Leaps and Bounds

On today’s episode I’m joined by Michael Strmac, founder of Universal Windows Direct. Join us as we discuss his start in the industry, what he’s done to scale the business from a $3,000 investment to a company that consistently generates north of $100,000,000 a year. We’ll also find out what he sees as the future in demand generation, the social media strategy they’re taking, and the keys to growing your business.

On this episode I'm joined by Adam Shampaine, CEO of Homefix Custom Remodeling. Listen as he shares his journey from Capitol Hill to a dominate industry leader. We'll discuss how he found success, what he does to help the business grow, and where he sees the future taking them. We'll also talk a little solar, hiring, and how he's managing the increase in material and labor costs.

On today’s episode I'm joined by Andrew Starnino of Bath Fitter Inland Northwest. Listen as he shares his deep roots with the Bath Fitter brand, why he recommends specializing in one trade and the thing he's done that's been a total game changer. We'll also discuss his approach to customer experience, and how they've gone about setting the right expectation at a time when there’s uncertainty in material availably any global supply chain concerns.

We sat down with Brian Kaskavalciyan, the Creator and Host of the Popular Podcast, The Wealthy Contractor. He is also the founder of gFour Marketing Group. Listen as we discuss Relationship Marketing, Customer Experience, and the 7 Secrets to becoming a wealthy contractor.

We sat down with Tom Kelly, President of Neil Kelly Company - the 3rd largest design/build remodeling firm in the US to talk about the lessons he's learned over the last 40 years, why they decided to enter the handyman space, and why he is so bullish on solar. We also discussed how they've been able to expand and grow, their marketing strategy, and their technology implementation.

On this episode, I’m joined by Mark Olsen of Krumwiede Home Pros to discuss the trendy consulting space. As a member of the Leap Customer Advisory Board, Mark shares valuable industry insights, market trends and product feedback. With so many companies looking for help with various aspects of their business, such as an inexperience in a specific field or a desire to increase performance, Mark talks about the pros and cons, what to look for, and how to find the best one. He’ll share his advice such as the right questions to ask, the difference between consulting organizations and solo consultants, and where he sees companies not happy or not having success with consultants.

Like most great technology, CompanyCam was born out of necessity. On this episode I'm joined by Luke Hansen, CEO & Founder of CompanyCam who realized there had to be a better way to share, categorize, and communicate project specifics. Listen as he shares what he’s most excited about, what it’s been like to scale and grow the business and his advice for others in the industry. He'll share some of his favorite stories and talk about what it’s like to be leading a team that loves to have fun and continues to drive their product and customer experience forward. Luke spends his days supplying the vision, acquiring funds, hiring the best folks around, and distracting all the smart people he’s hired with long-winded anecdotes. Luke’s mission is to get CompanyCam in the hands of every contractor on the planet, and he won’t rest until he’s done. When Luke isn’t speaking at high volume on the phone, he’s golfing, spending time with his kids, tweeting nonsense, and beating teenagers in Fortnite on the reg.

On this episode, I’m joined by JobNimbus CEO, Ben Hodson. In addition to being an entrepreneur, Ben is a writer, musician, filmmaker, comic book artist, and software developer. After spending time as a touring musician and finishing degrees in business and software systems from the University of Washington, he started his first company in 2000. That business, Venafi, was sold for $1.2 billion in 2020 to Thoma Bravo. After leaving the day-to-day operations of Venafi, Ben proceeded to start nine companies with the most recent being JobNimbus, a software and growth solution for roofing and home exterior contractors. In January 2021, JobNimbus received its first investment of $53 million from Mainsail Partners. Listen as we discuss the early need for technology in home improvement, the benefits of adoption, and the keys to scaling. Listen as we discuss the early need for technology in home improvement, the benefits of adoption, and the keys to scaling.

On this episode, I’m joined by JobNimbus CEO, Ben Hodson. In addition to being an entrepreneur, Ben is a writer, musician, filmmaker, comic book artist, and software developer. After spending time as a touring musician and finishing degrees in business and software systems from the University of Washington, he started his first company in 2000. That business, Venafi, was sold for $1.2 billion in 2020 to Thoma Bravo. After leaving the day-to-day operations of Venafi, Ben proceeded to start nine companies with the most recent being JobNimbus, a software and growth solution for roofing and home exterior contractors. In January 2021, JobNimbus received its first investment of $53 million from Mainsail Partners. Listen as we discuss the early need for technology in home improvement, the benefits of adoption, and the keys to scaling. Listen as we discuss the early need for technology in home improvement, the benefits of adoption, and the keys to scaling.

On this episode, I’m joined by Ryan Groth, Founder of Sales Transformation Group. As someone who grew up in the industry, Ryan saw first-hand the impact of not having a predictable, consistent sales system in place. After his time playing professional baseball, Ryan found his passion in helping others and advancing the profession. Listen as he shares some of his insights and advice for business owners and sales professionals alike. We’ll dive into topics such as creating vision, hiring, and how processes and technology contribute to your success.

On this episode, I’m joined by Caleb Nelson, President, and founder of Destination Motivation. Caleb and team work with 23 of the 30 largest contractors in North America, implementing systems and structures that generate predictable results. From decreasing cancelation requests to increasing conversion rates, Destination Motivation is bringing immense value to their clients. Listen as Caleb shares how these companies leverage their solution, and the advice he has for others.

On this episode, I’m joined by Scott Moellenkamp, Chief Marketing Officer at ABC Seamless. With a long and storied history, ABC Seamless has made a name for themselves in the industry. We’ll ask Scott about that, and dive into what’s made them so successful. We’ll also discuss their keen ability to identify technology leaders at a very early stage. We’ll learn what keeps him up at night and what he’s most excited about, as well as the labor shortage and some of the solutions to address it.

In this episode, I’m joined by Chuck Thokey, VP of Sales at American WeatherTechs and a sales and marketing coach, author, mentor, and keynote speaker. Listen as he discusses what makes someone in sales successful. From leadership to the sales manager and the sales representative, Chuck will give us the key qualities and traits they possess, and what they can do to elevate their game. We’ll also dive into who makes a good sales manager, who to hire, and how to train them.

In this episode, I’m joined by Brad Gardner of Hometown Restoration. Listen as we talk about out how his start as an insurance agent fueled his desire to help homeowners navigate the insurance claims process and get paid properly. We’ll discuss his preferred method of Lump Sum Contracts and explore why it’s such an effective method when dealing with your average residential roof replacement. He’ll share his step-by-step approach and the key phrase that helps homeowners break the back and forth of delays and denials that homeowners often face when trying to settle a claim.

In this episode, I’m joined by Kimba Garcia, CEO of RKG Roofing. Listen as we talk about her humble beginnings and the lessons she’s learned along the way. As an insurance restoration contractor in Texas, we’ll dive into how she differentiates herself, what she hopes to see the industry evolve into, and how she goes about recruiting quality people. We’ll also discuss what it’s like to be CEO, the triumphs and struggles, and how she is using her experiences to help others realize their dreams.

From the UK to the US, Jonathan started his career in the home improvement industry by taking a job with System Pavers and climbing his way up the ladder. Several years ago, he ventured off to start his own company and has seen tremendous growth and success. We’ll discuss the people, ideas, and beliefs that have helped him along the way and learn about why it’s the “eagle with a broken wing” that he looks to add to the team. We'll also discuss why taking an interest in your employees is so important, and how communication makes all the difference.

In this episode, we’ll learn about the winning strategies Vicki and the team at Exterior Source have implemented, what they’re doing to reach today’s consumers, and the changes she sees coming in the future. We’ll also discuss her unique background, the lessons she learned along the way, and how she became one of the first advertisers on a little-known company, HGTV.

In this episode, we’ll explore the unique world of insurance restoration in Florida. From the strict requirements and processes to the diverse landscape, Jonathan Dorosh will break down why he compares Florida to Narnia. We’ll also discuss his secret to branding, the challenges he foresees, and how he retains the area’s top talent.

Mr. Whipple didn’t grow up or aspire to be a painter, instead, he used a carefully calculated method for evaluating potential opportunities that led him to his current position as Vice President of Operations and Training at one of the leading painting companies in the nation, Southern Painting. In this episode, we’ll discuss what that method is, the 3 biggest mistakes people make, and his outlook for the industry.

On this episode, you’ll learn what’s made Peter and the team at Rite Window so successful. From hiring the right people to creating the perfect customer experience, Peter details the lessons he learned and shares the advice he has for others. We’ll also discuss his vision for the future, why communication is key, and the importance of having the right systems and processes in place.

In this episode, Tom sits down with Chadd Castrilli, Sales Manager at Nu Look Home Design to discuss his success and the lessons he’s learned over the last 15 years. From knocking on doors to establishing new offices, to the stark reality that he needed to be back in the field, Chadd shares his start in the industry and opens up about the effects of the pandemic. We’ll also discuss best practices for in-home selling, his thoughts on being a selling sales manager, and the best method for training sales reps.

Chuck and I first crossed paths over 10 years ago when I purchased materials from his small, new distribution outlet in Charlotte, NC. Today, Chuck continues to blaze a trail as he has taken a fledgling business and pumped new life into it. On this episode, we’ll explore what it takes to bring a business to life, the power of branding, and some of the unique ways Chuck looks to stay ahead of his competition.

With a deep-rooted history in IT, Tim Keefer, Digital Marketing Leader at Owens Corning, takes us through a typical tech stack and the essential pieces that every contractor needs. We’ll also discuss his digital philosophy, how to get key buy-in, and where Tim sees technology going in the future.

Dustin started Gladiator Roofing and Restoration in March of 2020. By year's end, they had over $9MM in revenue! His secret? Hire great people, be true to your word and provide the best possible experience. We’ll discuss his start in the industry, what led him to start his own business and take a step-by-step look at the insurance restoration sales process. We’ll also get more context around the trending hashtag #roofwarz, why he was served a cease and desist, and his thoughts on the future of the industry.

Dustin started Gladiator Roofing and Restoration in March of 2020. By year's end, they had over $9MM in revenue! His secret? Hire great people, be true to your word and provide the best possible experience. We’ll discuss his start in the industry, what led him to start his own business and take a step-by-step look at the insurance restoration sales process. We’ll also get more context around the trending hashtag #roofwarz, why he was served a cease and desist, and his thoughts on the future of the industry.

Philanthropist, coach and author, Kyle Hoffman, owner of Roofing & More drops by the show to talk about how his company continues to make the home improvement experience enjoyable for their customers. Founding Roofing & More in 1993, Hoffman’s mission was to re-invent new ways and ideas to serve their customers better, to improve the lives of their employees and to give back to the community. He also talks about his early start in roofing and the passion he has for helping others.

When thinking about the purchasing process, there is usually a monthly payment associated with it. And when taking that step to purchase, most times, people look for affordable ways to obtain what they want. For Brad Cobaugh, Consumer Finance Manager at West Shore Home, he’s dedicated his career to asking the question, “Why should home improvement be any different?” Brad joins the show to discuss his experience across multiple industries and how that’s assisted his philosophy at West Shore. Brad outlines the value of homeowner financing, the criteria to evaluate lenders and key metrics he reviews to measure success.

Charles Antis, Founder and CEO of Antis Roofing & Waterproofing, is a well-respected, widely-known roofing expert, entrepreneur and humanitarian who has become a trusted name in the roofing industry. His passion for being a “cheerleader for good” has helped position himself as an inspirational business leader, championing social-corporate responsibilities. He joins Tom to talk about the company’s positioning as a shepherd in the community, keeping families safe and dry for over 30 years, his first sales job that changed his life for the better, and how that situation got him into the roofing industry and why solving leaks left him feeling much more accomplished than tearing off roofs. Charles also explains the giving experience and how it plays into the meaning behind the belief model of “doing well by doing good.”

Tom is joined by Martin Pettigrew, owner of Monarch Roofing. Martin discusses why the organization is on a mission to take the “con” out of contracting. Learn the story behind the positive culture Martin has created, their obsession with helping homeowners and the communities they live in and how turning words into actions has translated into success as they continue outworking the competition.

Tom welcomes Ross Cochran to the show to discuss how he got Cochran Exteriors started with his father over a decade ago in Indianapolis, Indiana and how the business has boomed to a profit of around $20 million annually. Ross explains the two contributing factors for why the organization has been so successful, the biggest challenges he’s overcome, how he’s used his marketing background to build a solid foundation for their brand and how they continue to exceed customer expectations with a top-notch sales presentation.

Jessica Judd, General Manager of Bone Dry Roofing West joins Tom for a chat about growing up in the roofing industry and shares what she learned along the way. With a plan to continue building upon what her Dad created 30 years ago, Jessica headed west and expanded her knowledge within distribution and then the commercial side of the business. As her vast skills set and strong network continued to grow, she decided it was time to introduce the family business to Colorado. Jessica also explains what she attributes her success to and the gratitude she has for her mentors along the way who have helped her attain that success.

Tom welcomes Greta Bajrami, owner of Golden Group Construction as they discuss how immigrating to the United States from Tirana, Albania at just nine years old inspired her to join the roofing business and completely innovate the construction process and elevate the customer experience. They discuss the events that have shaped and rewritten her American dream, shattering glass ceilings in a male-dominated industry along the way.

Starting a business is hard. Starting it just short of a pandemic is even harder. Tom welcomes Louie Leger from Home Improvement Pros and Leger Investments to talk about what the day-to-day is like managing two successful companies. With over a decade of home improvement experience, Louie set out to put his network and knowledge to work. They’ll discuss the process of getting started, what challenges he’s faced, the role social media plays and how providing the right content can help increase engagement.

Michael Lyons from Long Roofing joins the podcast as he and Tom discuss his climb through the company to his current position as corporate sales trainer. Having graduated with two degrees during the height of the 2008-09 recession, he started his career as a window sales rep and hasn’t looked back. Michael explains his approach to selling and how he trains sales reps to be successful by always focusing on the why. They also dive into what role technology plays and how even small companies can ensure proper training while not investing large resources.

Tom welcomes Leap Founder Steve Stencil to the show to talk about how the skills he developed early in his career helped spark an idea in creating Leap as the first-ever end-to-end point of sale application. He also discusses the meaning behind the development of the name Leap and how it’s helped industries move forward in the digital technology space as well as his advice for new sales reps just getting started so that they too have a blueprint for success.

Tom Basch speaks with Daniel Young, CEO and Founder of Kingdom Roofing Systems. Through years of trial and effort, Daniel has found a winning solution of industry-leading coaching, training and technology and how faith has helped shaped the evolution of the Kingdom brand.

The first episode of Leaps and Bounds features Patrick Fingles, CEO of Nu Look Home Design and Leap. As an early adopter of technology and an industry leader, Patrick discusses his beginnings and the unique path he forged in becoming a highly-successful CEO for two companies.