Podcasts about service businesses

If you feel like social media is working against you as a service-based business owner, you're not imagining it. Organic reach has changed. Algorithms prioritise paid advertising, and chasing likes, followers, and viral posts rarely translates into real business growth. In this episode, I break down: Why organic reach has declinedThe biggest mindset mistake business owners make on social mediaWhy likes and followers are often vanity metricsThe real purpose of social media for service businessesHow to use content strategically to generate quality leads Instead of fighting algorithms, learn how to use social media as a tool to drive traffic, build authority, and attract the right clients.

Tickets zum Founder Summit 2026:

Grab our breakdown of the 5 Low-Cost Businesses That Make $1 Million: https://www.franchiseempire.com/lowcost?utm_source=TJfeb212026Is owning a tool truck actually a smart business in 2026? In this video, I break down how the Snap-on Tools business model works, how much it costs to start, what franchisees are making, and the real pros and cons of a mobile tool business. This is not your typical franchise. There are no royalties, no marketing fees, and they even offer in-house financing. But there's a catch: when you sell physical products, your margins are very different than service businesses. If you're looking for a mobile business opportunity under $250K-$500K and want to know whether this is a real path to replacing your income, this breakdown will help you think clearly before making a move. Comment below - would you run a tool truck?------------------Considering Investing In A Franchise?

AI is moving faster than most service businesses can keep up with. Voice agents. Text automation. Follow-up systems. AI sales emails. Predictive messaging. But here's the real question: How do you use AI to convert more leads without losing the human touch? In this episode of Service Business Mastery, Tersh Blissett and Joshua Crouch sit down with Ryan Fenn, CEO at CHIIRP, to break down what's actually working in AI-driven lead conversion right now. They dive into: Why speed to lead still wins (and why seconds matter) How one word in your follow-up could be killing 90 percent of your conversions Why most contractors misuse AI for sales emails How to "download your brain" into systems using AI Why tools are becoming commodities and experience is becoming king How AI agents are replacing static drip campaigns If you're a service business owner trying to figure out how to adopt AI without sounding robotic, this episode will give you clarity, strategy, and practical application. What You Will Learn in This Episode • Why speed to lead still dramatically impacts booking rates • The difference between static drip campaigns and dynamic AI follow-up • How AI can analyze hundreds of millions of messages to improve conversion • Why empathy in messaging increases response rates • How to use AI as an editor instead of a ghostwriter • How to turn 20 years of experience into systems and training using AI • Why the future of software is outcome-based, not tool-based • How to evaluate tech partners based on deployment experience, not features • Why humans will still matter even if AI becomes indistinguishable Timestamps 00:00 The AI arms race and what's changed 03:00 Why speed to lead still dominates 08:00 The future of AI in sales and follow-up 12:20 Why humans will still matter in the age of AI 21:20 Download your brain using AI 22:11 How to use AI to write better sales emails 27:24 Why experience matters more than software features 33:02 The single word that could be killing your sales 36:00 Is there such thing as responding too fast? 40:57 AI agents replacing static drip campaigns 49:00 What contractors should stop doing immediately Follow the Host and Guest Tersh Blissett: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tershblissett/ Josh Crouch: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josh-crouch/ Ryan Fenn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-fenn-76568b165/ CHIIRP: https://www.linkedin.com/company/chiirp/  Connect with Us • LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/service-business-mastery • TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@servicebusinessmastery • Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/servicebusinessmasterypodcast • Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/servicebusinessmasterypodcast  

Is direct mail actually back in 2026 — or is it a dinosaur channel that should stay extinct?In this episode of Owned and Operated, John Wilson sits down with Sam Preston (CEO of Service Scalers) to break down how the best home service companies are using direct mail as direct response, why some operators get 14x ROI while others lose money mailing the same market, and the exact levers you can pull to make mailers perform (audience, offer, format, frequency, and iteration).They also get into why “legacy media” still works when executed well, how to think about underserved markets, and why your offer + ticket size determines whether direct mail prints money… or burns it.Key Topics Covered:Why “someone in your market is winning” with direct mail (even if you think it's dead)The 4 audiences to mail (members → active customers → inactive customers → net-new)What formats work: postcards, letters, Valpak, door hangers, even “weird” creative mail

On this episode of the Jered Williams Show, Kristen Deese, a financial expert and former trades business owner, provides a comprehensive overview of financial management for home services companies. She delves into the key components of the Profit and Loss (P&L) statement, including revenue, cost of goods sold, and overhead expenses, emphasizing the importance of aligning job costing and financial reporting. Kristen also discusses the balance sheet, cash flow management, and the strategic use of depreciation and tax strategies. Additionally, she highlights the significance of managing overhead expenses, hiring the right talent, and fostering a positive company culture. The episode concludes with an invitation to an upcoming event in Pensacola, where attendees can further explore these critical financial and operational topics.

Cost pressures aren’t going away in 2026, and for service businesses, that’s forcing some tough decisions. But when margins tighten, are operators cutting the right costs — or the ones that quietly weaken the business? On Industry Insight, Lynlee Foo speaks to Associate Professor Michael Alexander Kruesi, Business, Communication and Design Cluster, Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT) to find out what are the trade-offs businesses often underestimate, and what do recent exits reveal about decision-making under pressure.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

People aren't ignoring your content because you're bad at marketing. They're ignoring it because it sounds like everyone else. Service businesses are overexplaining, softening their words, and adding context nobody asked for. And in 2026, that's exactly what makes people scroll past. I'm Veronica Di Polo, marketing strategist and host of the Branding Momentum Podcast, based in Moraira, Alicante, Spain. I help service-based business owners get clients by saying the right thing, clearly, without dressing it up. In this episode, I talk about why being direct works better than being polite, why shorter messages land harder than long explanations, and why clarity beats clever every single time when people are deciding who to hire. This is not about being aggressive. It's about being clear. If you sell your brain, your skill, or your time, this episode will feel familiar for a reason.

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.

LightSpeed VT: https://www.lightspeedvt.com/ Dropping Bombs Podcast: https://www.droppingbombs.com/ This Dropping Bombs episode features Ian McCarthy, who scaled companies from $0 to eight figures THREE times across landscaping and professional sports. Former accountant turned founder, Ian exposes the fatal pricing mistakes contractors make and the exact financial strategies that unlock explosive growth.   Ian breaks down his "Know Your Numbers" system—how to calculate true overhead, stop copying competitors' rates, and price for actual profit. Steal the exact markup strategies, manpower formulas, and M&A moves that turn guesswork into empire-level growth.    If you're in the trades or looking to scale, this episode pays for itself in one job. Press play before your competition does.  

Send us a textThe driveway is a sheet of ice, the hill is unforgiving, and somehow that's the perfect backdrop for a sharper marketing plan. While we're snowed in, we map out practical, low-friction ways service businesses stay top of mind when no one wants to leave the house. From photo contests that spark community to text messages that offer real help, you'll get a clear playbook for turning a slow season into steady momentum.We start with engagement you can launch today: run a simple snow-themed contest, share user photos, and anchor your brand with memorable visuals. Then we shift to respectful outreach. If you serve homeowners or tenants, a short text that acknowledges the storm and offers contractor referrals or a winter checklist builds trust fast. We dig into seasonal education that actually matters—preventing frozen pipes, choosing pet-safe ice melt, spotting roof leaks during the thaw—and explain how short articles, Facebook notes, and quick videos all count as modern blogging that wins attention.Next, we open the door to events and partnerships. Host a 30-minute webinar on prepping a house to sell by April, or record a video on pipe relining versus dig-and-replace. Add early booking incentives like complimentary valuation visits or discounted maintenance inspections to turn interest into action. Then map your partner network: real estate agents, property managers, insurance brokers, roofers, and plumbers. Co-create checklists, share referrals, and co-host sessions so your expertise multiplies across audiences.We close by tightening the engine: sharpen guarantees, clarify offers, and upgrade speed. Refresh your website with clear service pages, strong photos, and fast lead forms. Standardize follow-ups and text templates so every inquiry gets a quick, human reply. The snow will melt, demand will rise, and the groundwork you lay now will pay off when phones start ringing. If this sparked ideas, tap follow, share it with a colleague who's bracing for winter slowdowns, and leave a quick review so more service pros can find it.Support the showTo learn more about Habitation Investigation, the Three-time Winner of the Best Home Inspection Company in the Midwest Plus the Winner of Consumer Choice Award for Columbus Ohio visit Home Inspection Columbus Ohio - Habitation Investigation (homeinspectionsinohio.com) NBC4 news segments: The importance of home inspections, and what to look for | NBC4 WCMH-TV Advice from experts: Don't skip the home inspection | NBC4 WCMH-TV OSU student's mysterious symptoms end up tied to apartment's air quality | NBC4 WCMH-TV How to save money by winterizing your home | NBC4 WCMH-TV Continuing Education for Ohio Agents Scheduled classes Continuing Education for Ohio Agents Course lis...

Try DripJobs free for 14-Days - DripJobs.comIn this episode, Tanner Mullen discusses effective marketing strategies for home service businesses in 2026. He emphasizes the importance of understanding marketing principles, the evolving nature of word-of-mouth marketing, and the limitations of SEO for businesses under $750,000 in revenue. Tanner also explores the benefits of lead aggregators and Facebook ads, while encouraging business owners to adopt creative marketing strategies to build trust and grow their businesses. He concludes with a call to action to utilize drip jobs for streamlining operations and enhancing marketing efforts.

Are you drowning your leads with follow-up after follow-up? It's a mistake many service-based businesses make, thinking more is better. But in reality, too much follow-up could be killing your sales instead of helping them.In today's episode, we dive into a common problem many health and wellness businesses face: low conversion rates after generating quality leads. Lauren shares an in-depth example from one of her clients who was generating tons of leads but only achieving a 5% booking rate. We explore why this happens and how you can fix it. From the crucial need for accurate data tracking to the importance of defining a "qualified lead," we outline the tweaks to your sales funnel that will boost lead conversions and significantly reduce your marketing spend.In This Episode:- Case study of high leads and low conversion rates- Sample lead qualification and conversion framework- Estimating the value of opt-ins- The correct sequence of contacting leads- Episode wrap-up and call-to-actionListen to This Episode on Your Favorite Podcast Channel:Follow and listen on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/perpetual-traffic/id1022441491 Follow and listen on Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/59lhtIWHw1XXsRmT5HBAuK Subscribe and watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@perpetual_traffic?sub_confirmation=1We Appreciate Your Support!Visit our website: https://perpetualtraffic.com/ Follow us on X: https://x.com/perpetualtraf Connect with Ralph Burns: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ralphburns Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ralphhburns/ Hire Tier11 - https://www.tiereleven.com/apply-now Connect with Lauren Petrullo:Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/laurenepetrullo/LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurenpetrullo Consult Mongoose Media - https://mongoosemedia.us/ Mentioned in this episode:We're opening up sponsorship spots for Q1 and Q2! Apply now by visiting www.perpetualtraffic.com https://www.NEXTInsurance.com/perpetualHead to www.perpetualtraffic.com to apply to be a sponsor of this showWe're opening up sponsorship spots for Q1 and Q2! Apply now by visiting www.perpetualtraffic.com

Are you tired of being the one pulling the trigger every single day?

In this episode, Maggie answers two questions service-based business owners keep asking online:Is social media still worth it in 2026, or are clients searching elsewhere?How do I convert website/online traffic into paying clients?You'll get a fresh, practical perspective based on current consumer behavior (including Google's “messy middle” buying journey) and real examples that show why visibility isn't enough — your Google profile, website copy, and follow-up process are what turn interest into booked clients.What you'll learnHow clients actually choose service providers in 2026 Why social media is still worth it — but only if it matches where your ideal clients exploreThe 3 essentials that convert online trafficWhy “marketing tactics” don't work well in isolation — and how to build an ecosystem insteadKey takeawaysYour client's buying journey is rarely one search → one decision. It's a “messy middle” of research.Social media supports the exploration phase. Google + reviews support the evaluation phase.Conversions often break at the follow-up stage: slow replies, unclear next steps, or inconsistent communication.The goal is a smooth client journey from discovery → trust → contact → conversion.Work with MaggieIf you want help looking at your marketing holistically — from your ideal client's perspective — and turn your online presence into a consistent stream of paying clients, book a complimentary consultation - HERE - https://calendly.com/maggie-s2l/discovery-call-1Timestamps00:00 Why this episode: answering real questions service business owners ask online02:00 The “messy middle”: why the buyer journey isn't linear (streaming, scrolling, searching)03:00 Why video content matters more than ever in the exploration phase04:00 Evaluation phase: why clients check Google profiles + reviews before deciding06:00 Where social media fits: it's part of discovery (and you need to be where your client explores)09:00 The 3-step conversion checklist for turning traffic into paying clients11:00 Real story: searching for kids' drama classes (what went wrong in the follow-up)18:00 What a smooth conversion journey looks like (examples from Maggie's client inquiries)23:00 The big mistake: treating marketing in silos vs building a client journey ecosystem

A breakdown of ten marketing trends that matter for plumbers, attorneys, contractors, and other service businesses heading into 2026. ASTOUNDZ SEO City: Houston Address: 4501 Brookwoods Dr. Website: https://astoundz.com/ Phone: +1 713 904 5001 Email: partners@astoundz.com

https://www.njlocalmarketing.com/Slower seasons don't mean fewer customers. Discover practical marketing strategies home service businesses use to stay visible and win future bookings. NJ Local Marketing, LLC City: Old Bridge Address: 22 Sherwood Lane, Website: https://www.njlocalmarketing.com

In this episode of the Grow A Small Business Podcast, host Troy Vance Morris, the founder of Deliver Service Now institute, joins the podcast to share his journey from a decade at Disney to building and scaling multiple successful home service businesses. He talks about creating premium customer experiences, growing his companies to a point where he now works only 90 minutes a week on operations, and the strategies he uses to retain loyal clients. Vance also explains how he transitioned from employee to entrepreneur, overcame major financial challenges, and built a strong team culture. His story highlights resilience, smart marketing, and the power of systems in business growth. Why would you wait any longer to start living the lifestyle you signed up for? Balance your health, wealth, relationships and business growth. And focus your time and energy and make the most of this year. Let's get into it by clicking here. Troy delves into our guest's startup journey, their perception of success, industry reconsideration, and the pivotal stress point during business expansion. They discuss the joys of small business growth, vital entrepreneurial habits, and strategies for team building, encompassing wins, blunders, and invaluable advice. And a snapshot of the final five Grow A Small Business Questions: 1. What do you think is the hardest thing in growing a small business? Vance Morris has shared that the hardest thing is simply sticking with it. Most people give up too early when they hit financial pressure, setbacks, or slow periods, but long-term success comes from pushing through those tough moments. 2. What's your favorite business book that has helped you the most? Vance Morris has shared that his most valuable business book is "The Ultimate Sales Letter" by Dan Kennedy, which transformed how he approaches marketing and communication with customers. 3. Are there any great podcasts or online learning resources you'd recommend to help grow a small business? Vance Morris has shared that he regularly uses MasterClass for high-level learning from experts, and finds it extremely useful for expanding mindset and gaining inspiration from top performers in different fields. 4. What tool or resource would you recommend to grow a small business? Vance Morris has shared that every small business must have a CRM (Customer Relationship Management system) to track clients, marketing, and follow-ups — it becomes essential once your customer base grows. 5. What advice would you give yourself on day one of starting out in business? Vance Morris has shared that he would tell himself "Don't give up." There were many moments when quitting seemed easier, but staying persistent through financial challenges is what led to long-term success. Book a 20-minute Growth Chat with Troy Trewin to see if you qualify for our upcoming course. Don't miss out on this opportunity to take your small business to new heights! Enjoyed the podcast? Please leave a review on iTunes or your preferred platform. Your feedback helps more small business owners discover our podcast and embark on their business growth journey.     Quotable quotes from our special Grow A Small Business podcast guest: Deliver an experience your competitors can't copy and your customers won't forget — Vance Morris You can't grow a business you're not measuring every single day — Vance Morris Freedom in business comes from systems, not from working more hours — Vance Morris      

Send us a textMarketing is louder, clients are pickier, and AI is making it easier to create content—but harder to build trust. In this episode, Maggie shares the key shifts she sees for 2026: scaling won't be about doing more. It'll be about building a business that runs better and feels more human.In This EpisodeWhy your personality/personal brand becomes the differentiator in a world of AI contentWhy customer loyalty + lifetime value beats constantly chasing new clientsWhy short-form video still wins—and how series content builds depth and trustHow personal touch becomes a premium advantage againHow to use AI as operational leverage (SOPs, proposals, follow-ups, meeting notes) without sounding roboticWhy community + strategic partnerships become your most reliable pipelineQuick Action StepsPick 3 words you want to be known for (check testimonials for clues).Ask: “What's the next problem my best clients have after I solve the first one?”Create a 3-4-part content series addressing a single core client problem.Add 1–2 personal touchpoints to your customer journey—and systemize them.Identify 10–15 strategic partners and activate one relationship per month.Connect With MaggieWebsite: https://stairwaytoleadership.com/

Why do some home service companies stall at $5M while others explode past $50M?

Checklist download: https://marlonmcpherson.com/marketingsaleschecklist/ Learn more at marlonmcpherson.com

Tip Credit USA specializes in helping food and beverage employers recover eligible federal tax credits. Through a CPA-led, compliance-focused process, Tip Credit USA provides risk-free assessments and fully managed support designed to remove complexity for business owners. Further information can be found at https://tipcreditusa.com/ Tip Credit USA City: na Address: na Website: https://tipcreditusa.com/ Email: mharold@tipcreditusa.com

Everyone's inbox is full of "50% off" chaos. But if you run a service business, you can't exactly discount your brain. So what do you do when every brand is shouting "buy now"? I'm Veronica Di Polo, marketing strategist and host of the Branding Momentum Podcast, based in Moraira, Alicante, Spain, helping service-based business owners get leads with words that sell. In this episode, I'll show you how to stay visible when everyone else is running discounts you can't (and shouldn't) match. You'll learn why promotions often backfire for service pros, what to do instead, and how to use this season to build real trust before 2026.

In this podcast episode, Dennis Fehr discusses his journey in the painting and refinishing industry, highlighting his unique advantages, challenges, and opportunities in the real estate market. He emphasizes the importance of skilled labor, community engagement, and building relationships with clients to enhance business growth. Dennis also shares insights on the future of the industry, focusing on the significance of understanding customer needs and adapting to market trends.   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   —--------------------

In this episode, John Wilson sits down with Daryna Kulya, co-founder of Quo (formerly OpenPhone), to unpack one of the most underappreciated growth levers in home services: how you communicate as you scale. What starts as “one tech, one phone, one truck” quickly becomes a bottleneck once you're trying to hire CSRs, build a call center, and stop missing leads. Daryna shares the real story behind Quo's rebrand, why they're building for the long term, and how modern phone + text workflows are evolving with AI.They dive into the hard operational truth most contractors learn too late: you don't feel the communication pain until your customers already do. From missed calls, speed-to-lead, shared inboxes, and staffing by the hour (not the day), to AI call agents that outperform voicemail 3x, this is a tactical conversation for any operator trying to grow past the owner-operator stage. If you're scaling HVAC, plumbing, electrical, restoration, or any service trade — and you want to stop leaking revenue through missed calls and messy handoffs — this one's a must-listen.What You'll LearnWhy Quo rebranded from OpenPhone — and what that signals about the future of communicationThe hidden scaling trap of using your personal cell numberWhen contractors hire CSRs too late (and step out too early)Why staffing by the day hides the real missed-call problem

What does it really take to scale a home services business from a shoestring budget to seven figures and then do it five times over? In this episode of Sharkpreneur, Seth Greene interviews Teddy Slack Jr., Founder of BizScore.ai, who has built and scaled five different service-based businesses from scratch to seven figures. He's a serial entrepreneur who transformed an $8,000 startup into a company generating 43% EBITDA—before selling it at a five-times multiple. In this episode, Teddy shares his journey, his lessons on marketing, pricing, and leadership, and why he's now documenting his newest venture in real time for contractors everywhere. Key Takeaways: → Why flat-rate pricing revolutionized his industry and boosted closing rates. → The importance of tracking marketing ROI instead of “throwing spaghetti at the wall. → Why getting out of day-to-day operations is the key to scale and freedom. → The mindset shift every contractor must make to turn a job into a business. → The challenges and opportunities of entering a brand-new industry from scratch. Teddy Slack Jr. helps blue-collar business owners turn chaos into clarity and profit. Over the last 20 years, he has successfully built five service-based businesses from scratch to seven figures, all within their first 12 months. Most recently, he scaled and exited his home service business for a 5x multiple, growing it to $1.6 million in annual profit with zero owner involvement. Today, Teddy partners with select owner-operators as a strategic growth operator, bringing the systems, financial discipline, marketing power, and leadership infrastructure necessary to scale businesses without burnout or guesswork. Unlike traditional coaching, Teddy works hands-on in the trenches with business owners to turn their operations into streamlined, profitable machines that can run and eventually sell without them. Teddy is also the creator of BizScore, an AI-powered financial health tool that helps service businesses assess their financial situation and take action to plug profit leaks and grow with confidence. Connect With Teddy: Website: https://www.bizscore.ai/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@teddyslack LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/teddyslack/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What does it really take to scale a home services business from a shoestring budget to seven figures and then do it five times over? In this episode of Sharkpreneur, Seth Greene interviews Teddy Slack Jr., Founder of BizScore.ai, who has built and scaled five different service-based businesses from scratch to seven figures. He's a serial entrepreneur who transformed an $8,000 startup into a company generating 43% EBITDA—before selling it at a five-times multiple. In this episode, Teddy shares his journey, his lessons on marketing, pricing, and leadership, and why he's now documenting his newest venture in real time for contractors everywhere. Key Takeaways: → Why flat-rate pricing revolutionized his industry and boosted closing rates. → The importance of tracking marketing ROI instead of “throwing spaghetti at the wall. → Why getting out of day-to-day operations is the key to scale and freedom. → The mindset shift every contractor must make to turn a job into a business. → The challenges and opportunities of entering a brand-new industry from scratch. Teddy Slack Jr. helps blue-collar business owners turn chaos into clarity and profit. Over the last 20 years, he has successfully built five service-based businesses from scratch to seven figures, all within their first 12 months. Most recently, he scaled and exited his home service business for a 5x multiple, growing it to $1.6 million in annual profit with zero owner involvement. Today, Teddy partners with select owner-operators as a strategic growth operator, bringing the systems, financial discipline, marketing power, and leadership infrastructure necessary to scale businesses without burnout or guesswork. Unlike traditional coaching, Teddy works hands-on in the trenches with business owners to turn their operations into streamlined, profitable machines that can run and eventually sell without them. Teddy is also the creator of BizScore, an AI-powered financial health tool that helps service businesses assess their financial situation and take action to plug profit leaks and grow with confidence. Connect With Teddy: Website: https://www.bizscore.ai/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@teddyslack LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/teddyslack/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In Episode 471, host Matt Jones chats with Sean Samson, founder of Sean Samson Training to dig deep into the world of service and maintenance agreements for contractors. Sean shares his journey from an electrical service agreement sales rookie to training contractors around the globe, helping them transform transactional businesses into predictable, recurring revenue powerhouses.⏱️Timestamps:00:00 "Maximizing Lifetime Value in Marketing"06:31 "Five Reasons People Don't Buy"07:16 "Optimizing Sales & Service Processes"11:36 "Scaling Business Growth Strategically"16:18 B2B to Residential Transition Challenges19:39 "Improving Service Through Proactive Leadership"21:40 "Undervaluing Service Expertise Hurts Business"25:07 Clients vs. Customers in Contracting28:48 "Trust Built on Intimacy"32:20 "Transactional Revenue Lacks Excitement"35:36 "Contractors as Sales Organizations"41:22 Compounding Revenue Drives Business Success43:02 "Importance of Trained Salespeople"45:45 "Tech Selling vs Doing"50:00 "Contracting Growth Challenges Unveiled" Don't let your business fall behind—explore the power of AI with Tradie Hub. Visit tradiehub.net to see the innovative AI tools crafted just for tradies. Discover how you can stay ahead and transform your business with cutting-edge technology!

In this episode of Unemployable with Jeff Dudan, Jeff sits down with Ellen Rohr — industry icon, financial educator, and co-founder of Zoom Drain, former president of Benjamin Franklin Plumbing, and current executive with ServiceTitan. Ellen shares her 40-year journey from cleaning up her husband's plumbing business to leading multi-million-dollar brands that transformed the trades.

In this episode of Unemployable with Jeff Dudan, Jeff sits down with Ellen Rohr — industry icon, financial educator, and co-founder of Zoom Drain, former president of Benjamin Franklin Plumbing, and current executive with ServiceTitan. Ellen shares her 40-year journey from cleaning up her husband's plumbing business to leading multi-million-dollar brands that transformed the trades.

Send us a textMost contractors don't have a marketing problem—they have a systems problem. We sat down with Skip Wilson, CEO of Draft Media Partners and a veteran of iHeart's digital era, to break down how to replace tactic-hopping with a durable plan that compounds. We start with the core: define a real audience, clarify the action you want (calls, forms, financing inquiries), craft messages people actually care about, and then build a channel mix that won't collapse when a platform changes the rules.We get practical fast. If “family-owned” is your headline, you're blending in. Instead, choose a USP that's provable and valuable: same-day installs, weekend hours without overtime, or flexible financing. From there, we map a resilient stack that aligns operations with demand: a CRM that can handle volume, automated nurturing to recover no-shows and slow deciders, strong search visibility, and brand-building through video and audio with precise household targeting. One standout tactic: retarget website visitors with oversized direct mail that lands days after they browse—perfect for bigger, non-urgent purchases like tankless water heaters, where timing and recall close the gap.Measurement is the unlock. We walk through shifting from cost per lead to customer acquisition cost and show how matchbacks connect exposure on CTV, radio, and social to actual new customers. No advanced stack? Use call tracking and a simple monthly CAC baseline to create a meaningful “pass/fail” view. Month one is an educated guess; month two should be optimization, not reinvention. When leads dip, pull pre-planned levers—adjust the audience, rotate offers, move budget up or down the funnel, or trigger targeted mail and outbound—rather than scrambling for “what's new.”If you're ready to stop chasing the most expensive leads in your market and start building a brand people search by name, this conversation is your blueprint. Listen, take notes, and then tell us: what's your current CAC target, and which lever will you pull next? If the show helped, subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a contractor who needs steadier growth.If you enjoyed this chat From the Yellow Chair, consider joining our newsletter, "Let's Sip Some Lemonade," where you can receive exclusive interviews, our bank of helpful downloadables, and updates on upcoming content. Please consider following and drop a review below if you enjoyed this episode. Be sure to check out our social media pages on Facebook and Instagram. From the Yellow Chair is powered by Lemon Seed, a marketing strategy and branding company for the trades. Lemon Seed specializes in rebrands, creating unique, comprehensive, organized marketing plans, social media, and graphic design. Learn more at www.LemonSeedMarketing.com Interested in being a guest on our show? Fill out this form! We'll see you next time, Lemon Heads!

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

Send us a textWhat if your next best referral is hidden in plain sight? That it's not another doctor but other service business? These are the hidden networking opportunities you might be missing out on.Hear how you can find these goldmines right in your community.  Support the showMASTERING PRIVATE PRACTICE CONFERENCE by Doctors On Social Media. #SoMeDocsPP Live Sept 25-27, 2025. Recording available. Use my affiliate link to attend, here --> Record your question easily here --> FREE Direct Care Guide to get you started --> Join the Direct Care Society private Facebook group here. Monthly coaching sessions & a community that gets you. --> Own a DSC practice and want to share your story? Apply here EMR I'm currently using in my Direct Care practice Simple Practice HIPAA Compliant Email with Paubox Get $250 Credit Here Find me on LinkedIn https://linkedin.com/in/teadpm More resources teadpm.com

Send us a textWhat if your next best referral is hidden in plain sight? That it's not another doctor but other service business? These are the hidden networking opportunities you might be missing out on.Hear how you can find these goldmines right in your community.  Support the showMASTERING PRIVATE PRACTICE CONFERENCE by Doctors On Social Media. #SoMeDocsPP Live Sept 25-27, 2025. Recording available. Use my affiliate link to attend, here --> Record your question easily here --> FREE Direct Care Guide to get you started --> Join the Direct Care Society private Facebook group here. Monthly coaching sessions & a community that gets you. --> Own a DSC practice and want to share your story? Apply here EMR I'm currently using in my Direct Care practice Simple Practice HIPAA Compliant Email with Paubox Get $250 Credit Here Find me on LinkedIn https://linkedin.com/in/teadpm More resources teadpm.com

After witnessing a marketing agency's feedback system publicly destroy an employee's career, Austin Church completely reimagined how successful leaders build accountability and drive growth. From the specific implementation strategy that turns company values into powerful business systems, to the 5-minute daily habit that outperforms most strategic planning sessions, Austin reveals why good intentions often sabotage results—and shares the counterintuitive "levers" framework that separates scaling service businesses from those stuck in revenue stagnation. This conversation exposes the hidden systems that transform well-meaning leadership into business-transforming leadership. The Feedback System That Destroys Careers (And What Smart Leaders Do Instead) Austin witnessed a marketing agency's feedback culture that publicly humiliated employees—and it completely changed how he thinks about accountability. Discover why traditional performance management systems backfire in small service businesses and the empathy-driven approach that actually drives results. Why Documenting Your Values Isn't Enough (The Missing Piece Most Executives Ignore) You've spent time crafting your company values, but are they actually shaping your business culture? Austin reveals how core values like "kindness" and "improvement" become powerful business systems that attract the right people and repel the wrong ones. The secret isn't in writing them down—it's in this specific implementation strategy. The 5-Minute CEO Habit That Outperforms Most Strategic Planning Sessions While most executives default to checking their phones between meetings, Austin uses these micro-moments differently. His 5-minute "thinking bursts" throughout the day have become his secret weapon for solving complex problems and driving business progress. This isn't meditation—it's strategic thinking on steroids. The "Levers" Framework: Why Some Service Businesses Scale While Others Stagnate Austin breaks down what he calls business "levers"—the key drivers that separate growing service companies from those stuck in the same revenue range year after year. These aren't the obvious metrics everyone tracks, but the hidden growth multipliers that transform how your business operates. From Parenting Wisdom to Business Strategy: The Surprising Leadership Lessons How does reflecting on "these are the good old days" change the way you lead your team? Austin and Karl explore the unexpected parallels between parenting challenges and executive decision-making, revealing insights about presence, future planning, and creating environments where people thrive. Ready to discover the systems and strategies that separate successful service business leaders from the rest? This conversation reveals the counterintuitive approaches that actually work. Learn more about Austin Church over at Freelance Cake. You can also connect with him on Linkedin. You can get the Magnetic Systems Method (and other systems guides) to find issues before they become expensive problems.

Send us a textHow quickly are you responding to potential customers? In today's instant-gratification marketplace, that question might determine whether your contracting business thrives or struggles. When a homeowner discovers a pest problem at midnight or needs an emergency HVAC repair, they're not waiting until your business hours—they want answers now.Nick, a serial entrepreneur who has built three organizations to nine-figure revenues, drops a bombshell early in our conversation: "If you do not answer a lead within three seconds, the likelihood of converting that into a deal drops by 8x." This isn't just theory—it's backed by hard data showing that first responders consistently win more business.The good news? Artificial intelligence offers contractors practical, affordable solutions to this challenge. Rather than replacing your team, AI tools can serve as a powerful buffer—answering after-hours calls, managing overflow during busy periods, and ensuring no inquiry goes unanswered. The technology has advanced dramatically, creating natural conversations that gather essential customer information and integrate seamlessly with your existing systems.For contractors hesitant about implementing AI, Nick offers pragmatic advice: start by enhancing what you're already doing. Look at areas where leads commonly fall through the cracks—missed calls, delayed responses to web inquiries, limited communication channels—and apply AI solutions to strengthen these weak points. The goal isn't to completely overhaul your business but to optimize current operations with technology that works 24/7.Perhaps most importantly, we discuss the changing expectations of today's consumers. When your website only offers a phone number, you're limiting accessibility to potential customers who might prefer texting, messaging, or online scheduling. By meeting customers where they are, with their preferred communication methods, you significantly expand your capacity to capture new business.Ready to stop losing leads and start growing your contracting business? This episode provides the practical insights and actionable strategies you need to implement AI effectively, respond faster to inquiries, and ultimately convert more leads into paying customers.If you enjoyed this chat From the Yellow Chair, consider joining our newsletter, "Let's Sip Some Lemonade," where you can receive exclusive interviews, our bank of helpful downloadables, and updates on upcoming content. Please consider following and drop a review below if you enjoyed this episode. Be sure to check out our social media pages on Facebook and Instagram. From the Yellow Chair is powered by Lemon Seed, a marketing strategy and branding company for the trades. Lemon Seed specializes in rebrands, creating unique, comprehensive, organized marketing plans, social media, and graphic design. Learn more at www.LemonSeedMarketing.com Interested in being a guest on our show? Fill out this form! We'll see you next time, Lemon Heads!

Most home service owners think about growth in terms of calls booked, revenue, and trucks on the road. But profit often slips away in the small, hidden gaps inside the business. In this episode of Windshield Time, Chris Elmore and James “J-Dub” Walker break down the areas where money leaks out of HVAC, plumbing, and electrical companies — and how leaders can tighten up processes to keep profit in the business. Here's what you'll learn: The most common places profit gets lost in service companies Why callbacks and breakdowns in communication eat away at margins How to connect CSRs, techs, and managers so the whole team protects profit Practical systems to reduce waste and strengthen your bottom line Real-world examples from contractors who have turned leaks into growth If you're growing revenue but not seeing more money in the bank, this episode will help you find the gaps and fix them.

Send us a textLinkedIn Prospecting Workshop - September 22 @ 12pm CSTApply for the Tiny Marketing ClubLinkedIn | How I hit multi-six figures in year one.Ever wonder why those steady referrals that built your business suddenly dried up? In this episode, I unpack the exact strategy to reignite your referral engine without begging, pestering, or resorting to desperate tactics.After my own journey from relying on past employer referrals to building a sustainable pipeline, I've mapped the patterns that repeatedly work for B2B service businesses. The secret isn't becoming a social media superstar—it's becoming remembered, trusted, and recommended within specific circles where your expertise matters most.Discover the "niche networker" approach that blends strategic community participation with intentional LinkedIn relationship-building. Rather than passively posting content hoping someone notices, learn how to curate your feed with direct prospects, referral partners, and industry peers who can naturally connect you to opportunities. I share how one client went from zero pipeline (and three months away from missing mortgage payments) to a wait list in just six months using these exact methods.The process hinges on three key components: finding the right niche communities where your dream clients already gather, crafting a gateway offer that gives people an easy way to recommend you, and mastering the "magic DM" approach that turns LinkedIn connections into meaningful relationships without being sleazy or salesy.Want to put this into practice? Join my LinkedIn Prospecting Workshop where I'll share the templates, systems and exact approach that generated $94,000 in just 30 days—no paid ads, no spam, no cold calling. Check the show notes for details and keep marketing small but making it big!Join my events community for FREE monthly events.I offer free events each month to help you master your business's growth through marketing, sales, systems, and offer strategy. Join the community here! Are you tired of prospects ghosting you? With a Gateway Offer, that won't happen.Over the next Ten Days, we will launch and sell our Gateway Offers with the goal of reaching booked-out status!Join the challenge here.Support the showJoin the Tiny Marketing Club >>> Join the ClubCome tour my digital home :) >>>WebsiteWanna be friends? >>> LinkedInLet's chat every Tuesday! >>> NewsletterCatch the video podcast on YouTube >>>YouTube

From texting workflows and estimate calculators to Google's four-result “Monopoly board,” Phil shows how better ops beat “more leads.” We dig into retargeting your ignored database, the five metrics that matter, and how AI/LLM authority content will shape the next decade. Whether you run HVAC, plumbing, gutters—or manage 1,800 units—these tactics turn chaos into pipeline. Watch to level up your home service marketing today.Connect with Phil RisherWebsite: https://phlashconsulting.com/ Chapters:00:00 – Introduction 07:19 – Two big fixes: ROAS visibility + lead management 09:11 – Text-first workflows that boost response & bookings 13:37 – Chat-to-text widgets & estimate calculators that convert 22:10 – Google “Monopoly board”: LSA, Search Ads, Map Pack, SEO 24:26 – Content flywheel from real customer calls (They Ask, You Answer) 27:21 – AI search & becoming the local authority with content 38:28 – Scaling ladder & PE honey holes (retargeting) 44:45 – Gino Wraps it Up We're here to help create multifamily entrepreneurs... Here's how: Brand New? Start Here: https://jakeandgino.mykajabi.com/free-wheelbarrowprofits Want To Get Into Multifamily Real Estate Or Scale Your Current Portfolio Faster? Apply to join our PREMIER MULTIFAMILY INVESTING COMMUNITY & MENTORSHIP PROGRAM. (*Note: Our community is not for beginner investors)

Grab our breakdown of the 5 Low-Cost Businesses That Make $1 Million: https://www.franchiseempire.com/lowcost?utm_source=FEaug2825Service-based businesses are quietly dominating in 2025, and most new franchise buyers don't even realize it.In this video, I break down why service businesses are faster, cheaper, and more scalable than brick-and-mortar and what you need to know before you invest. If you've ever thought about owning a franchise, this breakdown could save you 6–12 months and hundreds of thousands of dollars.Chapters:00:00 – The Brick & Mortar Trap03:15 – The Service Business Advantage04:09 – What Most New Franchise Buyers Get Wrong------------------Considering Investing In A Franchise?

Join us in Clean Biz Network! https://www.cleanbiznetwork.app/Get your Cleaning Business Automated! Visit https://cleanbizuniversity.com/automa...Join this channel to get access to perks:   / @ajsimmonsonline  Schedule a 1 on 1 Consultation: https://calendly.com/ajsimmonsLet my lead generation company to set bid appointments for you! Click here https://www.cleanbizcrm.com/leadgener...Follow: @AjSimmonsOnline on Instagram   / ajsimmonsonline  Need Business Insurance? Click this link https://nextinsurance.sjv.io/Ea23K9Need Business Credit? Apply at this linkhttps://americanexpress.com/en-us/ref...Thank you for watching, subscribing, liking, sharing, and commenting!!!!

In this episode of the Real Estate Pros podcast, Kevin Hart shares his journey from a corporate career in accounting to becoming a successful wholesaler and flipper in real estate. He discusses the challenges and successes of his first house flip, the transition to wholesaling, and the importance of building a strong network. Kevin also highlights the benefits of joining a franchise for business growth and the significance of relationships in the industry. He emphasizes the stability of less glamorous businesses like dumpster rentals and offers advice for aspiring entrepreneurs on the value of partnerships and mentorship. 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   —--------------------

This is better than a great offer for service businesses.

Live Q&A session for service business owners! Ask me anything about building six-figure businesses - pricing, marketing, scaling, hiring, systems, or whatever's keeping you stuck. Real questions, real answers from someone who's actually built multiple successful service businesses.

In this episode of the Untrapped Podcast, host Keith Kalfas speaks with Ryan Kettering, founder of Prolific Brand Design. They explore the significance of comprehensive rebranding and the importance of establishing a brand identity. Ryan shares insights into his decade-long experience in branding service businesses, emphasizing the need for businesses to act authentically and resonate with their market. They discuss the role of core beliefs, marketing strategies, and the importance of client experiences that are genuinely worth talking about. This episode offers valuable advice on branding, personal growth, and building a memorable business identity.     “You can never spend enough money to say the right thing—only you can say it, because it's your story. So why not be yourself, with the volume turned all the way up?” – Ryan Kettering Topics Covered: Meet Ryan Kettering: Branding Expert The Importance of Branding in Service Businesses Deep Dive into Branding Strategies Creating a Unique Brand Identity The Power of Authenticity in Branding Building a Strong Company Culture Marketing Strategies and Personal Motivation Creating Emotional Connections in Marketing The Power of Storytelling in Business   Practical Tips for Personal and Business Growth Key Takeaways Branding Isn't Just Design—It's Identity in Action: Ryan breaks down how powerful branding starts from within. It's not just about logos and colors—it's about knowing who you are, what you stand for, and how that shows up in every customer interaction. The strongest brands aren't loud—they're authentic and consistent.    Build a Business Worth Talking About: If no one's talking about your business, you're probably not doing anything worth talking about. Ryan challenges service business owners to stop chasing trends and start creating remarkable experiences that make customers want to share their story.   Purpose Isn't in the Clouds—It's in the Moment: Purpose isn't some big, elusive dream. It's doing the right thing, right now, with intention. Whether it's blowing off every inch of a customer's patio or handing a kid a Pokemon card, small, genuine actions leave lasting impressions.   Connect with Ryan Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ryankettering/ Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/ryankettering Website: https://prolificbranddesign.com/pages/about-us/ Connect with Keith Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/keithkalfas/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thelandscapingemployeetrap Website: https://www.keithkalfas.com/resources Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@keith-kalfas   Resources and Websites:  Start Getting Leads Now https://www.footbridgemedia.com/keith Resources You Need To Build A Successful Business https://www.keithkalfas.com/resources

Service businesses cannot afford to ignore AI any longer. In this week's episode, I share why now is the time to start, how to do it safely, and how my team supports you so you keep your voice, your authenticity, and your trust with clients intact.

Today I'm talking about how service businesses mess things up. I had a real situation with a guy who had a chance to do a job for me but he dropped the ball over and over again. I was ready to pay him, but he kept being slow, unclear, and unprofessional. If you run a service business, this is a warning. I'm breaking down exactly what he did wrong so you don't make the same mistakes and lose money like he did. Show Notes:  [07:31]#1 An artist is just your technical skill and if the business is not in order, you don't get as many opportunities to do the technical thing.  [11:16]#2 Being an entrepreneur is much more about marketing, management, operations, communications and systems.  [20:16]#3 Get with someone who understands the marketing, the systems, the processes, the strategies, the entrepreneurship.  [23:19]Recap Episodes Mentioned: 3277: The 3 Tools Of Professional Service Entrepreneurship 1855: How To Give Amazing Customer Service 2013: The SAME Things, The SAME Way, EVERY Time Next Steps:

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