Shows
Owned and Operated - A Plumbing, Electrical, and HVAC Business Growth Podcast#230 Is Buying Businesses Overhyped? Why You Should Build InsteadBoomers aren’t your best bet anymore. While everyone’s still chasing the so-called Silver Tsunami, the truth is most aging-out home service businesses won’t sell — and the ones that do often aren’t worth buying. In this episode of Owned and Operated, John and Jack explain why smart operators are ditching the outdated playbook and going all-in on modern growth strategies.They unpack why 2026 is their multi-market year and how they’re expanding beyond Ohio through greenfield launches, tuck-in acquisitions, and strategic partnerships. From leadership i...
2025-08-0548 minOwned and Operated - A Plumbing, Electrical, and HVAC Business Growth Podcast#227 How Small HVAC Businesses Are Disrupting the IndustryHow HVAC Leaders Stay Ahead: Overcoming Growth Challenges and Innovation FatigueIn this episode, we unpack key growth and leadership lessons from the HVAC industry. From innovation fatigue and stalled marketing efforts to navigating leadership challenges and sustainable scaling — this one's for owners serious about building a high-performance business.🔑 What You’ll Learn:Why summer slowdowns kill momentum (and how to avoid it)How innovation fatigue creeps in — even with the best toolsWhat strong senior leadership really looks like in HVACWhy smaller HVAC companies are often bet...
2025-07-2453 minOwned 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 minOwned and Operated - A Plumbing, Electrical, and HVAC Business Growth Podcast#223 Can These WEIRD Ideas Turn Into Million-Dollar Businesses?In this episode of Owned and Operated, John and Jack explore the wild and unconventional world of lifestyle businesses—where personal passion meets profit.From running an online Magic: The Gathering store to launching a ski wax brand, buying a marina, or even farming ants and mushrooms, the duo dives into how niche interests can evolve into sustainable, revenue-generating ventures. They discuss the lifestyle advantages of owning passion-driven businesses, the economics of niche markets, and how to balance multiple income streams while having fun doing it.Whether you're curious ab...
2025-07-1536 minOwned 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 minOwned 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 minOwned 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 minOwned 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 minOwned 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 minOwned 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 minOwned and Operated - A Plumbing, Electrical, and HVAC Business Growth Podcast#209 How to Scale Your Home Service Business from $3M to $100M | Leadership & Growth StrategiesWhat does it really take to scale a home service business to $100 million in revenue? In this episode of Owned and Operated, we dive deep into the business growth strategies, leadership transitions, and operational upgrades needed to build a high-performing trades company. Whether you're in HVAC, plumbing, or another skilled trade, this conversation reveals the mindset shifts and systems that power sustainable service business growth.We break down why your original team may not be equipped to scale with you, how leadership development drives long-term success, and the pivotal role...
2025-06-1250 min
Owned and Operated - A Plumbing, Electrical, and HVAC Business Growth Podcast#198 This ONE Mistake Can Tank Your First AcquisitionDon’t Fall for the Buyer’s Trap: Why No-Marketing Businesses Aren’t Easy Wins In this episode of Jackquisitions, we dive into a common pitfall many first-time buyers fall for—the belief that a business with little or no marketing is a “goldmine” just waiting to be unlocked. Spoiler: it’s not that simple. Using the tongue-in-cheek example of an underwater basket weaving business, we break down the real costs of building out a marketing engine from scratch.Jack unpacks the "buyer’s trap": the dangerous assumption that adding marketing...
2025-05-1614 minOwned and Operated - A Plumbing, Electrical, and HVAC Business Growth Podcast#196 Hiring Secrets That ACTUALLY WorkStruggling to find great technicians or keep your best employees around? This episode is your playbook.We break down battle-tested recruiting strategies that helped scale real home service businesses—from plumbing and HVAC to general trades. You'll learn how to treat recruitment like a sales pipeline, maintain momentum year-round, and create a company culture that people want to be part of.This episode goes beyond theory. From incentive trips and performance bonuses to sharp branding, upgraded vehicles, and custom dashboards, you'll hear exactly how to build an environment that attracts and retains top-tier talent.🚨 What...
2025-05-1338 minOwned 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 minOwned and Operated - A Plumbing, Electrical, and HVAC Business Growth Podcast#185 From Roofing to Riches: The Blueprint for Business GrowthThinking about buying a roofing company or scaling your home service business? John and Jack almost bought a roofing business—but after a deep dive into the financials and seller materials, they walked away. In this episode, they reveal why the deal didn’t work, the red flags in roofing business listings, and what you should know before buying or building a home service company.From key takeaways at HoldCo Comp to real estate agent business models, and from leveraging tools like Hatch for outbound sales to analyzing the true value of niche service companies—this episode is pac...
2025-04-1043 minOwned 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 minOwned 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 minOwned and Operated - A Plumbing, Electrical, and HVAC Business Growth Podcast#169 - Scaling an HVAC Startup to $6M: How Andrew Morrell Went from ZERO to MillionsIn this episode, Jack and John sit down with Andrew Morrell, who took his HVAC business from zero to $6 million—without a massive budget or a big head start. They dive into his journey, what worked (and what didn’t), and how smart marketing helped him scale fast. SPECIAL THANKS TO SERVICE SCALERSIn a year where many in the industry faced challenges, we’re thrilled to have hit the low 20s, outperforming expectations and driving serious growth. A huge part of that success is thanks to Serv...
2025-02-1356 minOwned and Operated - A Plumbing, Electrical, and HVAC Business Growth Podcast#168 - We Cut Payroll Costs by 50%—Here’s How Remote Hiring Cuts Major CostsIn this episode, Jack and John break down how businesses are cutting costs and boosting efficiency by leveraging overseas teams for call centers, accounting, and recruitment.We also dive into the biggest challenges of managing remote teams, setting up effective communication, and streamlining operations to scale smarter.Special Thanks to AvocaLooking to train your call center and improve technician performance? Avoca AI is here to help your team identify existing issues, improve call quality, and drive results from start to finish. Click here to schedule a demo
2025-02-1138 minOwned and Operated - A Plumbing, Electrical, and HVAC Business Growth Podcast#167- Stop Pitching, Start Closing—The Secret to More Plumbing ConversionsMost techs aren’t salespeople—but they should be closing more jobs. In this episode, Jack and John break down the sales tactics that get homeowners saying yes more often. We're talking about the difference between soft and hard selling, how full system evaluations can boost your close rate, and why most techs miss the real root cause of a homeowner’s problem. Plus, we cover the must-know steps for handling calls like a pro. If you want to turn more estimates into booked jobs, this one’s for you.SPECIAL THANKS TO SERVICE SCALERS
2025-02-0635 minOwned and Operated - A Plumbing, Electrical, and HVAC Business Growth Podcast#162 - Get Your Techs to Close More Tickets: How We Built Confidence, Boosted Sales, and Cut StressIn a world where customer expectations are higher than ever, the success of your HVAC or plumbing business hinges on one thing: a well-trained team. Jack and John are here to show you how to make it happen.Drawing on their experience and dynamic insights, they reveal the secrets to creating training programs that don’t just do the job — but transform how you do business. From onboarding new hires to advanced technical and sales tips, they break down the steps to building high-performance teams.Special Thanks to AvocaLooking to trai...
2025-01-2131 minOwned and Operated - A Plumbing, Electrical, and HVAC Business Growth Podcast#161 - Private Equity vs. Co-Investment: Strategies for Scaling Small BusinessesIn this episode, Jack & John sit down together to discuss the strategies and significance of finding the right partners for growth in the home service sector. The conversation touches on the pros and cons of minority vs. majority ownership, the challenges of trust, and the potential benefits of co-investment partnerships vs private equity. We also explore real-world examples and share insights on how these strategies can lead to substantial growth and operational improvements within the trades.A SPECIAL THANKS TO HATCHTurn communication into conversion with Hatch and its AI Agents, r...
2025-01-1641 minOwned and Operated - A Plumbing, Electrical, and HVAC Business Growth Podcast#160 - How This One Sales Tactic Unlocked $10 Million in PotentialIn this episode, John and Jack discuss how they redefined their business over the past year, sharing the big wins and game-changing shifts that took them to the next level.From revamping call centers and rethinking compensation to building a powerhouse inside sales team and unlocking the hidden potential of weekend shifts, they’ll show you how you can turn everyday decisions into massive growth opportunities. This comprehensive discussion is filled with actionable insights for businesses aiming to scale and achieve higher efficiency in their operations.Shout out to Service ScalersIn...
2025-01-1443 minOwned 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 minOwned 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 minOwned and Operated - A Plumbing, Electrical, and HVAC Business Growth Podcast#149 - Leadership Through Open Book Management with Ellen RohrA new episode of 'Owned and Operated' is here, with the incomparable Ellen Rohr joining Jack and John as they talk about her expensive journey through the world of plumbing, what leadership means, and why open book management leads to success. They talk about Ellen’s journey from plumbing to business success, strategic approaches to overcoming debt through proper pricing, and the personal evolution of founding successful ventures like Benjamin Franklin the Punctual Plumber and Zoom Drain. Now working with ServiceTitan, Ellen has seen a lot–don’t miss this masterclass episode of the show.A SPECIA...
2024-10-291h 03Owned and Operated - A Plumbing, Electrical, and HVAC Business Growth Podcast#148 - Using Global Talent to Outpace Competition with Sagan's Jon MatznerIn this episode of Owned and Operated, John and Jack are joined by Sagan’s Jon Matzner to talk about the use of global talent and hiring overseas to enhance business operations, beyond just saving costs. What is the importance of systemization and automation in building a high-leverage business model?Jon also goes through the evolution of the Sagan system, which starts with global talent as an entry point and extends to include automation and decentralized leadership. What are the dynamics of remote hiring, the role of AI in augmenting job roles, and the changing landscape of ta...
2024-10-2235 minOwned and Operated - A Plumbing, Electrical, and HVAC Business Growth Podcast#147 - From Customer to Owner: The Journey into Business Acquisition and OwnershipIn this episode, Jack is flying solo and speaks with Rory Tyer, a new owner of an independent garden center in South Carolina, about his journey in entrepreneurship through acquisition. Rory shares his experiences and challenges in acquiring and operating a local nursery, discussing factors such as location, customer demographics, and the dynamics of retail vs. wholesale businesses. The conversation also touches on the significant learning curve, managing inventory, and engaging in new marketing strategies such as an SP club and local school partnerships. Thanks to Our Sponsor Supply House Need parts fa...
2024-10-1536 min
Owned and Operated - A Plumbing, Electrical, and HVAC Business Growth Podcast#145 - LEGENDS: Chris Hoffman and Home Service Financial Discipline at $100M and UpThis episode of Owned and Operated features Chris Hoffman, CEO of the $130M Hoffman Brothers, continuing the "Legends Series," where industry leaders are highlighted for their massive influence and expertise in the home services space. Chris shares his journey with John and Jack, scaling Hoffman Brothers from a modest family business to a multi-million-dollar industry leader, operating out of St. Louis and Nashville. The discussion covers business strategies, leadership challenges, and Chris’s opinions on what it takes to grow a home service business via financial discipline and talent development.Service Scalers can help figure out...
2024-10-0159 minOwned 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 minOwned and Operated - A Plumbing, Electrical, and HVAC Business Growth Podcast#143 - Call-by-Call HVAC Growth Management with Service MVP Joe CrisaraJohn and Jack welcome Joe Crisara from Service MVP, a mainstay in the home services business. Joe shares his extensive experience spanning 47 years in the trades industry, detailing his journey from a service technician to a successful entrepreneur. He discusses how implementing call by call management and personalized customer service can drastically improve business outcomes. Joe also highlights the importance of using technology like Hatch and Rilla to streamline workflows and enhance customer engagement. Is call by call management the path towards becoming your own Service MVP? Tune in and find out.Turn communication i...
2024-09-1756 minOwned and Operated - A Plumbing, Electrical, and HVAC Business Growth Podcast#141 - Wyatt Smith and Gamifying Employee Retention with UpSmithIn this episode of 'Owned and Operated,' host Jack Carr interviews Wyatt Smith from Upsmith to discuss employee retention and the psychology of incentives for skilled workforces. Wyatt shares a look into UpSmith’s mission to gamify the skilled trades industry using software that provides immediate feedback and recognition to technicians while bolstering your employee retention strategy, and how this approach boosts performance and revenue. Wyatt also breaks down the significance of timely rewards and Upsmith's future roadmap.Thanks to Our Sponsor Supply House Need parts fast? Supply House Dot Com is...
2024-09-0323 minOwned 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#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 03Owned and Operated - A Plumbing, Electrical, and HVAC Business Growth Podcast#136 - Getting Home Service Business Leads When the Season ChangesAre you focused on business leads in your home service company when the seasons change? This week, Jack and John talk about weak months during peak HVAC season, big victories coming from major talent hires, and the power of specialty equipment paying for itself almost immediately. However, the big topic of conversation covers home service business leads, generating those leads when times get quiet, and the various avenues an owner has available to source customers.Episode Hosts: 🎤John Wilson: @WilsonCompanies on TwitterJack Carr: @TheHVACJack on TwitterSen...
2024-08-1332 minOwned and Operated - A Plumbing, Electrical, and HVAC Business Growth Podcast#135 - Pipelines, Heavy Equipment, and Marketing your Excavation BusinessEven vacation can’t stop John from talking about the new, heavy equipment for his drainage excavation business doubling as a marketing strategy! He and Jack talk about the nature of working in HVAC, drains, and excavation, why pipelining is great, and just how much a machine for drain cleaning can cost a business–and how much it makes back when you start to tie upsells into your sales practices. Do you know the difference between the excavation and pipelining business? Find out.Episode Hosts: 🎤John Wilson: @WilsonCompanies on TwitterJack Carr:
2024-08-0616 minOwned 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 minOwned 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 minOwned 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 minOwned and Operated - A Plumbing, Electrical, and HVAC Business Growth Podcast#130 - Unlocking High Average Ticket Sales in HVAC and PlumbingJoin John and Jack as they talk about hitting major milestones, training programs, and strategies that have significantly increased their average ticket sales. Learn about the importance of call-by-call management, creating effective options for customers, and improving service quality. We also discuss exploring customer needs early, the impact of nuanced training, and optimizing service processes. Episode Hosts: 🎤John Wilson: @WilsonCompanies on TwitterJack Carr: @TheHVACJack on TwitterService ScalersIf you want to learn more about Service Scalers, get you...
2024-06-2539 minOwned and Operated - A Plumbing, Electrical, and HVAC Business Growth Podcast#128 - How to Use AI for Home Service Business SuccessIn this episode of 'Owned and Operated,' Jack and John revisit their previous discussion on how to use and integrate AI into their home service business endeavors, analyzing its transformative impact over the past few months. They reflect into their experience with Avoca, an AI-driven call center software, and discuss its role in enhancing CSR coaching and overall call center efficiency. The hosts highlight initial successes seen in just a few weeks, the potential for field operations, and their aspirations for AI in marketing. The discussion also explores the broader implications of AI on business scalability and future...
2024-06-1144 minOwned 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 minOwned 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 minOwned and Operated - A Plumbing, Electrical, and HVAC Business Growth Podcast#122 - Unlocking Fencing Business Success: Insights from Cassie NiekampCassie Niekamp returns for round two! The owner of a fencing business in Columbus, she and Jack Carr discuss the unique challenges and opportunities in the fencing industry, especially in relation to the economy and market diversification. They’ll also look into business models, B2B marketing strategies, operational efficiencies, and the significance of customer service. What are the risks and rewards of government contracts, the utility of digital tools for improving sales processes, and the vital role of subcontractors in managing workloads? The Owned and Operated podcast has got your answers, so stick around for more in...
2024-05-1630 minOwned and Operated - A Plumbing, Electrical, and HVAC Business Growth Podcast#121 - Getting Off The Fence and Into Growth with Cassi NiekampIn this episode of Owned and Operated, John and Jack welcome back Cassi Niekamp to the show, a home service entrepreneur who has significantly grown her business in the fencing business. Cassi shares her experience acquiring a 39-year-old home service business in Columbus, Ohio, and transforming it from a small-scale operation with outdated practices into a successful company with a revenue of 3 million and aiming for 5 million. Cassi details the pivotal changes that propelled her growth, including hiring an operations manager, incorporating software tools, and focusing on commercial over residential services for better margins and scalability. The c...
2024-05-1432 minOwned 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#117 - Leads and LSAs: The Post-Acquisition Journey to 5 MillionIn this episode of Owned and Operated, John and Jack explores the intricacies of running a home service business, focusing particularly on residential plumbing, HVAC, and electric services. The episode kicks off with a nod to Service Scalers for their exemplary assistance in managing digital advertising for home service companies. The discussion delves into the challenges and triumphs faced by entrepreneurs in the home service industry, highlighting the importance of adapting business strategies to different platforms, like LinkedIn, for growth and engagement. A significant portion of the episode is devoted to an in-depth discussion on the use of scorecards...
2024-04-3034 minOwned and Operated - A Plumbing, Electrical, and HVAC Business Growth Podcast#116 - SCORE! Navigating Success in Home Service Growth with ScorecardingIn this episode of Owned and Operated, John and Jack explore the intricacies of running a home service business, focusing particularly on residential plumbing, HVAC, and electric services. The episode kicks off with a nod to Service Scalers for their exemplary assistance in managing digital advertising for home service companies. The discussion delves into the challenges and triumphs faced by entrepreneurs in the home service industry, highlighting the importance of adapting business strategies to different platforms, like LinkedIn, for growth and engagement. A significant portion of the episode is devoted to an in-depth discussion on the use of scorecards...
2024-04-2522 minOwned 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 minOwned 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 minOwned 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 minOwned 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 minOwned 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 minOwned 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 minOwned 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 minOwned 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 minOwned 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 minOwned 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 minOwned 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 minOwned 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 minOwned 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 minOwned 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 minOwned 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 minOwned 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 minOwned 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 minOwned 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 minOwned 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 minOwned 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 minOwned 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 minOwned 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 minOwned 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 minOwned 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 minOwned 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 minOwned 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 minOwned 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 minOwned 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 minOwned 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 minOwned 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 minOwned 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 minOwned 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 minOwned 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 minOwned 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 minOwned 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 minOwned 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 minOwned 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 minOwned 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 minOwned 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 minOwned 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 minOwned 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 minOwned 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 minOwned 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 minOwned 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 minOwned 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 minOwned and Operated - A Plumbing, Electrical, and HVAC Business Growth Podcast#22 - How John Wilson Started Buying BusinessesIn this episode John discusses his history getting started in the trades, his journey learning about finance and acquisitions, to buying 5 businesses and owning a $5MM Plumbing and HVAC business.If you're interested to hear a story about how anyone can buy a business and run it successfully despite the ups and downs, this episode is a must listen!Enjoy!Check out Owned and Operated Weekly Insights: a newsletter where John discusses topics ranging from recruiting and marketing to the growth of your home service business. Subscribe to the newsletter here.
2021-09-1525 minOwned and Operated - A Plumbing, Electrical, and HVAC Business Growth Podcast#08 - Sam Leslie - Massive Sacrifice, Failure, and Success - Sam and John Product Launch?On this episode of Owned and Operated we bring on Sam Leslie.This conversation gets DEEP. We cover the major sacrifices that come with entrepreneurship, as well as how those sacrifices manifest into a business that can take care fo your family for generations.Sam and John also start spitballing ideas back and forth - will they be collaborating in the future?Enjoy the show!Check out Owned and Operated Weekly Insights: a newsletter where John discusses topics ranging from recruiting and marketing to the growth of your...
2021-06-0254 min