Smart HVAC Marketing

In this episode, we dive into the innovative world of AI-powered tools with CxC and explore the groundbreaking concept of fractional CMO services. Hear from the experts about the importance of streamlining operations, enhancing the sales process, and optimizing your marketing strategies. Discover how AI can transform the way you do business and learn about the benefits of having a fractional CMO to oversee your marketing efforts. Whether you're looking to improve your marketing tactics or explore the latest technological advancements, this episode has something for everyone.

In this episode of The TradeMarke podcast, join us as we talk to Mary Brewington, the Operations Manager at Calloway & Sons. Broadcasting live from the ServiceTitan Marketing for the Trades Summit, Mary shares her insights on running operations at a trade company in New Orleans. Mary discusses the significant challenges and successes she's encountered in her role, particularly when it comes to building a supportive and effective company culture. She shares the importance of fostering trust within the team, adapting to cultural differences, and implementing processes that promote productivity and growth. Mary further highlights the lessons she's learned in her journey, from the need for regular meetings and effective communication channels to the ongoing efforts in refining processes and roles within the company. Providing a fascinating perspective, Mary also explores the relation between operations and marketing within a company. She sheds light on her observations regarding marketing trends and their effect on revenues, underscoring the need to diligently monitor these movements. She shares her experience attending a trade event and how it has helped her understand what to look for in assessing marketing strategies. The conversation offers valuable tips and strategies for other professionals in the field. Join us for this engaging episode and discover how Mary's experience can help your own professional journey in the trades and marketing. Don't forget to leave a review, share the episode, and stay connected with us on social media for more discussions like these!

Get inspired by our incredible conversation in this episode of The Trademarke "Game-changer Strategies: Leveraging Podcasts in the Trades Industry". The episode features a dynamic discussion between our hosts Sarah Ghirardo and Eric Thomas and our special guest, Jim Klauck from the Checker Pro Podcast. We delve into how podcasts can accelerate your trade business, the importance of targeting the right audience, and crafting a podcast that resonates with potential customers. Sharing his 40 years of experience in radio, the Chaos Maestro Jim Klauck discusses how he successfully tailored innovative podcasting techniques to the trades industry. We not only learn from real-life success stories but also explore how podcasts can emblemize brand credibility and authority, especially for home service professionals in the United States. The episode covers a range of topics, from assessing potential marketing benefits to Google backlinks, and presents strategies to make your trade service stand out in an extremely competitive market. We further discuss Marcus Sheridan's innovative "They Ask, You Answer" strategy. This method focuses on addressing frequently asked questions to position home service professionals as trusted experts. We delve into how artificial intelligence aids in developing show notes and boosting SEO. This podcast emphasizes the significance of remaining updated with technological advancements in order to thrive in the marketplace. Dive deep into the world of podcasting and its potential to transform your business. The podcast touches on the ethical responsibilities while publicly representing your business, including maintaining a respectful distance from inappropriate language. Tune into this thought-provoking episode to learn the various factors to consider when starting your own podcast, the significance of consistency, and the importance of professional guidance. Join the conversation on community podcasting and its potential to revolutionize your business-marketing strategy! Don't forget to leave us a review and share this episode with your friends in the trades and marketing sectors. We greatly appreciate your support!

Welcome to a captivating episode of The Trademark, your ultimate podcast for trades and marketing perspective. In this episode, hosts Sarah Ghirardo and Eric Thomas are joined by special guest Amber McKee, founder of Amber's Home Service Marketing and a seasoned marketer in the trades industry. Prepare to take a deep dive into Amber's career journey, her invaluable advice for dealing with business challenges, and her insights on varying aspects that influence trades. Listen in as Amber shares her experiences, beginning with her instrumental role in driving a large company's revenue to a staggering $240 million. Amber explores pivotal moments for growing a business and provides real-life examples, results, and takeaways from her expansive career in trades. Amber also addresses how e-commerce giants like Amazon Prime are impacting the future of trades, and tackles the pressing issue of replacements in the industry. Emphasizing on practical advice and industry insights, this episode also features a robust discussion around the ever-evolving world of marketing, particularly the rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a potent tool for saving customer's time and aligning strategies with market trends. It further glances into the potential of AI in boosting decision-making processes, streamlining operations, and enhancing digital marketing efforts. Concluding with an explorative and fun discussion on personal passions and interests, this episode strikes a perfect balance between business advice and personal connect. So tune in, and gain in-depth insights into how you can navigate your trade in a rapidly evolving marketplace.

Get set to dive deep into the world of trades and marketing in "Mastering Marketing in the Trades: Inside Scoop From the Experts at The Trademark Podcast". Joining our dynamic conversation are Sarah Ghirardo, Eric Thomas, and our special guest, Gregg Towsley, a trade and marketing maestro. Explore a riveting synergy between marketing and trades as we uncover innovative insights from industry experts. In this episode, Gregg discusses the fascinating journey of digital transformation within the trades Industry. Discover how the trades have evolved from traditional methods like whiteboards to sophisticated digital platforms like ServiceTitan. While understanding key metrics such as Return On Ad Spend (ROAS), you will also learn about the nitty-gritty of managing business operations sustainably. This episode underlines the importance of "back-to-basics" approach in running a successful business and also elaborates on how understanding your breakeven point can significantly impact the effectiveness of your marketing strategies. Hence, we delve into the essence of consistency, a simple approach, and maintaining focus on your business operations. Further, our panel habituates with the idea of having ground rules around business operations data and upscaling team skills to understand high-level metrics for driving profitability. Also, explore the crucial roles of communication, preparation, and customer treatment in growing your business. In an era saturated with technologically advanced tools, the panel encourages beginners to master the art of simple strategies and avoid quick-fixes. Additionally, our experts discuss the potential of Artificial Intelligence in marketing and how it can significantly increase efficiency and better customer relationships. Whether you are a trades professional or a marketing expert, these insights will help you supercharge your skillset. Lastly, understand the critical role of nurturing customer relationships post-service and get tips on leveraging KPIs for your business growth.

In this episode, David Powers, a seasoned expert from Rooter Hero, dives deep into the symbiotic relationship between a high-performing call center and a successful marketing strategy. He emphasizes that a call center is not just a cost center but a crucial touchpoint for customer interactions, making it a vital component of a company's overall brand experience. David highlights the importance of aligning the call center's goals with the marketing team's objectives to ensure consistency in messaging and customer service delivery. By fostering collaboration between these two teams, businesses can create a seamless customer journey that drives brand loyalty and retention. One key takeaway from the conversation is the significance of using historical call volume data to predict staffing needs accurately. David shares practical tips and best practices for leveraging this data to optimize staffing levels, reduce wait times, and improve customer satisfaction. Whether you're looking to enhance your call center operations, strengthen collaboration between departments, or improve your overall customer experience, this episode offers valuable insights and actionable strategies to help you achieve your goals. Be sure to check out David's podcast, Caffeinated CX! 

Welcome to another insightful episode of the TradeMarke Podcast, where industry leaders and experts converge to share their wealth of knowledge. In this episode, we are privileged to have Matt Michel, a seasoned veteran in the HVAC industry, sharing his profound insights on historical data and his forecasts for the industry, especially in the face of an impending economic downturn year. Matt Michel, the former CEO of the Service Roundtable, brings a unique perspective to the table. With years of experience under his belt, he delves into the historical data of the HVAC industry, shedding light on how the sector has weathered economic storms in the past. Our conversation goes beyond the numbers, exploring the nuances that professionals in the field need to consider as they navigate through uncertain times. The podcast kicks off with a comprehensive overview of the historical data Matt has gathered, providing listeners with a context that is essential for understanding the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. Matt breaks down the patterns, drawing correlations between economic downturns and the performance of the HVAC industry. His insights create a roadmap for businesses, helping them anticipate and strategize for the future. One of the highlights of our conversation is Matt's forecast for the HVAC industry in the upcoming economic downturn year. Listeners can expect a detailed analysis of the factors that will influence the market, including consumer behavior, technological advancements, and regulatory changes. Matt doesn't just stop at predictions; he shares practical advice on how businesses can position themselves to not only survive but thrive in challenging economic landscapes. As we delve deeper into the podcast, Matt unveils his projections for the HVAC industry over the next decade. Despite the looming economic challenges, he paints a picture of promising growth and untapped opportunities. The conversation takes a positive turn as we explore the innovations and trends that will drive the industry forward. Matt's optimism is contagious, inspiring professionals to adapt and evolve in the ever-changing market. Throughout the episode, Matt Michel doesn't just share data; he narrates compelling stories from his vast experience in the field. These anecdotes provide a human touch to the numbers, making the podcast not only informative but also engaging. Whether you're a seasoned professional or a newcomer to the HVAC industry, Matt's insights offer valuable lessons and perspectives that can shape your approach to business. The TradeMarke Podcast prides itself on bringing thought leaders to the forefront, and this episode with Matt Michel is no exception. His deep understanding of the HVAC industry, coupled with his ability to distill complex data into actionable strategies, makes this episode a must-listen for anyone involved in the field. In the final segment of the podcast, Matt leaves the audience with key takeaways and actionable steps to thrive in the face of economic uncertainty. His parting words resonate with a sense of hope and determination, urging businesses to embrace change and leverage the opportunities that lie ahead. Join us for this enlightening conversation as we navigate the intricate landscape of the HVAC industry with Matt Michel on the TradeMarke Podcast. Whether you're a business owner, industry professional, or simply curious about the future of HVAC, this episode promises valuable insights that will shape your perspective and fuel your success in the years to come.

Welcome to The TradeMarke Podcast! In this episode, we delve deep into the world of internal marketing teams with our guest, Matt Tyner. The spotlight is on Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and how they serve as guiding beacons for your internal marketing squad. Matt Tyner, a seasoned expert in marketing strategies, shares invaluable insights, unraveling the significance of KPIs, how to establish them effectively, and the pivotal role they play in enhancing team productivity and success. Whether you're a seasoned marketer or just stepping into the realm of internal teams, this episode will equip you with the tools to optimize your team's performance and drive results. Tune in to discover the metrics that matter and unlock the potential of your marketing endeavors!

In this special episode of The TradeMarke podcast, host Ismael Valdez delves into the groundbreaking innovation poised to transform the HVAC industry: Nuve, the cutting-edge thermostat set to redefine the way contractors engage with customers.   Valdez engages in an in-depth discussion about Nuve's imminent arrival in the market, exploring how this innovative technology promises not only to enhance comfort but also to revolutionize the contractor-customer relationship. Highlighting its features and functionalities, the episode illuminates how Nuve isn't just a thermostat—it's a game-changer.   Through insightful interviews and expert commentary, listeners gain valuable insights into how Nuve empowers contractors, offering them a competitive edge by enabling them to acquire and retain customers over the long term. By showcasing its user-friendly interface, energy-saving capabilities, and unparalleled performance, the episode underscores Nuve's potential to elevate the HVAC experience for both contractors and consumers alike.   Join Ismael Valdez and industry experts as they unravel the transformative impact of Nuve, unveiling how this innovative thermostat is poised to reshape the HVAC landscape and drive unparalleled success for contractors in the market.   Learn more about Nuve here: https://www.nuvehome.com/   https://thetrademarke.com/meet-nuve-your-new-secret-weapon-for-lead-generation/

In this week's enlightening episode, we sit down with the insightful Bill Rossell from Home Service Freedom. As the service industry is constantly evolving, it's no wonder there are countless tradeshows to catch every year. Yet, there's one in particular that's generating a significant buzz: the inaugural Freedom Event hosted by Tommy Mello and the Home Service Freedom team. Why is this one standing out from the crowd? Bill spills the beans. Moreover, ever felt overwhelmed with the information overload at these events? Bill offers a golden nugget of advice: instead of being a jack-of-all-trades, focus on mastering a few. Plan to implement just 2 or 3 significant takeaways from each show. This way, you're not just attending — you're optimizing. Tune in and find out why the Freedom Event is the one tradeshow this year you don't want to let slip through the cracks, and how you can make the most of every conference experience! Key Takeaways: Dive deep into the uniqueness of the inaugural Freedom Event. Understand the power of selective implementation and why 2 or 3 key takeaways are more potent than dozens. Get a glimpse into the future of home services with Bill Rossell's insights. Register for Freedom Event today at www.freedomevent.com and use promo code "RIVALDIGITAL20" to save 20% off your admission!

On this episode, we are joined by Mack Chambers of Dream Heating and Cooling. Mack is the new owner of Dream and has always been in the industry. He started, like most of us, as the flashlight holder. Mack and Eric discuss their music background, what impact means, seeing blue collar as a career choice, and what constitutes as a number one priority. Mack's goal for Dream is to help other people win in a trustworthy and grateful manner, and help homeowners by elevating their lives. Mack and Eric talk about how to properly enter a home, the Dream sheep, and Dream's target audience.  Want to connect with Mack? Reach out to him here 

On this episode, we are joined by none other than Dan Antonelli, President and Creative Director of KickCharge. We are huge fans of Dan and his awesome work! Dan covers a lot of ground in this episode, including brand development, tag lines, brochures, and even billboards. Dan breaks down KickCharge's goal, which essentially is to control first impressions and perceptions before you even pick up the phone to call. Dan talks to Eric about the importance of having an attention-grabbing brand, as well as some tips and tricks of things to avoid when naming and re-branding your business. 1. Avoid using initials and your last name--the ultimate goal is to appeal to your correct demographic. 2. Always prioritize brand culture and recruitment when branding or re-branding. Thanks for joining us, Dan!

On this episode, we are joined by Jackie Aubel of Service Titan and host of Tool Box for the Trades. Jackie has been with Service Titan since August of 2017 where she started as the social media manager. Eric and Jackie discuss the upcoming Pantheon event, culture within your company and knowing your people. Eric touches on Jackie's comedy, her love of LA, and how she made the move from New Yorker to full-time California girl. Jackie talks about the importance of knowing your employee's "why," and realizing that not all people are motivated in the same way. Head over to Tool Box for the Trades and check out the episode Eric was on!

On this episode, we are joined by Ryan Chute of Wizard of Ads. Ryan has been with Wizard of Ads since 2017 and has been on on the podcast before! Ryan breaks down how to create an effective radio ad: message meaningful frequency reach How to track the data and leads brought in from a radio ad and the importance of branding.  Ryan notes that when you want someone to remember something, "sing it!" Ryan and Eric wrap up the episode by talking about the ROI in your branding as well as charging a premium price for convenience. 

We are back! Eric shakes things up this week where he shares marketing ideas that go outside the box. Eric shares how partnering with local garage sales could get your marketing out there to your targeted audience. Eric explains whys to boost brand awareness, how to get it in front of only homeowners, and how a landing page could help your marketing, regardless of what industry you're in.   

On this episode, we are joined by Michelle Jeppesen, Director of Business Development for Jill's Office.  Jill's Office is a virtual reception company that services the HVAC Industry. Jill's Office allows none of your calls to fall through the cracks, and the Jill's Office team is available 24/7 and 100% US based.  Jill's Office is a customizable service. They can answer all your calls, or just follow-up on older leads. They also specialize in satisfaction calls and referrals.  Michelle talks about her outlook in the HVAC Industry, the importance of creating connections with the person on the other end of the phone, and how to train based on tone and customer personality. Eric asks Michelle what the ideal call looks and sounds like, how to onboard a new receptionist, and the importance of building the value in the solution that you as the tech, are going to provide to the customer.  Check out Jill's Office here

On this episode, we are joined by Dan Clapper and Ken Midgett from Interplay Learning.   Dan Clapper serves as the Commercial HVAC and Facilities Maintenance Market Director for Interplay Learning. Dan brings 25 years of experience to Interplay in a variety of roles across the HVAC market.  Dan has developed a passion for helping trade professionals grow their businesses and their people.  Ken Midgett serves as the Plumbing Market Director at Interplay Learning. He has been in the plumbing and heating industry for over 40 years and has worked in every facet of the industry.  Dan and Ken talk to Eric about training faster, and what the future of training will be. Eric brings up the advantages and disadvantages of using VR to train. Dan and Ken note that if you're not training, you're falling behind.  Want a better way to train your techs? Learn more about Interplay Learning here

On this episode, Alyssa interviews Eric about how he's gotten to where he is today, what sparked Rival Digital, and how he got Alyssa to start the Rogers Radio podcast. Alyssa asks about Eric's leadership style, how Rival helps their clients reach more homeowners, and he shares his career advice.  Get to know Rival Digital's, Eric Thomas!

On this episode, Eric is here to chat about Google changes, AI websites and the Facebook ad glitch. Eric hopes to do these Marketing Updates every month to make sure everyone is up to date on any/all changes in the Marketing space.  Eric talks AI red flags, page experience and mobile website experience; as well as Facebook's ad disaster over the past weekend. There's a lot of information in this episode, so grab a notebook!

On this episode, we are joined by Bri Skiffington, Chief Product Officer, & Andrew Palosi, CEO from Ad Leverage & Data Cube. The three of them discuss PPC, AI, ChatGPT, and return on ad spend. Bri & Andrew also talk about what Ad Leverage and Data Cube do, and how. Eric and Andrew discuss results and Red Robin, and the importance of being intentional and consistent. To wrap-up, Andrew and Bri talk about how a business owner can stand out amongst the advancement of AI.  

On this episode, we are joined by Kelly Presgrave, CEO and co-owner of Working with Your Handz. Eric and Kelly talk recruitment and how Working with Your Handz finds the talent that you're looking for. Kelly states the importance of showing your employees the way and guiding them towards success. Kelly also discloses the biggest hiring red flags, and how to tell if your potential new hire is telling the truth about his/her experience.  Kelly wraps up the episode by putting an emphasis on being a mentor for your employees and showing them that great success is possible.

On this episode, we are joined by Tom Peregrino, President of Service Nation. Eric is talking to him live from the International Roundtable Event in Nashville, TN.  Tom explains what makes Service Nation the powerhouse that it is. Tom explains that Service Nation and its events are contractor-centered, and continue to do what it takes to take each event to the next level. Since Tom has become President, breakout sessions have been made based on company size, and Tom has made it his goal to get contractors and partners, closer connections. Tom touches upon the Service World Expo event taking place in Phoenix in October and what to look forward to.

On this episode, we are joined by Aaron Anderson of Freedom Air. Freedom Air is based out of the Low Country of South Carolina. Aaron is a second generation owner. His dad used his GI bill to get the business up and running. Today, him and his brothers work together daily to provide quality to their customers. Aaron and Eric discuss the challenges and hurdles in not only a family-owned, but also family-run business. Aaron talks about earning roles and not just receiving them because of family status.  His words of advice are to "get better at what you do to earn respect," and to "keep striving."  

On this episode, we are joined by April Hines of Strada. Strada is the expert in heating, electrical and security services, furnace repair and installation in the Orlando area. April discusses her journey to Strada, her background and how growth requires lots of questions. April also discusses the generosity of the trades, and her upcoming triathlon!

On this episode, we are joined by Matt Tyner from Max Service Group! This is his third time on The Smart HVAC Marketing Podcast and his first time in person! Matt and Eric are recording at the ServiceTitan event, ToolBox Live in Jacksonville, FL. Eric and Matt discuss the importance of intent based marketing, understanding wants vs. needs and capturing demands. Eric and Matt include what KPIs are critical to watch for: return on ad spend and return on marketing spend. To wrap up the episode, Matt discusses what a healthy marketing funnel looks like, how to keep top of mind awareness and to not overlook a good logo, vehicle wrap and radio ads. (especially those catchy jingles.)  

We are back! Please welcome to this episode, Jon Torrey, Director of Marketing of Searchlight.  In this episode, Eric and Jon discuss analytics and insights and how to use them to your advantage. Jon lets Eric know that, "working together yields better results," and to not rule out advertising on Bing. A lot is discussed in this episode, so have a pen and paper ready! Jon shares the secrets on how to improve marketing operations, and what to focus on when creating Facebook ads. You will not want to miss this episode! Links discussed in this episode can be found here

On this episode, Eric sits down and discusses the importance of personal branding. January is a slow month, but Eric talks about not being discouraged and allowing yourself to switch from defense to offense.  "When times are tough, you need a strong, personal brand and top of mind awareness..live rent free in people's rolodex."

On this episode, we are joined by Jenny Benbrook, the CEO of Powerhouse Consulting. She is here to help you get the most out of Service Titan and other softwares that propel the HVAC Industry forward.  Jenny touches upon specializing in change management, workflow and where she sees the industry going. Jenny and Eric talk about the emergence of private equity, planning on how to sell and utilizing shared services. Get in contact with Jenny here

On this episode, we are once again joined by Josh Kelly of Clover. Josh's first time on the podcast can be found here. We cover a lot of information in this episode including marketing messaging, creating a persona for your company and understanding underlying trends.  Josh and Eric talk about the importance of conversions, and coming up with a USP. (Unique Selling Proposition) His step by step tips revealed in this episode are: 1. Seek an expert 2. Track and report effectively 3. Plan ahead 4. Develop a personality 5. Be where you can dominate Read into Josh's Marketing Tips here  

On this episode, we are joined by John Ellis of Dynamic  Air Consulting. John has been in the industry for 43 years. He owned an HVAC business in CA. He explored Indoor Air Quality when he was met with people with debilitating conditions. He wanted to promote solutions for these people.  In addition to being in consulting, John is also a coach for The New Flat Rate. John and Eric talk about having an IAQ department within your business, the importance of investigating, analyzing and then giving a quote, and how John created a curriculum to teach others about the importance of IAQ. John's main message is how to increase perceived value, and turning maintenance into a financial positive for your business.

On this episode, we are joined by John Schulter of Paradise Plumbing and Air Conditioning. This episode was recorded live at the ServiceTitan Marketing Summit in Tampa! John is originally from New Jersey and has been in the trades since he was 8! He went to school for communications and was a video producer in DC. John talks about Google being his favorite way to generate leads, and how LSA ads can work for your business. John and Eric talk about 5 Star reviews and their credibility, and creating QR codes to expedite the review process.

On this episode, we are joined by Kellen Moen of Viirl Marketing. Kellen Moen was a pro-baseball player, turned business owner. His business helps build the tech on top of yelp. He describes Viirl as the middle man between Yelp and the contractor. In this episode, Kellen explains the best practices for contractors advertising on Yelp. Some of his tips include: 1. Look at what your listing looks like. 2. Know who is actively using the platform. 3. Have you made it easy to book via Yelp? Kellen discloses the sweet spot with Yelp response times, as well as what he believes what the future of Yelp looks like.

On this episode, we are joined again by Claire Ficke from CompanyCam! Claire takes over this episode and interviews Eric! They critique the CompanyCam website and talk about the best and worst things you can do for your website and online presence.  Eric uses Texas Roadhouse rolls as a metaphor, he and Claire discuss why having too many calls to action on your website is hindering, and the mistakes businesses make with marketing agencies. 

One of the common challenges that business owners in the home services industry have had to manage over the past few years is finding top-talent for their company.    During this bonus episode, we welcome on Nathan Coker from Stanfield Air Systems to chat about different ways that they handle recruitment efforts to keep a predictable flow of new talent each and every year.    This podcast episode was recorded at the ServiceTitan Marketing For The Trades Summit down in Tampa, Florida. Many attendees of the event would agree that this was one of the most hands on engaged sessions they've been to in a long time... and there will be more!    If you're interested in being "in the know" of future marketing summits, head over to Facebook and join the ServiceTitan Marketing Pro group.

On this episode we are joined by Lauren, Ashley and Sarah AKA The Lady Titans! Eric and The Lady Titans cover a lot in this episode, including but not limited to; the importance of the community you build, the biggest challenges contractors will face in 2023, and how to join The Lady Titans. The Lady Titans want all women to know that they deserve a seat at the table and that you can sit with them. Interested in joining? Search Lady Titans on Facebook! (it's FREE to join!)

On this episode, we are joined again by TJ Hartnett of Fly Wheel. He is a Smart HVAC Marketing podcast guest PRO! TJ has been in the industry since 1994 (sorry for making you feel old!) and decided to take the coaching and training route in 2015. TJ hopes to have Fly Wheel be the gold-standard in the coaching business. TJ and Eric discuss setting up specific, reachable goals with trackable metrics, and managing behaviors that drive the results you're after. His advice is to plan for your goals in 2023. If you fail to plan, you plan to fail. 

On this episode we are joined by Tersh Blissett! This guy has several podcasts and an extravagant shoe collection. He is a father of 4 and owns several businesses.  Tersh talks about his time in the Air Force and how it helped him in the business world. Eric and Tersh talk about gas vs. electric systems, and the importance and significance of podcasting. Tersh and Eric give you a step by step on how and why to start a podcast. His words of wisdom for fellow business owners is "even if things are going bad, you still have control over your own situation."

On this episode we are joined by Stephanie Postell from Anchor Heating and Air. Eric sits down with Stephanie at the Women In HVACR event. Stephanie is the co-owner of of Anchor Heating and Air, along with her husband David, in Charleston, SC. Eric asks about what it's like to work with your spouse. Stephanie says, "you've gotta stay in your lane!" Their daughter also works in the business as well! Anchor Heating and Air is in their first year of business, and Eric asks what the biggest challenges were in their first year. Stephanie touches upon scaling too quickly, maintaining a level of service and sometimes having to say no to some jobs.  Since this interview took place at the Women in HVACR event, Eric and Stephanie also talk about women in the trades.    

It's Thanksgiving week, so we wanted to give our valued listeners a bonus episode to enjoy while you inevitably fall asleep after eating too much turkey. During this episode, we are joined by Thaddeus & Evan from HVAC Success Secrets Revealed.  This episode was recorded during the Women in HVACR event that took place in Phoenix, Arizona. During their discussion, they talk about inspiration for their podcasts, local marketing ideas, the importance of empowering women in the trades, and much more!    Also, Eric reveals a that he will be helping lead a marketing summit in Tampa hosted by ServiceTitan on December 8th. If you are interested in attending, you can register using this link: https://cvent.me/m5z25r?RefId=RD

On this episode we have Ryan Fenn, CEO of CHIIRP on the show, recorded from the Women in HVACR event! Eric and Ryan talk about communication automation, automating review requests, while not taking away the human element in your business.   Ryan and his brother started a business 12 years ago, and Ryan even made a course on how to grow and build your business. Now, he's focused on growing your business through automation. Automating allows you as the business owner to be able to do more, while automation takes care of the rest.    Check our our affiliate link for CHIIRP here!  

ERIC GOES LIVE FROM WOMEN IN HVACR! On this episode, we are joined by Carrie Fraser from Nexstar Network. Nexstar is a member-owned organization serving the trades. Carrie says that Nexstar's goal is to coach and train the world's best tradespeople to become the best business people.  Carrie has been with Nexstar for a little over 5 years. Her advice to those in the trades is to be able to adapt, and be consistent.  Carrie puts emphasis on the importance of pairing up with a best practices group and putting time and effort into the people on your team.  

On this episode, we are welcoming back Lawrence Castillo from Brody Pennell. Brody Pennell is the longest standing Carrier dealer in Los Angeles. They've been in business since 1945.  Brody Pennell recently won Best HVAC Company in LA by the readers of the LA times! Lawrence and Eric talk about the importance of customer service, thought on private equity, memberships and opportunities in quarter four. Lawrence puts on emphasis on memberships by linking reviews directly to an increase in memberships, and stating that "memberships are not dead." Lawrence puts emphasis on customer service saying "it takes years to gain a customer and only seconds to lose them." This is Lawrence's third time being on The Smart HVAC Marketing Podcast. We are so glad to have him back to share his insight and experience in this industry.      

BONUS EPISODE ALERT!   We wanted to provide an additional episode for everyone this week. Mainly because the information shared from the team at A&T Mechanical in regards to their TikTok success was too good to not share immediately.    During this action-packed episode of the Smart HVAC Marketing podcast, we talk about how HVAC & plumbing companies can utilize TikTok as part of their social media marketing strategy, and different ways to get creative with your approach to maximize reach.    The Smart HVAC Marketing podcast was created by Rival Digital to help residential HVAC contractors and is now streaming on all major platforms. Follow along for ways to improve your marketing and grow your business as we continue interviewing more industry experts.

On this episode we are joined by Matthew Weppner of Schedule Engine. Matthew is the Enablement Manager at Schedule Engine, before that Matthew was a CSR at Uber. (before Uber was what we know it as today!) Matthew and Eric discuss how to handle high call volume and how to prioritize calls using Service Titan technologies and software.  Matthew touches upon the importance of using data insights for upsells, taking higher paid jobs, and using softwares to track inventory for your techs. Matthew says that going forward the industry needs to note that convenience is king, always.

On this episode, we are joined by Bohannan McKenzie of Full-Speed Plumbing. Bo is the CVO (Chief Visionary Officer) which comes with the responsibilities of helping define Full-Speed's vision for the future. Bo's advice on reaching homeowners is to be specific, focus on today and right now, and the value of the isolation of information. He also mentions that you should know how served your population is, and if you want change, you need to be the change in the market. Bo also describes the challenges in the home services industry like brand recognition and entering a new market. 

On this episode we are joined by none other than Tommy Mello of A1 Garage Doors. This is an episode that you should not miss! Tommy and Eric talk about team culture, communication, recruiting and giving your employees opportunities for growth. Tommy explains that people cut marketing first, not bad performers and if you're not willing to have tough conversations that that's a fast track to failure. In discussing systems, Tommy explains that a system fails for 3 reasons: 1. No system 2. Wrong system 3. System isn't being followed Some of Tommy's advice from this episode is "Don't pay people to practice in front of a customer."

On this episode we are joined by Everett Lippel of Supply Smart. This is his 13th year in the industry. He has a lot of hats including 1 on 1 coaching, team coaching, process training and working with a CRM system to help put this processes into practice.  Everett touches upon living in a digital world and how it affects the way business is ran. Everett also talks about a system he helped come up with called CLEAR, and how it can be used in your business.

On this episode, we are welcoming back Pete Danielson from Service Nation. Pete and Eric talk about the upcoming Service World Expo  in Tampa, FL, (October 18-21) and what to expect and who will be there. Pete lets us know that there will be 40+ break out sessions, and keynotes! The first keynote speaker of the event? None other than Tim Tebow!  Eric asks Pete what you should do to get the most our of this event and Pete says "prioritize what you want to work on and have some goals in mind." (if you are attending the event don't forget to visit the Rival Digital booth!)

On this episode, we are joined by Heather Ripley of Ripley PR Heather has been in the business since 2008 and is PR passionate! Heather defines what PR is and what PR is NOT. She also talks about the differences between advertising, branding and PR saying: -Advertising: you control -Branding: Happens overtime -PR: When a 3rd party talks about you Heather also discusses the different types of earned media, and proactive verses active PR and saying that PR is often overlooked and is of more value than you may think.

On this episode we are joined by Stephen Dale of Power Selling Pros Stephen is the director of training and absolutely loves this industry. Throughout the episode Stephen emphasizes the importance of your team, saying "your greatest asset in your company is your people." What happens when you invest in your team and their training? Stephen Dale explains.

We've got quite a different type of episode today! Alyssa from Rogers Heating and Cooling has recently started a podcast for their company! She wanted to practice her interview skills with Eric, so today you will be hearing Eric's story of how he got to where he is today, how Rival came to be, where he hopes Rival will go, his long-term goals for the company and his hobbies outside of the office.