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In this episode, David and Mitch talk about an array of varying events that can be tied to one thing, standing your ground no matter what! TW Job Calculator APPS Not ready for a full blown CRM but need to invoice from your phone? This is the APP! https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.tradewinsconsulting.jobcalculator https://apps.apple.com/us/app/trade-wins-job-calculator/id6744992264?platform=iphone If you have questions you'd like us to answer, please feel free to email them to AskMitch@MitchSmedley.com Thanks for listening and thanks for sharing! Enjoy the show! If you'd like more insight from Mitch and David, you need to check out Trade Wins. Trade Wins can help you start your business or take your newer business and get it to a very healthy level. For more information about Trade Wins, check out https://www.tradewinsconsulting.com/ FieldPulse is the Official Field Service Management Software of The Void Podcast. Their software is ideal for you and your business. For more information about how FieldPulse can benefit you, check them out here: https://www.fieldpulse.com/features?utm_source=referral&utm_medium=partner&utm_campaign=The+Void+/+Trade+Wins+(Mitch+Smedley) Empower Payments: Need a better credit card processor? These guys are it http://empowerpayments.com/TheVoid Contact us: askmitch@mitchsmedley.com david@tradewinsconsulting.com mitch@tradewinsconsulting.com
In this episode, David and Mitch talk about an array of varying events that can be tied to one thing, standing your ground no matter what! TW Job Calculator APPS Not ready for a full blown CRM but need to invoice from your phone? This is the APP! https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.tradewinsconsulting.jobcalculator https://apps.apple.com/us/app/trade-wins-job-calculator/id6744992264?platform=iphone If you have questions you'd like us to answer, please feel free to email them to AskMitch@MitchSmedley.com Thanks for listening and thanks for sharing! Enjoy the show! If you'd like more insight from Mitch and David, you need to check out Trade Wins. Trade Wins can help you start your business or take your newer business and get it to a very healthy level. For more information about Trade Wins, check out https://www.tradewinsconsulting.com/ FieldPulse is the Official Field Service Management Software of The Void Podcast. Their software is ideal for you and your business. For more information about how FieldPulse can benefit you, check them out here: https://www.fieldpulse.com/features?utm_source=referral&utm_medium=partner&utm_campaign=The+Void+/+Trade+Wins+(Mitch+Smedley) Empower Payments: Need a better credit card processor? These guys are it http://empowerpayments.com/TheVoid Contact us: askmitch@mitchsmedley.com david@tradewinsconsulting.com mitch@tradewinsconsulting.com
In this episode, David and Mitch talk about what it takes to build trust inside of your business, with both customers and employees. Trust is vital for everything. TW Job Calculator APPS Not ready for a full blown CRM but need to invoice from your phone? This is the APP! https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.tradewinsconsulting.jobcalculator https://apps.apple.com/us/app/trade-wins-job-calculator/id6744992264?platform=iphone If you have questions you'd like us to answer, please feel free to email them to AskMitch@MitchSmedley.com Thanks for listening and thanks for sharing! Enjoy the show! If you'd like more insight from Mitch and David, you need to check out Trade Wins. Trade Wins can help you start your business or take your newer business and get it to a very healthy level. For more information about Trade Wins, check out https://www.tradewinsconsulting.com/ FieldPulse is the Official Field Service Management Software of The Void Podcast. Their software is ideal for you and your business. For more information about how FieldPulse can benefit you, check them out here: https://www.fieldpulse.com/features?utm_source=referral&utm_medium=partner&utm_campaign=The+Void+/+Trade+Wins+(Mitch+Smedley) Empower Payments: Need a better credit card processor? These guys are it http://empowerpayments.com/TheVoid Contact us: askmitch@mitchsmedley.com david@tradewinsconsulting.com mitch@tradewinsconsulting.com
Most people think pet waste removal is a side hustle. Erica Krupin built a real business around it.In this episode, John Wilson sits down with Erica Krupin, founder of Kroopin's Poopin' Scoopin', to break down the surprisingly scalable world of pet waste removal. From starting with a bucket, rake, and a 2007 Chevy Cobalt to building a recurring-revenue service business with hundreds of customers, Erica shares the hard lessons behind growth, leadership, hiring, marketing, and surviving a year that nearly put her out of business.They dive into customer acquisition, churn, pricing, recurring revenue, sales systems, and why answering the phone may be the highest ROI activity in your company. Along the way, they uncover lessons that apply far beyond poop scooping—from financial discipline and resilience to building systems that can scale.What you'll learn:→ How Erica built a pet waste removal company from a side hustle into a six-figure business→ Why 2024 nearly broke the business—and what fueled the comeback→ The economics of recurring revenue in the poop scooping industry→ How spring rush can double a company's size in just a few weeks→ The hiring, training, and retention challenges of running a service business→ Why missed phone calls were costing thousands in lost revenue————————————————
In this episode, David and Mitch talk about what is actually in the way of you having or being successful. Spoiler alert its you and the excuses you put in the way. Take a deep dive and see exactly how to stop making excuses and start moving forward with success. TW Job Calculator APPS Not ready for a full blown CRM but need to invoice from your phone? This is the APP! https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.tradewinsconsulting.jobcalculator https://apps.apple.com/us/app/trade-wins-job-calculator/id6744992264?platform=iphone If you have questions you'd like us to answer, please feel free to email them to AskMitch@MitchSmedley.com Thanks for listening and thanks for sharing! Enjoy the show! If you'd like more insight from Mitch and David, you need to check out Trade Wins. Trade Wins can help you start your business or take your newer business and get it to a very healthy level. For more information about Trade Wins, check out https://www.tradewinsconsulting.com/ FieldPulse is the Official Field Service Management Software of The Void Podcast. Their software is ideal for you and your business. For more information about how FieldPulse can benefit you, check them out here: https://www.fieldpulse.com/features?utm_source=referral&utm_medium=partner&utm_campaign=The+Void+/+Trade+Wins+(Mitch+Smedley) Empower Payments: Need a better credit card processor? These guys are it http://empowerpayments.com/TheVoid Contact us: askmitch@mitchsmedley.com david@tradewinsconsulting.com mitch@tradewinsconsulting.com
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————————————————
Most contractors think offshoring is about saving money. It's actually about creating leverage.John Wilson and Jack Carr break down how offshore teams helped them scale faster, build better systems, and free up key leaders to focus on growth. They share exactly which roles to offshore, what to keep in-house, and the leadership lessons they've learned after managing dozens of remote team members across recruiting, dispatch, accounting, marketing, and customer service.What you'll learn:→ Which roles should be offshored first (and which shouldn't)→ The judgment vs. process framework for hiring decisions→ How offshore teams force better systems and accountability→ Why SOPs matter more than geography→ How to structure dispatch, CSR, recruiting, and accounting teams————————————————
In this episode, David and Mitch talk about what work/life balance is really about. A different way to look at it. It's not what you think. TW Job Calculator APPS Not ready for a full blown CRM but need to invoice from your phone? This is the APP! https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.tradewinsconsulting.jobcalculator https://apps.apple.com/us/app/trade-wins-job-calculator/id6744992264?platform=iphone If you have questions you'd like us to answer, please feel free to email them to AskMitch@MitchSmedley.com Thanks for listening and thanks for sharing! Enjoy the show! If you'd like more insight from Mitch and David, you need to check out Trade Wins. Trade Wins can help you start your business or take your newer business and get it to a very healthy level. For more information about Trade Wins, check out https://www.tradewinsconsulting.com/ FieldPulse is the Official Field Service Management Software of The Void Podcast. Their software is ideal for you and your business. For more information about how FieldPulse can benefit you, check them out here: https://www.fieldpulse.com/features?utm_source=referral&utm_medium=partner&utm_campaign=The+Void+/+Trade+Wins+(Mitch+Smedley) Empower Payments: Need a better credit card processor? These guys are it http://empowerpayments.com/TheVoid Contact us: askmitch@mitchsmedley.com david@tradewinsconsulting.com mitch@tradewinsconsulting.com
Most contractors who can't scale their home service business aren't failing — they're solving the wrong problems at the wrong time.John Wilson sits down with FieldPulse Chief Growth Officer Daniel Eigner to break down the operational chaos that kills growth between $1M and $10M. From contractor CRM setup and price books to job costing, KPIs, and AI tools — they cover what actually moves the needle and why fundamentals beat complexity every time.After working with hundreds of growing contractors, the pattern is clear: most businesses are "loosely functioning disasters" running on hustle instead of systems. This episode is the blueprint for fixing that.What you'll learn:→ Why most contractors focus on the wrong metrics→ The foundational systems every growing business needs→ How CRM, booking rate, and price books drive scalability→ Why overbuilt systems slow growth — not speed it up→ How job costing and financial visibility change your margins→ How AI will reshape operations, reporting, and accounting→ What breaks when your business suddenly gets "100 more" of something————————————————
In this episode, David and Mitch talk about why it doesn't matter who owns the company. Is it Private Equity, Mom and Pop, local, large local, or a 1 man show. What they care about is customer service, are they taken care of, was it reasonably priced, did the repair work. That's what customers care about. TW Job Calculator APPS Not ready for a full blown CRM but need to invoice from your phone? This is the APP! https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.tradewinsconsulting.jobcalculator https://apps.apple.com/us/app/trade-wins-job-calculator/id6744992264?platform=iphone If you have questions you'd like us to answer, please feel free to email them to AskMitch@MitchSmedley.com Thanks for listening and thanks for sharing! Enjoy the show! If you'd like more insight from Mitch and David, you need to check out Trade Wins. Trade Wins can help you start your business or take your newer business and get it to a very healthy level. For more information about Trade Wins, check out https://www.tradewinsconsulting.com/ FieldPulse is the Official Field Service Management Software of The Void Podcast. Their software is ideal for you and your business. For more information about how FieldPulse can benefit you, check them out here: https://www.fieldpulse.com/features?utm_source=referral&utm_medium=partner&utm_campaign=The+Void+/+Trade+Wins+(Mitch+Smedley) Empower Payments: Need a better credit card processor? These guys are it http://empowerpayments.com/TheVoid Contact us: askmitch@mitchsmedley.com david@tradewinsconsulting.com mitch@tradewinsconsulting.com
In this episode, David and Mitch break down the 10 commandments of business. TW Job Calculator APPS Not ready for a full blown CRM but need to invoice from your phone? This is the APP! https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.tradewinsconsulting.jobcalculator https://apps.apple.com/us/app/trade-wins-job-calculator/id6744992264?platform=iphone If you have questions you'd like us to answer, please feel free to email them to AskMitch@MitchSmedley.com Thanks for listening and thanks for sharing! Enjoy the show! If you'd like more insight from Mitch and David, you need to check out Trade Wins. Trade Wins can help you start your business or take your newer business and get it to a very healthy level. For more information about Trade Wins, check out https://www.tradewinsconsulting.com/ FieldPulse is the Official Field Service Management Software of The Void Podcast. Their software is ideal for you and your business. For more information about how FieldPulse can benefit you, check them out here: https://www.fieldpulse.com/features?utm_source=referral&utm_medium=partner&utm_campaign=The+Void+/+Trade+Wins+(Mitch+Smedley) Empower Payments: Need a better credit card processor? These guys are it http://empowerpayments.com/TheVoid Contact us: askmitch@mitchsmedley.com david@tradewinsconsulting.com mitch@tradewinsconsulting.com
In this episode, David and Mitch discuss Chick-Fil-A getting into the service space, why they will do well and how we can learn from them. There is always an opportunity to offer better customer service than your competitor. It doesn't matter what industry you are in. Set yourself apart with great customer service and you will never lose. TW Job Calculator APPS Not ready for a full blown CRM but need to invoice from your phone? This is the APP! https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.tradewinsconsulting.jobcalculator https://apps.apple.com/us/app/trade-wins-job-calculator/id6744992264?platform=iphone If you have questions you'd like us to answer, please feel free to email them to AskMitch@MitchSmedley.com Thanks for listening and thanks for sharing! Enjoy the show! If you'd like more insight from Mitch and David, you need to check out Trade Wins. Trade Wins can help you start your business or take your newer business and get it to a very healthy level. For more information about Trade Wins, check out https://www.tradewinsconsulting.com/ FieldPulse is the Official Field Service Management Software of The Void Podcast. Their software is ideal for you and your business. For more information about how FieldPulse can benefit you, check them out here: https://www.fieldpulse.com/features?utm_source=referral&utm_medium=partner&utm_campaign=The+Void+/+Trade+Wins+(Mitch+Smedley) Empower Payments: Need a better credit card processor? These guys are it http://empowerpayments.com/TheVoid Contact us: askmitch@mitchsmedley.com david@tradewinsconsulting.com mitch@tradewinsconsulting.com
Most home service companies rely too heavily on digital channels—and that's a risky game.In this episode, John Wilson and Sam Preston break down door-to-door marketing (canvassing) and why it's becoming one of the most powerful, scalable lead generation channels in home services. What started as a way to de-risk dependence on Google and Meta has turned into a multi-million dollar revenue driver—and a repeatable system for launching and scaling new branches.They walk through how top operators are building field marketing teams, structuring canvassing programs, and using this “analog” channel to create predictable growth without relying on algorithms.If you want to diversify your lead flow, lower risk, and unlock a new path to scale, this episode is your playbook.You'll learn: Why relying on a single marketing channel puts your business at risk How door-to-door marketing can generate 10–20%+ of total revenue The structure of a high-performing canvassing team Why high-ticket services make this model work How to use canvassing to launch and scale new markets fast Host: John Wilson https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnbwilson1/Guest: Sam Preston https://www.linkedin.com/in/sam-preston-a682103b6/Shout Out to FieldPulse
In this episode, David and Mitch skip business talk, unintentionally. They get into why this country has such a problem: AI, media manipulation, fear, refusing to listen to facts, and many other reasons. It's a great listen! Can we all get back on track as a nation? TW Job Calculator APPS https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.tradewinsconsulting.jobcalculator https://apps.apple.com/us/app/trade-wins-job-calculator/id6744992264?platform=iphone If you have questions you'd like us to answer, please feel free to email them to AskMitch@MitchSmedley.com Thanks for listening and thanks for sharing! Enjoy the show! If you'd like more insight from Mitch and David, you need to check out Trade Wins. Trade Wins can help you start your business or take your newer business and get it to a very healthy level. For more information about Trade Wins, check out https://www.tradewinsconsulting.com/ FieldPulse is the Official Field Service Management Software of The Void Podcast. Their software is ideal for you and your business. For more information about how FieldPulse can benefit you, check them out here: https://www.fieldpulse.com/features?utm_source=referral&utm_medium=partner&utm_campaign=The+Void+/+Trade+Wins+(Mitch+Smedley) Empower Payments: Need a better credit card processor? These guys are it http://empowerpayments.com/TheVoid Contact us: askmitch@mitchsmedley.com david@tradewinsconsulting.com mitch@tradewinsconsulting.com
In this episode, David and Mitch again talk about why it is so important to hold yourself and your team to a high standard. Did they just talk about it 7 weeks ago? Yes, because a lot of you that listened to that have done nothing! Put standards in place, follow them, it will help you grow your discipline. TW Job Calculator APPS https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.tradewinsconsulting.jobcalculator https://apps.apple.com/us/app/trade-wins-job-calculator/id6744992264?platform=iphone How to get Google reviews back: Episode #107 https://youtu.be/Bf8Kqogey3Y Trade Wins by Trading Content https://www.facebook.com/groups/1309829410166761 If you have questions you'd like us to answer, please feel free to email them to AskMitch@MitchSmedley.com Thanks for listening and thanks for sharing! Enjoy the show! If you'd like more insight from Mitch and David, you need to check out Trade Wins. Trade Wins can help you start your business or take your newer business and get it to a very healthy level. For more information about Trade Wins, check out https://www.tradewinsconsulting.com/ FieldPulse is the Official Field Service Management Software of The Void Podcast. Their software is ideal for you and your business. For more information about how FieldPulse can benefit you, check them out here: https://www.fieldpulse.com/features?utm_source=referral&utm_medium=partner&utm_campaign=The+Void+/+Trade+Wins+(Mitch+Smedley) Empower Payments: Need a better credit card processor? These guys are it http://empowerpayments.com/TheVoid Contact us: askmitch@mitchsmedley.com david@tradewinsconsulting.com mitch@tradewinsconsulting.com
In this episode, Mitch talks all about why it is so important 3 give options when trying to make a sale. Become someone that allows customers to buy from you, don't try to “sell” them on anything. It's the best way to make more money per call that you go on. TW Job Calculator APPS https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.tradewinsconsulting.jobcalculator https://apps.apple.com/us/app/trade-wins-job-calculator/id6744992264?platform=iphone How to get Google reviews back: Episode #107 https://youtu.be/Bf8Kqogey3Y Trade Wins by Trading Content https://www.facebook.com/groups/1309829410166761 If you have questions you'd like us to answer, please feel free to email them to AskMitch@MitchSmedley.com Thanks for listening and thanks for sharing! Enjoy the show! If you'd like more insight from Mitch and David, you need to check out Trade Wins. Trade Wins can help you start your business or take your newer business and get it to a very healthy level. For more information about Trade Wins, check out https://www.tradewinsconsulting.com/ FieldPulse is the Official Field Service Management Software of The Void Podcast. Their software is ideal for you and your business. For more information about how FieldPulse can benefit you, check them out here: https://www.fieldpulse.com/features?utm_source=referral&utm_medium=partner&utm_campaign=The+Void+/+Trade+Wins+(Mitch+Smedley) Empower Payments: Need a better credit card processor? These guys are it http://empowerpayments.com/TheVoid Contact us: askmitch@mitchsmedley.com david@tradewinsconsulting.com mitch@tradewinsconsulting.com
In this episode, It's not a pitch, but it's a pitch. Mitch and Dave discuss what is really entailed inside of Trade Wins Consulting, what it looks like, benefits, pay structure, but most importantly why you should try it and just how much it can impact the growth of your business. TW Job Calculator APPS https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.tradewinsconsulting.jobcalculator https://apps.apple.com/us/app/trade-wins-job-calculator/id6744992264?platform=iphone How to get Google reviews back: Episode #107 https://youtu.be/Bf8Kqogey3Y Trade Wins by Trading Content https://www.facebook.com/groups/1309829410166761 If you have questions you'd like us to answer, please feel free to email them to AskMitch@MitchSmedley.com Thanks for listening and thanks for sharing! Enjoy the show! If you'd like more insight from Mitch and David, you need to check out Trade Wins. Trade Wins can help you start your business or take your newer business and get it to a very healthy level. For more information about Trade Wins, check out https://www.tradewinsconsulting.com/ FieldPulse is the Official Field Service Management Software of The Void Podcast. Their software is ideal for you and your business. For more information about how FieldPulse can benefit you, check them out here: https://www.fieldpulse.com/features?utm_source=referral&utm_medium=partner&utm_campaign=The+Void+/+Trade+Wins+(Mitch+Smedley) Empower Payments: Need a better credit card processor? These guys are it http://empowerpayments.com/TheVoid Contact us: askmitch@mitchsmedley.com david@tradewinsconsulting.com mitch@tradewinsconsulting.com
Is “weird” marketing actually working in home services… or are contractors missing massive opportunities?In this episode of Owned and Operated, John Wilson is joined by Sam Preston (CEO of Service Scalers) to break down unconventional marketing channels that are quietly driving real revenue for home service businesses.From advertising above 100+ stadium toilets to generating leads through church bulletins and local newspapers, this episode explores the overlooked strategies that most contractors ignore—and why they work.They also dig into why crowded channels like Google and Facebook aren't the only path to growth, and how thinking differently about marketing can unlock cheaper leads and stronger brand recognition.In this episode, we cover: Why “weird” local marketing channels still drive real results Real-world examples: stadium ads, newspapers, church bulletins, pizza boxes, and more How overlooked channels can outperform traditional digital ads The power of brand familiarity and low cost per impression If you're looking to grow your home service business, reduce customer acquisition costs, or find an edge your competitors aren't using—this episode will change how you think about marketing.Host: John Wilsonhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/johnbwilson1/Guest: Sam Prestonhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/sam-preston-a682103b6
In this episode, Dave and Mitch discuss the importance of being able to roll with the punches. You will always be blindsided with problems within your business, how you handle it is the important part. Be as prepared as you can, then be flexible when they come. TW Job Calculator APPS https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.tradewinsconsulting.jobcalculator https://apps.apple.com/us/app/trade-wins-job-calculator/id6744992264?platform=iphone Trade Wins by Trading Content https://www.facebook.com/groups/1309829410166761 If you have questions you'd like us to answer, please feel free to email them to AskMitch@MitchSmedley.com Thanks for listening and thanks for sharing! Enjoy the show! If you'd like more insight from Mitch and David, you need to check out Trade Wins. Trade Wins can help you start your business or take your newer business and get it to a very healthy level. For more information about Trade Wins, check out https://www.tradewinsconsulting.com/ FieldPulse is the Official Field Service Management Software of The Void Podcast. Their software is ideal for you and your business. For more information about how FieldPulse can benefit you, check them out here: https://www.fieldpulse.com/features?utm_source=referral&utm_medium=partner&utm_campaign=The+Void+/+Trade+Wins+(Mitch+Smedley) Empower Payments: Need a better credit card processor? These guys are it http://empowerpayments.com/TheVoid Contact us: askmitch@mitchsmedley.com david@tradewinsconsulting.com mitch@tradewinsconsulting.com
Is AI actually changing home services… or just hype?In this episode of Owned and Operated, John Wilson sits down with Tyson Chen (Founder of Avoca) to break down how AI is actually being deployed inside home service businesses right now—and why the gap between operators is widening fast.From contractors building their own tools to PE-backed companies unlocking millions in efficiency, this episode cuts through the noise and gets practical.What we cover: Why contractors are rapidly deploying AI across their businesses The rise of “AI-native” operators (and why they scale faster) Real use cases: dispatch, call center, marketing, and capacity planning Where AI drives the biggest ROI (and where it breaks) If you're trying to scale, improve margins, or stay competitive as AI adoption accelerates—this episode will reshape how you think about your business.Host: John Wilson https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnbwilson1/ Guest: Tyson Chen https://www.avoca.ai/partners/oaoShout Out to FieldPulse
In this episode, Dave and Mitch take another look at P.E. They explain exactly why P.E. is actually helping people that want to start their own business. It creates a very nice space to be competitive with price and how they make your customer service go along ways, we know that they don't care, I.E. it's easy for you to shine. TW Job Calculator APPS https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.tradewinsconsulting.jobcalculator https://apps.apple.com/us/app/trade-wins-job-calculator/id6744992264?platform=iphone Trade Wins by Trading Content https://www.facebook.com/groups/1309829410166761 If you have questions you'd like us to answer, please feel free to email them to AskMitch@MitchSmedley.com Thanks for listening and thanks for sharing! Enjoy the show! If you'd like more insight from Mitch and David, you need to check out Trade Wins. Trade Wins can help you start your business or take your newer business and get it to a very healthy level. For more information about Trade Wins, check out https://www.tradewinsconsulting.com/ FieldPulse is the Official Field Service Management Software of The Void Podcast. Their software is ideal for you and your business. For more information about how FieldPulse can benefit you, check them out here: https://www.fieldpulse.com/features?utm_source=referral&utm_medium=partner&utm_campaign=The+Void+/+Trade+Wins+(Mitch+Smedley) Empower Payments: Need a better credit card processor? These guys are it http://empowerpayments.com/TheVoid Contact us: askmitch@mitchsmedley.com david@tradewinsconsulting.com mitch@tradewinsconsulting.com
In this episode, Dave and Mitch explain why it is you that's in control, you hold the keys to whatever amount of success that you want. Be diligent, be clear, be dedicated. TW Job Calculator APPS https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.tradewinsconsulting.jobcalculator https://apps.apple.com/us/app/trade-wins-job-calculator/id6744992264?platform=iphone Trade Wins by Trading Content https://www.facebook.com/groups/1309829410166761 If you have questions you'd like us to answer, please feel free to email them to AskMitch@MitchSmedley.com Thanks for listening and thanks for sharing! Enjoy the show! If you'd like more insight from Mitch and David, you need to check out Trade Wins. Trade Wins can help you start your business or take your newer business and get it to a very healthy level. For more information about Trade Wins, check out https://www.tradewinsconsulting.com/ FieldPulse is the Official Field Service Management Software of The Void Podcast. Their software is ideal for you and your business. For more information about how FieldPulse can benefit you, check them out here: https://www.fieldpulse.com/features?utm_source=referral&utm_medium=partner&utm_campaign=The+Void+/+Trade+Wins+(Mitch+Smedley) Empower Payments: Need a better credit card processor? These guys are it http://empowerpayments.com/TheVoid Contact us: askmitch@mitchsmedley.com david@tradewinsconsulting.com mitch@tradewinsconsulting.com
In this episode, Dave and Mitch explain how to take your customer experience to the next level. Examples given of what not to do. The resulting customer retention and then the word of mouth referrals. TW Job Calculator APPS https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.tradewinsconsulting.jobcalculator https://apps.apple.com/us/app/trade-wins-job-calculator/id6744992264?platform=iphone Trade Wins by Trading Content https://www.facebook.com/groups/1309829410166761 If you have questions you'd like us to answer, please feel free to email them to AskMitch@MitchSmedley.com Thanks for listening and thanks for sharing! Enjoy the show! If you'd like more insight from Mitch and David, you need to check out Trade Wins. Trade Wins can help you start your business or take your newer business and get it to a very healthy level. For more information about Trade Wins, check out https://www.tradewinsconsulting.com/ FieldPulse is the Official Field Service Management Software of The Void Podcast. Their software is ideal for you and your business. For more information about how FieldPulse can benefit you, check them out here: https://www.fieldpulse.com/features?utm_source=referral&utm_medium=partner&utm_campaign=The+Void+/+Trade+Wins+(Mitch+Smedley) Empower Payments: Need a better credit card processor? These guys are it http://empowerpayments.com/TheVoid Contact us: askmitch@mitchsmedley.com david@tradewinsconsulting.com mitch@tradewinsconsulting.com
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
In this episode, Dave and Mitch talk a lot about how to stay motivated, how to stay on top of your game and why it's so important. Avoid that burnout, keep rolling, stay on top. Business can take a toll. TW Job Calculator APPS https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.tradewinsconsulting.jobcalculator https://apps.apple.com/us/app/trade-wins-job-calculator/id6744992264?platform=iphone Trade Wins by Trading Content https://www.facebook.com/groups/1309829410166761 If you have questions you'd like us to answer, please feel free to email them to AskMitch@MitchSmedley.com Thanks for listening and thanks for sharing! Enjoy the show! If you'd like more insight from Mitch and David, you need to check out Trade Wins. Trade Wins can help you start your business or take your newer business and get it to a very healthy level. For more information about Trade Wins, check out https://www.tradewinsconsulting.com/ FieldPulse is the Official Field Service Management Software of The Void Podcast. Their software is ideal for you and your business. For more information about how FieldPulse can benefit you, check them out here: https://www.fieldpulse.com/features?utm_source=referral&utm_medium=partner&utm_campaign=The+Void+/+Trade+Wins+(Mitch+Smedley) Empower Payments: Need a better credit card processor? These guys are it http://empowerpayments.com/TheVoid Contact us: askmitch@mitchsmedley.com david@tradewinsconsulting.com mitch@tradewinsconsulting.com
If you've ever felt stuck because your business outgrew your leadership team — or rushed a key hire just to relieve the pressure — this episode is for you.In this episode of Owned and Operated, John Wilson sits down with Brendan Aronson, Founder of The Military Veteran (TMV), a recruiting firm that places military veterans into executive and operator roles.They break down what it really takes to hire a GM or operator who can scale a $10M–$25M home service business — and why most hiring failures aren't talent problems, but clarity and process problems.The core theme: Great companies believe people drive value creation. If you get the leadership hire wrong, the cost compounds. If you get it right, everything unlocks.What You'll Learn in This EpisodeWhat “operator” actually means in a scaling home service businessWhy hiring becomes the bottleneck as companies growHow military leadership experience translates (and where it doesn't)Enlisted vs. officer backgrounds — and what each typically bringsThey also cover the difference between hiring for:A private equity–backed platform (timeline-driven, playbook-oriented)A family-owned business (culture, long-term alignment, succession planning)
In this episode, Dave and Mitch break down why it is so important to set standards in your business, not only that but why it is a must that you enforce those standards. TW Job Calculator APPS https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.tradewinsconsulting.jobcalculator https://apps.apple.com/us/app/trade-wins-job-calculator/id6744992264?platform=iphone Trade Wins by Trading Content https://www.facebook.com/groups/1309829410166761 If you have questions you'd like us to answer, please feel free to email them to AskMitch@MitchSmedley.com Thanks for listening and thanks for sharing! Enjoy the show! If you'd like more insight from Mitch and David, you need to check out Trade Wins. Trade Wins can help you start your business or take your newer business and get it to a very healthy level. For more information about Trade Wins, check out https://www.tradewinsconsulting.com/ FieldPulse is the Official Field Service Management Software of The Void Podcast. Their software is ideal for you and your business. For more information about how FieldPulse can benefit you, check them out here: https://www.fieldpulse.com/features?utm_source=referral&utm_medium=partner&utm_campaign=The+Void+/+Trade+Wins+(Mitch+Smedley) Empower Payments: Need a better credit card processor? These guys are it http://empowerpayments.com/TheVoid Contact us: askmitch@mitchsmedley.com david@tradewinsconsulting.com mitch@tradewinsconsulting.com
In this episode, Dave and Mitch share stories about being burned by real estate agents, and how to protect yourself from falling victim to being used and abused by bad clients. Not everyone is your ideal client avatar. TW Job Calculator APPS https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.tradewinsconsulting.jobcalculator https://apps.apple.com/us/app/trade-wins-job-calculator/id6744992264?platform=iphone Trade Wins by Trading Content https://www.facebook.com/groups/1309829410166761 If you have questions you'd like us to answer, please feel free to email them to AskMitch@MitchSmedley.com Thanks for listening and thanks for sharing! Enjoy the show! If you'd like more insight from Mitch and David, you need to check out Trade Wins. Trade Wins can help you start your business or take your newer business and get it to a very healthy level. For more information about Trade Wins, check out https://www.tradewinsconsulting.com/ FieldPulse is the Official Field Service Management Software of The Void Podcast. Their software is ideal for you and your business. For more information about how FieldPulse can benefit you, check them out here: https://www.fieldpulse.com/features?utm_source=referral&utm_medium=partner&utm_campaign=The+Void+/+Trade+Wins+(Mitch+Smedley) Empower Payments: Need a better credit card processor? These guys are it http://empowerpayments.com/TheVoid Contact us: askmitch@mitchsmedley.com david@tradewinsconsulting.com mitch@tradewinsconsulting.com
Should Home Service Companies Stop Buying Vans?In this episode of Owned and Operated, John Wilson is joined by Nashville operator Jack Carr to break down one of the most overlooked expenses in home services:Fleet decisions.With service vans now costing $60,000+ and fuel and repair costs climbing, John and Jack make the case for a radical shift:Ford Mavericks for service… and trailers for installs.They unpack why the Maverick may be the most capital-efficient vehicle for HVAC, plumbing, and electrical businesses, how truck stock changes operational discipline, and whether modular install trailers could replace box trucks altogether.If you're scaling a trades business and trying to protect cash flow, this episode offers a practical framework for building a leaner, smarter fleet.Key Topics Covered:Why service vans have become a drag on the balance sheetThe real economics of Maverick vs high-roof Transit vansFuel savings, lower capital costs, and fleet scalabilityTruck stock limits in HVAC compared to plumbing and electricalThe “install trailer” system: modular packouts for equipment installs
Does Google PPC still work for home service businesses—or is it just an expensive mistake?In this Clicks to Calls episode of Owned and Operated, John Wilson sits down with Service Scalers CEO Sam Preston to break down the truth about Google Ads (PPC) for HVAC, plumbing, and electrical companies. Some operators swear PPC is dead. Others are spending six figures a month and winning. The difference isn't the platform—it's execution.They walk through why PPC fails for most owners, how it's fundamentally different from Local Service Ads, and what has to be in place before PPC becomes a scalable, predictable lead channel. From budget minimums and landing pages to tracking revenue (not just calls), this episode lays out a clear framework for deciding if PPC belongs in your business—and how to avoid burning cash if you try it.If you've ever said “Google Ads don't work for us,” this episode will challenge that assumption.What you'll learn in this episode:Why PPC still works—and why most operators think it doesn'tThe real difference between LSA and PPC (and why PPC breaks first)Budget thresholds you actually need to make PPC viableWhy landing pages matter more than ad copyShout Out to FieldPulse
In this episode, Dave and Mitch really discuss how important it is to network, build relationships, and put yourself out there. You never know what knowledge or beneficial relationships are right in front of you. Future jobs, future employees, the answers are endless. TW Job Calculator APPS https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.tradewinsconsulting.jobcalculator https://apps.apple.com/us/app/trade-wins-job-calculator/id6744992264?platform=iphone Trade Wins by Trading Content https://www.facebook.com/groups/1309829410166761 If you have questions you'd like us to answer, please feel free to email them to AskMitch@MitchSmedley.com Thanks for listening and thanks for sharing! Enjoy the show! If you'd like more insight from Mitch and David, you need to check out Trade Wins. Trade Wins can help you start your business or take your newer business and get it to a very healthy level. For more information about Trade Wins, check out https://www.tradewinsconsulting.com/ FieldPulse is the Official Field Service Management Software of The Void Podcast. Their software is ideal for you and your business. For more information about how FieldPulse can benefit you, check them out here: https://www.fieldpulse.com/features?utm_source=referral&utm_medium=partner&utm_campaign=The+Void+/+Trade+Wins+(Mitch+Smedley) Empower Payments: Need a better credit card processor? These guys are it http://empowerpayments.com/TheVoid Contact us: askmitch@mitchsmedley.com david@tradewinsconsulting.com mitch@tradewinsconsulting.com
How do you stop wasting money on marketing… and start building a lead engine that actually scales?In this episode of Click to Calls, John Wilson sits down with Service Scalers CEO Sam Preston to break down one of the biggest mistakes growing home service operators make:Hiring a marketing person too early — and expecting them to do everything.They walk through what your first real marketing hire should look like, why most owners misunderstand the budget math, and John's spicy take:If you're under $5M, marketing isn't complicated — you just need to execute the basics consistently.Whether you run HVAC, plumbing, or electrical, this episode gives you a clear framework for when to stick with an agency, when to go in-house, and what “good marketing” actually looks like when the board is light and you need calls fast.In this episode, you'll learn:Why “marketing is complicated” is usually an excuse under $5MThe difference between hiring a coordinator vs. a true marketing managerHow to know if in-house marketing actually beats agency economicsThe only good reasons to bring marketing inside (and the bad one everyone uses)
In this episode, Dave and Mitch really discuss why it's so important to knowingly be responsible for your current actions, on a moment by moment basis. Your life could depend on it. Your business life could depend on it. You are the one that controls more of the results that you see than anyone else. TW Job Calculator APPS https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.tradewinsconsulting.jobcalculator https://apps.apple.com/us/app/trade-wins-job-calculator/id6744992264?platform=iphone Trade Wins by Trading Content https://www.facebook.com/groups/1309829410166761 If you have questions you'd like us to answer, please feel free to email them to AskMitch@MitchSmedley.com Thanks for listening and thanks for sharing! Enjoy the show! If you'd like more insight from Mitch and David, you need to check out Trade Wins. Trade Wins can help you start your business or take your newer business and get it to a very healthy level. For more information about Trade Wins, check out https://www.tradewinsconsulting.com/ FieldPulse is the Official Field Service Management Software of The Void Podcast. Their software is ideal for you and your business. For more information about how FieldPulse can benefit you, check them out here: https://www.fieldpulse.com/features?utm_source=referral&utm_medium=partner&utm_campaign=The+Void+/+Trade+Wins+(Mitch+Smedley) January FieldPulse special: To jumpstart the new year, between now and January 31st, if you book a demo with FieldPulse, you'll receive this exclusive partner offer: 20% off on an eligible* annual FieldPulse subscription 50% off Premium Support for your first year with FieldPulse *This offer is open to all new FieldPulse customers that onboard at least 3 users. Act quickly to speak with a FieldPulse team member and lock in this offer by booking your demo here! Empower Payments: Need a better credit card processor? These guys are it http://empowerpayments.com/TheVoid Contact us: askmitch@mitchsmedley.com david@tradewinsconsulting.com mitch@tradewinsconsulting.com
This episode is a supercut of standout moments from multiple Owned and Operated episodes, focused on one theme: how great operators build, scale, and eventually sell home service businesses.John Wilson pulls together some of the most valuable conversations from past episodes—covering acquisitions, exits, org structure, leadership at scale, and what actually changes when you stop running a single trade business and start building a platform.These clips span decades of operator experience, from buying broken HVAC companies to leading a $600M national home services business, and now applying the same playbook to new industries.What you'll hear in this supercut:How serial operators think about exits from day oneThe difference between running a trade and building a sellable businessWhy growth breaks when leadership and org structure can't keep upHow multi-location platforms balance local autonomy vs centralizationWhat private equity looks for in home service acquisitionsThis episode is ideal for listeners who want the big-picture thinking behind acquisitions, roll-ups, and long-term value creation—without committing to multiple full episodes.If you're building (or buying) a home service business and want to understand how experienced operators really think about scale and exits, this supercut is a must-listen.
In this episode, Dave and Mitch really break down how to handle your marriage inside of your business. Whether you work together or not. TW Job Calculator APPS https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.tradewinsconsulting.jobcalculator https://apps.apple.com/us/app/trade-wins-job-calculator/id6744992264?platform=iphone Trade Wins by Trading Content https://www.facebook.com/groups/1309829410166761 If you have questions you'd like us to answer, please feel free to email them to AskMitch@MitchSmedley.com Thanks for listening and thanks for sharing! Enjoy the show! If you'd like more insight from Mitch and David, you need to check out Trade Wins. Trade Wins can help you start your business or take your newer business and get it to a very healthy level. For more information about Trade Wins, check out https://www.tradewinsconsulting.com/ FieldPulse is the Official Field Service Management Software of The Void Podcast. Their software is ideal for you and your business. For more information about how FieldPulse can benefit you, check them out here: https://www.fieldpulse.com/features?utm_source=referral&utm_medium=partner&utm_campaign=The+Void+/+Trade+Wins+(Mitch+Smedley) January FieldPulse special: To jumpstart the new year, between now and January 31st, if you book a demo with FieldPulse, you'll receive this exclusive partner offer: 20% off on an eligible* annual FieldPulse subscription 50% off Premium Support for your first year with FieldPulse *This offer is open to all new FieldPulse customers that onboard at least 3 users. Act quickly to speak with a FieldPulse team member and lock in this offer by booking your demo here! Empower Payments: Need a better credit card processor? These guys are it http://empowerpayments.com/TheVoid Contact us: askmitch@mitchsmedley.com david@tradewinsconsulting.com mitch@tradewinsconsulting.com
If you want to play the game on hard mode… randomly pick an industry and hope it works.In this episode of Owned and Operated, John Wilson and Jack Carr break down exactly how they'd build a home service business in 2026—and why the old 2016–2020 playbook is dead. They go deep on research-first market selection, avoiding late-stage consolidation traps, picking “boring” services with clean SKUs, and building a business that can win even when weather, competition, and ad platforms don't cooperate.In this episode, we cover:Research, Research, Research: Why “randomly picking a trade” is hard mode—and how to find unmet demand in a specific market.The 2016–2020 Playbook Is Irrelevant: Why advice from the late 2010s doesn't match today's competitive reality.Consolidation & Multiples: How consolidation changes outcomes—and why “gold mine” industries can cool off before you're big enough.Pick the Right Industry (Fragmented + Big TAM): What to look for in a winning service category in 2026.Boring Businesses Win: Drain cleaning, duct cleaning, leak detection, jetting, water filtration, septic, turf—simple offerings, repeatable operations.
In this episode, Dave and Mitch discuss why it's so important to respect yourself, your employees, your spouse, and how it all ties into your own personal success. TW Job Calculator APPS https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.tradewinsconsulting.jobcalculator https://apps.apple.com/us/app/trade-wins-job-calculator/id6744992264?platform=iphone Trade Wins by Trading Content https://www.facebook.com/groups/1309829410166761 If you have questions you'd like us to answer, please feel free to email them to AskMitch@MitchSmedley.com Thanks for listening and thanks for sharing! Enjoy the show! If you'd like more insight from Mitch and David, you need to check out Trade Wins. Trade Wins can help you start your business or take your newer business and get it to a very healthy level. For more information about Trade Wins, check out https://www.tradewinsconsulting.com/ FieldPulse is the Official Field Service Management Software of The Void Podcast. Their software is ideal for you and your business. For more information about how FieldPulse can benefit you, check them out here: https://www.fieldpulse.com/features?utm_source=referral&utm_medium=partner&utm_campaign=The+Void+/+Trade+Wins+(Mitch+Smedley) January FieldPulse special: To jumpstart the new year, between now and January 31st, if you book a demo with FieldPulse, you'll receive this exclusive partner offer: 20% off on an eligible* annual FieldPulse subscription 50% off Premium Support for your first year with FieldPulse *This offer is open to all new FieldPulse customers that onboard at least 3 users. Act quickly to speak with a FieldPulse team member and lock in this offer by booking your demo here! Empower Payments: Need a better credit card processor? These guys are it http://empowerpayments.com/TheVoid Contact us: askmitch@mitchsmedley.com david@tradewinsconsulting.com mitch@tradewinsconsulting.com
In this episode, Dave and Mitch go over why it's so important to pick your head up once in a while. The developments in Minnesota, Maduro, is it all a distraction? Is it true? Stop believing everything you're “told”. TW Job Calculator APPS https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.tradewinsconsulting.jobcalculator https://apps.apple.com/us/app/trade-wins-job-calculator/id6744992264?platform=iphone Trade Wins by Trading Content https://www.facebook.com/groups/1309829410166761 If you have questions you'd like us to answer, please feel free to email them to AskMitch@MitchSmedley.com Thanks for listening and thanks for sharing! Enjoy the show! If you'd like more insight from Mitch and David, you need to check out Trade Wins. Trade Wins can help you start your business or take your newer business and get it to a very healthy level. For more information about Trade Wins, check out https://www.tradewinsconsulting.com/ FieldPulse is the Official Field Service Management Software of The Void Podcast. Their software is ideal for you and your business. For more information about how FieldPulse can benefit you, check them out here: https://www.fieldpulse.com/features?utm_source=referral&utm_medium=partner&utm_campaign=The+Void+/+Trade+Wins+(Mitch+Smedley) January FieldPulse special: To jumpstart the new year, between now and January 31st, if you book a demo with FieldPulse, you'll receive this exclusive partner offer: 20% off on an eligible* annual FieldPulse subscription 50% off Premium Support for your first year with FieldPulse *This offer is open to all new FieldPulse customers that onboard at least 3 users. Act quickly to speak with a FieldPulse team member and lock in this offer by booking your demo here! Empower Payments: Need a better credit card processor? These guys are it http://empowerpayments.com/TheVoid Contact us: askmitch@mitchsmedley.com david@tradewinsconsulting.com mitch@tradewinsconsulting.com
In this episode, Dave and Mitch talk about why it's so important to stand up for yourself when people try to take advantage of you, your family, or your business. Especially your business. Mitch breaks down a specific issue with his insurance company and how they will try anything to pull one over on you. Then they both discuss how these tactics can de-rail your business and what you should do about it. TW Job Calculator APPS https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.tradewinsconsulting.jobcalculator https://apps.apple.com/us/app/trade-wins-job-calculator/id6744992264?platform=iphone Trade Wins by Trading Content https://www.facebook.com/groups/1309829410166761 If you have questions you'd like us to answer, please feel free to email them to AskMitch@MitchSmedley.com Thanks for listening and thanks for sharing! Enjoy the show! If you'd like more insight from Mitch and David, you need to check out Trade Wins. Trade Wins can help you start your business or take your newer business and get it to a very healthy level. For more information about Trade Wins, check out https://www.tradewinsconsulting.com/ FieldPulse is the Official Field Service Management Software of The Void Podcast. Their software is ideal for you and your business. For more information about how FieldPulse can benefit you, check them out here: https://www.fieldpulse.com/features?utm_source=referral&utm_medium=partner&utm_campaign=The+Void+/+Trade+Wins+(Mitch+Smedley) January FieldPulse special: To jumpstart the new year, between now and January 31st, if you book a demo with FieldPulse, you'll receive this exclusive partner offer: 20% off on an eligible* annual FieldPulse subscription 50% off Premium Support for your first year with FieldPulse *This offer is open to all new FieldPulse customers that onboard at least 3 users. Act quickly to speak with a FieldPulse team member and lock in this offer by booking your demo here! Empower Payments: Need a better credit card processor? These guys are it http://empowerpayments.com/TheVoid Contact us: askmitch@mitchsmedley.com david@tradewinsconsulting.com mitch@tradewinsconsulting.com
In this episode, Dave and Mitch talk about why it's so hard sometimes to stay motivated when things are going well. More importantly, how to make yourself stay focused and energetic. It definitely can be a learned skill. How do we TW Job Calculator APPS https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.tradewinsconsulting.jobcalculator https://apps.apple.com/us/app/trade-wins-job-calculator/id6744992264?platform=iphone Trade Wins by Trading Content https://www.facebook.com/groups/1309829410166761 If you have questions you'd like us to answer, please feel free to email them to AskMitch@MitchSmedley.com Thanks for listening and thanks for sharing! Enjoy the show! If you'd like more insight from Mitch and David, you need to check out Trade Wins. Trade Wins can help you start your business or take your newer business and get it to a very healthy level. For more information about Trade Wins, check out https://www.tradewinsconsulting.com/ FieldPulse is the Official Field Service Management Software of The Void Podcast. Their software is ideal for you and your business. For more information about how FieldPulse can benefit you, check them out here: https://www.fieldpulse.com/features?utm_source=referral&utm_medium=partner&utm_campaign=The+Void+/+Trade+Wins+(Mitch+Smedley) Empower Payments: Need a better credit card processor? These guys are it http://empowerpayments.com/TheVoid Contact us: askmitch@mitchsmedley.com david@tradewinsconsulting.com mitch@tradewinsconsulting.com
In this episode, Mitch and David discuss a listener's question about him being accused of stealing customers from his previous employer. Funny it's a family business too. When is it OK, why it's OK sometimes and the pitfalls associated with it. TW Job Calculator APPS https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.tradewinsconsulting.jobcalculator https://apps.apple.com/us/app/trade-wins-job-calculator/id6744992264?platform=iphone Trade Wins by Trading Content https://www.facebook.com/groups/1309829410166761 If you have questions you'd like us to answer, please feel free to email them to AskMitch@MitchSmedley.com Thanks for listening and thanks for sharing! Enjoy the show! If you'd like more insight from Mitch and David, you need to check out Trade Wins. Trade Wins can help you start your business or take your newer business and get it to a very healthy level. For more information about Trade Wins, check out https://www.tradewinsconsulting.com/ FieldPulse is the Official Field Service Management Software of The Void Podcast. Their software is ideal for you and your business. For more information about how FieldPulse can benefit you, check them out here: https://www.fieldpulse.com/book-demo?utm_source=referral&utm_medium=partner&utm_campaign=TheVoid/TradeWins Need a better credit card processor? These guys are it http://empowerpayments.com/TheVoid Contact us: askmitch@mitchsmedley.com david@tradewinsconsulting.com mitch@tradewinsconsulting.com
In this episode, Mitch and David discuss what AI will actually look like when it comes for trades jobs, and how to be out in front. How does it affect humanity? What to do as a trades based business. You can overcome it. TW Job Calculator APPS https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.tradewinsconsulting.jobcalculator https://apps.apple.com/us/app/trade-wins-job-calculator/id6744992264?platform=iphone Trade Wins by Trading Content https://www.facebook.com/groups/1309829410166761 If you have questions you'd like us to answer, please feel free to email them to AskMitch@MitchSmedley.com Thanks for listening and thanks for sharing! Enjoy the show! If you'd like more insight from Mitch and David, you need to check out Trade Wins. Trade Wins can help you start your business or take your newer business and get it to a very healthy level. For more information about Trade Wins, check out https://www.tradewinsconsulting.com/ FieldPulse is the Official Field Service Management Software of The Void Podcast. Their software is ideal for you and your business. For more information about how FieldPulse can benefit you, check them out here: https://www.fieldpulse.com/book-demo?utm_source=referral&utm_medium=partner&utm_campaign=TheVoid/TradeWins Need a better credit card processor? These guys are it http://empowerpayments.com/TheVoid Contact us: askmitch@mitchsmedley.com david@tradewinsconsulting.com mitch@tradewinsconsulting.com
In this episode, Mitch and David discuss why holding yourself accountable above everyone else is so important. How it can help you grow in all aspects of your personal and business life. TW Job Calculator APPS https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.tradewinsconsulting.jobcalculator https://apps.apple.com/us/app/trade-wins-job-calculator/id6744992264?platform=iphone Trade Wins by Trading Content https://www.facebook.com/groups/1309829410166761 If you have questions you'd like us to answer, please feel free to email them to AskMitch@MitchSmedley.com Thanks for listening and thanks for sharing! Enjoy the show! If you'd like more insight from Mitch and David, you need to check out Trade Wins. Trade Wins can help you start your business or take your newer business and get it to a very healthy level. For more information about Trade Wins, check out https://www.tradewinsconsulting.com/ FieldPulse is the Official Field Service Management Software of The Void Podcast. Their software is ideal for you and your business. For more information about how FieldPulse can benefit you, check them out here: https://www.fieldpulse.com/book-demo?utm_source=referral&utm_medium=partner&utm_campaign=TheVoid/TradeWins Need a better credit card processor? These guys are it http://empowerpayments.com/TheVoid Contact us: askmitch@mitchsmedley.com david@tradewinsconsulting.com mitch@tradewinsconsulting.com
In this episode, John Wilson is on-site in Chicago with Aizik Zimerman, owner of J.Blanton Plumbing, to break down how one of the fastest-growing plumbing companies in the country built a sewer and drain growth engine. Since buying the $6M Jay Blanton business at the end of 2022, Aizik has scaled it to ~$25M this year and a $30M run rate — and nearly half that growth is coming from sewers. They unpack the investments, the operational build-out, and the marketing + sales system that turned trenchless lining into a repeatable, high-volume profit center. Aizik shares the exact playbook behind his “Unclogs for Dogs” offer, why they send salespeople with cameras first (no junior drain tech flip), and how they price lining as the cheaper alternative to excavation to beat inertia and win the market. If you're trying to add $5–$10M of revenue through drains, improve close rates, or build a trenchless division that actually scales, this episode is a must-listen.What You'll LearnThe 2022 → 2025 growth story: $6M to $25M+ and what changed operationallyWhy Aizik bet big on sewers while competitors stayed HVAC-heavyThe economics of lining vs. digging: pricing, margins, and why “cheaper lining” winsHow a $1M+ CapEx investment (UV curing trailers, jetting, prep teams) unlocked volume
In this episode, Mitch and David discuss why being a good problem solver is essential to running a growing business. How to spot problems before they become bigger issues, how to develop problem solving skills, and how to avoid the pitfalls of putting things off until they become much bigger problems . TW Job Calculator APPS https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.tradewinsconsulting.jobcalculator https://apps.apple.com/us/app/trade-wins-job-calculator/id6744992264?platform=iphone Trade Wins by Trading Content https://www.facebook.com/groups/1309829410166761 If you have questions you'd like us to answer, please feel free to email them to AskMitch@MitchSmedley.com Thanks for listening and thanks for sharing! Enjoy the show! If you'd like more insight from Mitch and David, you need to check out Trade Wins. Trade Wins can help you start your business or take your newer business and get it to a very healthy level. For more information about Trade Wins, check out https://www.tradewinsconsulting.com/ FieldPulse is the Official Field Service Management Software of The Void Podcast. Their software is ideal for you and your business. For more information about how FieldPulse can benefit you, check them out here: https://www.fieldpulse.com/book-demo?utm_source=referral&utm_medium=partner&utm_campaign=TheVoid/TradeWins Need a better credit card processor? These guys are it http://empowerpayments.com/TheVoid Contact us: askmitch@mitchsmedley.com david@tradewinsconsulting.com mitch@tradewinsconsulting.com
In this episode, Mitch and David take a break from business, and discuss why they won't release the Epstein files. I mean come on already!!!!!!!!! TW Job Calculator APPS https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.tradewinsconsulting.jobcalculator https://apps.apple.com/us/app/trade-wins-job-calculator/id6744992264?platform=iphone Trade Wins by Trading Content https://www.facebook.com/groups/1309829410166761 If you have questions you'd like us to answer, please feel free to email them to AskMitch@MitchSmedley.com Thanks for listening and thanks for sharing! Enjoy the show! If you'd like more insight from Mitch and David, you need to check out Trade Wins. Trade Wins can help you start your business or take your newer business and get it to a very healthy level. For more information about Trade Wins, check out https://www.tradewinsconsulting.com/ FieldPulse is the Official Field Service Management Software of The Void Podcast. Their software is ideal for you and your business. For more information about how FieldPulse can benefit you, check them out here: https://www.fieldpulse.com/book-demo?utm_source=referral&utm_medium=partner&utm_campaign=TheVoid/TradeWins Need a better credit card processor? These guys are it http://empowerpayments.com/TheVoid Contact us: askmitch@mitchsmedley.com david@tradewinsconsulting.com mitch@tradewinsconsulting.com
In this episode, John Wilson sits down with Richard Dunbar of FieldPulse to dig into one of the most important — and often overlooked — levers for scaling a home service company: modernizing your operational platform. Whether you're running HVAC, plumbing, electrical, restoration, or any specialty trade, the shift from legacy tools to a true field service management system (FSM) is one of the highest-ROI moves you can make. Richard and John break down how contractors are ditching whiteboards, Excel boards, paper invoices, and manual dispatching in favor of flat-rate pricing systems, centralized pricebooks, technician-friendly workflows, real-time visibility, and true operational clarity.What You'll LearnWhy legacy systems cap your growthHow flat-rate pricing really worksWhere the real ROI of FSM software comes fromHow to remove friction from the entire customer journey The #1 mistake contractors make when trying to scale revenue
In this episode, John Wilson and co-host Jack Carr unpack one of the biggest transitions in home service — going from owner to operator. What does it really take to scale beyond yourself? We dive deep into building layers of leadership, knowing when to delegate, hiring vs. promoting internally, and what the first real leadership hire should look like. From service managers and field supers to accountability systems and EOS, this one's for owners ready to break through bottlenecks and build real organizational depth.You'll hear real playbooks from $1M to $40M+ companies—how John and Jack each handled growth bottlenecks, where they stumbled, and what they'd do differently.What You'll LearnBottlenecks by Design: How to identify when you've outgrown your org chart. First Leaders: The real tipping point for adding service managers, CSRs, and field supers. Hiring vs. Promoting: When internal leadership makes sense—and when it doesn't. Accountability That Sticks: How to keep KPIs and culture aligned as you scale. Delegation Done Right: The tasks owners should've offloaded yesterday. Revenue-Focused Management: Why your first manager should drive numbers, not just tech skill.
In this episode, John Wilson and co-host Jack Carr break down how home-service companies can actually future-proof in 2025: flattening org charts, using AI to nuke overhead, building adaptable teams, and keeping a balance sheet that can take a 30% punch. We get into real numbers (gross margin, overhead targets, EBITDA), how to think about “risk on” vs. “risk off,” and why the middle of the market gets squeezed when big operators cut costs with automation.You'll hear play-by-plays on automating call centers, choosing what to systematize vs. keep human, when to de-lever, and how to bob-and-weave against giants who pass cost savings straight into marketing.What You'll LearnPeople vs. Systems: The two ways to future-proof—and how to train for adaptability.Automation That Moves the P&L: Where AI actually drops overhead (call center, dispatch, admin).Healthy by Design: Gross margin, overhead, and cash targets that create real nimbleness.Debt & “Risk Off”: How interest rates change the game and when to prioritize de-levering.Competing with Giants: What to do when national players cut cost structures by ~8–10 pts.Numbers First: Why you can't future-proof if you don't know your break-even.
In this episode, Mitch and David break down what to envision after your business is off the ground. What it takes to truly decide what you want success to be and look like. A few laughs along the way. TW Job Calculator APPS https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.tradewinsconsulting.jobcalculator https://apps.apple.com/us/app/trade-wins-job-calculator/id6744992264?platform=iphone Trade Wins by Trading Content https://www.facebook.com/groups/1309829410166761 If you have questions you'd like us to answer, please feel free to email them to AskMitch@MitchSmedley.com Thanks for listening and thanks for sharing! Enjoy the show! If you'd like more insight from Mitch and David, you need to check out Trade Wins. Trade Wins can help you start your business or take your newer business and get it to a very healthy level. For more information about Trade Wins, check out https://www.tradewinsconsulting.com/ FieldPulse is the Official Field Service Management Software of The Void Podcast. Their software is ideal for you and your business. For more information about how FieldPulse can benefit you, check them out here: https://www.fieldpulse.com/book-demo?utm_source=referral&utm_medium=partner&utm_campaign=TheVoid/TradeWins Need a better credit card processor? These guys are it http://empowerpayments.com/TheVoid Contact us: askmitch@mitchsmedley.com david@tradewinsconsulting.com mitch@tradewinsconsulting.com