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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/
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/
In this episode, I chat with creature effects artist, puppeteer and digital pioneer Craig Caton-Largent about a career that arguably traces the entire arc of modern visual effects — from foam latex and animatronics to motion control, performance capture and full CG animation. Craig talks about growing up on a sheep and cattle ranch in Washington State, being captivated by the 1960s Batman TV show and then Planet of the Apes, and teaching himself prosthetics from Dick Smith's Monster Makeup Handbook. After tracking down Dick Smith's address in Who's Who in America, he wrote a letter that led to a year of mentorship over cassette tapes and ultimately introductions to Rick Baker, Stan Winston and Tom Burman. We get into his first job on Charles Band's Metal Storm: The Destruction of Jared-Syn, working on the Olympic alien for the 1984 closing ceremonies, sculpting barnacles on Cocoon, building Spock's seamless silicone ears on Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home, undulating menacingly under shaving cream on Larry Cohen's The Stuff, and puppeteering Slimer's mouth on the original Ghostbusters. A big part of the conversation focuses on Jurassic Park, including the design evolution of the T-Rex, the helicopter convention moment that led to the McFadden motion base, the logistics of moving the full-size animatronic across the San Fernando Valley at night, and Craig's work as the Raptor puppeteer, including the now-legendary "head tilt" at the kitchen window that earned an on-set "It's like Alien, I love it" from Spielberg. We also talk about Craig's twenty-year stint as the caretaker, or "doctor", to the original ET puppet, including the time the LAPD turned up at his garage door thinking he was running a crack lab while he was actually repainting ET. Plus the story of how Stan Winston handing him a couple of SGI machines led, almost overnight, to him becoming one of the eight co-founders of Digital Domain alongside James Cameron and Scott Ross. Later in the conversation we move into Craig's animation career as a final layout artist and character TD at DreamWorks and Disney, with credits on Tangled, Rise of the Guardians, How to Train Your Dragon 2 and Turbo, and stories from working with Guillermo del Toro at DreamWorks. We finish on Craig's current role as Creative Director of the 3D Animation and Visual Effects department at the New York Film Academy in Burbank. Topics coveredGrowing up on a Washington State ranch and falling in love with Planet of the ApesFamous Monsters of Filmland and Dick Smith's Monster Makeup HandbookCold-writing to Dick Smith and a year of cassette-tape mentorshipArriving in Hollywood at the start of the "golden age" of effectsFirst feature work on Metal Storm: The Destruction of Jared-SynThe closing ceremonies of the 1984 LA Olympics and Ron Cobb's alienSculpting barnacles and cocoons for Cocoon (1985)Seamless silicone Spock ears on Star Trek IV: The Voyage HomeThe Stuff with Larry Cohen and "undulating menacingly"Puppeteering Slimer's mouth on GhostbustersDesigning the T-Rex around helicopter flight simulator technologyWorking with McFadden Simulation on the T-Rex motion baseMoving the full-size T-Rex across the San Fernando ValleyBuilding a 70lb Steadicam-rigged Raptor insert head for Jurassic ParkUsing parrots as reference for bird-like Raptor movementThe kitchen porthole head tilt, and Spielberg's "It's like Alien" reactionUsing Kermit the Frog's voice on set as the Raptor performerTwenty years as ET's "doctor", and the LAPD crack-lab incidentET's arm in a rifle case at JFK a week after 9/11Motion capture experiments and blood-spread effects on Interview with the VampireA flying logo on an Amiga, and becoming a co-founder of Digital DomainWorking with Stan Winston, James Cameron and Scott RossMoving into animation: character rigging at Disney on TangledFinal layout and virtual camera work at DreamWorks on Rise of the Guardians, How to Train Your Dragon 2 and TurboLunches with Guillermo del Toro in the DreamWorks canteenPre-vis on the Total Recall remake with Len WisemanTeaching the next generation at the New York Film Academy, BurbankThe unique "intergalactic award" Spielberg gave Craig for puppeteering ETThis podcast is completely independent and made possible by listener support. If you'd like to help me keep making these episodes, you can join my Patreon community here: https://patreon.com/jamiebenning Watch more on YouTube:Check out the Filmumentaries YouTube channel for behind-the-scenes clips and extra content: https://youtube.com/filmumentariesAll my links
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 On a roof at 17 in 90-degree heat. Eight years later — Crown Champion at his family's Pennsylvania roofing company with $2 million in personal sales his first full year. Mostly replacements. Plus a few full-house exterior packages topping $100K. Mast Roofing & Construction in Oley, PA has been around 30 years — Seth's dad started it. Seth grew up putting together sales folders in the family barn, mowed the property when his dad finally built a real building, and went full-time on a roof crew at 18. A year of installs. A year as a repair tech under Mast's top performer. And almost by accident, he slid into a sales seat when another rep wouldn't run a townhome. Eight months later — Crown Champion. By twelve months — $2M sold. In this conversation, you'll discover: The 3-option close he learned in CertainPath's Service Essentials class — and why it ends every pitch Why he never pre-judges a trailer (or a mansion) — and what to look at instead The "30 minutes on the pictures" inspection that doubles as authority-building The mold-decking story he uses to pre-empt the attic objection before he ever walks upstairs The single line — "if you had this shingle on here, I would probably not be sitting right now" — that handles cheap-shingle objections in one sentence His first-question close: "They've already decided. It's just when and who." Why his close ratio jumped 10% the first time he went to a CertainPath training Whether you're a roofing rep trying to break your first $1M, a sales manager building a training program, or an owner trying to understand what makes a young rep close like a veteran — Seth's process is a masterclass in education over pitching.
An airhacks.fm conversation with Ian Rogers (@Ian Rogers) about: ZX Spectrum 128K with rubber keys and a burning side grill, Basic programming competitions, REM commands as ASCII art, PC versus Amiga and Archimedes era in the UK, fractal landscape generators for Wing Commander 4 cut scenes, Ocean Software in Manchester and the Head Over Heels game, Manchester Baby and Williams tube as the first stored-program computer, Steve Furber and ARM origins at the University of Manchester, Cosworth and Pi Research Formula One telemetry, transputers and embedded PowerPC data loggers, dynamic binary translation with the Dynamite simulator, ICL 2900 emulation for the Israeli tax system, MIPS to Itanium binary translation for SGI machines, Transitive Corporation and the PowerPC to x86 product that became Apple Rosetta, the Steve Jobs era at Apple, Spark to Power binary translation and the IBM acquisition of Transitive, JDBC versus ODBC API design observations, java.util.Vector and java.util.Hashtable synchronization decisions, StringBuilder array copying overhead from removing synchronization, DARPA HPCS languages Fortress, Chapel, X10, just-in-time parallelization from Java bytecode, LCC compiler from Princeton and the iBerg backend, JikesRVM as a metacircular Java VM written in Java, GNU Classpath and Sable VM by Etienne Gagnon, Apache Harmony port of JikesRVM to Windows, Maxwell and Maxine VMS as GraalVM precursors, Bernd Mathiske and the Sun acquisition by Oracle, GNU Classpath impact of the openJDK GPL release at FOSDEM 2006, Mark Wielaard and Rémi Forax FOSDEM stories, trace compilation and de-optimization parallels with JIT, Azul Systems Vega hardware and concurrent garbage collection, C4 collector design influencing ZGC and Shenandoah, Gil Tene's telephone exchange mentality for JVM responsiveness, page unmapping and signal handler memory pressure problems in HotSpot, Cliff Click and Modular, Google Android Runtime (ART) replacing Dalvik, transactional memory for class initializers in ART, ELF files and OAT format for ahead-of-time compilation, WhatsApp bytecode obfuscation breaking the ART verifier, lock balance verification for speculative lock optimizations, D8 and R8 Android compilers, Goit internal Google bytecode optimizer, Jeremy Manson and Google's OpenJDK variant, Linux kernel performance work and perf tooling, JikesRVM stack trace format making exception-heavy DaCapo benchmarks faster than HotSpot, Energy Efficiency across Programming Languages study comparing Java and Go, Ian Rogers on twitter: @Ian Rogers
For almost fifteen years, Dan Barger grew Apollo Plumbing the hard way — no price book, no P&L, no real read on his margins. His financial reporting system was opening the bank account and hoping. Today, Apollo does $8 million a year in residential plumbing. What changed? On this episode of The Successful Contractor, host Bob Houchin sits down with Dan — owner of Apollo Plumbing in Marysville, Washington — for the honest version of a twenty-year run. You'll hear: Why a broken water heater turned Dan into a 20-year plumber. The moment Dan realized his “financial reporting system” was costing him money. Why 60–70% of Apollo's marketing spend goes to radio — and what it buys. The comp model Apollo switched to last year — and what it did to close rates. The one thing Dan wishes he'd done seven years sooner. Where Dan's taking Apollo next. If you're running a contracting company, Dan's story will sound uncomfortably familiar — and hopeful. Guest Dan Barger Owner, Apollo Plumbing — Marysville, WA Host & Show Host: Bob Houchin Show: The Successful Contractor, powered by CertainPath CTA — Close of Description Book your free discovery call at mycertainpath.com. Enjoyed the episode? Please subscribe and leave a 5-star review on your favorite podcast player — it helps other contractors find the show.
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Designing OpenZFS Storage for Independence, The day Telnet died, PiDP 11/70, OpenBSD on SGI and more... NOTES This episode of BSDNow is brought to you by Tarsnap and the BSDNow Patreon Headlines Designing OpenZFS Storage for Independence: Pool Architecture, Failure Domains, and Migration Paths 2026-01-14: The Day the telnet Died Reports of Telnet's Death Have Been Greatly Exaggerated News Roundup PiDP-11/70 Build Workshop OpenBSD on SGI: a rollercoaster story Terminals Should Generate 256 Color Palette FreeBSD tribal knowledge: Changes to snapshot strategy Beastie Bits BSDCan reg is now open An Oral History of Unix Major update to drm(4) code in OpenBSD-current (to linux 6.18.16) Patched FreeBSD AMIs Tarsnap This weeks episode of BSDNow was sponsored by our friends at Tarsnap, the only secure online backup you can trust your data to. Even paranoids need backups. Feedback/Questions Send questions, comments, show ideas/topics, or stories you want mentioned on the show to feedback@bsdnow.tv Join us and other BSD Fans in our BSD Now Telegram channel
Book a free strategy call to see how we can help you hit your goals and beyond: https://bit.ly/3TvGiNW or call us at: (214)-453-1591
Book a free strategy call to see how we can help you hit your goals and beyond: https://bit.ly/3TvGiNW or call us at: (214)-453-1591
Book a free strategy call to see how we can help you hit your goals and beyond: https://bit.ly/3TvGiNW or call us at: (214)-453-1591
Lords: Kory https://kbones.fun/ Andy https://highcadence.online/ Topics: The Gametank https://gametank.zone/ https://www.crowdsupply.com/clydeware/gametank I swear to God, I'm going to talk about auctions and auctions in games, it's super interesting and I don't want to get preempted a third time. Esper says: "There's actually a game coming out in a week where you break into museums to heist real-life African artifacts with the goal of returning them to their rightful homes! It's called Relooted and looks pretty cool." https://store.steampowered.com/app/3255890/Relooted/ Winston figured out how to watch TV at 2AM Dragonfly Catcher, by Chiyo-ni https://mastodon.gamedev.place/@gingerbeardman/115933940306986226 I just lost a snapshot of my life in mp3 format. Microtopics: Multi-time lords. K-Bones dot fun. CachyOS. Scrubbing topics against the corrugated metal washboard of discussion. Leaning into the microphone and saying "topics." Helping Andy quit his day job tonight. What MAGfest used to stand for. Playing with SGI hardware in the Old-Ass Computer Room. Game consoles that output square video. Getting pixels into the framebuffer of the Fairchild Channel F. Seeing a fun puzzle to solve but not solving it because you already have way too many projects. Through-hole soldering. Replacing volatile memory with F-RAM. Preparing to have fun. Reaching the point in your life where you don't want to bother with the war game, you just want to paint the miniatures. What do you call it when you pair up with three people? Throupling up for the next 45 minutes. Who has time to both solder things and play video games? Why Robotron 2084 was more difficult in emulation than in the arcade. How to pronounce SNES. Shmups slowing down when there are more objects on the screen, and game designers incorporating that into the game design. The ZX Spectrum Next and the Mega 65. A game console that only 150 people own and they get super excited whenever a new game comes out for it. Game development like a caveman would do it. Whether more than one person can take the under. The rules of Monopoly as written vs. the folk rules. eBay auctions as an extremely boring game. First price vs. second price auctions. Visiting the real money auction house in Diablo and finding out just how little your time and effort is worth. The Gold Standard of the Hat Meta. An evolutionary branch of PVP that's distinct from Yomi. What to do when you want to play Avalon Hill's Dune. Fence Lara Croft's Stolen Treasures. Lara Croft's Stolen Antiquities Simulator. Winning a bunch of Saltybucks on Saltybet. Age-appropriate behavior. Speedrun watching TV at 2 AM. Live and Don't Learn. Explaining jet lag to a two year old. Watching MTV's Liquid Television block until 2:30 AM. Finally sitting your son down to have the Aeon Flux talk. Haiku that end "that's it, that's the haiku" even though that's too many syllables. Hiking in the wilderness and encountering or not encountering a dragonfly. People at risk of owning a Game Tank. Broadly appealing messages sent out to farm likes. The psychological cost of having 20,000 people following you. Choosing your Mastodon instance based on what domain name William Gibson thought was funny. The Mazzy Star song that's on the Batman Forever soundtrack. iPod shuffles always insisting you're not pregnant no matter how much you pee on them. Ephemeral preservation of a time in your life. A biological weapon that removes your ability to perceive music as music. You die young, or you live long enough to see Nine Inch Nails become dad rock. Music Inspired by the Soundtrack. Putting your MP3 collection on striped RAID arrays for the benefit of future archaeologists.
Book a free strategy call to see how we can help you hit your goals and beyond: https://bit.ly/3TvGiNW or call us at: (214)-453-1591Grab our FREE resource: The Foundation Series, Real strategies to build a business that runs (and grows) without chaos: https://bit.ly/3Yqzow5────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────“How did I do this before?”That's the number-one thing ServiceTitan hears from contractors after they make the switch. And now, ServiceTitan and CertainPath are officially partnered—which means the best coaching in home services just got paired with the most powerful software platform in the industry.In this episode of The Successful Contractor, Bob sits down with Joseph Morales and Phil Stern from ServiceTitan—recorded live at CertainPath's Eagles' Summit—to unpack what this partnership means for contractors, what's new with ServiceTitan's Pro Products, and why the AI revolution is already changing how you dispatch, market, and grow.Joseph has spent four years on the road meeting contractors face-to-face. Phil came from 12 years at Google, where he worked on AI solutions and partnerships with brands like Wells Fargo and Ford. Together, they break down ServiceTitan's biggest announcements—from the commercial and construction expansion to the AI-powered Dispatch Pro that's already proving your gut instincts wrong.What You'll Learn in This Episode:• Why ServiceTitan and CertainPath partnered—and why Phil says “CertainPath's model was a perfect fit”• The “How did I do this before?” moment—what contractors consistently say after adopting ServiceTitan• How one contractor was spending 4 hours a day tracking time through email—and how geo-fencing automation eliminated it overnight• Dispatch Pro: the AI tool that's matching the right tech to the right job for profit—and proving that your “best guy” isn't always who you think• Marketing Pro: the most-adopted Pro Product, with smart campaigns, UTM tracking, reputation management, and AI-powered ad optimization• Scheduling Pro: how to automate maintenance contract bookings and online scheduling—straight into your ServiceTitan dashboard• Atlas and Titan Intelligence: ServiceTitan's new AI-powered voice and dispatching tools• Titan Score: how ServiceTitan grades your software usage and tells you where to expand next• The commercial and construction expansion: why contractors who dismissed ServiceTitan as “residential only” need to take a second look• ServiceTitan's roofing push: the GAF partnership and growing adoption across trades• CertainPath coach certification: 40–60 hours of training, full curriculum access, and demo accounts—so your coach knows the software inside and out• Why ServiceTitan is “all in” on CertainPath events—not a one-and-done partnershipWhether you're already on ServiceTitan and want to get more out of it, or you've been on the fence about making the switch—this episode gives you the inside track on where the software is going and how CertainPath coaching is about to make it even more powerful.
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Sgi explanation Verses Nichiren Shoshu
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Book a free strategy call to see how we can help you hit your goals and beyond: https://bit.ly/3TvGiNW or call us at: (214)-453-1591 Grab our FREE resource: The Foundation Series, Real strategies to build a business that runs (and grows) without chaos: https://bit.ly/3Yqzow5 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- What if the refrigerant decision you make today determines whether you're ahead of the curve—or scrambling to catch up five years from now? Ben Middleton, National Sales Training Manager for Goodman, Amana, and Daikin, has spent nine years helping contractors navigate the biggest shifts in HVAC. In this episode of The Successful Contractor, Ben breaks down why Daikin chose R-32 over 454B, what that means for your business, and why the contractors who embrace change now will dominate their markets. But this conversation goes far beyond refrigerants. Ben shares how Daikin is revolutionizing HVAC training with virtual reality—yes, actual VR headsets that eliminate distractions and boost retention. He reveals a game-changing rebate tool that finds all 2,000+ utility programs and files the paperwork for you. And he delivers a powerful message about thriving in what he calls the era of 'perma-uncertainty.' What You'll Learn in This Episode: • Why Daikin chose R-32 over 454B—and the real-world benefits contractors are seeing (smaller units, lower cost, proven since 2012) • How to use Daikin's free VR training to get new techs job-ready faster • The Daikin Energy Rebate Center—a tool that finds all available rebates and files the paperwork for homeowners • Why the $2,000 IRA heat pump rebate is going away—and how to use that urgency to close more sales NOW • The financing shift: why 15-year loans are now beating 0% interest (and what it means about affordability) • Ben's 'perma-uncertainty' framework—why NOW is the time to innovate, test, and push the envelope • Why Ben says 'the days of the cube-style unit are numbered'—and how to position yourself as the innovator in your market • Critical advice: have 3-6 months of operating capital in the bank Ben also hosts his own podcast, Accelerated HVAC Success, where he brings in vendors, contractors, and product managers to share what's working right now. Check it out on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AcceleratedHVACSuccess Resources Mentioned: • R32Reasons.com - Learn why Daikin chose R-32 • HVAC Learning Campus - Free on-demand training and VR simulations • Daikin Energy Rebate Center - Find and file utility rebates automatically Whether you're evaluating refrigerant options, looking for better training tools, or trying to figure out how to close more sales in a tight economy—this episode delivers actionable insights you can use today. Watch now 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. Chapters: 00:00 - Meet Ben Middleton, National Sales Training Manager at Daikin 02:15 - Time Is the Biggest Barrier to Training 06:28 - Ben's Journey: From Aeronautical Engineering to HVAC Training 09:45 - The Ripple Effect of Great Training 11:41 - Accelerated HVAC Success Podcast 14:36 - Why Daikin Chose R-32 Over 454B 18:30 - R-32 Is Proven Since 2012 19:00 - Market Response to R-32 21:55 - The Financing Shift: 15-Year Loans vs 0% Interest 23:26 - Daikin's Core Value: Absolute Credibility 26:37 - The Days of the Cube-Style Unit Are Numbered 27:50 - Daikin's Training Resources & HVAC Learning Campus 30:50 - The Daikin Energy Rebate Center 31:20 - The $2,000 Heat Pump Rebate Is Going Away 33:49 - VR Training: The Magic School Bus for HVAC 37:15 - Why Retention Is Higher in VR 40:13 - Perma-Uncertainty = Innovation Opportunity Show Notes The Successful Contractor Podcast is a part of the CertainPath family. CertainPath builds successful home service businesses—and has for 25 years. We do it by providing contractors with a proven path to success, professional coaching, software solutions, and a member community of 1,200+ strong. Doubling your sales, with a 20% net profit, and an inspiring company culture is ALL possible. Let us show you the way. With CertainPath, 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/
With US stocks at record valuations, we will analyze the case for Emerging Markets (EM) as the contrarian "value play" of 2026, driven by a potentially weaker dollar.Today's Stocks & Topics: Bright Horizons Family Solutions Inc. (BFAM), Market Wrap, Celestica Inc. (CLS), Micron Technology, Inc. (MU), Dollar General Corporation (DG), Saving for Retirement, “Emerging Markets: The 2026 Value Play?”, Leggett & Platt, Incorporated (LEG), Somnigroup International Inc. (SGI), LTC Properties, Inc. (LTC), Sabra Health Care REIT, Inc. (SBRA), Earnings Season, Global X Copper Miners ETF (COPX), Global Partners LP (GLP), Vanguard Mid-Cap Value Index Fund ETF Shares (VOE), Copper.Our Sponsors:* Check out ClickUp and use my code INVEST for a great deal: https://www.clickup.com* Check out Invest529: https://www.invest529.com* Check out Progressive: https://www.progressive.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
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In this episode of Walk Talk Listen, Lucy Plummer, a youth advocate, doctoral researcher, and UN representative with Soka Gakkai International reflects on a deeply personal journey—from seeking peace through retreat, to discovering that real transformation happens through engagement, responsibility, and relationship. Drawing on her experiences in India and her Buddhist practice, she shares how her understanding of happiness shifted from isolation to connection. Lucy speaks candidly about youth despair, mental health, and why engagement—especially at the local level—matters more than ever in a fragmented world. She explains how spaces for dialogue, such as SGI's community discussion meetings, create belonging and restore dignity in everyday life. Her reflections bridge lived experience, spiritual practice, and policy advocacy, offering a grounded perspective on what it means to take responsibility for one's life while walking alongside others. The conversation also explores the Inner Development Goals, youth participation in sustainable development, and the inner–outer dynamic of change. Lucy offers a compelling reminder that progress is not only technical or structural—but deeply human. This episode is an invitation to resist retreat, stay present, and choose engagement—even when the path feels uncertain. Listener Engagement: Discover the songs picked by Lucy and other guests on our #walktalklisten here. Learn more about Lucy via her LinkedIn, and the SGI's website and Instagram, Facebook. Share your feedback on this episode through our Walk Talk Listen Feedback link – your thoughts matter! Follow Us: Support the Walk Talk Listen podcast by following us on Facebook and Instagram. Visit 100mile.org or mauricebloem.com for more episodes and information about our work. Check out the special series "Enough for All" and learn more about the work of the Joint Learning Initiative (JLI).
Book a free Discovery Call to see how we can help you hit your goals and beyond: https://bit.ly/3TvGiNW or call us at: (214)-453-1591
Book a free Discovery Call to see how we can help you hit your goals and beyond: https://bit.ly/3TvGiNW or call us at: (214)-453-1591
Book a free Discovery Call to see how we can help you hit your goals and beyond: https://bit.ly/3TvGiNW or call us at: (214)-453-1591
Book a free Discovery Call to see how we can help you hit your goals and beyond: https://bit.ly/3TvGiNW or call us at: (214)-453-1591
Book a free Discovery Call to see how we can help you hit your goals and beyond: https://bit.ly/3TvGiNW or call us at: (214)-453-1591
How do you take an electrical company from a basement startup to $2 million in revenue, earn 15% net profit, and do it all completely debt-free — in just two years? Meet Mory and Clarissa Belle, founders of Doctor Electric in Lexington, Kentucky, and CertainPath members who did just that. In this episode of The Successful Contractor, the Belles share how they went from burned out and overwhelmed to thriving business owners with a clear plan, powerful systems, and a rock-solid partnership — thanks to CertainPath. You'll learn how they scaled quickly, made key strategic changes, and built a company that reflects their values and vision. Whether you're in HVAC, plumbing, electrical, or roofing, this story will inspire you and show you how fast success can happen when you follow a proven path.
In this episode, we sit down with Peter Schein, co-founder and CEO of the Organizational Culture and Leadership Institute, to explore the power of asking the right questions and building open, trusting relationships. Peter, who contributed to the second and third editions of Humble Inquiry: The Gentle Art of Asking Instead of Telling (originally written by his father, Edgar), discusses how curiosity in leadership is more important than ever in today's fast-paced, innovation-driven world. Join us to discover: · How to effectively ask open-ended questions to foster trust and curiosity. · The key differences between inquiry and interrogation, and why they matter. · The transformative power of asking instead of telling. · How to navigate and overcome challenges in the modern workplace with humble inquiry. With over 30 years of leadership experience in the technology sector, including roles at Apple, SGI, and Sun Microsystems, Peter brings invaluable insights into organizational culture, leadership development, and communication. His work offers a fresh perspective on leadership, emphasizing trust and inquiry over command and control. Learn more about Peter and his work by visiting his website today! Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/38oMlMr Keep up with Peter Schein socials here: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pschein/ X: https://x.com/scheinocli
Book a free Discovery Call to see how we can help you hit your goals and beyond: https://bit.ly/3TvGiNW or call us at: (214)-453-1591
Book a free Discovery Call to see how we can help you hit your goals and beyond: https://bit.ly/3TvGiNW or call us at: (214)-453-1591
How to Trade Stocks and Options Podcast by 10minutestocktrader.com
Are you looking to save time, make money, and start winning with less risk? Then head to https://www.ovtlyr.com.The market has been sending loud and clear signals, and smart traders know this isn't the time to ignore them. In this video, we break down exactly what's happening beneath the surface, why cash can be the strongest position right now, and how to keep yourself from getting caught on the wrong side of a trend.You'll learn why dollar-cost averaging into weakness can be a recipe for bigger losses, and how discipline and patience give you the edge when everyone else is chasing the dip. The rules are simple: winners average winners, losers average losers, and consistency with a real plan separates successful traders from gamblers.Here's what we dive into in this session:➡️ Why sitting in cash is a powerful trade in itself➡️ How closes under the 10 EMA act as red-light signals for risk➡️ Why OVTLYR's breadth model reveals hidden cracks in the market➡️ The importance of executing your plan with zero excuses➡️ Trade breakdowns across SGI, SE, Delta, and more➡️ Sector strength and weakness in healthcare, real estate, and staples➡️ Spotting strong buy setups with OVTLYR's trend template and signalsWe also explore the role of the S-curve, a short-term Treasury bond ETF that lets you collect daily yield while sitting in cash. Instead of watching your money stagnate on the sidelines, you can keep earning while waiting for cleaner setups. This strategy is a game changer for traders who want both safety and steady returns.But trading isn't just about tools—it's about mindset. The conversation highlights how traders inside the OVTLYR community are pulling off account-moving results that simply aren't possible without a proven framework. We're talking 19% account growth in just two days, or triple-digit percentage gains on option plays. These aren't pipe dreams. They're the product of sticking to a system that cuts out noise, ignores hype, and focuses only on what matters: data.The truth is, most traders lose because they chase every move and abandon their rules. The 90/90/90 problem—90% of traders losing 90% of their money in 90 days—is real. OVTLYR was built to flip that script by giving traders a structure that saves time, makes money, and reduces risk.So if you're ready to see how professional-grade signals, disciplined rules, and a supportive trading community can help you level up, this video is for you. It's not about being a hero in the market. It's about protecting your capital, waiting for your moment, and striking with confidence when the odds are in your favor.Watch now, take notes, and start applying the principles that keep winners in the game year after year.Gain instant access to the AI-powered tools and behavioral insights top traders use to spot big moves before the crowd. Start trading smarter today
Book a free Discovery Call to see how we can help you hit your goals and beyond: https://go.mycertainpath.com/meetings/certainpath/mkt?uuid=bbda8bca-e3ab-4abf-9b23-3a13526dcb77 or call us at: (214)-453-1591
Join us in this episode as we dive into the art of building open and trusting relationships with Peter Schein. In 2013, Peter's father, Edgar wrote Humble Inquiry: The Gentle Art of Asking Instead of Telling. Since then, Peter has contributed to the second and third edition of the book to bring a fresh perspective on how to see human conversational dynamics and relationships, presented in a compact, personal, and eminently practical way. Why do we need Humble Inquiry more than ever? Peter sits down to explain… Join in to discover: How to curiously ask people what's going on in their world. The key differences between inquiry and interrogation. The power of asking instead of telling. How to confidently navigate challenges inherent in today's workplace. Peter is the co-founder and CEO of the Organizational Culture and Leadership Institute in Menlo Park, California. He contributed to the 5th edition of Organizational Culture and Leadership (2017) and brings more than 30 years of experience in the technology sector. His career spans leadership roles in marketing, corporate development, and strategy at both emerging startups and global IT leaders such as Apple, SGI, and Sun Microsystems. In driving new strategies and integrating smaller ventures into larger enterprises, Peter developed a deep expertise in the organizational and cultural challenges that innovation-driven companies face. Want to learn more about Peter and his work? Click here now!
Book a free strategy call to see how we can help you hit your goals and beyond: https://bit.ly/3TvGiNW or call us at: (214)-453-1591
How to Trade Stocks and Options Podcast by 10minutestocktrader.com
Are you looking to save time, make money, and start winning with less risk? Then head to https://www.ovtlyr.com.Is it finally time to buy UnitedHealthCare? With Warren Buffett stepping in and the stock climbing, traders everywhere are asking the same question. In today's OVTLYR Trading Room, we break down not just UNH, but the broader market setup, sector signals, and specific trade opportunities you need to know about right now.Inside this session, you'll see exactly how the OVTLYR Trend Template works: the 10 EMA crossing above the 20 EMA, price holding above the 50 EMA, and why those signals matter. We look at real-time market breadth, analyzing how many stocks are in uptrends versus downtrends, and what that says about overall strength. You'll also see how OVTLYR buy signals often flash before Wall Street's biggest names make their moves, like the UNH signal that came before Buffett disclosed his position.We cover:➡️ Why the OVTLYR Trend Template is essential for catching big moves➡️ How to read sector-wide buy and sell signals to stay on the right side of the market➡️ Live trade management, including rolling options, trailing stops, and risk reduction➡️ Real trades like Delta Airlines, SoFi, SGI, and others, with clear entry and exit logic➡️ How to use the Fear & Greed Heatmap to spot when investors are getting overly greedy or terrifiedYou'll also learn why managing risk with half-ATR stops and trailing exits keeps you from blowing up trades, even when a setup looks perfect. We dive into multiple tickers from Crispr Therapeutics to Amazon and explain not just what looks good, but also what to avoid when the chart doesn't align with the market and sector backdrop.The OVTLYR Trading Room is not about random stock picks. It is about building a repeatable system. Whether it is spotting trapped buyers in order blocks, using unusual options volume as a clue, or filtering trades through market breadth, this approach is designed to give you an edge.This episode also highlights the shift to invite-only livestreams for OVTLYR members. At just $0.82 a day, members get access to daily live trading, the OVTLYR Nine, the Golden Ticket Trading Strategy, and the tools needed to save time, make money, and start winning with less risk. With OVTLYR 4.0 on the way, now is the time to get in before access closes.By the end, you'll understand why going to cash is a trade, how to avoid anchoring to profit targets, and why trading is about process, not prediction. If you are serious about trading smarter, this breakdown of market signals, sector strength, and trade setups will give you actionable insights you can put to work immediately.Subscribe now and join the OVTLYR community where traders learn to think differently, act decisively, and capture the moves that matter.Gain instant access to the AI-powered tools and behavioral insights top traders use to spot big moves before the crowd. Start trading smarter today
TJ Romans didn't just sell $800,000 in plumbing work last year—he installed it, too. That kind of performance doesn't come from pressure tactics or slick sales lines. It comes from trust, education, and a clear process that empowers homeowners to say yes with confidence. In this episode, TJ breaks down exactly how he earns that trust—and consistently turns routine calls into big-ticket installs. You'll learn how he: Sold and installed $800K in plumbing by keeping it simple and putting the homeowner first Navigates high-risk stoppage calls with a single sentence that protects both him and the company Uses inspections as an educational moment—not a scare tactic—and builds options around what homeowners care about Handles objections with empathy, especially on calls involving remodeled bathrooms or builder-grade fixtures Structures his calls by focusing first on what the customer noticed—then smoothly introduces additional value Builds urgency the right way—backed by visuals, facts, and clear explanations Avoids chasing every potential upgrade and instead controls the call with purpose TJ also shares how he mentally resets after tough calls, stays consistent with his approach, and trains newer techs to focus on the long game—not the quick close. This isn't a high-pressure sales training—it's a real conversation with a high-performing technician who genuinely wants to help people. And that mindset? It sells. If you're in plumbing sales—or manage people who are—this is the kind of episode that can change your approach for the better.
How to Trade Stocks and Options Podcast by 10minutestocktrader.com
Are you looking to save time, make money, and start winning with less risk? Then head to https://www.ovtlyr.com.Today's OVTLYR Trading Room session was packed with real-time trade management, market insights, and two high-conviction new setups. If you've been looking for a behind-the-scenes look at how a seasoned trader navigates bullish and bearish signals, this is it.We start with a clear market read: the S&P 500 flashing bullish trend confirmation with the 10 over 20 and price over the 50, plus a buy signal. Market breadth is running hot across nearly every sector except energy, setting the stage for strong trading. Using the OVTLYR Nine and trend template 3.0, we break down why conditions favor certain setups and why patience in the last hour can pay off big.Trade management came first. Positions in Gilead Sciences, GMED, SGI, Etsy, SOFI, and MIR were evaluated against exit signals like prior day lows and sector breadth crossovers. GMED and MIR were cut—short losses keep risk low. SOFI stayed in play with bullish signals, while SGI and Etsy remained solid with heatmap scores below their targets.Two fresh trades hit the books: SE and BE. We walk through the process—filtering 54 bullish setups, confirming trend alignment, buy signals, rising fear-and-greed scores, and no overhead order blocks. Then it's about picking the right options strike: 21+ days to expiration, at least 250 open interest, tight spreads, and favorable extrinsic value. Both fit the plan.Pre-defined exit strategies were set before entry. Heatmap targets and ATR-based stops were locked in for SE and BE. The rule is simple: never move a stop lower, ever—a principle learned from the best traders in the world.We also spotlighted a member win—Don Taggart's 16% gain on NVAX—showing how patience and following the system pays. The OVTLYR community keeps each other sharp, spotting opportunities like Morgan Stanley and sharing tips like using the Excel scanner in the VIP toolkit.By the end of the session, the portfolio was rebalanced—two trades out, two trades in, risk managed, and capital allocated efficiently. The day was a reminder that trading isn't about hitting home runs every time; it's about following the plan, managing risk, and taking what the market gives.Here's what we cover:➡️ Market trend, breadth, and sector strength analysis➡️ How to evaluate trades for exits➡️ Live walkthrough of new setups in SE and BE➡️ Options strike selection for optimal entries➡️ Setting exit rules with the OVTLYR Nine➡️ Community wins and key takeaways➡️ Why patience and timing matter in the last trading hourIf you want to trade smarter with less risk, OVTLYR helps you save time, find high-probability setups, and make data-backed decisions. From trend templates to the OVTLYR Nine, this approach works in real market conditions—live and unfiltered.Subscribe for more daily trading room recaps, market breakdowns, and step-by-step trade analysis to sharpen your edge and trade with confidence.Gain instant access to the AI-powered tools and behavioral insights top traders use to spot big moves before the crowd. Start trading smarter today
Boost revenue. Build loyalty. Increase what your business is worth. That's exactly what Kevin Thornton of JB Warranties unpacks in this can't-miss episode of The Successful Contractor. Host Bob Houchin sits down with Kevin—VP of Dealer Business Services—for a high-impact conversation full of strategic insights for contractors who want to scale smarter. Kevin explains why warranties aren't just an upsell—they're a business tool that drives profitability, deepens customer relationships, and increases valuation when it's time to sell.
$30 Million in HVAC Sales. 78% Close Rate. Population: 75,000. That's Cody Kropp's reality—and he's doing it all in rural Idaho. In this powerhouse episode of The Successful Contractor, Bob Houchin digs deep with one of the most consistent and impressive closers in the industry. Cody's 15-year journey from oil-change tech to $30M HVAC titan is packed with street-smart wisdom, mindset gold, and killer sales tactics that actually work.
[깊이 있는 경제뉴스] 1) “해결 원하면 답신하라“.. 해킹 그룹, SGI에 접촉 2) 자민당 패배 예상에 日 국채금리, 17년만에 최고 3) 엔비디아, 저가 AI칩 중국에 다시 판다 4) 유튜브, '끼워팔기' 없는 요금제 출시 예정 5) ‘빈집법' 국토 소위 통과… 소규모 재개발 기준 완화 - 김치형 경제뉴스 큐레이터 - 노유정 한국경제신문 기자 [친절한 경제] 소비자물가지수에서 왜 집값은 빼나요?
[깊이 있는 경제뉴스] 1) SGI서울보증, 랜섬웨어 추정 공격에 시스템 장애 2) 해저 희토류 탐사 위해 탐해 3호 출항 3) LG, 中 가전업체와 손잡았다… 중저가 시장 공략 4) 왓챠, 기업회생절차 위기… 토종 OTT 무너지나 - 김치형 경제뉴스 큐레이터 - 조미현 한국경제신문 기자 - 하수정 경제뉴스 큐레이터
$835,000. One technician. One truck. All sold and installed. At just 26 years old, Shiloh Gill of Cool Hand Electric is already a two-time Crown Champion. In this episode, he reveals how he built a repeatable, scalable sales process that led to $835K in electrical sales—all while running the work himself. A former real estate hopeful from Brazil, Shiloh shares the mindset, systems, and daily practices that turned a motivated young man into one of the nation's most effective residential electricians. In this episode:
Tariffs and refrigerant changes are hitting HVAC contractors hard—costs are rising, inventory is tight, and homeowners are hesitant. If your techs, salespeople, and CSRs are all saying something different—or worse, using fear without facts—you're losing trust and sales. In this fast-paced, high-impact interview, CertainPath coaches Miki Stone and Esti Jaacovi share what successful HVAC companies are doing right now to thrive in this uncertain environment. ✅ Control the message before your team creates confusion ✅ Train every part of the call—not just objection handling ✅ Speak with empathy, not panic—even when prices go up ✅ Use data-backed scripting to build trust and urgency ✅ Offer financing early, often, and with confidence ✅ Run tighter operations while protecting your margins Whether you're running a $1M or $100M shop, the fundamentals are the same: clear communication, smart training, and consistent leadership.If you want your HVAC business to grow during a downturn, this episode is your playbook. Show NotesThe Successful Contractor Podcast is a part of the CertainPath family. CertainPath builds successful home service businesses—and has for 25 years. We do it by providing contractors with a proven path to success, professional coaching, software solutions, and a member community of 1,200+ strong. Doubling your sales, with a 20% net profit, and an inspiring company culture is ALL possible. Let us show you the way. With CertainPath, Success is Made Certain. Schedule a Discovery Call today. Or call 214-453-1591. FOLLOW CERTAINPATH:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CertainPathLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/certainpathInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/certainpath/
Logan Cysiewski is a top-performing roofing sales professional with Krumm Exteriors in New Richmond, Wisconsin. He's rewriting the rules on how to win jobs—and win big. From earning the trust of homeowners to mastering CertainPath's proven sales process, Logan breaks down exactly how he's sold over $4 million in just a few short years… all without ever being "salesy." Whether you're a rookie in home services or a seasoned veteran looking to sharpen your edge, this conversation is packed with real-world takeaways that will elevate your approach and boost your results. Here's what you'll learn in this episode: How Logan used CertainPath training to launch a wildly successful career in roofing sales Why building clear options instead of hard-pitching earns more trust—and more contracts Logan's mindset when walking into a home for the first time (and how he wins rapport instantly) The way he handles price objections by comparing competitive bids without trash-talking The one sales process nugget that changed everything for him Why presenting multiple options leads to bigger average tickets How he handles full system replacements with confidence, not pressure A behind-the-scenes look at the Kanga Care Club and why it works Why Logan believes you should “never close the job before you walk in the door” The importance of following a consistent process—and how it actually frees you to be yourself Logan's take on financing, how to frame it, and why it helps homeowners make faster decisions What happened when he started revisiting his training again (and how his numbers responded) His advice to new techs and sales reps on how to build confidence fast The mindset shift that helped him go from “just helping out” to being a sales powerhouse Whether you're in HVAC, plumbing, or roofing, this episode is a must-listen for anyone who wants to learn how to sell with integrity—and win more jobs by simply doing things the right way. Watch now and discover how Logan became one of the best in the business. Show Notes The Successful Contractor Podcast is a part of the CertainPath family. CertainPath builds successful home service businesses—and has for 25 years. We do it by providing contractors with a proven path to success, professional coaching, software solutions, and a member community of 1,200+ strong. Doubling your sales, with a 20% net profit, and an inspiring company culture is ALL possible. Let us show you the way. With CertainPath, 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/
Jason Barbee is a plumbing technician who didn't just sell — he installed nearly $1M in residential plumbing last year. Even more impressive, Jason is a 5-time Plumbing Sales Crown Champion; he's 26 years old and already sold & installed over $4M in residential plumbing in his short career. From humble beginnings helping his future father-in-law lift water heaters, to dominating full-service residential calls today, Jason shares the real story behind his rise — and the mindset shifts that changed everything. In this episode, you'll hear: How Jason builds trust on every call — and turns “quick fixes” into whole-home inspections Why he never solves the problem before he arrives — and how that helps him keep his mind open His secrets to handling drain cleaning calls like a superhero (and turning panic into profit) The role of empathy, education, and options in what some call “upselling” — but Jason calls “doing the job right” How following the CertainPath 6-step process helped skyrocket his KPIs from $16K to $404K in less than a year Jason's favorite lines for introducing water heater replacements — even when that's not why he was called His unique strategy for earning customer permission to inspect and price the entire home's plumbing system Why training, role-playing, and DISC profiling are non-negotiables in his shop's daily culture How financing and well-structured options helped close $10K–$15K+ jobs with less resistance What younger techs can do TODAY to start writing their own ticket to success — no shortcuts, just clarity If you're a service tech, manager, or business owner, this is a masterclass in modern residential plumbing service — packed with actionable takeaways and honest insights from someone who's doing it at the highest level. Don't miss this inspiring, practical conversation with one of the industry's top performers. Show Notes The Successful Contractor Podcast is a part of the CertainPath family. CertainPath builds successful home service businesses—and has for 25 years. We do it by providing contractors with a proven path to success, professional coaching, software solutions, and a member community of 1,200+ strong. Doubling your sales, with a 20% net profit, and an inspiring company culture is ALL possible. Let us show you the way. With CertainPath, 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/
Blayne Ippolito went from addiction and homelessness to managing a team of high-performing electricians and selling and installing over $680K in residential electrical work with $1M in his sites this year. His journey is raw, powerful, and packed with lessons for anyone in the trades. In this episode of The Successful Contractor, Blayne opens up about the pain that shaped him—and the purpose that drives him today. Now a sales manager with MZ Electric in Littleton, Colorado, Blayne trains his techs five days a week, blends emotional intelligence with process, and closes jobs with $4,000 average tickets. But what really sets him apart is how he leads with service, connection, and trust. You'll learn: How Blayne's early life and recovery shaped his mission in the trades His approach to consultative sales that build massive trust with homeowners Why presenting tiered pricing options builds credibility—and increases close rates How he eliminates objections early using CertainPath's StraightForward Pricing Guide What it means to be a friend first, electrician second in a customer's home His mindset tools for resetting between calls, including gratitude and meditation The emotional training sessions he runs on Wednesdays—including one centered on the phrase “Justify Your Existence” Why fear is the biggest sales killer—and how techs can beat it The story of a homeowner who cried reading his bio—and trusted him over a cheaper bid What it takes to move from technician to trusted leader of a service team Blayne's story isn't just about closing big tickets. It's about becoming the kind of person others believe in. Whether you're a tech, a leader, or someone just looking to find more meaning in your work—this is a conversation you won't forget. Show Notes The Successful Contractor Podcast is a part of the CertainPath family. CertainPath builds successful home service businesses—and has for 25 years. We do it by providing contractors with a proven path to success, professional coaching, software solutions, and a member community of 1,200+ strong. Doubling your sales, with a 20% net profit, and an inspiring company culture is ALL possible. Let us show you the way. With CertainPath, 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/
Jared Dean isn't winging it — he's a master HVAC sales tactician. With over two decades in the industry, Jared has developed a precise, proven process that earns trust, overcomes objections, and closes premium HVAC systems at a staggering $25K average ticket with a 64% closing percentage. Jared works just three days a week in the field, serves full-time as a pastor, and still sold $3.5 million last year. In this conversation, he opens up his playbook — step by step. What you'll walk away with: The first 10 minutes that make or break the sale — Jared's subtle script to uncover decision-makers and secure time commitment without pressure. How to “price-condition” like a pro — Set the stage for high-ticket HVAC sales without triggering objections. The four-option close that boosts average ticket and drives confident, fast decisions. How storytelling + strategic vulnerability generate instant trust (and eliminate hard closing). What to say after they say “yes” — Jared's post-sale move that slashes cancellation rates. The 5-minute habit that separates amateurs from elite sales pros — and accelerates long-term mastery. Jared proves you don't need to work 60-hour weeks or be a natural-born closer to dominate in residential HVAC sales — you need a system, heart, and the discipline to follow through. Show Notes The Successful Contractor Podcast is a part of the CertainPath family. CertainPath builds successful home service businesses—and has for 25 years. We do it by providing contractors with a proven path to success, professional coaching, software solutions, and a member community of 1,200+ strong. Doubling your sales, with a 20% net profit, and an inspiring company culture is ALL possible. Let us show you the way. With CertainPath, 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/
Back by overwhelming demand, Sean Mitchell returns to The Successful Contractor — and this time, he's not holding anything back.
In this powerful episode of The Successful Contractor, host Bob Houchin sits down with retiring coach, trainer, and mentor Michael Zeller — a man who's impacted thousands of lives through his 40-year career in business, leadership, and service. This isn't just a retrospective. It's a masterclass in life and business. From growing up in a working-class Long Island family to building a body shop, scaling through Enterprise Rent-A-Car, and eventually becoming one of the most beloved coaches at CertainPath, Michael shares the pivotal moments, lessons learned, and wisdom earned through decades of doing the hard work — and helping others do it better. This conversation is filled with emotion, honesty, and insight that every contractor — from business owner to technician — needs to hear. In this episode, you'll learn:· The values Michael's parents instilled that shaped his lifelong work ethic· Why he walked away from his own business to take a trainee position — and never looked back· The power of staying humble and becoming a student, even after success· What makes a great manager — and why most owners get it wrong· The true reason great employees leave… and what to do to keep them· How to coach your team instead of bossing them around· The “cotton candy” of Michael's career — and what lights him up· Why your team needs opportunity — and how giving it builds loyalty Michael's story is full of teachable moments, humor, and heart. If you've ever struggled with leadership, building culture, or wondering if you're really making a difference, this episode is for you. It's not just a farewell. It's a roadmap. And it's one you'll want to revisit again and again. “We love you, Michael, and there's nothing you can do about it.” Watch the full interview now on The Successful Contractor YouTube channel. And to build your own successful home service business, visit CertainPath.com Show NotesThe Successful Contractor Podcast is a part of the CertainPath family. CertainPath builds successful home service businesses—and has for 25 years. We do it by providing contractors with a proven path to success, professional coaching, software solutions, and a member community of 1,100+ strong. Doubling your sales, with a 20% net profit, and an inspiring company culture is ALL possible. Let us show you the way. With CertainPath, Success is Made Certain. Visit www.mycertainpath.com for more information. FOLLOW CERTAINPATH:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CertainPathLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/certainpathInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/certainpath/
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