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Toolbox for the TradesToolbox for the TradesServiceTitan Network Takeover -- Mastering ServiceTitan — Happy Calls: Let Your Customers Hear Your SmileHappy Holidays from all of us at the ServiceTitan Podcast Network. We've been planning quite a 2025 for you, dear listener, and as part of that we want to make sure you know about the other great resources and shows we have for your service business. This episode is hand selected to make for a great learning experience, especially if you work with commercial accounts.Originally aired 11/21/2024 and recorded LIVE at Pantheon 2024:In this episode of Mastering ServiceTitan, we’re joined by Kyle Ur...2024-12-2431 minToolbox for the TradesToolbox for the TradesServiceTitan Network Takeover -- Mastering ServiceTitan -- ServiceTitan Implementation: Owning the Platform from Day OneDid you know the ServiceTitan Podcast network has other shows that can really help you not only grow your business but learn more about and use ServiceTitan even better?We've come out with additional shows to help folks all over your organization get the most out of your time working with us and our platforms.Today we have a guest episode from our sister show "Mastering ServiceTitan", designed to help the folks at your HQ learn to use the ServiceTitan platform better from day one.Originally Aired 8/20/20242024-11-0532 minToolbox for the TradesToolbox for the TradesFrom Chaos to Clarity: Getting Started with ServiceTitan InventoryHey Toolbox listeners, today we're adding a bonus episode to your feed from our newest show on the ServiceTitan Podcast Network — Mastering ServiceTitan.This new show airs on Thursdays and we're bringing it to you here to put more great information about running your business in your ears.In this episode of Mastering Service Titan, we talk with Steve Cossette, the Head of IT at NICE Home Services and a prominent figure in the ServiceTitan Masterminds Facebook group. Dive into the nitty-gritty of inventory management as Steve exp...2024-07-2530 minToolbox for the TradesToolbox for the TradesData Doesn’t Lie: ServiceTitan’s Residential Contractor ReportContractors used to have to scout the competition in person if they wanted a sense of how they were stacking up with the rest of the field. But now, business owners can just check the data — if they know where to look. Great news, listeners! Angie Snow and Chris Hunter, two of ServiceTitan’s star Principal Industry Advisors, join the show to break down our latest Residential Contract Report. You won’t want to miss out on the surprising finds from our latest poll of hundreds of contractors nationwide across over a dozen trades...2023-11-2843 minToolbox for the TradesToolbox for the TradesWhen Hard Work Pays Off: The ServiceTitan HVAC Championship 2022 When Mack Shwert first got his invitation to the inaugural ServiceTitan HVAC Championship, he was shocked. He thought there was no way he could handle a live competition under the bright lights. But after getting some encouragement from his family, the HomeServe, USA technician packed his bags and made the trip to Tampa. A few days later, he was crowned the ServiceTitan HVAC Championship winner. Mack shares his experience in the competition and gives his boots-on-the-ground perspective on apprenticeships and employee retainment. Join us as we discuss: 2023-03-2834 minToolbox for the TradesToolbox for the TradesToolbox On Call: Training, Risk, and the Scarcity MindsetWe want your feedback! Share your thoughts on today’s episode by taking this 10-second survey . In this episode, we’re taking to the phones and answering questions from you - our dear listeners! Tom Howard, VP of Customer Experience at ServiceTitan, and Eddie McFarlane, President of Haller Enterprises, join us for a roundtable discussion on training, inventory management, and business growth. Tom and Eddie share valuable insight on multiple challenges, from attracting new talent to confronting the scarcity mindset. Join us as we discuss: - (1:40) Recruiting young serv...2022-11-011h 12Toolbox for the TradesToolbox for the TradesEpisode 96: Going Viral: TikTok for the TradesEveryone is searching for the secret sauce for hit social media content. For Armando Ramos, owner of Plomero en Phoenix, one catchy jingle was just the right ingredient for his business. Jingle Stuck in your head? Spotify has you covered. In this episode, Armando shares how business at his dream plumbing company exploded after a 60-second TikTok went viral with over 50 million views. He also elaborates on how his social media presence has influenced recruiting and his reputation among...2022-08-0247 minToolbox for the TradesToolbox for the TradesEpisode 95: The Four Daily Habits of ServiceTitan ChampionsMost men and women in the trades prefer taking care of business in the field over burying their heads in a computer. My guest, Mike Marcil, Software Coach at Nexstar Network, is on a mission to help businesses maximize their software proficiencies so they can focus on what’s important - servicing their customers. As a veteran of the ServiceTitan OS since 2014, he knows a thing or two about getting the most out of your software’s potential. Join us as we discuss: ...2022-07-2652 minToolbox for the TradesToolbox for the TradesEpisode 94: Rallying the Troops - Raising the Standard in PlumbingSome of the leading pioneers in the trades are people who want to be part of the solution to a problem that needs fixing. That’s why my guest, Lina Kurucz, Managing Partner at Plumbing Troopers, Inc., dove head-first into the plumbing business in 2015. She used her marketing background to kickstart a Florida plumbing firm that puts customer needs first. By leaning on her employees’ expertise, she’s helped set a new standard for trades in her area. Join us as we discuss: - Wh...2022-07-1935 minToolbox for the TradesToolbox for the TradesEpisode 93: Service Before Sales - Teaching Techs to Problem SolveHow often are service techs confronted with customer leads that they don’t know how to handle? Kelcey Summers, President at Service Business Evolution (SBE), and Will Smith, VP of Coaching & Training at SBE, contend that the issue isn’t lack of know-how but the absence of training. By coaching technicians to work with customers to solve problems rather than push sales, Kelcey and Will believe that businesses will see positive returns on their bottom lines. Join us as we discuss: - Why...2022-07-1249 minToolbox for the TradesToolbox for the TradesEpisode 92: An Electric Life - From Handy Journeyman to TedX SpeakerFor decades, the American trades have had a regrettable stigma of dirty jobs meant for the uneducated. My guest, Joshua Page, President of JP Electric and Son, Inc. in Fitchburg, Massachusetts, is on a mission to break down that barrier. Joshua wants to educate our youth and open their eyes to the real potential that awaits them in the trades. Join us as we discuss: - Joshua’s journey through the trades into electrical contracting - How he became a speaking advocate for the trades...2022-07-0545 minToolbox for the TradesToolbox for the TradesEpisode 91: Finding a Mentor in the TradesIt’s a hard combination to both take advice and learn from experience, but that’s what these father and daughter owners have really taken to heart.   Hear our conversation with Chloe Davis and Ben Davis at Express Plumbing Heating & Air: Mentorship and deciding to work with your dad Why personal growth and people management are intertwined Best practices for designing process for people and systems    More information about Chloe and Ben and today’s topics: https://expressplumbingidaho.com/  https://monday.com/    Know a business that could use a bit of muscle from...2022-05-171h 03Toolbox for the TradesToolbox for the TradesEpisode 90: The Golden Carrot & Working w/ Your SistersWhat’s it like to manage a family of companies with your sisters? Tune in for their amazing story of company growth from one to 217 employees and their plans to double again this decade.  Hear our conversation with sisters Jessica (Howe) Groat, CFO; Jaime Howe, Plumbing Operations Manager; and Haley Howe, GM, Restoration and Flood — all at the Bill Howe Family of Companies: How the company began and why they joined the company Their unique specialities and career path within Bill Howe Advice for contractors Developing an aggressive growth plan   More information about Jessica, Jaime, Haley...2022-05-1042 minToolbox for the TradesToolbox for the TradesEpisode 89: Superhero Technicians: Supplying the Best Tools for the JobIf you want superhero technicians, you have to provide them with superhero tools like taking a picture of a data plate and immediately knowing the history of that unit.   Emerging technologies have enabled efficiencies and safety measures that technicians have never known before. But the best part: The tech eliminates the physical toll.  Hear our conversation with Aaron Salow, CEO of XOi Technologies:  Learning curves in business & an understanding of XOi Technologies Working w/ technicians to make their job more efficient Building tech & customer relationships What’s next for Aaron & advice to the listeners   More i...2022-05-0339 minToolbox for the TradesToolbox for the TradesEpisode 88: Demystifying Data for ContractorsThink about data as levers you can pull to optimize outcomes for your company. Put that way, it doesn’t sound quite so overwhelming to get started in data.  Hear our conversation with Tyson Freeman, Head of Contractor Advisory Services at ServiceTitan: Why contractors should care about data Company-wide data goals need employee buy-in How to get started in data reporting    More information about Tyson and today’s topics: LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tyson-freeman-30511084/   Company Website: https://www.servicetitan.com/   To hear more tales from the trades, subscribe to Toolbox for the Tra...2022-04-2647 minToolbox for the TradesToolbox for the TradesEpisode 87: Weak Brand? Time to Visit a Brand TherapistWant to build an undeniable brand that speaks to the consumer? Well, have a seat on the couch because the brand therapist is in.   Hear our conversation with Dan Antonelli, President and Chief Creative Officer at KickCharge Creative: Why disruption matters in branding How a weak brand slows your business down How to build the foundation for a premium brand    More information about Dan and today’s topics: LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danantonelli/  Company Website: https://www.kickcharge.com/  Branded, Not Blanded: https://www.kickcharge.com/tips-tools/our-books-2/  Purple Cow: https://geni.us/ra...2022-04-1956 minToolbox for the TradesToolbox for the TradesEpisode 86: Lending a Friendly Hand Through MentorshipDavid Noseworthy, Vice President of Corporate Development at Friendly Home Services Group, has worked on both Bay Street and Wall Street but now his focus has turned back to the trades with a very specific goal in mind: unlocking latent potential in employees. Why, you ask? Because David and the Friendly Group believe by unlocking the latent potential of each employee, you unlock the potential of the entire company. Or as David puts it, you’re “doing well by doing good.” Join us as we discuss: The importance of unlocking latent...2022-04-1341 minToolbox for the TradesToolbox for the TradesEpisode 85: Tech Detective: Expert Tips from a Contracting ProIn this episode, I interview Sean McGuire, Director of Innovative Technologies at Mechanical Contractors Association of America (MCAA) about what it’s like to work beside contractors working with advancements in technology.  A true tech detective for the trades, Sean encourages listeners to plan for the future, consider augmented reality, and much more. Join us as we discuss: - Top technology tips for contractors - Predictions for future trends  - The importance of continuous education  - Overcoming reluctance to change  - Da...2022-04-0542 minToolbox for the TradesToolbox for the TradesEpisode 84: Expert Tips from a Marketing ProToday’s guest joined ServiceTitan after running marketing for one of the biggest brands in the trades. If you want to learn how to take your marketing to the next level (and why it’s so important to do your math), you won’t want to miss this episode.  In this episode, I interview ServiceTitan’s own Sarah Ghirardo, Sr. Marketing Operations Manager, about her best wisdom for marketing in the trades.  Join us as we discuss: Changing consumers’ thoughts and behavior with branding Seasonal campaign tips and insights Marketing communities, mentorship...2022-03-2946 minToolbox for the TradesToolbox for the TradesEpisode 82: Creating a 5-Star Employee ExperienceWhen you’re focused on creating five-star experiences for customers, you have to create five-star experiences for employees, too. Serving people as a core value extends to customers and employees both. Cassie Pound, Co Owner and Vice President at Quality Heating, Cooling & Plumbing, grew her HVAC company from 10 to nearly 50 employees by focusing equally on customer experience and employee experience. Join us as we discuss: - What it means to be family owned vs. locally owned - Creating a competitive employee experience ...2022-03-1542 minToolbox for the TradesToolbox for the TradesEpisode 80: Hire Smarter w/ These Recruiting TipsWhen you create an ad for your services, do you lead by asking potential clients where they went to college, whether they can juggle or how much they owe the IRS? That would be insane, right? Well, in today’s hiring market, leading with a litany of requirements is just as crazy. That’s one of the many insights Jody Underhill, Senior Partner at Rapid Hire, brings in today’s episode that will help you beat the labor shortage and the strong employee market in the current recrui...2022-03-0149 minToolbox for the TradesToolbox for the TradesEpisode 79: “We’ve Got to Grow Quick”: When Growth Is Necessary for SurvivalWhen you learn that your child will have many medical needs before he is born, you have to grow your business fast. Marriages with a special needs child are 70% likely to fail, and marriages with a co-owned business are 50% likely to fail. But today’s guests, Richard and Felicia Flourny, Owners at A-Total Plumbing, have not only survived but thrived, growing their solo business to 32 employees and recently undertaking a complete business model shift. Join us as we discuss: - The origin st...2022-02-2241 minToolbox for the TradesToolbox for the TradesEpisode 78: Focus on What’s Important, Automate Everything ElseIf you’re focused on what’s important, you don’t get tied up in messy distractions day in and day out. Getting the data, the training, and the decisions to your people — and then trusting them to do their work — is key. In this episode, I speak with Tom Howard, VP Customer Experience at ServiceTitan, about focusing on what matters in customer experience. Join us as we discuss: - Why Tom left finance to go back to the trades - Growing Lee’s Air from $2 to $...2022-02-1544 minToolbox for the TradesToolbox for the TradesEpisode 77: If It’s a Female Septic Inspector, It’s Van DeldenCertification isn’t required, but you decide to get it anyway. Licensing, together with field experience, gives you the ability to educate your customers about aerobic septic systems online — making you the county’s premier installer. In this episode, I speak with Courtney Van Delden, VP and Septic System Specialist at Van Delden Wastewater Systems, about how her online thought leadership has grown her four-generation family business when the county started requiring aerobic. Join us as we discuss: - Flipping a coin with her brother to determine their titles - Inheriting a 25-y...2022-02-0838 minToolbox for the TradesToolbox for the TradesEpisode 76: From a One-Woman-Show to a Team of 15Entrepreneurship is a natural next step for a lifelong learner who enjoys management and working with people. It stems from the realization that you just can’t carry the cast iron bathtub up the stairs by yourself and flourishes into a successful pre-apprenticeship program and tight-knit team of employees. In this episode, I interview Jessie Cannizzaro, Master Plumber and Founder at Milestone Plumbing, Inc., about the past ten years of her relentless, steady company growth. Join us as we discuss: - How Je...2022-02-0155 minToolbox for the TradesToolbox for the TradesEpisode 75: How to Gain $600 More Per Average Service TicketYou and your brother sit down to decide once and for all: Yes, we’re going to outright buy the company from Dad. A year later, you’ve rebranded, switched to 100% residential, and added two divisions. How? In this episode, I interview Jeremy Lewis, President at Gleason Heating, Plumbing, Air and Electric, about how he transformed his family business within the past 12 months. Join us as we discuss:  - What Jeremy’s buyout was like  - The first steps of...2022-01-2548 minToolbox for the TradesToolbox for the TradesEpisode 74: Season 4 Toolbox Guests Share Trade InsightsIf you’re a long-time listener, you know the drill. Today, I’m going to recap some of the best tips, tricks, and tactics shared by this season’s guests. I’m Jackie Aubel, Senior Content Marketing Manager at ServiceTitan and host of Toolbox for the Trades. Join me for a recap of all the amazing guests we’ve heard from this season. Listen to our guests speak about: - How to have a successful business partnership with a spouse or friend - How to find the r...2021-12-2840 minToolbox for the TradesToolbox for the TradesEpisode 73: Incentivize, Incentivize, Incentivize: Investing in Committed PeopleApprentices are rewarded for education and initiative. Teams are rewarded for doing things the right way. Managers are rewarded when customers are satisfied… and not in quarterly bonuses, either. Tune in to an astounding companywide incentivization program based on processes and growth. In this episode, I speak with Mario Martinez, COO at Scott's One Hour Air Conditioning & Heating and Benjamin Franklin Plumbing, about how he rewards employees. Mario and I discuss: - Mario’s career trajectory from tech to COO - To...2021-12-2136 minToolbox for the TradesToolbox for the TradesEpisode 72: From High Performing Technician to Small-Market EntrepreneurToday’s guest dropped out of high school because he said he couldn’t pass anything. But he earned his master plumbing license on his first try. HVAC license, too. About a decade ago, he was making $20/hour and broke. Today he’s just added an HVAC team to his $3.3 million dollar business. In this episode, I chat with Russell Furr, President at Culpeper Home Services, about the struggles and realities of entrepreneurship. (Let me tell you, Russell does not hold back!) Listen in as we...2021-12-1451 minToolbox for the TradesToolbox for the TradesEpisode 71: Coming into Your Own in a Family BusinessIt’s no small thing to take over as third-generation president of your 100-year-old family business. Especially when you think you can do everything yourself… at first. Today’s guest candidly shares the leadership lessons he acquired the hard way in a family business that’s existed since February 1922. In this episode, I interview Rob Birnie, Owner and President at Thos R Birnie & Sons Ltd, about what it was like to come into his own in a family business and how he learned to prioritize people as a leader. 2021-12-0754 minToolbox for the TradesToolbox for the TradesEpisode 70: The 6 Ps to Please the ProspectYou should place these 6 Ps prominently on your home service website: product, place, price, promotion, people, and personality. Yeah, we said price. In this episode, I chat with Chris Yano, CEO at RYNO Strategic Solutions, about what he’s learned from his depth of 14 years’ experience marketing for home service businesses. Here are some topics we highlight in the conversation: - How Chris finally got the attention of Gary Vee - Two common themes from coaching and marketing in the trad...2021-11-3048 minToolbox for the TradesToolbox for the TradesEpisode 69: How to Market to Spanish Speakers in the U.S. MarketOne way to reach the Spanish speaking population of the U.S. market is to make your ads in Spanish, not in English with Hablamos Español pasted on. In this episode, I chat with Mario Campirano, Owner at Express Electrical Service, about his pride and passion for marketing to Spanish speakers and uplifting his local community. Here are some topics we highlight in the conversation: - Mario’s journey from digging trenches to 32 trucks in the field - The family feel of...2021-11-2326 minToolbox for the TradesToolbox for the TradesEpisode 68: How to Build a $50M Service Company w/ Your SpouseWorking with your spouse can be absolutely ego destroying at best. At worst, it can ruin your business and your relationship. Ready to learn from a couple who succeeded? In this episode, I chat with Sarah Casebier and Brad Casebier, Owner and President, respectively, at Radiant Plumbing & Air Conditioning, a company they built from scratch that now brings in $50M in revenue. Here are some topics we highlight in the conversation: - Sarah’s shift from an ER labor and delivery nurse to...2021-11-1657 minToolbox for the TradesToolbox for the TradesEpisode 67: The Top 4 Challenges for Female Service EntrepreneursWomen bring something unique to the trades industry, to their customers, and to their employees. The female contractors who stand out most are the ones who are hungry to improve. In this episode, I chat with Desiree Grosman, Business Coach at Female Home Service Pros, about the 4 top challenges facing female owners in the trades. Here are some topics we highlight in the conversation: - The difficulty of money management - Gaining the respect of your employees - The dynamics of husband-wife partnerships2021-11-0942 minToolbox for the TradesToolbox for the TradesEpisode 66: Why Safety SellsPeople become seriously sick, injured, or die because of conditions in buildings maintained by people doing work they shouldn't be doing. You may think it’s rare, but it isn’t. Look, experience doesn’t necessarily mean skill. Skilled work requires education, proper training, and ongoing learning and development. A culture of learning is created by leaders who learn. In this episode, I chat with Willby Evans, Safety and Training Manager at Albuquerque Plumbing, Heating & Cooling, Inc., about how a focus on safety has increased learning and profits and saved...2021-11-0249 minToolbox for the TradesToolbox for the TradesEpisode 65: From 3 to 23 Vehicles: Leading Through Explosive GrowthThere’s no money for Christmas presents. We’ve got to try something — anything. Let’s start a company.  Since its founding in 2017, Viva Electric has evolved from just three vehicles to three locations. Today’s guest is the person with the vision for business growth and adaptation that has made the company what it is today: a family.   In this episode, I chat with Maegan Giler , COO and Co-Owner at Viva Electric , about orchestrating the explosive growth and change in her company.  Here are some topic...2021-10-2635 minToolbox for the TradesToolbox for the TradesEpisode 64: Dispatch Manager: The Company ChessmasterBeing a solo dispatcher is like playing a huge game of chess every day. But the necessary skills for success change when you’re a dispatch manager with six dispatchers under you.   So, how exactly does the role change when the dispatch team scales?  In this episode, I chat with Barbara Pfeiffer, Dispatch Manager at The Eco Plumbers , about the delightful complexity of scaling your dispatch team.  Here are some topics we highlight in the conversation: - The moment when Barbara realized she lo...2021-10-1940 minToolbox for the TradesToolbox for the TradesEpisode 63: In a League of Their Own: Recruiting Women to the TradesPlay ball! It’s a beautiful day for a podcast, folks. Today’s is shaping up to be a barnburner. In this crackerjack episode, we break out the baseball wordplay as I chat with Margie Baker, Operations Manager at 1-Hour Heating, Ben Franklin Plumbing, and Mr. Sparky Electric, about how to attract more women and Gen Z/millennials to the trades. The bases are loaded with topics such as: - The advantages of a Gen Z/millennial lineup - Scouting tale...2021-10-1255 minToolbox for the TradesToolbox for the TradesEpisode 62: From Secretary to Apprentice to GM in 3 Years: Samantha SalazarYou’re a secretary for a little while, but you’ve been watching the technicians, and you want to give it a try.  So you become an apprentice. You’ve been in the field for a little while, but you see a need to open a new location, and you write up a business proposal.  So you become a general manager. As a GM, what’s the key to your success? (Other than a phenomenal work ethic and passion for the in...2021-10-0555 minToolbox for the TradesToolbox for the TradesEpisode 61: When You Need a Business CoachThe way to unlock a lot of growth and scale your business is to stop being the funnel. Sometimes the owner believes everything has to go through me. A business coach will help build relationships, improve processes, and keep owners from becoming a bottleneck.  In this episode, I interview a business coach and client about how their relationship has doubled business. Jim Corcoran is Head Coach at BDR , Tony Marmon is Owner at Trademark Mechanical , and they had amazing things to say about the coach-client relationship. 2021-09-2855 minToolbox for the TradesToolbox for the TradesEpisode 60: Prepare for Everything: Back Office ManagementDid you just write something on that resume? Big mistake. Did you make a note about the candidate’s kids?  Big, big mistake. And what about documentation for injuries and accidents?  If you didn’t take a witness statement, you failed. In this episode, I interview c about her love of processes and why she spends so much time thinking about things that could go wrong. ...2021-09-2159 minToolbox for the TradesToolbox for the TradesEpisode 59: Get More Calls w/ Unique Digital MarketingTo reach beyond the phone book generation, home service companies must leverage digital marketing.  That means understanding brand, messaging, and omnichannel. Today’s guest literally wrote the book on digital marketing for plumbing and HVAC contractors, and he walks us through how digital can bring in more calls (and potentially grow your business from garage-level to golfing vacations). In this episode, I interview Ryan Redding , Owner at DP Marketing Services and Host of Blue Collar CEO , about the impact of digital. ...2021-09-1459 minToolbox for the TradesToolbox for the TradesEpisode 58: Why You Need a Company VisionWhat’s your company’s purpose?  For that matter, what’s your own purpose for being in this business at all? Answering these questions can ignite passion in your recruits.  Skeptical? In this episode, I interview Ben Stark and Chris Hunter , Owners at Go Time Success Group , about how they became business success coaches for home service companies. In this episode we discuss: - Ben and Chris’s mentor-mentee relationship - The impo...2021-09-0749 minToolbox for the TradesToolbox for the TradesEpisode 57: Learning from Others’ Successes: Study Your Craft w/ Ben DiMarcoYou clock in, you clock out, you know the basics, but you want to elevate your profession. What you need to do is start studying your craft. Want to unlock unbelievable opportunities by becoming an extraordinary professional? Learn from manufacturers, engineers, peers with three decades of work experience, and even your customers to find out how to go beyond your day-to-day.  Today’s guest, Ben DiMarco , CEO at DiMarco & Associates LLC , shares his learnings from 30+ years in the trades, including how to serve customers well beyond installing an HVAC uni...2021-08-3155 minToolbox for the TradesToolbox for the TradesEpisode 56: You Can’t Lead If You’re Too Busy Putting Out FiresLeader is not a synonym for firefighter. With the one notable exception — actual firefighters — if you spend all day putting out fires at your business…  You’re too busy to lead.  That’s one of countless lessons today’s guests, Eric Sprague & Larry Wilberton, Owners of Blue Collar Consulting and MorningTechMeeting.com , have learned over their many years working together — lessons they’re now teaching others through advising. They join me today to discuss: - Why leaders need...2021-08-241h 02Toolbox for the TradesToolbox for the TradesEpisode 55: How the Right Documentation Saves Time & MoneyWouldn’t it be so much easier if customers and new hires could read your mind? Well, why can’t they? Today’s guest, Josh Kelley, Owner at Magic Broom Chimney Sweeps, has perfected documenting everything his customers and employees need to know, saving time, money and endlessly repeating himself. In this episode, we discuss: - The power of searchable onboarding documents - How YouTube videos can minimize callbacks and save money - The benefits of a database of completed jobs to show customers 2021-08-1756 minToolbox for the TradesToolbox for the TradesEpisode 54: Learning to Lead — Because People Don’t Follow ManagersIt’s one of the age-old conundrums in leadership: We promote people because they are good at their jobs and, when it comes time to lead, they aren’t prepared. It’s easier if I do it myself. I used to be a tech, I’ll cut him some slack. These are the statements of a manager. But people don’t follow managers, they follow leaders. If you’re struggling with leadership, today’s guests have the answers you seek. Kathy Ni...2021-08-101h 02Toolbox for the TradesToolbox for the TradesEpisode 52: Season 3 Guests Share Tricks of the TradesThree seasons. It’s hard to believe. The more I do this podcast — and we’ve done over 50 episodes at this point — the more I am blown away at the incredible work being done by contractors across the world. Like the incredible work being done by this season’s guests: Eddie McFarlane, Lauren Vahey, Mary Jean Anderson, Brad Pesek, Kathy Nielsen, Steve Solla, Shane Jaeger, Crystal Williams, Eric Knaak, Ryan Lucia, Megan Bedford, Josh Crouch, Chisholm Brunner, Josh Bigelow, Tersh Blissett, Trevor Lively, Brian Cohen, Keith Mercurio, and Chris Crew. In this ep...2021-07-1332 minToolbox for the TradesToolbox for the TradesEpisode 51: Zoom Drain’s Success Secrets w/ Steve SollaDo one thing really well — this is how Zoom Drain & Sewer Service has grown to become a go-to provider for drain cleaning services. In today’s episode of Toolbox for the Trades, I sit down with Steve Solla, General Manager at Zoom Drain & Sewer Service. What we talked about: - Steve’s progression into the trades and his journey within Zoom Drain - Tools and training used by Steve, to improve his work in the trades - Zoom Drain’s service offering, way of working and growth over tim...2021-07-0642 minToolbox for the TradesToolbox for the TradesEpisode 50: State of the Trades: A Marketer’s Perspective w/ Josh CrouchWhat do a computer mouse, airpods and your home’s insulation have in common? They were all invented by NASA. It’s proof that often the best improvements come from outside your business. Recognizing this in his hiring, marketing and strategy is one of the ways Josh Crouch, Founder at Relentless Digital and Director of Sales, Marketing, and Business Development at Professional Services Port Washington, thinks differently as a marketer specializing in the trades. What we talked about: - Why you should look for talent, stra...2021-06-291h 01Toolbox for the TradesToolbox for the TradesEpisode 49: Successful Succession Planning: Preparing for the UnexpectedIt’s never easy for a family when a loved one dies. But if, like many in the trades, that loved one is in charge of the family business, it can make it even more difficult. That’s why you need succession planning. My guest today is Trevor Lively, President at Blue Jay Irrigation, who, along with his dad who was diagnosed with cancer, suddenly felt the pressure for succession planning in the worst possible circumstances. The experience taught Trevor the importance of preparing for the unexpected. In t...2021-06-2247 minToolbox for the TradesToolbox for the TradesEpisode 48: The Secrets to Branding & Marketing in the Trades w/ Crystal WilliamsLet’s face it — most owners in the trades don’t like marketing. And it makes sense. Most people get into the trades because they like, well… the trades. But that doesn’t mean you have to hate marketing and branding. It just means you need to turn it into a game, not a chore. Take it from Crystal Williams, Creative Director at Lemon Seed Marketing Firm and an expert in winning the marketing game. She joined me in the latest episode to share her expert...2021-06-151h 04Toolbox for the TradesToolbox for the TradesEpisode 47: Don’t Hire People, Hire Personalities w/ Josh BigelowEveryone wants the right people for the job. But in an industry facing a talent shortage, that’s not enough. It’s more important to hire the right personality for the job. That’s how President Josh Bigelow approaches hiring at Great Dane Heating & Air Conditioning, and that piece of wisdom has helped the company grow tremendously over the last two decades. In this episode, Josh and I discuss: - Why you should hire for personality - The value of consultancies - Why...2021-06-081h 09Toolbox for the TradesToolbox for the TradesEpisode 46: How to Manage Growth Through Acquisitions w/ John WilsonSome shops are happy trucking along as a lifestyle business. And there is nothing wrong with that. But if you want to grow aggressively, you need to learn about acquisitions. That’s one of the secrets John Wilson, Owner at Wilson Plumbing and Heating, has learned rapidly growing the family business from its comparatively small roots into a sprawling operation. What we talked about: - The secrets to scaling - How to approach marketing - How to expand through acquisitions ...2021-06-011h 03Toolbox for the TradesToolbox for the TradesEpisode 45: No Silver Bullet: It’s Always Systems & Procedures w/ Chisholm BrunnerNo matter what you want to achieve in your business, there is no silver bullet that’ll get you there overnight. Success is a byproduct of crafting the correct systems and procedures. That focus is how Chisholm Brunner, Carrier and ICP National Accounts at Carrier Corporation, has gone from success to success throughout her career. In this episode, we discuss: - Why systems and processes are the key to everything - Why dispatchers make or break your business - Why your customers need options2021-05-251h 06Toolbox for the TradesToolbox for the TradesEpisode 44: Leadership Skills More Imperative to Success Than Tech Training w/ Keith MercurioIf you want loyal customers, you need to influence them. But how do you do that without feeling shady? In the latest episode, Keith Mercurio, Sr. Director of Executive Success at ServiceTitan and Founder and CEO of Ethical Influence Institute, shares the secrets of ethical influence and how they can elevate your leadership. We discuss: - The power of ethical influence - How poor messaging shrinks your talent pool - How to inspire people - The value of powerful thinking 2021-05-181h 02Toolbox for the TradesToolbox for the TradesEpisode 43: Mergers, Sales & Acquisitions Demystified w/ Brian CohenHave you thought about your exit strategy, or does the word sale sound too much like the end? Well, the truth is, there is a lot more to a sale than you may think. In this episode, Brian Cohen, Business Strategist, SF&P Advisors, covers the ins and outs of mergers, sales, and acquisitions. We discuss: - The many shapes a sale may take - Navigating private equity - The importance of knowing the value of your business If you...2021-03-3051 minToolbox for the TradesToolbox for the TradesEpisode 42: How to Market in the Trades Like a Pro w/ Megan BedfordHow well is your marketing working? Which channels work best? What’s your cost per lead? If you can’t measure it, you can’t improve it. That’s one of the first things Megan Bedford, Owner at Mugyver Consulting, looks at when assessing the marketing performance of a business. She joins me in the latest Toolbox for the Trades to go over how to market like a pro. We discuss: - Why internal systems are foundational to marketing - How to think about yo...2021-03-2355 minToolbox for the TradesToolbox for the TradesEpisode 41: Growth for Your Techs Means Growth for Your Business w/ Brad PesekWhen your technicians are empowered to invest in themselves, they indirectly invest in your company too. Ergo, growth in your techs means growth in your business. Everybody wins! Today’s guest, Brad Pesek, is the CFO at McWilliams & Son HVAC company. In addition to tips for incentivizing your technicians to grow professionally, Brad shares… - The transferable skills he took from teaching high school math to the trades - His most effective recruiting tools - The value of having a mentor and how to find one ...2021-03-161h 00Toolbox for the TradesToolbox for the TradesEpisode 40: Handling Growth: How to Turn $40k a Month into $40k a Day w/ Shane JaegerGrowing a business can be challenging to manage — especially when there are mergers and acquisitions involved. But getting it right can mean the difference between $40k a month and $40k a day.   At least, it did for Shane Jaeger, President of Operations, The Lawton Group, who joins me on the latest episode to discuss how he pulled it off. What we talked about: - How Shane looks at mergers after seeing them from both sides - What to look for in a company you plan to...2021-03-0947 minToolbox for the TradesToolbox for the TradesEpisode 39: Tips for Exceptional Customer Service in the Trades w/ Lauren VaheyYour customer service is just as important to your business as the quality of your work. People hire people who are understanding and compassionate.And that starts at the top.Lauren Vahey, the Director of Customer Experience at Nicholson Plumbing & HVAC, joins Jackie in this episode to discuss compassion in customer service, as well as… - What real work-life balance looks like in the trades- Tips for other companies trying to implement exceptional customer service- How to foster loyalty with your employees...2021-03-021h 07Toolbox for the TradesToolbox for the TradesEpisode 38: How to Run a Remote Service & Repair Team w/ Tersh BlissettNo warehouse? No problem. It’s 100% possible to operate your service & repair business completely remotely.Take it from Tersh Blissett, CEO of Service Emperor and host of the Service Business Mastery podcast. He was running a team of technicians sans warehouse long before we even heard about COVID.In this episode of Toolbox for the Trades, Tersh talks to Jackie about… -His journey from the Air Force into the trades- Unexpected challenges he faced when buying his first business- Expert tips for other service businesses to g...2021-02-231h 03Toolbox for the TradesToolbox for the TradesEpisode 37: Woman-owned San Diego Shop Excels by Hiring Female Technicians w/ Mary Jean AndersonThe most pressing issue within the trades is the labor shortage. And it’s not just recruiting technicians that’s the problem — it’s training them properly and keeping them happy, too.Mary Jean Anderson, President of Anderson Plumbing, Heating & Air, has grown her business to $30m in annual revenue partly due to her keen recruiting, training, and retention skills.Mary Jean joins Jackie to discuss… How to overcome the biggest hiring obstacles Why she founded the Anderson Career Builder InstituteHow other companies can build out their...2021-02-1656 minToolbox for the TradesToolbox for the TradesEpisode 36: Combine Analytics & Psychology to Hire Great CSRs w/ Kathy NielsenWithin her first 2 weeks of working in the trades, Kathy Nielsen had started helping Schaal Heating & Cooling scale up to a $6M valuation.Her own business, Operations Excellence, was founded on the same principles: Stay organized and hire great people. In this episode of Toolbox for the Trades, Kathy joins us to talk about… How she combines analytics with psychology to hire the best people for the jobWhat kinds of behaviors to look for in customer service reps (CSRs)Tips on creating effective systems & procedures wi...2021-02-091h 03Toolbox for the TradesToolbox for the TradesEpisode 35. White or Blue Collar? You Can Be Both w/ Ryan LuciaIn both white and blue-collar businesses, the culture is what matters in the end.Take it from Ryan Lucia, the founder of Aaron Overhead Doors and Such n Such Media. He started out in the software startup world, transitioned to the trades, and now helps blue-collar folks market their businesses.In this episode, Ryan tells Jackie about… Why culture is #1 in both of his businessesWhat he looks for in new hiresHow connecting with other professionals has moved his business forwardCheck ou...2021-02-021h 00Toolbox for the TradesToolbox for the TradesEpisode 34: How to Recruit & Train the Best TechniciansStop recruiting for technical experience. Start recruiting for “soft” skills like good communication the ability to learn and adapt.You can teach all the other stuff.That’s one of Eric Knaak’s (Executive VP & GM at ISAAC) biggest pieces of advice in this episode of Toolbox for the Trades. He and Jackie also discuss… How the trades have supported and employed veteransHow to find more opportunities within your companyBest practices for managing a fleet of service techniciansResources mentioned in this episo...2021-01-261h 12Toolbox for the TradesToolbox for the TradesEpisode 33. Live Life By Design, Succeed Personally & ProfessionallyAre you living your life on purpose or by default?At a young age, Chris Crew — President of The Blue Collar Success Group — chose to live his life by design. That decision has affected him professionally and personally ever since.In this episode of Toolbox for the Trades, Chris speaks to Jackie about… The unique journey that led him to the trades and beyond Tips for technicians who want to level-up in their career How owners should train their techs in order to scale up The...2021-01-191h 07Toolbox for the TradesToolbox for the TradesEpisode 32. Change Management: How to Retain Talent in the Trades w/ Eddie McFarlaneRetention: It’s something we all struggle with in the trades. It’s something we haven’t quite yet figured out.Though it’s not a perfect science, Eddie McFarlane — VP of Learning & Development at Haller Enterprises — has a rather revolutionary approach to retaining talented technicians.In this episode of Toolbox for the Trades, we talk to Eddie about… How and why he uses change management to hire and retain workersHow he gets to the root of problems instead of patching up the symptoms2021-01-1200 minToolbox for the TradesToolbox for the TradesEpisode 31. Season 2 Wrap Up: Toolbox for the TradesWe really did it!We delivered not 1 but 2 seasons of Toolbox for the Trades in this outrageous, chaotic year.In this episode, host Jackie Aubel walks you through just a few of our takeaways from this standout season.Thank you so much to every one of our guests: We know your raw honesty inspired our listeners. You do so much good in the world. Thank you!Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:Keep connected with us on the Toolbox for the Trades...2020-12-1528 minToolbox for the TradesToolbox for the TradesEpisode 30. Learn from My Mistakes: Using Live Data to Track KPIs with Ismael ValdezAs a kid, you never had an air conditioner in your house. By 2019, the HVAC company you founded has already installed 20K systems.Then you realize that what you’ve got isn’t a hustle anymore. It’s a business now.In this episode, we interview Ismael Valdez, Owner & CEO at Nexgen, about taking his business from founding to $30M in 4 years.What we talked about:Ismael memorized part numbers at age 17 What happened in 2019 that brought about the development of Data CubeWork...2020-12-081h 12Toolbox for the TradesToolbox for the TradesEpisode 29. Your Business Shouldn’t Have to Go It Alone w/ Will Matson and AJ BrownThere are a lot of questions about how to approach mergers and acquisitions in the trades. Turns out, it’s a lot like dating. At least according to AJ Brown, President and CEO, and Will Matson, Group CFO & Head of MFA, from Apex Service Partners. It’s one of many things I learned when I spoke with them about how their services group is operating like a pit crew for its partners in the trades.What we talked about:Why they left finance and found thei...2020-12-0152 minToolbox for the TradesToolbox for the TradesEpisode 28. Let’s Drag the Trades Out of the Past & Into the Future w/ Justin ArmendarizLook around your workplace. Where are the young faces? The average age of someone in the trades is around 50. That’s what happens when your industry does things “the way they’ve always been done.”But for Justin Armendariz, Founder & CEO at Better Future Facilities, the average tech in his company is under 30. Justin has brought technology to the forefront in his business and, as a result, is dragging the trades out of the past and preparing a new generation for the future. In this epi...2020-11-241h 09Toolbox for the TradesToolbox for the TradesEpisode 27. Why You Need to Educate Your Buyer w/ Rod YoderUsually, the customer knows why they need your product… HVAC, plumbing — when something happens they’ll call.But what if they don’t know they need your product?Then it’s time to educate them.That’s exactly what Rod Yoder, Director — North American Dealer Sales at Kinetico Water Systems, does. He’s learned some clever techniques over the years to teach his customers the value of the water softening and filtration systems he sells. And there are some great ones. What w...2020-11-1755 minToolbox for the TradesToolbox for the TradesEpisode 26. Chief People-Person: Why Culture Starts With Leadership w/ Jaime DiDomenicoHow do you get a thriving culture?It starts with leadership.The owner should be the chief people-person in the company. That’s what Jaime DiDomenico, President at Cool, Plumbing and Energy Today, learned time and time again in his career: A company is only as good as its owner. In this episode, we discuss:Why the owner should be the chief people-personWhy you need to reinvest in your people and the businessWhy a business is only as good as its owner...2020-11-101h 03Toolbox for the TradesToolbox for the TradesEpisode 25. The Smart Choice: Give Your Customers Options w/ Joe CrisaraWhen it comes time to buy, your customers need options.And if you’re not giving them the options they need… They’ll go online and find someone who can. That insight is foundational for Joe Crisara’s success. Now Owner and Business Coach at ContractorSelling, Joe managed to turn a quarter of a million dollars in debt into a thriving business.All by giving his customers options. In this episode, Joe and I discuss:Why options can transform any business for the betterHow to p...2020-11-031h 09Toolbox for the TradesToolbox for the TradesEpisode 24. The Words We Use: How Language Affects Your Bottom Line w/ Angie SnowFirst impressions matter.That’s why word choice is so important when we first meet someone…  And why your CSRs need amazing communication skills.They are the first point of contact with your customers — and what they say can set the tone for the whole relationship. Today’s guest is Angie Snow, Vice President at Western Heating & Air Conditioning and Success Coach at Snow Business Coaching, where she helps business owners struggling to find the right words learn to more effectively engage customers and cultivate 7-star CSRs. In this episode, we...2020-10-2758 minToolbox for the TradesToolbox for the TradesEpisode 23. Jack of All Trades, Master of None: Finding Your Niche w/ Mike ClaudioWhen looking for growth, owners often want to add more services.If you can do it all, you cast a bigger net, right?But a jack of all trades is a master of none…And nobody wants to hire a roofer to fix their plumbing.That’s one mistake Mike Claudio, Owner at WinRate Consulting, has repeatedly seen in his years advising owners in the trades.In this episode, Mike explains:How to find your niche (and what pitfalls to avoid)Why success means taking advi...2020-10-2053 minToolbox for the TradesToolbox for the TradesEpisode 22. Plumbers in Pink: How Good Deeds Can Drive Growth w/ Geoff GillonGrowing your business requires community support.If customers recognize and trust your brand, you’ll go far… And you may just raise a million for charity in the process. That’s Geoff Gillon, Founder of The Pink Plumber, did and it paid off huge dividends. He transformed his plumbing business into a lucrative sale by virtue of, well, virtue. The Pink Plumber became an icon by donating massive sums to breast cancer research…And, of course, pink plumbing vans. We discuss:-How to convince a pl...2020-10-131h 09Toolbox for the TradesToolbox for the TradesEpisode 21. In the Trades, Mental Health Matters More than You Think w/ Stacy ForeMental health matters. Yet, for some reason, it’s often overlooked in the trades.It’s time we take mental health seriously.In this episode, I catch up with Stacy Fore, Owner at HVAC Solutions, where she has instituted a reimbursement program for mental health. We speak about that and more, including:-Why No-BS values are foundational to a thriving culture-Why the trades is the best path for a free education-Why referrals still matter in the digital ageIf you want to hea...2020-10-0656 minToolbox for the TradesToolbox for the TradesEpisode 20. Selling Your Business Starts with “Why” w/ Fred SilbersteinAre you thinking about selling your business?If so, why? It seems like an easy question to answer, but so many can’t Fred Silberstein, President at SF&P Advisors, says if you want to sell, you need a great answer to the question. In this episode, Fred explains:-How to find your “why” (and what to do when you find it)-Why KPIs are so important for a sale-Why buyers are really buying your peopleIf you want to hear more stories...2020-09-291h 00Toolbox for the TradesToolbox for the TradesEpisode 19. Visionary & Integrator: Succeeding as a Husband & Wife Duo w/ Rhonda DowdyGrowing a business is hard work. Even more so when you do it with your spouse.But there’s a secret: Clearly defining your roles.Just ask Rhonda Dowdy, Chief Executive Officer at S&D Plumbing, a business she’s spent the last 40 years building with her husband. And they pulled it off by knowing their superpowers: Her husband is the visionary; she is the integrator. In this episode, Rhonda covers:-What makes her husband the visionary and her the integrator-How to choose a...2020-09-2254 minToolbox for the TradesToolbox for the TradesEpisode 18. The Secrets to YouTube Marketing Success in the Trades w/ Roger WakefieldA lot of businesses in the trades struggle with marketing.But marketing really comes down to 3 things:Providing value, building trust and educating your customers.My guest today is someone who has these 3 things down to a science. Roger Wakefield, Owner at Texas Green Plumbing, has one of the most fascinating and storied backgrounds of anyone I’ve ever interviewed. From plumbing to cosmetology to restaurant management — he really has done it all.And now, he can add “YouTube sensation” to that list.In this episode, R...2020-09-151h 03Toolbox for the TradesToolbox for the TradesEpisode 17. Why Everyone in the Office Needs to Ride with a Technician w/ Vanessa GonzalesHas everyone in your office hopped in a van with a tech? If not, they should.Without seeing first hand what they go through, everyone’s work suffers.Since implementing ride-alongs, Vanessa Gonzales, Chief Administrative Officer at Albuquerque Plumbing, Heating & Cooling, has seen everyone — in the office and field — get better at their jobs. I caught up with her in today’s show to pick her brain about what she’s learned in her many years of experience owning a business in the trades.We covered a lot of ground, in...2020-09-081h 03Toolbox for the TradesToolbox for the TradesEpisode 16. The 7 Powers You Need to Succeed in the Trades w/ Al LeviHow well do you know your operations manual? For many, it’s just something to keep lawyers happy.But it should be your bible for success. In this episode, I speak with Al Levi, Consultant and CEO at The 7-Power Contractor and Author of The 7-Power Contractor, itself an operations manual for success in the trades. If Al has learned anything in his lifelong career in the trades, it’s that a manager’s real job is to make sure the manuals are right.In this episode, Al explains:-Why...2020-09-011h 04Toolbox for the TradesToolbox for the TradesEpisode 15. How to Turn a 28-Man Operation into an 8-Figure BusinessEveryone wants to grow their business.But sometimes, that means becoming less vital to it. Your systems should be so good your business runs fine without you. In today’s guest episode, we have another great one from The Home Service Expert.  Tommy Mello and Adam Cronenberg, COO at A1 Garage Door Service, go over how streamlining their systems fueled their explosive growth. Tommy and Adam discussed:-How Tommy’s team leveraged ServiceTitan to streamline their system-Why systems and processes are vital to your business2020-08-181h 34Toolbox for the TradesToolbox for the TradesEpisode 14. The Right Way to Add Services to Your BusinessAdding services to your business can be a great strategy…But it can also be scary.So, it’s important to make sure the business is spot on. And we have another fantastic guest episode today from To The Point that explains exactly how you can. In it, Host Chris Yano interviews Bobby Jenkins from ABC Home & Commercial Services and finds out how he was able to add so many services to his business. They go over:-Why multiple services is a great strategy (and topic)-What...2020-08-0455 minToolbox for the TradesToolbox for the TradesEpisode 13. Why Consistency Is the Key to Building TrustThere are 3 reasons people buy from you:They know you. They like you. They TRUST you.And there’s only one way to win their trust…  Being consistent.In today’s Toolbox for the Trades Guest Series Episode, Mike Claudio and Ryan Webber, hosts of Big Stud Sales, go over how you can win your customers’ trust through consistency.They explain:-Consistency selling (and why it builds trust)-The importance of SOPs-How you can leverage podcasts to reach your target audienceWant to...2020-07-2129 minToolbox for the TradesToolbox for the TradesEpisode 11. Top 7 Takeaways from Season 1From bad reviews and $50K in debt to homelessness and loss — our guests have gotten real with us on Toolbox for the Trades.In this episode, I share our top takeaways from Season 1 (and let you know what’s coming up for the summer).What we talked about:-Each of our guests shares inspiration & insights-What you need to succeed in leadership, acquisitions, & overcoming adversity-Take control of your thoughts with Friedrich NietzscheCheck out this resource we mentioned during the podcast:-Our ebook companion to S...2020-06-3032 minToolbox for the TradesToolbox for the TradesEpisode 10. Weldon Long: You Are What You Think AboutWhat do you think about most? Have you never really thought about that? Maybe you should. Thinking about what to think about can transform your entire life. At least it did for Weldon Long, speaker, mindset and sales expert and New York Times Bestselling author of The Power of Consistency. After spending much of his adult life in prison, Weldon’s incredible success story truly demonstrates the power our mindset can have — and how changing it can alter the entire trajectory of our lives. In this episode, he shared:-How...2020-06-231h 01Toolbox for the TradesToolbox for the TradesEpisode 9. Your Job is Hard, Keep Your Financials Simple w/ Ellen RohrThe trades are filled with people who know hard work.And not just physically — you need savant-like technical expertise to do your job. So why are you scared of your financials? Today we’re speaking with Ellen Rohr, President and Franchise Operations Manager at Zoom Drain. After a long career in the trades, Ellen has figured out why you don’t want to look at your financials. And, spoiler: It’s not the math. In this episode, Ellen covers:-How Ellen got roped into the trades (and w...2020-06-1657 minToolbox for the TradesToolbox for the TradesEpisode 8. Why a Thriving Culture Trumps the Labor Shortage w/ Chad PetermanAre you worried about the labor shortage?Well, don’t be. There’s no shortage of workers out there.You just haven’t built a culture they want to be a part of. At least, so says our guest, Chad Peterman, President, Peterman Heating, Cooling & Plumbing.For Chad, the story of a labor shortage in the trades is nothing but a tall tale designed to scare kids into eating their vegetables. Okay, well… not that exactly.But it is something that’s easy to avoid by cultivating the kind of...2020-06-0953 minToolbox for the TradesToolbox for the TradesEpisode 7. Family Matters: How to Nail Culture in a Family Business w/ Darius LyversIf Thanksgiving has taught us anything, it’s that family can be tough.So, it’s amazing how many family-run businesses succeed and grow.But that growth means new, non-familial employees. How do you adopt them into the familyOn our show today, Darius Lyvers, COO of F.H. Furr Plumbing Heating and Air Conditioning, shares some do’s and don’ts for growing a family business. Darius has had some bad experiences as an outsider in a family company, but he’s also had great success. In fact, he’s been at the s...2020-06-021h 06Toolbox for the TradesToolbox for the TradesEpisode 6. Why Heading Out into the Field Still Matters in the Information Age w/ Eric FalconerWe live in a golden age of data that’s transformed operations in the trades. It’s never been easier to use software to track and analyze information on every facet of your business.So, it’s sometimes tempting to think you can see the whole picture without ever looking up from your computer screen. But even with all the help these tools provide, sometimes getting hands-on out in the field is the quickest path to spotting a problem and solving it.That’s one of the lessons today’s Toolbox for the Trades gues...2020-05-2647 minToolbox for the TradesToolbox for the TradesEpisode 5. Why Leadership Means Living Your Values w/ Chris HunterWhat are your values?It’s a question every leader needs to answer. It’s both the how and the why to success. And leadership in the trades is no different. Our guest today, Chris Hunter, proves that.Chris is the Co-owner of Go Time Success Group, Founder of Hunter Super Techs and Director of Customer Relations at ServiceTitan.He collected this impressive collection of titles by living out his values every day.In this episode, he goes over:-How to incorporate your values into those...2020-05-191h 09Toolbox for the TradesToolbox for the TradesEpisode 4. Aaron Gaynor: Business Isn’t a Sprint, It’s a MarathonWe hear so many success stories in the trades that often follow a similar path:Start as an apprentice fresh out of high school, work hard to move through the ranks and, eventually, start and grow a company.And while you should never underestimate the power of hard work, it isn’t the whole story. Success is about what you choose to invest in.Just ask Aaron Gaynor, owner of The EcoPlumbers. He’s built two plumbing enterprises from the ground up.And he did it by making the right...2020-05-121h 01Toolbox for the TradesToolbox for the TradesEpisode 3. What Contractors Should Know About Marketing to Women w/ Susan FrewHave you ever wondered how you can better market to women? What do you think women look for in a contractor?  Now, this may seem crazy, but we have a suggestion: Ask them. And our guest today, Susan Frew, public speaker and President of Sunshine Plumbing, Heating & Air, did exactly that.  In this episode, we talk about what she learned and so much more. Susan goes over:- Why bigger isn’t always better when it comes to revenu...2020-05-0551 minToolbox for the TradesToolbox for the TradesToolbox Extra: From Prison to Bankruptcy to Prosperity w/ Mario CampiranoMario spent time in prison. But when he tells his story, he glosses right over that fact. What turned Mario’s life around wasn’t prison. It was the 2008 recession. It all started with a letter from bankruptcy court. He was being written off for nearly $300,000 of what he was owed. Imagine pacing the floor of your bedroom in a house that you just built,  figuring out how to tell your wife that you may have to file for bankruptcy. So what did Mario do? “I deci...2020-04-281h 05Toolbox for the TradesToolbox for the TradesEpisode 2. Tommy’s Toolbox: How to Turn $50k in Debt into $30M a Year w/ Tommy MelloAre you a vital part of your business?If you leave on a two-week vacation and don’t check-in, will it fall apart?Many business owners will proudly say “yes” to both questions — but, if you’re one of them, you’re probably doing it wrong. That advice is straight from our guest today, Tommy Mello, who is a bit of a renaissance man when it comes to the trades. He is the owner of A1 Garage Door Services, host of the Home Service Expert podcast and author of Home Service Millionaire.What we tal...2020-04-211h 04Toolbox for the TradesToolbox for the TradesEpisode 1. How to Grow a One-Truck Shop into $50 Million Plumbing Enterprise w/ John AkhoianAs anyone in the trades can tell you, hard work pays off.We’re always blown away here by the success stories we see in the trades every day.And that work ethic follows from the first day crawling through the mud to overseeing a $50 million empire.At least, it did for our guest today, John Akhoian, CEO at Rooter Hero Plumbing.John has carried his work ethic through every stephe has taken in the industry — from his first job shadowing a family friend to expanding his business into an interstate empi...2020-04-2149 minToolbox for the TradesToolbox for the TradesEpisode 0. Treat Everyone the Same: Life Advice from a CEO w/ Ken GoodrichYou’ve heard that saying, “Treat the janitor the same way you would treat the CEO.”  It’s one of the keys to great leadership, and it’s easy to say, but much harder to do, particularly if you’re already the CEO.  Which is why our conversation with Ken Goodrich was such an inspiring one.  Ken is the CEO of Goettl, one of the oldest HVAC companies in the US, and was a guest on the Toolbox for the Trades podcast. He talked all about:   - How helping his dad fix H...2020-04-2135 min