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Have you been duped by marketing agencies in the past? Or maybe you're not sure if you have before. Our guest today is Amber Gaige, who shares with us The Four C's to help avoid getting duped.TODAY'S WIN-WIN:Do not be discouraged, there are good marketers out there that can help you.LINKS FROM THE EPISODE:Listen to Ellen Rohr's Podcast episode here: https://bigskyfranchiseteam.com/why-trouble-makers-make-good-entrepreneurs/You can visit our guest's website at: www.FarBeyondMarketing.com Get a copy of our guest's book: CLICK HERE.Attend our Franchise Sales Training Workshop: https://bigskyfranchiseteam.com/franchisesalestraining/If you are ready to franchise your business or take it to the next level: CLICK HERE.Connect with our guest on social:IG: https://www.instagram.com/farbeyondmarketing/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amber-gaige-55880826/FB: https://www.facebook.com/coachambergaigeABOUT OUR GUEST:Amber is a third-generation entrepreneur and certified StoryBrand Guide with over 15 years of experience as a marketing strategist, working with industries such as Home Services, Construction, SaaS, Beauty, Health, Home Building, Manufacturing, Medical, and Family Businesses. She is passionate about demystifying marketing for entrepreneurs and helping small, service-based businesses build marketing and sales systems that consistently attract clients and create steady cash flow. As the creator of The Four C's of Effective Marketing, a proven system that has helped hundreds of entrepreneurs nationwide, Amber combines effective strategies with mindset work to help business owners confidently achieve their goals while simplifying their lives. She is the author of the international best-selling book, The Far Beyond Marketing Guidebook, and is a sought-after speaker. ABOUT BIG SKY FRANCHISE TEAM:This episode is powered by Big Sky Franchise Team. If you are ready to talk about franchising your business you can schedule your free, no-obligation, franchise consultation online at: https://bigskyfranchiseteam.com/.The information provided in this podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered financial, legal, or professional advice. Always consult with a qualified professional before making any business decisions. The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host, Big Sky Franchise Team, or our affiliates. Additionally, this podcast may feature sponsors or advertisers, but any mention of products or services does not constitute an endorsement. Please do your own research before making any purchasing or business decisions.
Why owners must own the financial manager box on the org chart and how contractors do much harder math in their job than is required to understand their accounting and financials. [:008 ] The value of Ellen's best selling book, "Where Did the Money Go?" [3:05 ] A budget tells you what you need to hit your goals—but only if the numbers you're using to create it are right. [7:49] The three most important KPIs you need to track. [12:07] The two reports that allow you to track those three things. Cost of goods sold. [16:03 ] Who you need to help you figure out your financial situation. [20:40] Real world accounting vs. tax accounting [22:17] Getting your team in on the game [24:09] Getting to a "Known Financial Position" or KFP, keeping reports up to date, and reviewing them weekly so you can make better more profitable financial decisions. [31:14] The 1-page dashboard report updated weekly that tells you everything you need to know. [37:57] The process of getting to a Known Financial Position. Fixing the easy stuff first. [40:36] How Frank J. Blau, Jr. tackled the low self esteem issue in the contracting industry. [52:49] How charging the right price gives you the ability to give bad customers their money back and focus on serving the good customers. [54:00] Script for building value for the right price with a customer. [55:00] Resources and People Mentioned The 7-Power Contractor Signature Financial System with Ellen Rohr Demonstration fo Financial Quick Check Document Service Titan (Schedule a demo) Where Did the Money Go? by Ellen Rohr (Amazon) Soaring with Eagles: The Life and Legacy of Frank J. Blau, Jr. by Ellen Rohr and Helena Bouchez (Amazon) The 7-Power Contractor: Run Your Contracting Business with Less Stress and More Success by Al Levi (Amazon) Episode 368: Embracing Financial Transparency to Build Accountability in Your Organization The Home Service Expert Podcast with Tommy Mello Find more resources at www.7powercontractor.com. Notice to listeners: The information in this book, along with the forms and structures provided, are meant to serve as a helpful reference guide for the plumbing, heating, cooling, electrical, and other contracting industries. The host of and contributors to this podcast take no responsibility for compliance with the laws or regulations that govern your specific business. The responsibility for making sure everything is compliant (among other things) is 100 percent yours. Before you implement any new information or forms, please check with your own trusted business advisers, including your own attorney, to make certain that the forms and the information you plan to implement will comply with all relevant laws, customs, and regulations.
On March 11, attend our free web class to learn the proven hiring framework top contractors use to attract and retain A players during a labor shortage. Register here: https://trybta.com/CE-HIRING2025 Grab a copy of Ellen's pricing tool here: https://trybta.com/DL202 To learn more about Breakthrough Academy, click here: https://trybta.com/EP202 Today, we’re welcoming industry legend Ellen Rohr to the show. We couldn’t be more excited. She’s built and sold two companies. Written a slew of unbelievably helpful books including Where Did the Money Go? and How Much Should I Charge? She’s the founder and owner of Zoom Drain which now has over 50 locations. This episode is all about pricing. AKA how much you should charge and why. Episode Highlights: Learn why price is the EASIEST and FIRST lever you should always pull when you’re trying to grow your top AND bottom line. Understand how to use psychology to help you or your sales team gain the confidence needed to own your value and charge what you need. Get access to a simple equation for calculating your own selling price based on your own financial goals (spoiler alert: what your competition charges has nothing to do with it). 00:00-Intro 01:57-About the 2011 book: How Much Should I Charge? 08:45-Why pricing as a passion? 12:36-How most contractors decide what to charge 17:21-The importance of value 21:34-How to figure out what you should charge 29:05-Importance of billable hours 34:22-The best position to be in the market 39:19-How to know when your price is too high 44:27-How to train your sales team to "own their price" 53:39-Pricing analysis and updates in an inflationary environment. 58:01-Fun Hypothetical QuestionSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
On March 11, attend our free web class to learn the proven hiring framework top contractors use to attract and retain A players during a labor shortage. Register here: https://trybta.com/CE-HIRING2025 Grab a copy of Ellen's pricing tool here: https://trybta.com/DL202 To learn more about Breakthrough Academy, click here: https://trybta.com/EP202 Today, we’re welcoming industry legend Ellen Rohr to the show. We couldn’t be more excited. She’s built and sold two companies. Written a slew of unbelievably helpful books including Where Did the Money Go? and How Much Should I Charge? She’s the founder and owner of Zoom Drain which now has over 50 locations. This episode is all about pricing. AKA how much you should charge and why. Episode Highlights: Learn why price is the EASIEST and FIRST lever you should always pull when you’re trying to grow your top AND bottom line. Understand how to use psychology to help you or your sales team gain the confidence needed to own your value and charge what you need. Get access to a simple equation for calculating your own selling price based on your own financial goals (spoiler alert: what your competition charges has nothing to do with it). 00:00-Intro 01:57-About the 2011 book: How Much Should I Charge? 08:45-Why pricing as a passion? 12:36-How most contractors decide what to charge 17:21-The importance of value 21:34-How to figure out what you should charge 29:05-Importance of billable hours 34:22-The best position to be in the market 39:19-How to know when your price is too high 44:27-How to train your sales team to "own their price" 53:39-Pricing analysis and updates in an inflationary environment. 58:01-Fun Hypothetical QuestionSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Send us a textJoin us on the Successful Life Podcast to explore the realities of running a trade business with industry experts Corey Berrier, Ellen Rohr, and Al Levi. In this episode, they share their career experiences and how they became trusted consultants.We discuss key topics such as financial literacy, collaboration, and project management. Ellen and Al offer practical advice on setting priorities, structuring teams, and using ride-alongs to build trust. They also highlight the value of customer testimonials in strengthening business relationships.The conversation covers personal challenges, leadership, and creating a productive workplace culture. Tune in for insights you can apply to your own business. Don't forget to subscribe, share, and leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify!https://coreyberrier.gumroad.com/l/gqhapdAl@7powercontractor.comEllen.rohr@zoomdrain.com Support the show https://www.audible.com/pd/9-Simple-Steps-to-Sell-More-ht-Audiobook/B0D4SJYD4Q?source_code=ASSORAP0511160006&share_location=library_overflowhttps://www.amazon.com/Simple-Steps-Sell-More-Stereotypes-ebook/dp/B0BRNSFYG6/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1OSB7HX6FQMHS&keywords=corey+berrier&qid=1674232549&sprefix=%2Caps%2C93&sr=8-1 https://www.linkedin.com/in/coreysalescoach/
Send us a textDiscover how Ellen Rohr transformed her life from marrying a plumber to becoming an influential leader in the trades industry. Ellen shares her vibrant journey with businesses like Benjamin Franklin Plumbing and Zoom Drain Franchising, highlighting her dedication to empowering tradespeople. With insights from business consultant Al Levy and industry expert Frank Blau, Ellen underscores the importance of mentorship and financial literacy in achieving success.Explore the unexpected twists and turns of the drain cleaning industry through Ellen's candid reflections on financial challenges and personal dynamics. She opens up about the emotional rollercoaster of working with a spouse and transforming business hurdles into growth opportunities. Ellen's unique story involves selling a plumbing business to its team, showcasing the power of open book management and instilling entrepreneurial ambitions within an organization.From leveraging technology in hiring to mastering marketing strategies, Ellen offers a wealth of knowledge on optimizing operations and identifying top talent. Her enthusiasm is contagious as she discusses the role of AI in revolutionizing the hiring process, shares marketing insights inspired by figures like Dave Ramsey, and details the strength found in networking and collaboration. Listen to Ellen's inspiring narrative and gain valuable perspectives on building successful careers and businesses in the trades.https://www.servicetitan.com/blog/news-ellen-rohr-joins-servicetitanhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/bare-bones-biz-inc. Support the show https://www.audible.com/pd/9-Simple-Steps-to-Sell-More-ht-Audiobook/B0D4SJYD4Q?source_code=ASSORAP0511160006&share_location=library_overflowhttps://www.amazon.com/Simple-Steps-Sell-More-Stereotypes-ebook/dp/B0BRNSFYG6/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1OSB7HX6FQMHS&keywords=corey+berrier&qid=1674232549&sprefix=%2Caps%2C93&sr=8-1 https://www.linkedin.com/in/coreysalescoach/
A new episode of 'Owned and Operated' is here, with the incomparable Ellen Rohr joining Jack and John as they talk about her expensive journey through the world of plumbing, what leadership means, and why open book management leads to success. They talk about Ellen's journey from plumbing to business success, strategic approaches to overcoming debt through proper pricing, and the personal evolution of founding successful ventures like Benjamin Franklin the Punctual Plumber and Zoom Drain. Now working with ServiceTitan, Ellen has seen a lot–don't miss this masterclass episode of the show.A SPECIAL THANKS TO HATCHTurn communication into conversion with Hatch and its AI Agents, ready to handle follow-ups, reminders, email blasts, and more for your home service business. Save employee hours and book more leads with the power of Hatch.Learn More About Hatch HereEpisode Hosts:
Ellen Rohr is the co-founder of Zoom Drain and the Brand + Industry Marketing Lead for Service Titan. She has worked as a columnist for Huffington Post, PHC News, and is a contributor to many business journals and trade magazines. In this episode, we talked about financial literacy, debt management, profit margins…
Meaningful relationships are important in our world. They offer learning, guidance, and unwavering support. True connection goes deeper than surface-level interactions and gives life purpose, allowing us to thrive. In today's episode, join Howard Partridge on his journey of transformation, which begins with challenges but quickly skyrockets to remarkable heights thanks to the power of genuine connections and guidance. In this episode, Howard shares his insightful experiences with mentors like Tom Ziglar and Ellen Rohr. You'll see firsthand how Ellen's visionary business system helped Howard's enterprise achieve profitability like never before. As Howard imparts the wisdom he's gained from Zig Ziglar and reflects on Clint Black's rise to stardom, you'll witness the incredible power of surrounding yourself with the right people at the right time. So, come on in and let's explore the intricate tapestry of million-dollar relationships together. [00:00 – 21:41] Alignment with Purpose Howard's connection with Zig Ziglar significantly impacted his life and business trajectory. Tom Ziglar's ongoing support and partnership played a pivotal role in Howard's involvement with the Ziglar Corporation. Howard's purpose-driven approach guided his coaching business to help small business owners achieve freedom. Nurturing valuable relationships, focusing on giving rather than taking, and weathering challenges led to lasting success. [08:33 – 44:22] From Passion to Prosperity · Howard highlights the transformational impact of Zig Ziglar's teachings, especially in business and personal development. · He emphasizes the significance of mentorship, coaching, and partnerships in his journey to success, including relationships with Tom Ziglar and Ellen Rohr The power of relationships, both in business and personal life, is highlighted, along with the value of learning from those who are already where you want to be. · Howard's journey involves aligning his faith with business principles, showcasing how spiritual growth and business success can go hand in hand. [44:22 – 45:59] Closing Statements Follow Howard on LinkedIn and Facebook. Also, be sure to check his webpage at https://www.howardpartridge.com Thanks for tuning in! If you liked my show, please LEAVE A 5-STAR REVIEW, like, and subscribe! Find me on the following streaming platforms: Apple Spotify Google Podcasts IHeart Radio Stitcher Tweetable Quote "All business, all life is about relationships. The greatest life lesson that I've ever learned is this: Get around people who are already where you want to be and that have a plan for you to follow." – Howard Partridge
Ellen Rohr & Grace Donnelly are from Zoom Drain. Ellen is the President of Zoom Drain and Grace is the Director of Franchise of FastLane. Zoom is one of the fastest-growing drain-cleaning franchises in America. In this captivating episode, we delve into the fascinating world of drain-cleaning innovation. We also share some real-world examples and success stories from experiences and provide tangible takeaways for entrepreneurs.Guest Links:Website: https://ellenrohr.com/https://www.zoomdrain.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ellen-rohr-5052101/Check out Brian's newsletter Stay up to date with all things franchising by following Brian on Twitter & LinkedIn
Brittany and Jamie are joined by Ellen Rohr of Zoom Drain and Grace Donnelly of Franchise Fastlane to discuss why a niche business can be the right fit for many potential franchisees. If you're considering a business that is recession-resistant and AI-Proof, this growing franchise may be just the fit for you.
Recorded at the WWETT Show in Indy, Tim & John sit down with Ellen Rohr. How does she maintain the same amount of enthusiasm and passion for the industry as she did 20+ years ago? Also, we dabble in franchising, talk about tardiness and alcohol and a special guest joins the chat.Subscribe to the Appetite for Construction podcast at any of your favorite streaming channels.Follow Plumbing Perspective @plumbing_perspectiveVisit our website: www.mechanical-hub.comSign up for our newsletter: https://mechanical-hub.com/enewsletter/
A Fastlane to Success for Aspiring Franchisees with Zoom Drain founder Ellen Rohr and Grace Donnelly from FastlaneIf you're looking for an opportunity to be your own boss and run a successful business, Zoom Drain may be the perfect fit for you. With a proven business model and support from experienced franchisees, you can be on your way to success.In this podcast, Lance interviews Ellen Rohr the founder of Zoom Drain and Grace Donnelly Franchise Development from Fastlane. The interviewees discuss the company's training program, their experience as franchisees, and the opportunities that are still available.-How to get into the franchising industry-The benefits of franchising-How to find the right people to train to be drain technicians-How to market the business-The challenges and opportunities that come with working in franchising-How the pandemic was a chance to regroup and find an investor-How to exit your companyHave you heard the news? We are officially on YouTube. Come check out a few videos have have and give me a follow!https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwoAdrkPZmveJt5AQRDk8WA---Lance GraulichFranchise Consulting Services from ION FranchisingEye On Franchising Key Points:Approximately mentioned @ 00:15:32Zoom Drain is a drain cleaning company that offers an affordable and convenient service for customers. The company has a strong focus on customer service and offers a wide range of services to its customers. Zoom Drain is a franchise opportunity that is perfect for those who are looking for a career in the drain cleaning industry. The company offers a wide range of services, including drain cleaning, sewer cleaning, and drain repair.Approximately mentioned @ 00:24:18We added 23 new franchisees in 2022. There were many commonalities between them, but some key differences as well."I really took all of these home services for granted until I married Hot Rod, and he turned me on to tradespeople. And what I love about my husband is what I love about the trades. It's, um, as Tyler from Lexington says, it's past fail. It works or it doesn't work. It's a no nonsense industry." Ellen Rohr
Waste No Day: A Plumbing, HVAC, and Electrical Motivational Podcast
In today's show, we are putting Ellen Rohr in your passenger seat to discuss charging more than it costs. Ellen nearly sank her husband's plumbing company. It seemed like lots of money was moving through the company, but at the end of the month there was never any money left. With the help of great mentors, Ellen figured out how to fix and grow successful businesses. She teaches business planning and financial literacy, helping contractors make business simpler and more profitable. Now, she is an owner and President of Zoom Drain Franchise, LLC. a new franchise concept with 20 locations across the country. Ellen is the author of four un-fussy business books: “Where Did the Money Go?, How Much Should I Charge?, The Bare Bones Biz Plan, and The Weekend Biz Plan. She also hosts a regular podcast – Behind the Wall – for PHCPPros.com and Unclogged – a Zoom Drain Podcast. Today, Ellen joins the show to discuss how easy it is to get upside down in business and how charging the right price is important to the success and future of a business; and part of this journey is to believe first that you are worth it.
For part one of this series on employee compensation, Ellen Rohr sits down with Zoom Drain's Marketing Director, Andrew Knechel, to discuss paying your team as their position evolves. The conversation focuses on familiarizing employees with the organization chart layout, how the “voice at home” can affect employees, understanding the behavioral qualities for each position and more. As the President of Zoom Drain Franchise, Rohr continues to help the brand experience exponential growth throughout the country, now with over 20 franchises nationwide.____________________________________________________________________Zoom Drain is an operator and franchisor of drain and sewer services. Zoom Drain focuses on repair, maintenance, and installation – everything “below the drain.” Headquartered in Philadelphia, Zoom Drain has two corporate units and over 20 franchisees across the country.Learn more @ https://zoomdrain.comJoin our team @ https://zoomdraincareers.comFranchise with us @ https://zoomdrainfranchise.com____________________________________________________________________Where you can find the guests featured in this podcast:Ellen RohrLINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ellen-roh...____________________________________________________________________Check out @zoomdrain on social media: WEB: https://zoomdrain.comBLOG: https://zoomdrain.com/blogLINKEDIN:
Dan Antonelli, author of Branded Not Blanded, joins me on this episode. Dan talks to the importance of creating the right brand for your home service company. Dan will be signing his new book at the upcoming Vertical Track conference in Phoenix, AZ from October 12th-14th. (More about Vertical Track below...) Get Your Copy of Dan's Book Today - Dan wrote Branded Not Blanded The Blueprint for a Killer Home Service Brand. Now is the time to invest in your home service branding and build a brand that is unique and disruptive. This book gives you the blueprint for how to build a brand that stands out, attracts the right clients and employees, and wins the hearts and minds of your ideal customer. Covering the basics from naming and tagline to the logistics of building a disruptive wrap, you'll learn how better branding yields a much-improved marketing ROI and a smaller marketing budget. This book features real case studies from home service business owners. You'll read about the results their new brands have had, and the effect not only on revenue but internal culture. Imagine your home service brand standing out instead of just fitting in (blanding). What would happen for your home service business if it had a unique, and disruptive brand that people remembered when they needed service? Written by Dan Antonelli, the Creative Director and President of KickCharge™ Creative, this book leverages his nearly 30-year track record of developing some of the most successful home service brands in the country. With over 2000 brands to his credit, Dan shares his winning formula to get inside home consumers' minds and help create a brand that connects them to your home service company. When it comes to branding, home service companies have two choices: Build a disruptive brand and spend less on marketing or overspend on marketing to overcome a poor brand. Most choose the latter, which creates an opportunity for your company to take market share by building a truly disruptive brand! The Vertical Track speaker list runs deep with other great speakers as well including Tommy Mello, Ken Goodrich, Joe Polish, Ellen Rohr, Keith Mercurio and many more! Oh, and I, Jim Klauck, will be dropping some Marketing Nuggets for everyone on Friday afternoon! See you there! If you have not registered for the event yet get in while there is still room. Click here for Vertical Track details - Vertical Track Conference Vertical Track.
Al Levi, author of The 7-Power Contractor joins me on this episode. Al reveals some of what he will talking about at the upcoming Vertical Track conference in Phoenix, AZ from October 12th-14th. The Vertical Track speaker list runs deep with other great speakers as well including Tommy Mello, Ken Goodrich, Joe Polish, Ellen Rohr, Keith Mercurio and many more! Oh, and I, Jim Klauck, will be dropping some Marketing Nuggets for everyone on Friday afternoon! See you there! If you have not registered for the event yet get in while there is still room. Click here for Vertical Track details - Vertical Track Conference Vertical Track. More about Al Levi... Al Levi, The 7-Power Contractor, is a business consultant, teacher, author, and successful former contractor who helps other contractors learn to run their businesses with less stress and more success through his book, online one-of-a kind Operating Manuals program, and he's been a long-running columnist for Plumbing & Mechanical magazine. Jim and Al discuss the issues contractors deal with on a day-to-day basis and discuss solutions through the 7- Power Contractor method. Check Out Al's Website - 7 Power Contractor 7 Power Contractor. Get Your Copy of Al's Book Today - Al Levi wrote 7 Power Contractor : 7 Power Contractor.
This is a must listen podcast! Tommy Mello from A1 Garage Door Service joins me today on the program. Tommy talks about the upcoming Vertical Track Conference in Phoenix, AZ - October 12th-14th. Speakers from the likes of Ken Goodrich, Ellen Rohr, Joe Polish, Keith Mercurio and many more! If you have not registered for the event yet get in while there is still room. Click here for Vertical Track details - Vertical Track Conference Vertical Track.
When selecting a franchise business to invest in, some stray from brands they think of as "dirty jobs." Not Ellen Rohr... her choice to invest in Zoom Drain has paid off big time. Hear why! In this episode of Create Wealth Through Franchising, Franchise Consultant Kim Daly (The Daly Coach) interviews Ellen Rohr of Zoom Drain. My Franchise Consulting services are totally free to you. Let's chat! ✉️ inquire@kimdaly.tv ▶️ Subscribe to The Daly Coach YouTube channel at http://kimdaly.tv #franchising #franchise #franchiseconsultant #franchiseopportunity #businesscoach #mindsetcoach #becomeyourownboss #bossup #beyourownboss #entrepreneurship #createwealth #buildalegacy #investmentopportunity #careertransition #smartinvestment #zoomdrain #dirtyjobs #investing #smartinvestment
Victor and Ellen dive into how Zoom Drain started and where the future of franchise in home services is headed.
Ellen Rohr is the President of Zoom Drain, a company that provides sewer and drain cleaning services. Ellen started out in the industry as a plumber's wife before unexpectedly getting involved in her husband's company. Since starting the Zoom Drain franchise, she has occupied a number of positions, including Manager, Vice President, and now President. In addition to her role at Zoom Drain, Ellen is on a mission to help people learn business basics and focus on the few things that make the biggest impact. She's written four best-selling business books, including How Much Should I Charge? and The Bare Bones Biz Plan, and she hosts two podcasts, PHCPPros: Behind the Wall and Unclogged: A Zoom Drain Podcast. Ellen often shares her experience through seminars, podcasts, and industry trade magazines like HuffPost and PHCPPros. In this episode… Getting your finances right is a major factor in business success. However, business owners often have difficulty managing all the moving parts — especially when finances aren't their forte. Luckily, financial literacy expert Ellen Rohr is here to share her best tips on everything from finances to franchising. Like many ambitious business owners, Ellen is no stranger to financial blunders. Early in her career, she joined her husband's plumbing business and was greeted with messy bookkeeping — and no solution in sight. Instead of succumbing to the financial hardships, Ellen buckled down and learned everything she could about finances. Now, as she helps other business owners get control of their finances, she shares an important reminder: once you learn the basics, it will take you as far as you want to go in business. In this episode of the Multiply You Podcast, Austin Clark has an exciting and insightful conversation with Ellen Rohr, the President of Zoom Drain. Ellen talks about common financial mistakes in business, tips for pricing and attracting customers at a premium level, and why it's so important to follow your vision — and not anyone else's.
Ellen Rohr, The Business Makeover Expert, extensively shares how she turned a sinking business into a profitable one by knowing the practical pieces beyond understanding financial reports. For the full show notes, head on over to: https://reflectivemarketing.com/podcast/Ellen-Rohr-Why-Its-Time-to-Think-About-Raising-Your-Prices
Al Levi, “The 7-Power Contractor,” is a success story like no other. After retiringfrom his family contracting business at age 48, Al began sharing his 7-Powersystem with other contractors throughout the U.S., Canada and Australia so they could learn to run their businesses with less stress and more success. His work has impacted numerous contractors across a dozen industries. His focus now is on putting his thinking online through The 7-Power Contractor Signature Operating Manuals System and Signature Staffing System, and his book The 7-Power Contractor. Time Stamps:
I've known Ellen Rohr for years! In 2009, I interviewed Ellen on my Bring On Success Radio Show which used to air locally on a Houston radio station. Now Ellen is back with me on the podcast. On this podcast Ellen shows us how to raise our prices without batting an eyelash or making excuses! If you want your home service company to be more profitable then check out this episode! Ellen started Bare Bones Biz, a venture capital and consulting company in 1995 to help folks of all ages turn their big ideas into successful businesses. As president of Benjamin Franklin, The Punctual Plumber, a home service company, Ellen helped grow the company from zero to $40 million in franchise sales and 47 locations in less than 2 years. Ellen is also the COO of ZOOM DRAIN Franchising, LLC, a new drain and sewer company expanding across the USA.
“If you got into the trade because you love the trade, then that is a big plus, but the money is a whole different ball game.” That's one of the biggest things that Ellen Rohr learned after a long and fruitful career in the service business. Ellen went from a plumber's wife to one of America's top experts on making big money, but the journey wasn't easy. She got involved in her husband's company after her husband's partner died. Ellen thought she knew enough about business to run a plumbing company, which almost caused them to lose their business. Through the help of mentors, she was able to craft a sound business plan together. In this episode, she shares her tips to help you earn more money and grow your service company business. She also explains the things you should carefully consider when paying your techs. Listen in for some timeless wisdom and actionable business tips from one of the industry's best!
In this episode, Zoom Drain President Ellen Rohr and Marketing Manager Andrew Knechel sit down to discuss what can be achieved with using the ideas behind being #BetterTogether, hiring people that are smarter than you and learning through failures. They look at the importance of focusing on the idea of calls, techs and trucks – because it's all about making money – and celebrate their award-winning relationship with Spartan Tool, as the 2022 Customer of the Year.____________________________________________________________________________Zoom Drain is an operator and franchisor of drain and sewer services. Zoom Drain focuses on repair, maintenance, and installation – everything “below the drain.” Headquartered in Philadelphia, Zoom Drain has two corporate units and over 15 franchisees across the country.Learn more @ zoomdrain.comJoin our team @ zoomdraincareers.comFranchise with us @ zoomdrainfranchise.com____________________________________________________________________________Where you can find the guests featured in this podcast:Ellen Rohr: @ellenrohr on Instagram and Twitter____________________________________________________________________________Check out Zoom Drain on social media: WEB: zoomdrain.comBLOG: zoomdrain.com/blogLINKEDIN: linkedin.com/company/zoom-drainTWITTER: twitter.com/zoomdrainINSTAGRAM: instagram.com/zoomdrain
Ellen Rohr is a franchising force of nature—and a ton of fun. As President at Zoom Drain, she has focused on establishing an award-winning brand and the operational systems needed to get the franchise ready to scale. In this episode, Erin shares her mindset in approaching their goal of 5x growth to 100 locations and how Zoom Drain delivers on their brand promise of Fast, Focused, and Fixed.
John Mesenbrink and Tim Ward discuss the 2022 WWETT Show in Indianapolis and share interviews with several exhibitors. For those not familiar, WWETT stands for Water & Wastewater Equipment, Treatment & Transport and this show is the industry's biggest marketplace for exploring the latest technology, newest equipment, and the gaining insight into some great ideas. You could say it's a drain cleaning contractor's WWETT dream. Here, we talk with Ellen Rohr, Zoom Drain; visit with Milwaukee's Stick Transfer Pump; RIDGID's drain cleaning one-stop shop; and General Pipe Cleaner's Flexi-Rooter.
In PART 2 of Need a Lift, Kelly and Ellen pick up where they left off. Kelly starts by asking how a plumber was able to get Ellen's attention and win her hand in marriage. Together they cover a lot of ground. Ellen shares her admiration of tradespeople and their value in society.You'll learn about Zoom Drain, Ellen's secret sauce to business success, and much much more.Check out Ellen's books here.
Ellen Rohr Self-styled “dirty jobs girl” and “plumber's wife”, Ellen Rohr is a firecracker and her insights are just as lively. As COO of Zoom Drain franchise, she found the silver lining in the pandemic. She and her team used the time to regroup and will “nearly double in size in short order”. Ellen is an industry icon, a columnist for Huffington Post and commentator for several business magazines. Ellen might seem to have it all now, but the learning curve was steep and there were plenty of clogs along the way. Ellen's wisdom flows freely as she recounts the mistakes she's made and how you can avoid them. She dishes on everything from work fashion and marriage advise to getting your customers to pay more. Finally, Ellen spills the secret about the superpowers of the service industry and how to harness your teams hidden potential. Enjoy! “You can raise your prices as often as you raise your self-esteem” “It was super sexy, He taught me how to read a balance sheet” In this episode we discuss: 15:18 How much should a contractor charge? You might be surprised by Ellen's answer 17:30 Make more money TODAY by following this advice… 42:53 This “game” just might fix all your problems: ”open your heart, open the books, let them play” Resources from this episode: Find Ellen's podcast and many resources at Behind the Wall Learn more about Ellen and get a copy of her book for FREE Interesting in starting a franchise of your own? Check out zoomdrainfranchise.com Guest suggestions? Email me at sid@the8020show.com Get a copy of Perry Marshall's excellent book 80/20 Sales and Marketing - The Ultimate Guide to Working Less and Making More for one penny plus shipping (we worked out a special deal for our listeners) Just click here If you like the show, tell your friends, share on social media, subscribe on iTunes (or wherever you listen) and give us a review. Why? Because it will help someone improve their life and business. Thanks!
Jim Klauck's guest on this episode of Bring On Success is Ellen Rohr. Ellen started Bare Bones Biz, a venture capital and consulting company in 1995 to help folks of all ages turn their big ideas into successful businesses. I write as a columnist for Huffington Post, PHC News, business journals, and trade magazines around the country – providing “in the trenches” insight that business owners can relate to. As president of Benjamin Franklin, The Punctual Plumber, a home service company, I helped grow the company from zero to $40 million in franchise sales and 47 locations in less than 2 years. Original Air Date: April 9, 2009
Part One of 'Need a Lift? Be willing to Shift from the Inside Out' with guest Ellen Rohr. Kelly digs in to uncover Ellen's secret to success in founding Zoom Drain, one of the hottest franchises in the home service industry. Ellen is the author of four best-selling business books and regularly shares her knowledge and experience through podcasts, seminars, and magazines like the Huffington Post. You may be surprised to hear Ellen say: "We've got over 100 trucks on order right now." You'll learn about Zoom Drain, Ellen's secret sauce to business success, and much much more. Check out Ellen's books here.
Mary Jean Anderson is the heart and soul of Anderson Plumbing, Heating & Air. Founded in 1978, the company is currently ranked among the Top 1% of plumbing, heating and air conditioning businesses in the country. Tune in as she and Host Ellen Rohr discuss how Mary Jean got her start in the industry, how she and her family have navigated the company's growth, and how she continues to help bring other women into the industry!Learn more about Anderson Plumbing, Heating & Air and read the company's mission statement at https://bit.ly/33J9t9s.
We're back and kicking off the year with Ellen Rohr. Fun fact: she was employee #1 at Benjamin Franklin Plumbing (and also One Hour Heating), growing with the company all the way into the role of President, helping steer their growth to over 47 franchises within 2.5 years! From there, she moved into a coaching role with Nexstar, helping with the financial management of tradespeople and their businesses. Her knack? Building simple and powerful financial systems to help businesses get out of debt and better structure their finances. How is the current focus? Growing Zoom Drains, a new drain and sewer company, across the US (and into Canada, too!). Kick-off the year right with a bottle of your favourite!How Nearly Sinking Their Family Business Was The Catalyst To Everything They've Built Since!Why Ellen Does What She DoesWhat The Average Home Service Business Owner Knows About Their FinancialsWhat Job 1 & Job 2 Are As A Business OwnerWhat Is The Target Net Profit A Business Owner Should Target?Find Ellen :On The Web: https://ellenrohr.com/On The Web: https://zoomdrainfranchise.com/Via Email: ellen.rohr@zoomdrain.comJoin Our Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/hvacrevealedPresented By On Purpose Media: https://www.onpurposemedia.ca
Ellen Rohr, co-founder of the ZOOM DRAIN Franchise, joins the podcast to talk about how to set the stage for learning common mistakes businesses make and how profit and cash will fix everything.
Ellen nearly sank her husband's plumbing company after his partner died unexpectedly. Boy was she humbled! It seemed like lots of money was moving through the company, but at the end of the month there was never any money left. In desperation, Ellen figured out how to make lots of money and turned the business around. She inspires thousands, in workshops, presentations and online, to make business un-complicated and live life un-leashed. Ellen is also a successful franchisor, helping launch a plumbing franchise to 47 locations and $40 million in sales in under 2 years. Now, she is the CCO of https://www.facebook.com/ZoomDrainHQ/?__cft__[0]=AZUzOIWnggtVhFFAjAy0QQ2yYM8iSb7dNYtpoiD17XJ4PuJHICuP0IAonsdae9d_vtc6Wmvbt7UyA-wdfAG1JZdUc8to3pIX9DozKe6_o-7MggAxlSIBtgThjOwYBzgr9U95dyNBvZ8Njpi6Sdb6rQ0dxrqBKE78t1GP-QhObpPm3cS2tek5GRIgnHMrxASa8eA&__tn__=kK-R (ZOOM DRAIN) Franchise Company, LLC. She is a columnist for Huffington Post, PHC News, Springfield Business Journal and an “in the trenches” contributor to many business and trade magazines. Ellen is a popular, high-energy TV Celebrity who has been on over 150 news programs, encouraging people to make their own money. Show Minute Markers:
Howard Partridge is an internationally recognized business coach, best-selling author, and experienced business owner. He discusses Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and their crucial role in building a successful home services business. Howard likens KPIs to a scoreboard for your business. It helps you understand how you are performing in the game of business, when you are winning and losing, and where you can improve. Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) Howard says that there are several important data points and numbers to track, but the priority should be: “The Critical Number.” He learned about “The Critical Number through the Great Game of Business” program by Jack Stack. This is the number that is most important for you to focus on during the specific chapter of growth your business is in. He shares the example of when his business was bringing in an income of 2 million dollars but had a very small profit. Ellen Rohr, business makeover expert, helped him build on his understanding of “The Critical Number” by identifying his Known Financial Position (KFP). Identifying your KFP requires going through line by line of your income statement and balance sheet and knowing exactly what each number means and where it goes. Establish Your Known Financial Position (KFP) Howard recommends tracking on a weekly basis so that you can pivot and take action based on real numbers. Questions to consider to improve your business success: What are your weekly and monthly profits and losses? What is your profit margin? Set up a 12-month budget to guide you.Look at your labor cost and what percentage of it is of your income. How can you improve in this area?Are you pricing profitably?What are your daily sales?Look at your marketing: How much does it cost to acquire a client? Market to your past and existing clients and work on generating referrals. Howard recommends Ellen's book “Where Did the Money Go” for a more in-depth understanding of how to implement these strategies. Track Your Return on Investment (ROI) Howard makes sure he includes his team is in the game by tracking their company sales and updating them on the numbers each day. This keeps everyone invested and working toward hitting their monthly sales goal. If they hit it, rewards like bonus checks are passed out. The important numbers Howard recommends focusing on in order to track your ROIs begin with a financial forecast or annual projection for your year. Consider the busy and slower seasons to identify trends during the 12 months that you should be prepared for.How much profit do you want to make?Create a budget and stick to it.Decide in advance what you want to invest in marketing.Track how your marketing is performing in key areas:Repeat business.Referral businessDirect advertising This helps you understand your client acquisition cost. “I know how hard you work. One of these days, it's all going to be over. And my question to you is: ‘Do you want to do all of this work and not have anything to show for it? Do you know what the score is?' I mean some people are working seven days a week, 24 hours a day to lose money! If you're like me and you hate the numbers, do yourself a favor, get some help, get somebody to help you understand those numbers. Because the way to win the game is through profit. And if you don't know your numbers, you don't know whether you're profitable or not.”
Ellen Rohr is the President and Franchise Operations Manager of ZOOM DRAIN and a home services business makeover expert. Howard Partridge is an internationally recognized business coach, bestselling author, and experienced business owner. Together, they discuss the timing, terms, and negotiating tactics that make up successful acquisition deals. Business Acquisition Ellen shares the reminder from Michael Gerber that you want to build your business so you can sell it. The people who are buying companies are looking for valuable businesses. What makes a valuable business? Profits that are: PredictableConsistentTurnkey At the same time, if a business presents the potential to reach profits that check these boxes, it is worth considering. Howard echoes Ellen's advice, adding that considering a business's current client base and potential client base is also a good indicator of whether they might bring in a strong, predictable income. When Is the Right Time? “The idea of acquiring companies is really so that you don't have to spend marketing elsewhere. So when is the time right? Always… our recommendation is that you get a list together, you make up that list, you get it from a list service, or you go through and search your market area for your competitors, and you assemble a list, and then you're going to reach out and try to make a friend.” - Ellen Once you create your list, Ellen recommends beginning to fish and connect. You are reaching out to see how you could be of service to their company. You will face rejection, but eventually, you might find someone who will say, “Why don't you just buy my company?” Howard points out that even if you don't get the acquisition of a company right away, you might acquire a great employee through that relationship or plant a seed that will blossom down the road. Unfortunately, due to COVID-19, some home services businesses are struggling right now. If you are looking to acquire, Howard recommends looking at three areas of that business: Quality of their service experience.How they are currently marketing or using referral strategies. Potential to increase revenue and profits. Ellen emphasizes that no matter where you are as a buyer in your financial place, you can offer creative arrangements for compensation, like an owner finance arrangement to take an income stream instead of a lump sum. To Merge or Not to Merge? Howard shares that his first acquisition was one of his suppliers. When he acquired his second business, he quickly was able to take his business from $360,000 to over 4 million, and today they are a turnkey business. These first mergers helped him build his staff internally and scale. “If you want to grow, this is like one of the best ways you can do it. It's instantaneous. You just got to make the right financial deal and so you need to understand the numbers and you need to understand the marketing and sales. Like, you'll look at some companies, and the reason I know this is not because I've acquired a bunch of companies but because I coach small businesses in-home services every single day. And what I know is that some businesses, some service companies, they have this humongo account, if they lose that one account, they're sunk. So, you want to look for predictable revenue that comes in day in and day out. And because they aren't doing some of the things they need to be doing, they're not going as deep into that well as they could be.” - Howard Ellen also highlights the benefits of bringing your acquisitions under one brand. However, she emphasizes that it's important to be sensitive to the fact that this may mean a business is retiring a family name that means a lot to them. Be prepared for emotional conversations. Approaching the Negotiating Table Whether you're buying or selling, Howard and Ellen underline that it's important to ask: what is it that is needed and what is it that is wanted? When it comes to money, it's important that buyers respect what the seller says they want, even if you can't meet it. Put what you can on the table with respect for the hard work they put into their business, and see what happens. At the same time, if you're selling, don't settle for something that doesn't meet your expectations. Take the ego off the table.Remember that the agreement should benefit both parties. Clearly define your goals and your whys for selling and buying.
Ellen Rohr is a female powerhouse in trades business. In this episode, I caught up with her about Zoom Drain since her last guest episode on this podcast. It’s a nationwide franchise business that has helped small independent plumbing businesses reach $100M annually. We also talked about how she plans as an executive and how […]
Max Rohr is the Marketing Academy Manager of Building Solutions for REHAU Academy and the host of the podcast REHAU Academy on Air. REHAU is a sustainable, polymer-based solution company focused on improving energy efficiency in businesses, homes, and automobiles. He shares how growing up in the home services trades shaped his passion for radiant heating and cooling, and why you should never be afraid to pitch your premium product. Growing up, his parents Ellen Rohr and Bob Rohr were leading Zoom Drain, so he learned the ropes of the trades early on. When he learned about radiant heating and cooling systems, and how it is made possible with hydronics, he was amazed. This concept circulates water through pipes in the ceiling embedded in concrete. A combination of forced air and radiant heating creates the perfect environment where you have warm feet and a cool head, mimicking humans' natural state. Radiant heating and cooling solutions can achieve net-zero energy project goals and it is largely underutilized in the United States, as opposed to Europe, where it is more common. “The Energy Information Agency in a 2012 study said that radiant heating saves about 32% energy especially on commercial projects so it's a great way to maintain comfort and have energy efficiency both in the same package, which is one of the reasons I love to talk about it.” Buildings Use More Energy Than Vehicles If you could take your automobile to the mechanic and have him flip a switch and make it 30% more efficient, wouldn't you do it? This is possible with our buildings too. Even in homes or businesses with standard forced air, there are options and solutions that can utilize radiant heating and cooling. Max highlights that he believes the reason this option is less recognized in the United States is it is 5-10 years ahead of the curve so not that many HVAC companies offer it yet. And if they do, it is a premium product. But don't be intimidated! Don't be afraid to sell your premium product and services! Remember, your trade and your skills as a trades professional are essential and your services deserve to be valued as such. Explain Invisible Value “I think one of the things is that our history has quietly done such an incredible job of making thermal comfort and plumbing disappear. The average homeowner doesn't even think about it. We've done our job so well that we don't think, ‘What happens when I flush the toilet?' ‘What happens when I push up on a thermostat?' We've made all of that hide behind a wall because we've done our job well and if you install the system well, your homeowner doesn't even know what the equipment is, they may not even know where it is in a big house, you have just made it invisible.” When you're interacting with your customers, paint a picture for them of how your products and services benefit them. Find a way to make a complex topic easier, and explain why upgrading to an energy-efficient solution like radiant heating and cooling increases sustainability and comfort. Get Involved in Code Committees Max shares how important it is to get involved in IAPMO, your local community, and understand the current codes and ones coming down the pipeline. You can provide expertise and have an impact on the future. If you're in traditional HVAC, now is a great time to make the leap and help your customers save energy with radiant heating and cooling. Business Tips For Max, finding his own interests and being inspired by his family legacy is what drives him. If you're in the same field as your parents, it doesn't mean you have to do things the same way. Learn from them, and then find your own personal passion.Identify what you want and what your goals are. Then, find the path of least resistance and how you will make it happen.Communicate with your team.Listen to your customers in order to understand the root cause of their problems. Max's Advice Learn. Take advantage of everyone sharing their knowledge right now with all of the online webinars and courses. Soak it up. Find your place in the industry and know you are essential. Learn more about Max at REHAU Academy and REHAU Academy on Air .
Al Levi, Founder of 7-Power Contractor and Zoom Franchise Company and Ellen Rohr, President of Zoom Drain share how home services businesses can weather the storm of COVID-19 with accountability, urgency, and communication. Prioritize Your Efforts Al shares how today's COVID-19 pandemic and hardships like 9/11, the 2008 recession, and Hurricane Katrina all serve as reminders that sometimes there is no playbook. It's times like these where his father's advice to “Act like you're going to be in business for a while” rings true and you just have to take everything one day at a time. Ellen adds that this is also when accountability and consequences become high priority. “What is different about this time now is that there is no luxury of time. You are going to survive and thrive only if you apply business basics with no excuses, if you take extreme ownership for this situation that you find yourself in. And I think my goal as a leader is to up my standards and the immediate consequences if people are going to do things if they put themselves or the team at risk… If you get them the PPE… and they don't use it, that puts the entire team at risk.” - Ellen Execute With Urgency Systems matter. Both Al and Ellen emphasize how whether you already had systems in place or you are wishing you did right now, they will be what carry you through. Start creating them, leaning on them, and improving them. Don't wait. Take action. Ellen outlines the numbers that matter in their Financial Quick Check system that Zoom Drain monitors weekly in dollars and percentages to see where they can improve: SalesCost of goods soldGross marginOverheadProfitCash flow position (What do you have in cash in accounts receivable and what do you have in bills to pay right now. More cash helps you weather the storm better.) Communicate! Let your employees and customers know what you are doing to protect them and the steps you are taking for safety and health. Lead from the front. By communicating exactly what the experience will be like you can establish expectations with your customers and build trust. “I know it sounds weird because we are talking about sewage, but we are the originators of how it stopped the Black Plague from happening all of these years. And if we fall out of our habits in sewage or any plumbing, you guys have all seen the signs about ‘The plumber protects the health of the nation,' that's not just some words written on a page, that is a calling to all of us.” - Al Ellen and Al highlight a few tips to keep top of mind while communicating: Call and FaceTime in order to communicate.Remember that the nuances with the added Personal Protective Equipment need explanation.Give people the benefit of the doubt.Be kind.Relationships are everything.Share the why behind your standards. Create Lifetime Customers Al says you have to pull the curtain back. Proactively communicate how the magic happens, how your business does things, and how you are going above and beyond during the pandemic. Ellen emphasizes the importance of leveraging this moment to share the why behind your business, and make your interactions human by really listening to them. What You Can Do Right now Financially: Find responses and guidance on steps you can take for your business from credible resources: U.S. Small Business Administration Within the Care Act, it looks like there is relief for payroll if you keep paying your employees, so this is an important step to take.Contact your CPA and financial planner to help you sort through this. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Be resourceful.Share information and how you are solving problems with fellow business owners.Tweak your Customer Service Representative (CSR) script to let customers know what you're doing to keep them safe. Your customers will remember how you treated them during this time of crisis. These employees are part of your family. If you can, think long term during this time. Most importantly, remember that everyone has a role to play and you have to work together and lean on each other. Nobody can carry this burden alone. “There are many heroes in our life… There's a reason we are essential workers. It's because we are essential. And when this passes, I want you to remember that we need to charge the right price… there's a reason you have to be in business right now. This is why you have to have all the money to buy this stuff, the PPE. This is why you have to get the systems in place. You don't owe it to just yourself, or even your staff, you owe it to the community you serve.” - Al
Howard Partridge is an internationally recognized business coach, bestselling author, and experienced business owner. Originally from Mobile, AL where he grew up on welfare with six siblings, Howard tells a story with lessons of hard work and intentional action. Howard shares how his rebellious teenage years got him kicked out of his house and sent off to live with his dad in Texas. There, he waited tables and met his wife Denise, an Italian from New Jersey. When they got married, a friend of the family who was about the same age as Howard gave them $3,000 as a wedding gift. Inspired by the generous gift, Howard decided to try his luck in the home services industry. “As soon as I got back to Houston from our honeymoon, I spent that entire amount of money starting my service business out of the trunk of my car. Fast forward 35 years later and it's a multi-million dollar business…I have a great staff, great systems in place.” After achieving his own success, Howard is now passionate about helping other small business owners stop being a slave to their work and create a predictable, profitable organization. “F.T.I.: Failure to Implement” His new book is called “F.T.I.: Failure to Implement.” He shares that this is the number one factor that stops you from reaching your goals. Howard emphasizes that there is often one obstacle that is stopping you from gaining traction. A coach or mentor can be instrumental in helping you identify what that obstacle is. He shares the example of how Ellen Rohr's plan and structure helped him overcome his obstacle of debt and start building profit. You Need to Do It After identifying the obstacle, the next step is the realization that you have to make the solution happen. You have to replace yourself, step by step. It's time to stop saying: I know I should market.I wish someone would do this for me.I know I should be a better leader.I know I should track my numbers. The Turning Point It wasn't until Howard was 13 years into running his company that he started going to seminars, learned about systems, and read “E-Myth” by Michael E. Gerber. This was the turning point when he realized he could have his business run without him. With this new inspiration, he started rewriting his vision and plan with Michael Gerber's principles as a guide: The reason your business exists is to be a vehicle to reach your goals.You need systems to help you get where you need to go. Another mentor of his, Zig Ziglar, also shaped his new trajectory and taught him the importance of identifying the inspiration and desire behind your vision. “The inspired person is the one that performs at a phenomenal level.” Take Action Howard has written books on everything from dreams and leadership to systems. However, “F.T.I.: Failure to Implement” really underscores the fact that none of it will happen without action. You have to wake up everyday with desire, inspiration, and a vision. His four keys to implementation are: Inspiration: Evaluate your life and realize you can do this. Wake up with a vision.Organization: Take time everyday to think about priority projects that will take your business to the next level.Training: If you're not a good leader, you won't train well. Listen to podcasts and learn from people who have already been there. Community: Surround yourself with people who will support, encourage, and hold you accountable. “That's my greatest life lesson, I think that I've learned...get around people who not only have already done what you want to do, but that know how to help you get there.” Stay tuned for Part 2 with Howard on The Sharpest Tool™ and visit Howard Partridge to learn more about his coaching services and books.
Ellen Rohr is the President and Franchise Operations Manager of ZOOM DRAIN. As a home services business makeover expert, she also offers consulting and often contributes to publications like Wells Fargo and HGTV magazines. Ellen shares that her expertise comes from her own journey as a plumber's wife and entrepreneur, which you can hear more about in Part 1 of her interview. What Do You Want? After working with some great mentors, Ellen and her husband got their business out of debt and started making a profit. Since they weren't worried about making payroll anymore, the conversation shifted to what was next for their company. Her husband said he wanted to work on his own. The business growth and expansion Ellen was envisioning was not what he wanted. This realization was a crucial part of their planning as they moved forward. “Business planning is the process by which you clarify your intention and move to aligned action…another way to think of it is to dream, act, and test.” They soon sold their company, started ZOOM DRAIN, and Ellen began her consulting journey. In this process, she shares how she also stopped trying to change her husband: a lesson that can apply to any business partner relationship. Take Action With a Business Plan Ellen emphasizes the importance of “auditioning” various experts to see if their approach to planning and structuring an organization resonates with you. Al Levi, Howard Partridge, and John Maxwell were some of the names who were instrumental in helping Ellen create her own business planning process that she outlines in her book “The Bare Bones Biz Plan.” Ellen's guide to building a flexible and dynamic business plan is broken into 6 steps: Setting sight: your vision/vision board, mission statement, value proposition, and financial goals.Building the team: who do you need to make this vision happen? This includes business partners, employees, vendors, etc.Making money: your Known Financial Position, weekly scorecard, and monthly checklist.Getting it sold: when you reach this step, you've probably realized that you need to charge more for your services. Learn from experts how to create strong marketing and sales processes to make this happen.Getting it done: make good on your promise to your customers by implementing systems and procedures.Making sure: are you on the right track? Do the numbers look good? Is your life improved? Qualities of Success Ellen's number one piece of advice for reaching success is: write things down. Both of Ellen's books, “The Bare Bones Biz Plan” and “The Weekend Biz Plan,” will help you build and implement a successful business plan. Start with “The Weekend Biz Plan” for an introduction to her processes. Then, dive into “The Bare Bones Biz Plan” and start achieving your goals. For more information, visit ZOOM DRAIN and Ellen Rohr.
Ellen Rohr is a financial expert dedicated to making business “uncomplicated.” She is the founder of venture capital and consulting company Bare Bones Biz, president of Zoom Drain and Sewer, LLC, and president of Benjamin Franklin, The Punctual Plumber, where she increased sales by $40 million in under two years. As a thought leader in her space, Ellen has contributed to companies and publications, including Wells Fargo, Huffington Post, HGTV, National Association of Women Business Owners, and Business News Media, among others. Ellen joins me today to demystify business finances and discuss what you truly need to know about money as a brand leader. She highlights certain aspects of finances where people tend to get stuck and why keeping up with your brand's financials isn't as complicated as it may seem. Ellen also highlights specific numbers and statements to keep an eye on, the power of knowledge and mentorship, and how to ensure that you are truly elevating your brand by being financially smart. “If you have to learn it yourself, you don't have to do it forever, and you will not regret having learned that.” - Ellen Rohr This week on the SmallBizChat Podcast: Resources Mentioned: Connect with Ellen Rohr: This episode is sponsored by… Mixmax Mixmax is a powerful email automation tool for business owners, entrepreneurs, and sales teams. Powered with innovative technology and designed to make communicating with clients and customers easier, Mixmax combines the power of Gmail with the efficiency of automation to power the world's fastest-growing companies. It's time to automate, schedule, and engage your clients and customers and systematize your sales process like never before! Try Mixmax for free at Mixmax.com Fix Your Business! Are you ready to run your business with intention? Ready to create a business that allows you to live your dream life and take those dream vacations you deserve? Then you need a copy of my latest book: Fix Your Business: A 90-Day Plan to Get Back Your Life and Remove Chaos From Your Business. Fix Your Business gives you concrete advice on the problem areas many small business owners face as well as the step-by-step process to find solutions so you can live the life of your dreams. It's time to take back control of your business and change how your business is run. Order your copy of Fix Your Business and design your business - and life - with intention. Let's End Small Business Failure - Together! Thanks for tuning into this week's episode of the SmallBizChat Podcast - the show on a mission to improve small business success. If you enjoyed this episode, head over to Apple Podcasts, subscribe to the show, and leave us a rating and review. Help us spread the word and end small business failure by sharing your favorite episodes with your friends and colleagues on social media. Visit our website or follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, or YouTube for more great content, tips, and strategies to improve your small business.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this episode, Melinda Emerson and Ellen Rohr discuss understanding financial reports, the importance of charging more than it costs, and managing multiple business entities. They also delve into the difference between revenue and profit, introduce the 'Profit First' concept, and advise on seeking professional help for business numbers and borrowing strategies.
Ellen Rohr is the President and Franchise Operations Manager of ZOOM DRAIN. As a home services business makeover expert, she also offers consulting and often contributes to publications like Wells Fargo and HGTV magazines. Ellen is passionate about giving small business owners a clear structure and plan to reach their goals. With these tools, their dreams of long-term success and making more money are much more attainable. Learning From Experience Ellen shares how her experience in many job industries and positions shaped her perspective and approach to business. Eventually, she joined forces with her husband, a plumber, to build ZOOM DRAIN. But they soon found themselves in debt. That's when she read an article about profit by businessman Frank Blount that struck a chord with her. She wrote him to tell him why his ideas were wrong, using her failing company as an example. He followed up to her letter with a phone call and some straightforward advice, and from that moment, the trajectory of her business changed. Shattering Home Services Business Myths Ellen's journey to building a successful home services business required dismantling several myths she had been led to believe. Myth #1: If you do what you love, the money will follow.Ellen says that while it is great to do what you love, the money is never guaranteed. You need a budget and a plan. Myth #2: Principles and profit don't mesh.Ellen says that money actually reveals your character. Use your profit to help others and do good. Myth #3: Business is hard.Ellen says that business is a matter of small, doable steps. Often, the process of dismantling these myths and building a business that is profitable happens in three stages: Complete denial: falling for those myths (listed above).Avoidance: thinking that someone else should do it and figure out the financial problems you are facing.The brick hits you: you get audited by the IRS or get ripped off by someone. This is when you are forced to take responsibility. Shift Your Mindset and Focus On Value One of the huge shifts that Ellen had to make was letting go of comparison. She had been basing her pricing off of her competitors' pricing, instead of based off of ZOOM DRAIN's unique costs. Frank's advice and approach helped her shift her mindset from comparison to value. Ellen shares what a value-focused business plan looks like: When she is training her team members, she teaches them how valuable the service is that they are giving the customer.Ellen worried that raising her prices might upset customers and employees. So, she adopted the practice of open book management, a concept coined by Jack Stack, author of “The Great Game of Business”, where she shows her team the numbers. This keeps all of the costs and profit transparent.Think about it like this: you're selling an inventory of time. When you look at how many hours you have in your fiscal year, spread out over your team, the math breaks through denial. This will help you see how to charge fairly and make a profit. “A budget helps you set goals and a justifiable selling price.” Assemble the Bean Team Ellen emphasizes the importance of understanding your business's numbers. Do not outsource that responsibility until you have a good grasp on it yourself. She shares that at a recent panel discussion, she heard the advice that your business should always “be audit ready.” To start cleaning up your books, Ellen recommends: Meet with your person entering data and your accountant/bookkeeper. Have print outs of your reports and your QuickBooks available on your computer. Discuss each of the numbers on the books and ask questions about them. Mark whether they match, do not match, or you need more information on each line item.Use a checklist and make procedures for everything.Look at your finances once a week, and again at the end of the month. Think of it like a game, and make adjustments to your strategy as you go. This will help you determine your Known Financial Position (KFP).Share your score (business goals and plan) with your team - make sure your employees understand your goal and are invested in getting there. “They'll play if you let them play. They're going to help solve all your problems if you bring them into the game.” More Money More Freedom Ellen emphasizes that turning a profit, even if it's just 20% more, will help your business in important ways, like: giving your employees healthcare, providing money back for your customers if you make a mistake, and reaching a KFP. Most importantly, she emphasizes that it's easier than you think. For more information, visit ZOOM DRAIN and Ellen Rohr.
In this episode, Corey Philip sits down with one of the few successful female entrepreneurs in the pre-dominantly male trades business–Ellen Rohr, former president of Benjamin Franklin plumbing which she helped to grow to over 40 franchises and 50mil in revenue. Now she operates her own thriving franchise ZOOM DRAIN. Tune in as they talk about: […]
Kellen Kautzman owns Send It Rising Internet Marketing. He was the keynote speaker at Planet Hollywood on the Las Vegas strip and has spoken at Roseman University. Kellen holds a master's degree in education and taught for 5 years before transitioning into his career as an internet marketer. Ellen Rohr started EllenRohr.com to help people start, fix and grow successful businesses. Ellen is also a successful franchisor, helping launch a plumbing franchise to 47 locations and $40 million in sales in under 2 years. Ellen is currently the president of Zoom Drain and Sewer, LLC since 2014. They have grown to 4 franchisees, and are now tracking over $8 million in franchisee sales. Connect with Bert Martinez on Facebook. Connect with Bert Martinez on Twitter. Need help with your business? Contact Bert Martinez. Have Bert Martinez speak at your event!
Judy Blake Professional Transformation Coach, Educator, Mentor, and Speaker who is committed to empowering others to consciously create fuller, more purposeful, more meaningful lives through a proven results system. She holds certifications as a Life Purpose and as a Dreambuilder Coach, also in Emotional freedom and Neuro Linguistic Programming techniques Jason Rosado also known as “Biz Coach Jason,” helps service-based business owners, coaches and consultants to double, triple or 10-x their business and cut their work hours in half. He founded Distinctive Coaching for Business Success, and has helped hundreds of business owners to overcome challenges in sales, marketing, productivity and organizational development, and see success in creating the business and lifestyle of their dreams Ellen Rohr The Plumber's Wife turned Business Makeover Expert® Ellen learned how to make - and keep track of her OWN money! She is a serial entrepreneur, and author of the four business basics books, including The Weekend Biz Plan and How Much Should I Charge? She is also the President of Zoom Drain and Sewer, a new franchise opportunity For more information go to MoneyForLunch.com. Connect with Bert Martinez on Facebook. Connect with Bert Martinez on Twitter. Need help with your business? Contact Bert Martinez. Have Bert Martinez speak at your event!