Podcasts about Plumbing

Most contractors think branding is about logos, colors, and marketing. It's not. The strongest brands in the trades do something much more powerful: they attract great employees, create loyal customers, and make growth easier. In this episode of Service Business Mastery, Tersh Blissett and Joshua Crouch sit down with Levi Torres, founder of High 5 Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electric, to discuss how consistent branding became the foundation for one of Colorado's fastest-growing home service companies. What started as a simple idea—a high five at the end of every service call—evolved into a recognizable brand that helps attract top talent, improve retention, and create a culture employees are proud to be part of. Levi shares how High 5 uses social media, training systems, operational consistency, and employee development to build a company that technicians actively want to join. They discuss: • Why branding is a recruiting tool, not just a marketing tool • How company culture influences hiring success • The power of consistency in building trust • Why social media has become a recruiting engine • Creating clear career paths for technicians • Building training systems that support growth • How documentation makes scaling easier • Expanding into HVAC and electrical without losing culture • The role of AI in coaching and employee development • Why employee experience directly impacts customer experience If you're struggling to hire quality people, improve retention, or scale your service business, this episode will show you how a strong brand can solve more problems than you think. Timestamps 00:00 Building a Social Media Presence 06:12 Naming the plumbing business 08:06 Starting to focus on plumbing 10:54 Importance of personal growth in business 14:23 Adapting Branding During Covid 18:02 Switching to social media strategy 20:02 Social media's role in recruiting 23:38 Training technicians to show passion 26:50 Building a Trusting Work Culture 30:15 Employee system review meetings 35:14 Setting up HVAC systems 38:10 Following systems for success 41:22 Customer acquisition strategies and shifts 44:01 Rotating manager-led training sessions 47:49 Utilizing AI for company growth 49:52 Experience with automatic recording systems 54:37 Understanding team roles and strengths 56:42 Balancing revenue and company culture Follow the Host and Guest Tersh Blissett: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tershblissett/ Joshua Crouch: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josh-crouch/ Levi Torres: https://www.linkedin.com/in/levi-torres-9b4b97103/ Connect with Us • LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/service-business-mastery • TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@servicebusinessmasterypodcast • Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/servicebusinessmasterypodcast • Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/servicebusinessmasterypodcast This episode is kindly powered by: UpFrog: upfrog.com  MarketStorm is an AI-powered advertising platform. Results vary by market, budget, and campaign configuration: https://marketstorm.ai/  Get Your 14-Day Free Trial with CallRail!: https://www.callrail.com/sbmpod CompanyCam: https://companycam.com/  Breezy: Capture 25-30% more clients with Breezy AI Agents. Use code 'SBM' to book a demo and get $500 on us: https://getbreezyapp.com/schedule-demo PhoneTAP: Your calls hold the key to growing your business. PhoneTAP gives you instant AI analysis, real customer lifetime value, and tools to coach your team. Learn more: phonetap.ai/demo 

Matt Litchford of Brown's Heating, Air, Plumbing & Electrical shares the story behind the company's growth over the past 20 years. He discusses how founder Brandon Brown built the business from the ground up with a small loan, as well as his own 25-year career in the electrical trade and what led him to join the Brown's team.Matt also talks about the expansion of the company's services to include electrical work, the challenges of building customer awareness, and the importance of hiring trustworthy employees. He emphasizes the value of following industry codes and standards, as well as the role community support and the CVABC have played in helping Brown's grow into a trusted local business.

Most plumbing business owners are busy but not profitable — and there's a reason for that. In this video I walk through the 7 specific things I would focus on if I were trying to hit $1 million this year in my plumbing business: knowing the numbers, fixing pricing, generating consistent leads, increasing average ticket, building a sales system, getting out of the truck, and locking in daily focus. If you want predictable revenue growth in your plumbing company, these are the right things to work on.Join the Success Academy

Key Takeaways: Think of Budgeting Like Plumbing: Money needs a clear path to flow through your financial life. A good budget helps make sure bills, savings, and investments are all working together smoothly. Use Separate Accounts for Different Purposes: Keeping money in separate accounts for fixed expenses, spending, savings, and investments makes it easier to stay organized and avoid overspending. Build Emergency and Tax Funds: Having dedicated accounts for emergencies and taxes helps you handle unexpected costs without disrupting your other financial goals. Automate Good Financial Habits: Automatic transfers to savings, investments, and other accounts make it easier to stay consistent and build wealth over time. Stay Aware of Your Finances: Even when your finances are automated, regularly reviewing your accounts helps you stay informed, catch problems early, and make better decisions.   Chapters: Timestamp Summary   0:00 Budgeting and Financial Systems as Plumbing for Your Money 1:15 Managing Finances by Separating Fixed and Discretionary Expenses 3:43 Managing Finances with Fixed, Discretionary, and Emergency Accounts 5:11 Planning for Taxes by Allocating Funds Monthly 5:49 Rethinking Emergency Funds and Financial Security Strategies 7:40 Balancing Automation and Awareness in Financial Planning Powered by ReiffMartin CPA and Stone Hill Wealth Management   Social Media Handles    Follow Phillip Washington, Jr. on Instagram (@askphillip)   Subscribe to Wealth Building Made Simple newsletter https://www.wealthbuildingmadesimple.us/   Ready to turn your investing dreams into reality? Our "Wealth Building Made Simple" premium newsletter is your secret weapon. We break down investing in a way that's easy to understand, even if you're just starting out. Learn the tricks the wealthy use, discover exciting opportunities, and start building the future YOU want. Sign up now, and let's make those dreams happen!   WBMS Premium Subscription   Phillip Washington, Jr. is a registered investment adviser. Information presented is for educational purposes only and does not intend to make an offer or solicitation for the sale or purchase of any specific securities, investments, or investment strategies. Investments involve risk and, unless otherwise stated, are not guaranteed. Be sure to first consult with a qualified financial adviser and/or tax professional before implementing any strategy discussed herein. Past performance is not indicative of future performance.

On this episode of the Jered Williams Show, Jered and co-host Eddie break down everything needed to launch and scale a plumbing business in 2026, covering memorable branding, simple margin-based pricing, aggressive lead generation through paid ads and organic content, disciplined phone answering and scheduling, in-home sales that present multiple options, and hiring people who fit documented systems. They stress sacrificing lifestyle, reinvesting profits, and holding teams accountable to avoid chaos while using AI tools to speed up marketing and website setup. The core message is that success comes from consistent execution, the right mindset, and treating early years as an investment in long-term freedom rather than instant gratification.

Big changes are coming to the plumbing and HVAC trades — and the people who train for them now will lead tomorrow. In this energetic episode, we chat with Marty Kuerzi and David McConnell from UA Local 502 about how two industries are converging and what that means for the next generation of skilled workers.We explore:• How plumbing and HVAC trades are blending as new technologies hit the market• The coming shift to heat pump water heaters and air-to-water monobloc systems• Why apprenticeships, certifications and cross-trade training matter more than ever• The role of unions and UA Local 502 in preparing workers for industry change• Why contractors who invest in education will thrive while others fall behindMarty, David and Clifton share an honest, ground-level look at the skills, mindset and teamwork it takes to adapt. They talk about embracing change instead of fearing it, leaning on younger talent with new tech skills, and refusing to "pull up the ladder" on the next generation. If you're a contractor, apprentice, educator or industry leader, this conversation offers practical insight for you on where the trades are heading.Learn more about UA Local 502 and the work they're doing to train the next wave of skilled professionals at lu502.com.#HVAC #Plumbing #SkilledTrades #ESCO #ESCOInstitute #UALocal502--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Most plumbing business owners are working harder than ever and still can't break through to the next level — not because they're bad plumbers, but because they're still thinking like a technician instead of a business owner. In this video I break down the 5 specific shifts every plumbing company has to make to reach seven figures: getting out of the truck, building systems, fixing pricing, assembling a real team, and building the four core business systems that make growth predictable.Join the Success Academy

Send us Fan MailTim and John record from the SkillsUSA competition in Atlanta. We kick it off with Brandon Hudson, Director of Workforce Development, SkillsUSA, and then we talk to two Skills winners, Charlie Goode from the plumbing competition and Tristan Coates from the carpentry category.Today's homes need more than a single energy source. Power key home systems like home heating, water heating, cooking, and backup power with propane to build high-performance homes ready for today's grid constraints and future demand. Propane delivers reliable whole-home performance while reducing electric load. Learn more at propane.com/residentialSubscribe to the Appetite for Construction podcast at any of your favorite streaming channels and don't forget about the other ways to interact with the Mechanical Hub Team!Follow Plumbing Perspective IG @plumbing_perspectiveFollow Mechanical Hub IG @mechanicalhubSign up for our newsletter at www.mechanical-hub.com/enewsletterVisit our websites at www.mechanical-hub.com and www.plumbingperspective.comSend John and Tim your feedback or topic ideas: @plumbing_perspective

In this episode of Lennox ON AIR, Doug and Dave sit down with dealer Richard Dorman (Rite Way Heating, Cooling, and Plumbing) and DM Sean Dinel to break down why speed to lead has become a defining advantage in today's market. From shifting homeowner behavior to rising competition and lead costs, they explore how dealers are rethinking lead generation—from leveraging existing customers to testing new tools, digital strategies, and grassroots approaches.The conversation also highlights where many dealers lose opportunities: after the lead comes in. Sean and Richard share what effective follow-up really looks like, how top performers track and optimize every lead source, and why doing nothing is no longer an option. If you're looking to move faster, convert more, and build a more resilient pipeline, this episode delivers practical, real-world insights you can put to work right away.Calling all HVAC techs! Got a hilarious story, eye-opening tip, or hot opinion to share? Fill out our quick questionnaire for a chance to be featured on Lennox ON CALL!Lennox ON AIR is a Lennox Learning Solutions Production.

Andy Cam and Todd Glister talk about when Plumbing & Heating Engineers should do certain things. They talk about how a Plumbers day could unfold in an ideal world... and then what really happens and also share some stories of having the best and worst timing ever! 

Is your plumbing business not getting enough calls?https://www.plumbingwebmasters.com/ (877) 388-9884In this episode, we break down why plumbing companies struggle to generate phone leads even when they have a website, Google Business Profile, and social media pages. The problem usually is not “people are not searching.” The problem is that your plumbing company is not showing up with enough trust, local SEO strength, reviews, service-area relevance, and conversion-focused content.We cover the biggest reasons plumbing businesses miss out on calls, including weak Google Maps rankings, poor website structure, thin service pages, bad tracking, lack of job photos, and not building enough authority in their local market.If you want more plumbing leads, better Google rankings, and more calls from homeowners in your service area, this episode will help you understand what needs to change. ???? https://info.plumbingwebmasters.com/Subscribe for more plumbing SEO, Google Business Profile, and contractor marketing tips. ‪@Plumbingwebmasters‬ 

What happens when your body gives up… but your business still depends on you?In this powerful episode of the Off The Tools Podcast, Wayne Bettess and Andy Jones dive into the retirement trap no tradesman talks about — and why so many self-employed plumbers, heating engineers, electricians and tradesmen unknowingly build themselves a job with no exit strategy.If you're a self-employed tradesman, business owner, sole trader or subcontractor, this conversation will challenge the way you think about money, freedom, retirement, recurring revenue and long-term business growth.Because here's the uncomfortable truth:Most tradesmen don't have an exit plan… they just plan to keep working.And when your income is tied to your body, that becomes a serious problem.Why most self-employed tradesmen have no retirement planThe dangerous trap of relying on your body to earn moneyWhy self-employment without systems becomes a stressful jobHow to create an exit strategy from your trade businessThe truth about pensions, recurring revenue & business valueWhy many tradesmen stay stuck in survival modeHow to stop trading time for money foreverWhy “working harder” isn't a long-term strategyBuilding a trades business that creates freedom, profit & securityHow recurring income changes everything in a plumbing, heating or electrical business✅ Tradesmen business coaching✅ Plumbing business coaching UK✅ Heating engineer business advice✅ Gas engineer business growth✅ Self-employed tradesman advice✅ Exit planning for trades businesses✅ Boiler care plans & recurring revenue✅ How to grow a profitable trade business✅ Retirement planning for self-employed tradesmen✅ Building a trade business that works without you✅ Scaling a plumbing or heating business✅ Freedom, time & profit for tradespeopleAre you building a business… or just building yourself a job you'll never escape from?Wayne and Andy unpack the harsh reality that many self-employed tradesmen work harder every year but never build security for the future.From burnout and poor health to financial pressure and lack of planning, they explain why the traditional “just work harder” mindset no longer works in the trades industry.More importantly…They reveal how to start building something that creates time, freedom, profit and long-term stability — without needing a massive team or huge company.Self-employed plumbersHeating engineers & gas engineersElectricians & buildersSole traders feeling trapped in the day-to-day grindTrades business owners wanting more freedomAnyone looking for tradesmen business coachingTradespeople wanting to future-proof their business & incomeSelf-employment is not the goal. Freedom is.And freedom comes from building a business with systems, recurring revenue, better pricing and a plan for the future — not just working harder for longer.If your retirement plan is simply to “keep going”…You don't have a plan.

Should we stop installing combi-boilers? Eric and Andy discuss the pros and cons of combi-boilers, the longevity of different heating systems, and practical advice for choosing the right water heating solutions for North American homes.Chapters00:00 The Combi-Boiler Debate05:20 Longevity and Efficiency of Heating Systems10:44 Indirect Water Heaters vs. Combi-Boilers15:49 The Importance of Proper Sizing20:53 The Future of Combi-BoilersText the guys your ideas & feedback! Send us your feedback or topic ideas over on our social channels!Eric Aune @mechanicalhub Andy Mickelson @mick_plumbNewsletter sign up: https://bit.ly/MH_email

Send us Fan MailBall Watching hosts, Jake Koenig and Justin Graham, recap the USMNT's 2-1 loss against Germany and preview their opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup against Paraguay!Follow the show on X and/or Instagram (@BallWatchingSTL)! Find our guest interviews and all episodes in video form on YouTube by searching https://www.youtube.com/@ballwatchingSTL. Be sure to hit subscribe and turn notifications on!Hoffmann Brothers is the 2025 presenting sponsor of Ball Watching! Headquartered right here in St. Louis for over 40 years, Hoffmann Brothers is a full-service residential & commercial provider, providing Heating, Air Conditioning, Plumbing, Drains, Sewer, Water Heaters, Duct Cleaning, Electrical and Appliance Repair services. Visit them online at hoffmannbros.com!Make The Pitch Athletic Club & Tavern (thepitch-stl.com) your St. Louis CITY SC pregame and postgame destination for all your food and drink needs! Tell them your friends at Ball Watching sent you... Shop in-store or online at Series Six (seriessixcompany.com) and receive a 15% discount  on all orders storewide using code "BALLWATCHING" at checkout!

In this engaging interview, Mr. Steve shares his journey from tech to real estate and plumbing, emphasizing the importance of embracing chaos, character, and relationships in business and life. Discover insights on market adaptation, building resilience, and the power of gratitude.   Professional Real Estate Investors - How we can help you: Investor Fuel Mastermind:  Learn more about the Investor Fuel Mastermind, including 100% deal financing, massive discounts from vendors and sponsors you're already using, our world class community of over 150 members, and SO much more here: http://www.investorfuel.com/apply   Investor Machine Marketing Partnership:  Are you looking for consistent, high quality lead generation? Investor Machine is America's #1 lead generation service professional investors. Investor Machine provides true 'white glove' support to help you build the perfect marketing plan, then we'll execute it for you…talking and working together on an ongoing basis to help you hit YOUR goals! Learn more here: http://www.investormachine.com   Coaching with Mike Hambright:  Interested in 1 on 1 coaching with Mike Hambright? Mike coaches entrepreneurs looking to level up, build coaching or service based businesses (Mike runs multiple 7 and 8 figure a year businesses), building a coaching program and more. Learn more here: https://investorfuel.com/coachingwithmike   Attend a Vacation/Mastermind Retreat with Mike Hambright: Interested in joining a "mini-mastermind" with Mike and his private clients on an upcoming "Retreat", either at locations like Cabo San Lucas, Napa, Park City ski trip, Yellowstone, or even at Mike's East Texas "Big H Ranch"? Learn more here: http://www.investorfuel.com/retreat   Property Insurance: Join the largest and most investor friendly property insurance provider in 2 minutes. Free to join, and insure all your flips and rentals within minutes! There is NO easier insurance provider on the planet (turn insurance on or off in 1 minute without talking to anyone!), and there's no 15-30% agent mark up through this platform!  Register here: https://myinvestorinsurance.com/   New Real Estate Investors - How we can work together: Investor Fuel Club (Coaching and Deal Partner Community): Looking to kickstart your real estate investing career? Join our one of a kind Coaching Community, Investor Fuel Club, where you'll get trained by some of the best real estate investors in America, and partner with them on deals! You don't need $ for deals…we'll partner with you and hold your hand along the way! Learn More here: http://www.investorfuel.com/club   —--------------------

Book a free strategy call with CertainPath to see how we can help you hit your goals and beyond: https://bit.ly/4b0wLaZ Or call us at: (214) 453-1591 $17 million in residential HVAC sales. One comfort advisor in Boise, Idaho. Here's how Cord Nichols sells the top-tier system — every time. Cord Nichols isn't a closer who shows up Friday with a quote book. He's a comfort advisor at Diamond Heating & Cooling in Boise, Idaho — and he's quietly sold roughly $17 million in residential HVAC, including $2.25 million last year alone. He's a 7x Crown Champion at CertainPath, the program's top sales tier. Cord didn't start in HVAC. His first sales job was door-to-door — security in his early twenties. He moved to Utah looking for a wife, found her, then sold solar door-to-door before the solar industry tightened in the mid-2010s. Wanting a trade he could "sink his teeth into" — and not be a one-trick pony — he approached Diamond cold. He'd never sold HVAC. But owners Rick and Sue Ellen hired him for his sales background. Today he's a Dave Ramsey debt-free dad of four (with a fifth on the way) who recently paid off his mortgage — all on residential HVAC sales. In this episode, Cord walks Bob Houchin through the exact playbook — every question he asks, every option he names, every word he uses — for turning a single in-home consultation into a top-tier HVAC sale. In this conversation, you'll discover: • The $17M reveal — and the on-camera moment where Bob puts the career number on record • Why Cord opens every options reveal by repeating the customer's own words back to them • The Kia-vs-Toyota framing he uses to explain tiered HVAC systems in 30 seconds • The "Is there any reason I can't ask for your business today?" close — and the three answers it always produces • Why Cord names options after the customer's hobbies (the "14-Point Buck" move) • The clipboard intro that disarms skeptical homeowners ("I'm just going to be taking some notes") • "I am your one throat to choke" — the post-sale handoff line that earns lifelong customers  Whether you're a comfort advisor working to break $2M for the first time, a sales manager building a residential HVAC playbook, or an owner trying to understand what consistent top-tier closing looks like — Cord's process is a masterclass in trust-first, conviction-led HVAC sales. Watch on YouTube or listen on your favorite podcast platform. And don't forget to subscribe to The Successful Contractor for more interviews that move the needle. About The Successful Contractor is a podcast for residential HVAC, plumbing, electrical, and roofing contractors. Hosted by Bob Houchin, each episode features real contractor growth stories, hard-won business insights, and practical takeaways for building a profitable home services company. Meet the Guest Cord Nichols is a comfort advisor at Diamond Heating & Cooling — a family-owned, values-based HVAC company in Boise, Idaho, founded by Rick and Sue Ellen. After several years selling door-to-door (security in his early twenties, then solar in Utah and Idaho), Cord joined Diamond with zero HVAC experience and a strong sales background. He's now a 7x CertainPath Crown Champion with roughly $17 million in residential HVAC sales — including $2.25 million in his most recent year. He lives in Boise with his wife and four kids (with a fifth on the way) and recently paid off his mortgage as a Dave Ramsey debt-free family. Connect CertainPath: https://www.mycertainpath.com Show Notes The Successful Contractor Podcast is part of the CertainPath family. CertainPath is a business coaching program for residential HVAC, plumbing, electrical, and roofing contractors. For 25 years, we've helped contractors double their revenue, hit 20% net profit, and build teams that stay. With proven systems, professional coaching, software solutions, and a member community of 1,200+ strong — Success is Made Certain. Visit www.mycertainpath.com for more information. FOLLOW CERTAINPATH: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CertainPath LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/certainpath Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/certainpath/

Opinions on how many conclusions to draw from Roots’ 0-1 loss to Colorado Springs range from “none” to “some, who knows how many”. The conversation quickly turns to more entertaining forms of media, and plumbing.

The global economy is fragmenting, and it could lead to a hit of $6 trillion to GDP worldwide. That's more than the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic or the 2008 financial crisis. So what exactly is causing this fragmentation, and can the impacts be mitigated? Finance industry experts join us to explore the forces of fragmentation and examine a new report by the World Economic Forum and Oliver Wyman, which quantifies its impact and details the consequences on the global economy and emerging markets in particular. Guests: Matt Strahan, Private Market Initiatives Lead at the World Economic Forum Daniel Tannebaum, Global Anti-Financial Crime Practice Leader at Oliver Wyman Anne Walsh, Managing Partner and Chief Investment Officer of Guggenheim Partners Daniel Mminele, Chairman of Nedbank Links: Deepening Divides: The Cost of a More Fragmented Financial System: https://wef.ch/financialfragmentation26 Related podcasts: Chief Economists Outlook: counting the cost of the Hormuz crisis, with Maersk's Ilaria Maselli: https://www.weforum.org/podcasts/radio-davos/episodes/chief-economists-outlook-maersk-ilaria-maselli/ The Iran oil shock: will it force the world to re-think the future of energy?: https://www.weforum.org/podcasts/radio-davos/episodes/oil-shocks-hormuz-iran-columbia-energy-exchange-jason-bordoff/ The rise of industrial policy - why governments are back in the business of business: https://www.weforum.org/podcasts/radio-davos/episodes/industrial-policy-trade-choke-points/ Welcome to Cold War Two: historian Niall Ferguson on geopolitics in 2026: https://www.weforum.org/podcasts/radio-davos/episodes/niall-ferguson-geopolitics-cold-war/ Check out all our podcasts on wef.ch/podcasts:  YouTube: - https://www.youtube.com/@wef/podcasts Radio Davos - subscribe: https://pod.link/1504682164 Meet the Leader - subscribe: https://pod.link/1534915560 Agenda Dialogues - subscribe: https://pod.link/1574956552  

Send us Fan MailBall Watching hosts, Jake Koenig and Justin Graham, dissect the 2026 USMNT World Cup Roster from top to bottom, recap their 3-2 win over Senegal, and preview what's to come in Chicago against Germany!Follow the show on X and/or Instagram (@BallWatchingSTL)! Find our guest interviews and all episodes in video form on YouTube by searching https://www.youtube.com/@ballwatchingSTL. Be sure to hit subscribe and turn notifications on!Hoffmann Brothers is the 2025 presenting sponsor of Ball Watching! Headquartered right here in St. Louis for over 40 years, Hoffmann Brothers is a full-service residential & commercial provider, providing Heating, Air Conditioning, Plumbing, Drains, Sewer, Water Heaters, Duct Cleaning, Electrical and Appliance Repair services. Visit them online at hoffmannbros.com!Make The Pitch Athletic Club & Tavern (thepitch-stl.com) your St. Louis CITY SC pregame and postgame destination for all your food and drink needs! Tell them your friends at Ball Watching sent you... Shop in-store or online at Series Six (seriessixcompany.com) and receive a 15% discount  on all orders storewide using code "BALLWATCHING" at checkout!

Andy Cam and Todd Glister chat to John Cruickshank and Dan Tempest about whether it's fair enough to walk off of a job. Andy and Todd ask John and Dan to share some past experiences and their thoughts and then touch on their own issues with customers too.

Send us Fan MailTim and John talk with Lauren Brand, director of marketing for Housecall Pro about the this Thursday's Spring Summit, and we talk about the 40 Under 40 campaign. Register here for the Spring Summit.Subscribe to the Appetite for Construction podcast at any of your favorite streaming channels and don't forget about the other ways to interact with the Mechanical Hub Team!Follow Plumbing Perspective IG @plumbing_perspectiveFollow Mechanical Hub IG @mechanicalhubSign up for our newsletter at www.mechanical-hub.com/enewsletterVisit our websites at www.mechanical-hub.com and www.plumbingperspective.comSend John and Tim your feedback or topic ideas: @plumbing_perspective

This week on NAFC, Mox returns from Hong Kong Comic Con 2026 with stories about the latest trends, convention insanity, and things that probably shouldn't exist but somehow do.Izzy says goodbye to a piece of history after selling his 25-year-old 40" CRT, prompting the crew to reflect on a simpler time when TVs weighed as much as refrigerators. Sindi is back as a guest, helping keep the conversation only slightly on track.The gang also shares thoughts on Undertone and Golden Boy, while Izzy recounts the experience of watching Witch Hat Atelier at a sushi bar and realizing that anime in public still feels vaguely illegal.Finally, they dive into The Super Mario Galaxy Movie (2026)—Nintendo goes full cosmic, the plumbers leave Earth behind, and somehow the stakes are bigger than ever. Was it worth the trip to the stars? The crew breaks it all down.Support us on Patreon!

Only 15-30% of small HVAC and plumbing businesses successfully sell. Discover the hidden reasons most deals fail—from owner dependency to pricing mistakes—and the critical preparation steps that dramatically improve your odds of a profitable exit. Learn more at https://coregrowthgroup.com/how-hard-to-sell-a-small-business Core Growth Group City: Marble Falls Address: 2205 Warehouse Circle Website: https://coregrowthgroup.com/

Topic:Toilets are one of the greatest inventions ever, but(t) they can kill

Send us Fan MailJudaline Cassidy's journey began in Diego Martin, Trinidad, where she grew up facing poverty, abandonment, and countless obstacles. Unable to afford university, she made a decision that would change the course of her life forever—she enrolled in plumbing at the John Donaldson Technical Institute.What followed was an extraordinary journey from Trinidad to New York City, where Judaline became one of the first women in her union, built a successful career in the skilled trades, and founded Tools & Tiaras, a nonprofit that empowers young girls through trade skills, confidence-building, and leadership development.In this episode, Judaline shares powerful stories about growing up without her parents, finding strength through her great-grandmother's guidance, overcoming discrimination as a Black immigrant woman in construction, and why she believes skilled trades can transform lives.We also discuss the importance of trade education, the future of work, the rise of AI, confidence, resilience, and why every young person should learn a skill that can take them anywhere in the world.Topics include:• Growing up in Diego Martin• John Donaldson Technical Institute• Life as a female plumber in New York• Becoming the first woman in her union• Trade school vs university• Building Tools & Tiaras• Confidence, grit and resilience• Women in construction and skilled trades• Entrepreneurship and leadership• Creating opportunities for the next generationJudaline's story is a powerful reminder that where you start does not determine where you finish.

Most plumbing business owners don't realize their best free marketing strategies are already sitting inside their business — in their past customers, their trucks, and every job they finish. In this video I break down 10 specific ways to build a marketing system for your plumbing company that keeps the phone ringing without paid ads. If you're tired of writing a check every month just to make the phone ring, these plumbing marketing strategies are where to start.

Send us Fan MailBall Watching hosts, Jake Koenig and Justin Graham, wrap their "Road to '26" interview series with a true icon of the modern American pitch: Jozy Altidore.With 115 caps, an MLS Cup title, and an MLS Cup MVP on his mantle, Jozy stands alone as one of the most dominant forces in national team history. As the third-highest goalscorer in USMNT history with 42 goals, he has summited the highest peaks of the sport and carries a rare, elite understanding of what it actually takes to win on the world stage.Now navigating the boardroom as the Chief Soccer Officer of our show partner, Sogility, Jozy is leveraging state-of-the-art, data-tracked training technology to fundamentally revolutionize how this country develops youth talent.We sit down with the absolute legend to dive deep into his legacy and look ahead to the home crucible of 2026, covering:The CSO Mandate: Unpacking his transition from scoring headlines to corporate leadership. Jozy explains how data and sensory tracking tech are designed to close the global development gap and fix America's historical training deficiencies.The Art of the No. 9: A masterclass on the pure, instinctual mechanics of elite finishing. Jozy details the fine line between clinical execution and overthinking in the box, and breaks down his absolute favorite international career goals.Handling the World Stage: What does it actually feel like to walk onto a pitch with the emotional expectations of an entire nation on your back? Jozy shares the mental adjustments required to handle the pressure cooker of multiple FIFA World Cups.The Pochettino Formula & 2026 Mandate: With the tournament arriving at our front door, Jozy issues a direct, filterless reality check for the current player pool. He reveals the exact baseline trait Mauricio Pochettino's squad needs to adopt to ensure 2026 is a success.Whether you want to hear from one of the greatest strikers to ever wear the crest or see the technological blueprint changing the sport's future, you cannot miss this grand finale.Follow the show on X and/or Instagram (@BallWatchingSTL)! Find our guest interviews and all episodes in video form on YouTube by searching https://www.youtube.com/@ballwatchingSTL. Be sure to hit subscribe and turn notifications on!Hoffmann Brothers is the 2025 presenting sponsor of Ball Watching! Headquartered right here in St. Louis for over 40 years, Hoffmann Brothers is a full-service residential & commercial provider, providing Heating, Air Conditioning, Plumbing, Drains, Sewer, Water Heaters, Duct Cleaning, Electrical and Appliance Repair services. Visit them online at hoffmannbros.com!Make The Pitch Athletic Club & Tavern (thepitch-stl.com) your St. Louis CITY SC pregame and postgame destination for all your food and drink needs! Tell them your friends at Ball Watching sent you... Shop in-store or online at Series Six (seriessixcompany.com) and receive a 15% discount  on all orders storewide using code "BALLWATCHING" at checkout!

Featured on WGN Radio's Home Sweet Home Chicago on 05/30/26: Center Guard Plumbing's Mike Epping joins the show to inform listeners that plumbers actually do gas leak repairs. Mike talks about gas system safety, bringing it up to code, and how to diagnose plumbing issues in your home. Go to wgnplumber.com or call 847-406-8883 to […]

This week on Home Sweet Home Chicago, David Hochberg is joined by Center Guard Plumbing's Mike Epping to talk all about gas leak repairs. Next, Jim Brown of The Sarah Leonard Team at Legacy Properties reassures listeners that the housing market is stabilizing. Then, Rob Lindemann, CEO of Lindeman Chimney, Fireplace, Heating, and Cooling, joins […]

This is how you scale a contracting business without burning yourself out.Sam Wakefield and Doug C. Brown just became business partners. Sam's been training contractors on sales and systems for years. Doug took Tony Robbins' sales team from seventeen point eight percent close rates to forty-three point two percent in four months. He's worked with ClickFunnels, E-Myth, and dozens of trades companies.When they combined forces? Exponential results.In this episode, you'll see exactly how we scaled a plumbing business from forty-five thousand dollars per month to one hundred fifty thousand dollars per month in ninety days. That's three times revenue in a quarter. But here's where it gets good. When Doug looked at the numbers, he cut the plumber's expenses in half. Then we added process around everything. And within two and a half weeks into the month, this guy had his best sales day, best sales week, and was on track for his best month ever.That's revenue growth plus expense reduction plus process improvement happening at the same time.How We Scaled This Plumbing Business:Step one: revenue growth through sales training and systems. Step two: expense restructuring and profit optimization. Step three: process implementation around everything. Result: triple the revenue in ninety days, cut expenses in half, best month ever by week two point five.The Formula:Money in minus money out equals result. That result equals the owner's quality of life. If you improve both sides of that equation at the same time, you transform the owner's life.Key Teaching Points:Why most contractors build the business on their own backHow to get it off your back through process and systemsThe axiom: success happens at the speed of implementationNinety percent of your time should be spent selling when growing to your first millionBut selling at a profit, that's the differenceSam's strength: revenue growth, sales frameworks, communicationDoug's strength: expense reduction, profit margins, process, efficiencyTogether: exponential growth contractors never thought possibleThe right tool at the right time, why most people fail with softwareMost contractors buy wrong tools at the wrong time or right tools at the wrong timeSoftware doesn't fix broken business fundamentalsNo magic bullets in businessDigitized follow-ups and AI call centers are distractions if the timing is wrongWhy random tools and software waste contractor's moneySame concepts apply whether you're two hundred K or two hundred million in revenueBut your focus changes at each stageRussell Brunson was Doug's student at Tony Robbins before ClickFunnelsDoug's credentials: Tony Robbins, ClickFunnels mentor, E-Myth, trades companiesRevenue growth without profit improvement equals owner crushedProfit improvement without revenue growth equals leaving money on the tableYou need both at the same time with proper processThe synergy of growing revenue, cutting expenses, and adding systems simultaneouslyReal Results from This Episode:Virginia plumber, forty-five thousand dollars per month in sales. After ninety days with Sam's training, one hundred fifty thousand dollars per month. Then Doug restructured the expenses, cut them in half. Then we added process. Week two point five into the month, best sales day ever, best week ever, best month ever. And that's just the beginning because we're still implementing.Work with Sam & Doug:Website: https://www.closeitnow.netCoaching and training: https://www.closeitnow.net/coachingFacebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/closeitnowEmail: sam@closeitnow.netGoogle Review: https://g.page/r/CbfnnDqTCwQdEAE/reviewThe Build - Company Scaling Partnership:This is the new offering from Sam and Doug. Not just sales training. Not just profit optimization. Both. Together. You built the revenue. We help you build the business. Email sam at closeitnow.net to apply.Summer Sales Surge Series 2026:Live virtual training June through September. Monday nights seven PM Central. Fourteen ninety-seven dollars for the entire bundle. Email sam@closeitnow.net or visit salesurgebundle.comThree Ways to Work with Sam:One: On-site training. Half-day classroom plus half-day ride-alongs with your team.Two: Virtual training. Same frameworks, delivered remotely for teams or individuals.Three: The Build. Company scaling partnership with Doug C. Brown. You built the revenue. We help you build the business.Next Week: Leader of One, Leader of ManyLeave a review on Apple Podcasts or Google to help more contractors find this show.Google Review Link: https://g.page/r/CbfnnDqTCwQdEAE/review

Send us Fan MailBall Watching hosts, Jake Koenig and Justin Graham, continue their "Road to '26" interview series with St. Louis soccer royalty and a true pillar of the American game—Mike Sorber. Mike didn't just witness the 1994 soccer revolution; he was the tactical anchor and engine room for it. From his legendary days as a SLU Billiken to becoming the first American to play in Mexico's top flight with Pumas, he has navigated some of the toughest, grittiest environments in soccer history. With the World Cup returning to the U.S. in 2026, he joins us at the perfect moment to bridge his historic playing days with his elite coaching career across the USMNT, New York Red Bulls, and St. Louis CITY SC.We get "on the grass" with the mastermind himself to cover:The 1994 Crucible: We dive into what the internal vibe was like in the locker room when players felt they were playing for the literal survival of the sport in the U.S.. Mike breaks down Bora Milutinović's specific tactical mandate for him as the squad's quiet anchor.The St. Louis DNA & Liga MX Trailblazing: We discuss how growing up in the unique St. Louis soccer ecosystem prepared him for a professional career before MLS even existed. He shares how a Midwestern "chip on the shoulder" helped him navigate Mexico's top flight.The Coaching Blueprint: We look at his transition to the tactical board and how much of the high-intensity Red Bull pressing philosophy he injected into the foundation of St. Louis CITY SC. He reveals the behind-the-scenes non-negotiables required to establish a club's expansion identity.The Road to 2026 & Legacy: We ask whether the return of the tournament feels like a true "mission accomplished" moment for his generation. Plus, he reveals the exact trait the current 2026 USMNT roster needs to "steal" from the 1994 squad to achieve real success.Follow the show on X and/or Instagram (@BallWatchingSTL)! Find our guest interviews and all episodes in video form on YouTube by searching https://www.youtube.com/@ballwatchingSTL. Be sure to hit subscribe and turn notifications on!Hoffmann Brothers is the 2025 presenting sponsor of Ball Watching! Headquartered right here in St. Louis for over 40 years, Hoffmann Brothers is a full-service residential & commercial provider, providing Heating, Air Conditioning, Plumbing, Drains, Sewer, Water Heaters, Duct Cleaning, Electrical and Appliance Repair services. Visit them online at hoffmannbros.com!Make The Pitch Athletic Club & Tavern (thepitch-stl.com) your St. Louis CITY SC pregame and postgame destination for all your food and drink needs! Tell them your friends at Ball Watching sent you... Shop in-store or online at Series Six (seriessixcompany.com) and receive a 15% discount  on all orders storewide using code "BALLWATCHING" at checkout!

Send us Fan MailWhen will sustainability not be a just descriptor but  integrated into a company's plan? John and Tim talk with Chrissie Walsh and Lindsay McIver Zingg of GF about the building the future of sustainable water infrastructure through intentional innovation, practical partnerships, and constructive collaboration.Subscribe to the Appetite for Construction podcast at any of your favorite streaming channels and don't forget about the other ways to interact with the Mechanical Hub Team!Follow Plumbing Perspective IG @plumbing_perspectiveFollow Mechanical Hub IG @mechanicalhubSign up for our newsletter at www.mechanical-hub.com/enewsletterVisit our websites at www.mechanical-hub.com and www.plumbingperspective.comSend John and Tim your feedback or topic ideas: @plumbing_perspective

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, we talked with Jordan Cordero from Live Oak Bank about the massive wave of mergers and acquisitions transforming the home services industry. Jordan is one of the key players on these deals, and he shares exactly how independent trade companies are scaling from local operations into seven- and eight-figure regional powerhouses. If you are running an HVAC, plumbing, or electrical business, this episode provides all the necessary nuggets when it comes to financial strategies.If you are looking for an inside look at where interest rates are heading for the rest of 2026, this episode shows you how to structure a win-win deal that protects your retirement or your investment.Time Stamps: 01:05 - Introduction: Funding the Home Services Acquisition Wave02:23 - The Mom and Pop Boom: How 2M Companies Are Buying Competitors03:30 - Adding Service Lines To the Deals: Merging HVAC, Plumbing, and Electrical04:55 - How to Source Hidden Business Deals in Your Area07:45 - Why Right Now is the Perfect Time to Buy a Trade Business09:29 - Interest Rate Trends and the Reality of Capital Costs10:30 - SBA 7a Loans vs Seller Financing: Shifting the Risk to the Bank13:10 - The Hidden Trap of Seller Notes: Post-Sale Disagreements15:15 - Creative Financing Structures and Tax Planning Options16:40 - Acquisition Horror Stories: When the Seller Badmouths the Buyer19:30 - Sponsor: Free Agency 21:18 - Why You Need a Lender Who Specializes in the Home Services Vertical23:46 - The MCA Warning: How Predatory Working Capital Loans Ruin Cash Flow26:12 - Can You Refuse or Refinance a Merchant Cash Advance?27:10 - Market Forecast, Where Interest Rates Are Heading Next28:02 - Impact of Interest Rates on Acquisitions.29:02 - Loan Structure and its effects.30:01 - Fixed vs. Variable Rates in SBA Loans.31:00 - Revenue Projections in Acquisitions.34:52 - The Importance of Strategic Growth.36:18 - Are You a Fit for SBA programs?37:17 - Closing Remarks and Appreciation.Sponsor: Free Agency - https://freeagency.ai/

Send us Fan MailBall Watching hosts, Jake Koenig and Justin Graham, break down St. Louis CITY SC's 3-0 win over Austin FC at home!Follow the show on X and/or Instagram (@BallWatchingSTL)! Find our guest interviews and all episodes in video form on YouTube by searching https://www.youtube.com/@ballwatchingSTL. Be sure to hit subscribe and turn notifications on!Hoffmann Brothers is the 2025 presenting sponsor of Ball Watching! Headquartered right here in St. Louis for over 40 years, Hoffmann Brothers is a full-service residential & commercial provider, providing Heating, Air Conditioning, Plumbing, Drains, Sewer, Water Heaters, Duct Cleaning, Electrical and Appliance Repair services. Visit them online at hoffmannbros.com!Make The Pitch Athletic Club & Tavern (thepitch-stl.com) your St. Louis CITY SC pregame and postgame destination for all your food and drink needs! Tell them your friends at Ball Watching sent you... Shop in-store or online at Series Six (seriessixcompany.com) and receive a 15% discount  on all orders storewide using code "BALLWATCHING" at checkout!

Send us Fan MailWe explore the challenges and lessons learned from installing new heat pump systems, including a detailed account of a failed project. We discuss equipment selection, troubleshooting, and the realities of integrating innovative technology into residential heating and hot water systems.Chapters00:00 Introduction to New Technologies in HVAC02:44 Challenges with New Equipment Installations05:21 Case Study: Air to Water Heat Pump Installation08:00 Understanding System Limitations and Performance10:44 The Importance of Proper Equipment Selection13:35 Learning from Past Experiences16:16 Customer Expectations and Communication18:58 Technical Challenges and Support Issues20:16 Navigating Equipment Challenges23:11 Customer Communication and Solutions26:14 Innovative Heating Solutions29:49 Quality of Equipment and Manufacturing33:19 Understanding Heat Pump PerformanceSend us your feedback or topic ideas over on our social channels!Eric Aune @mechanicalhub Andy Mickelson @mick_plumbNewsletter sign up: https://bit.ly/MH_email

Send us Fan MailBall Watching hosts, Jake Koenig and Justin Graham, continue their "Road to '26" interview series with the undisputed "Dean of the Press Box"—Paul Tenorio, a senior writer for The Athletic. Paul doesn't just report on soccer; he explains the complex machinery, roster rules, and boardroom politics that actually make the sport move in this country. With his highly anticipated book, The Messi Effect, set to hit shelves on June 2, 2026, he joins us at the ultimate moment to dive into his reporting.We challenge the insider with some analytical rigor just days ahead of the high-stakes May 26 roster reveal to cover:The Messi Effect & The Business of Soccer: Has the arrival of Lionel Messi permanently rewired Major League Soccer's financial ecosystem, or are we operating in a temporary bubble that risks bursting post-retirement? Paul shares behind-the-scenes boardroom insights from his upcoming book.The Soccer Paradox: We take a hard look at soccer's perception both domestically and globally. Are we really looking at a "golden generation"? Do others see it that way?Defining Success & The Post-World Cup Horizon: Is a Round of 16 exit an objective failure for this generation? We explore where the line sits between a respectable run and a missed opportunity, Poch's future past July, and whether U.S. Soccer infrastructure is genuinely prepared for the post-Messi reality.Follow the show on X and/or Instagram (@BallWatchingSTL)! Find our guest interviews and all episodes in video form on YouTube by searching https://www.youtube.com/@ballwatchingSTL. Be sure to hit subscribe and turn notifications on!Hoffmann Brothers is the 2025 presenting sponsor of Ball Watching! Headquartered right here in St. Louis for over 40 years, Hoffmann Brothers is a full-service residential & commercial provider, providing Heating, Air Conditioning, Plumbing, Drains, Sewer, Water Heaters, Duct Cleaning, Electrical and Appliance Repair services. Visit them online at hoffmannbros.com!Make The Pitch Athletic Club & Tavern (thepitch-stl.com) your St. Louis CITY SC pregame and postgame destination for all your food and drink needs! Tell them your friends at Ball Watching sent you... Shop in-store or online at Series Six (seriessixcompany.com) and receive a 15% discount  on all orders storewide using code "BALLWATCHING" at checkout!

Welcome to The Trade Talks Live, where we celebrate the blue-collar trades and everything they stand for! Join us every Wednesday form 3-4PM Central time as we dive into national news, review trade websites, and share tips on mindset growth to help you succeed. Don't miss this hour of insights, inspiration, and practical advice! What does it really take to build a career in the trades—and why do so many people underestimate it? In this episode of The Trade, Roger Wakefield sits down with Brian Duncan, Field Operations Manager at Duncan Plumbing Solutions, to talk about his unexpected journey into plumbing. From working in restaurants and facing sudden job loss to building a successful career in the skilled trades, Brian shares how persistence, family influence, and a strong work ethic shaped his path. You'll hear how his wife pushed him to take the next step in his career, why plumbing "just made sense," and how working with both your hands and your mind creates the perfect balance. Brian also dives into his experience with residential service, gas systems, and the evolution of tools in the trade. This conversation goes beyond plumbing—it's about mindset. From starting as an apprentice to training the next generation, Brian explains why the trades aren't just jobs—they're lifelong careers that demand dedication, pride, and continuous learning. If you're considering a career in the trades, or want insight from someone who's lived it, this episode is for you. In this episode, you'll learn: How Brian transitioned from restaurants to plumbing The role persistence and mentorship play in success Why hands-on learning is key in the trades The difference between working for a paycheck vs. building a career What it takes to train and develop great plumbers

Book a free strategy call with CertainPath to see how we can help you hit your goals and beyond: https://bit.ly/4b0wLaZ Or call us at: (214) 453-1591 One man. Three trades. $7.9M in twelve months. Here's how Chris Roberts turns a $300 light switch call into a $100,000 job. Chris Roberts isn't a salesman. He's an electrician who learned to sell — and last year he closed $5.1M in electrical, $2.3M in plumbing, and $500K in HVAC personally. The plumbing total happened in roughly one month. He's the first double Crown Champion in CertainPath history. Chris runs sales for Bailey Plumbing, Safety First Electric, and Comfort Heating and Cooling — three companies operating under one roof out of San Jose and Morgan Hill, California. Chris started in the union, watching his electrician's check stay flat while his family kept growing. When the union got slow, he took what he thought was a short-term gig at Safety First Electric — installing, not selling. A few weeks in, the owner asked him to go run a sales call. He brought back $7,000 in signed work. By the end of his first month in sales, his check rewrote his understanding of what was possible. He called his wife and said, "I'm not going back to the union." In this episode, Chris walks Bob Houchin through the exact playbook — every word he uses, every door he opens, every shirt he wears — for turning a single service call into a six-figure multi-trade job. In this conversation, you'll discover: • The $7.9M sales reveal — and why most of the plumbing total came in roughly a month • Why Chris never says the word "finance" on a sales call (and what he says instead) • How a $300 light switch call becomes a six-figure rewire, re-pipe, and drain job • The "Two Costs and One Price" framework that crushes "I need to think about it" • Why Chris wears a different shirt on Day 2 — and what it sells • The 4-option pricing system that lets Bailey charge $70K for a rewire (when competitors price it at $25K) • Why he won't sell a re-pipe to a customer who doesn't need one — and why disqualifying like this builds trust  Whether you're a sales tech trying to break $1M for the first time, a sales manager building a multi-trade playbook, or an owner trying to understand what makes one rep close $7.9M across three trades — Chris's process is a masterclass in stacking trades without losing trust. Watch on YouTube or listen on your favorite podcast platform. And don't forget to subscribe to The Successful Contractor for more interviews that move the needle. About The Successful Contractor is a podcast for residential HVAC, plumbing, electrical, and roofing contractors. Hosted by Bob Houchin, each episode features real contractor growth stories, hard-won business insights, and practical takeaways for building a profitable home services company. Meet the Guest Chris Roberts is the head sales manager at Bailey Plumbing, Safety First Electric, and Comfort Heating and Cooling — three home-services companies operating under one roof out of San Jose and Morgan Hill, California. A former union electrician, Chris transitioned into in-home sales his first year at Safety First, then took on plumbing and HVAC sales as the companies grew. Last year, he personally closed $5.1M in electrical, $2.3M in plumbing, and $500K in HVAC — making him CertainPath's first-ever double Crown Champion. Connect CertainPath: https://www.mycertainpath.com Show Notes The Successful Contractor Podcast is part of the CertainPath family. CertainPath is a business coaching program for residential HVAC, plumbing, electrical, and roofing contractors. For 25 years, we've helped contractors double their revenue, hit 20% net profit, and build teams that stay. With proven systems, professional coaching, software solutions, and a member community of 1,200+ strong — Success is Made Certain. Visit www.mycertainpath.com for more information. FOLLOW CERTAINPATH: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CertainPath LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/certainpath Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/certainpath/ 

Having acquired 15 businesses in plumbing, HVAC, and electrical services, John Wilson breaks down what really happens after the acquisition closes. Learn practical strategies for how to buy a business, including sourcing off-market deals, business valuation, negotiating with sellers, due diligence, and building a strong post-acquisition integration plan.If you're interested in business acquisition, entrepreneurship, private equity, HVAC business growth, plumbing companies, electrical contractors, or scaling home service businesses, this episode gives a real-world look at buying and operating companies successfully.More solo episodes: @JohnWilsonStudioSend Us Mail!More Ways To Connect with O&OJohn's YouTube ChannelWeekly Newsletter Owned and Operated Leave a ReviewJohn Wilson, CEO of Wilson CompaniesJack Carr, CEO of Rapid HVAC

Send us Fan MailBall Watching hosts, Jake Koenig and Justin Graham, continue their "Road to '26" interview series with the ultimate insider—the longest-serving President in the history of U.S. Soccer and current Senior Lecturer of Economics at Columbia University, Sunil Gulati. Known as "The Leader" of the modern American soccer infrastructure, Sunil's reign saw the sport take its most significant strides in our nation's history. From the "soccer in a desert" era to spearheading successful World Cup bids, he has quite literally lived it all.We challenge the professor with some analytical rigor and dive deep into his legacy, covering:The 1994 vs. 2026 Contrast: How the global "sales pitch" changed from an era when the American soccer market was purely theoretical to the reality of the upcoming World Cup.The Economist's Lens: The exact economic hurdles and incentive structures that had to be cleared during the early days of MLS and the professionalization of the USSF.Highs & Lows of the Presidency: The proudest moments watching the USWNT reach legendary status, the true directive behind hiring Jurgen Klinsmann, and a candid look back at how the trying times of the 2017 collapse in Trinidad changed his view on player development.Aspirations for 2026: What a "successful" tournament actually looks like for this country on July 20th, 2026, beyond just the performance on the pitch.Whether you want to understand the business behind the beautiful game or get a masterclass in where American soccer has been and where it's going, this is an episode you cannot miss.Follow the show on X and/or Instagram (@BallWatchingSTL)! Find our guest interviews and all episodes in video form on YouTube by searching https://www.youtube.com/@ballwatchingSTL. Be sure to hit subscribe and turn notifications on!Hoffmann Brothers is the 2025 presenting sponsor of Ball Watching! Headquartered right here in St. Louis for over 40 years, Hoffmann Brothers is a full-service residential & commercial provider, providing Heating, Air Conditioning, Plumbing, Drains, Sewer, Water Heaters, Duct Cleaning, Electrical and Appliance Repair services. Visit them online at hoffmannbros.com!Make The Pitch Athletic Club & Tavern (thepitch-stl.com) your St. Louis CITY SC pregame and postgame destination for all your food and drink needs! Tell them your friends at Ball Watching sent you... Shop in-store or online at Series Six (seriessixcompany.com) and receive a 15% discount  on all orders storewide using code "BALLWATCHING" at checkout!

Send us Fan MailBall Watching hosts, Jake Koenig and Justin Graham, break down St. Louis CITY SC's defeat of Houston Dynamo in the quarterfinals of the US Open Cup, and preview the upcoming Austin FC match at home!Follow the show on X and/or Instagram (@BallWatchingSTL)! Find our guest interviews and all episodes in video form on YouTube by searching https://www.youtube.com/@ballwatchingSTL. Be sure to hit subscribe and turn notifications on!Hoffmann Brothers is the 2025 presenting sponsor of Ball Watching! Headquartered right here in St. Louis for over 40 years, Hoffmann Brothers is a full-service residential & commercial provider, providing Heating, Air Conditioning, Plumbing, Drains, Sewer, Water Heaters, Duct Cleaning, Electrical and Appliance Repair services. Visit them online at hoffmannbros.com!Make The Pitch Athletic Club & Tavern (thepitch-stl.com) your St. Louis CITY SC pregame and postgame destination for all your food and drink needs! Tell them your friends at Ball Watching sent you... Shop in-store or online at Series Six (seriessixcompany.com) and receive a 15% discount  on all orders storewide using code "BALLWATCHING" at checkout!

Send us Fan MailTim and John talk with Evin Jarrett, building trades instructor at Mayfair Elementary, the only middle school program in the Philadelphia School District that actually exposes kids to careers at an early age.Subscribe to the Appetite for Construction podcast at any of your favorite streaming channels and don't forget about the other ways to interact with the Mechanical Hub Team!Follow Plumbing Perspective IG @plumbing_perspectiveFollow Mechanical Hub IG @mechanicalhubSign up for our newsletter at www.mechanical-hub.com/enewsletterVisit our websites at www.mechanical-hub.com and www.plumbingperspective.comSend John and Tim your feedback or topic ideas: @plumbing_perspective

(00:00) What is the deal with all this darn traffic? Hardy's central air is on the fritz and is wondering what's an appropriate time to text the owner of 128 Plumbing, Heating & Cooling to get it fixed.(22:10.498)(35:08.496) WHAT HAPPENED LAST NIGHT: Willson Contreras hit his team-leading 10th homer, and Sonny Gray outpitched Seth Lugo as the Boston Red Sox beat the Kansas City Royals 3-1 on Monday night. Plus, we check in with the NBA and NHL playoffs!Please note: Timecodes may shift by a few minutes due to inserted ads. Because of copyright restrictions, portions—or entire segments—may not be included in the podcast.CONNECT WITH TOUCHER & HARDY: linktr.ee/ToucherandHardyFor the latest updates, visit the show page on 985thesportshub.com. Follow 98.5 The Sports Hub on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. Watch the show every morning on YouTube, and subscribe to stay up-to-date with all the best moments from Boston's home for sports!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Send us Fan MailJoin us as we explore the impactful work of John Mesenbrink and his innovative series on rebuilding communities after wildfires, workforce development in the trades, and the future of construction technology. Discover how these stories highlight resilience, industry challenges, and opportunities for growth.Key Topics:Wildfire rebuilding process and community impactWorkforce development in the trades and education programsInnovations in construction materials and methodsInfrastructure challenges and solutions post-disasterFuture trends in construction technology and sustainabilitySend us your feedback or topic ideas over on our social channels!Eric Aune @mechanicalhub Andy Mickelson @mick_plumbNewsletter sign up: https://bit.ly/MH_email

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

Send us Fan MailBall Watching hosts, Jake Koenig and Justin Graham, break down St. Louis CITY SC's 1-1 draw at DC United, and preview the upcoming US Open Cup Quarterfinal at home to Houston Dynamo!Follow the show on X and/or Instagram (@BallWatchingSTL)! Find our guest interviews and all episodes in video form on YouTube by searching https://www.youtube.com/@ballwatchingSTL. Be sure to hit subscribe and turn notifications on!Hoffmann Brothers is the 2025 presenting sponsor of Ball Watching! Headquartered right here in St. Louis for over 40 years, Hoffmann Brothers is a full-service residential & commercial provider, providing Heating, Air Conditioning, Plumbing, Drains, Sewer, Water Heaters, Duct Cleaning, Electrical and Appliance Repair services. Visit them online at hoffmannbros.com!Make The Pitch Athletic Club & Tavern (thepitch-stl.com) your St. Louis CITY SC pregame and postgame destination for all your food and drink needs! Tell them your friends at Ball Watching sent you... Shop in-store or online at Series Six (seriessixcompany.com) and receive a 15% discount  on all orders storewide using code "BALLWATCHING" at checkout!

Send us Fan MailBall Watching hosts, Jake Koenig and Justin Graham, kick off the "Road to '26" interview series with a foundational figure in American soccer, Francisco Carlos. As the founder of what became the United Soccer League (USL) and a 2024 National Soccer Hall of Fame inductee, Francisco provides a masterclass on how the "machine" of the American game was built from the ground up.In this conversation, we dive into:The $15 Investment: How a simple idea and a trip to City Hall in 1986 birthed the Southwest Indoor Soccer League (SISL), the precursor to today's USL.The Architect's Journey: From arriving in the U.S. from Portugal at 16 to his time at Hartwick College, where he balanced the pitch with student journalism and radio, shaping his future in sports PR and publishing.Building the Pyramid: Francisco discusses his role in creating a multi-tiered league system, including the first national youth leagues (Super Y) and the W-League for women, and why the "pyramid" is essential for soccer to thrive in cities like Des Moines and Boise.1994 vs. 2026: Reflections on how the 1994 World Cup redefined the sport's trajectory and what he anticipates for the 2026 tournament, including concerns about ticket prices and the "sheer magnitude" of the event.The Business of "Soccer Wars": Candid thoughts on the friction between competing leagues (MLS and USL) in the same markets, citing examples like St. Louis and Austin, and the need for a unified "soccer family" in the U.S.Lamar Hunt and Legacy: Stories from his time working with Lamar Hunt and the importance of instilling a "24/7 football culture" across the country.Whether you're a tactical nerd or a business-of-sports enthusiast, this episode traces the legacy of American soccer through the lens of one of its most influential builders.Follow the show on X and/or Instagram (@BallWatchingSTL)! Find our guest interviews and all episodes in video form on YouTube by searching https://www.youtube.com/@ballwatchingSTL. Be sure to hit subscribe and turn notifications on!Hoffmann Brothers is the 2025 presenting sponsor of Ball Watching! Headquartered right here in St. Louis for over 40 years, Hoffmann Brothers is a full-service residential & commercial provider, providing Heating, Air Conditioning, Plumbing, Drains, Sewer, Water Heaters, Duct Cleaning, Electrical and Appliance Repair services. Visit them online at hoffmannbros.com!Make The Pitch Athletic Club & Tavern (thepitch-stl.com) your St. Louis CITY SC pregame and postgame destination for all your food and drink needs! Tell them your friends at Ball Watching sent you... Shop in-store or online at Series Six (seriessixcompany.com) and receive a 15% discount  on all orders storewide using code "BALLWATCHING" at checkout!

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

In episode 2050, Jack and guest co-host Sofiya Alexandra are joined by host of Go Home Bible, You're Drunk and White Homework, Tori Williams Douglass, to discuss… DOJ Weaponized Against National Trust for Historic Preservation and James Comey... With Embarrassingly Written Court Filings, Ghosts = Plumbing? And More! Exclusive: Former FBI Director James Comey indicted over alleged ‘threat’ against Trump Justice department indicts ex-FBI director James Comey over Instagram post showing seashells Comey interviewed by the Secret Service over ’86 47' social media post Definition of 86'd What does 'eighty-six' mean? The Department of Justice is now a joke. This is an official filing signed by its top leadership. This woman is at the center of the legal claim against Trump's ballroom project Group says it won't drop its White House ballroom lawsuit, despite DOJ pressure No, your house isn’t haunted by ghosts — spooky experts reveal simple explanation for things that go bump in the night Haunted by Ghosts? New Study Provides a Surprising Explanation Hidden Phenomenon Could Explain Why Old Buildings Feel Haunted, Study Finds Scientists Say: Infrasound The Science of Silence: Disquieting Uses of Infrasound in Movies The mystery of the ‘ghost frequency’, the most terrifying sound known to man Scientists Investigated a Frequency Linked to ‘Paranormal’ That ghostly presence may just be bad plumbing 'Paranormal feelings': Edmonton researchers study frightful sounds at haunted house The fear frequency Organ music 'instils religious feelings' LISTEN: Pop Out (feat. ScHoolboy Q) by Larry JuneSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.