Toolbox for the Trades

As the costs of goods and materials continue to rise, consumer confidence is low, inflation is high, and business expenses are increasing. So what’s an HVAC business owner to do?Today we’re talking to two experts in the industry — ServiceTitan’s Chris Hunter, Director of Customer Relations, and Deanna Kawasaki, Senior Director of Product Management.We discuss ways to keep your HVAC customers happy, offer more financing options, and keep profits rolling in. We talk about benchmarks and how to know if you’re doing well. Plus — tools and technology you can use to maximize your business.Summer is coming. Are you ready?Join us as we discuss:[18:33] The Consumer Confidence Index and what it means for you[25:15] Why financing is an advantage for homeowners and businesses[37:53] Being ready to profit during the first heat wave of the summerCheck out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:Look up your state’s energy officeHow Do You Stack Up When Compared to Other Service Businesses Like Yours? ServiceTitan blogYou can find this interview and many more by subscribing to Toolbox for the Trades on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, or here.Know a business that could use a bit of muscle from ServiceTitan? Refer them here!Register for Pantheon 2025 - see you in Anaheim!Prometheus Award NominationsListening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Toolbox for the Trades in your favorite podcast player.Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Juan Lopez has always embraced change and views it as an opportunity for growth and continuous improvement. His professional journey is a testament to how you can achieve anything you put your mind to.Everyone in the trades constantly looks to improve and find ways to grow more efficiently and effectively. With the introduction of new technologies, automation, and enhanced workflows, you can turn inconvenient and time-consuming situations and tasks into more manageable experiences both internally and externally.As a Business Analyst at Franklin Electric, Juan is on a mission to scale the company’s operations and support his team through technology. Juan stops by to share his professional experiences with us and highlight the importance of leveraging technology to help a company run better and faster and provide massive value at scale.Join us as we discuss: [05:56] Juan’s best pieces of sales advice[15:13] How Juan optimized technology to support his team[24:25] The most critical workflows for business successCheck out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:Franklin ElectricServiceTitanYou can find this interview and many more by subscribing to Toolbox for the Trades on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, or here.Know a business that could use a bit of muscle from ServiceTitan? Refer them here!Register for Pantheon 2025 - see you in Anaheim!Prometheus Award NominationsListening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Toolbox for the Trades in your favorite podcast player.Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Patrick Boldt and Craig Childress are extremely passionate professionals in HVAC and plumbing. Both hail from humble beginnings and thrived in the trades despite facing many adversities.They decided to take their passion for the trades to the next level and participated in a quiz. Little did they realize that this would take them to Florida, where they would compete with the best in the Elite Trades Competition Series. They both hold championship titles in their respective categories and are now ranked among the country's top HVAC and plumbing professionals.Patrick and Craig stopped by to share their professional journeys with us. They talked to us about how they got into the trades, what they wish more people knew about their profession, and even provided some tips about the right mindset and skills to have when joining a competition.Join us as we discuss: [9:42] The importance of vocational schools in training new techs[24:53] What people should know about the work technicians do[33:27] What skills come in handy during the competitionCheck out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:Elite Trades Competition SeriesHVAC Round 1 QuizPlumbing Round 1 QuizElectrical Round 1 QuizAuto Tech Round 1 QuizTranePro PressRLS for HVACServiceTitanYou can find this interview and many more by subscribing to Toolbox for the Trades on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, or here.Know a business that could use a bit of muscle from ServiceTitan? Refer them here!Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Toolbox for the Trades in your favorite podcast player.Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Ian Jacoby is a rare breed in every sense of the word. He grew up in the business his father had built, where they would help companies in the trades to obtain the respective permits.By outsourcing this process to Ian and his team, contractors are able to focus on their true areas of expertise and grow their businesses more effectively.As the president of iPermit, Ian is on a mission to help businesses across the U.S. with permit expediting, final inspections, as well as HERS testing. He stops by to share his professional journey with us and talks about the advantages of outsourcing the permit process.Join us as we discuss: [11:04] The consequences of skipping the permit process[13:40] Advice for contractors who aren’t pulling permits[18:33] The advantages of outsourcingCheck out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:iPermitArcxisService ChampionsServiceTitanYou can find this interview and many more by subscribing to Toolbox for the Trades on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, or here.Know a business that could use a bit of muscle from ServiceTitan? Refer them here!Register for Pantheon 2025 - see you in Anaheim!Prometheus Award NominationsListening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Toolbox for the Trades in your favorite podcast player.Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Michelle Myers is a bit of a pioneer and a “Renaissance Woman” of sorts. She went from being a commercial interior designer to an entrepreneur in the trades and ran remote teams before that term even became a buzzword.Her passion lies in identifying peoples’ true potential, proactively finding solutions to address customer challenges, and continuously improving systems and processes to scale her business.As the Founder and CEO of Pink Callers, Michelle is on a mission to take care of the front office solutions for home service businesses across North America. She stops by to share her entrepreneurial journey with us and talks about running an effective remote team in the trades.Join us as we discuss: [04:51]: How to run an effective remote team[27:13]: How managers can quality check the calls of their remote employees[31:31]: How to get employee buy-in for a company that works remotely[35:44]: Advice for owners to ensure they’re optimizing every callCheck out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:Pink CallersEOS WorldwidePowerselling ProsBamboo HRTommy MelloServiceTitanYou can find this interview and many more by subscribing to Toolbox for the Trades on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, or here.Know a business that could use a bit of muscle from ServiceTitan? Refer them here!Register for Pantheon 2025 - see you in Anaheim!Prometheus Award NominationsListening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Toolbox for the Trades in your favorite podcast player.Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Raffi Elchemmas and Jennifer Massey are dedicated individuals with an important mission — to help normalize talking about and raising awareness for mental health in the construction industry.There are about 5,000 deaths by suicide a year in construction in the U.S. There are several challenges to consider, such as the job being physically demanding, the high probability of injury in the workplace, environmental factors, the long hours, and the traveling required. But there are resources and support in place to help people in the trades to deal with mental health issues.As senior members of the MCAA and the United Association, respectively, Raffi and Jennifer stop by to share their professional experiences with us and highlight the importance of addressing mental health in construction.Join us as we discuss: [10:54] The importance of mental health in the construction industry[35:01] Warning signs that someone may be having mental health challenges[49:01] Available resources and support for those struggling with mental healthCheck out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:MCAA United AssociationOSHACIASPMCAA’s Mental Health Awareness and Suicide Prevention VideoMCAA’s Mental Health Awareness and Suicide Prevention Video (Spanish)American Foundation for Suicide PreventionServiceTitan for Commercial ContractorsYou can find this interview and many more by subscribing to Toolbox for the Trades on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, or here.Know a business that could use a bit of muscle from ServiceTitan? Refer them here!Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Toolbox for the Trades in your favorite podcast player.Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Kelsey Whittenberg fell in love with being an electrician. She loves to understand how everything works and how to use both her technical expertise and tools to help solve problems in the field.She also posted videos on social media as a creative outlet while she was at job sites, and that quickly burgeoned into a great passion.As an industrial Electrician at Weifield Group Contracting, Kelsey provides professional electrical solutions across different industry sectors and also actively promotes her company on social media. She stops by to share her professional journey with us and talks about the challenges and opportunities she sees as a female technician. She also explains what motivated her to become active on social media and how her content has helped build a great community online.Join us as we discuss: [6:56]: Kelsey’s experience as a female technician[20:58] What inspired her to build a social media presence[34:30]: Advice to people who want to become influencers on social mediaCheck out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:Weifield Group ContractingThespicysparkykelsey (TikTok)ServiceTitanYou can find this interview and many more by subscribing to Toolbox for the Trades on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, or here.Know a business that could use a bit of muscle from ServiceTitan? Refer them here!Register for Pantheon 2025 - see you in Anaheim!Prometheus Award NominationsListening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Toolbox for the Trades in your favorite podcast player.Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Sheena Palacios was truly built into the trades in every aspect since her father, brother, husband, and other family members are electricians by profession. For her, the trades are a passion and an opportunity for her to return that appreciation for something she didn’t have before.She is also a strong believer in data transformation and how data is a treasure trove that can be leveraged by teams to make impactful decisions. It also comes down to understanding, setting up, and streamlining your processes and workflows for greater success.As the owner and ServiceTitan Solutionist at NIFT Business Solutions, Sheena is on a mission to empower teams in the trades to make smart, data-driven decisions. She stops by to share her entrepreneurial journey with us and talks to us about how she found her niche in the trades.Join us as we discuss: 07:41: How to ensure a successful onboarding process20:56: Why IKEA's showroom is a perfect analogy for ServiceTitan workflows 24:09: Advice for customers struggling with their ServiceTitan accountsCheck out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:NIFT Business SolutionsConnect With SheenaServiceTitanYou can find this interview and many more by subscribing to Toolbox for the Trades on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, or here.Know a business that could use a bit of muscle from ServiceTitan? Refer them here!Register for Pantheon 2025 - see you in Anaheim!Prometheus Award NominationsListening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Toolbox for the Trades in your favorite podcast player.Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Jackie Sorensen knows a thing or two about working in a family business and dealing with gender stereotypes in the trades. She’s passionate about making the trades more attractive and accessible to young women and is actively involved in local activities within her community.As the President of Thorson Heating, Jackie and her team endeavor to deliver exceptional heating and air conditioning services to customers in the Sioux Falls area. She stops by to share her entrepreneurial journey with us and talks about the challenges as well as opportunities running a family business. She also tells us how she promotes the HVAC profession to young women and provides some valuable advice for other female business owners.Join us as we discuss: [10:56]: Why Jackie decided to buy her family business[27:06]: How Jackie makes the trades more attractive for young women[38:27]: Jackie’s advice for other female business ownersCheck out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:Thorson HeatingServiceTitanYou can find this interview and many more by subscribing to Toolbox for the Trades on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, or here.Know a business that could use a bit of muscle from ServiceTitan? Refer them here!Register for Pantheon 2025 - see you in Anaheim!Prometheus Award NominationsListening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Toolbox for the Trades in your favorite podcast player.Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Richard Lewis truly believes that building genuine connections with people in the trades is the key to long-term sustainable growth. His experience in the finance industry has also helped him to identify opportunities for growth across different sectors in the trades. He’s also enabled business owners to take a different approach to partnering with investors to grow their service business.As the Founder and CEO of Redwood Services, Richard is on a mission to build a robust ecosystem of partners in the trades across the United States that focuses on collaboration, operational excellence, and a people-first culture. He stops by to share his entrepreneurial journey with us. He highlights examples from his experience that motivated him to do things differently and explains why he believes in investing in partnerships.Join us as we discuss: 05:24: What makes Redwood different from other private equity firms12:00: Why Richard felt the partnership process could be done differently22:19: What an ideal investor partnership looks likeCheck out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:Redwood ServicesServiceMasterRite WayServiceTitanYou can find this interview and many more by subscribing to Toolbox for the Trades on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, or here. Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Toolbox for the Trades in your favorite podcast player.Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Ken Midgett is extremely passionate about continuous learning and believes that training is a critical component to the long-term growth of businesses in the trades.As a professional plumbing service entrepreneur, Ken successfully ran two businesses and helped make the plumbing program at a high school in eastern Pennsylvania one of the most sought-after for students joining the workforce.As the Plumbing Market Director at Interplay Learning, Ken is on a mission to help service-based businesses build a robust training culture. He stops by to share his entrepreneurial journey with us. He also talks about the importance of investing in training so that it not only turns businesses into profit generators but also helps to build employee confidence and reduce turnover.Join us as we discuss: 05:26: How Ken got students interested in the plumbing program19:16: The importance of implementing a training culture22:09: Why leadership needs to be involved in training28:00: How organizations can incentivize employees with trainingCheck out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:Interplay LearningAssociation for Career and Technical Education (CTE)ServiceTitanYou can find this interview and many more by subscribing to Toolbox for the Trades on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, or here. Know a business that could use a bit of muscle from ServiceTitan? Refer them here!Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Toolbox for the Trades in your favorite podcast player.Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Devynn Thompson entered the trades with her husband after he decided to establish his own plumbing business.They faced many challenges along the way and realized they had to learn from their mistakes and embrace constructive criticism from their employees.By connecting with people in the trades, going through training, having a coach who keeps them accountable, and learning how to delegate tasks, they managed to grow and transform their business into the success story it is today.As the Operations Manager of Thompson Family Plumbing & Drain, Devynn is on a mission to deliver professional plumbing services to customers in California and Arizona. She stops by to share her entrepreneurial journey with us and how she learned to become a better leader. Devynn also shares her thoughts on comparison anxiety and elaborates on the importance of adopting a thriving mindset.Join us as we discuss: 05:06: How Devynn went from apprentice to business owner17:00: How to address comparison anxiety31:46: Devynn’s delegation process35:28: The importance of having a thriving mindsetCheck out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:Thompson Family Plumbing & DrainNexstar NetworkMasterClassServiceTitanYou can find this interview and many more by subscribing to Toolbox for the Trades on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, or here. Know a business that could use a bit of muscle from ServiceTitan? Refer them here!Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Toolbox for the Trades in your favorite podcast player.Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Rebekah Hatcher entered the trades with her husband after he decided to set up his own business.They faced many adversities in the beginning as they tried to grow, and they even hit a plateau.They then decided to become an Aire Serv franchisee, and with the right training, systems, processes, and a lot of hard work, they managed to scale their business successfully.As the owner of Aire Serv of Aggieland, Rebekah strives to deliver professional HVAC repair and maintenance services to homeowners and businesses in the Brazos Valley in Texas. She stops by to share her entrepreneurial journey with us, how becoming a franchisee has positively impacted her business, and some of her most memorable marketing campaigns.Join us as we discuss:[08:57] How becoming a franchisee impacted growth[15:34] How the internal culture has changed and a key takeaway[27:10] Rebekah’s most memorable and successful marketing campaignCheck out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:Aire Serv of AggielandMarketingProfsCanvaServiceTitanYou can find this interview and many more by subscribing to Toolbox for the Trades on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, or here.Know a business that could use a bit of muscle from ServiceTitan? Refer them here!Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Toolbox for the Trades in your favorite podcast player.Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Many family business owners eventually pass the leadership torch down to their children. Oftentimes, those transitions work out smoothly.But what about when they don’t?Mike Prencavage, Jr., Owner of The Family Plumber, dreamed of taking the reins of the family business after college, but he had to “fight like hell” with his father to see his vision come true. Now, he’s leveraging technology and networking to elevate his family’s legacy for future generations.Mike gives us a candid look back at his tumultuous shift into his current ownership role and how he’s bringing a new-school mindset to old-school values.Join us as we discuss:[7:31] Navigating a rocky family business takeover [23:25] How to show future generations value in trades businesses[40:10] Bridging innovation and new ideas with traditionCheck out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors AssociationNexstar NetworkInterplay LearningContractor MagazineYou can find this interview and many more by subscribing to Toolbox for the Trades on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, or here.Know a business that could use a bit of muscle from ServiceTitan? Refer them here!Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Toolbox for the Trades in your favorite podcast player.Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Lance Bachmann had a tough childhood and had to work his way up.After spending several decades in advertising, he decided to start his own full-service digital marketing agency. He learned from his past mistakes, sold the business, shifted his mindset, and seized on different opportunities as he added different companies in the trades to his growing portfolio group.Over time, he not only became a great leader but also someone who had an innate talent to help companies scale and become incredibly profitable.As the owner of LB Capital Group, Lance is on a mission to change the roofing industry to make it more of a demand and retail business for greater success. He stops by to share his entrepreneurial journey with us, his take on technology, and what his golden business principles are.Join us as we discuss:[06:47] The “Why me?” versus the “Why not me?” mindset[10:44] How Lance decided he was going to change the roofing industry[16:27] Lance’s take on technology[18:41] Lance’s top golden business principlesCheck out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:LB Capital GroupTommy MelloIsmael Valdez1SEOServiceTitan Masterminds Facebook GroupYou can find this interview and many more by subscribing to Toolbox for the Trades on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, or here.Know a business that could use a bit of muscle from ServiceTitan? Refer them here!Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Toolbox for the Trades in your favorite podcast player.Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Many companies in the trades may view acquisitions with trepidation, but they can also provide businesses with incredible growth opportunities. To achieve that growth, you need to start by building trust and having the right plan in place.Angela Millerknows that there’s always an opportunity that you don’t anticipate. Together with her team, Angela helps to ensure that transitions are smooth and “business as usual.”As the VP of Integrations at Goettl Air Conditioning & Plumbing, Angela leverages her extensive experience to ensure that businesses that are acquired by her company are seamlessly integrated into their ecosystem. She stops by to share her professional journey with us, how she got into the trades, and what owners looking to sell their businesses or grow via acquisition should think about.Join us as we discuss:[08:05] Angela’s role and how her team is structured[19:14] Advice for businesses looking to grow via acquisitions[23:44] Angela’s most memorable acquisition [34:13] Theory vs. experience: The perks of an MBACheck out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:Goettl Air Conditioning & PlumbingServiceTitanYou can find this interview and many more by subscribing to Toolbox for the Trades on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, or here.Know a business that could use a bit of muscle from ServiceTitan? Refer them here!Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Toolbox for the Trades in your favorite podcast player.Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Ryan Kettering believes that if service businesses want to truly stand out in their market, they need to look beyond the visual aspects of their logo and website. They need to dive deeper and find something authentic to them that will resonate with their customers and employees.He helps customers achieve this by using the fractal brand identity framework, which consists of developing their core belief, brand personality archetype, and brand story.As the owner of Prolific Brand Design, Ryan uses his experience and know-how to deliver brand design solutions to service businesses nationwide. He stops by to share his entrepreneurial journey with us, how he got into the trades, and how he helps customers create brands that are clear, authentic, and uniquely differentiated in a crowded marketplace.Join us as we discuss:[04:35] How Ryan got into graphic design and branding[08:53] What a good brand looks like[14:07] How Ryan works with clients to create a brand[25:09] How service entrepreneurs should think about brandingCheck out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:Prolific Brand DesignServiceTitanYou can find this interview and many more by subscribing to Toolbox for the Trades on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, or here.Know a business that could use a bit of muscle from ServiceTitan? Refer them here!Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Toolbox for the Trades in your favorite podcast player.Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Jennifer Rose-Caudill really “hit the ground running” when she was asked to help out in her family’s plumbing business. Originally trained as a real estate appraiser, she proactively identified areas of improvement within the company and tried to find the right solutions.Over time, she learned from her mistakes, continuously learned about the trades, and with her two brothers, managed to grow the company and make it profitable.As the Owner of Emergency Plumbing Heating & Air, Jennifer leverages her experience and expertise to deliver professional HVAC and plumbing services to customers in the Greater Delaware, Ohio area. She stops by to share her adventurous entrepreneurial journey with us. Jennifer also talks about how she got into the trades and how she managed to turn her father’s company into an efficient, customer-centric operation.Join us as we discuss:[02:42] How Jennifer got into the trades[16:12] How the business started to grow [21:07] Some of the challenges that Jennifer faced along the way[24:42] Adding a new service line to the businessCheck out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:Emergency Plumbing Heating & AirThe E Myth HVAC Contractor by Michael E. Gerber and Ken GoodrichServiceTitan Masterminds Facebook GroupYou can find this interview and many more by subscribing to Toolbox for the Trades on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, or here. Know a business that could use a bit of muscle from ServiceTitan? Refer them here!Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Toolbox for the Trades in your favorite podcast player.Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Krista Landen knows about change all too well. She has witnessed the company she works for growing exponentially over the years, and a big part of that is linked to continuous improvement. Over time, she has learned that embracing and adapting to change is key to being successful in the trades. To get ahead, you need to be able to learn new things as well as improve current systems and processes.As the Marketing & IT Manager at Gulfshore Air Conditioning and Heating, Krista utilizes her experience as well as her exceptional people skills to implement the changes necessary for her organization to scale effectively. She stops by to share her professional journey with us, how she got into the trades, and provides practical advice on how companies can navigate change seamlessly.Join us as we discuss:[07:34] How Gulfshore has grown during Krista’s tenure[11:25] Some big changes that Krista went through and how she managed them[23:15] How Krista manages her colleagues and gets output from themCheck out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:Gulfshore Air Conditioning and HeatingTitan AdvisorServiceTitan You can find this interview and many more by subscribing to Toolbox for the Trades on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, or here. Know a business that could use a bit of muscle from ServiceTitan? Refer them here!Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Toolbox for the Trades in your favorite podcast player.Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Lance Ball believes that if you don’t challenge yourself, you will never grow. His professional career is a testament to how someone can persevere, reinvent themselves, and seize untapped opportunities.He likes to assure customers that he has their best interests at heart and wants to give them control over their choices.As the owner of Aspen Mountain Plumbing, Lance uses his solid industry knowledge and experience to deliver professional plumbing solutions to customers in rural Wyoming. During our conversation, Lance shared how he got into the trades due to a tragedy and how he worked his way up and decided to start his own plumbing business.Join us as we discuss:[01:50] How Lance got into the trades[11:48] How the desire to deliver good customer service accelerated growth[17:41] Challenges that Lance faced and how he overcame them[28:56] Key lessons for business ownersCheck out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:Aspen Mountain PlumbingServiceTitan Masterminds Facebook GroupYou can find this interview and many more by subscribing to Toolbox for the Trades on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, or here.Know a business that could use a bit of muscle from ServiceTitan? Refer them here!Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Toolbox for the Trades in your favorite podcast player.Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Katie Biddle believes that when an organization’s leadership shows that they care about their employees, they will be better motivated to provide excellent service to their customers. She proactively encourages her team to put themselves in their customer's shoes to anticipate their questions and understand their challenges or pain points.As the Head of Customer Experience at Call Dad AC & Heating, Katie leverages her experience and expertise in the trades to provide professional customer service and support to homeowners across North Carolina. During our discussion, Katie talked about how she got into the trades, managed a brand rollout, and what makes her so passionate about her work.Join us as we discuss:[04:37] What makes Katie so passionate [16:28] What virtual assistants are and how to integrate them into your workflow[27:03] What differentiates a successful company from a stagnant one[29:02] An overview of D.A.D. UniversityCheck out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:Call Dad AC & HeatingD.A.D. UniversityTorch NetworkServiceTitan Masterminds Facebook GroupYou can find this interview and many more by subscribing to Toolbox for the Trades on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, or here. Know a business that could use a bit of muscle from ServiceTitan? Refer them here!Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Toolbox for the Trades in your favorite podcast player.Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Ismael Valdez is a “Renaissance Man” in every sense of the word. Not only has he built a successful contracting business from scratch, but he’s also about to launch another business that will be a game changer for the trades.He has a simple yet very profound approach to running his businesses: know your numbers, pay your people well, take care of them, and always be one step ahead of your competitors.As Owner and CEO of Nexgen Air Conditioning, Heating, and Plumbing, Ismael capitalizes on his experience and industry know-how to provide a comprehensive range of professional heating, cooling, and plumbing services to customers across southern California. During our discussion, Ismael talks about what business owners should do when they’re struggling, how to scale effectively, and what the key elements are to running a successful business.Join us as we discuss:[03:47] Ismael’s advice to contractors who are struggling[05:44] The importance of knowing your numbers[12:19] The BASIC plan and what it entails[20:51] How to manage your labor costsCheck out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:Nexgen Airconditioning, Heating, and PlumbingNuveService Avengers Facebook GroupServiceTitan Masterminds Facebook GroupYou can find this interview and many more by subscribing to Toolbox for the Trades on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, or here.Know a business that could use a bit of muscle from ServiceTitan? Refer them here!Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Toolbox for the Trades in your favorite podcast player.Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Kristian Protic learned about running a business the hard way. He started his career in the trades as a salesman for a home service business. He then started two ventures before founding his current company, which focuses on providing heating, cooling, and plumbing services to customers.Over time, he learned to trust in his abilities, have more confidence, not over-rely on partners, and have the right team in place that would propel his business forward.As President and Co-Owner of 365 Heating, Cooling, and Plumbing, Kristian leverages his expertise to deliver professional HVAC and plumbing services to homeowners in southwestern Ontario, Canada. He stops by to share his entrepreneurial journey with us, how he got into the trades, and how he took his company from its humble beginnings to the success story it is today.Join us as we discuss:[02:14] Takeaways from Kristian’s past two businesses[15:44] How to hire the right people[24:05] The importance of asking others for helpCheck out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:365 Heating, Cooling, and PlumbingProfit First by Mike MichalowiczThe E Myth HVAC Contractor by Michael E. Gerber and Ken GoodrichHome Service Millionaire by Tommy MelloVictor RancourServiceTitan Masterminds Facebook GroupYou can find this interview and many more by subscribing to Toolbox for the Trades on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, or here. Know a business that could use a bit of muscle from ServiceTitan? Refer them here!Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Toolbox for the Trades in your favorite podcast player.Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Samuel Petrie began his career in the trades by working in his father’s business. He then went on to start his own company that focused on delivering technology and solutions that benefit the rural communities that he serves. It was through his business that he identified an underserved market needing urgent help - homeowners looking for someone to complete multiple simple tasks. As the General Manager at Red Barn Service LLC, Samuel leverages his experience and know-how to deliver HVAC and electrical services to homeowners in rural Wisconsin. He stops by to share his entrepreneurial journey with us, shares his thoughts about the trades, and reveals how he continues to educate himself to stay at the top of his game. Join us as we discuss: - [02:15] Getting started in the trades - [14:41] Filling the gaps in a business education - [16:40] How Samuel disrupted and improved his business - [27:40] The importance of networking and building connections Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast: - Red Barn Service LLC - Profit First by Mike Michalowicz - The E Myth HVAC Contractor by Michael E. Gerber and Ken Goodrich - Elevate: Build a Business Where Everybody Wins by Tommy Mello - Small Business Leaders Community Group - ServiceTitan Masterminds Facebook Group You can find this interview and many more by subscribing to Toolbox for the Trades on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, or here. Know a business that could use a bit of muscle from ServiceTitan? Refer them here! Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Toolbox for the Trades in your favorite podcast player.Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Paige Knowles, or “Plumber Paige,” has loved the trades since she first saw the construction wing of a tech school during a junior high tour. But she was dismayed by the stigma that surrounded her passion for blue-collar careers. So she took on the mantle of a trades advocate, spreading the word to boys and girls across the country that the trades are cool — and lucrative. The children’s author and social media darling shares why she fell in love with the trades and how old-school contractors can get the next generation into their shops. Join us as we discuss: - [7:47] The blue-collar narrative in today’s schools - [18:09] How contractors can connect with young people - [29:08] A forward-thinking construction camp for girls - [37:40] Children’s books focused on the trades Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast: - Plumber Paige Instagram - Plumber Paige: Let’s Fix a Running Toilet - Plumber Paige: Let’s Replace a Shower Head - SkillsUSA - Let’s Build Construction Camp for Girls You can find this interview and many more by subscribing to Toolbox for the Trades on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, or here. Know a business that could use a bit of muscle from ServiceTitan? Refer them here! Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Toolbox for the Trades in your favorite podcast player.Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Jawad Olabi was riding high in a lucrative corporate finance career. But after COVID forced devastating layoffs at his global firm, he started searching for new opportunities.That’s when he found an underserved market that was ripe for much-needed accounting services — the trades. Now a Managing Partner at ServicePro CFO, Jawad uses his expertise to help contractors get their books in order so they can negotiate their services from a healthy financial position. He stops by to share his thoughts on accounting, private equity, and economic trends heading into 2024 and beyond.Join us as we discuss:- [11:35] The good, the bad, and the ugly of private equity- [22:06] Economic projections for the 2024 market- [29:07] How contractors can get ahead of financial trends- [36:00] If private equity will still be viable in the near future Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast: - 3 Strategies to Unlock Success During Shoulder Months - 50X Podcast (TransDigm) - ServiceTitan Masterminds Facebook Group You can find this interview and many more by subscribing to Toolbox for the Trades on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, or here. Know a business that could use a bit of muscle from ServiceTitan? Refer them here!Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Toolbox for the Trades in your favorite podcast player. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Facilities management often isn’t top of mind in the day-to-day bustle of contractors and business owners. But Sid Shetty, Chief Business Development Officer at ServiceChannel, believes it’s a pillar of the customer experience.Not only does proactive facilities management delight customers, but it can take your company’s workflows to the next level. Sid shares how he’s been using his breakout podcast, Elevating Brick & Mortar, to empower managers, contractors, and technicians to get proactive and maximize their assets.Join us as we discuss:- (2:40) Using podcasts to spread awareness around the trades- (9:04) Challenging the brick-and-mortar industry narrative- (20:20) Elevating the customer experience in facilities management- (33:57) How commercial contractors can better serve facilities managersCheck out these resources we mentioned during the podcast: - Elevating Brick & Mortar Podcast - ServiceTitan x ServiceChannel Integration - ConnexFM - SmartAC.com You can find this interview and many more by subscribing to Toolbox for the Trades on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, or here. Know a business that could use a bit of muscle from ServiceTitan? Refer them here!Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Toolbox for the Trades in your favorite podcast player. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Depending on the municipality, inspections and permits can be the bane of contractors. While construction giants often have the luxury of an engineering firm on-site, small to mid-sized owner-operators usually have to wait for a local inspector to certify their work. And time is money. It was a constant struggle for Anthony Perera, Founder and Chief Growth Officer at Air Pros USA, and his team. So they set out to solve the problem. Tune in to hear the practical solutions Anthony and his colleagues created for speeding up the inspection and permit process, all while driving incredible growth for his business. Join us as we discuss: - (7:22) Retaining equity by raising debt capital to accelerate growth - (17:59) Smoothing out the home inspection and permit process - (29:00) Why new entrepreneurs shouldn’t be afraid to work in the business Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast: - Inspected.com - Permit Hub - Traction: Get a Grip on Your Business by Gino Wickman - Good to Great: Why Some Companies Make the Leap and Others Don't by Jim Collins - The Innovator’s Dilemma by Clayton M. Christensen You can find this interview and many more by subscribing to Toolbox for the Trades on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, or here. Know a business that could use a bit of muscle from ServiceTitan? Refer them here! Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Toolbox for the Trades in your favorite podcast player. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Contractors 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, from HVAC to pest control. Join us as we discuss:- (5:59) How ServiceTitan compiled the Residential Contract Report- (11:56) Using data to make people-based decisions- (18:27) Surprising findings around word-of-mouth referrals- (30:33) Why membership programs are far from obsoleteCheck out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:- Residential Contractor Report - Unlock the Power Webinar Registration Link (Nov 30th) - Thrive Analytics You can find this interview and many more by subscribing to Toolbox for the Trades on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, or here. Know a business that could use a bit of muscle from ServiceTitan? Refer them here!Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Toolbox for the Trades in your favorite podcast player. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Siblings Khadija J. Head and Odari Head, Co-Owners of Head’s Plumbing Sales and Service, are proud to succeed their parents in running the oldest black-owned plumbing company in Atlanta, Georgia. So when the time came to kick off a rebrand for the third-generation business, they wanted to honor their family’s legacy while keeping an open mind. Khadija and Odari share their family’s story of resilience and talk about the lack of minority representation in an industry that is starving for talent. Join us as we discuss: - (8:51) The burden of entrepreneurship and their company’s origin story - (17:40) Why they pride themselves as “the plumber’s plumbers” - (25:19) Making the bold decision to rebrand the family business logo - (33:08) How owners can attract more young people to the trades You can find this interview and many more by subscribing to Toolbox for the Trades on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, or here. Know a business that could use a bit of muscle from ServiceTitan? Refer them here! Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Toolbox for the Trades in your favorite podcast player. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

ServiceTitan is loaded with solutions for contractors’ pain points. But a common hurdle to maximizing its potential is these entrepreneurs are spending most of their day… well, trying to run a business. Time is money, and it takes time to learn everything the platform has to offer. But it takes a hell of a lot less time if you’ve got a ServiceTitan Professional Service Partner (PSP) helping you through it. ServiceTitan’s PSPs and Cofounders of Powerhouse Consulting Group, Jenny Benbrook and Pam Duffy, talk about how these certified partners can help you utilize ServiceTitan to the fullest. Join us as we discuss: - (19:47) 3 types of contractors who need Professional Service Partners - (27:00) What sets PSPs apart from other ServiceTitan consultants - (41:31) How PSPs can help you discover missed opportunities - (51:16) Key indicators that your data sets are broken Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast: - Society of Women Engineers (SWE) - ServiceTitan Professional Service Partners: Powerhouse Consulting Group - Nexstar Super Meeting 2023 You can find this interview and many more by subscribing to Toolbox for the Trades on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, or here. Know a business that could use a bit of muscle from ServiceTitan? Refer them here! Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Toolbox for the Trades in your favorite podcast player. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

For many contractors experiencing growth, inventory management is often the elephant in the room. No one likes dealing with it, but as Jeremy Wickenhauser, Certified ServiceTitan Coach with Go Time Success Group, said, it’s an integral part of every technician’s workflow. We caught up with Jeremy at Pantheon 2023 so he could tell us how he and his fellow coaches are helping contractors and their teams implement ServiceTitan’s integrations smoother and faster. Jeremy also demystifies some common inventory issues and explains why part-hunting is one of the trades’ biggest money sinks. Join us as we discuss: - (4:22) Why coaching is an important part of customer implementation - (11:41) How poor inventory management erodes trust in a business - (18:46) Advice for contractors considering a coaching collaboration Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast: - ServiceTitan Professional Service Partners You can find this interview and many more by subscribing to Toolbox for the Trades on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, or here. Know a business that could use a bit of muscle from ServiceTitan? Refer them here! Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Toolbox for the Trades in your favorite podcast player. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Brothers David and Michael Katz came to America in 2015 with only a killer work ethic and a dream. In July 2021, they figured they would try their hands at HVAC. Their hard work certainly paid off. In 2023, their business, TRIO Heating and Air Conditioning, will clear $10 million in revenue. David and Michael spared some of their time at Pantheon 2023 to talk about what they’ve learned about implementing new business processes, employee relations, and why environmental care is a staple of their brand. Join us as we discuss: - (6:24) Unpacking and implementing new practices from Pantheon - (16:10) How an internal survey spurred a dramatic rebrand - (23:27) Why shop tours are worth every second of your time Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast: Home Service Millionaire by Tommy Mello You can find this interview and many more by subscribing to Toolbox for the Trades on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, or here. Know a business that could use a bit of muscle from ServiceTitan?Refer them here! Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Toolbox for the Trades in your favorite podcast player. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Everyone in the trades knows we’ve needed a spotlight on the need to grow the next generation of technicians, plumbers, and other vital services.That’s why Scott Caron is proud to be an analyst and technical advisor for the 7th Annual Elite Trades Championship Series. He thinks a nationally televised competition like the ETCS, where the finest in their fields compete for clout and cash, is just the shot in the arm our industries need. In the second half of our conversation with Scott, we chatted about attracting younger workers into the trades through “edutainment,” school partnerships… and, of course, the 7th ETCS, which begins airing Fridays on CBS Sports starting December 8th. Join us as we discuss:- (2:46) Designing balanced competitions with impartial outcomes - (17:34) Why “edutainment” is vital to attracting new talent to the trades- (35:25) Educating people about niche trade opportunities- (51:22) Setting the table for Round One of the ETCSCheck out these resources we mentioned during the podcast: - Elite Trades Championship Series - Scott Caron - When Hard Work Pays Off: The ServiceTitan HVAC National Championship 2022 with Mack ShwertYou can find this interview and many more by subscribing to Toolbox for the Trades on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, or here.Know a business that could use a bit of muscle from ServiceTitan? Refer them here! Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Toolbox for the Trades in your favorite podcast player.Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

As a New England native, Scott Caron, Owner of Caron Electric in Lexington, Massachusetts, grew up a fan of the local home improvement TV show This Old House. So when his sister called him about an opportunity with its spinoff, Ask This Old House, he jumped at the chance. Little did he know his on-air talents would take him to the 2023 Elite Trades Championship Series, airing on CBS Sports this December! In our exclusive interview, Scott tells us how his childhood fascination with tinkering grew into a media career in multiple trades-focused productions, including color commentator for the ETCS. Join us as we discuss: - (3:18) How a love for hands-on projects blossomed into a trades career - (17:56) Mentorship and what to look for in good tech candidates - (28:53) Pivoting from fan to cast member on Ask This Old House - (40:03) Why it’s important to show up authentically, on and off-camera Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast: - Elite Trades Championship Series You can find this interview and many more by subscribing to Toolbox for the Trades on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, or here. Know a business that could use a bit of muscle from ServiceTitan? Refer them here! Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Toolbox for the Trades in your favorite podcast player. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

When Spencer Tippetts, Director of Business Development at Rainforest Plumbing & Air, joined the family business in 2019 to help expand their residential unit, he knew they had opportunities for improvement. Employee turnover, mismanagement, and outdated processes were all pain points that were impacting their bottom line… not to mention the company’s culture. So Spencer got to work on helping his dad and brother turn things around with some tricks he learned from his corporate days. Spencer gives the inside scoop on bringing commercial and residential services together in a family business by building them around the customers they serve. Join us as we discuss: - (6:58) Encouraging dissenting opinions during family “rumbles” - (12:46) The cashflow advantage to operating multiple services - (21:01) Scaling a new division with universal business practices - (27:32) The cultural impact of giving your employees a voice Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast: - Let’s Rumble by Brene Brown - Tony Robbins Results Coaching You can find this interview and many more by subscribing to Toolbox for the Trades on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, or here. Know a business that could use a bit of muscle from ServiceTitan? Refer them here! Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Toolbox for the Trades in your favorite podcast player. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Contractors across the country continue to struggle with putting technicians in their trucks. But Ryan Englin, CEO of Core Matters, believes those entrepreneurs don’t have a hiring problem. They have a retention problem. And it’s because too many employers focus on showmanship over substance in job postings and interviews. Drop in to hear Ryan dish out some hard-hitting truth about why owner-operators need to be more authentic in their recruitment processes if they want to hire better people faster. Join us as we discuss: - (5:07) The marketing issue behind recruitment and retention - (10:31) How authenticity can make or break working relationships - (19:14) Intangibles you actually should be looking for in new candidates - (30:45) Proof of concept mistakes to avoid during interviews Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast: - Talent Tackle Box - PDP Global ProScan You can find this interview and many more by subscribing to Toolbox for the Trades on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, or here. Know a business that could use a bit of muscle from ServiceTitan?Refer them here! Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Toolbox for the Trades in your favorite podcast player. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

If you couldn’t make it to the incredible Pantheon 2023 conference in Orlando, then don’t worry — we’re bringing the party to your ears! We sat down with over a half dozen incredible men and women in the trades, who each gave us a little taste of their experience at this year’s event. From networking tips to new tech teasers, you won’t want to miss these insights from some of the finest minds in the industry. Join us as we sit down with: - (1:35) Mary Anglen, Executive Director at Lightfoot Mechanical Services - (9:51) Rick Vines, Master Plumber at Vines Plumbing and Water Restoration - (16:44) Lincoln Walpole, Chief Financial Officer and Vice President of Office Operations at Any Hour Services - (23:41) Justin Tarr, President of Daffy Ducts - (33:08) Aizik Zimmerman, CEO of J. Blanton Plumbing - (41:18) David Brewster, Owner of Aqua Clear Water Systems, and Lydia Brewster, Warehouse and Marketing Manager at Aqua Clear Water Systems You can find this interview and many more by subscribing to Toolbox for the Trades on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, or here. Know a business that could use a bit of muscle from ServiceTitan?Refer them here! Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Toolbox for the Trades in your favorite podcast player. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

It takes hard work and resolve to succeed in the trades. That’s why the theme for this year’s Pantheon conference is “Journey to the Top.” And to help celebrate this sold-out extravaganza, we’re bringing on some of the top-tier talent at this year’s event! To kick us off, Brianna Skiffington, Chief Product Officer of Ad Leverage, and Amanda Triolo, CEO of Grasshopper Heating & Cooling, join the show in sunny Orlando, Florida. We talk about the challenges with pivoting to residential services, ChatGPT, and we give a sneak peek into ServiceTitan’s new ad optimization platform. Join us as we discuss: - Pivoting from commercial services and financial hurdles (1:45) - The secret to a well-oiled trades and marketing marriage (10:51) - Taking in the full Pantheon 2023 experience (15:28) Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast: - CXC.ai - Marketing Pro Ads Optimizer - Craig Groschel Leadership Podcast - Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals by Oliver Burkeman You can find this interview and many more by subscribing to Toolbox for the Trades on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, or here. Know a business that could use a bit of muscle from ServiceTitan?Refer them here! Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Toolbox for the Trades in your favorite podcast player. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

“Is There a Killer in Your Basement?” A lot’s changed since Bill Heffernan, President of Master Chimney Sweepers, led one of his customer mailers with that dubious line in the 1990s. But his passion for educating customers on the dangers of neglecting their fireplace chimneys and other vents has never wavered. Bill and his son and Sales Director, Tom Heffernan, give us a peek into the modern-day chimney sweep industry and how much it’s evolved since Bill founded his business in 1977. Join us as we discuss: - (3:42) How the ‘70s energy crisis influenced the chimney sweep industry - (16:36) Incorporating outside industry tactics into your sales strategy - (23:47) Why direct mail is still a bona fide marketing tactic - (31:55) The power of collaboration in a small family business You can find this interview and many more by subscribing to Toolbox for the Trades on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, or here. Know a business that could use a bit of muscle from ServiceTitan? Refer them here! Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Toolbox for the Trades in your favorite podcast player. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

It’s time for contractors to face a harsh reality. The trades thrived during Covid while many people were trapped in their homes, but now the free ride is over. And home service providers everywhere are starting to feel the impact on their bottom lines. But Tommy Mello, Owner of A1 Garage Door Service, and Al Levi, Founder of The 7-Power Contractor, think this is a chance for owner-operators to grab growth by the horns. Tommy and Al hold nothing back as they explain why now is the time for contractors to improve efficiencies, double down on marketing, and explore acquisition opportunities. Join us as we discuss: - (2:49) Building on internal processes during the slow times - (7:41) Making tough choices and a common pricing mistake - (23:17) The keys to smart marketing and branding - (36:21) Why many contractors don’t consider acquisitions Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast: - The Home Service Millionaire - Elevate: Build a Business Where Everybody Wins - The Home Service Expert Podcast - The 7-Power Contractor: Run Your Contracting Business With Less Stress and More Success - Freedom 2023 You can find this interview and many more by subscribing to Toolbox for the Trades on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, or here. Know a business that could use a bit of muscle from ServiceTitan? Refer them here! Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Toolbox for the Trades in your favorite podcast player. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Adam Fuseman, CFO of Fuse Service in San Jose, California, left Russia for America in 2017 with the hope of becoming an IT professional. But that all changed after a friend convinced Adam to join his appliance repair business. That experience spurred Adam to start his own home and commercial service company, which has exploded into a $40 million 25-location franchise. Adam and Fuse’s CEO, Stan Pakarin, join us to tell their incredible stories of how two Russian immigrants came together to share an American dream. Join us as we discuss: - (9:51) Immigration roadblocks to starting a new business - (16:41) How a YouTube channel brought the two partners together - (26:43) Expanding and optimizing new service lines and processes - (34:48) Learning to trust people so you can delegate with confidence Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast: - Praxis - Adam FUSEMAN You can find this interview and many more by subscribing to Toolbox for the Trades on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, or here. Know a business that could use a bit of muscle from ServiceTitan? Refer them here! Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Toolbox for the Trades in your favorite podcast player. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

“Good help sure is hard to find” is a familiar rallying cry for contractors these days. Now, consider this… What if you had plenty of eager young talent waiting right outside your door but were legally bound not to hire them? Believe it or not, it’s a battle that Matt LaMartina, President and GM of Tony LaMartina Plumbing Company, and his fellow contractors in St. Louis are fighting today. Hear how Matt has been leveraging partnerships, including the competition, to continue scaling his business as they fight for the right to employ more local apprentices. Join us as we discuss: - (7:45) Trying not to “grow broke” while meeting customer needs - (18:18) Why you need to offer customers more than a phone number - (24:23) How a partnership with a local school evolved into a fight for labor Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast: - Nexstar - Ranken Technical Institute You can find this interview and many more by subscribing to Toolbox of the Trades on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, or here. Know a business that could use a bit of muscle from ServiceTitan? Refer them here! Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Toolbox of the Trades in your favorite podcast player. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Finding and implementing new business insights can be one of the biggest challenges for owner-operators and managers in the trades. Who’s got time to chase new ideas when you’re constantly “putting out fires?” But when Blake Wiltshire, Director of Residential Services at Althoff Industries, and his fellow leaders left town for a three-day business planning and budgeting seminar, everything changed. By taking time to separate himself from the everyday chaos, Blake’s outlook on strategic growth completely shifted. Blake drops by to share his insights on business planning, budgeting, and why prioritizing goals is key to not breaking your processes during insane growth. Join us as we discuss: - (2:15) Rising from entry-level office grunt to an operational lead - (8:08) How moving training off-site can boost learning input - (15:52) Why business planning and budgeting are in separate buckets - (22:40) Advice to owner-operators who are considering big changes Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast: - EGIA You can find this interview and many more by subscribing to Toolbox of the Trades on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, or here. Know a business that could use a bit of muscle from ServiceTitan? Refer them here! Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Toolbox of the Trades in your favorite podcast player. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Home services is bound by a universal truth — homeowners reach out to contractors when they have a problem that needs to be solved. So when people see or hear your ads, the chances are they don’t need you at all… yet. Then how do you make sure you’re the first person they think of when they need help? You guide your marketing to make them feel something. Ryan Chute, Partner at Wizard of Ads, explains how neuroscience in branding can help you tell a story that empathizes with your target audience so you’re top-of-mind in your market. Join us as we discuss: - (3:44) Why home services is such a challenging industry to market - (6:16) The neuroscience behind successful brand storytelling - (18:27) The “magic” behind ad spend in local markets - (25:40) An example of a wildly successful ad campaign Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast: - WizardofAds.Contractors - The Wizard of Ads: Turning Words into Magic and Dreamers into Millionaires (The Wizard of Ads Series, Volume 1) by Roy H. Williams - Drain Magic - KickCharge Creative - Wizard Academy You can find this interview and many more by subscribing to Toolbox of the Trades on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, or here. Know a business that could use a bit of muscle from ServiceTitan? Refer them here! Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Toolbox of the Trades in your favorite podcast player. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Tasha Roberts knew she had a lot to learn after suddenly having to step in to lead her parents’ business, ASAP Commercial Doors, in 2016. But thanks to her relentless drive to learn from industry leaders across different trades, she’s helped triple the company’s growth in that time. Now the president of ASAP, Tasha has led the company through a rebrand, gone all in on the commercial sector, and built an apprenticeship program that champions values over experience. Hear how Tasha navigated the early years after her unexpected transition into the trades and why she believes attitude can make or break a family business. Join us as we discuss: - (1:45) Being thrust into the trades after a serious life event - (8:54) Making space to learn the business by delegating - (17:02) A dramatic rebrand and committing to commercial services - (28:01) An apprenticeship program built on core values Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast: - The Ed Mylett Show - Prolific Brand Design You can find this interview and many more by subscribing to Toolbox of the Trades on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, or here. Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Toolbox of the Trades in your favorite podcast player. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Lamont Page, a service technician at Worley's Home Services in Yorktown, VA, is no stranger to long days with nonstop work calls. But soon after starting at Worley’s, his bosses told him to do something extraordinary — stop working so hard. That’s when they shipped him off to Arizona to work with Derrek Hofrichter, Business Coach and Trainer at Service Business Evolution (SBE). SBE works with technicians to up their sales game by building real relationships with their customers. And it starts with listening and asking questions. Tune in to hear Lamont’s story and coaching insights from Derrek as we unpack a human-to-human approach to the technician sales process. Join us as we discuss: - (10:10) How focusing on relationships builds customer equity - (23:45) Why techs need to ask good questions to gain trust - (33:37) What sets the sales experts apart from the amateurs Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast: - Never Split the Difference: Negotiating As If Your Life Depended On It by Chris Voss and Tahl Raz - The HVAC Apprentice podcast Know a business that could use a bit of muscle from ServiceTitan? Refer them here! You can find this interview and many more by subscribing to Toolbox of the Trades on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, or here. Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Toolbox of the Trades in your favorite podcast player. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Lots of marketers have shifted their focus from the mailbox to the inbox, but the numbers don’t lie.Direct mail is still one of the most reliable vehicles for customer engagement.As Guy Fashano, Sales Manager at MSI Mailing Systems, points out — digital marketing isn’t the only player in town that can harness data to track ROI and open rates.Hear how direct mail marketing can help you retain customers and build brand equity for your business in 2023 and beyond!Join us as we discuss:- (5:13) The tangible benefits and staying power of direct mail - (14:05) How direct mail can help boost your brand equity- (30:17) Practical tips for starting your first direct mail campaignCheck out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:- [email protected] - Call or text Guy with your questions at 916-769-5200- Raiser’s Edge NXT - Marketing Pro Direct Mail ToolYou can find this interview and many more by subscribing to Toolbox of the Trades on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, or here.Know a business that could use a bit of muscle from ServiceTitan? Refer them here! Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Toolbox of the Trades in your favorite podcast player. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Private equity is a hot topic in the trades, especially for family-owned businesses. But how can business operators know when it’s the right time to sell — and when not to? To help answer that question, we talked with Amber Gaige, Founder of Saber Marketing Group. From growing up in a family of contractors to selling her own business to private equity in 2018, Amber has seen it all. Amber shares how she’s helping prepare other owners for their transition into the world of private equity and streamlining marketing efforts for family-owned businesses. Join us as we discuss: - (9:24) The culture shock from partnering with private equity - (18:15) How to determine if you’re ready for a PE partnership - (25:03) Why marketing should be one of your critical systems Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast: - Benjamin Franklin Plumbing - Potty Talk: Why Some Marketing Works and Some Should Just Be Flushed You can find this interview and many more by subscribing to Toolbox of the Trades on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, or here. Know a business that could use a bit of muscle from ServiceTitan? Refer them here! Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Toolbox of the Trades in your favorite podcast player. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Hello, Contractors! For your holiday enjoyment, we’re revisiting one of our favorite conversations starring Keith Mercurio. Keith is the Senior Director of Executive Success at ServiceTitan and founder/CEO of Ethical Influence Global, and his insights on leadership, training, and mindset are a goldmine for entrepreneurs. So as you’re prepping your grill this 4th of July, tune in to hear one of our industry leader’s thoughts on overcoming your business’ biggest hurdle for growth… YOU! Join us as we discuss: - (6:02) Deconstructing preconceived notions around the trades - (16:08) How owners can be their own worst growth constraint - (28:52) Personal development and resetting your mindset - (39:24) Transforming false positivity into powerful thinking Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast: - Loving What Is: Four Questions That Can Change Your Life by Byron Katie and Stephen Mitchell - The Four Agreements: A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom by Don Miquel Ruiz - Making Sense podcast by Sam Harris - The Tim Ferriss Show podcast by Tim Ferriss - Ted Radio Hour on NPR Know a business that could use a bit of muscle from ServiceTitan? Refer them here! You can find this interview and many more by subscribing to Toolbox of the Trades on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, or here. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.