Waste No Day: A Home Services Motivational Podcast

In today’s show, we are putting Chris Voss in your passenger seat to discuss never splitting the difference. Everything in life is a negotiation, but standing in front of a client makes it more apparent. Wouldn’t it be great if you knew what to say and how to say it and when to say it in a negotiation? Over decades of FBI hostage negotiation, Chris learned those things and more through real-world experience; which he detailed in his best-selling book, “Never Split the Difference.” A 24-year veteran of the FBI, Chris Voss is one of the preeminent practitioners and professors of negotiating skills in the world. He is the founder and principal of The Black Swan Group, a consulting firm that provides training and advises Fortune 500 companies through complex negotiations. Voss has taught for many business schools, including the University of Southern California’s Marshall School of Business, Georgetown University’s McDonough School of Business, Harvard University, MIT’s Sloan School of Management, and Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management, among others. Chris joins the show today to relate these principles to the home services industry as we celebrate episode #100.

In today’s show, we are putting Justin High in your passenger seat to discuss the grit and determination required to push through the tough things. Justin knows firsthand about commitment and overcoming the internal desire to quit. As a three-time world champion in Brazilian jujitsu he has competed at the highest levels and won. From a young age he became familiar with what it takes to overcome difficulties. When he was in his 20’s, he determined that he was the source of many of his own problems. However, as he became more serious about jujitsu he realized that he had to be honest with himself and cut out the habits and choices that would him weaker or the consequences would be his own neck. After winning his third world championship he started to see in each moment of your life it is easy to see what is right versus what is wrong. If you build a foundation of good choices success is the obvious outcome. Justin shares these experiences and more on today’s episode.

In today’s show, we are putting Peter Nevland in your passenger seat to discuss valuable lessons to be learned from the wiener dog. What do wiener dogs and the home services industry have in common? The answer is creating memorable experiences. We need each client we serve to be intrigued at our service and drawn to our interactions. There is too much on the line each time we step foot in the home to not be extraordinary; and the cost of acquiring each client is too great to not secure return business. Peter Nevland lives with his wife and three children in Austin, TX. His teams of Wizard of Ads partners have helped grow businesses since 2008. It’s very common for his clients to double and continue growing year after year. He holds a masters in materials science and engineering and worked as an engineer for Motorola before leaving in 2002 to tour the world for a decade as a spoken word performer and writing workshop teacher. He’s now released 3 books, 8 albums, 2 DVDs and endless smiles all over the world. Peter helps us understand how studying the wiener dog can lead to far better, and remarkable, client experiences.

In today’s show, we are putting Al Levi in your passenger seat to discuss five things that you should always be doing. Al Levi is no stranger to the industry. Working out processes and systems through decades of personal experience as both a tech and business owner, Al has successfully systematized so many areas to make your business go right. Detailing much of these concepts in his book, “The 7-Power Contractor,” Al returns to the show to discuss some new ideas that need constant focus.

In today’s show, we are putting Lt. Col. John Ballenger in your passenger seat to continue our conversation from the last show. Until recently, Ballenger served as a pilot with HMX-1 otherwise known as Marine One or the President’s Helicopter. Capping off a distinguished career in the military Ballenger takes time to share what his time in the service has taught him. Looking to transition into the next phase of life we also explore a great DOD initiative called SkillBridge and what it is doing to help military personnel move into the civilian world and specifically the trades. If you missed the first part of this episode, make sure to get up to speed before diving into this exciting conclusion.

In today’s show, we are putting Lt. Col. John Ballenger in your passenger seat to discuss his career as a Marine One pilot and how it aligns with life in the trades. Born in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Ballenger started his career as a naval aviator in March 2005. Through multiple deployments and services, Ballenger served in Japan, Iraq, Afghanistan, Quantico, Jacksonville, and eventually Washinton D.C. Rising through the ranks over a twenty-year career, he was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel in August 2019, and took an assignment with Marine Helicopter Squadron One (HMX-1). Ballenger served as a pilot under President Trump and President Biden until his retirement in 2022. On today’s show, he shares of the many similarities between his training and experience and the trades. Ballenger brings to light many points for consideration on how and why we should challenge ourselves to do our best.

In today’s show, we are putting Mary Anglen in your passenger seat to discuss KPI’s otherwise known as key performance indicators. KPI’s may seem like something that someone behind a desk should be tracking but there is great value to bringing them to the truck. The summarized version is setting a goal and tracking the performance so you know how you are doing. This simple yet easily overlooked task is a key to incremental growth in your career. What matters is what you measure and it can make all the difference. For the past several years, Mary Anglen has been a growing leader in the Service Industry, with a focus on operational excellence and utilizing technology to improve efficiency. You may know her for her connections and expertise with Service Titan but she has spent most of her time in the trades managing operations for a large multi-trade service company in North Texas. Prior to joining the CEO Warrior team, she worked with over 150 business owners through on sites and training programs to improve their business structure and overall profitability. Mary joined CEO Warrior as a Master Advisor last year but has been involved in the CEO Warrior world for over 4 years. She has first-hand experience with the power that implementing CEO Warrior systems can have on a business. She brings a passion for bringing awareness to the value of tradesman and helping everyone in the trades change their mindset and achieve greatness. On this show, Mary shares why KPI’s should be not only understood, but established and tracked by techs in the truck.

In today’s show, we are putting Johneida Cano and Madisyn Thomas in your passenger seat to discuss getting more women in the trades. There is great opportunity in the trades for women to bring their skill sets into the field. The trades have typically been considered a “man’s world” but there is a growing trend of women joining as electricians, plumbers, and HVAC technicians. On today’s show we discuss with Johneida and Madisyn what being a woman in the trades is like. Madisyn is just starting out as an apprentice and is quickly growing in skill and confidence. Johneida has been in the trades for sometime and is installing her own jobs for clients. Together these ladies share any concerns they had with jumping into the trade from the start as well as challenges and successes they have experienced along the way.

In today’s show, we are putting Greg McAfee in your passenger seat to discuss the basics of a service call. A true entrepreneur, Greg McAfee has a passion for helping fellow HVAC business owners take their businesses to new heights. In 1990 Greg started McAfee Heating and Air with $274 and a used truck. Today, Greg runs one of the most successful HVAC companies in the Midwest and is called upon to share his expertise with other business owners all over the US. He is author of the book “It’s Your Dream,” and his company, McAfee Heating and Air has soared from #450 to #1 in their residential market. Today, Greg shares his coaching on why the start of the call matters to the end and why walking the client through education along the way provides a better result.

In today’s show, we are putting Brian Wick in your passenger seat to discuss his story of growth through the trades and climbing the ladder. Brian Wick started in the industry in 1994, as a helper carrying sheet metal into basements and being the guy on the bottom of the dolly helping to get water heaters and furnaces in and out of basements. He worked his way up to lead installer and service tech and eventually service manager. From there he had his sights set on Operations and General Management and began seeking out the help of those that were successfully operating locations that were of the size he eventually wanted to be and emerging himself in all the training available. Through those lessons from those before him and those doing great things, he learned a lot of what and what not to do and has implemented those lessons into his own organization which is highly focused on employee development, empowerment, and growth. Brian shares his view on climbing through the trades, empowering people, and staying the course even when it gets tough.

In today’s show, we are putting Tyler Zimmerman in your passenger seat to discuss blending the technical mindset with the sale acumen. The trades tend to be divided into two mindsets with one half being the “technical wizards” and the other half being the “sales gurus.” Does it have to be that way with such extremes? Tyler Zimmerman doesn’t think so. In this episode he explores the two sides and how to pull all parties towards the center with a nice even blend of knowing what you’re doing and knowing how to talk about it. Tyler has been in the trades for over a decade before which he gained significant mechanical aptitude in the automobile world. As a master mechanic Tyler found the switch to HVAC fairly simple, but also began honing his skills with sales training to become the most well-rounded version of a residential technician. Now serving as the service manager of a team of techs for One Hour Heating and Air Conditioning, Lancaster, PA; Tyler works with both mindsets to improve weaknesses and create a strong middle-ground. Listen on this episode as Tyler shares tips to meet in the middle and even a role play demonstrating the importance of both sales and technical know-how.

In today’s show, we are putting Ed Staub in your passenger seat to discuss his keeping your life in balance. We all get pulled and pushed in a hundred different directions everyday with equally important areas of our lives fighting for attention. Should we go to Johnny’s soccer game or work overtime to impress the boss? Should we train for that 5K or go on a much-needed date with our spouse? Pulled and pushed leaving us feeling out of balance. Ed has spent decades of his life living and teaching the concept of having a balanced wheel. In the wheel are eight equally important areas to keep balanced: mental, career, emotional, social, financial, physical, family, and spiritual. Making sure that you don’t neglect or over emphasize any one or more of these areas can prevent a bumpy ride. Ed shares great insight into why keeping balance in these areas of our lives can make all the difference.

In today’s show, we are putting Logan Altland in your passenger seat to discuss his success and strategy as a $3M electrician. Currently working for Mister Sparky Electric in Lancaster, PA, Logan wasn’t always in the electrical trade. In fact, he had a brief stint as a butcher learning the cuts of the meat. Now he spends his days learning how to cut up each meeting with a client. After graduating high school, Logan didn’t feel like he should pursue college so instead he got into school for the electrical trade. Working through the years and the system he became a journeyman electrician and started his career in commercial electrical. Working his way up to head electrician at a 500+ bed hospital he always viewed residential electrical as “the easy stuff.” However, he decided to try his hand at life in the residential world and found quick success. This year, Logan is already averaging over $300,000 in sales per month putting him on a run rate for well over three million dollars this year. Logan joins us today to share the magic that makes up his typical call and how he has found such success in both the financial benefits as well as customer service of the residential electrical field.

In today’s show, we are putting Derek Gaunt in your passenger seat to discuss his book, “Ego, Authority, Failure: Using Emotional Intelligence Like a Hostage Negotiator to Succeed as a Leader.” Derek Gaunt is a lecturer, author, and trainer with 29 years of law enforcement experience, 20 of which as a team member, leader and then commander of hostage negotiations teams in the Washington, DC metropolitan area. He is a hostage negotiation and incident command subject matter expert who frequently speaks at hostage negotiations and SWAT conferences across the country. Derek’s passion for interpersonal communications began when he was selected as a detective in the Criminal Investigations Section of a municipal police agency. He spent the majority of his law enforcement career in the Criminal Investigations Section as a detective, supervisor, and eventually commander of major crimes. In 1997, he took his passion for interpersonal communications to the next level, becoming a hostage negotiator. Once he became a supervisor, his passion transitioned from “doing” to teaching the concepts to others. As a member of the Black Swan Group, he is a negotiation trainer and personal coach. Derek has trained throughout the US and around the world, instructing business organizations on how to apply hostage negotiation practices and principles to their world. Derek presents seminars and in-house training programs in a variety of environments. Derek joins us today to apply the principles of hostage negotiation to the home services industry.

In today’s show, we are putting George Randle in your passenger seat to discuss his book, “The Talent War.” George Randle is an experienced talent executive, veteran, coach, and leader known for selecting, building, and reorganizing teams to reach their full business potential. George has 20+ years of Fortune 100 and Fortune 1000 global Human Resources and Talent Acquisition experience building and coaching elite teams. He began his professional life by enlisting in the US Army Reserves. While serving in the USAR, he received his bachelor’s degree from Missouri State University and was commissioned as an officer. His career assignments included Berlin, US CENTCOM, and III Corps with deployments to Africa (Somalia and Kenya), Central America, and Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. Following his successful military career, George transitioned to the corporate world, experiencing many of the same challenges Veterans face today. With these challenges, along with the recognition that building elite teams are his true passion, George ultimately transitioned to the Human Resources and Talent Acquisition functions serving the last 10+ years as a global HR executive and leader. Over the course of his time as an executive, the teams George has built and led have hired over 85,000 professionals, including over 2000 executives. He is also known for his decades of work supporting veterans and their transitions, ultimately creating one of the largest and most successful Veteran Hiring Programs for a Global Fortune 50 firm. He is also co-author of the best-selling book, “The Talent War: How Special Operations and Great Organizations Win on Talent,” and host of The Talent War Podcast. On today’s show, he addresses the significant gap in the trades industry as well as what we can do to fill it.

In today’s show, we are putting Joe Person in your passenger seat to discuss the ultimate customer experience. Joe is a natural when it comes to sales, training, problem-solving, and inspiring others to be the best version of themselves possible. His family had a thriving jewelry, coin, and antique business for over 50 years in St. Petersburg, Florida. He spent his childhood watching his father and grandfather work the business. He jumped into the HVAC business back in 2012 in sunny Florida (where he was born and raised). Joe started as a maintenance tech and quickly moved into sales then management. The common denominator always has been his love for helping people, his strong customer service and leadership skills, and his knack for being a great listener, leader, and problem solver. Joe shares with us today a great process to create the ultimate customer experience. Regardless of your trade, what you do in the home makes a difference. What is your process? Do you even have one? Joe lays out some simple and memorable concepts to make each customer experience the ultimate one.

In today’s show, we are putting Darren Reinke in your passenger seat to discuss becoming a savage leader. Darren fundamentally believes there is greatness within each one of us. His mission is to unleash the inner lion within leaders to that they can lean more authentic and joyful lives while creating stronger and more resilient teams. Darren founded Group Sixty, an executive coaching and training company that works with leaders and teams from Fortune 500’s, mid-market companies, fast-growing startups, and visionary non-profits. On today’s show we explore his book, “The Savage Leader.” With topics ranging from using values to anchor and guide you to seeking out discomfort and growth leadership is founded in getting better. It is about challenging the weak parts of you to bring maturation. Darren shares thirteen principles that he hasn’t just written about, but proved out in his life for how you can become a savage leader.

In today’s show, we are putting Joe Kuklis in your passenger seat to discuss water treatment and conditioning. There is a fallacy that just because water comes out of your tap that it is completely OK. Is it? Just because water comes from your municipality doesn’t mean that it won’t still cause damage both in your body and in your home. Joe Kuklis is an expert in the field and a trainer for BritaPRO. Joe has been associated with and passionate about water treatment since 2005, ranging from field work, whole sale plumbing distribution, and manufacturing. His knowledge is extensive and so is his desire for people to have true quality water at the tap. Joe shares his knowledge and advise on how to not only become educated on the condition of your water but also how you can help educate homeowners on solutions to fix those concerns.

In today’s show, we are putting John Schamahorn in your passenger seat to discuss growing through process. John is a veteran of the trade working on both sides of the counter for over 30 years. He’s worked in sheet metal shops, installed, done HVAC service, sales, worked as a general manager, and most currently an owner of his own business. His gain in understanding of the value of process started with his time in the Air Force. Over the years he has learned that the value of having a system is to bring structure to what you do and how you do it. Listen to this episode to challenge yourself with developing a system that works with good, consistent, results.

In today’s show, we are putting Victor Rancour in your passenger seat to discuss making the most of your opportunities. Victor’s beginning is not uncommon; but the ending of his story that he is still writing is nothing short of incredible. Jumping from job to job with little direction he finally found some in the HVAC trade. Referred into the trade by a buddy who himself got started off of a Craig’s List ad, Victor found quick success as an HVAC technician. Growing in skill and ability Victor found great success in his communication and selling abilities. Progressing through companies and careers, Victor now owns multiple business and is giving back to the industry with the development of an HVAC learning app designed to train both technical and soft skills. Victor’s story is inspiring and challenging to keep pursuing greatness in whatever we do.

In today’s show, we are putting Dr. Carol Kinsey Goman in your passenger seat to discuss the silent language of leaders. Carol Kinsey Goman, Ph.D., helps leaders and salespeople build stronger influence and impact skills. She is a sought-after international speaker who has spoken for business organizations, association conferences, government agencies, and universities in 32 countries. Carol works with executives, managers, entrepreneurs, team leaders, and sales professionals to build that elusive but essential quality called leadership presence and to use body language to become a more effective communicator. On today’s show she discusses how body language is important in the home services industry. When is the last time you thought about how a client is standing or what they’re facial expressions mean? When is the last time that you took into account your own body language when discussing concerns with the client? These questions matter and how we answer them can have significant impact on the result of every call. Find out more on this episode.

In today’s show, we are putting Andrew Dobbins in your passenger seat to discuss the concept of selling out of your own wallet. Selling out of your own wallet is the age-old problem of prejudging a situation based upon exterior circumstances or filtered through the lense of your own buying habits. We all can fall guilty of switching chairs with the customer to become the decision maker because we were too fearful to present or didn’t think they would be interested because it wasn’t within our budget or we didn’t find the product that interesting ourselves. Either way, it’s the wrong way. Andrew Dobbins joins us with decades of experience in the trades and a selling pedigree that would make any top 10 board. Andrew’s methodical yet simple presentation walks a customer through each step but it’s the no fear of numbers that makes his story different. Tune into this episode to challenge yourself into pressing into the next set of digits on your presentation price.

In today’s show, we are putting Richard Fenton and Andrew Waltz in your passenger seat to discuss their book and concept “Go For No!” Richard and Andrewa are the Courage Crafters. As professional speakers, trainers, and authors they also call themselves “Failure Philosophers” and “Reject-ologists” and are experts on achieving courageous breakthrough performance through increasing failure rates and other unconventional approaches. On this episode, they breakdown the concepts in their book and how the only way you will get more yes’s is if you attempt to get more no’s can change your selling strategy.

In today’s show, we are putting Dylan Moya in your passenger seat to discuss his career as a 3 million dollar a year plumber. Dylan is a residential service plumber originally out of Southern California. His career didn’t start with success. Forced into the trade due to having a child in high school and not having many other options, he set is mind to a goal. Little did he know it would create great success becoming one of the top service and sales plumbers in the country. He has recently relocated to Dallas, TX, and now helps other plumbers see their goals to reality in training with HVAC Masters of the Hustle. On this episode, Dylan shares his techniques to running a successful plumbing call, building options, and the relentless pursuit of excellence.

In today’s show, we are putting Currie Gauvreau in your passenger seat to discuss leading with intention. Leadership is more than a title; it’s more than a paycheck. Leadership is a decision to push forward, to inspire, to rally others around you into something more. Whether you are a leader now or a leader in development, this topic hits home for all of us. In the absence of leaders, leaders must be developed; and it is incumbent upon all of us to be growing our own leadership abilities. Currie Gauvreau is one of those who develops leaders. Currie has a long heritage of leading in his own life and career as well as speaking into the lives of others. As a former marine, law enforcement officer, trainer, and more, his life has been filled with leadership training and more importantly leadership application. Currie takes time out of his schedule to share with us his concept on leadership, developing the skill within, and the importance as to why this matters.

In today’s show, we are putting Tommy Mello in your passenger seat to discuss getting out of your comfort zone and expanding what is possible. Tommy Mello is the author of Home Service Millionaire and the founder of A1 Garage Doors, a $50 million-plus home service business with over 200 employees in 9 states. Through HomeServiceMillionaire.com and the Home Service Expert podcast, Tommy shares his experience and insights to help fellow entrepreneurs scale their businesses. On the episode today, Tommy shares the innovations and processes he has developed in the garage door industry and we see if we can extract some ideas into the home services trades. From training to sales to systems, Tommy is a forerunner in the home services business and shares what has made him successful and how to keep pushing for the next level.

In today’s show, we are putting Brandon Duncan in your passenger seat to discuss having a bulletproof mindset. Brandon grew up with a father in the trades and started his ride-a-longs at a young age learning the ropes. Growing into the role himself his life didn’t take the turns he thought it would and he ended up in a place uncertain of the next step. Finding new life at a new company he grew in his career eventually founding his own plumbing company growing it over the years to be a successful enterprise. Today, his attentions are focused on training and specifically on the mindset. Attitude is a massive part of being a home service professional; especially since it is a very isolated schedule. Brandon reveals 10 easy to say, but hard to live steps to keeping your attitude in check. These steps when fully developed can grow a bulletproof mindset that is able to withstand the challenges of any day.

In today’s show, we are putting Gary Singleton in your passenger seat to discuss training in the off-season. Regardless as to whether you are in the HVAC, plumbing, or electrical trades the slow seasons are inevitable. What you do during the down time makes a difference and, in many ways, it is the slow periods that allow for the most gain come opening day. Gary is no stranger to slow seasons growing up in the heating and air conditioning industry. He has weathered the weather for decades making it from a maintenance tech to an owner and most recently a trainer. His vast experience over the years speaks credibility to what he believes a home services professional should be focusing on to get better. The off-season is the time to refine not the time to recline. It is the time to grow and challenge yourself in the areas of weakness to hit the ground running come game time. Listen to this week’s episode as we dig into the mind of a professional who has lived it out.

In today’s show, we are putting Ryan Mayfield in your passenger seat to discuss team building and team work. Teamwork makes the dream work…yes that’s one of those tired cliches; but regardless of any clever statements, teams are still a part any organization. More than likely, you are part of a team now. Wouldn’t life be better if that team functioned more as a team and less like a group of individuals? That is the specialty of our guest today, Ryan Mayfield. Ryan’s sole focus is getting teams to work together. Even though he'd sat through almost every imaginable version of a leadership training and personality assessment, he never really felt like those trainings left a truly lasting impact on himself or those he worked with. That all changed when he encountered the enneagram. This led him to start his company, Evrgrn. Today, he works with many business leaders and teams across a wide variety of industries, using the enneagram to help them understand themselves, each other, communicate better, and love their jobs.

As we wrap up the year, it is time for some reflection. We created an end of the year compilation episode of the top 10 episodes from 2021. Listen to impactful clips from each of these dynamic guests and be reminded of the great information we have learned throughout the year. From us at the Waste No Day podcast, we thank each of you for listening and look forward to a great 2022. Enjoy the highlights!

In today’s show, we are putting Currie Gauvreau in your passenger seat to discuss water treatment and conditioning. Clean water is one of the foremost benefits of the developing world. So much so that it is almost taken for granted to open the tap and have a cup of clean, clear water. However, even with the appearance of clean water, our water is not as clean as it appears. Contaminants, pharmaceuticals, and much more is carried into our homes on a daily basis as “clean water.” Working as plumbers in the home services industry, if we are in the home there is a fair chance that water caused the problem. So, it makes sense that we would begin exploring what is in our water and how it not only affects our home but our own bodies. Currie Gauvreau has a ton of experience in the trades working as a trainer for years and now puts his expertise into learning more about water conditioning and treatment. On this episode he shares about the physical, chemical, and mineral components of your water and what to do about it.

In today’s show, we are putting Dr. ‘Doc’ Mike Simpson in your passenger seat to discuss how age is only a number. Whether you’re over 40, or you’re going to eventually be 40, this podcast is for you. It can be easy to get into a routine and stop pushing yourself. You can also become complacent with the acceptance of less and just end up settling. Dr. Simpson pushes back against that mentality and has the resume to back it up. His life has been one long demonstration of not accepting status quo. He has served in the military as an airborne ranger, special forces operator, and doctor of emergency medicine for over 30 years. He is a board-certified emergency medicine physician as well as an expert in both tactical trauma medicine and combat sports medicine. And if that isn’t enough, he co-stared on Hunting Hitler on the History Channel. He has not accepted less and challenges us to do the same on this episode.

In today’s show, we are putting Dave Daffan in your passenger seat to discuss how his journey of working 80 hours a week and going through life’s difficulties changed his outlook on business. Dave found his way into the HVAC trade through his uncle’s business and began his career as a service technician and installer. Through twenty plus years of hard work he progressed from technician, to install manager, to service manager, to GM, and finally to CEO. However, the years of work experience came at a cost of years of life experience. Dave took the lessons he learned along the way and set a path to make a difference in his company. Focusing on culture and work/life balance, Dave began the revitalization of his perspective on business to build an award-winning company today. Dave shares his journey and learned lessons on this week’s episode.

In today’s show, we are putting Dr. Jack Schafer in your passenger seat to discuss how we can use body language to establish likeability with others. Dr. Schafer started his career in law enforcement as a police officer before applying and being accepted into the FBI. As an agent he was trained in the arts of negotiation and worked on identifying and turning spies. Dr. Schafer has published numerous articles on topics ranging from psychopathology of hate and detecting deception and has written several books including “The Like Switch” and “The Truth Detector.” Jack shares his expertise on what we can do to help other people like us and how to adapt in the ever changing world of being in front of a homeowner.

In today’s show, we are putting Billy Alfaro in your passenger seat to share his story on how the trades had a big impact in his life. Billy’s story intertwines with our previous two guests as we conclude what turned into a three-part series. Like Brandon and Jon, Billy grew up in a difficult environment that refined him in ways that still drive his conduct today. But Billy’s focus in many ways wasn’t solely about himself, but about looking out for his younger brother. Something inside of him propelled him with a desire to protect and be a role model, so he invested himself into mentoring. Ironically, his mentees found their way into the trades first and Billy followed later starting from scratch to become a plumber. Billy shares about how his experience growing up helped him choose to be someone to look up to and how this same mindset determines his day-to-day outlook in the trades. If you missed episode 64 and 65, be sure to catch them first as we conclude this family-centered, determined series.

In today’s show, we are putting Brandon Hernandez in your passenger seat to share his story on how the trades had a big impact in his life. Growing up best friends with our previous podcast guest, Jon Perez, Brandon was also left questioning what to do at the end of high school. Making the choice to jump into the trades he attended Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology majoring in plumbing. Graduating the program, he immediately got a job with Benjamin Franklin Plumbing in Lancaster, PA and began his career. A quick study with a stubborn determination to learn Brandon rapidly moved from apprentice to his own truck. Along the way he learned many of the principles and foundations that would propel him to more in his next career. Working a time in plumbing, Brandon eventually went on to pursue a deeper calling within law enforcement. While it was the ending of his career in the trades, what he had learned set him up for success. Now a SWAT team officer at the age of 25, Brandon shares about his journey and how each step along the way made a difference for what would come next.

In today’s show, we are putting Jon Perez in your passenger seat to share his story on how the trades had a big impact in his life. Graduating high school, Jon was faced with the typical “what am I going to do with my life” question. However, in Jon’s case the answer to that question required more urgency because he no longer had a place to live. Hopping from couch-to-couch Jon considered his options and decided to check out a local trade school to see about the plumbing program. Deciding to give it a chance he jumped head first into the trades with zero previous experience. Starting with how to read a tape measure and progressing into piping, soldering, and more Jon was a quick study. Transitioning into the real world he started his plumbing career with Benjamin Franklin Plumbing in Lancaster, PA and put his education to work. While it hasn’t been easy, the trades gave Jon an opportunity to make a better life for him and his family. No longer couch surfing, Jon is the proud owner of his own home and has aspirations for more. Listen to this life changing story of how the trades changed one man’s path.

In today’s show, we are putting Al Levi in your passenger seat to discuss the 7 Power Contractor System. Al grew up in the trades as so many have and was working in the industry long before he was able to drive. Through years of experience, he was on the front line to the many frustrations of operating and working in a business. After “walking a mile” in someone else’s shoes and gaining some perspective, the wheels began turning on what would eventually become the processes and plans of the 7 Power Contractor System. We dig into his story and experience and how he turned those frustrations into a formula.

In today’s show, we are putting Gene Slade in your passenger seat to discuss jargon, self-believe, and so much more. Gene Slade is the owner of multiple companies including Lead Ninja System and specializes in the group and individual training of HVAC technicians, plumbers, and electricians across the country. Soon eclipsing seven years in the training sphere, Gene is no stranger to the home service industry. He has been an employee and employer in the trades and cut his teeth riding shotgun with his dad in his adolescent years. Today, he brings not only the real-world experience, but the evidentially proven results of hundreds and thousands of success stories to make training straight to the bone impactful. Gene joins the show today to discuss how so called “tech speak” is really a detriment to client communication. Our efforts to impress often only work in the mirror when we should really be explaining the only thing a client cares about: why does this matter to me? Gene also dives into what’s possible in the trades bringing hope and expansion to the mind for all who listen.

In today’s show, we are putting Matt Buckwalter in your passenger seat to discuss opportunities. Matt’s story is one of both seizing the opportunity presented to him and in turn providing opportunity to others. Matt grew up in humble means in the town of Lancaster, PA and found his way into the trades through a fortuitous meeting. Starting his career in HVAC as a comfort advisor, Matt quickly found his stride and a love for the industry. Advancing into a GM role in California, Matt gained not just leadership training but life experience that prepared him for the next step in his journey. Returning to Lancaster, Matt was presented with the opportunity to gain ownership in the company that first presented the opportunity to him. This “circle of life” you might say continues to drive Matt’s interest in providing opportunities to others. Matt talks about his story, his growth in leadership, and his successes and failures as he continues to strive to provide people with a desire for more the chance to take the jump.

In today’s show, we are putting Kevin Oliver in your passenger seat or probably more likely in your ear as we discuss dispatching and more. Dispatching is a critical piece to any home services company and the impact of the dispatching role cannot be overlooked. A dispatcher more than perhaps any other employee in the company knows the “pulse” of the day and the technicians. He or she knows if Frank is having a tough stretch, if the revenue goal is going to be hit, or if Jamie is on the way to going 4 for 4. A dispatcher is a coach, confidant, encourager, director, alley-ooper, and so much more. Kevin Oliver shares his expertise gained over years in the customer service and dispatching world. Kevin sets the pace for what is truly possible in the dispatching role and gives some great advice for both the office side and the field side of the dispatching process.

In today’s show, we are putting Ivan Cholakov in your passenger seat discussing how staying fit and eating healthy can have big impact on your future career. Ivan immigrated to the United States from Bulgaria in 2012, as a certified strength and conditioning specialist and nutritionist. As creator of the Spartan Dad Training Program, Ivan personally coaches many individuals in person and online to get fit and healthy. Ivan talks to us on the show about how losing weight and exercising can have big implications for the home services professional. Additionally, we discuss how stress can have dire effects on maintaining a healthy lifestyle. And since there is no shortage of heavy lifting in the trades, Ivan also discloses some helpful tips on making sure your body is prepared for your career. Ivan both preaches and lives a healthy lifestyle and talks to us about his goal of one million transformations on this latest episode.

In today’s show, we are putting Mike Paton in your passenger seat discussing the Entrepreneurial Operating System, Traction, Get and Grip, and much more. The Entrepreneurial Operating System, better known as EOS is an organizational structure to help businesses work efficiently and effectively. The six components detailed within its program dive into major areas of the business that are sometimes overlooked or underutilized. Paton is an author, implementer, podcast host, and speaker and uses his expertise to walk us through the different areas of EOS and what they practically mean to front line employees. Speaking from not only the pages of his book, Get a Grip, but also the vast personal experience of implementing these discussions over 1400 times, Paton shares though-provoking concepts beneficial for owners and non-owners alike.

In today’s show, we are putting Rob Weddle in your passenger seat discussing his role in leading one of the biggest home services providers in the country. Rob serves as the CEO of Authority Brands and provides operational guidance for the ten portfolio brands under the umbrella including One Hour Heating and Air Conditioning, Benjamin Franklin Plumbing, and Mister Sparky Electric. As a start up business owner himself Rob has experiences on both sides of the employee/employer table and opens up about his journey and what he has learned. We talk all that and more as we explore the future of the trades with special guest Rob Weddle.

In today’s show, we are putting Chris Irvin in your passenger seat talking about the subjects of healthy living and the KETO diet. Before you tune out, think about the last three meals that you have had (assuming you didn’t skip one) and ask yourself it what you ate was really the best for your body. There is no secret that the home services industry is a tough gig full of long hours, hard work, swing shifts and more; and all of these contribute to both breakdown in the body and unhealthy habits. It’s time to get serious about not sure what you do and how you do it, but how long you can do it. Healthy eating is a great way to not only put you in a better mood for your clients and your family; but it can promote a lifestyle that will enable you to keep doing what you love for years to come. Chris Irvin, also known as the Ketologist, has written multiple books including “Keto Answers” and currently specializes in educating and researching low carb diets for health and human performance. Chris speaks into the “everyday life” of a service professional and what eating healthier can practically look.

In today’s show, we are putting Lance Sinclair in your passenger seat talking about the subjects of recruiting and retainment. Every employee of a company is an ambassador to new potential hires. We all have the ability to recruit in our own circle of influence and in turn begin assembling the team that we really want around us. Just like a coach selects specific players to be on his team, so we can begin drafting the next MVP for ours. We talk about this and more with Lance Sinclair of Authority Brands. Lance serves as the Vice President of Authority Brands overseeing One Hour Heating and Air Conditioning, Benjamin Franklin Plumbing, and Mister Sparky Electric. Lance has over 17 years in the industry and has worked in areas ranging from leadership development and training to operations. Today, he joins the show to lend his expertise to an area where everyone is struggling: getting good people. One of his most recently published articles in HVACR Business was entitled “The Problem Isn’t Turnover; It’s Retention,” and he continues to discuss this idea on the show today.

In today’s show, we interview special guest Brandon Voss of the Black Swan Group. Brandon is an expert trainer, coach, and thought leader serving as president of the Black Swan Group. Starting his entrepreneurial spirit at a young age detailing yachts at 14, Brandon gained diversity of experience eventually adapting the FBI’s hostage negotiation techniques to the business world. Brandon has served as guest lecturer at places such as the USC Marshall School of Business and Georgetown’s McDonough School of Business. He joins the show today to discuss the power of negotiation respective to dealing with clients in the home. Brandon details how tactical empathy employed properly can be the difference between a great deal and a great failure.

In today’s show, we interview special guest Dave Pomales of One Hour Heating and Air Conditioning in Pleasantville, NJ. Dave has been in the trades for over two decades across multiple states on the east coast. His is a story of growth and determination starting as an apprentice out of high school and rising through the ranks to now own and partner in multiple businesses in the home services industry. Dave joins the show to talk about his story, the stress and challenges that came with it, and overall, the mental determination he kept while pursuing a goal.

In today’s show, we interview special guest George Kamal of Ramsey Solutions on the topic of money management. George has served on the Ramsey team for 8 years and hosts popular podcasts The Fine Print and EntreLeadership. As a personality with the Ramsey team George also hosts live events across the nation. On this episode George breaks down the baby steps to financial freedom. The fastest way to give yourself a raise is by not wasting the money you are already making. George helps us understand some simple but effective steps to financial freedom and how to take control of your dollars.

In today’s show, we interview special guest Chris Crew on the topic of connecting with people. Chris serves as the president of The Blue Collar Success Group and focuses his time on training companies to accelerate their path to success. Before joining BCSG, Chris spent years in the trades as an electrician eventually leading to owning an electrical company and helping to build it to 62 electricians based out of 5 locations. Chris has worked for years in developing not only his technical skills but interpersonal ones and the ability to read people, understand empathy, and adapt to the situation. He joins the show today to share some of his expertise in the matter of connecting with people; specific to technicians, plumbers, and electricians dealing with homeowners.