Podcasts about csrs

Home service businesses are getting more attention than ever. But are they really as good as they look?In this episode of Owned and Operated, John Wilson and Jack Carr talk about why HVAC, plumbing, electrical, and other home service businesses have become so popular; and why they're still incredibly hard to operate.They break down what makes home services attractive, the mistakes people make when buying into the trades, and where there's still opportunity as more buyers enter the space.━━━━━━━━━━━━━━In This Episode━━━━━━━━━━━━━━• Why more people are getting into the trades• What makes home services such an attractive business model• Why fragmentation creates so much opportunity• The reality of staffing, seasonality, and competition• Why running a home service business takes more than being smart• The biggest mistake people make when buying a home service company• The difference between buying a business and buying a job━━━━━━━━━━━━━━Connect━━━━━━━━━━━━━━John Wilsonhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/johnbwilson1/Jack Carrhttps://x.com/thehvacjackCatalyst https://www.ownedandoperated.com/catalyst━━━━━━━━━━━━━━Sponsors━━━━━━━━━━━━━━Quick StaffersHire trained HVAC and plumbing CSRs without the overhead of traditional hiring. Save $500 on your first placement with Quick Staffers: https://www.quickstaffers.com/ Profit & GritRunning a $3M–$15M home service business? Profit & Grit helps contractors improve cash flow, pricing, forecasting, and profitability with guidance from an operator who's built and sold a $25M service business. Book your free 20-minute strategy call: https://www.profitandgrit.comFieldPulseReady to ditch the whiteboard and spreadsheets? See how FieldPulse helps home service companies simplify scheduling, dispatching, invoicing, and more. Book a free demo: https://landing.fieldpulse.com/owned_and_operatedSend Us Mail!More Ways To Connect with O&OJohn's Podcast YouTube ChannelOwned and Operated Newsletter Bonus Videos From JohnLeave a ReviewJohn Wilson, CEO of Wilson CompaniesJack Carr, CEO of Rapid HVAC

You can be profitable and still run out of cash.In this supercut episode of Owned and Operated, featuring insights from several episodes, John Wilson breaks down the cash flow, sales, and KPI systems that helped him scale a home service business from $1M to roughly $40M in revenue.Learn why profit doesn't equal cash, how to improve average ticket by solving higher-value problems, and the five numbers every home service owner should track to find problems faster and scale with more control.━━━━━━━━━━━━━━In This Episode━━━━━━━━━━━━━━• Why profitable home service businesses still run out of cash• How to improve cash flow and get paid faster• The systems John would implement at $1M in revenue• How to increase average ticket with a value ladder• Why training and ride-alongs drive better sales performance• The 5 KPIs every home service owner should track• How to diagnose lead, booking, closing, and average ticket problems• Why “number of options” is a critical sales metric• How scorecards and daily KPIs create accountability━━━━━━━━━━━━━━Connect━━━━━━━━━━━━━━John Wilsonhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/johnbwilson1/Jack Carrhttps://x.com/thehvacjackOwned and Operatedhttps://www.ownedandoperated.com/━━━━━━━━━━━━━━Sponsors━━━━━━━━━━━━━━Service ScalersGet more high quality leads with marketing built for home service companies. Book a free strategy call with Service Scalers and see what's driving real jobs: https://os.servicescalers.com/go/oao_podcast/referral/podcastQuick StaffersHire trained HVAC and plumbing CSRs without the overhead of traditional hiring. Save $500 on your first placement with Quick Staffers: https://www.quickstaffers.com/Send Us Mail!More Ways To Connect with O&OJohn's Podcast YouTube ChannelOwned and Operated Newsletter Bonus Videos From JohnLeave a ReviewJohn Wilson, CEO of Wilson CompaniesJack Carr, CEO of Rapid HVAC

Send us Fan MailYou may not need more leads.You may need to stop losing the ones you already have.Want help identifying where your marketing is producing demand but your business is losing the opportunity?Book a call with Lemon Seed Marketing:https://www.lemonseedmarketing.com/contact/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=ftyc_ep233&utm_content=show_notesIn Episode 233 of From the Yellow Chair, Crystal talks with Dave Utku Kaynar of OnePath about how AI is changing lead management for home service contractors.Instead of focusing on complicated technology, they focus on a much more practical question:How can AI help you respond faster, follow up more consistently, and improve the customer experience without replacing the people who already make your business great?Dave explains why speed to lead is becoming a basic expectation, why follow up is an enormous missed opportunity for many contractors, and where he would implement AI first if he owned a home service company today.You will hear:• Why slow response times can undermine your marketing investment• Why Dave recommends starting AI implementation with lead management• How AI can support CSRs with overflow, after hours inquiries, missed opportunities, and repetitive requests• Why AI should not automatically replace human interaction• How the customer experience begins long before a technician reaches the home• Why contractors should measure response time before buying another technology platformAbout Dave Utku KaynarDave has spent years working at the intersection of artificial intelligence and home services. His experience includes AI dispatch technology, lead management, OnePath, and Contractor in Charge.Learn more:https://onepath.ai/Follow From the Yellow ChairApple Podcasts:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/from-the-yellow-chair/id1598195561Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/1goGP66YLPIxzpX1TxFGvTYouTube:https://youtu.be/aWGC1rdSOdgMore contractor marketing resources and episodes:https://www.lemonseedmarketing.com/contractor-marketing-podcast/Lemon Seed Marketing serves home service contractors as a fractional marketing department and branding partner, helping companies build stronger brands and more intentional marketing strategies.If you enjoyed this chat From the Yellow Chair, consider joining our newsletter, "Let's Sip Some Lemonade," where you can receive exclusive interviews, our bank of helpful downloadables, and updates on upcoming content.Please consider following and drop a review below if you enjoyed this episode. Be sure to check out our social media pages on Facebook and Instagram.From the Yellow Chair is powered by Lemon Seed, a marketing strategy and branding company for the trades. Lemon Seed specializes in rebrands, creating unique, comprehensive, organized marketing plans, social media, and graphic design. Learn more at www.LemonSeedMarketing.comInterested in being a guest on our show? Fill out this form!We'll see you next time, Lemon Heads!

In this episode, Natalie Koop and Danielle Putnam sit down with Federico Crivelli, Head of Partnerships at Avoca AI, to talk about the biggest source of lost revenue for contractors — and it's not lead generation. Federico breaks down the "leaky bucket" problem, why every missed call could cost you up to $40,000 in lifetime customer value, and why paying for the phone to ring but not answering it is like setting money on fire. He walks through what AI agents can actually do in 2026, the difference between automation and true "agentic" AI, and why the CSRs whose jobs people worry about are usually the ones who end up loving it the most. If you're a contractor pouring money into marketing and quietly watching leads slip through the cracks, this one is for you.You can connect with Federico directly at f@avoca.ai.Social Media Links:InstagramTNFR- ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/thenewflatrate⁠⁠Avoca AI- https://www.instagram.com/avoca.ai Federico Crivelli- https://www.instagram.com/fedecriv/ FacebookTNFR- ⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/TheNewFlatRate⁠⁠Avoca AI- https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61576039259389 Federico Crivelli- https://www.facebook.com/federico.crivelli/ LinkedInTNFR- ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-new-flat-rate-inc-/posts/?feedView=all⁠⁠Avoca AI- https://www.linkedin.com/company/avoca-ai/ Federico Crivelli- https://www.linkedin.com/in/federico-crivelli/ YouTubeAvoca AI- https://www.youtube.com/@avoca-ai Links and Resources:https://thenewflatrate.com/https://www.avoca.ai/

In this episode of Change Your Filter, Lisa sits down with Erica Leonor, founder of Voxa, to discuss stronger CSR training, better communication, and the human side of home-service sales.Erica explains why CSRs are salespeople and why they should be involved when a Contractor Commerce online quote comes in. When your team knows how to build excitement around the quote, answer questions, and confidently guide the homeowner toward the next step, e-commerce becomes part of a stronger customer journey, not a replacement for it.In this conversation:✅ Why CSRs should see themselves as salespeople✅ How to turn an online quote into a booked appointment✅ Why every department should understand your e-commerce process✅ Where AI can help and where human connection still wins✅ How coaching and incentives can improve CSR performance✅ Why contractors should get better at pitching the value they already provide✅ Erica's perspective on women in the trades, resilience, faith, and balancePowered by Contractor Commerce.Contractor Commerce helps contractors guide homeowners through pricing, options, and next steps directly from their website ... learn more.Follow us on social!LinkedInFacebookInstagramConnect with Erica!

Google Ads and Local Services Ads are undergoing some of their biggest changes yet—and pest control companies are directly in the path of those changes.Beginning in August 2026, Google is starting the migration of Local Services Ads into the Google Ads platform, with pest control included among the first U.S. home-service industries affected. At the same time, AI Max and Google's increasingly AI-driven approach to Search are changing how advertisers reach potential customers.But there's another side to this conversation that may be even more important:What happens after Google generates the lead?On this episode of The Pest Control Marketing Domination Podcast, Casey Lewis of Rhino Pest Control Marketing discusses both sides of the equation—how Google is changing the way pest control leads are generated and why pest control companies need to dramatically improve the way those opportunities are handled once the phone rings.Far too many pest control companies still depend on the one-call sale.A potential customer calls and says:"I'm calling around.""I need to talk to my wife.""That's more than I expected.""Thank you. I'll call you back."And that's where the sales process ends.In some companies, the CSR doesn't even get the caller's name before hanging up.Casey explains why statements like "I'm just price shopping" are often a smokescreen for the customer's real objection—and why CSRs need to learn how to uncover what's actually preventing the customer from scheduling.Instead of simply accepting "I'll call you back," what would happen if your CSR asked:"What would it take to get you scheduled for treatment so we can eliminate the problem you're having?"That's where the real conversation begins.Casey also discusses why CRM, automated follow-up, lead tracking, and sales training are becoming increasingly important as Google moves deeper into AI-powered advertising.Because generating more leads isn't necessarily the answer.If you're paying Google to generate opportunities but your company isn't capturing their information, tracking them, following up, and measuring how many ultimately become paying customers, you may not have a lead-generation problem—you may have a conversion problem.In this episode, you'll discover:• What's changing with Google Local Services Ads beginning in August 2026• Why pest control is among the industries affected by Google's initial LSA migration• How AI Max is changing traditional Google Search campaigns• Why Google is moving toward more automation and AI-driven optimization• What pest control companies should be doing now to prepare• Why "price shopping" isn't always the real objection• The question your CSRs should be asking before letting a prospect walk away• Why every legitimate caller should become a trackable opportunity in your CRM• How automated follow-up can recover opportunities that didn't book on the first call• Why pest control owners should measure leads all the way through booked jobs and revenue• How CSR training and CRM data can become a competitive advantage in the new AI-driven advertising environmentGoogle can use all the AI in the world to find someone with an ant, roach, rodent or termite problem—but Google can't make your CSR close the sale.That's still your responsibility.If you're a pest control owner who wants to understand where Google advertising is heading—and how to make sure you're actually converting the opportunities you're already paying for—this is an episode you don't want to miss.Casey LewisRhino Pest Control MarketingRhino Digital Media, Inc.Website: RhinoPros.comPest Control Marketing: RhinoPestControlMarketing.comEmail: casey@rhinopros.comPhone: (925) 464-8383Strategy Call: RhinoPros.com/contact/Podcast: RhinoPros.com/podcast/YouTube: @RhinoPestControlMarketingFacebook: Rhino Pest Control MarketingLinkedIn: Casey Lewis

Private equity is buying up home service companies and quietly gutting the good ones, and most owners think their only options are to sell or get outspent. There is a third one.   In this episode of Service Business Mastery, Tersh Blissett and Josh Crouch sit down with Zach Cooper-Vastola, co-founder of Hickory, who has bought and built home service companies across the tri-state to roughly 350 people and 80 million dollars in revenue, without ever running them from an ivory tower.   Zach breaks down how he keeps technicians from walking out the door after an acquisition, why he refuses to put AI on the phones with customers, how his team builds their own tools instead of renting SaaS, and the data unlock that lets two CSRs run at the scale of a 30 person team.   If you run a home service business and you are tired of hearing that AI just means replacing your people, this one flips the script.   This episode is brought to you in partnership with Upfrog, one of our show partners. Upfrog turns paid ad spend into booked, sold system replacements instead of wasted leads. Learn more at upfrog.com.   WHAT YOU'LL LEARN   - How to keep your technicians from walking out the door after an acquisition - Why changing pay structures on day one is the fastest way to lose your team - How to read a company's real culture by walking the warehouse, before you ever see the financials - What buy and build owners look for that a private equity roll up ignores - How to underwrite an early stage AI vendor before you bet six figures on it - Why building your own tools can beat renting SaaS once you hit scale - How making the humans super with data beats putting AI on the phones - The data unlock that lets two CSRs run at the scale of a 30 person team   THIS EPISODE IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY   UPFROG System replacement leads from paid ads, nurtured and booked into sold jobs before your team arrives: upfrog.com   MARKETSTORM An AI-powered advertising platform. Results vary by market, budget, and campaign configuration: https://marketstorm.ai/    CALLRAIL CallRail assigns a unique tracking number to each marketing effort, so you know which channels bring your best leads. Try it free at https://callrail.com/sbmpod.   BREEZY Capture 25-30% more clients with Breezy AI Agents. Use code 'SBM' to book a demo and get $500 on us: https://getbreezyapp.com/schedule-demo    PHONETAP Your calls hold the key to growing your business. PhoneTAP gives you instant AI analysis, real customer lifetime value, and tools to coach your team. Learn more: phonetap.ai/demo   COMPANYCAM Capture work, track job progress, and stay connected from the field to the office with photo documentation and AI tools that keep work moving. Start a free trial at https://companycam.com/   CONNECT WITH OUR HOSTS AND GUEST   Tersh Blissett: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tershblissett/ Josh Crouch: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josh-crouch/ Zach Cooper-Vastola, Hickory: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zachary-c-8b881969/    ABOUT SERVICE BUSINESS MASTERY   Service Business Mastery helps home service owners run better, more profitable companies. Every week, Tersh Blissett and Josh Crouch break down the operations, technology, and leadership behind growing an HVAC, plumbing, or electrical business, with the operators actually doing the work. More at https://servicebusinessmastery.com/    Subscribe on YouTube and follow us on Spotify and Apple Podcasts so you never miss an episode. If this one helped, share it with an owner who needs it.   #ServiceBusinessMastery #HomeServices #PrivateEquity #HVACBusiness #AIforContractors  

In this episode of the HVAC Know It All Business Edition Podcast, co-hosts Gary McCreadie and Furman Haynes from WorkHero sit down with Valeria Velázquez, Director of Customer Strategy at WorkHero and Co-Founder of Climate Champions to discuss what it really takes to grow and scale a successful HVAC business. Drawing from her experience helping transform an HVAC company from under $1 million to $5 million in revenue, Valeria shares practical lessons on business operations, leadership, marketing, customer retention, and building high-performing office teams. She also reflects on growing up in an HVAC family, the importance of community involvement, and why mastering the fundamentals is the key to sustainable growth. Valeria Velázquez is an HVAC business operations leader with extensive experience scaling residential HVAC companies through operational excellence, leadership, and process improvement. After helping grow an HVAC business from a small operation into a multi-million-dollar business, she has become a trusted voice on office management, customer experience, marketing systems, and helping contractors build businesses that can grow without sacrificing service quality.   Expect To Learn: - Why being a great technician doesn't automatically make you a great business owner. - How community involvement can become one of your strongest marketing strategies. - The systems every HVAC company needs before investing in paid marketing. - Why recurring maintenance agreements are essential for long-term growth. - How a strong office manager can transform an HVAC business. - The biggest lessons from scaling an HVAC company from $500K to $5M. - Practical advice for dispatchers, CSRs, and office staff looking to grow into leadership roles.   Timestamps: 00:00 – Introduction 01:24 – Why Small Business Owners Strengthen Their Communities 04:35 – Growing Up in an HVAC Family 07:42 – Scaling an HVAC Business from $500K to $5 Million 09:54 – Building Recurring Revenue with Service Agreements 14:27 – Why Great Office Managers Drive Business Growth. 15:36 – Where Growth Really Comes From 17:12 – The Marketing Strategies Every HVAC Contractor Needs 18:50 – Building a High-Performing Office Team 19:22 – Advice for Dispatchers and CSRs Who Want to Lead   Follow our Guest Valeria Velázquez: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/valeria-velazquez-6a00402b7/    Company LinkedIn: Climate Champions: https://www.linkedin.com/company/callthechampions/  WorkHero: https://www.linkedin.com/company/workherohvac/    Company Website:  Climate Champions: https://www.callthechampions.com/  WorkHero: https://www.workhero.pro/    Company Instagram: WorkHero: https://www.instagram.com/workhero__/    Follow Gary McCreadie: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gary-mccreadie-38217a77/  Website: https://www.hvacknowitall.com  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/HVAC-Know-It-All-2/61569643061429/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hvacknowitall1/    Follow Furman Haynes:  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/furmanhaynes/  WorkHero: https://www.linkedin.com/company/workherohvac/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/workhero__/  

The fastest-growing home service companies don't scale by spending more. They scale by making smarter operational decisions.In this special compilation episode of Owned and Operated, John Wilson and Jack Carr break down one of the biggest hidden expenses in home services: your fleet. They explain why they're moving away from expensive service vans, why the Ford Maverick has become their vehicle of choice, and how rethinking truck stock, inventory, and install trailers can save hundreds of thousands of dollars while making technicians more efficient.They also dive into the future of fleet strategy, from modular trailer systems and simplified inventory to why most branded truck wraps no longer create a competitive advantage. If you're looking for practical ways to lower costs without sacrificing growth, this episode is packed with ideas you can apply immediately.In This Episode:• Why expensive service vans may be hurting your business• How Ford Mavericks reduce fleet costs and fuel spend• Rethinking truck stock to improve inventory control• The trailer system that could replace traditional install trucks• How fleet decisions impact profitability and cash flow• Why most truck wraps no longer stand out• Building a brand that actually differentiates your company————————————————

The fastest-growing home service companies don't fail because they run out of demand. They fail because they run out of leaders.In this episode of Owned and Operated, John Wilson sits down with Jim Lose of The Military Veteran to discuss what separates great operators from average managers. They cover how to hire executive talent, build a structured interview process, identify red flags before making an offer, and create leadership systems that scale with your business.From scorecards and reference checks to compensation, coaching, and military leadership, this episode is a practical guide to building the team that takes your business from operator-led to professionally managed.In This Episode:• Why leadership becomes the biggest growth constraint• How to identify and hire A-player operators• The interview mistakes most owners make• Building scorecards that drive accountability• Coaching vs. replacing underperforming leaders• Compensation, incentives, and equity for key hires• The next executive hire growing businesses should make————————————————

Your team is leaving money on the table, and the Summer Sizzle Sale is ending soon. For 8 years, Weaver Sales Academy has helped 17,000+ insurance professionals sell more and close better. Don't head into Q4 with the same gaps costing you sales.

In this episode Trey sits down with Luke Berry, Max Revenue's resident Employee Benefits expert, to break down how he's on pace for his best year ever — $800K in revenue through six months, projected to hit $1.1–1.3M by year end.Luke gets specific about what's actually driving the growth: giving away value through "micro summit" events, a custom-built AI agent trained on his agency's own data, and a complete rethink of how his team processes information. They dig into real (anonymized) deals, including a 300-life AOR win closed in a single month, walk through what it took to build a fully HIPAA/SOC2-compliant in-house AI system, and talk through the real cost, ROI, and security questions every agency owner is asking right now.They also zoom out to the bigger picture — where AI is headed for producers, CSRs, and account managers over the next five years, the "agency of one" theory, tech-first insurtechs vs. legacy agencies, and why the foundation of great production will always be listening, not tools.If you're a producer or agency principal wondering how to actually start using AI (not just dumping policies into ChatGPT), this episode is the playbook.........

Spend enough time around federal retirement and the acronyms start flying — and it starts to feel too late to ask what they mean. Charles and Marcus decode the alphabet soup in plain English: FERS (and RAE/FRAE), CSRS and CSRS Offset, TSP, FEHB, FSA, FEGLI, MRA, VSIP/VERA/DRP, SRS, SCD, OPM, ORA, AUO/LEAP, the SF forms, and CSA. Grab the free Acronyms Cheat Sheet in the description.Fill out the form and download the cheat sheet here: https://perspectivefunnel.co/682642d22275ec003bfa6626/6a445b182446fd510fd3af9b/Chapters:0:00 The Acronyms You're Afraid to Ask About2:03 FERS (RAE / FRAE)4:24 CSRS & CSRS Offset5:37 TSP6:23 FEHB & Open Season8:53 FSA10:04 FEGLI11:25 MRA12:44 VSIP, VERA & DRP14:24 SRS18:00 SCD, OPM & ORA23:06 AUO & LEAP25:00 SF Forms27:30 CSA + Free Cheat SheetCTA: Apply for a Retirement Consultation: https://perspectivefunnel.co/682642d22275ec003bfa6626/691df07396253e003c42b434/?ps_hello=Disclaimer: Educational only; not advice. Verify with OPM/TSP.gov. Advisory services through CD Financial LLC dba CD Financial (CA); insurance through CD Financial & Insurance Services LLC.Support the show

Which acronym tripped you up the longest — FERS, FEGLI, SRS, or MRA? Drop it below

In today’s VETgirl online veterinary continuing education podcast, we are chatting with Kali Marsh, RVT, compliance manager and Mark Harrison, MS.Ed., founder and president, both with Certified Safety Training (CST) about the role of veterinary technicians, assistants and CSRs on safety training. Learn what you should know regarding federal and state requirements, the impact of OSHA, SDS (formerly MSDS) and the role you have in maintaining a safe working environment for yourself, colleagues, the animals we serve and their people.Sponsored By:

In this episode of Change Your Filter, Scott Ossim sits down with Brigham Dickinson of Power Selling Pros to talk about one of the biggest missed opportunities in home services: the very first interaction with the customer.Brigham explains why the first 30 to 50 seconds of a call or in-home visit can determine whether a homeowner keeps shopping or decides your company is the one they trust. He also breaks down how CSRs and technicians can create a real “wow experience,” why AI answering tools should work alongside your team instead of replacing the human connection, and how technicians can present options without feeling like pushy salespeople.If you're an HVAC, plumbing, electrical, or home service contractor looking to improve call booking, reduce cancellations, train your CSRs, help technicians build trust, and turn more opportunities into revenue, this episode is packed with practical takeaways.In this episode, we cover:✅Why customers are still shopping when they first call✅How to become the last call a homeowner makes✅The three emotional needs every customer has✅Where AI CSRs help, and where humans still win✅How technicians can sell without “selling”✅Why four options are better than one✅How to create a customer experience that builds trust fastPowered by Contractor Commerce.eCommerce for Contractors ... Learn More.Follow us on social!LinkedInFacebookInstagram

Most contractors think they need more leads. But what if the real problem is that you're already missing the jobs you paid to generate? In this episode of Service Business Mastery, Tersh Blissett and Joshua Crouch sit down with Shaun Ritchey from Breezy to talk about Moneyball for home services and how contractors can use AI, better data, and smarter systems to uncover the jobs hiding inside their existing business. Just like Moneyball changed baseball by finding overlooked value in the data, this conversation shows how contractors can find overlooked revenue in missed calls, slow follow-up, poor booking processes, weak web conversion, and underused customer lists. Shaun explains why the biggest opportunity is not always spending more money on marketing. Sometimes the fastest path to growth is fixing the leaks already inside your sales funnel. They also discuss: How Moneyball applies to home service businesses Why contractors often lose the most money during their busiest seasons How missed calls create major revenue leaks Why speed-to-lead can make or break a booked job How AI agents help contractors answer more calls and book more jobs Why AI should support CSRs, not replace them How web visitors and younger homeowners are changing the booking process Why low-value tune-ups can block high-value replacement opportunities How call tracking, transfer rules, and better data improve lead handling Why AI needs training, monitoring, and human oversight How contractors can use AI to analyze pricing, inventory, and operations Why bad data creates bad AI output If you're spending more money on leads but still missing calls, losing web visitors, or struggling to understand where revenue is leaking, this episode will help you think differently about growth. Timestamps 00:00 Explaining the Moneyball strategy 05:29 Challenges of manual call analysis 08:10 Helping contractors book more jobs 11:00 A CRM for the trades industry 14:23 Integrating AI with CRM Tools 17:18 Discussing AI's role in customer service 20:14 Discussing AI's strengths and limitations 21:57 Issues with AI voice providers 27:40 Using CRM for cost analysis 31:42 Using call tracking for marketing 33:09 Overbooked with low-margin appointments 36:10 Using AI for Business Transparency 41:52 Evaluating Client Booking Efficiency 43:52 Recognizing trends in social media marketing 48:40 Updating and trusting sales data 51:31 Getting help with my project 54:00 Pricing strategy for offers   Follow the Host and Guest Tersh Blissett: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tershblissett/ Joshua Crouch: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josh-crouch/ Shaun Ritchey: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaun-ritchey/  Breezy: https://getbreezyapp.com Connect with Us • LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/service-business-mastery • TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@servicebusinessmasterypodcast • Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/servicebusinessmasterypodcast • Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/servicebusinessmasterypodcast This episode is kindly powered by: UpFrog: upfrog.com MarketStorm is an AI-powered advertising platform. Results vary by market, budget, and campaign configuration: https://marketstorm.ai/ Get Your 14-Day Free Trial with CallRail!: https://www.callrail.com/sbmpod CompanyCam: https://companycam.com/ Breezy: Capture 25-30% more clients with Breezy AI Agents. Use code "SBM" to book a demo and get $500 on us: https://getbreezyapp.com/schedule-demo PhoneTAP: Your calls hold the key to growing your business. PhoneTAP gives you instant AI analysis, real customer lifetime value, and tools to coach your team. Learn more: phonetap.ai/demo  

If We Had to Start Over, We'd Do This InsteadIf John Wilson and Jack Carr lost everything tomorrow, how would they rebuild?In this episode of Owned and Operated, they tackle one of the biggest questions every entrepreneur eventually asks: would you buy a business, build one from scratch, or take a completely different path?John argues that acquiring a small home service business is still the fastest way to create wealth, while Jack makes the case for starting lean with a service business that requires little capital and can scale quickly. Along the way, they break down the lessons that took years to learn, the mistakes they'd avoid, and the exact playbook they'd use to grow much faster the second time around.In This Episode:Buy vs. build: which strategy wins today?The home service businesses they'd start from scratchWhy marketing and sales matter more than fulfillment early onHow seller financing changes the economics of growthThe fastest path to generating cash flowBranding mistakes they'd never make again————————————————

In this episode of the HVAC Know It All Podcast, host Gary McCreadie is joined by James Christian, Senior Director of Product at Podium, to discuss how artificial intelligence is helping HVAC and home service businesses operate more efficiently. James explains what large language models are, how AI employees can assist with customer communication, scheduling, dispatching, and lead management, and why AI should be viewed as a tool that supports people rather than replaces them. The conversation covers AI-powered CSRs, technician scheduling, route optimization, business automation, and the growing role of AI in daily operations. Gary and James also explore how AI can reduce workload, improve customer response times, and help business owners focus on growing their companies. In this conversation, James explains what large language models are and how artificial intelligence is being used to support HVAC and home service businesses. He discusses how AI employees can handle customer communication, scheduling, dispatching, and lead management, while helping office staff work more efficiently. James and Gary explore topics such as technician skill matching, route optimization, business automation, and the importance of using AI as a tool to support people rather than replace them. They also discuss how AI can improve response times, reduce workload, and help business owners focus on growth by automating routine tasks and improving daily operations. Expect to Learn: What large language models are and how AI is being used in HVAC and home service businesses. How AI employees can assist with customer communication, scheduling, dispatching, and lead management. Why AI works best as a tool that supports office staff and business owners rather than replacing them. How technician skill matching, GPS data, and scheduling systems can help improve job assignment and efficiency. How AI can reduce workload, improve response times, and help business owners focus on growing their business. Episode Highlights: [00:00] - Sponsor Ad: Factory Direct Filters [00:42] - Intro to James Christian in Part 1 [02:20] - Intro to AI in HVAC for techs & owners [03:54] - What is an LLM? (Large Language Model) [05:57] - AI as a virtual employee [08:54] - Podium's evolution: reviews → AI employees [11:35] - How AI matches techs to calls by skill level [14:02] - AI + GPS for real-time arrival estimates [16:11] - Gary's reaction: Terminator/Skynet joke This Episode is Kindly Sponsored by: Cintas: https://www.cintas.com/hvacknowitall Cool Air Products: https://www.coolairproducts.net/ Factory Direct Filters: https://www.factorydirectfilters.com/ SupplyHouse: https://www.supplyhouse.com/tm Use promo code HKIA5 to get 5% off your first order at Supplyhouse! Follow the Guest James Christian on: LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-christian-977a28a/ LinkedIn - Podium: https://www.linkedin.com/company/podium/ Follow the Host on: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gary-mccreadie-38217a77/ Website: https://www.hvacknowitall.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/HVAC-Know-It-All-2/61569643061429/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hvacknowitall1/  Follow the Podcast on: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HVACKnowItAll Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6LCBJGw0EHG03rdWHxUMce Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hvac-know-it-all-podcast/id1359253455 

Pride Month gives veterinary teams a chance to celebrate LGBTQ+ colleagues and clients, but real allyship has to continue long after June. This week, Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, MPA, RVT, talk with Stephanie Goss, CEO of PrideVMC, about how veterinary practices can move beyond rainbow stickers and build support into everyday clinic culture. Stephanie shares her path to and through veterinary medicine, the work of PrideVMC, and why visibility, community, mentorship, and leadership opportunities matter for LGBTQ+ veterinary professionals. The conversation focuses on practical steps every clinic can take: normalizing pronouns without forcing anyone to disclose, reviewing forms for assumptions about gender and family structure, practicing respectful introductions, and creating a workplace where people feel safe speaking up when something goes wrong. This episode is for veterinarians, technicians, CSRs, managers, and practice owners who want to show up better. Allyship doesn't have to be perfect. It does have to be consistent, respectful, and year-round. Links: Allyship Resources: https://pridevmc.org/allyship-resources/ Gender Diversity Guide: https://pridevmc.org/gender-diversity-guide/ Gender Identity Bill of Rights: https://gibor.pridevmc.org/ Virtual First Aid Kit: https://pridevmc.org/firstaid/ #VeterinaryMedicine #VetMed #PrideVMC #LGBTQVetMed #VeterinaryLeadership

Send us Fan Mail---- CLUB SABROSO RADIO SHOW PRESENTATION:FIRST HOUR: We kick things off with the Official Club Sabroso Playlist. The best tracks and the freshest new releases curated by CLUB SABROSO RADIO. PLAYLIST BELOW.SECOND HOUR: We have the honor of welcoming a very special guest, Marlon Ace! Born in Santiago

Most contractors wrote off Yelp years ago. But the platform has quietly become one of the most powerful lead-generation engines in the home service space,  powered by AI partnerships with OpenAI and Perplexity that are funneling search traffic directly to Yelp listings. John Wilson sits down with Katy Lightsey, Head of Services at Yelp, to break down exactly how  61 home service leads  are flowing through the platform and what  68 contractor lead generation  actually looks like in 2025. They cover lead costs, close rates, how Yelp Ads and Request a Quote really work, and why  68 how to get more leads  for your home service business may start with the platform you've been ignoring.What you'll learn:→ How Yelp generates 10 million home service leads every month → Why AI tools like ChatGPT and Perplexity are driving more traffic through Yelp → How Yelp Assistant uses AI to match homeowners with contractors → The truth behind Yelp's reputation with contractors → What every business should do to improve visibility and lead flow on Yelp → How Yelp Ads, Request a Quote, and lead pricing actually work———————————————— 

Are outdated workflows slowing down your insurance agency? In this episode, we break down the hidden costs of inefficient processes and show independent insurance agents how to modernize operations for better efficiency, happier teams, and higher agency value

Host Polly Swingle is joined by Lauren Sauders, MOTR/L, CBIS, CSRS, and Vice President of Medical Affairs at Neurolutions, to talk about the IpsiHand device for stroke recovery.As an occupational therapist by training, Lauren has spent her entire career in adult neurorehabilitation. She began as a clinician at The Rehabilitation Institute of St. Louis, an affiliate of Washington University in St. Louis, where she worked alongside the research team that conceived IpsiHand in its earliest days. She helped author the initial study protocol and has grown with the company ever since - shepherding the technology through clinical trials, peer‑reviewed publications, and the regulatory pathway that earned IpsiHand both FDA Breakthrough Device designation and De Novo clearance. After clearance, she helped lead the organization through commercialization and into broader clinical adoption. Lauren has authored numerous publications and delivered presentations at national and international forums, but her most enduring focus is advocacy: ensuring that stroke survivors have evidence‑based access to therapies that meaningfully improve their quality of life. That mission is personal. Beyond the patients she has cared for, Lauren brought her grandmother into her own home during the COVID‑19 pandemic and cared for her after she sustained a severe stroke — an experience that deepened her understanding of the toll stroke takes on families as well as individuals. She is also a mother of three, including a child with a rare neurogenetic condition, and is a passionate advocate within the pediatric neuro-community as well. Her and her husband also share their home with three crazy dogs. When she isn't working or advocating, she can most often be found visiting family in Bermuda.Click the link below to visit the IpsiHand by Kandu website-https://www.neurolutions.com/Learn more about The Recovery Project!View our website at www.therecoveryproject.netCall us 855-877-1944 to become a patientFollow us on InstagramLike us on FacebookThanks for listening! 

What actually drives growth in home services?In this compilation episode, John Wilson shares the systems and strategies behind scaling a $40M home service company — including how his team doubled a plumbing business in 90 days, improved cash flow, increased average tickets, and expanded through acquisitions.From pricing strategy and speed-to-lead automation to technician training and buying businesses, this episode breaks down the fundamentals top operators use to grow faster and more profitably. In this episode, you'll learn: • How to double revenue with operational fundamentals • Why cash flow matters more than profit • How better training increases average ticket • The role AI and automation play in growth • Why acquisitions can outperform organic expansion • How top operators think about scalingMore solo episodes: @JohnWilsonStudio

Home service companies are leaving serious money on the table when it comes to referrals. In this episode, John Wilson sits down with Murphy Nadauld from ReferPro to break down how top HVAC, plumbing, electrical, and roofing companies are building scalable referral engines through lifecycle marketing, automation, and AI.In this episode, you'll learn: • Why referrals are underutilized in home services • How lifecycle marketing drives repeat revenue • Why referral incentives increase conversion rates • How contractors are using referrals to recruit technicians • The role AI and automation play in customer retention • How affiliate partnerships create new lead opportunitiesHost: John WilsonGuest: Murphy Nadauld (ReferPro)ReferPro

High ticket sales in home services aren't about being pushy — they're about giving customers the right options.In this episode, John Wilson and Jack Carr break down the systems behind bigger tickets, better close rates, and stronger sales cultures in HVAC, plumbing, and electrical businesses. They unpack why many technicians struggle with sales, how to shift the mindset around presenting options, and why education — not pressure — leads to better outcomes for both the customer and the company.In this episode, you'll learn:Why sales in home services is really about educationThe “Why You, Why Now, How Can I Afford You?” frameworkHow to handle common customer objectionsWhy consistent sales training beats one-time seminarsHow option building impacts close rate and average ticketThe role incentives and competition play in sales performanceHost: John Wilson Co-Host: Jack Carr

Federal employees may hear “COLA increase” and assume their retirement income keeps full pace with inflation, but under FERS, the cost-of-living adjustment can work differently than many expect. Before you retire, it is important to understand how FERS COLA, CSRS COLA, Social Security COLA, and your overall federal retirement income may interact over time.Apply for a federal benefits retirement review: https://perspectivefunnel.co/682642d22275ec003bfa6626/691df07396253e003c42b434/?ps_hello=%20Get the digital book at no cost to you here: https://cdfinancial.org/being-a-federal-employee-in-the-era-of-trump-book/Checklist Challenge: https://cdfinancial.org/checklist-challenge/Newsletter: https://cdfinancial.com/newsletter“Many federal employees do not realize that the COLA number they hear in the news may not be the same adjustment applied to their FERS pension.”LINKS AND RESOURCESOfficial OPM COLA Information:https://www.opm.gov/retirement-center/publications-forms/benefits-administration-letters/Social Security COLA Information:https://www.ssa.gov/cola/WHO ARE WE?CD Financial helps federal employees and near-retirees create sustainable, tax-smart retirement income. Expect weekly strategies on 401K, FERS, TSP, Social Security timing, tax planning, and health-meets-wealth habits—clear, practical, compliant.TIMESTAMPS0:00 Federal Retirement COLA and the “Diet COLA” Problem0:30 Why Real Cost of Living Can Feel Higher Than Your COLA0:56 Grocery, Housing, and Inflation Pressure on Retirees1:31 How Rising Food Prices Can Affect Retirement Income2:11 Housing Costs, Rent, and Family Financial Pressure2:36 Regional Inflation and Cost-of-Living Challenges3:14 FERS, CSRS, and COLA Differences in Retirement3:41 Why Future Growth May Matter in Retirement Planning4:02 Balancing Safety, Income, and Inflation RiskAdvisory services are offered through CD Financial LLC dba CD Financial, an Investment Advisor in the State of California. Insurance products and services are offered through CD Financial & Insurance Services LLC, an affiliated company.Opinions expressed herein are solely those of CD Financial and our editorial staff. The information contained in this material has been derived from sources believed to be reliable but is not guaranteed as to accuracy and completeness and does not purport to be a complete analysis of the materials discussed. All information and ideas should be discussed in detail with your individual adviser prior to implementation.Support the show

David is joined by Brandon Vaughn, who scaled a window cleaning and pressure washing business from a two-person owner-operator shop to 70 employees before selling, then built Wise Codings to 39 locations in 4 years working under 5 hours a week, and now runs HireBus, an AI recruiting platform. They break down what actually stops home service owners from scaling, from getting off the tools and building the right team structure to the MAST hiring framework, why recruiting is a volume game, and how AI agents are already replacing CSRs and recruiters in the trades.See where your business stands —Take the free Growth ScorecardListen to the full audiobook free — Get Off The TruckFollow HSBC Social's:Facebook | Instagram | YouTube | HSBC Accelerator | Jobber | Home Service Business Coach Email: info@homeservicebusinesscoach.com

Missed charges happen in every veterinary practice, but what happens next says a lot about clinic culture. In this episode, Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, MPA, RVT, take on the uncomfortable reality of billing mistakes: forgotten charges, wrong invoice items, inventory mix-ups, and the dreaded follow-up call to a client. They discuss why missed charges often turn into blame, especially for technicians, CSRs, and support staff, and how clinics can handle these mistakes without creating fear or finger-pointing. Beckie emphasizes the role of psychological safety, while Ernie shares how written policies, clear thresholds, and manager-led client communication helped his teams manage billing errors more fairly. The episode offers practical takeaways for owners, managers, veterinarians, techs, and front-desk teams: make charges easier to enter correctly, define when the clinic absorbs small errors, decide who contacts the client, and stop treating normal human mistakes like personal failures. #VeterinaryMedicine #VetTechLife #VeterinaryPracticeManagement #VetMedLeadership #VeterinaryViewfinder

This episode is different. Crystal Williams didn't study marketing in some classroom and decide to sell services to contractors. She was born into the trades. Her grandfather, father, and brother all built and ran McWilliams Heating, Cooling and Plumbing in East Texas. She grew up in the business.When she took over marketing, she tripled their annual sales. Then she realized most contractors are getting terrible marketing advice from people who have never worn a tool belt. So she started Lemon Seed Marketing with partner Emily Fleniken to fix it.Sam sits down with Crystal to break down what most contractors get wrong about marketing, why branding is way deeper than a logo and van wrap, and how to stop throwing money at shiny objects that don't move the needle.In This Episode:Why Sam only interviews people he knows and trusts nowCrystal tripled her family's HVAC business before starting Lemon Seed MarketingThe biggest miss: branding goes way deeper than a logo and van wrapAI logos scream out within three seconds - they have no depthBrand first, strategize afterwards (not the other way around)Strategy versus plan: anyone can give you a plan, but how does it all work togetherShiny object syndrome: you look up and have five companies doing the same thingMarketing gets none of the accolades but all the blameThree steps before creating anything: audit what you're doing, build ideal avatar, competitive analysis for positioningDoctor analogy: he takes your family history before prescribing diabetes medicineMost contractors are entrepreneurial operators, not marketers (either too controlling or too ADD to let it work)If you're booked three weeks out, that's not a flex - that's pissing off customersWhoever shows up on weekends and at night wins the gameMarketing hierarchy: brand, social media, website first (foundation), then Google Local Services, then direct mail, then mass mediaDirect mail performs better when people already trust your brandMass media requires longer flight dates and stronger budgets or you're spreading too thinAI answering services: cool idea, terrible execution when you go cold turkey from three CSRs to all AI overnightPretty websites don't sell systems - prioritize conversion and ease of use over aestheticsGo High Level for websites: run from thatCrystal's Two Immediate Action Steps:Step 1: Start posting on social media three to four times a week - pictures of your team, your trucks, your warehouse, behind the scenes content from your actual locationStep 2: Fill out your Google Business Profile completely and post to it weekly - before and afters, technician spotlights, community involvementThe Marketing Hierarchy:Foundation (do this first): Brand, social media posting three to four times per week, website focused on conversion over prettyLayer 2: Google Business Profile filled out and posting weekly, Google Local Services Ads, directories cleaned upLayer 3 (only after foundation is solid): Direct mail with consistent strategy, mass media like billboards and radio with longer flightsWork with Sam:Website: https://www.closeitnow.netCoaching & Training: https://www.closeitnow.net/coachingFacebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/closeitnowEmail: sam@closeitnow.net3 Ways to Work with Sam:On-Site Training - Half-day classroom plus half-day ride-alongs with your teamVirtual Training - Same frameworks, delivered remotely for teams or individualsThe Build - Company scaling for HVAC and home services owners. You built the revenue. We help you build the business. Finding 15-20 percent of revenue sitting in your company that should have gone to your bottom line.Connect with Crystal Williams and Lemon Seed Marketing:Website: https://www.lemonseedmarketing.comEmail: crystal@lemonseedmarketing.comPodcast: From the Yellow ChairSpecial Offer: Mention Close It Now in your onboarding form and get 250 dollars offCrystal Williams is the co-founder of Lemon Seed Marketing, a full-service brand strategy agency for skilled trades. She tripled her family's HVAC business as marketing director before founding Lemon Seed with Emily Fleniken in 2020. Service World's Woman of the Year 2018, Top 40 Under 40 by AHR News. Secretary on Women in HVACR executive board.Crystal's Family Businesses:McWilliams HVAC - Sailor Mac mascot named after her grandfather who started the business in 1974 after retiring from the NavySpot On Pest Control - Johnny the Ladybug mascot named after her grandfather Johnny who committed suicide in 2014, supports suicide awareness and life after suicideRufus Roofing - Rufus the Armadillo with a back made of roofing shinglesLeave a review on Apple Podcasts or Google to help more salespeople and contractors find this show.Google Review Link: https://g.page/r/CbfnnDqTCwQdEAE/review

This week, Shawn Wilkie and Dr. Ivan Zak welcome Dr. Lisa Beagan, founder of Your Vet Direction, to discuss how AI-supported triage can bring more structure, consistency, and safety to veterinary intake. The conversation explores one of the most overlooked risks in practice operations: asking front-desk teams to make triage decisions without the clinical tools or training to do so confidently. Dr. Beagan shares how her platform, Your Vet Direction, helps guide CSRs through the right questions, prioritize urgency, and support better decision-making while keeping humans firmly in the loop. The episode offers a practical look at how structured AI can reduce variability, improve efficiency, and help veterinary practices modernize one of their most critical workflows. Learn more about Your Vet Direction. Dr. Beagan recommends "The Coming Wave: Technology, Power, and the Twenty-first Century's Greatest Dilemma" by Mustafa Suleyman for its insights on AI guardrails.

Today we sat down with Amy Matheny, General Manager and Co-Owner of Reliability Home Services, to talk about a common issue in service businesses—CSRs saying “yes” when they should be saying “no.” What seems like good customer service often leads to overbooked schedules, burnt-out technicians, and frustrated customers. Amy breaks down the concept of “Eat the Frog,” how avoiding hard conversations creates bigger problems, and how to train your team to confidently set expectations. If your team struggles with overbooking or communication, this episode is a must-listen.GET FLUID DISPATCHING HERE: https://thenewflatrate.com/fluid-dispatchingSocial Media Links:InstagramTNFR- ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/thenewflatrate⁠⁠FacebookTNFR- ⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/TheNewFlatRate⁠⁠LinkedInTNFR- ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-new-flat-rate-inc-/posts/?feedView=all⁠⁠Links and Resources:https://thenewflatrate.com/https://thenewflatrate.com/fluid-dispatching

À l'occasion de la journée mondiale de lutte contre le paludisme, samedi 25 avril, nous allons en Côte d'Ivoire, où cette maladie représente 30% des causes de consultations dans les centres de santé et les hôpitaux. Face au paludisme, l'une des sources de préoccupation est la résistance des moustiques aux insecticides. C'est le cas dans cette localité agricole située à une centaine de kilomètres au nord d'Abidjan : Tiassalé, où pullule un moustique réputé être le plus résistant au monde, et qui suscite l'intérêt de la communauté scientifique. De notre correspondant de retour de Tiassalé, Des rizières vertes à perte de vue : Tiassalé est l'un des greniers d'Abidjan. Félix y cultive le grain blanc depuis des décennies. La saison des pluies arrive en Côte d'Ivoire et l'agriculteur en redoute les conséquences : « Nous sommes entourés de bas-fonds, et les moustiques sont tellement énormes qu'à partir de 19 heures, on a du mal à tenir. On ne sait pas comment faire pour repousser ces moustiques. Il y a beaucoup de paludisme, les enfants sont souvent malades. » À lire aussiMoustique : l'animal le plus dangereux au monde Des « multirésistances » aux insecticides de plus en plus fréquentes Le champ de Félix est déjà bordé d'eau stagnante. Louche à la main, des scientifiques sont venus remplir des seaux. « On a des larves de moustiques qui se développent. Nous devons faire des prélèvements de ces larves-là, les envoyer au laboratoire et puis les étudier », explique le docteur Émile Tchicaya, entomologiste au Centre suisse de recherche scientifique (CSRS). Il y a une quinzaine d'années, une équipe de chercheurs a identifié dans la zone un moustique mutant, unique au monde : « On avait quatre familles d'insecticides utilisées en santé publique. Pour la première fois, on découvrait qu'un moustique pouvait être résistant aux quatre classes simultanément. De plus en plus, on voit que ces multirésistances se développent dans d'autres régions de la zone. » L'une des hypothèses pour expliquer ces multirésistances : les pesticides utilisés dans les plantations alentours. Ils auraient pu faciliter une sélection naturelle, selon le chercheur. À Tiassalé, les larves récoltées sont transportées à l'insectarium du CSRS – des centaines d'anophèles, vecteurs du paludisme, se développent dans une demi-douzaine de cages à papillon. Ils doivent servir de cobayes. L'idée est d'observer leur réaction face à de nouveaux insecticides : « L'insectarium sert de lieu pour pouvoir réaliser ces tests-là. Si on a un insecticide qui est testé et qui montre une efficacité contre le moustique de Tiassalé, ça veut dire forcément que ce produit-là est efficace. » Des tests grandeur nature Ces produits sont ensuite testés grandeur nature. Le centre suisse dispose d'une trentaine de cases, certaines en béton, d'autres en banco. Des cases placées près des rizières, là où les moustiques prolifèrent. Des volontaires y passent la nuit sous les moustiquaires, à l'image d'Oba. « Quand on rentre dans la case, on fait descendre la moustiquaire, on se glisse à l'intérieur… et puis, quand on finit, on regarde en bas, sur le sol, s'il y a des moustiques morts. Quand il y a les moustiques morts, on les attrape et on les met dans des tubes. » Les volontaires peuvent aussi être piqués – un traitement antipaludéen leur est fourni. Samira Gouro est l'une des responsables de cette expérimentation du centre suisse. Elle résume l'objectif de cette installation : « Ça permet de simuler nos habitations. Quand on met les volontaires dans les cases, c'est comme si c'étaient les populations qui habitaient dedans, et elles utilisent les moustiquaires pour voir si ça réduit l'incidence du paludisme. Donc ça nous permet de mesurer l'efficacité des moustiquaires imprégnées que nous testons. » Une recherche capitale, car le gouvernement ivoirien continue de distribuer des moustiquaires imprégnées d'insecticides afin de prévenir les contaminations. En moyenne, le taux d'incidence du paludisme était de 233 cas pour 1 000 habitants en Côte d'Ivoire en 2025. À lire aussiÀ La Réunion, la révolution du moustique stérile pour lutter contre les épidémies

Nominate your veterinary hero here today!Happy Client Service Representative Week! On this episode of The Vet Blast Podcast presented by dvm360, host Adam Christman, DVM, MBA, sits down with Jill Clark DVM, chief visionary officer at IGNITE and cofounder of The North American Association of Veterinary Receptionists, to explore how CSRs are evolving from “just receptionists” into revenue generators, client loyalty architects, and true patient advocates. Stay tuned at the end of the episode for a special offer from Clark and the team at IGNITE!

Do Yard Signs Actually Work for Home Service Businesses?In this episode of Owned and Operated, John Wilson is joined by Sam Preston, CEO of Service Scalers, to break down one of the simplest—and most debated—marketing channels in home services: yard signs.Are they actually effective, or just cheap noise?John and Sam dig into the real economics behind yard signs, including why they can be 10–100x cheaper per impression than billboards—but come with tradeoffs in reach and perceived credibility. They also explore real-world examples, including a company that scaled to millions in revenue largely using yard signs alone.The conversation goes beyond theory and into execution: what makes a yard sign convert, where they work best, and the common mistakes that cause most operators to fail with them.In this episode, we cover: The true cost vs. return of yard signs compared to billboards  Why repetition in a neighborhood builds trust and drives calls  Real examples of businesses scaling with yard signs  The biggest mistakes operators make (and how to avoid them)  What actually makes a yard sign convert  When yard signs work best—and when they don't If you're looking for low-cost ways to generate more local demand—or wondering if yard signs are worth testing—this episode gives you a practical, no-BS breakdown of how to think about them.Host: John Wilson https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnbwilson1/Guest: Sam Preston https://www.linkedin.com/in/sam-preston-a682103b6/

On this episode of the Jered Williams Show, the discussion is centered around implementing an effective performance pay system for technicians, managers, and customer service representatives (CSRs) in a home services business. The key focus was on aligning employee incentives with the company's goals of driving revenue, using labor and materials efficiently, and providing excellent customer service. The episode covered the importance of analyzing the profit and loss (P&L) statement, structuring commission-based pay for each role, and avoiding "spiffs" in favor of a simple, transparent performance-based compensation model. The goal was to create a win-win situation where employees are motivated to maximize the business's profitability, which in turn allows them to earn higher commissions and bonuses. The insights shared provide a comprehensive framework for home services companies to implement a successful performance pay system that benefits both the employees and the overall financial health of the organization.

I Bought 3 Home Service Businesses in 90 Days… Here's What HappenedIn this episode of Owned and Operated, John Wilson sits down with co-host Jack Carr (CEO of Rapid HVAC) to break down what actually happens when you aggressively scale through acquisitions.After buying three businesses in 90 days, John walks through the strategy, the chaos, and the results—from rapid revenue growth to hitting 24% EBITDA and transforming the structure of his business almost overnight.This isn't theory. It's a real-time look at what it takes to scale a home service company through M&A—and when it actually works.What we cover: Why the best companies combine organic growth + acquisitions How John added $10–12M in run-rate revenue in one quarter The real reason acquisitions worked this time (and broke the business in the past)  How shared services (marketing, call center, dispatch) drive massive efficiency gains  Why infrastructure—not deal flow—is the key to scaling acquisitions If you're thinking about buying businesses—or wondering when you're actually ready—this episode is a candid breakdown of what it really takes to scale through M&A.

The landscape of private practice changed forever this year. With Amazon officially adding physical therapy to its marketplace, accessing rehabilitation services is now as easy as ordering a pair of shoes. This shift signifies a massive rise in public awareness of therapy services-but it also brings a new set of challenges for the independent practitioner.How do you compete with a global giant? How do you meet the "one-click" expectations of modern clients?In our 2026 "Starting an OT Practice" course, we dive into the complexities of launching and sustaining a practice in this high-tech, high-convenience era. We'll discuss why easy onboarding is no longer optional, how to leverage the latest AI tools to provide world-class care while run a lean and professional business, and how to position your clinical expertise as a high-value alternative to corporate healthcare.We are joined by Christopher Gaskins PhD, OTR/L, CSRS, who recently made the leap from "side-hustle" to full-time practice owner. Chris shares his raw, first-hand experience of navigating the ups and downs of launching in this current market, offering a roadmap for OTs who are ready to bet on themselves.See full course details here:https://otpotential.com/ceu-podcast-courses/starting-an-ot-practice-in-2026See all OT CEU courses here:https://otpotential.com/ceu-podcast-coursesCheck our our live webinar schedule here:https://otpotential.com/live-ot-ceu-webinarsSupport the show by using the OTPOTENTIAL Medbridge Code:https://otpotential.com/blog/promo-code-for-medbridgeTry 2 free OT Potential courses here:https://otpotential.com/free-ot-ceusSupport the show

Host Polly Swingle is joined by team members of the Concentrated Stroke Rehab Program (CSR) to talk about the evolution and effectiveness of the program over the last few years.Elise Thompson, MSOT, OTRL, is an occupational therapist that graduated from Grand Valley State University with a Master's of Occupational Therapy. Soon after graduating, Elise started with TRP and has been here for a year and a half. She has taken part in both the PMP and CSR program in the Livonia clinic. She is passionate about helping individuals with neurological conditions return to what they love doing most.Dr. Kayla Diebold, PT, DPT, CSRS is a Lead Physical Therapist and the Site Coordinator of Clinical Education at The Recovery Project.  She has specialized in the treatment of neurological diseases and disorders since 2017 with special interest in Parkinson's Disease, Stroke, and Vestibular disorders.  She is a Certified Stroke Rehab Specialist and heads the medical programming group for stroke at The Recovery Project. Kayla also has certifications in PWR! and Rock Steady Boxing for the management of Parkinson's Disease. She is a guest lecturer in the Physical Therapist Assistant program at Macomb Community College and frequently presents on topics involving physical therapy management of neurological diseases and disorders across the continuum of care.Learn more about The Recovery Project!View our website at www.therecoveryproject.netCall us 855-877-1944 to become a patientFollow us on InstagramLike us on FacebookThanks for listening! 

Boost Agency Production with Daily Morning HuddlesMatt Dietz of Agency Launch shares a simple daily morning huddle structure designed to increase insurance agency production by keeping teams focused on measurable goals. He recommends a 5–10 minute status report that starts with the agency's monthly premium goal and current pace, then has each producer report premium written yesterday, quotes generated yesterday, plans for today, and what help they need. He advises giving CSRs measurable daily expectations as well—especially cross-sells—plus items like reviews, referrals, scheduled life appointments, or reviews, using the huddle to create accountability and motivation. Dietz suggests the owner report their own numbers too, save coaching and deeper conversations for weekly one-on-ones, and run daily huddles until consistent goal achievement. He also promotes texting his community and resources and mentions products at agencylaunch.net.00:00 Welcome to Agency Launch00:29 Free Texting Resources01:07 Why Daily Huddles Work01:37 Set the Premium Goal01:50 Run the 5 Minute Huddle03:26 Producer Daily Metrics04:16 CSR Goals and Cross Sells05:48 Peer Pressure and Accountability06:57 Lead by Example07:35 Weekly Coaching Check Ins08:31 When to Stop the Huddles09:04 Huddle Script Recap09:25 Wrap Up and Offers

Is AI killing SEO—or just changing how it works?In this episode of Owned and Operated, John Wilson sits down with Lisa from Service Scalers to talk about what SEO actually looks like in 2026. They break down why AI isn't replacing search, why Google still dominates high-intent local buying behavior, and what home service companies need to do to stay visible.They cover the shift away from low-intent traffic, why Google Business Profiles matter more than ever, and how authority, trust, and user experience are replacing old-school SEO tactics.In this episode, we cover: -Why AI is changing SEO, not killing it -Why low-intent traffic is dropping -How Google Business Profiles drive local leads -Why brand search matters more than most owners realizeHost: John Wilson https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnbwilson1/Guest: Lisa Appleby https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-appleby/?originalSubdomain=uk

On this episode of the Jered Williams Show, the hosts discuss their new and improved hiring process to address the challenge of finding good technicians, CSRs, and managers in the current labor market. They share their experience with the traditional hiring approach and how it often led to hiring the wrong candidates. To address this, they have implemented a hiring event model that involves a multi-step filtering process, including an initial application, RSVP, and in-person event. This allows them to quickly assess a larger pool of candidates and identify those who align with the company's core values of "Be an Asset" and "Don't Be an Asshole." The hosts also discuss their plans to develop an apprenticeship program to provide structured training and career progression opportunities for new hires. Additionally, they highlight upcoming industry events, such as the Death Walk and Home Service Hoorah, which offer valuable networking and learning experiences for home service business owners.

The Marketing Stack for Home Service Businesses: From $1M to $10MWhat should home service companies actually spend on marketing at $1 million, $5 million, and $10 million?In this episode, John Wilson sits down with Ethan Wright of Service Scalers to break down the real marketing stack for HVAC, plumbing, and electrical companies at every stage of growth. They cover what changes as you scale, what stays the same, and where most owners waste money too early.If you run an HVAC, plumbing, or electrical business and want a clearer roadmap for how to think about marketing as you grow, this episode lays it out.In this episode, we cover:The best marketing priorities for home service companies from $1M to $10MWhy lead generation matters more than branding in the early stagesHow reviews, LSA, aggregators, and speed-to-lead drive growthWhen PPC, SEO, and lifecycle marketing become more importantWhy most owners hire for marketing too earlyHow pricing impacts your ability to buy leads profitablyHost: John Wilson https://x.com/WilsonCompanies Guest: Ethan Wright linkedin.com/in/ethanwrighttx

Are Billboards Worth It for Home Service Businesses? (Or Just an Expensive Ego Boost?)Billboards can feel like a milestone for a growing home service company—your name on the highway, customers saying they saw your brand, friends texting photos of your sign. But for most HVAC, plumbing, and electrical companies, billboard advertising starts too early and becomes an expensive distraction from what actually drives growth: leads.In this episode, John Wilson sits down with Sam Preston (CEO of Service Scalers) for another installment of the Clicks to Calls series. They break down when billboards actually work, when they don't, and why most contractors under $20M are usually better off buying more leads instead of investing heavily in brand campaigns.They also unpack what makes a billboard memorable, why density matters more than just “having one,” and how brand channels like billboards show up in your data through branded search rather than traditional attribution.You'll learn:When billboards actually make sense for HVAC, plumbing, and electrical companiesThe biggest mistake contractors make: running one or two billboards instead of building densityWhy most companies under ~$20M should prioritize buying leads over brand marketingHost: John Wilson — https://x.com/WilsonCompanies Guest: Sam Preston — https://x.com/HeySamPrestonBreak through the $5M ceiling.Join John Wilson and Jack Carr May 5–7, 2026 in Akron, Ohio for the Breaking $5 Million Workshop—a 3-day, in-person event for HVAC, plumbing, and electrical owners ready to scale. You'll see the Wilson operation live, sit in on a real sales huddle, tour the shop, and build your roadmap to $5M+.

We unpack the National Action Plan for School Bus Safety which sheds light on the non-fatal effects of illegal passing, as well as transportation director comments on green buses during a recent EPA Clean School Bus webinar. Denise Donaldson, the editor and publisher of Safe Ride News Publications and a frequent trainer at STN EXPO and the TSD Conference, previews her STN EXPO East workshop on when to use child safety restraint systems (CSRS) in school buses or alternative vehicles. Read more about safety. Episode sponsors:Transfinder, EverDriven.

Brigham Dickinson is the co-founder and president of Power Selling Pros, a company that helps home service businesses turn more incoming calls into booked jobs through world-class customer service and call-handling training. After years of studying top-performing service companies, Brigham developed proven systems that help CSRs and office teams deliver exceptional customer experiences that drive revenue and loyalty. Today, Power Selling Pros works with contractors across the country to improve call conversion, increase bookings, and build cultures centered on the "Pattern for Excellence." Brigham is also the host of the Service MVP Podcast, where he interviews leaders across the home service industry about leadership, growth, and delivering remarkable service. FOR MORE GREAT EPISODES: The Mello Millionaire - https://open.spotify.com/show/1jsZaiMgWe0EGaPfLtelDW?si=3de6091af58d41b4 Chapters 00:00:00 Cold Open 00:00:15 Title Sequence 00:00:35 Show Notes VO 00:01:20 Intro Into Interview 00:02:45 Power Selling Pro's Testimonial  00:03:33 Interview Resumes 01:03:02 Outro Check Out My Social Media: Tiktok _https://www.tiktok.com/@officialtommymello Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/officialtommymello/ Facebook _https://www.facebook.com/thomasmello/

Is AI about to disrupt the pest control industry, or is it just another tool?In this solo episode of the Bug Bux Podcast, Allan Draper breaks down the real ways artificial intelligence is already impacting pest control and where it won't be replacing humans anytime soon.From predictive pest data and proactive treatments to smarter routing, automated customer communication, and AI-powered pest identification, Allan explores how forward-thinking companies can use AI to increase retention, improve efficiency, and drive revenue. He also dives into how CRM systems may be falling behind, why routing automation is the next big leap, and how chatbots and AI sales tools could soon outperform traditional CSRs in certain situations.But here's the twist: AI isn't coming for your technician's job, at least not the way you think.Allan explains why blue-collar, on-site service businesses have built-in protection against full automation, how licensing and regulation slow robotic replacement, and why personal relationships between techs and customers remain one of the strongest competitive moats in the industry.If you own or operate a pest control company and want to stay ahead of the curve without panicking about the future, this episode will challenge your thinking and help you prepare for what's actually coming next.AI isn't replacing pest control. But it is separating operators from innovators.

OIN OUR FACEBOOK GROUP:   / 1bmudi9htk  In 2025, two forces are colliding fast: AI and blue-collar trades.In this episode, Chris Lee sits down with the team from Callsource to unpack what's actually happening when home service companies replace CSRs with AI voice/text bots — and why it can quietly destroy trust, create missed revenue, and damage your brand even when the phones are ringing.They break down real call data (including thousands of inbound calls handled by AI), the hidden “zero outcome” problem, incorrect dispositions inside the CRM, and why most owners don't realize the damage until conversion drops and the backlog tightens. Then they get practical: what a hybrid AI + human model looks like, how to build a manual process first (even if it starts in a spreadsheet), and how fast follow-up and human empathy can recover deals your competitors would've taken.If you run a plumbing, HVAC, electrical, or other home service business and you're considering AI for inbound calls, this is the episode you need before you flip that switch.CONNECT WITH ME ON SOCIAL MEDIA!TEXT ME: 509-905-4109INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/chrisleeqb/...FACEBOOK:   / chrisleeqb  TIKTOK:   / uc6m5_nuhcx-jdtyb4ge8giq   Partner Spotlight: 1SEO Digital Agency: At Next Level Pros, we teach you the best ways HOW to market your business. If you want additional hands-on help executing, we trust 1SEO, our marketing partner. They implement SEO, PPC, Google Local Services Ads, and high-performance websites that turn stronger operations into booked jobs. Learn more or book a consult: https://1seo.com/next-level-pros/