the importance of precise job costing, optimizing gross margins, and strategic planning to stabilize and grow the business. They touch upon the dynamics of partnerships, acquisitions, and the decision-making process between be...2024-05-0935 min

Owned and Operated - A Plumbing, Electrical, and HVAC Business Growth Podcast#119 - Surviving and Thriving in HVAC with Rich JordanIn this episode of 'Owned and Operated,' host John Wilson and special guest Rich Jordan look into the specific challenges and strategies for home service businesses and HVAC, to navigate and thrive during the shoulder seasons. They explore Rich Jordan's journey from operating a business with $800,000 in sales to achieving nearly $20 million through strategic acquisitions and effective scaling techniques. His tips include the importance of memberships, the concept of proactive buyers, and tactics for managing the off-peak, mild weather seasons that typically see a decline in HVAC system sales and installations. 00:00 Introduction to Owned...2024-05-0726 min

Owned and Operated - A Plumbing, Electrical, and HVAC Business Growth Podcast#118 - 'Jack'ed' Up Leadership: Powering Through Home Service Business ChallengesIn this episode of 'Owned and Operated', hosts John Wilson and Jack Carr dive into the critical topic of developing leadership within home service businesses. Sharing insights from their experiences in residential plumbing, HVAC, and electric services, they discuss the importance of evolving as a leader to meet the needs of a growing business. They highlight the challenges of instilling core values and accountability throughout the organizational structure, from executives to lower-level managers. The episode emphasizes the significance of peer groups and mentorship for both technical and emotional support in the business journey. Additionally, they talk about their newsletter...2024-05-0226 min

Owned and Operated - A Plumbing, Electrical, and HVAC Business Growth Podcast#114 - Find Your Score! NPS, Customer Satisfaction, and Righting WrongsIn this episode, John and Jack discuss their strategies for enhancing customer satisfaction through the implementation of the Net Promoter Score (NPS) system. They detail the comprehensive process of gathering feedback across every customer touchpoint, from marketing to accounting, aiming to turn customers into promoters. They also cover the practical changes they’ve implemented in their business, such as improving call center operations and post-service cleaning protocols, to ensure a remarkable customer experience. Episode Hosts:John Wilson: @WilsonCompaniesJack Carr: @thehvacjack S...2024-04-1819 min

Owned and Operated - A Plumbing, Electrical, and HVAC Business Growth Podcast#113 - Fraud Unveiled: Navigating Small Business Scams & SafeguardsJoin John and Jack as they delve into the topic of business fraud within small companies, focusing on home service industries. Discover how to identify and prevent fraud in this insightful podcast episode. Learn from John's firsthand encounters with external and internal fraud attempts, such as a shocking incident involving attempted blackmail via Google reviews. Jack also shares his experiences, including subcontractor misconduct and service theft. Gain valuable insights and practical strategies to protect your business from fraud. Tune in to the top HVAC, plumbing, and electrical growth podcast for essential tips on safeguarding your small business against potential...2024-04-1619 min

Owned and Operated - A Plumbing, Electrical, and HVAC Business Growth Podcast#112- Breaking Down One of the Largest Home Service Companies in AmericaJohn and Jack highlight the importance and benefits of focusing on just one main service in a home service business to boost growth and success. John points to Leaf Filter as a standout example of a company that thrived by focusing exclusively on a specific service, implying that adopting a similar model of specialization and distribution could greatly benefit their business. Throughout their conversation, they contemplate how simplification could potentially accelerate their progress toward achieving significant revenue goals.Episode Hosts:John Wilson: @WilsonCompaniesJack Carr: @thehvacjack 2024-04-1127 min

Owned and Operated - A Plumbing, Electrical, and HVAC Business Growth Podcast#111- Acquisitions vs. Startups: Deciding to Buy or Build in Home ServicesIn this episode of the Owned and Operated podcast, John and Jack discuss the merits of buying versus building a business from their new studios. They emphasize the importance of reinvesting in the business rather than prioritizing personal expenses, and how such decisions impact growth and stability. They also explore the differing skill sets required for each approach and examine the concept of 'personal drag,' illustrating how personal lifestyle demands can affect business growth and strategy. Get all your plumbing, electrical, and hvac podcast information from the source!Episode Hosts:John Wilson:2024-04-0930 min

Owned and Operated - A Plumbing, Electrical, and HVAC Business Growth Podcast#110- Avoid These Mistakes and Save Money with Your Home Service BusinessJohn and Jack share their top three business mistakes, emphasizing lessons learned from these expensive errors. John highlights missteps like adopting a cost-saving-first philosophy by relocating the entire call center operations to the Philippines, expanding to multiple locations prematurely, and appointing the wrong person for crucial accounting roles. Meanwhile, Jack discusses his mistakes, including inadequate due diligence in acquisitions, underestimating the value of customer lists, and flaws in hiring practices. Both hosts explore how these mistakes, often driven by short-term cost-saving measures, resulted in significant financial losses and operational challenges. Join the Owned and Operated podcast for the best...2024-04-0417 min

Owned and Operated - A Plumbing, Electrical, and HVAC Business Growth Podcast#109- The $100M Goal: Why I'm Growing My Home Services BusinessesJohn and Jack engage in an in-depth conversation about scaling home service businesses, aiming for the $100 million goal. They discuss the importance of strategic hires, transitioning from generalists to specialists and experts, and the impact of proper staffing on business growth. They also share their experiences with a workshop they hosted, sharing success stories, and the challenges they face, including maintaining revenue during tough quarters, the significance of cultural fits in hiring, and long-term goals for their businesses.Episode Hosts:John Wilson: @WilsonCompaniesJack Carr: @thehvacjack 2024-04-0241 min

Owned and Operated - A Plumbing, Electrical, and HVAC Business Growth Podcast#106- Warehouse Management: Sales Folders, Packout Kits, & Vendor RelationshipsJohn and Jack explore the strategies fueling success in sales and warehouse management in this episode. They emphasize the role of sales folders in informing customers effectively and facilitating sales, as well as the concept of "Packout Kits” for enhancing job efficiency and speeding up installations. Moreover, John stresses the importance of selecting the right vendors and building strong relationships with them, and how this can affect business growth and service quality. Don't forget to watch John's warehouse video walkthrough here to get a visual glimpse of its operations. Episode Hosts:Joh...2024-03-2132 min

Owned and Operated - A Plumbing, Electrical, and HVAC Business Growth Podcast#105- Week 1 of Jack's Plumbing Business AcquisitionExpanding a business can be both exciting and challenging, with new opportunities and complexities to consider. In this episode, John and Jack explored the nuances of blending two businesses together and the key strategies involved in managing the transition effectively. Jack also discusses his recent plumbing business acquisition, detailing his initial successes and challenges within just one week. They explore the complexities of integrating purchase order systems and optimizing QuickBooks to manage income and expenses efficiently as Jack introduces new departments. Furthermore, they tackle the practical strategies for overseeing departmental finances, stressing the importance of simplicity in...2024-03-1925 min

Owned and Operated - A Plumbing, Electrical, and HVAC Business Growth Podcast#104- How To Run a Remote Cleaning Business with Neel ParekhIn this episode, John and Jack interview Neel Parekh, the founder of MaidThis Franchise, a remote cleaning business. Neel shares his journey from leaving a 9-to-5 job in private equity to starting a cleaning company after being inspired by a Reddit post. With a passion for travel, Neel optimized his business for remote operations, allowing him to explore 50 countries over seven years. MaidThis Franchise has now expanded into the first and only Airbnb cleaning franchise, with about 23 locations across the U.S.Discover more about Neel by tuning in to his podcast, The Freedom Formula. On the...2024-03-1442 min

Owned and Operated - A Plumbing, Electrical, and HVAC Business Growth Podcast#103- Navigating Marketing Challenges and Expansion in BusinessIn this episode, John and Jack address the marketing challenges faced by home service businesses. John shares insights from a marketing planning workshop, emphasizing a common issue businesses encounter: reaching spending limits on demand channels such as LSA (Local Services Ads), regardless of their size. Jack also expresses his excitement about a recent plumbing deal, detailing the integration and communication strategies needed for merging businesses.Episode Hosts:John Wilson: @WilsonCompaniesJack Carr: @thehvacjack Special thanks to our sponsor: Service Scalers...2024-03-1215 min

Owned and Operated - A Plumbing, Electrical, and HVAC Business Growth Podcast#102- Guerilla Marketing Tactics: Standing Out in Overcrowded Home Service MarketsIn the competitive world of home service businesses, it can often feel daunting for smaller companies to go up against industry giants with massive budgets and resources. But in this episode, John and Jack share that there are strategic approaches that small businesses can take to not only compete but thrive in the market. By embracing community engagement and employing creative marketing strategies like guerrilla marketing, small home service businesses have the chance to compete against industry giants and stand out.Episode Hosts:John Wilson: @WilsonCompaniesJack Carr:2024-03-0725 min

Owned and Operated - A Plumbing, Electrical, and HVAC Business Growth Podcast#101- The 10 Best Home Service Business: John and Jack’s Ultimate WishlistJohn and Jack outline their ideal businesses. John is interested in asset-heavy ventures like HVAC, electric, landscaping, tree removal, and driveway replacements, while Jack favors commercial endeavors such as bank equipment maintenance, telephone pole replacement, animal removal, and hydroelectric plants.Episode Hosts:John Wilson: @WilsonCompaniesJack Carr: @thehvacjack Special thanks to our sponsor: Service Scalers: Looking to scale your home service business? Service Scalers is a digital marketing agency that drives success in PPC and L...2024-03-0522 min

Owned and Operated - A Plumbing, Electrical, and HVAC Business Growth Podcast#100- Using AI in Home Service BusinessesIn this episode, John and Jack exchange views on integrating Artificial Intelligence into their home service business. John elaborates on their utilization of AI for various tasks such as data analysis, marketing, communication, and improving written estimates for customers. They both share experiences with AI, emphasizing its role as an enhancer rather than a complete solution.Episode Hosts:John Wilson: @WilsonCompaniesJack Carr: @thehvacjack Special thanks to our sponsor: Service Scalers: Looking to scale your h...2024-02-2918 min

Owned and Operated - A Plumbing, Electrical, and HVAC Business Growth Podcast#99- The Best Communication Strategies That Professionalize Your Home Service BusinessToday, John and Jack are diving into the crucial role communication plays as businesses grow. They're sharing practical strategies to boost team collaboration and alignment, covering everything from one-on-one meetings to huddles, L10s, and skip-level meetings.John stresses the ongoing challenge of sharpening communication within his team, highlighting its pivotal role in the year ahead. Together, they're dishing out valuable insights on how to foster effective communication and build a strong organizational culture.Episode Hosts:John Wilson: @WilsonCompaniesJack Carr: @thehvacjack 2024-02-2725 min

Owned and Operated - A Plumbing, Electrical, and HVAC Business Growth Podcast#98- Milestones to $5M: Separating Dispatch and CSR Roles in Your Home Service BusinessIn this episode, John and Jack talk about when and how to separate Dispatch and Call Center Representative roles for your home service business. It's a pretty pivotal moment for home service businesses that seems to happen around two and a half to three million of revenue, where these two fundamental positions become two different positions. They discuss what qualities to look for when hiring people for these roles. John also provides his perspective, describing CSRs as "bucket fillers" and dispatchers as the "organizers of the bucket."Episode Hosts:John Wilson:2024-02-2219 min

Owned and Operated - A Plumbing, Electrical, and HVAC Business Growth Podcast#97- From Tech Startups to HVAC News: Alec Stevanovski's Niche B2B ModelJohn Wilson and Jack Carr interview Alec Stevanovski, founder of Homepros, a niche-focused B2B media business. His newsletter goes out once a week and you can check out the HVAC industry news here. Stevanovski discusses his journey into the industry, highlighting his background in technology startups and his pivot to focusing on HVAC industry news. He elaborates on his strategies for audience building, including leveraging personal contacts and maximizing platforms like LinkedIn.Episode Hosts:John Wilson: @WilsonCompaniesJack Carr: @thehvacjack E...2024-02-2036 min

Owned and Operated - A Plumbing, Electrical, and HVAC Business Growth Podcast#96 - Business Breakdown: How to Make $8.4M with Well DrillingIn this episode, John and Jack discuss well drilling and do a business breakdown. Jack reveals that his friend earned $8.4 million last year from drilling wells. They underscore the significant financial investment, specific licensing requirements, and mechanical expertise needed to establish a well drilling company. Despite these obstacles, they remain optimistic about the potential for future business opportunities in the industry.Episode Hosts:John Wilson: @WilsonCompaniesJack Carr: @thehvacjack Special thanks to our sponsor: Service Scalers 2024-02-1533 min

Owned and Operated - A Plumbing, Electrical, and HVAC Business Growth Podcast#95- Listener Q&A: Five Keys to Scaling Your Home Service BusinessJohn and Jack tackle a listener-submitted question addressing the five crucial aspects every business must master to scale successfully: the importance of daily reporting, tech transparency, job costing, lead attribution, and the monitoring of phone call interactions. Whether you're a Service Titan user or not, these principles are essential for any company looking to achieve sustainable growth.Episode Hosts:John Wilson: @WilsonCompaniesJack Carr: @thehvacjack Special thanks to our sponsor: Service Scalers: Looking to s...2024-02-1333 min

Owned and Operated - A Plumbing, Electrical, and HVAC Business Growth Podcast#94- From Startup to Success: Johnny Robinson's Information-Based EnterpriseOur discussion with Johnny Robinson aka SqueegeeGod continues in this episode as he talks about his experiences launching a new business, selling his previous venture, and switching to an information-based enterprise. We learn the difficulties of running a program-style company, addressing problems such as growing advertising expenses and putting in place an accelerator program to increase customer lifetime value.Johnny also shares a remarkable success story on how he played a key role in kick starting over 1500 cleaning companies!Get the full scope of Johnny’s journey here: Listen to the first episode with Johnny, tun...2024-02-0827 min

Owned and Operated - A Plumbing, Electrical, and HVAC Business Growth Podcast#93- The Secrets of Startup Window Washing and Cleaning Businesses With Johnny RobinsonIn this episode of Owned and Operated, we bring back Johnny Robinson aka SqueegeeGod as a guest, who shares updates detailing his start-up journey from window cleaning to launching several businesses and generating impressive revenue. Johnny also shares insights into hiring, marketing, and sales within the cleaning business, painting a vivid picture of the industry's challenges and opportunities. They also do a run-through on how they measure business performance and deal with competition and market changes, particularly in the wake of greater online visibility.To get the full picture of Johnny's journey, check out his p...2024-02-0625 min

Owned and Operated - A Plumbing, Electrical, and HVAC Business Growth Podcast#92- Managing HVAC Demand in Extreme Cold WeatherIn the home service industry, extreme weather can significantly impact business. In this episode, John and Jack dive into the challenges posed by freezing temperatures and discuss effective strategies to manage the increased demand that accompanies such weather events. They cover the high demand for HVAC services during cold weather, the benefits of offering whole-home memberships, and the growth of their electrical department. Additionally, they touch on revenue opportunities from maintenance calls, and share valuable lessons learned in driving growth and profit in a weather-dependent industry.Episode Hosts:John Wilson:2024-02-0119 min

Owned and Operated - A Plumbing, Electrical, and HVAC Business Growth Podcast#90- Listener Q&A: HVAC Pricing Strategies and Plumbing Business ValuationsIn this episode, John and Jack address two listener questions. The first question comes from an HVAC business owner facing weeks of fully booked schedules. Jack recommends expanding the team, while John proposes a strategic increase in prices. The second question revolves around valuing a plumbing company and the potential risks associated with acquiring a new construction business. Have a question you’d like to have answered on Owned and Operated? Send a DM to John or Jack or email us here info@ownedandoperated.com. Episode Hosts:John Wilson:...2024-01-2526 min

Owned and Operated - A Plumbing, Electrical, and HVAC Business Growth Podcast#89- Extreme Weather Prep: Optimizing HVAC & Plumbing OperationsWhen you work in a weather-enhanced business, there are tons of opportunities when you’re prepared. John and Jack share their game places to make sure operations run smoothly. The extreme temperatures and cold, wet, and windy weather encompass all facets of John's 5 trades: Cold impacts HVAC, wet affects plumbing, drains, and remediation, and wind plays a crucial role in power-related electrical services. This significantly influences how you should be thinking about scheduling, capacity, and your ability to serve your customers.Episode Hosts:John Wilson: @WilsonCompaniesJack Ca...2024-01-2328 min

Owned and Operated - A Plumbing, Electrical, and HVAC Business Growth Podcast#87- Business Breakdown with Pool Care SMB Expert Tim Ryan (Part 1)A few weeks back John and Jack did a business breakdown on pool service. Tim Ryan caught us on X, did a review and said “It wasn't too bad for two outsiders looking in. Pool care is strangely complicated.” So we asked him to come on and tell us what exactly we got right and what we got wrong. Tim breaks down all the essentials in this episode including navigating competition, building genuine connections with customers, and picking up smart hiring tips.Episode Hosts:John Wilson: @WilsonCompaniesJack Carr...2024-01-1628 min

Owned and Operated - A Plumbing, Electrical, and HVAC Business Growth Podcast#85- Mike Botkin Dominating Central Florida's Home ServicesTune in again to Mike Botkin's incredible journey! Back when this episode first aired, he was just starting out, acquiring various businesses. Fast forward to 2023, and guess what? Mike sold his business! It's a fun episode to listen to, seeing how he went from figuring things out in the early days to turning his business into a Goliath landscaping company in just a couple of years and eventually selling it. Enjoy the replay!Episode Host:John Wilson: @wilsoncompaniesEpisode Guest:Mike Botkin: ...2024-01-0959 min

Owned and Operated - A Plumbing, Electrical, and HVAC Business Growth Podcast#84- Breaking $5Million in Your BusinessIn this episode, John shares his strategy for scaling your home service business to reach the $5 million mark. Picture this: an exceptional team, a steady lead flow, and a business rhythm that just clicks. John gets straight to the point, offering practical advice like keeping a close eye on personal spending to reinvest in your business. But hitting the $5 million mark is more than just a number or making money. It's a reflection of your company's growth and the real impact it's making. Stick around as John talks about the strategies to reach this goal and why it's worth...2024-01-0608 min

Owned and Operated - A Plumbing, Electrical, and HVAC Business Growth Podcast#82- Power Washing Part 1-Franchise and Business Model with Aaron HarperEver wondered how power washing can turn into a booming business? Join Aaron Harper from Rolling Suds as he reveals the secrets behind turning power washing into a thriving business in this episode. Believe it or not, most of their customers are actually other businesses! Aaron walks us through his journey, from his beginnings to jumping into various franchises. Learn about the power washing industry and how Rolling Suds is making an impact by serving other businesses. If you thought power washing was just about driveways, think again!Episode Hosts:John Wilson:2024-01-0230 min

Owned and Operated - A Plumbing, Electrical, and HVAC Business Growth Podcast#81- Business Acquisition in the Home Service IndustryIn this episode, John shares his advice when it comes to acquiring a service company. From plumbing to HVAC, John's got the playbook on what to scout, where to scout it, and how to make it yours. His advice? Start small, focus on residential, and prioritize service-oriented businesses for the win. And before you think about uprooting your life for that business dream, John suggests staying rooted in your current community. Leverage your existing connections and make waves right where you are. Episode Host:John Wilson: @wilsoncompanies 2023-12-3004 min

Owned and Operated - A Plumbing, Electrical, and HVAC Business Growth Podcast#80- How to Create a Winning Culture for Your BusinessIn this episode, John and Jack are exchanging ideas about building and keeping a thriving company culture. They stress how the leader's actions and choices shape the vibe for the whole organization. It's not just about rules; it's more about the day-to-day attitudes and behaviors of everyone. They share their own experiences in creating a culture that's all about accountability, growth, and success. Don't miss out on strategies for understanding the impact of your daily actions on your company's culture.Episode Hosts:John Wilson: @wilsoncompaniesJack Carr:2023-12-2821 min

Owned and Operated - A Plumbing, Electrical, and HVAC Business Growth Podcast#79- Infrastructure Breakdown: Key Roles for Growth from 3 to 20 MillionJoin John and Jack in this episode as they discuss the essential core of any business: support staff. They talk about the evolution of your accounting team as your revenue grows from 3 to 20 million. Prepare to learn about smart hiring in accounting and why it's not just about filling seats but finding the perfect fit for your growing venture. From proactive recruitment strategies to the real deal about theft prevention, they share practical tips for handling business growth like pros. This episode acts as a valuable roadmap for business owners. Tune in as they highlight often overlooked yet essential...2023-12-2635 min

Owned and Operated - A Plumbing, Electrical, and HVAC Business Growth Podcast#78- Google Search: Are you Number 1?In this episode, John discusses the four pillars of dominating search for your home service business—from the competitive LSAs and the comeback of PPC to the lasting benefits of SEO and the vital impact of your GMB location and reviews. If you're a home service entrepreneur looking to boost your online presence, this episode is your guide. Tune in, follow, and level up your home service business!Episode Host:John Wilson: @wilsoncompaniesSpecial thanks to our sponsor: Service Scalers...2023-12-2315 min

Owned and Operated - A Plumbing, Electrical, and HVAC Business Growth Podcast#77- Using Compensation to Drive Business GrowthUncover the principles of a successful compensation model on this episode with John and Jack. They dive into the structures they’re using for all roles on the team including: managers, technicians, and philosophy. Learn how to set goals, use bonuses wisely, and consider flat-rate incentives to boost productivity. Whether you run a business or are leading a team, get practical tips on tailoring compensation for different roles. Listen now for advice that could reshape your approach to motivating and rewarding employees.Episode Hosts:John Wilson: @wilsoncompaniesJack Carr:2023-12-2131 min

Owned and Operated - A Plumbing, Electrical, and HVAC Business Growth Podcast#76- Maximizing the Daily Potential of Your BusinessIn this episode, John and Jack discuss how home service businesses handle their capacity. As a service, you are selling the time and expertise of your techs. The job is to fill capacity, and you should think about filling capacity like this: if you have a tech for eight hours, you want them to be working hands on the tools as much of those eight hours as possible. Strategic zoning, targeting marketing, and led gen are all a part of it! Tune in to learn how you can fill your capacity with the most efficient tactics. 2023-12-1929 min

Owned and Operated - A Plumbing, Electrical, and HVAC Business Growth Podcast#75- Job Posts, Interviewing, and Onboarding That Attracts A-PlayersTalking about recruitment for home services, John Wilson breaks it down in this Owned and Operated episode. He says focus on what you need, set clear expectations, and make the pay enticing. Skip the long task lists; have real conversations in interviews about how your business runs. He also highlights the significance of a strong onboarding process, emphasizing its role in preventing new hires from feeling left to figure things out. For additional tips, subscribe and stay tuned for upcoming videos!Episode Host:John Wilson: @wilsoncompaniesSpecial thanks...2023-12-1609 min

Owned and Operated - A Plumbing, Electrical, and HVAC Business Growth Podcast#74- Business Breakdown: Pool Service and RepairIn this episode, John and Jack immerse themselves into the world of pool service businesses. They discuss the appeal of hyper-focused route-based services, the potential for upselling in the industry, and the challenges of scaling in different regions. Tune in for a detailed exploration of customer acquisition strategies, seasonal considerations, and the overall dynamics of acquiring, or starting, and growing a pool service company.Episode Hosts:John Wilson: @wilsoncompaniesJack Carr: @thehvacjack Special thanks to our sponsor: S...2023-12-1426 min

Owned and Operated - A Plumbing, Electrical, and HVAC Business Growth Podcast#73- Damon Chlarson Tackling Challenges in the Construction IndustryIn this episode, John and Jack interview Damon Chlarson, an entrepreneur who shares his experiences in the construction industry. Damon openly discusses the financial challenges, industry fluctuations, and even instances of fraud he encountered. His story provides valuable real-world lessons for aspiring business owners, especially those considering the construction sector.Episode Hosts:John Wilson: @wilsoncompaniesJack Carr: @thehvacjack Episode Guest:Damon Chlarson: @damon_chlSpecial thanks to our sponsor:2023-12-1233 min

Owned and Operated - A Plumbing, Electrical, and HVAC Business Growth Podcast#72- The Best Passive Income Businesses with Minimal MaintenanceIn this episode of Owned and Operated, Jack brings a business to the table that provides passive income with minimal maintenance: Hydroelectric Plants. This unique and niche business breakdown explores the challenges and benefits of owning these facilities. From regulatory hurdles to potential synergies with solar and wind energy, this type of business is definitely one that John is now keeping on his radar.Episode Hosts:John Wilson: @wilsoncompaniesJack Carr: @thehvacjack Special thanks to our sponsor: S...2023-12-0730 min

Owned and Operated - A Plumbing, Electrical, and HVAC Business Growth Podcast#71- Exploring Business Ventures: Chimney Sweeping and Generator ServiceIn this episode, experience John and Jack's journey as they explore two unique business opportunities in the home services sector: chimney sweeping and generator service and installation. They also share some key factors like cost per click, labor acquisition, and overall business viability. Additionally, they discuss the challenges they've faced dealing with unexpected issues in their daily operations within the home services industry.Episode Hosts:John Wilson: @wilsoncompaniesJack Carr: @thehvacjack Special thanks to our sponsor: Service S...2023-12-0533 min

Owned and Operated - A Plumbing, Electrical, and HVAC Business Growth PodcastOwned and Operated Podcast TrailerWelcome to 'Owned and Operated' – the podcast that dives deep into the world of home service entrepreneurship.Hosted by John Wilson, a third-generation home service entrepreneur and CEO of The Wilson Companies, this podcast was launched in 2021 to bridge the gap between industry experts and listeners.Join us every Tuesday and Thursday for topical conversations that unlock the potential for your business growth. Covering topics from top-tier talent recruitment to mastering marketing strategies and scaling your home service business, the podcast aims to be your guide on the path to entrepreneurial success....2023-12-0401 min

Owned and Operated - A Plumbing, Electrical, and HVAC Business Growth Podcast#70- Breaking 3 Million in Your Home Service BusinessNavigating the challenges of scaling a business beyond $3 million, John and Jack emphasize the importance of additional resources and share personal experiences. They advocate for strategic company acquisitions to streamline growth, covering topics such as debt management and the value of learning from challenges.Curious to learn from these seasoned entrepreneurs and unlock the secrets to scaling your home services business beyond $3 million? Don't miss out – listen now and discover the keys to successful scaling! Discussion Highlights:Scaling Struggles: Unpacking the challenges of scaling beyond $3 million, they stress the...2023-11-3032 min

Owned and Operated - A Plumbing, Electrical, and HVAC Business Growth Podcast#69- Home Service Marketing: Shoulder Season StrategiesJoin John and Jack in this episode as they share practical strategies for thriving in the home services industry's shoulder seasons. From tech tips to customer connections, learn how to boost your business year-round with proactive and strategic marketing methods.Ready to up your home service game? Tune in now for actionable tips to enhance your business during shoulder seasons and master strategic marketing methods!Host: John Wilson: @wilsoncompaniesHost: Jack Carr: @thehvacjackSpecial thanks to our...2023-11-2837 min

Owned and Operated - A Plumbing, Electrical, and HVAC Business Growth Podcast#68- From Meta to GMB: How to Leverage Marketing Strategies For Your Home Service CoIn this episode of Owned and Operated, Jack and John kick off with a positive update on Jack’s flourishing plumbing department—it's doing really well, and they talk about what's been working. They also share insights on using US Census data for precise list curation in targeted marketing. Emphasizing the significance of strategic list formation, they detail how it positively impacts conversion rates. They then introduce an upcoming event at John's new headquarters designed for home service businesses aiming to break the five-million-dollar revenue mark.Give it a listen for some real talk on the home serv...2023-11-2326 min

Owned and Operated - A Plumbing, Electrical, and HVAC Business Growth Podcast#67- How To Scale Your SMB and Go Seven Days a WeekIn this episode, John dives into the unexpected challenges faced by Jack while managing his plumbing business during an exceptionally tough week. Rather than shying away from setbacks, the episode explores how these experiences paved the way for strategic decisions, including the bold move to transition their home service business into a seven-day operation.Listen and learn about the bold transition of John's home service business into a seven-day operation. Don't miss a beat – hit play and gain valuable insights today!Discussion Highlights:Jack's Hard-Hitting Week: They highlight th...2023-11-2130 min

Owned and Operated - A Plumbing, Electrical, and HVAC Business Growth Podcast#66- Buying a Franchise States Away with Rick VazzaIn this episode, John Wilson and Jack Carr sit down with Rick Vazza as he shares his experience acquiring a second Zoom Drain franchise location. Rick sheds light on his journey, tackling challenges from leases to managing operations remotely. Discover the details of franchise growth, learning about the strategies and lessons alongside Rick. Tune in for a clear exploration of the ups and downs in expanding a franchise!Discussion Highlights:Lease Assumption: Rick outlines the unexpected but successful venture into franchising, sharing experiences from acquiring locations in different s...2023-11-1629 min

Owned and Operated - A Plumbing, Electrical, and HVAC Business Growth Podcast#65- Rick Vazza - Adding a Franchise to Your BusinessIn this episode, John Wilson is joined by Rick Vazza, an owner and operator of plumbing companies in the San Diego area. Rick Vazza discusses his journey of purchasing and launching a drain franchise, Zoom Drain in San Diego, as part of his existing plumbing business. He highlights the positive impact it had on his business. Additionally, they look at essential growth strategies involving B2B business development and explore the potential of introducing a restoration service. Later in the episode, Jack Carr joins in, providing useful information on franchise problems, business growth considerations, and the effects o...2023-11-1432 min

Owned and Operated - A Plumbing, Electrical, and HVAC Business Growth Podcast#64- Mastering Marketing For Your Plumbing Business with Aizik ZimermanIn today's episode, John Wilson is joined by Aizik Zimmerman to discuss strategies for home service businesses, particularly focusing on membership programs, marketing, and reviews. They emphasize the importance of providing value to customers and owning the customer relationship. The conversation touches on various marketing approaches, including digital marketing, reviews, and guerrilla marketing.Discussion Highlights:Value-Packed Membership Program: Creating a membership program that offers a range of services, discounts, and benefits to homeowners to build long-term relationships.Adding Extra Trades: Discussing the benefits of offering multi-trade protection plans...2023-11-0929 min

Owned and Operated - A Plumbing, Electrical, and HVAC Business Growth Podcast#62- Building a Funnel for Hiring Million Dollar EmployeesIn this episode, hosts John Wilson and Jack Carr discuss the art of recruiting top-tier talent that can help your home service business grow and thrive. The key? Build an organized, sales-like approach for recruiting top-tier talent. Tune in to see just how it's done! The discussion also includes when to bring in Human Resources or a recruitment hire, how to build an appealing business culture for potential hires, methods to identify and close on high-level candidates, and the benefits of consistent hiring practices. Discussion Highlights:The Importance of Rec...2023-11-0242 min

Owned and Operated - A Plumbing, Electrical, and HVAC Business Growth Podcast#61- Tech Stack in Your Home Service BusinessIn this episode of Owned and Operated, join hosts John Wilson and Jack Carr as they discuss the world of bidding software and pricing strategies tailored for home service companies. Drawing from their own experiences, they share insights about various CRM systems, with a particular emphasis on ServiceTitan. The discussion underscores the significance of streamlining your tech stack and the undeniable advantages of adopting a flat-rate pricing system.Additional Topics Covered in This Episode: Avoid Niche SolutionsTransitioning to One AppGoogle Drive for DocumentationPricing Philosophy John and Jack both ❤️ ServiceTitanBuild for the Future Team 2023-10-3142 min

From Therapy to Social ChangeJohn Wilson in Conversation with Mick Cooper: From Cult to ContainmentImagine growing up in a community where the group is considered more important than the individual. This was the reality for our guest, John Wilson, a therapist whose unique upbringing in a cult drastically shaped his perspective on life and then therapy. His compelling journey from a highly controlled group to the therapeutic world offers fascinating insights into the impact of cult mentality on individual self-worth and community dynamics. We explore the importance of creating safe spaces for human interaction, an idea that John holds dear. He shares how his personal history helps him understand group dynamics...2023-10-2751 min

Owned and Operated - A Plumbing, Electrical, and HVAC Business Growth Podcast#60- Mom and Pop To Enterprise, Scaling a Call Center As You GrowSpecial thanks to our sponsor: Service Scalers: Looking to scale your home service business? Service Scalers is a digital marketing agency that drives success in PPC and LSA. Discover more growth strategies by visiting Service Scalers. In this episode of Owned and Operated, John and Jack dive into optimizing home service call centers. Key takeaways include:Prioritize Quality: Customer feedback highlights areas for improvement.Reduce Wait Times: Shorter waits boost customer satisfaction.Accept Turnover: Focus on training a...2023-10-2640 min

Owned and Operated - A Plumbing, Electrical, and HVAC Business Growth Podcast#58- Powering Growth in Home Services - Leveraging the Call Center & Diverse Marketing StrategiesSummary:In this episode of "Owned and Operated," the John and Jack explore key strategies to drive growth in the home service industry. They discuss the immense potential of utilizing a call center and establishing an inside sales team, highlighting the success of membership sales and a range of marketing avenues beyond pay-per-click (PPC) advertising.Key Takeaways:The Call Center Advantage: The hosts reveal how shifting membership sales to the call center led to a remarkable spike in sales and significantly higher conversion rates. They discuss...2023-10-1947 min

Owned and Operated - A Plumbing, Electrical, and HVAC Business Growth Podcast#57- Launching a New Service: Plumbing Essentials for Home Service ProsAre you a home service entrepreneur looking to scale your business to new heights? In this episode of "Owned and Operated," we delve into a candid conversation between two experienced entrepreneurs, discussing their strategies, challenges, and insights. From pricing to growth plans and the pitfalls of expanding services, this discussion provides valuable nuggets of wisdom for those navigating the home service industry.Discussion Highlights:Stability in Home Service: Jack and John kick off with comparing home service stability to the roller-coaster ride of HVAC.Expanding Beyond HVAC: The hosts explore...2023-10-1739 min

Owned and Operated - A Plumbing, Electrical, and HVAC Business Growth Podcast#56- Fixing your Appliances, Towing Vehicles, and High End CateringIn this episode of “Owned and Operated”, hosts Jack and John catch up on their recent activities and dive into the topic of service businesses. They talk about the problems and chances that come with growing service businesses, especially when it comes to plateaus and the need for more infrastructure and management. The hosts also talk about how traditional business models are changing and how roles within organizations might be able to overlap. They look at appliance repair as an example of a possible new service line and think about how it can use their existing leads and add to t...2023-06-1549 min

Owned and Operated - A Plumbing, Electrical, and HVAC Business Growth Podcast#55 - The Niche Handyman BusinessIn this episode of “Owned and Operated”, John Wilson and Jack Carr discuss a lot of interesting topics including the concept of a mobile tire and oil change service. Get to know why Handyman Business is a special niche! With the convenience of having a professional come to you, it's a no-brainer for homeowners and fleet companies alike. The profit margins are better for homeowners, but fleets provide a more stable and regular source of income. This business model can be a sure thing in the business-to-business market because it saves money and keeps cars on the road...2023-06-0847 min

Owned and Operated - A Plumbing, Electrical, and HVAC Business Growth Podcast#54- John's Big Move, Residential Water Delivery, and RC Sewer InspectionsIn this episode of Owned and Operated, the hosts discuss the business model of water trucking, specifically potable water delivery services. They investigate the difficulties and the costs that are associated with it, such as complying with the regulations and the high costs of equipment and tires. Even though there are problems, they emphasize how profitable the business is. For example, one interviewee said that each truck was making between $500,000 and $600,000 per year. Jack and John show interest in the industry because they think it could be profitable and help them build long-term customer relationships. These and m...2023-05-2548 min

Owned and Operated - A Plumbing, Electrical, and HVAC Business Growth Podcast#53- Flipping The Script, Gum Busters of NY, and Zoom Drains FranchiseIn this pilot episode of “Owned and Operated”, John Wilson and Jack Carr discuss their recent business transitions and exciting changes, including moving to a new location, adopting Service Titan, hiring a comfort consultant, and surviving the slow season. They also explore a unique niche business called Gum Busters, a specialized pressure-washing company that removes gum and graffiti from public spaces. They delve into the company's operations, contracts with municipalities, and the potential for expansion. The episode provides insightful and practical business ideas for service-oriented entrepreneurs.Here are some additional topics we t...2023-05-1834 min

Owned and Operated - A Plumbing, Electrical, and HVAC Business Growth Podcast#52- Jack Carr on Emu Farms, HVAC Deal Flow, and the PodcastIn this pilot episode of “Owned and Operated”, John Wilson is talking to Jack Carr about his history and how interesting his life adventure was that led him to a residential HVAC commercial company in Nashville. We will get to know his strategies for building his team, and we will see how Jack considers revenue generation if he’s not bringing people in. Why did Jack buy this business if they had no marketing? What can you expect from our podcast? We will be exploring the ways in which businesses can use B2B and B2C strategi...2023-05-1142 min

Owned and Operated - A Plumbing, Electrical, and HVAC Business Growth Podcast#50 - SMBesties 4: Talking Economic Struggles and SuccessesThe SMBesties are back as John and Reg Zellers hop on to cover a few topics on today’s show. They’ll jump into economics and how low demand even in the home services industry has forced some strategy changes. Business to Business is still doing well, but John talks about the struggles of Business to Consumer during Q1. Reg talks about how his businesses are starting to get busier. He touches on his struggles to find people with labor shortages. The guys also discuss the shipping and freight issues and how they try to deal with it.2022-06-2229 min