Toolbox for the Trades

When 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 story of A-Total Plumbing - Role distribution between Richard and Felicia - Switching from home warranty to a retail business model - Why the Flournys are hiring a Dream Manager - Customer service insights to 4.8 stars across over 1K Google reviews Check out these resources: - Mentor Chris Hunter - The Dream Manager by Matthew Kelly Ep. 76 w/ Jessie Cannizzaro Know a business that could use a bit of muscle from ServiceTitan? Refer them here! To hear more stories from the trades, subscribe to Toolbox for the Trades onApple Podcasts,Spotify, our website, or anywhere you get podcasts.Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

If 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 $9.4 million, then to $33 million - How to scale customer service - The role of data and data tracking in empowering employee decisions Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast: - The Four-Hour Workweek by Tim Ferriss - The Toyota Way by Jeffrey K. Liker - Extreme Ownership by Jocko Willink and Leif Babin Know a business that could use a bit of muscle from ServiceTitan? Refer them here! To hear more stories from the trades, subscribe to Toolbox for the Trades onApple Podcasts,Spotify, our website, or anywhere you get podcasts.Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Certification 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-year legacy of septic inspection from her mother - Becoming industry thought leaders with an educational blog - Shifting from gravity-fed systems to aerobic systems - Succession planning for the next iteration of Van Delden Know a business that could use a bit of muscle from ServiceTitan? Refer them here! To hear more stories from the trades, subscribe to Toolbox for the Trades onApple Podcasts,Spotify, our website, or anywhere you get podcasts.Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Entrepreneurship 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 Jessie’s family came to support plumbing as her career choice - Achieving master plumber and founding a company before age 30 - A quality emphasis for creating lifelong customers - Busting the myth of “doing it all” as a female entrepreneur - The most proud and heartfelt team roster you’ve ever heard Know a business that could use a bit of muscle from ServiceTitan? Refer them here! To hear more stories from the trades, subscribe to Toolbox for the Trades onApple Podcasts,Spotify, our website, or anywhere you get podcasts.Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

You 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 onboarding with ServiceTitan and NexStar - Job costing by the numbers - Employee retention and growth during massive change Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast: HVAC Spells Wealth HVAC Masters of the Hustle To hear more stories from the trades, subscribe to Toolbox for the Trades onApple Podcasts,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’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 right business mentor - Leading your team - Delivering exceptional customer service - Women in the trades To hear more stories from the trades, subscribe to Toolbox for the Trades onApple Podcasts,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.

Apprentices 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 franchise or not to franchise - Incentivizing managers based on every single job - Mario’s wildly successful apprenticeship program - Growth and leadership lessons from someone who is always reaching for the next success Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast: - Leaders Eat Last by Simon Sinek - Never Split the Difference by Chris Voss To hear more stories from the trades, subscribe to Toolbox for the Trades onApple Podcasts,Spotify, orhere. 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.

Today’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 discuss: - Russell’s journey from high school dropout to president of his own company - Entrepreneurship hurdles and how to keep charging forward - The recent addition of HVAC services - Why customer experience matters more than ever - The explosive growth plan for next year Check out these resources we mentioned: - Beyond Plumbing Webinar - The 48 Laws of Power by Robert Greene If you want to hear more stories from the trades, subscribe to Toolbox for the Trades onApple Podcasts,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 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. Join us as we discuss: - Getting an on-the-job “MBA” by wearing all the hats - Fulfilling the legacy of putting people first - Business coaches, personality assessments, and leadership development Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast: - ColorCode Personality Science - People Matter More Than Money | Simon Sinek - Episode 44 with Keith Mercurio - Kerwin Rae on YouTube If you want to hear more stories from the trades, subscribe to Toolbox for the Trades onApple Podcasts,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.

You 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 trades - The 6 Ps of a website that will please prospects - Why price belongs on your website - Reasons Chris is grateful he started a podcast Check out these resources we mentioned: - Chris’s podcast is To the Point - Traction by Gino Wickman - The New One Minute Manager by Ken Blanchard and Spencer Johnson If you want to hear more stories from the trades, subscribe to Toolbox for the Trades onApple Podcasts,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.

One 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 his company culture - His calling to help others pursue their dreams - Strategies for marketing to Spanish speakers in the U.S. - Recruiting and training electricians Check out these resources we mentioned: - Pew Research Center - Zippa.com - Los Titans presents Spanish in the Trades If you want to hear more stories from the trades, subscribe to Toolbox for the Trades onApple Podcasts,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.

Working 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 GM of Radiant- Brad’s fear that he wouldn’t have a role in a service company- Concurrent business coaching and life coaching- Candid struggles in co-leading a business- Incorporating private equity into the business partnershipCheck out these additional resources:- The Survival Guide to Working with Your Spouse by Brad Casebier- Making Sense of Men by Alison Armstrong- Loving What Is by Byron Katie- Plumbing and Mechanical- The Mike Dillard Show- Ellen Rohr: Your Job is Hard, Keep Your Financials SimpleIf you want to hear more stories from the trades, subscribe to Toolbox for the Trades onApple Podcasts,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.

Women 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 partnerships- Why a rebrand can be super effective- Hire year-round by keeping a database of potential employeesCheck out these resources we mentioned:- Dan Antonelli: 10 Takeaways on Rebranding for Breakout Success- The E-Myth by Michael E. Gerber- Profit First by Mike Michalowicz- The Go-Giver by Bob Burg- The Contractor's Guide To Saving 30+ Hours Per WeekIf you want to hear more stories from the trades, subscribe to Toolbox for the Trades onApple Podcasts,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.

People 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 lives. Here are some topics we highlight in the conversation: - Answering the calling to protect the public - Why experience doesn’t equal skill - Leaders who set a culture of humility and learning - Willby’s company’s apprenticeship program - Strengthening your competitors with education Check out these resources we mentioned: - The National Center for Construction Education and Research - Leadership BS by Jeffrey Pfeiffer If you want to hear more stories from the trades, subscribe to Toolbox for the Trades onApple Podcasts,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.

There’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 topics we highlight in the conversation: - The origin story of Viva Electric as a construction company - Shared services with Griffin Brothers and mentorship - Behind the scenes of a COO’s business development strategy - When employees are family - Why marketing is everything Check out these resources we mentioned: Episode #17 with Vanessa Gonzalez If you want to hear more stories from the trades, subscribe to Toolbox for the Trades on Apple Podcasts , 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.

Being 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 loves dispatching - Training new dispatchers in 3 languages on the job - The importance of ride alongs and technician relationships - Advice for improving dispatching at your business Check out these resources we mentioned: - Episode 4 with Aaron Gaynor - The Advantage by Patrick Lencioni If you want to hear more stories from the trades, subscribe to Toolbox for the Trades on Apple Podcasts , 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.

Play 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 talent and training technicians in-house - Tips for handling communication curveballs and pitching a perfect dispatch game - Hitting triples in customer experience - a win for the customer, a win for the technician, and a win for the company - Why sales will have a better batting average if they learn to embrace the silences Extra innings (resources mentioned during the episode): Democracy in America by Alex de Toqueville The Power of Consistency by Weldon Long The Entrepreneur Roller Coaster by Darren Hardy In Praise of Difficult Women by Karen Karbo LadyTitans If you want to hear more stories from the trades, subscribe to Toolbox for the Trades on Apple Podcasts , 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.

You’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 industry.) Open-mindedness, especially in interviewing. This is the true story of this episode’s guest, Samantha Salazar, General Manager at Rice Plumbing and Heating. Join us as we discuss: - Samantha’s career journey from no industry experience to management - Expansion and opening a new location - How she interviews, hires, and trains - Candid experiences as a woman in the trades Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast: - Business coaches - Al Levi , Tommy Mello , and Ellen Rohr - Ellen’s e-books If you want to hear more stories from the trades, subscribe to Toolbox for the Trades on Apple Podcasts , 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.

The 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. Join us as we discuss: - How Jim moved from the field to coaching - When Tony recognized that he needed a coach - Jim and Tony’s mutual trust and vulnerability - Which processes had to scale and which had to go - Why people leadership lies at the core of scaling Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast: Traction by Gino Wickman As a Man Thinketh by James Allen If you want to hear more stories from the trades, subscribe to Toolbox for the Trades on Apple Podcasts , 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.

Did 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. To throw some much deserved light on the back office, Angie talks with me about: - Falling in love with the trades and learning on the job - Processes in action during a record-breaking heat wave - Hiring and liability practices you haven’t thought about - Common personnel issues like accident reporting - What owners should know about accounting Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast: - SmartLess podcast - Harvard Business Review If you want to hear more stories from the trades, subscribe to Toolbox for the Trades on Apple Podcasts , 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.

To 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. Join us as we discuss: - Success stories so amazing they sound fake - What a home service owner really needs to know about marketing - Putting the customer at the center of your marketing decisions - Target customers and lead generation - Using messaging to tell stories about brand Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast: - The Book On Digital Marketing: For Plumbing & HVAC Contractors by Ryan Redding - Culture Eats Strategy for Lunch by Curt Coffman - Who Not How by Dan Sul livan and Benjamin Hardy If you want to hear more stories from the trades, subscribe to Toolbox for the Trades on Apple Podcasts, 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.

What’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 importance of developing your company’s vision, mission, and core values - Strategies for igniting recruits with passion - The four toolboxes and why the mental toolbox is the most important - Recruiting, marketing, technology, and entering new verticals Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast: Ben and Chris’s book, It’s Go Time If you want to hear more stories from the trades, subscribe to Toolbox for the Trades on Apple Podcasts , 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.

You 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 unit. In this episode we discuss: - Why accountancy wasn’t for Ben - Commissioning and why it matters to installers - Air quality matters when we spend 90% of our lives indoors - A positive change in promoting the trades among the college-aged If you want to hear more stories from the trades, subscribe to Toolbox for the Trades on Apple Podcast s, 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.

Leader 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 to take a step back and let their team make their own mistakes - Why your teams home life is inseparable from their work life - How to use morning meetings to improve every facet of your business - How to spend 30+ years in business with a friend (without strangling them) If you want to hear more stories from the trades, subscribe to Toolbox for the Trades on Apple Podcasts , 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.

Wouldn’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 If you want to hear more stories from the trades, subscribe to Toolbox for the Trades on Apple Podcasts, 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 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 Nielsen of Schaal Heating and Cooling & Lauren Schieffer, President of The Colonel's Daughter, join me to dissect what truly makes a leader. In this episode, we discuss the core components to great leadership: - Accountability — for yourself and your team - Setting clear expectations - Helping your team grow in their roles If you want to hear more stories from the trades, subscribe to Toolbox for the Trades on Apple Podcasts, 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.

One of the best things about the trades is how far you can go if you have the drive and are committed to lifelong learning. It’s not uncommon to hear stories like that of Julian Scadden, who went from a high school dropout to President & CEO at Nexstar Network. He joins me on the latest episode to share exactly how he pulled it off. We discuss: - The Be Dumb Quick movement - Why leading starts with leading yourself - The difference between understanding and realizing If you want to hear more stories from the trades, subscribe to Toolbox for the Trades on Apple Podcasts, 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.

Three 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 episode, join me as I take on the daunting task of compiling some of the best moments from these fabulous guests — daunting because it’s incredibly difficult to pick just one insight from each member of this talented group. If you want to hear more stories from the trades, subscribe to Toolbox for the Trades on Apple Podcasts, 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.

Do 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 time - How Zoom Drain keeps employees engaged and motivated - What do trade business owners need to know about their Technicians? - Zoom Drain’s apprentice program Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast: - Steve Solla’s LinkedIn profile - Zoom Drain’s website - Service Titan’s website - The Joe Rogan Experience (Podcast) - John Sanford’s Book List Know a business that could use a bit of muscle from ServiceTitan? Refer them here! If you want to hear more stories from the trades, subscribe to Toolbox for the Trades on Apple Podcasts, 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.

What 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, strategy and insights from outside your industry - Why you shouldn’t neglect existing customers for new business - The secrets to hiring the best talent If you want to hear more stories from the trades, subscribe to Toolbox for the Trades on Apple Podcasts, 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 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 this episode, we discuss: - Trevor’s experience with succession planning - How EOS helped ease the transition to new leadership - How Trevor is using video to grow the business. If you want to hear more stories from the trades, subscribe to Toolbox for the Trades on Apple Podcasts, 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.

Let’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 expertise and the secrets to branding and marketing every owner should know. What we talked about: - The benefits of seeing marketing as a game, not a chore - Where people in the trades go wrong with branding and marketing - Why, even in today’s digital world, not all branding and marketing needs to be digital If you want to hear more stories from the trades, subscribe to Toolbox for the Trades on Apple Podcasts, 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 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 you need to join a peer-to-peer group Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast: - HVAC Spells Wealth - The Go-Giver If you want to hear more stories from the trades, subscribe to Toolbox for the Trades on Apple Podcasts, 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.

Some 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 Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast: - The Making of an American Capitalist - Rich Dad Poor Dad - The Outsiders - The Millionaire Next Door If you want to hear more stories from the trades, subscribe to Toolbox for the Trades on Apple Podcasts, 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.

No 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 options If you want to hear more stories from the trades, subscribe to Toolbox for the Trades on Apple Podcasts, 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 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 Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast: - The Four Agreements - The Allegory of the Cave - Tim Ferriss - The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People If you want to hear more stories from the trades, subscribe to Toolbox for the Trades on Apple Podcasts, 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.

Have 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 want to hear more stories from the trades, subscribe to Toolbox for the Trades on Apple Podcasts, 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.

How 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 your website (including SEO) - Why email marketing still works If you want to hear more stories from the trades, subscribe to Toolbox for the Trades on Apple Podcasts, 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 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 Resources mentioned: - The E Myth - The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People - The Speed of Trust - See You At The Top - How to Win Friends and Influence People - Start With Why - The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership - Man’s Search for Meaning - What Got You Here Won’t Get You There - Never Split the Difference If you want to hear more stories from the trades, subscribe to Toolbox for the Trades on Apple Podcasts, 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.

Growing 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 acquire - Why paying close attention to growth is as important as the bottom line If you want to hear more stories from the trades, subscribe to Toolbox for the Trades on Apple Podcasts, 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.

Your 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- Advice for getting more (and better) online reviewsIf you want to hear more stories from the trades, subscribe to Toolbox for the Trades on Apple Podcasts, 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.

No 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 go totally remote- Why it’s important to collaborate with other tradespeople & business ownersIf you want to hear more stories from the trades, subscribe to Toolbox for the Trades on Apple Podcasts, 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.

The 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 training programsTop places to recruit female techniciansCheck out Mary Jean’s book Here Comes Cannonball.Know a business that could use a bit of muscle from ServiceTitan? Refer them here! If you want to hear more stories from the trades, subscribe to Toolbox for the Trades on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or here. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Within 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 within the tradesCommon mistakes she sees other industry leaders makingResources mentioned:InnermetrixArmchair Expertchickenladyspeaks.com If you want to hear more stories from the trades, subscribe to Toolbox for the Trades on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or here. Know a business that could use a bit of muscle from ServiceTitan? Refer them here!Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

In 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 out Ryan’s show, Torsion Talk Podcast, here.Know a business that could use a bit of muscle from ServiceTitan? Refer them here! If you want to hear more stories from the trades, subscribe to Toolbox for the Trades on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or here. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Stop 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 episode:Good to Great by Jim CollinsThe E Myth by Michael GerberIf you want to hear more stories from the trades, subscribe to Toolbox for the Trades on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or here. Know a business that could use a bit of muscle from ServiceTitan? Refer them here!Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Are 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 best ways to find new opportunities and make important connections Resources mentioned in this episode:Ed Mylett podcastFeelin’ Good With Duddy The Six Dimensions of C.H.A.N.G.E. 2.0 by Kenny ChapmanIf you want to hear more stories from the trades, subscribe to Toolbox for the Trades on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or here.Know a business that could use a bit of muscle from ServiceTitan? Refer them here!Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Retention: 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 symptomsWhy diversity and inclusion is the answer to the trades’ labor shortage The importance of personal development in the workplaceIf you want to hear more stories from the trades, subscribe to Toolbox for the Trades on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or here.Know a business that could use a bit of muscle from ServiceTitan? Refer them here! Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

We 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 Community on Facebook Find the companion for this episode at servicetitan.com/toolboxtipsIf you want to hear more stories from the trades, subscribe to Toolbox for the Trades on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or here. Know a business that could use a bit of muscle from ServiceTitan? Refer them here!Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

As 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 family and home familyEfficiency practices and technician tracksContractors are going to be 100% review-based, not referrals Check out this resource:Ismael’s Webinar: Top KPIs for Contractors and How to Track ThemIf you want to hear more stories from the trades, subscribe to Toolbox for the Trades on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or here.Know a business that could use a bit of muscle from ServiceTitan? Refer them here!Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.