Toolbox for the Trades

When his father became very ill, Pete Bradham suddenly had to step in and take the reins of their family business. For years, they had gotten by on respected word-of-mouth in Charlotte, North Carolina. As General Manager, Pete knew that if their company, Bradham Brothers, was going to continue growing, they had to change or die. Pete tells us how valuable mentors helped him through the tough transition of taking over leadership as a second-generation tradesman. Join us as we discuss: - Why communication is a valuable skill in the trades (3:41) - The unexpected transition in leadership from father to son (10:50) - How multiple mentors helped Pete stay the course (20:52) Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast: - Pete Bradham - Bradham Brothers - Bradham Brothers onboard with ServiceTitan You can find this interview and many more by subscribing to Toolbox of the Trades on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, or here. Listening on a desktop & can't see the links? Just search for Toolbox of the Trades in your favorite podcast player.  

In 2019, Ismael Valdez, CEO at Nexgen Air Conditioning Heating and Plumbing, was ready to give it all up. After several years of quietly fighting alone to keep his business afloat, Ismael accepted a colleague's helping hand. And now, three years later, Ismael is living his best life in the trades. In this episode, Ismael opens up about his ownership struggles, a personal battle with addiction, and the day he almost quit the trades. Join us as we discuss: - What led to the infamous moment when Ismael wanted to give up (2:58) - Why struggling contractors need to open up and ask for help (12:26) - Avoiding burnout during the year-long business grind (17:42) Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast: - Ismael Valdez - Nexgen Air Conditioning Heating and Plumbing - Wrench Group You can find this interview and many more by subscribing to Toolbox of the Trades on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, or here. Listening on a desktop & can't see the links? Just search for Toolbox of the Trades in your favorite podcast player.  

A lot of small business owners in the trades are technical experts in their respective crafts. But Jason Arthur , Owner of Eighty-Seven Degrees Coaching , says that most of those entrepreneurs neglect the one thing that dictates their long-term growth outlook: their budget. And too many are reluctant to ask for help. Jason shares how his former employee experiences shaped his coaching philosophy and how small business owners can create a solid budgeting culture. Join us as we discuss: (3:44) Why Jason saw a need to start his coaching business (11:44) Creating an accountable budget reporting culture (25:44) Integrating employees into the budget creation process (31:00) Memorable stories from the clients' perspective Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast: Jason Arthur Eighty-Seven Degrees Coaching jason@87helps.com You can find this interview and many more by subscribing to Toolbox of the Trades on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, or here. Listening on a desktop & can't see the links? Just search for Toolbox of the Trades in your favorite podcast player.

Texas Medley , CEO of Medley Heating & Air Conditioning , hated the trades as a kid. But after a multi-year stint in grocery retail, he began his journey to build his dream $50 million mom n' pop HVAC business. Texas shares how realigning his priorities and laying a strong foundation of family culture set his company up for future growth. Join us as we discuss: (5:50) Negative stigma attached to the trades (20:38) Shifting mindset to escape the “rat race” mentality (33:30) The importance of strong culture and positive reinforcement  Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast: Texas Medley  Medley Heating & Air Conditioning   You can find this interview and many more by subscribing to Toolbox of the Trades on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, or here. Listening on a desktop & can't see the links? Just search for Toolbox of the Trades in your favorite podcast player.

Travis Smith was practically born into the trades. He started working for his father full-time out of high school before taking over the family business - Sky Heating, AC, Plumbing, and Electrical - in 2015. A few years later, he partnered with a private equity firm to help bolster his company with extra resources and training. Today, he believes they were a perfect fit for each other. In this episode, Travis shares his thoughts on private equity and why he believes selling his business is one of the best decisions he ever made. Join us as we discuss: (5:44) Travis' early ownership struggles and change-ups (23:33) The decision to partner with a private equity group (41:34) Advice for owners considering private equity  Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast: P1  You can find this interview and many more by subscribing to Toolbox of the Trades on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, or here. Listening on a desktop & can't see the links? Just search for Toolbox of the Trades in your favorite podcast player.

As one of the largest HVAC service providers in the Southwest, the folks at Goettl Air Conditioning & Plumbing have a clear vision for growth. And it starts with a solid foundation built by strong leadership and a willingness to change. Their VP of Sales, Dale Steele , told us how authenticity and a positive mindset have elevated their techs and sales team and set Goettl on the path to success. Join us as we discuss: (25:13) The importance of authentic human connections (34:17) Training technicians in impromptu sales (44:17) Maintaining team alignment and a positive mindset  Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast: Dale Steele  Goettl Air Conditioning & Plumbing   You can find this interview and many more by subscribing to Toolbox of the Trades on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, or here.

Running a small business as a working mom is tough. Doing it alongside your spouse adds a whole other set of challenges. But a shared vision, defined roles, and consistent communication can help ensure a happy partnership - in the marriage and at work. Leslie Harpole , Owner of Champion Plumbing , talks with us about being a mom in the trades and how she and her husband, Brent, support each other as co-owners. Join us as we discuss: (1:59) Getting into the trades as a working mom (14:56) Challenges of partnering with a spouse in business (27:41) The LadyTitans and women in the trades today   Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast: Leslie Harpole  Champion Plumbing  LadyTitans Facebook  LadyTitans Youtube  Women in HVACR   You can find this interview and many more by subscribing to Toolbox of the Trades on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, or here. Listening on a desktop & can't see the links? Just search for Toolbox of the Trades in your favorite podcast player.

Sustainability is a cornerstone of running a business. Lowering your carbon footprint is cheaper than you might think. Not only does a sustainable business model promote goodwill in your community, but it is also profitable and efficient. Dale Jackson , Owner of Jackson Services , tells us how his commercial HVAC business has generated positive buzz by embracing sustainable money-saving technology. Join us as we discuss: - (10:57) Benefits of a sustainable operating model - (19:32) The technology niche in new construction - (30:30) Why commercial HVAC is critical in the trades Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast: - Dale Jackson  - Jackson Services  You can find this interview and many more by subscribing to Toolbox of the Trades on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, or here. Listening on a desktop & can't see the links? Just search for Toolbox of the Trades in your favorite podcast player.

Employment expectations are not a one-way street in any industry. Managers must understand their employees' needs, be it work-life balance or commute time. As trade businesses struggle to find and retain technicians, they must be willing to meet recruits where they are. Phillip Mize , CFO of Happy Hiller Plumbing, HVAC, & Electrical Services , told us how their training school, Total Tech , has helped them build a better - and motivated - workforce. Join us as we discuss: - (8:00) How Total Tech has helped Hiller with its rapid growth - (11:59) Walmart's recruiting push for technicians - (21:56) Hiller's connection to the US Army and preparing America's Heroes for life after enlistment - (24:50) The high costs of employee turnover Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast: Happy Hiller Plumbing, HVAC, & Electrical Services Total Tech School You can find this interview and many more by subscribing to Toolbox of the Trades on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, or here. Listening on a desktop & can't see the links? Just search for Toolbox of the Trades in your favorite podcast player.

We want your feedback! Share your thoughts on today's episode by taking this 10-second survey . In this episode, we're taking to the phones and answering questions from you - our dear listeners! Tom Howard, VP of Customer Experience at ServiceTitan, and Eddie McFarlane, President of Haller Enterprises, join us for a roundtable discussion on training, inventory management, and business growth. Tom and Eddie share valuable insight on multiple challenges, from attracting new talent to confronting the scarcity mindset. Join us as we discuss: - (1:40) Recruiting young service techs and implementing training centers - (22:55) Rising material costs and warehouse inventory control - (47:32) Planning for sustainable business growth Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast: - Haller Enterprises - Predictably Irrational by Dan Ariely - Building a Story Brand by Donald Miller - On Marketing - Red Notice - Emotionally Agility - Bias Interrupted You can find this interview and many more by subscribing to Toolbox of the Trades on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, or here. Listening on a desktop & can't see the links? Just search for Toolbox of the Trades in your favorite podcast player. We want your feedback! Share your thoughts on today's episode by taking this 10-second survey .

John Akhoian, CEO of Rooter Hero Plumbing, jumped into the trades as a teenager after his father passed away. But what started as a means of supporting his family has evolved into a multimillion-dollar plumbing and HVAC business atop the California market. John returns to the show to update us on his company's progress post-COVID and talk about his new book, Temporarily Broken: The John Akhoian Story. Join us as we discuss: - (6:09) The strengths of a shared service business model - (16:35) How peer groups contribute to personal development - (28:28) Working with the team on the frontlines during COVID - (30:42) Why John decided to write his latest book Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast: - Rooter Hero Plumbing - Temporarily Broken: The John Akhoian Story - Hero Talk You can find this interview and many more by subscribing to Toolbox of the Trades on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, or here. Listening on a desktop & can't see the links? Just search for Toolbox of the Trades in your favorite podcast player.

A lot of things in life come full circle, and today as we celebrate Toolbox for the Trades' 100th episode, we're bringing back one of our most impactful and well known guests. Ken Goodrich, CEO of Goettl Air Conditioning & Plumbing, was our first guest way back in April of 2020 and today he makes a triumphant return for the show's 100th episode. 100 episodes is a lot of ground to cover, but there's no shortage of insight from Ken to help you build your business. Ken's wisdom was so profound, my show's producer was scribbling away notes on how to run his business better. Join us as we discuss: - How Ken pushed the envelope and built a $250M dollar company (11:13) - Recruitment pitches that work for today's labor market (23:13) - Private equity and how it can help grow your business (37:04) - Ken's advice on how to deal with investors at scale (52:58) Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast: - Ken Goodrich - Goettl Air Conditioning & Plumbing - The E-Myth HVAC Contractor You can find this interview and many more by subscribing to Toolbox of the Trades on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, or here. Listening on a desktop & can't see the links? Just search for Toolbox of the Trades in your favorite podcast player.

With a global recession looming, businesses and their customers are tightening their belt buckles. Heaters and toilets will always need fixing, but what does a shrinking economy mean for the bottom line in the trades? Collin Hathaway, Owner of Guardian Roofing and Founder and CEO of Flint Group, joins us to recount his experience with investing in the trades during the 2008 recession. He believes that, even in a slower market, opportunities exist to improve on your business. Of course, with economic uncertainty often comes financial stress; Collin shares his stance on self-care in an industry that often stigmatizes mental health. Join us as we discuss: - How Collin managed to keep his first business afloat in a recession (7:11) - What opportunities trade companies can seize in a down market (13:47) - Steps for securing a business ahead of a looming recession (20:45) - Collin's take on stress and mental health in the workplace (30:45) Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast: - Collin Hathaway - Flint Group - Guardian Roofing & Gutters You can find this interview and many more by subscribing to Toolbox of the Trades on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, or here. Listening on a desktop & can't see the links? Just search for Toolbox of the Trades in your favorite podcast player.

With a dire need for technicians, trade businesses nationwide are scrambling to find help. Many companies are willing to teach raw recruits from scratch, but what does a culture of quality training look like? Al Levi, CEO of The 7-Power Contractor, has been consulting with small businesses on training and growth since the 80s. In 2017, he collaborated with Jason Kim, Owner and Service Manager of Zoom Drain - Long Island, and Ray the Plumber. Al and Jason share their experience with us and give the inside scoop on how you can incorporate a winning training program for techs. Join us as we discuss: - How the collaboration between Al and Jason's people came about (4:38) - Al's unique approach to staffing in the trades (13:14) - The culture adjustment that comes with implementing new training (23:25) - What results they've seen from their training program (34:00) Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast: - Ray the Plumber You can find this interview and many more by subscribing to Toolbox of the Trades on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, or here. Listening on a desktop & can't see the links? Just search for Toolbox of the Trades in your favorite podcast player.

We've heard many stories of men and women in the trades who take a leap of faith to start their own businesses. Typically, those people are hardened veterans of their respective craft. So, you might say that Rick Vazza, the owner of John Padilla Plumbing Inc. in San Diego, is something of an anomaly. With zero experience in the trades, Rick bought his plumbing company in 2021. But with his extensive financial planning background, he helped take his team of plumbers to the next level. Join us as we discuss: - What prompted Rick to walk away from the world of finance (3:44) - Rick's decision to purchase his plumbing business (10:21) - How his team handled the transition of ownership (21:55) - Why keeping accounting in-house is important for small businesses (37:18) Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast: - Rick Vazza - John Padilla Plumbing Inc. You can find this interview and many more by subscribing to Toolbox of the Trades on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, or here. Listening on a desktop & can't see the links? Just search for Toolbox of the Trades in your favorite podcast player.

Everyone is searching for the secret sauce for hit social media content. For Armando Ramos, owner of Plomero en Phoenix, one catchy jingle was just the right ingredient for his business. Jingle Stuck in your head? Spotify has you covered In this episode, Armando shares how business at his dream plumbing company exploded after a 60-second TikTok went viral with over 50 million views. He also elaborates on how his social media presence has influenced recruiting and his reputation among other local trades. Join us as we discuss: - (6:14) Armando's leap into starting his plumbing business - (13:20) Plomero en Phoenix being embraced by the Hispanic community - (15:21) The company's jingle that went viral on TikTok - (21:25) How their TikTok account has translated into business success Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast: - TikTok Armando Ramos - Plomero en Phoenix - Jingle stuck in your head? Spotify has you covered You can find this interview and many more by subscribing to Toolbox of the Trades on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, or here. Listening on a desktop & can't see the links? Just search for Toolbox of the Trades in your favorite podcast player.

Most men and women in the trades prefer taking care of business in the field over burying their heads in a computer. My guest, Mike Marcil, Software Coach at Nexstar Network, is on a mission to help businesses maximize their software proficiencies so they can focus on what's important - servicing their customers. As a veteran of the ServiceTitan OS since 2014, he knows a thing or two about getting the most out of your software's potential. Join us as we discuss: - Mike's journey from HVAC sales to trainer - His observations from Nexstar's partnership with ServiceTitan - Why change in the industry is a good thing - Daily habits that augment your potential with ServiceTitan's OS Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast: - Mike Marcil - Nexstar Network Help ServiceTitan support St. Jude Children's Hospital when you submit a referral: https://refer.servicetitan.com/ You can find this interview and many more by subscribing to Toolbox of the Trades on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, or here. Listening on a desktop & can't see the links? Just search for Toolbox of the Trades in your favorite podcast player.

Some of the leading pioneers in the trades are people who want to be part of the solution to a problem that needs fixing. That's why my guest, Lina Kurucz, Managing Partner at Plumbing Troopers, Inc., dove head-first into the plumbing business in 2015. She used her marketing background to kickstart a Florida plumbing firm that puts customer needs first. By leaning on her employees' expertise, she's helped set a new standard for trades in her area. Join us as we discuss: - Why Lina saw a need for starting a plumbing enterprise - The growing pains of a new business - Supporting employees, including mental health awareness - Investing in new technology that fulfills custom needs Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast: - Lina Kurucz - Plumbing Troopers, Inc Help ServiceTitan support St. Jude Children's Hospital when you submit a referral: https://refer.servicetitan.com/ You can find this interview and many more by subscribing to Toolbox of the Trades on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, or here. Listening on a desktop & can't see the links? Just search for Toolbox of the Trades in your favorite podcast player.

How often are service techs confronted with customer leads that they don't know how to handle? Kelcey Summers, President at Service Business Evolution (SBE), and Will Smith, VP of Coaching & Training at SBE, contend that the issue isn't lack of know-how but the absence of training. By coaching technicians to work with customers to solve problems rather than push sales, Kelcey and Will believe that businesses will see positive returns on their bottom lines. Join us as we discuss: - Why the founder of SBE felt a need to aid technicians through coaching - How positive reinforcement management can empower technicians - The culture and ethics behind bridging the customer service gap - The dichotomy of problem-solving versus product sales Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast: - Kelcey Summers - Will Smith You can find this interview and many more by subscribing to Toolbox of the Trades on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, or here. Listening on a desktop & can't see the links? Just search for Toolbox of the Trades in your favorite podcast player.

For decades, the American trades have had a regrettable stigma of dirty jobs meant for the uneducated. My guest, Joshua Page, President of JP Electric and Son, Inc. in Fitchburg, Massachusetts, is on a mission to break down that barrier. Joshua wants to educate our youth and open their eyes to the real potential that awaits them in the trades. Join us as we discuss: - Joshua's journey through the trades into electrical contracting - How he became a speaking advocate for the trades - Why the generational gap needs to be addressed - Using childrens' books to educate future generations Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast: - Joshua Page TedX Talk  - www.HusbandFatherEntrepreneur.com - www.JoshuaPage.pro Josh's book, "What Does Your Daddy Do?" - available later this year. You can find this interview and many more by subscribing to Toolbox of the Trades on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, or here. Listening on a desktop & can't see the links? Just search for Toolbox of the Trades in your favorite podcast player.

It's a hard combination to both take advice and learn from experience, but that's what these father and daughter owners have really taken to heart.   Hear our conversation with Chloe Davis and Ben Davis at Express Plumbing Heating & Air: Mentorship and deciding to work with your dad Why personal growth and people management are intertwined Best practices for designing process for people and systems   More information about Chloe and Ben and today's topics: https://expressplumbingidaho.com/  https://monday.com/    To hear more tales from the trades, follow Toolbox for the Trades on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, our website, or anywhere you get podcasts.

What's it like to manage a family of companies with your sisters? Tune in for their amazing story of company growth from one to 217 employees and their plans to double again this decade.  Hear our conversation with sisters Jessica (Howe) Groat, CFO; Jaime Howe, Plumbing Operations Manager; and Haley Howe, GM, Restoration and Flood — all at the Bill Howe Family of Companies: How the company began and why they joined the company Their unique specialities and career path within Bill Howe Advice for contractors Developing an aggressive growth plan  More information about Jessica, Jaime, Haley, and today's topics: LinkedIn Profile: Jessica Groat LinkedIn Profile: Jaime Howe LinkedIn Profile: Haley Howe Company Website: https://www.billhowe.com/   To hear more tales from the trades, subscribe to Toolbox for the Trades on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, our website, or anywhere you get podcasts.

If you want superhero technicians, you have to provide them with superhero tools like taking a picture of a data plate and immediately knowing the history of that unit.   Emerging technologies have enabled efficiencies and safety measures that technicians have never known before. But the best part: The tech eliminates the physical toll.  Hear our conversation with Aaron Salow, CEO of XOi Technologies:  Learning curves in business & an understanding of XOi Technologies Working w/ technicians to make their job more efficient Building tech & customer relationships What's next for Aaron & advice to the listeners  More information about Aaron and today's topics: LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/c-aaron-salow-58420a8/ Company Website: https://xoi.io/  To hear more tales from the trades, subscribe to Toolbox for the Trades on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, our website, or anywhere you get podcasts.

Think about data as levers you can pull to optimize outcomes for your company. Put that way, it doesn't sound quite so overwhelming to get started in data.  Hear our conversation with Tyson Freeman, Head of Contractor Advisory Services at ServiceTitan: Why contractors should care about data Company-wide data goals need employee buy-in How to get started in data reporting   More information about Tyson and today's topics: LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tyson-freeman-30511084/   Company Website: https://www.servicetitan.com/   To hear more tales from the trades, subscribe to Toolbox for the Trades on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, our website, or anywhere you get podcasts.

Want to build an undeniable brand that speaks to the consumer? Well, have a seat on the couch because the brand therapist is in.   Hear our conversation with Dan Antonelli, President and Chief Creative Officer at KickCharge Creative: Why disruption matters in branding How a weak brand slows your business down How to build the foundation for a premium brand   More information about Dan and today's topics: LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danantonelli/  Company Website: https://www.kickcharge.com/  Branded, Not Blanded: https://www.kickcharge.com/tips-tools/our-books-2/  Purple Cow: https://geni.us/radixpurple   To hear more tales from the trades, subscribe to Toolbox for the Trades on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, our website, or anywhere you get podcasts.

David Noseworthy, Vice President of Corporate Development at Friendly Home Services Group, has worked on both Bay Street and Wall Street but now his focus has turned back to the trades with a very specific goal in mind: unlocking latent potential in employees. Why, you ask? Because David and the Friendly Group believe by unlocking the latent potential of each employee, you unlock the potential of the entire company. Or as David puts it, you're “doing well by doing good.” Join us as we discuss: The importance of unlocking latent potential in employees How mentorship can be mutually beneficial Qualities service shops should have if they aspire to be acquired by a private equity group Advice for companies looking to scale and grow their companies on their own The future of private equity   More information about David and today's topics: LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drnoseworthy/  Company Website: https://friendlygroup.com/   To hear more tales from the trades, subscribe to Toolbox for the Trades on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, our website, or anywhere you get podcasts. Listening on a desktop & can't see the links? Just search for Toolbox for the Trades in your favorite podcast player.

In this episode, I interview Sean McGuire, Director of Innovative Technologies at Mechanical Contractors Association of America (MCAA) about what it's like to work beside contractors working with advancements in technology.  A true tech detective for the trades, Sean encourages listeners to plan for the future, consider augmented reality, and much more. Join us as we discuss: Top technology tips for contractors Predictions for future trends  The importance of continuous education  Overcoming reluctance to change  Data-driven predictive learning Check out these resources we mentioned: MCAA Annual Convention  MEP Conference  Award of Lego Thanos Hand with Ctrl + Alt + Del  Trimble XR10   To hear more tales from the trades, subscribe to Toolbox for the Trades onApple Podcasts,Spotify, our website, or anywhere you get podcasts.

Today's guest joined ServiceTitan after running marketing for one of the biggest brands in the trades. If you want to learn how to take your marketing to the next level (and why it's so important to do your math), you won't want to miss this episode.  In this episode, I interview ServiceTitan's own Sarah Ghirardo, Sr. Marketing Operations Manager, about her best wisdom for marketing in the trades.  Join us as we discuss: Changing consumers' thoughts and behavior with branding Seasonal campaign tips and insights Marketing communities, mentorship, and agency relationships Making math a part of your marketing arsenal   Check out these resources we mentioned: Purple Cow by Seth Godin Lady Titans Community  Service Champions My Story Playlist on YouTube Ep. 82 w/ Cassie Pound   To hear more tales from the trades, subscribe to Toolbox for the Trades on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, our website, or anywhere you get podcasts.

Business leaders make all kinds of mistakes, but here's a huge one: You look at your top line and think that makes you successful. In this episode, I speak with Mike Disney, CEO at CEO Warrior, and Mary Anglen, Senior Advisor at CEO Warrior, about the nine pillars needed to build a true foundation for success — and other common errors of leaders in the trades. Join us as we discuss: Why you need to hear the hurtful truth Building a foundation of predictable success Major mistakes regarding employees and promotion Mike's and Mary's favorite pillar: clarity Check out these resources we mentioned: The 9 Pillars That Will Scale Any Business  Dare to Lead: Brave Work. Tough Conversations. Whole Hearts.  To hear more tales from the trades, subscribe to Toolbox for the Trades on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, our website, or anywhere you get podcasts.

When you're focused on creating five-star experiences for customers, you have to create five-star experiences for employees, too. Serving people as a core value extends to customers and employees both. Cassie Pound, Co Owner and Vice President at Quality Heating, Cooling & Plumbing, grew her HVAC company from 10 to nearly 50 employees by focusing equally on customer experience and employee experience. Join us as we discuss: - What it means to be family owned vs. locally owned - Creating a competitive employee experience - Working with your partner — and your children - Changing the narrative about trades to recruit women and young people To hear more stories from the trades, subscribe to Toolbox for the Trades onApple Podcasts,Spotify, our website, or anywhere you get podcasts.

The mindset and outlook has changed in the water treatment industry in the past couple of years. It's more future-minded and community-oriented than it has ever been before. In this episode, I speak with Water Quality Association's Kathleen Burbidge, External Affairs Associate Director, and Eric Yeggy, Technical Affairs Director, about harnessing the opportunity to have a voice together and bolstering the industry with community relationships. Join us as we discuss: A renewed mindset for water treatment professionals The successes of WQA's LEAD mentoring program Science-based education and communication about water quality Recent community growth in the water treatment industry Check out these resources we mentioned: LEAD Mentoring Program  WQA's Upcoming Convention  To hear more tales from the trades, subscribe to Toolbox for the Trades on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, our website, or anywhere you get podcasts.

When you create an ad for your services, do you lead by asking potential clients where they went to college, whether they can juggle or how much they owe the IRS? That would be insane, right? Well, in today's hiring market, leading with a litany of requirements is just as crazy. That's one of the many insights Jody Underhill, Senior Partner at Rapid Hire, brings in today's episode that will help you beat the labor shortage and the strong employee market in the current recruiting landscape. Join us as we discuss: - Why you should ask not what your employees do, but what you can do for them - How to get the most out of social media recruiting - How to entice too talent with a career and not just a job Get your free strategy session for a special plan to improve your recruiting here. You will leave the call with strategies you can implement right away and learn more about the Rapid Hire system. If you want to hear more stories from the trades, subscribe to Toolbox for the Trades onApple Podcasts,Spotify, orhere. Listening on a desktop & can't see the links? Just search for Toolbox for the Trades in your favorite podcast player.

When you learn that your child will have many medical needs before he is born, you have to grow your business fast. Marriages with a special needs child are 70% likely to fail, and marriages with a co-owned business are 50% likely to fail. But today's guests, Richard and Felicia Flourny, Owners at A-Total Plumbing, have not only survived but thrived, growing their solo business to 32 employees and recently undertaking a complete business model shift. Join us as we discuss: - The origin story of A-Total Plumbing - Role distribution between Richard and Felicia - Switching from home warranty to a retail business model - Why the Flournys are hiring a Dream Manager - Customer service insights to 4.8 stars across over 1K Google reviews Check out these resources: - Mentor Chris Hunter - The Dream Manager by Matthew Kelly Ep. 76 w/ Jessie Cannizzaro   To hear more stories from the trades, subscribe to Toolbox for the Trades onApple Podcasts,Spotify, our website, or anywhere you get podcasts.

If you're focused on what's important, you don't get tied up in messy distractions day in and day out. Getting the data, the training, and the decisions to your people — and then trusting them to do their work — is key. In this episode, I speak with Tom Howard, VP Customer Experience at ServiceTitan, about focusing on what matters in customer experience. Join us as we discuss: - Why Tom left finance to go back to the trades - Growing Lee's Air from $2 to $9.4 million, then to $33 million - How to scale customer service - The role of data and data tracking in empowering employee decisions Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast: - The Four-Hour Workweek by Tim Ferriss - The Toyota Way by Jeffrey K. Liker - Extreme Ownership by Jocko Willink and Leif Babin To hear more stories from the trades, subscribe to Toolbox for the Trades onApple Podcasts,Spotify, our website, or anywhere you get podcasts.

Certification isn't required, but you decide to get it anyway. Licensing, together with field experience, gives you the ability to educate your customers about aerobic septic systems online — making you the county's premier installer. In this episode, I speak with Courtney Van Delden, VP and Septic System Specialist at Van Delden Wastewater Systems, about how her online thought leadership has grown her four-generation family business when the county started requiring aerobic. Join us as we discuss: - Flipping a coin with her brother to determine their titles - Inheriting a 25-year legacy of septic inspection from her mother - Becoming industry thought leaders with an educational blog - Shifting from gravity-fed systems to aerobic systems - Succession planning for the next iteration of Van Delden To hear more stories from the trades, subscribe to Toolbox for the Trades onApple Podcasts,Spotify, our website, or anywhere you get podcasts.

Entrepreneurship is a natural next step for a lifelong learner who enjoys management and working with people. It stems from the realization that you just can't carry the cast iron bathtub up the stairs by yourself and flourishes into a successful pre-apprenticeship program and tight-knit team of employees. In this episode, I interview Jessie Cannizzaro, Master Plumber and Founder at Milestone Plumbing, Inc., about the past ten years of her relentless, steady company growth. Join us as we discuss: - How Jessie's family came to support plumbing as her career choice - Achieving master plumber and founding a company before age 30 - A quality emphasis for creating lifelong customers - Busting the myth of “doing it all” as a female entrepreneur - The most proud and heartfelt team roster you've ever heard To hear more stories from the trades, subscribe to Toolbox for the Trades onApple Podcasts,Spotify, our website, or anywhere you get podcasts.

You and your brother sit down to decide once and for all: Yes, we're going to outright buy the company from Dad. A year later, you've rebranded, switched to 100% residential, and added two divisions. How? In this episode, I interview Jeremy Lewis, President at Gleason Heating, Plumbing, Air and Electric, about how he transformed his family business within the past 12 months. Join us as we discuss:  - What Jeremy's buyout was like  - The first steps of onboarding with ServiceTitan and NexStar  - Job costing by the numbers  - Employee retention and growth during massive change Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast: HVAC Spells Wealth HVAC Masters of the Hustle   To hear more stories from the trades, subscribe to Toolbox for the Trades onApple Podcasts,Spotify, orhere. Listening on a desktop & can't see the links? Just search for Toolbox for the Trades in your favorite podcast player.

If you're a long-time listener, you know the drill. Today, I'm going to recap some of the best tips, tricks, and tactics shared by this season's guests. I'm Jackie Aubel, Senior Content Marketing Manager at ServiceTitan and host of Toolbox for the Trades. Join me for a recap of all the amazing guests we've heard from this season. Listen to our guests speak about: - How to have a successful business partnership with a spouse or friend - How to find the right business mentor - Leading your team - Delivering exceptional customer service - Women in the trades To hear more stories from the trades, subscribe to Toolbox for the Trades onApple Podcasts,Spotify, orhere. Listening on a desktop & can't see the links? Just search for Toolbox for the Trades in your favorite podcast player.

Apprentices are rewarded for education and initiative. Teams are rewarded for doing things the right way. Managers are rewarded when customers are satisfied… and not in quarterly bonuses, either. Tune in to an astounding companywide incentivization program based on processes and growth. In this episode, I speak with Mario Martinez, COO at Scott's One Hour Air Conditioning & Heating and Benjamin Franklin Plumbing, about how he rewards employees. Mario and I discuss: - Mario's career trajectory from tech to COO - To franchise or not to franchise - Incentivizing managers based on every single job - Mario's wildly successful apprenticeship program - Growth and leadership lessons from someone who is always reaching for the next success Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast: - Leaders Eat Last by Simon Sinek - Never Split the Difference by Chris Voss To hear more stories from the trades, subscribe to Toolbox for the Trades onApple Podcasts,Spotify, orhere. Listening on a desktop & can't see the links? Just search for Toolbox for the Trades in your favorite podcast player.

Today's guest dropped out of high school because he said he couldn't pass anything. But he earned his master plumbing license on his first try. HVAC license, too. About a decade ago, he was making $20/hour and broke. Today he's just added an HVAC team to his $3.3 million dollar business. In this episode, I chat with Russell Furr, President at Culpeper Home Services, about the struggles and realities of entrepreneurship. (Let me tell you, Russell does not hold back!) Listen in as we discuss: - Russell's journey from high school dropout to president of his own company - Entrepreneurship hurdles and how to keep charging forward - The recent addition of HVAC services - Why customer experience matters more than ever - The explosive growth plan for next year Check out these resources we mentioned: - Beyond Plumbing Webinar - The 48 Laws of Power by Robert Greene If you want to hear more stories from the trades, subscribe to Toolbox for the Trades onApple Podcasts,Spotify, orhere. Listening on a desktop & can't see the links? Just search for Toolbox for the Trades in your favorite podcast player.

It's no small thing to take over as third-generation president of your 100-year-old family business. Especially when you think you can do everything yourself… at first. Today's guest candidly shares the leadership lessons he acquired the hard way in a family business that's existed since February 1922. In this episode, I interview Rob Birnie, Owner and President at Thos R Birnie & Sons Ltd, about what it was like to come into his own in a family business and how he learned to prioritize people as a leader. Join us as we discuss: - Getting an on-the-job “MBA” by wearing all the hats - Fulfilling the legacy of putting people first - Business coaches, personality assessments, and leadership development Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast: - ColorCode Personality Science - People Matter More Than Money | Simon Sinek - Episode 44 with Keith Mercurio - Kerwin Rae on YouTube If you want to hear more stories from the trades, subscribe to Toolbox for the Trades onApple Podcasts,Spotify, orhere. Listening on a desktop & can't see the links? Just search for Toolbox for the Trades in your favorite podcast player.

You should place these 6 Ps prominently on your home service website: product, place, price, promotion, people, and personality. Yeah, we said price. In this episode, I chat with Chris Yano, CEO at RYNO Strategic Solutions, about what he's learned from his depth of 14 years' experience marketing for home service businesses. Here are some topics we highlight in the conversation: - How Chris finally got the attention of Gary Vee - Two common themes from coaching and marketing in the trades - The 6 Ps of a website that will please prospects - Why price belongs on your website - Reasons Chris is grateful he started a podcast Check out these resources we mentioned: - Chris's podcast is To the Point - Traction by Gino Wickman - The New One Minute Manager by Ken Blanchard and Spencer Johnson If you want to hear more stories from the trades, subscribe to Toolbox for the Trades onApple Podcasts,Spotify, orhere. Listening on a desktop & can't see the links? Just search for Toolbox for the Trades in your favorite podcast player.

One way to reach the Spanish speaking population of the U.S. market is to make your ads in Spanish, not in English with Hablamos Español pasted on. In this episode, I chat with Mario Campirano, Owner at Express Electrical Service, about his pride and passion for marketing to Spanish speakers and uplifting his local community. Here are some topics we highlight in the conversation: - Mario's journey from digging trenches to 32 trucks in the field - The family feel of his company culture - His calling to help others pursue their dreams - Strategies for marketing to Spanish speakers in the U.S. - Recruiting and training electricians Check out these resources we mentioned: - Pew Research Center - Zippa.com - Los Titans presents Spanish in the Trades If you want to hear more stories from the trades, subscribe to Toolbox for the Trades onApple Podcasts,Spotify, orhere. Listening on a desktop & can't see the links? Just search for Toolbox for the Trades in your favorite podcast player.

Working with your spouse can be absolutely ego destroying at best. At worst, it can ruin your business and your relationship. Ready to learn from a couple who succeeded? In this episode, I chat with Sarah Casebier and Brad Casebier, Owner and President, respectively, at Radiant Plumbing & Air Conditioning, a company they built from scratch that now brings in $50M in revenue. Here are some topics we highlight in the conversation: - Sarah's shift from an ER labor and delivery nurse to GM of Radiant - Brad's fear that he wouldn't have a role in a service company - Concurrent business coaching and life coaching - Candid struggles in co-leading a business - Incorporating private equity into the business partnership Check out these additional resources: - The Survival Guide to Working with Your Spouse by Brad Casebier - Making Sense of Men by Alison Armstrong - Loving What Is by Byron Katie - Plumbing and Mechanical - The Mike Dillard Show - Ellen Rohr: Your Job is Hard, Keep Your Financials Simple If you want to hear more stories from the trades, subscribe to Toolbox for the Trades onApple Podcasts,Spotify, orhere. Listening on a desktop & can't see the links? Just search for Toolbox for the Trades in your favorite podcast player.

Women bring something unique to the trades industry, to their customers, and to their employees. The female contractors who stand out most are the ones who are hungry to improve. In this episode, I chat with Desiree Grosman, Business Coach at Female Home Service Pros, about the 4 top challenges facing female owners in the trades. Here are some topics we highlight in the conversation: - The difficulty of money management - Gaining the respect of your employees - The dynamics of husband-wife partnerships - Why a rebrand can be super effective - Hire year-round by keeping a database of potential employees Check out these resources we mentioned: - Dan Antonelli: 10 Takeaways on Rebranding for Breakout Success - The E-Myth by Michael E. Gerber - Profit First by Mike Michalowicz - The Go-Giver by Bob Burg - The Contractor's Guide To Saving 30+ Hours Per Week If you want to hear more stories from the trades, subscribe to Toolbox for the Trades onApple Podcasts,Spotify, orhere. Listening on a desktop & can't see the links? Just search for Toolbox for the Trades in your favorite podcast player.

People become seriously sick, injured, or die because of conditions in buildings maintained by people doing work they shouldn't be doing. You may think it's rare, but it isn't. Look, experience doesn't necessarily mean skill. Skilled work requires education, proper training, and ongoing learning and development. A culture of learning is created by leaders who learn. In this episode, I chat with Willby Evans, Safety and Training Manager at Albuquerque Plumbing, Heating & Cooling, Inc., about how a focus on safety has increased learning and profits and saved lives. Here are some topics we highlight in the conversation: - Answering the calling to protect the public - Why experience doesn't equal skill - Leaders who set a culture of humility and learning - Willby's company's apprenticeship program - Strengthening your competitors with education Check out these resources we mentioned: - The National Center for Construction Education and Research - Leadership BS by Jeffrey Pfeiffer If you want to hear more stories from the trades, subscribe to Toolbox for the Trades onApple Podcasts,Spotify, orhere. Listening on a desktop & can't see the links? Just search for Toolbox for the Trades in your favorite podcast player.

There's no money for Christmas presents. We've got to try something — anything. Let's start a company.  Since its founding in 2017, Viva Electric has evolved from just three vehicles to three locations. Today's guest is the person with the vision for business growth and adaptation that has made the company what it is today: a family.   In this episode, I chat with Maegan Giler , COO and Co-Owner at Viva Electric , about orchestrating the explosive growth and change in her company.  Here are some topics we highlight in the conversation: - The origin story of Viva Electric as a construction company - Shared services with Griffin Brothers and mentorship - Behind the scenes of a COO's business development strategy - When employees are family - Why marketing is everything  Check out these resources we mentioned: Episode #17 with Vanessa Gonzalez   If you want to hear more stories from the trades, subscribe to Toolbox for the Trades on Apple Podcasts , Spotify , or here .  Listening on a desktop & can't see the links? Just search for Toolbox for the Trades in your favorite podcast player.

Being a solo dispatcher is like playing a huge game of chess every day. But the necessary skills for success change when you're a dispatch manager with six dispatchers under you.   So, how exactly does the role change when the dispatch team scales?  In this episode, I chat with Barbara Pfeiffer, Dispatch Manager at The Eco Plumbers , about the delightful complexity of scaling your dispatch team.  Here are some topics we highlight in the conversation: - The moment when Barbara realized she loves dispatching - Training new dispatchers in 3 languages on the job - The importance of ride alongs and technician relationships - Advice for improving dispatching at your business  Check out these resources we mentioned: - Episode 4 with Aar on Gaynor - The Advantage by Patrick L encioni  If you want to hear more stories from the trades, subscribe to Toolbox for the Trades on Apple Podcasts , Spotify , or here .  Listening on a desktop & can't see the links? Just search for Toolbox for the Trades in your favorite podcast player.

Play ball! It's a beautiful day for a podcast, folks. Today's is shaping up to be a barnburner. In this crackerjack episode, we break out the baseball wordplay as I chat with Margie Baker, Operations Manager at 1-Hour Heating, Ben Franklin Plumbing, and Mr. Sparky Electric, about how to attract more women and Gen Z/millennials to the trades. The bases are loaded with topics such as: The advantages of a Gen Z/millennial lineup Scouting talent and training technicians in-house Tips for handling communication curveballs and pitching a perfect dispatch game Hitting triples in customer experience - a win for the customer, a win for the technician, and a win for the company Why sales will have a better batting average if they learn to embrace the silences Extra innings (resources mentioned during the episode): Democracy in America by Alex de Toqueville The Power of Consistency by Weldon Long The Entrepreneur Roller Coaster by Darren Hardy In Praise of Difficult Women by Karen Karbo LadyTitans If you want to hear more stories from the trades, subscribe to Toolbox for the Trades on Apple Podcasts , Spotify , or here . Listening on a desktop & can't see the links? Just search for Toolbox for the Trades in your favorite podcast player.

You're a secretary for a little while, but you've been watching the technicians, and you want to give it a try. So you become an apprentice. You've been in the field for a little while, but you see a need to open a new location, and you write up a business proposal. So you become a general manager. As a GM, what's the key to your success? (Other than a phenomenal work ethic and passion for the industry.) Open-mindedness, especially in interviewing. This is the true story of this episode's guest, Samantha Salazar, General Manager at Rice Plumbing and Heating. Join us as we discuss: - Samantha's career journey from no industry experience to management - Expansion and opening a new location - How she interviews, hires, and trains - Candid experiences as a woman in the trades Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast: - Business coaches - Al Levi , Tommy Mello , and Ellen Rohr - Ellen's e-books If you want to hear more stories from the trades, subscribe to Toolbox for the Trades on Apple Podcasts , Spotify , or here. Listening on a desktop & can't see the links? Just search for Toolbox for the Trades in your favorite podcast player.

The way to unlock a lot of growth and scale your business is to stop being the funnel. Sometimes the owner believes everything has to go through me. A business coach will help build relationships, improve processes, and keep owners from becoming a bottleneck. In this episode, I interview a business coach and client about how their relationship has doubled business. Jim Corcoran is Head Coach at BDR , Tony Marmon is Owner at Trademark Mechanical , and they had amazing things to say about the coach-client relationship. Join us as we discuss: - How Jim moved from the field to coaching - When Tony recognized that he needed a coach - Jim and Tony's mutual trust and vulnerability - Which processes had to scale and which had to go - Why people leadership lies at the core of scaling Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast: Traction by Gino Wickman As a Man Thinketh by James Allen If you want to hear more stories from the trades, subscribe to Toolbox for the Trades on Apple Podcasts , Spotify , or here . Listening on a desktop & can't see the links? Just search for Toolbox for the Trades in your favorite podcast player.