Podcasts about Avoca

What. A. Show. Jessie sits in... we discuss TV shows. Then Joe in Avoca tells us his favorite places to pee. That call starts a greatest ever Joe in Avoca call debate Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

How Speed to Lead Unlocks More Revenue From Every Lead SourceMost contractors think they need more leads. According to Tyson Chen, co-founder of Avoca, most home service companies actually need a better system for capturing, contacting, and converting the leads they already have.In this episode, John Wilson sits down with Tyson Chen to break down the speed-to-lead systems that are helping home service companies double revenue, improve booking rates, and make channels like Angi, Yelp, Meta, Thumbtack, and Google LSA profitable. They discuss the exact follow-up cadence used by top-performing contractors, why most businesses leave revenue on the table, and how AI, outbound calling, and automation are changing lead conversion in the trades.They also explore how private equity-backed platforms are using speed-to-lead to create entirely new revenue streams, why response time directly impacts lead quality and platform rankings, and what contractors need to do to maximize ROI from every marketing channel.What You'll Learn:→ Why most home service companies don't actually have a lead problem → The speed-to-lead process that helps contractors convert more opportunities → Why calling leads beats relying on text messages alone → The ideal follow-up cadence for lead aggregators and paid leads → How AI and automation improve response times and booking rates → Why channels like Angi, Yelp, Meta, and Google LSA work when lead handling is done correctly————————————————

The small community of Ashippun in Dodge County is using farmland preservation tools to keep consistency as a part of land transition. Robert Guenther, dairy farmer and member of the Town of Ashippun Planning Commission says the community is facing increasing growth pressures, including recent applications for a private golf course and a solar energy farm. Ashippun's growth is largely driven by its location directly north of the rapidly growing village of Oconomowoc. Geunther says the community is learning just how expensive that growth can be. He says local studies have shown that every dollar collected in taxes on farmland costs the town about 75 cents in services, whereas every dollar collected from development land costs about $1.25 in municipal expenses. Ashippun currently operates under A1 and A2 zoning. A1 is prime farmland with highly restrictive rules, while A2 is less restrictive and includes over 70 different conditional use opportunities. Because the town of Ashippun is under Dodge County zoning, the local planning commission can only make recommendations while the county holds final approval power. A major point of contention regarding the incoming private golf course is its location directly across the street from a 400-cow dairy farm, which local leaders view as a conflicting land use. A conditional use permit for a proposed solar operation on A1 prime farmland was rejected by Dodge County after unanimous denial recommendations from both the Ashippun planning commission and the town board. Local leaders note that farmland preservation zoning is simply a different zoning district that controls land use. It is often confused with a 15-year state farmland preservation agreement, which is much more restrictive on landowner rights. We've got a hot, sticky week ahead with some measurable rain. Stu Muck spells out what to plan for. Weather did not deter the crowd from showing up Friday in Chippewa County for President Donald Trump and U.S. Ag Secretary, Brooke Rollins. Mid-West Farm Report's Bob Bosold was there. A round table was arranged so the president could hear directly from farmers on the issues they believe matter. One farmer that testified was Steve Rooney, owner/operator of Rooney Grain. He says the situation agriculture finds itself with monopolies is untenable. Rooney implored the president to look at ways to invest in producing things like fertilizer, seed and ag chem in more than one company. Multiple farms hosted throngs of visitors for June Dairy events over the weekend. That included Jody Miller from Miller Time Farms in Avoca. She talks with Pam Jahnke about why that kind of face-to-face interaction with consumers is so meaningful and important. Miller sits on the Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin board. She's also one of the persona that's been amplified through the "Born to Dairy" campaign. Miller is a "Barnyard Beautifier" who enjoys featuring flowers everywhere around her farmstead. She says portraying the proper visual message to consumers is important to her. Miller notes that a clean, well-kept farmstead lets consumers know that farmers care about their land, water and animals. Paid for by Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

To date, the hilarious campaign from Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin - "Born to Dairy" - has already racked up more than 10.5 million views, and counting! Today we’re joined by one of the stars of the campaign! Welcome, Jody Miller — also known as The Barnyard Beautifier! Jody and her family farm in Avoca at Miller Time Dairy. Currently they're planning to host the Iowa County Breakfast on the Farm, which is a perfect example of how Jody works to add beauty to the barnyard. Pam Jahnke visits with Miller about the excitement she feels with the "Born to Dairy" persona's and the messages they relay. Miller also believes that this platform is a wonderful way for dairy farmers to connect with consumers on a "real" level. For Miller, there's a lot of truth behind her "Barnyard Beautifer" persona. She cares deeply about the image her dairy operation portrays to the general public. She believes that it's a visual example of how much the family cares about what they do. Their devotion to taking care of their animals. Their focus on improving the soil and water they depend on today for the next generation. Miller is also proud of the other personalities involved in "Born to Dairy". She says the campaign shows that dairy farmers are real people with humor, creativity, traditions, and passions outside of the work itself. Dairy operators work incredibly hard, but she adds that they also know how to laugh at themselves a little. Which persona do you match with? Where's your next June Dairy Adventure? You can find all the answers at Wisconsin Dairy!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

During the early 20th century the portion of Avoca to the east of Interstate 81, near the Wilkes-Barre Scranton International Airport, was a mining community known as Brown's Patch. Like most mining patches among the anthracite fields of Pennsylvania, Brown's Patch was home to many struggling, impoverished families. In the 1920s, one such family who called Brown's Patch home was the Castners, who occupied a small, one-story house on Dawson Street. It was inside this house where one of the most gruesome murders in the history of Luzerne County occurred.

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Our Byron Community, Chris sits down with Mel McPherson for a deeply personal conversation about adventure, reinvention, creativity, and finding belonging.Growing up on Sydney's Northern Beaches before moving through Avoca and eventually Byron Bay, Mel reflects on the chapters that shaped her life — from boarding school and film school to working alongside legendary surf filmmaker Jack McCoy on Blue Horizon, and building a career behind the camera across television, surf films, adventure productions and international events.Mel also shares stories from her years competing in surf boat rowing, winning four Australian titles, and explains how surf club culture gave her a lifelong sense of community and connection.The conversation explores much deeper themes too — leaving behind the life she thought she was “supposed” to want, navigating heartbreak and major life changes, choosing a different path, and ultimately finding a place in Byron where individuality, creativity and intuition could thrive.Chris and Mel also dive into her passion for restoring old homes, including the remarkable transformation of a century-old abandoned farmhouse "Longfield" in the Byron hinterland that many locals knew as the “haunted house on the hill.”An honest, thoughtful and inspiring conversation about trusting intuition, embracing change, and creating a life that feels truly authentic.

Most home service companies still treat the call center like an expense. That is a mistake. In this episode of Can't Stop the Growth, Chad Peterman sits down with Avoca's Tyson Chen to break down why the call center should be treated like a true revenue driver. From booking rate clarity to missed daytime opportunities, after-hours overflow, membership conversion, and smarter coaching, this conversation is packed with practical insight for HVAC, plumbing, and trade leaders who want to stop losing revenue they never even knew they had. This episode is especially valuable for owners, GMs, call center managers, and operators preparing for peak season and trying to maximize every lead that comes through the door. Additional Resources: Connect with Tyson Chen Learn more about Avoca Subscribe to CSTG on YouTube! Connect with Chad on LinkedIn Chad Peterman | CEO | Author Learn more about the Peterman Brothers Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn Learn more about PeopleForward Network Key Takeaways: Your call center is not overhead Know your real booking rate After-hours is a major revenue leak Missed calls reveal bigger operational problems Coaching needs more than a few sampled calls Input metrics drive output metrics Memberships increase commitment Operations and call center must stay aligned

Joining us for our first interview of 2026 is Milly McPherson. We first spoke to the Sydney artist last year following the release of her stunning debut album Avoca. In this episode, we catch up on the mood of Milly and her band as they embark on their biggest tour to date. We also cover the many hats Milly has worn in the last ten months as she's taken her art to new places and collaborated with a huge range of talented creators. Keep an ear out for a mention of new music, too. Thanks for listening! Be sure to subscribe for more content.Follow Milly McPherson hereSupport us on Patreon ⁠here⁠Follow Homebrewed on ⁠Instagram⁠Like Homebrewed on ⁠Facebook⁠Watch our content on ⁠YouTube⁠Check out our Spotify Playlists ⁠here⁠Catch up on everything ⁠Homebrewed⁠This episode was recorded on Darkinjung Land. Thanks to Sonora Studios in Tuggerah for sponsoring this episode. Check out Jack Nigro's awesome space, and let him know Homebrewed sent you!Homebrewed is a podcast dedicated to supporting the Australian Music Industry. Cameron Smith and Eamonn Snow have been presenting Homebrewed since November 2017 and have received excellence awards and the admiration of local bands for their presentation of Homebrewed and their continued support of the Australian music scene. This podcast is designed so you can enjoy conversations with musicians, industry representatives and music media personalities.Mentioned in this episode:Thanks to Sonora Studios in Tuggerah for sponsoring this episode. Check out Jack Nigro's awesome space, and let him know Homebrewed sent you!

Is AI actually changing home services… or just hype?In this episode of Owned and Operated, John Wilson sits down with Tyson Chen (Founder of Avoca) to break down how AI is actually being deployed inside home service businesses right now—and why the gap between operators is widening fast.From contractors building their own tools to PE-backed companies unlocking millions in efficiency, this episode cuts through the noise and gets practical.What we cover: Why contractors are rapidly deploying AI across their businesses  The rise of “AI-native” operators (and why they scale faster)  Real use cases: dispatch, call center, marketing, and capacity planning  Where AI drives the biggest ROI (and where it breaks) If you're trying to scale, improve margins, or stay competitive as AI adoption accelerates—this episode will reshape how you think about your business.Host: John Wilson https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnbwilson1/ Guest: Tyson Chen https://www.avoca.ai/partners/oaoShout Out to FieldPulse

Manipulează Donald Trump piețele? Este întrebarea care a apărut ieri după analizele publicate de „Financial Times” și agenția de știri „Bloomberg”. Mai exact, luni, 23 martie a.c., cu un sfert de oră înainte ca președintele american să anunțe o veste bună referitoare la războiul din Orientul Mijlociu, pe piața de mărfuri s-au înregistrat mii de contracte, un volum mult mai mare decât cel obișnuit. Rezultatul declarației președintelui american a fost o scădere accentuată a prețului țițeiului, exact ceea ce anticipau tranzacțiile încheiate cu 15 minute înainte. Conform publicației „Financial Times”, pe bursele de mărfuri, luni 23 martie a.c., timp de două minute, între orele 6:49 și 6:50 (ora Washingtonului), s-au realizat tranzacții de 580 milioane de dolari, adică aproximativ 6.000 de contracte, ceea ce a însemnat, cantitativ, că au fost tranzacționate șase milioane de barili de țiței Brent și WTI. Agenția „Bloomberg” a precizat că în ultimele cinci sesiuni de tranzacționare volumul a fost de 700.000 de barili, adică de aproape nouă ori mai puțin decât în cele două minute de luni, 23 martie a.c. După 15 minute de la aceste tranzacții, Donald Trump a publicat o postare pe rețeaua sa socială în care se menționa că au avut loc discuții cu Iranul care vor duce la dezamorsarea crizei, iar piața a răspuns rapid, prețul barilului de țiței a scăzut imediat cu 14%, iar prețul acțiunilor unor companii americane și europene a făcut un salt. Economistul Paul Krugman, laureat al premiului Nobel, a declarat mass-media că există o explicație evidentă și anume o persoană apropiată de Donald Trump îi cunoștea intențiile și a exploatat aceste informații pentru a obține profituri substanțiale și rapide. Dar, oare, este vorba despre cineva apropiat de Donald Trump sau în cauză se află chiar președintele? Krugman precizează că nu este pentru prima dată când se întâmplă o situație de acest gen. Economistul reamintește mișcările suspecte înregistrate pe platforma de predicții Polymarket înainte de operațiunea SUA din Venezuela și de atacul asupra Iranului. Un trader a explicat pentru AFP că dincolo de volumul mare al tranzacțiilor este izbitor momentul în care acestea au avut loc. Când o poziție de piață se schimbă cu câteva minute înainte de un anunț care mișcă bursele înseamnă că există cineva care are informații confidențiale. Piața petrolului este un mediu foarte închis. Nu este vorba doar despre traderi care tranzacționează cantități viitoare, futures, ci despre un ecosistem format din companii petroliere, armatori și guverne, toți operând pe canale informaționale interconectate. Analistul de piață nu exclude ca mișcările să fi fost făcute de o companie petrolieră importantă. Cert este că la câteva ore după anunțul făcut de Donald Trump și după ce tranzacțiile au avut loc, președintele Parlamentului iranian a negat orice negocieri cu Statele Unite. Ne-am obișnuit ca autoritatea americană privind securitatea piețelor financiare, SEC, să fie foarte atentă cu manipularea pieței și cu eventuala folosire a unor informații privilegiate. Doar că despre situația de luni, 23 martie a.c., nu știm dacă autoritatea americană va declanșa o investigație care va merge până la capăt. Chiar la sfârșitul săptămânii trecute a mai apărut un caz de acest fel în care în centrul atenției este Elon Musk. Astfel, un juriu federal din San Francisco a decis că Elon Musk a înșelat acționarii Twitter în timpul procesului de achiziție a rețelei sociale. Avocații omului de afaceri au anunțat că vor face apel. Mai exact, două tweet-uri publicate de șeful Tesla în luna mai 2022 conțineau declarații false care au dus la scăderea prețului acțiunilor rețelei sociale. Daunele pricinuite acționarilor ar fi de 2,6 miliarde de dolari, conform avocaților reclamanților, dar suma nu este recunoscută și nici stabilită de tribunalul din San Francisco. Atât în cazul Donald Trump, cât și în cel al lui Elon Musk este greu de crezut că a fost doar întâmplarea. Mai degrabă a funcționat manipularea, dar totul rămâne de dovedit.

Ireland and castles go hand in hand. With thousands scattered across the island, it can feel like there's one around every bend in the road. The real challenge isn't finding castles in Ireland — it's deciding which ones to add to your itinerary. Barbican Gate Rock of Dunamase, County Laois, Ireland This article is based on the Traveling in Ireland podcast, episode 331. Use the player below to listen or scroll to continue reading the article and get resource links. No matter the type of travel you enjoy—or the type of transportation you're using—you'll find castles that easily fit into your trip. With more than 30,000 castles and castle ruins scattered across Ireland, the real challenge isn't finding them… it's deciding which ones make sense for your route and the time you have. That's exactly the kind of planning the Ireland Travel Compass is designed to help with. It brings attractions and accommodations together geographically, helps you see what fits well together, and makes it much easier to build an itinerary that actually works. And if you'd like a simple way to start thinking about your own itinerary, I've created a resource that walks you through my TRIP framework – a straightforward way to avoid the most common Ireland planning mistakes and build a trip that feels manageable and enjoyable. 10 Castles in Ireland Worth Visiting With thousands of castles scattered across Ireland, choosing which ones to visit can feel a bit overwhelming. Here are a few of my favorite castles in Ireland—and why they stand out. Rock of Dunamase (County Laois) – The Dramatic Castle Ruin Rock of Dunamase may be one of the most atmospheric castle ruins in Ireland. The site dates back to the 9th century when it served as a stronghold of the Kings of Laois. The ruins visitors see today sit on top of a massive rocky outcrop and were largely destroyed during Cromwell's invasion in 1650. Even in ruin, the location tells you why it mattered: the views stretch for miles across the countryside. Traveler tips: Free OPW-managed site Rarely crowded Easy detour when traveling between Dublin and Kilkenny Short walk up to the ruins with sweeping views Driving through narrow country roads and farmland to reach it only adds to the experience. Lawn games in front of Malahide Castle : Crack the whip.By Aoife for Flytographer; Dublin, Ireland. All rights reserved. Malahide Castle (County Dublin) – The Fairy Tale Castle Just 10 minutes from Dublin Airport, Malahide Castle is a perfect first stop after arriving in Ireland. The castle itself offers fascinating guided tours led by engaging storytellers who bring the Talbot family history to life. But the estate offers far more than the castle alone. Visitors can enjoy: Extensive parklands perfect for stretching your legs after a flight Walled gardens A fairy trail Butterfly house Dining at Avoca café The grounds are partly free to explore, while the gardens and castle tour require tickets. During busy months (May–September), it's smart to pre-book the castle tour. Malahide is also very easy to reach from Dublin city center by DART or bus, making it a great half-day excursion. Looking for more day trips from Dublin? Click Here! Bunratty Castle beyond Durty Nellie's Bunratty Castle (County Clare) – The Irish Tower House Experience If you want to understand the most common type of castle in Ireland, Bunratty Castle is the perfect example. Tower houses — tall, four-story defensive structures — once dotted the Irish landscape. Bunratty is considered the most completely restored example in the country. Visitors can explore: Dungeon levels Narrow spiral staircases Battlements with views over the countryside Surrounding the castle is Bunratty Folk Park, a 26-acre living history village that showcases historic Irish homes and daily life. Highlights include: Traditional farmhouses and cottages Costumed interpreters A recreated village with shops, schoolhouse, and pub Bunratty is also famous for its medieval banquet experience, held year-round. These dinners are extremely popular, so booking well in advance is highly recommended. Kilkenny Castle viewed from the parklands Kilkenny Castle (County Kilkenny) – Ireland's Castle Palace Unlike many defensive castles, Kilkenny Castle evolved into a grand aristocratic residence. Originally built as a fortress, it was transformed over centuries by the Butler family — Earls and later Dukes of Ormond — who held the castle for more than 600 years. Today visitors will find: Elegant reception rooms Decorative plasterwork ceilings Large windows overlooking parkland Formal gardens The castle sits in the center of Kilkenny City, surrounded by roughly 50 acres of parkland that locals still use for picnics, sports, and relaxing on sunny days. Kilkenny Castle is an OPW managed site. Tickets are available on site, and advance booking is rarely necessary. Learn about the OPW Heritage Card – the best deal in Irish history Cahir Castle along the River Suir Cahir Castle (County Tipperary) – The Norman Stronghold Cahir Castle is one of the largest and best-preserved Norman castles in Ireland. Set on the River Suir, the fortress features massive stone walls, towers, and defensive structures typical of Norman military design. Visitors can: Climb the tower Explore defensive passages Stand beneath the working portcullis Look for cannonballs embedded in the walls Guided tours are included with admission and provide fascinating insight into how these massive defensive castles operated. Despite its impressive size, Cahir Castle often sees surprisingly small crowds, making it a rewarding stop between other popular attractions like the Rock of Cashel and Blarney Castle. Leap Castle Photo credit: Mike Searle, CC BY-SA 2.0 Leap Castle (County Offaly) – Ireland's Haunted Castle Leap Castle is often called the most haunted castle in Ireland. Built in the late 15th century, the castle is tied to dark legends and family power struggles. The castle chapel is known as the “Bloody Chapel,” named after a violent incident during a rivalry between brothers. During restoration work in the early 20th century, a hidden dungeon filled with human remains was reportedly discovered. Leap Castle is privately owned and lived in by musician Sean Ryan, who has carried out much of the restoration work. Visits are possible, but only by appointment, so travelers must contact the owner ahead of time to arrange a tour. Dunluce Castle on the Causeway Coast Dunluce Castle (County Antrim) – The Dramatic Cliffside Castle Few castles in Ireland match the dramatic setting of Dunluce Castle along the Causeway Coast. The ruins sit right on the edge of towering Atlantic cliffs, creating one of the most photographed castle locations in Ireland. Visitors can explore: Ruins of the castle keep Clifftop viewpoints Visitor center exhibits about the castle's history The castle itself is impressive, but the surrounding views may be even more memorable. Two particularly stunning viewpoints include: The bend in the road east of the castle, where it suddenly appears in front of you Magheracross viewpoint west of the castle, offering a sweeping coastal perspective Bring a jacket — the winds here are often strong even on calm days. Ireland's Best Castle Hotels Ashford Castle viewed from the gardens Ashford Castle (County Mayo) – The Luxury Castle Stay For travelers dreaming of staying in a castle, Ashford Castle delivers a truly luxurious experience. Once owned by the Guinness family, the estate now consistently ranks among the best hotels in Ireland. Activities on the estate include: Falconry Golf Horseback riding Boat tours on Lough Corrib Gardens and woodland walks Afternoon tea is particularly popular and should be reserved ahead of time. Ashford Castle works best as a destination stay rather than a touring base — there is so much to experience on the estate that most guests prefer to stay at least two nights. Access to the estate is restricted to guests or visitors with reservations. Lough Eske Castle from the guest car park Lough Eske Castle (County Donegal) – A Relaxing Castle Retreat Lough Eske Castle offers a luxurious but peaceful castle experience surrounded by the landscapes of County Donegal. The focus here is relaxation rather than packed schedules. Highlights include: Spacious rooms Beautiful lake and woodland setting A highly regarded spa Fine dining and afternoon tea Unlike some castle hotels, Lough Eske also works well as a touring base. Nearby excursions include: Slieve League Cliffs Glencolmcille Scenic drives along Donegal's coast Families will appreciate that the hotel offers interconnecting rooms — something not commonly found in castle accommodations. Approaching Kinnity Castle Kinnitty Castle (County Offaly) – The Most Authentic Castle Stay For travelers who want a castle experience that feels historic and intimate, Kinnitty Castle is a wonderful option. Unlike many castle hotels that have been extensively modernized, Kinnitty retains much of its traditional character. The baronial rooms at the top of the castle feature exposed stone and wood, creating the feeling of being a guest in a historic residence. Activities nearby include: Horseback riding Archery Hill walking in the Slieve Bloom Mountains Guests can also visit nearby attractions like Birr Castle and Gardens. Inside the castle, the Dungeon Bar is a memorable spot for a meal, while the Library Bar is perfect for relaxing by the fire with a drink. One practical tip: there is no elevator, so pack lightly if you're staying on the upper floors. No matter how you choose to explore Ireland, castles have a way of connecting you to the country's history, its stories, and sometimes even its legends. And with so many scattered across the island, chances are you'll find at least one – or several – that fit perfectly into your trip. The post 10 Castles in Ireland to Inspire Your Trip appeared first on Ireland Family Vacations.

In tonight's dead letter, a routine hike along a converted railroad bed transforms into a standoff with the inexplicable for Patron and Listener Zed. Standing in an open clearing along the path is a solitary, towering object that seems to possibly be a tree, but for some reason it's hard to tell. When Zed and his hiking partner attempt to rationalize the sight, they are met not with answers, but with a wave of paralyzing dread and the distinct impression that the object is aware of them.Reference LinksWadhams to Avoca Trail | Michigan TrailsThe Van Meter Monster - Astonishing LegendsMantis Men - Astonishing LegendsIndrid Cold (The Smiling Man) - Cryptid WikiCommunion (1989) - IMDbWe're looking for more stories! Send your Dead Letter to deadletteroffice@astonishinglegends.com

Melbourne Hopak is part of the Lehenda Film series. The origins of Lehenda's film series can be traced back to the global Covid-19 lockdowns—a time when theatres were dark, stages silent, and traditional forms of cultural expression temporarily out of reach. Faced with the absence of live performance, we turned to film as a new medium to preserve and express our identity as Australian Ukrainians. What motivated you to make this film? The idea for the Lehenda film series was born in during the Covid-19 lockdowns—a time when theatres were dark, stages silent, and our traditional forms of cultural expression temporarily out of reach. Being based in Melbourne, which was said to be the most locked down city in the world we turned to film as a new medium to preserve and express our identity as Australian Ukrainians. Our first project emerged from the golden wheat fields of Avoca, Victoria—a quiet yet powerful setting that echoed our connection to land, heritage, and memory. What began as a necessity quickly evolved into something much deeper: a cinematic exploration of who we are, and what it means to carry Ukrainian culture in an Australian landscape. Moved by the response to that initial work, we expanded our vision. We chose to reimagine Hopak, Ukraine's most iconic and spirited dance, within the urban heart of Melbourne. This contrast between the rural and the metropolitan, between tradition and reinterpretation, became the cornerstone of our approach. These films are not just documents of performance—they are cultural artefacts. They preserve memory, convey identity, and explore the dualities that shape our diasporic experience. From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you to make this film? We revisited the idea when we were in a bit of a creative slump earlier this year (2025) and we filmed it in late June. A lot of the pre work we had done in 2021 when we tried to film it, but the COVID restrictions still didn't allow us too. We ended up starting with a rural piece which was achievable at the time, and we picked up where we left off with this film in April this year. ---- Subscribe to the podcast: https://twitter.com/wildsoundpod https://www.instagram.com/wildsoundpod https://www.facebook.com/wildsoundpod

Live from Pantheon, John sits down with RJ Magee (Sierra) and Tyson Chen (Avoca AI) to talk about the future of technology in home service — from AI call centers to multi-location growth and ServiceTitan integration.RJ shares how Sierra grew to 6 companies across 5 states through strategic acquisitions, while Tyson explains how Avoca's AI agents are transforming call centers — booking jobs, handling overflow, and integrating directly with CRMs.They unpack what it really takes to expand across geographies, standardize technology stacks, manage ServiceTitan instances, and build a culture that embraces change. If you're scaling locations, integrating new tech, or curious about how AI can actually work in the trades — this one's a playbook.

Long hold times, missed calls, and frustrated customers are growth killers in the trades. In this episode, Chad sits down with Tyson Chen of Avoca and Matt Pozda of Call Dad to talk about how AI is transforming the way service companies handle call volume, book jobs, and keep CSRs motivated. They break down how trades leaders can strategically use AI to reduce turnover, increase booking rates, and keep technicians focused on high-value opportunities. More importantly, they show why AI isn't about replacing people—it's about optimizing them. From overcoming skepticism about customer experience, to training AI agents like team members, to leveraging data for smarter scheduling, this episode will challenge how you think about growth in HVAC, plumbing, and beyond.

Dometic -Campfire Season Presents... Get Gorn: Campfire Surfing Adventure chats with Wade Carmichael (Get your Camping Base Camp Sorted Here!) We sit down in the great outdoors with power surfing Avoca Jesus Wade Carmichael for a fireside chat and relive some of his greatest surfing sojourns! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

 In this episode of Owned and Operated, we're digging into what it really takes to lead a growing home service business. From SOPs to scaling strategies, we're spotlighting the habits and leadership traits that drive operational clarity and empower teams.We're joined by Brandon Niro, who shares how his role evolved since joining the company in 2019—navigating growth from 30 to over 60 employees, integrating acquisitions, and shifting from tactical execution to strategic coaching and development.Whether you're a team lead or an operator scaling fast, this episode offers actionable insights into building systems, coaching talent, and creating autonomy inside a service business.

In this episode of Owned and Operated, we're diving into innovative lead generation strategies that are reshaping how home service companies attract local customers. From niche local newsletters to AI-powered tools, we cover real-world tactics that are working right now.We explore how hyperlocal publications in places like Annapolis, Maryland and suburban New York are driving leads for services like power washing and home inspections—and why owning your communication channels (email lists, Facebook groups) is a game-changer.Whether you're just starting or scaling up, this episode will give you actionable insights on using community engagement, AI tools like Avoca, and Facebook group sponsorships to fill your pipeline and take control of your local market.

This is a "Shortcut" episode. It's a shortened version of this week's more detailed full episode, which is also available on our feed.Content Warning: This episode contains depictions of child sexual assault. Please find below the contact details for some support services.Guest host Dr. Xanthé Mallett speaks with veteran radio journalist Dee Dee Dunleavy about her new podcast, The Boy in the Goldmine. The series investigates the 1975 disappearance of 12-year-old Terry Floyd in Avoca, Victoria.The podcast features interviews with Terry's brother Daryl, who has spent decades searching for answers, and former homicide detective Charlie Bezzina, who joined the case as a private investigator in 2011.You can donate to Daryl Floyd's search efforts here.The Boy in the Goldmine is available wherever you listen to your podcasts, and you can also follow the investigation on their Instagram and Facebook.Click here to subscribe to ATC Plus on Apple Podcasts and access all ATC episodes early and ad-free, as well as exclusive bonus episodes. Join our Facebook Group here.Do you have information regarding any of the cases discussed on this podcast? Please report it on the Crime Stoppers website or by calling 1800 333 000.For Support: Lifeline  on 13 11 1413 YARN on 13 92 76 (24/7 crisis support phone line for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples)1800RESPECT: 1800 737 732Blue Knot Helpline: 1300 657 380CREDITS:Guest Host: Dr. Xanthé MallettGuest: Dee Dee DunleavyExecutive Producer/Editor: Matthew TankardGET IN TOUCH:https://www.australiantruecrimethepodcast.com/Follow the show on Instagram @australiantruecrimepodcast and Facebook Send us a question to have played on the show by recording a voice message here.Email the show at AusTrueCrimePodcast@gmail.com  Become a subscriber to Australian True Crime Plus here: https://plus.acast.com/s/australiantruecrime. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Content Warning: This episode contains depictions of child sexual assault. Please find below the contact details for some support services.Guest host Dr. Xanthé Mallett speaks with veteran radio journalist Dee Dee Dunleavy about her new podcast, The Boy in the Goldmine. The series investigates the 1975 disappearance of 12-year-old Terry Floyd in Avoca, Victoria. The podcast features interviews with Terry's brother Daryl, who has spent decades searching for answers, and former homicide detective Charlie Bezzina, who joined the case as a private investigator in 2011.The Boy in the Goldmine is available wherever you listen to your podcasts, and you can also follow the investigation on their Instagram and Facebook.Click here to subscribe to ATC Plus on Apple Podcasts and access all ATC episodes early and ad-free, as well as exclusive bonus episodes. Join our Facebook Group here.Do you have information regarding any of the cases discussed on this podcast? Please report it on the Crime Stoppers website or by calling 1800 333 000.For Support: Lifeline  on 13 11 1413 YARN on 13 92 76 (24/7 crisis support phone line for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples)1800RESPECT: 1800 737 732Blue Knot Helpline: 1300 657 380CREDITS:Guest Host: Dr. Xanthé MallettGuest: Dee Dee DunleavyExecutive Producer/Editor: Matthew TankardGET IN TOUCH:https://www.australiantruecrimethepodcast.com/Follow the show on Instagram @australiantruecrimepodcast and Facebook Send us a question to have played on the show by recording a voice message here.Email the show at AusTrueCrimePodcast@gmail.com  Become a subscriber to Australian True Crime Plus here: https://plus.acast.com/s/australiantruecrime. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Learn how to automate tasks, save time, and increase your profit. No Coding required!

Learn how to automate tasks, save time, and increase your profit. No Coding required!

Learn how to automate tasks, save time, and increase your profit. No Coding required!

Curious how AI is transforming the way home service businesses handle customer calls and convert leads? In this episode of Owned and Operated, John sits down with Rafi, from Avoca—an innovative voice AI platform purpose-built for the trades. Together, they dive deep into how AI is reshaping call center operations, reducing reliance on human CSRs, and boosting conversion rates across the board.From 24/7 call answering to real-time customer interaction, Avoca is helping businesses from $2M to $100M scale more efficiently while cutting costs and minimizing lost leads. Rafi shares the strategy behind successful AI implementation, stressing the importance of starting small, refining workflows, and scaling with confidence.Plus, we explore other high-impact AI tools for home service businesses, like in-field technician coaching and automated dispatching—offering a glimpse into the future of operational excellence in the trades.

Learn how to automate tasks, save time, and increase your profit. No Coding required!

Learn how to automate tasks, save time, and increase your profit.No coding required!

Learn how to automate tasks, save time, and increase your profit. No coding required! 

Learn how to automate tasks, save time, and increase your profit. No coding required!

Looking to grow your towing business or break into the towing industry? In this episode, Jack Carr hosts Matt Saskin from East Coast Towing to explore proven towing business strategies, effective growth tactics, and the latest towing industry trends. Matt shares his unique journey from a tech background to becoming a successful towing company owner, covering topics like AI-powered call center solutions with Avoca, consensual vs. non-consensual towing, and much more.In this in-depth conversation, we discuss how Matt has successfully optimized towing operations, scaled his towing business, and leveraged acquisitions to accelerate growth. They also analyze a towing business listing to reveal essential valuation tips and common pitfalls in buying towing companies. The episode concludes with a comprehensive look at the fragmented towing market and the potential for industry consolidation in the future.Whether you're in the towing business, auto services, or any service business, this episode is a must-watch for business scaling, towing acquisitions, and operational optimization to ensure long-term business success.

Learn how to automate tasks, save time, and increase your profit.No coding required!

Billabong & Sun Bum Presents... Crunch Time! ATS Live from Surfaris in Crescent Head with Matt Wilko, Gosford Grug Wade Carmichael and Independent Candidate for Cowper Caz Heise The Federal Election is upon us and we're touring the country whacking on town hall style meetings with legends, corelords, activists and independent MP's who are willing to stand up and demand the best out of this reptile influenced democracy for the sake of a better future for ALL SWELLIANS! Surf banter with a side of truth speak for those of you who actually wanna use your vote to instigate positive change.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Learn how to automate tasks, save time, and increase your profit. No coding required!

Learn how to automate tasks, save time, and increase your profit. No coding required!

Learn how to automate tasks, save time, and increase your profit. No coding required!

Learn how to automate tasks, save time, and increase your profit. No coding required!

Learn how to automate tasks, save time, and increase your profit. No coding required!

Tyson Chen from Avoca is back to break down how AI is changing the game for home service call centers.We dive into Avoca's AI tools—like Coach for CSR training and Responder for automated call handling—that have helped us book more jobs while cutting costs. We also get into the real challenges of bringing AI into traditional call centers and what's coming next in the AI space. If you want to know how AI can boost efficiency and improve customer service, this episode is packed with insights.Special Thanks to AvocaLooking to train your call center and improve technician performance? Avoca AI is here to help your team identify existing issues, improve call quality, and drive results from start to finish. Click here to schedule a demo: https://calendly.com/d/cp54-9jr-nht/avoca-ai-demo?month=2025-01Special Thanks to ModernizeWe've been using Modernize them for our water quality leads, and it's been smooth sailing from day one.  If you're serious about boosting your leads, definitely check them out: https://modernize.com/pros/leads?utm_campaign=owned-podcastEpisode Hosts:

Welcome to the Service Business Mastery Podcast! Visit our website for more episodes and insights! www.servicebusinessmastery.com In this episode, recorded live at Business Uncensored Event in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Hosts Tersh Blissett and Joshua Crouch are joined by Zac Garside, Founder of "Done-For-You Email Marketing." They explore the evolving landscape of email marketing within the Service Industry, addressing current trends, challenges, and the critical role of adapting email strategies to Market Changes.

We cover the start of the great snowstorm of 2025 in NWA. We take a few calls, including a snow day report from Joe in Avoca.

Welcome to the Service Business Mastery Podcast! Visit our website for more episodes and insights! www.servicebusinessmastery.com In this episode, Recorded live at Business Uncensored 2024, hosts Tersh Blissett and Joshua Crouch sit down with Danielle Putnam and Suzanne Wedeven from The New Flat Rate team. They discuss industry trends, challenges, and the importance of pricing strategy adjustments to cope with market shifts.

Welcome to the Service Business Mastery Podcast! Visit our website for more episodes and insights! www.servicebusinessmastery.com In this insightful episode, recorded at the Nexstar Event in Orlando, Florida, hosts Tersh Blissett and Joshua Crouch engage with Leah Paige, a customer experience coach with Nexstar. Leah shares her expertise on leadership and coaching within the service industry. They explore the significant impact of embracing failures and learning from them, the integration of AI and automation into service business practices, and the personal anecdotes that highlight the transformative power of personal development on professional success. Leah also highlights the role of NexTeams by Nexstar, a platform that connects coaches and members, fostering collaboration, learning, and continuous growth in a dynamic environment. In this episode, here's what you can expect to learn:  The crucial role of personalized coaching and embracing failures in leadership development. Strategies for integrating AI and automation to enhance customer and employee experiences How personal growth directly influences professional performance and service delivery. If you enjoy the episode, please don't hesitate to leave us a review (5 stars preferably

Welcome to the Service Business Mastery Podcast! Visit our website for more episodes and insights! www.servicebusinessmastery.com   In this episode, recorded at the Nexstar Super Meeting in Orlando, Florida, hosts Tersh Blissett and Joshua Crouch chat with Mark Paup, owner of Golden Rule Plumbing, Heating, Cooling, and Electrical. They explore how AI and automation are revolutionizing the trades industry. ⚙️

Welcome to the Service Business Mastery Podcast! Visit our website for more episodes and insights! www.servicebusinessmastery.com In this episode, hosts Tersh Blissett and Joshua Crouch are joined by Tyson Chen, Co-Founder of Avoca AI, to discuss how technology is transforming the service industry.

Welcome to the Service Business Mastery Podcast! Visit our website for more episodes and insights! www.servicebusinessmastery.com In this episode, host Tersh Blissett is joined by Boris Valkov, CEO of Lace, and Dave Schmidt, Director of Operations at Frederick Air, to explore the transformative impact of AI in the service industry.

Welcome to the Service Business Mastery Podcast! Visit our website for more episodes and insights! www.servicebusinessmastery.com In this episode, hosts Tersh Blissett and Joshua Crouch are joined by Billy Stevens, founder of Sera Systems and a pioneer in revolutionizing the service industry.

Welcome to the Service Business Mastery Podcast! Visit our website for more episodes and insights! www.servicebusinessmastery.com In this episode, hosts Tersh Blissett and Joshua Crouch are joined by Kevin LeSage, CEO of SearchLight and Jonathan Torrey, Director of Marketing at SearchLight. A cutting-edge analytics platform for the service industry.

Welcome to the Service Business Mastery Podcast! Visit our website for more episodes and insights! www.servicebusinessmastery.com In this insightful episode, hosts Tersh Blissett and Joshua Crouch are joined by financial expert Ruth King to tackle one of the most pressing challenges for contractors: mastering the financial side of their business. Ruth, an accomplished author, speaker, and advisor, shares practical strategies to improve profitability, manage overhead, and avoid common mistakes that can cost your business dearly. If you've ever struggled to understand your finances or wondered how to make your business more profitable, this episode is for you. Ruth provides clear, actionable advice that you can implement immediately to start seeing results. She also provides a two-day, on-site training program “Building Profit and Wealth School”.    Register Now: https://keap.page/rk139/building-profit-and-wealth.html   In this episode, here's what you can expect to learn:  Why billable hours are the cornerstone of revenue generation for contractors. How to avoid the most common financial mistakes that could cost your business thousands. The role of inventory management in boosting business valuation and ensuring accurate financial reporting. Practical tips for calculating overhead costs and net profit per billable hour. How to design a maintenance program that is profitable and sustainable.   If you enjoy the episode, please don't hesitate to leave us a review (5 stars preferably

Welcome to the Service Business Mastery Podcast! Visit our website for more episodes and insights! www.servicebusinessmastery.com In this episode, hosts Tersh Blissett and Joshua Crouch are joined by Tommy Mello, founder of A1 Garage Door Service  at the Home Service Freedom Event 2024. Tommy is a recognized leader in the home service industry.

Welcome to the Service Business Mastery Podcast! Visit our website for more episodes and insights! www.servicebusinessmastery.comIn this episode, hosts Tersh Blissett and Joshua Crouch sit down with Boris Valkov, Co-Founder & CEO of Lace, live from the Service World Expo 2024 in Orlando, to explore how AI is revolutionizing service-based businesses.

Todays show: Sunny joins Jason to dive into all things AI, including: utilizing ChatGPT for efficiency and quick answers (7:03, the future of AI applications and Claude demo (12:47), Flux demo (36:56). Runway Gen-3 Alpha (41:13), and new Jam with JCal with Tyce Herrman of Ulama. * Timestamps: (0:00) Sunny joins Jason to jump in to AI demos. (1:24) Sundeep Madra on AI market trends and consumer adoption (3:31) AI-native interns and AI's role in career trajectories (7:03) Utilizing ChatGPT for efficiency and quick answers (10:11) Squarespace - Use offer code TWIST to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain at http://www.Squarespace.com/TWIST (12:47) Future of AI applications and Claude demo (19:44) LinkedIn Jobs - Post your first job for free at https://www.linkedin.com/twist (20:56) Operating systems and AI integration (22:20) Grok for real-time information and AI images of public figures (25:14) AI-generated content concerns and parody vs misinformation (30:12) Linear - Streamline issues, projects, and product roadmaps in a tool your team will actually enjoy using. Get 25% off at https://linear.app/twist (31:07) AI's impact on the 2024 election and content regulation (36:56) Introduction to Flux and demo of AI-generated images (41:13) AI's potential misuse in elections and Runway ML's new model (44:00) Creativity, fan films, and real-time editing advancements in AI (51:13) AI platforms for service industries and Mastertech AI applications (57:22) Funding opportunities for startups and closing remarks (1:01:55) Jam with JCal! Ulama introduction and software overview (1:04:34) AI in code compliance and architect feedback (1:07:45) Challenges in launching a standalone product and market potential (1:12:27) Strategies for architectural firm integration and marketing strategies * Subscribe to This Week in Startups on Apple: https://rb.gy/v19fcp * LINKS: Check out Grok 2.0: https://x.com/i/grok Check out Flux: https://replicate.com/black-forest-labs/flux-pro @RyanMorrisonJer's tweet about Midjourney and Flux: https://x.com/ryanmorrisonjer/status/1822637652501319684?s=42 Check out Runway Gen-3 Alpha: https://runwayml.com/research/introducing-gen-3-alpha Check out Avoca: https://www.avoca.ai/ Check out MasterTech AI: https://www.mastertech.ai/ Check out the Jam with JCal contest: https://jamwithjcal.tech/ Check out Ulama: https://www.ulama.tech/ * Follow Sunny: X: https://twitter.com/sundeep LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sundeepm * Follow Tyce: X: https://x.com/tycecycle LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tyceherrman/ * Follow Jason: X: https://twitter.com/Jason LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasoncalacanis * Thank you to our partners: (10:11) Squarespace - Use offer code TWIST to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain at http://www.Squarespace.com/TWIST (19:44) LinkedIn Jobs - Post your first job for free at https://www.linkedin.com/twist (30:12) Linear - Streamline issues, projects, and product roadmaps in a tool your team will actually enjoy using. Get 25% off at https://www.linear.app/twist * Subscribe to the TWiST500 newsletter: https://ticker.thisweekinstartups.com/ Check out the TWIST500: twist500.com * Great 2023 interviews: Steve Huffman, Brian Chesky, Aaron Levie, Sophia Amoruso, Reid Hoffman, Frank Slootman, Billy McFarland * Check out Jason's suite of newsletters: https://substack.com/@calacanis * Follow TWiST: Twitter: https://twitter.com/TWiStartups YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/thisweekin Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thisweekinstartups TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thisweekinstartups Substack: https://twistartups.substack.com * Subscribe to the Founder University Podcast: https://www.founder.university/podcast