Shows
The Standby Generator Podcast - With Jim SwetmanEpisode #27 - 2026 Generac Dealer Conference Recap: What Standby Generator Dealers Must Do NowFresh off the 2026 Generac Dealer Conference, Jim Swetman breaks down what Generac’s leadership message really means for standby generator dealers, installers, and home energy pros on the ground. In this episode of the Standby Generator Podcast, Jim translates the big-picture corporate strategy into real-world actions for dealers navigating shifting demand, tighter competition, and major growth opportunities in backup power, home standby generators, and the evolving home energy ecosystem. With 2025 bringing fewer major outages and softer sales across the industry, Jim unpacks why Generac is doubling down on long-term growth, expanded capacity, and market awa...
2026-02-0423 minThe Standby Generator Podcast - With Jim SwetmanEpisode #26 - Unlocking the Secrets to Dealer Conference Success | Preparing for the Generac Dealer ConferenceIn this episode of the Stand By Generator podcast, host Jim Swetman shares valuable insights on maximizing ROI from the upcoming 2026 Generac Dealer Conference. Drawing from over 20 years of experience attending these conferences, Jim emphasizes the importance of approaching the event not just as a consumer but as a connector. He discusses the evolution of the conference from informal local gatherings to a large-scale event with thousands of attendees, highlighting the shift in focus from product updates to meaningful business connections. Jim provides practical tips for attendees, such as arriving early, identifying key business challenges, and engaging in strategic...
2026-01-2121 minThe Standby Generator Podcast - With Jim SwetmanEpisode #25 - Business Growth: Answering Dealers’ Toughest QuestionsIn this episode of The Standby Generator Podcast, host Jim Swetman flips the script — answering a series of AI-generated and dealer-submitted questions about business growth, scaling, leadership, and strategy in the standby generator industry.Drawing from over 20 years of experience owning and scaling a generator dealership in Upstate New York, Jim shares hard-earned lessons about growing too fast, building a strong team, and creating systems that allow a business to thrive long-term.You’ll hear actionable insights on:How to scale a generator dealership with...
2025-10-1530 minThe Standby Generator Podcast - With Jim SwetmanEpisode #24 - Generator Maintenance Done Right: Real Tips from a 10-Year Tech With Keith WilliamsIn this episode of the Standby Generator podcast, host Jim Swetman interviews Keith Williams, a former standby generator technician. They discuss Keith's journey in the industry, the importance of maintenance visits, customer relationships, and the need for continuous education for technicians. Keith shares insights on identifying generator issues, efficient pricing strategies, and the significance of maintenance contracts. The conversation emphasizes the technician's perspective and the challenges faced in the field, including the need for proper tools and equipment. They also touch on the importance of recognizing when a generator needs replacement and how to communicate that to customers effectively.
2025-10-0842 minThe Standby Generator Podcast - With Jim SwetmanEpisode #23 - Navigating the Hiring Landscape for Generator TechniciansIn this episode of The Standby Generator Podcast, host Jim Swetman discusses the challenges of hiring generator technicians, emphasizing the lack of available candidates and the importance of training. He outlines the process of defining roles, sourcing candidates, effective interviewing techniques, and the significance of offering competitive compensation and growth opportunities. Additionally, he shares strategies for retaining technicians to ensure long-term success in the standby generator industry.TakeawaysFinding generator technicians is a significant challenge.Training is essential due to the lack of available candidates.Clearly define roles...
2025-10-0133 minThe Standby Generator Podcast - With Jim SwetmanEpisode #22 - The Real Cost of Losing a Customer: How Customer Retention Shapes Your Generator BusinessIn this episode of the Standby Generator Podcast, host Jim Swetman dives into one of the most overlooked challenges for dealers: losing a customer. It’s not always about price—often, the reasons are tied to communication gaps, poor follow-up, technician performance, or lack of proactive agreements.Jim unpacks the true lifetime value of a customer—from yearly maintenance contracts to eventual generator replacements—and explains why even one lost client can ripple out into lost referrals and market share. He also shares actionable strategies for retaining customers, winning them back after a bad experience, and building stronger...
2025-09-1717 minThe Standby Generator Podcast - With Jim SwetmanEpisode #21 - When to Expand: Hiring Tips for Generator Dealers - The 300k Benchmark, Tech Levels, Maintenance ContractsSummaryIn this episode of the Standby Generator podcast, host Jim Swetman discusses the critical aspects of hiring technicians in the standby generator business. He shares benchmarks for hiring, the importance of maintenance visits, and strategies for new installations. Jim emphasizes the need for a structured technician team, the significance of sales expectations, and the importance of creating a positive work environment to retain employees. He provides insights from his 20 years of experience in the industry, offering valuable advice for both new and established dealers.TakeawaysThe benchmark for hiring...
2025-09-1033 minThe Standby Generator Podcast - With Jim SwetmanEpisode #20 - Building a Business of Power and People: Grant Winston on Growth, Culture, and the Future of Standby GeneratorsIn this episode of The Standby Generator Podcast, host Jim Swetman sits down with Grant Winston, owner of Current Power Technologies in San Antonio, Austin, and Houston, Texas. Grant shares how the devastating Winter Storm Uri inspired his journey into the standby generator industry, and how his company has grown into a leader in backup power solutions, electrical services, and EV charger installations.They dive deep into the challenges and opportunities facing standby generator dealers, from navigating Texas’ vulnerable power grid to addressing the nationwide shortage of electricians. Grant also introduces his company’s Four...
2025-09-0333 minThe Standby Generator Podcast - With Jim SwetmanEpisode #19 - The Keys to Staying Motivated in Business: Lessons from Leadership, Remembering your Purpose, Work-Life BalanceIn this episode of The Standby Generator Podcast, host Jim Swetman shares practical strategies to help business owners, leaders, and trades professionals stay motivated through the highs and lows of running a company. Drawing on his 20+ years of experience owning and operating a successful standby power business in Upstate New York, Jim explains how to reconnect with your core purpose, set achievable goals, build resilience, and find balance between work and life.Whether you’re a standby generator dealer or a business owner in the trades anywhere in the country, these insights will help yo...
2025-08-2715 minThe Standby Generator Podcast - With Jim SwetmanEpisode #18 - The Fragile Power Grid: Why Instability Fuels the Standby Generator IndustryThe U.S. power grid was once the world’s strongest system of energy delivery. Today, it’s fragile, vulnerable, and stretched beyond its limits. In this episode of The Standby Generator Podcast, host Jim Swetman breaks down:The three pillars of the grid — physical infrastructure, policy, and politics.How historical events like the 1973 Oil Embargo, 1992 Deregulation, and the Enron collapse destabilized the grid.Why renewables, subsidies, and political agendas have weakened baseline power sources.The shocking lessons from Texas Winter Storm Uri (2021) and how millions were left powerl...
2025-08-2024 minThe Standby Generator Podcast - With Jim SwetmanEpisode #17 - Voice Your Brand: How Radio Marketing Can Supercharge Your Standby Generator Business with Mike WhittemoreIn this episode of The Standby Generator Podcast, host Jim Swetman sits down with veteran radio sales and production expert Mike Whittmore to explore how radio advertising can help standby generator dealers grow sales, build trust, and dominate their local market.With over 45 years in broadcasting, Mike shares proven strategies for creating high-impact radio ads, leveraging local personalities, and timing campaigns around seasonal weather events. Learn why radio still delivers the highest ROI for targeting the 55+ homeowner market—a core demographic for backup generator installations and maintenance services.We br...
2025-08-1322 minThe Standby Generator Podcast - With Jim SwetmanEpisode #16 - From Technician to Entrepreneur: Scott Forte's Generator Journey, How He Competes with Large Dealers, Insight on the Future of Standby Power, New York State's New Electricity MandateIn this episode of The Standby Generator Podcast, host Jim Swetman sits down with Scott Forte, owner of Upstate Power Systems in Rochester, NY. Scott shares his 20-year journey in the generator industry—starting as a technician, moving into sales and management, and ultimately building his own successful dealership.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:How small generator dealers can successfully compete against larger competitorsThe importance of customer relationships and word-of-mouth marketingThe challenges of staffing, logistics, and inventory management for growing businesses
2025-08-0630 minThe Standby Generator Podcast - With Jim SwetmanEpisode #15 - Building Your Generator Business: Skills that Lay the Foundation for SuccessIn this episode of the Standby Generator Podcast, host Jim Swetman breaks down what it really takes to build a profitable and scalable standby generator business. Whether you’re just starting out with a few installations or looking to take your dealership to the next level, this episode gives you practical strategies and real-world insights to set a strong foundation for growth.With over 20 years in the standby power industry, Jim shares what worked (and what didn’t) as he built his own company from the ground up. You’ll learn how to leverage techni...
2025-07-3013 minThe Standby Generator Podcast - With Jim SwetmanEpisode #14 - Mastering the Commercial Generator Market - Scaling, Insight on Best Practices, Lesson's Learned from Wins and LossesIn this episode of the Standby Generator Podcast, host Jim Swetman dives into a question many standby power professionals are asking: Should I expand into commercial generators? With 20+ years of firsthand experience in the backup power industry, Jim breaks down exactly what you need to know before jumping into the commercial market.Whether you’re a residential generator dealer, an electrical contractor, or a trade business owner curious about diversification, this episode is packed with insights that apply far beyond generators. From capital risks and technical training to subcontractor relationships, site planning, and en...
2025-07-2326 minThe Standby Generator Podcast - With Jim SwetmanEpisode #13 - Industry Growth Insights: What Generac’s 2025 Reports Reveal About the Future of Standby PowerIn this episode of the Standby Generator Podcast, Jim Swetman discusses the significant growth and market position of Generac in the standby power industry. He emphasizes the importance for dealers to stay informed about Generac's strategies and market trends. The conversation covers Generac's impressive sales growth, the current penetration rate of standby generators in the U.S., and the demographics of buyers. Jim also highlights the opportunities for new installations and replacement units, making a case for the potential of the standby generator market.Take aways: Over 80% of residential standby generators are manufactured by Generac.Generac's...
2025-07-1622 minThe Standby Generator Podcast - With Jim SwetmanEpisode #12 - Code Compliance, Quality Installs & Referral Goldmines: Smart Growth Strategies for Standby Generator DealersIn this power-packed episode of the Standby Generator Podcast, Jim Swetman dives deep into the operational realities that every contractor, dealer, and trades business owner should master. Whether you’re running a standby generator business, electrical contracting firm, HVAC company, or plumbing service, this episode covers the core principles of code compliance, inventory control, customer referrals, and quality assurance that drive long-term growth and reputation.You’ll learn:How to confidently navigate NEC code requirements (Articles 445, 700, 701, 702) and NFPA 110 for residential and commercial installs.The smartest way to use compliance reports to t...
2025-07-0218 minThe Standby Generator Podcast - With Jim SwetmanEpisode #11 - What Employees Really Want in the Trades: Lessons from 30 Years of Leading a Standby Power BusinessIn this episode of The Standby Generator Podcast, host Jim Swetman—30-year veteran of the standby power industry—dives deep into what really drives employee satisfaction, retention, and growth in skilled trades businesses.Whether you run a generator division, electrical contracting business, HVAC team, or any other trade-focused operation, this episode lays out timeless and universal truths about managing people that most owners get wrong.Jim shares the 6 core factors employees actually care about (and it’s not the free snacks or the fancy office). From the need for strong leadership and fair pay to the im...
2025-06-1812 minThe Standby Generator Podcast - With Jim SwetmanEpisode #10 - Hurricane Readiness for Generator Dealers: Storm Prep, Techs, Inventory & Sales StrategyIs your standby generator business ready for hurricane season—or any natural disaster? In this essential episode of The Standby Generator Podcast, host Jim Swetman delivers a comprehensive, boots-on-the-ground strategy for generator dealers and business owners across the U.S.—from the Gulf Coast to the Northeast—on how to prepare for hurricanes, snowstorms, wind events, and more.We cover:Operational planning and disaster readiness for generator companiesGeo-specific tips for storm season prep (especially in Florida, Texas, Louisiana, North Carolina, New Jersey & New York)How to manage invent...
2025-06-1114 minThe Standby Generator Podcast - With Jim SwetmanEpisode #9 - Jesse Rack, CEO of Rack Electric: On Growth, Culture, and CommunityJoin host Jim Swetman as he chats with Jesse Rack, CEO of Rack Electric, Rack Energy, and Rack Solar, on T he Standby Generator Podcast. Based in Boca Raton, Florida, Jesse discusses the incredible growth and achievements of their family-owned businesses, from expanding their services across Florida to becoming the largest independent Generac dealer in the state. Discover the unique company culture, the strategies behind their successful mergers and acquisitions, and their commitment to community involvement. Jesse also shares insights into their robust employee engagement practices, aiming for both personal and professional excellence. Get inspired by his journey of...
2025-05-2832 minThe Standby Generator Podcast - With Jim SwetmanEpisode #8 - Turning Business Failures into Success: Lessons from the TrenchesJoin Jim Swetman in this weeks episode of The Standby Generator Podcast episode where he shares invaluable lessons learned from his telecom business failure in the mid-90s. Jim discusses the pitfalls of growing too big too fast, the importance of trust and partnerships, and the journey of starting a successful standby generator company. He also delves into effective stress management strategies for business owners and the significance of separating work from personal life. Don't miss this insightful session on turning failures into future successes.
2025-05-2117 minThe Standby Generator Podcast - With Jim SwetmanEpisode #7 - Answering Dealer Questions: Common Mistakes when Scaling, Business Risks, Market Growth, Offering Financing & WarrantiesOn this episode of The Standby Generator Podcast, host Jim Swetman, addresses key questions from standby power dealers in the U.S. He elaborates on common mistakes when scaling operations, emphasizing the importance of profitability, efficiency, and strategic growth. Jim discusses competition challenges and underscores the need for consistency, proper training, and detailed processes. He highlights the importance of financing options and warranties in influencing customer decisions. For customer retention, he advises prioritizing communication, professionalism, and honesty, while also advocating for maintenance programs and periodic customer outreach. Lastly, he talks about balancing installation costs with value propositions, stressing the...
2025-05-1426 minThe Standby Generator Podcast - With Jim SwetmanEpisode #6 - Mastering Leadership - How to Effectively Lead a Growing Business: Tailoring Your Leadership Strategy to Each of Your Companies Division (Sales, Ops, Admin, Field, Service)In this episode of the Standby Generator Podcast, host Jim Swetman delves into the essential aspects of leadership tailored specifically for owners of standby power dealerships. Drawing from over 40 years of experience in the power business, Jim shares his insights on leading various departments within a company, including operations, sales, and back office. He emphasizes the importance of patience, effective training, and keen financial oversight. Tune in to learn actionable strategies that can help you enhance your leadership skills, optimize your operations, and drive your generator business towards greater success.
2025-04-2911 minThe Standby Generator Podcast - With Jim SwetmanEpisode #5 - Achieving Operational Excellence in Generator Sales and InstallationOn this episode of The Standby Generator Podcast, Jim Swetman guides viewers on achieving operational excellence in generator sales and installation from a customer's perspective. Drawing from his extensive experience in handling over 10,000 sales calls and 6,000 installations, Jim outlines a detailed process for ensuring a perfect sale and installation. Key steps include clear communication with the customer, thorough pre-qualification, providing detailed cost breakdowns, scheduling site surveys promptly, and maintaining a professional demeanor during site visits. Additionally, he emphasizes the necessity of understanding local regulations, presenting a comprehensive scope of work, and planning meticulously to avoid any disruptions. Jim also...
2025-04-2234 minThe Standby Generator Podcast - With Jim SwetmanEpisode #4 - The Future Is Standby Power: Jesse Adams Provides Insights On The Standby Power Industry - Plus Strategies On Growth And Culture"Our People, Our Power." - Jesse Adams This week, host Jim Swetman from Power Alliance chats with Jesse Adams, President of Adams. Jesse shares the company's journey, which began in 1988, and its expansion into multiple divisions including electrical, generators, smart homes, solar, HVAC, and plumbing. Jesse and Jim dives into the strategic decisions behind focusing on the standby generator market, the importance of maintenance contracts, and marketing strategies. Jesse also discusses Adams's unique lifetime warranty offering and their company culture that prioritizes making a positive impact. Tune in to gain valuable insights on growing and scaling your...
2025-04-0823 minThe Standby Generator Podcast - With Jim SwetmanEpisode #3 - Strategizing for Tariffs: Optimize Your Business Amidst Price IncreasesIn this episode of the Standby Generator Podcast, host Jim Swetman discusses the looming price increases for Generac and other standby generators due to tariffs. Jim offers practical advice for generator dealers on how to prepare and optimize operations to manage these additional costs. Topics include stocking up on inventory, motivating sales teams, effective marketing strategies, and maintaining profitability. Tune in to get valuable insights and actionable strategies to navigate the changing landscape and grow your generator business.
2025-04-0209 minThe Standby Generator Podcast - With Jim SwetmanEpisode #3 - Strategizing for Tariffs: Optimize Your Business Amidst Price IncreasesIn this episode of the Standby Generator Podcast, host Jim Swetman discusses the looming price increases for Generac and other standby generators due to tariffs. Jim offers practical advice for generator dealers on how to prepare and optimize operations to manage these additional costs. Topics include stocking up on inventory, motivating sales teams, effective marketing strategies, and maintaining profitability. Tune in to get valuable insights and actionable strategies to navigate the changing landscape and grow your generator business.
2025-04-0209 minThe Standby Generator Podcast - With Jim SwetmanEpisode #2 - Powering Business Growth: Strategies from a Standby Generator ExpertWelcome to the Standby Generator Podcast presented by Power Alliance! In this episode, host Jim Swetman delves into the intricacies of growing a standby power business. Drawing from his 20 years of experience in upstate New York, Jim answers pressing questions from standby power dealers across the U.S. Topics include the inspiration behind starting his generator business, determining when to scale, managing business growth, ensuring profitability, and overcoming common entrepreneurial mistakes. Learn strategies for handling employee issues, tracking progress, and maintaining customer satisfaction. Tune in for actionable insights to power up your generator business!00:00 Introduction to the S...
2025-03-2420 minThe Standby Generator Podcast - With Jim SwetmanEpisode #1 - Navigating Price Increases & Boosting Leads in the Standby Generator IndustryIn this episode of The Standby Generator Podcast, host Jim Swetman dives into some of the biggest challenges facing generator dealers today—rising costs, increased competition, and lead generation struggles. With recent price hikes from major manufacturers, how should dealers adjust their pricing strategy without losing sales? And with lead flow slowing down, what are the most effective ways to attract and convert new customers?Tune in as Jim shares proven insights from industry leaders, covering: How to strategically pass on price increases without scaring off customers Why confidence in pr...
2025-03-2019 minThe Standby Generator Podcast - With Jim SwetmanIntroducing The Standby Generator Podcast - With Jim SwetmanJoin host Jim Swetman as we dive into the world of the standby power business. Each episode delivers expert insights, industry trends, and actionable strategies to help you scale, optimize, and increase profitability in your generator business. Whether you’re looking to streamline operations, boost sales, or stay ahead of market shifts, this podcast is your go-to resource for success. Tune in and let’s power up your business!
2025-03-2000 min
To The Top Talk9/2/19- Southern Miss vs Alcorn State Recap; Matt WyattOn this week's episode of To The Top Talk, we recap the Golden Eagles' 38-10 victory over the Alcorn State Braves. In addition, we bring you some of the sounds from campus during opening weekend with guests Jeremy Cooper, Steve Farmer, Wesley Dickens, Luke Johnson, Jim Thompson, Tanner Swetman, John Adam Hackney and Philip Scott. Also we visit with Radio Analyst for Mississippi State Football, Matt Wyatt. #SMTTT
2019-09-031h 10