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In this episode of Owned and Operated, John Wilson is joined by Jen Laughlin from WeSupplyTrades to break down how contractors can cut material costs without sacrificing quality. From OEM parts to exclusive brands, John and Jen dig into real-world ways to protect margin, get parts fast (even if you're rural), and build supplier partnerships that actually help you scale.They dive into shipping realities (UPS vs. LTL), why exclusives like Stream33/Breeze33/Bright33 can be margin game-changers, how to handle fraudulent tool orders, and what trust + open communication with your wholesaler should look like. John shares how swapping SKUs and auditing his top 500 items unlocked big savings inside a $30M home service company. Together, they unpack:Being the “lifeline” for hard-to-find OEM parts (and why that wins lifetime customers)The SKU audit playbook: start with your top 500 and swap line by linePartnering with wholesalers in 2025: trust, feedback loops, and clear expectationsFacility maintenance & rural logistics: stocking strategy without bloating inventory
In this episode of the Power Producers Podcast, host David Carothers and co-host Kyle Houck are joined by Joshua Lauer of Lauer Creatives for a deep dive into the world of marketing intelligence. Joshua shares his unique journey from aspiring songwriter to a data-driven marketing consultant. The conversation focuses on the most common and costly mistake B2B companies make: losing marketing attribution as leads move from their website to their CRM. Joshua breaks down the technical solutions for creating a seamless data flow, discusses the complexities of tracking "dark social," and offers his perspective on the practical applications and limitations of AI in marketing analytics. Key Highlights: Fixing the Leaky Funnel: Website to CRM Attribution Joshua Lauer identifies the critical disconnect between marketing efforts and sales outcomes as the most common issue he encounters. He explains how crucial data—like which campaign a lead came from—is often lost as it moves through a CRM, leaving businesses blind to which marketing channels are actually driving revenue and resulting in inefficient ad spend. The Technical Fix: Hidden Inputs and Data Persistence The conversation dives into the solution for lost attribution. Joshua details his method of using hidden form fields on websites to capture UTM parameters and other tracking data. He stresses the importance of ensuring that this data persists as a lead is converted from a Lead to a Contact and then to an Opportunity within the CRM, providing true end-to-end visibility. Navigating Dark Social and Attribution Models David and Joshua discuss the challenge of tracking word-of-mouth referrals and "dark social," which often manifest as an increase in "direct traffic." They also touch on the pitfalls of platform-specific attribution models, like Facebook's aggressive view-through credit, highlighting the need for a critical and nuanced approach to analyzing marketing data. The Practical Role of AI in Marketing Intelligence While AI is transforming many areas, Joshua explains its current role in his field. He sees AI as a powerful tool for content optimization and creating conversational interfaces for data analysis, but clarifies that it cannot yet replace the human expertise required for the complex, business-specific logic of a proper tracking setup. Connect with: Joshua Lauer LinkedIn David Carothers LinkedIn Kyle Houck LinkedIn Visit Websites: Power Producer Base Camp Lauer Creations Killing Commercial Crushing Content Power Producers Podcast Policytee The Dirty 130 The Extra 2 Minutes
In this episode of Owned and Operated, John Wilson is joined by Jack Carr from Jackquisitions to break down the four steps every business owner must take to truly become a CEO. From leaving the tools behind to managing senior leaders, John and Jack share the exact progression operators go through—and the pitfalls at each stage.They dive into the messy middle stages (what Jack calls “owner's hell”), where infrastructure costs skyrocket and leaders struggle to let go. John opens up about his own journey scaling a $30M home service company and when he finally felt like a real CEO. Together, they unpack:Why “founder” and “CEO” aren't the same thingThe hardest stage to escape and how to move past itWhy adding managers can both unlock growth and squeeze cash flowWhat it takes to lead through layers of leadership without losing speedThe looming leap from single-location to multi-location leadershipThis is a must-listen for any contractor or entrepreneur who wants to move beyond being “just the owner” and step fully into the CEO role.
In this episode of Owned and Operated, John Wilson is joined once again by Ethan Wright from Service Scalers to answer a big question: what would you do with a million-dollar marketing budget?Together, they unpack how $1M breaks down between demand capture (LSAs, PPC, SEO, lead partners) and demand generation (TV, radio, social, branding) — and why the first priority is always the lead. John and Ethan talk about beating proven channels until they're maxed, why operators get in trouble by spreading budgets too thin, and how the fastest-growing companies scale one or two channels to $100k+ a month.You'll also hear their frameworks for deciding budget allocation, the hidden crossover between capture and brand, and the real numbers John looks at daily to keep the board full. Whether you're running $2M or $20M, this conversation shows how the principles of lead generation never change — only the scale does.
R. Kenner French introduced a product called AI Credit Max!, designed to help entrepreneurs and business owners unlock government tax credits—both federal and state—for innovation and AI-driven initiatives. He explained that many businesses already using artificial intelligence tools (such as ChatGPT) or pushing technological innovation may unknowingly qualify for significant tax credits. The goal of the product is simple: put money back into entrepreneurs' pockets for work they're already doing. VastSolutionsGroup.com, which has been around since 1969, is leveraging its long history in tax, finance, and AI to support this new launch.Dhaval Patel, a digital marketing expert, was invited to brainstorm strategies in real time. He emphasized that AI Credit Max is a B2B service, so the priority should be lead generation. To achieve this, he recommended optimizing the website for email collection, setting up strong drip campaigns, and running targeted LinkedIn and Facebook ad campaigns. Beyond ads, Patel stressed the importance of content marketing, SEO/AEO strategies, and FAQs to rank on search engines and AI-powered platforms. He highlighted testing as a central practice—whether it's ad creatives, demographics, or messaging—since data-driven iteration is key to lowering costs and boosting conversions. Dhaval also advised tapping into CPA networks, as accountants can't always handle R&D tax credits but could refer clients. Locally, Patel recommended engaging Bainbridge Island and Seattle publications, leveraging the region's strong tech community, and even targeting local innovators from Microsoft and Google backgrounds who might qualify for credits.A significant portion of the discussion revolved around backlinks—links from authoritative sites that increase credibility and traffic. They also discussed tools like Yext and alternatives such as direct PR strategies and press releases. Dhaval highlighted the importance of tracking ROI with attribution models and UTM codes to measure which campaigns or influencers truly deliver results. Both agreed that testing and transparency in campaigns are crucial.Toward the end, Dhaval suggested podcasts and YouTube videos as powerful platforms to showcase real client experiences with AI Credit Max. Long-form videos could highlight case studies, while shorter clips could hook new audiences. Patel also stressed the importance of AEO (Answer Engine Optimization)—crafting website content around FAQs and user questions so AI-driven tools like ChatGPT or Gemini will surface VastSolutionsGroup.com in answers. Together, they concluded that combining local outreach, influencer evangelism, backlinks, and consistent testing will position AI Credit Max for long-term success.Takeaways• AI Credit Max aims to help entrepreneurs access tax credits.• Social media and content marketing are crucial for visibility.• Building authority in the market enhances trust.• Micro-influencers can effectively promote products.• Backlinks improve SEO and online visibility.• Local marketing can tap into community needs.• Press releases can amplify product awareness.• Testing marketing strategies is essential for success.• Video marketing can showcase product benefits effectively.Sound Bites• Your number one goal is to get leads. •Lean into the ease of use of AI.• Backlinks are like votes online.Listen & Subscribe for More:
In this episode of Owned and Operated, John Wilson is joined by Ethan Wright from Service Scalers to tackle the three biggest marketing mistakes that keep service companies from scaling. Together, they break down why most owners get lost chasing leads, how spreading budgets too thin kills ROI, and why neglecting your Google Business Profile can cost you serious growth.John and Ethan dig into the numbers that actually matter—booking rates, cost per lead, demo rates, and ROI—and explain how knowing your funnel from start to finish separates winning operators from those stuck blaming “bad leads.” They share practical frameworks for testing new channels, talk through the right time to double down versus diversify, and reveal why reviews and review velocity are a hidden superpower in local SEO.
In this episode of Owned and Operated, John Wilson sits down with Jack Carr from Jack Acquisitions, who also runs Rapid Response Plumbing, Heating & Cooling in Nashville, TN. Together, they break down the four most important pillars to scaling a home service company past $10 million a year: leads, people, sales, and infrastructure.John and Jack dig into what separates $1M businesses from $10M+ operators, from locked-in marketing strategies to strong recruiting pipelines and dedicated sales teams. They highlight why incentives drive performance, how to attract money-hungry talent in today's labor market, and why infrastructure supports growth but doesn't replace the fundamentals.Jack shares practical insights from his own company and acquisition experience—covering recruiting structures, incentive plans, sales processes, and the mindset shift it takes to scale. From driving consistent demand to building a rock-solid backbone for growth, this episode is packed with actionable strategies for contractors ready to break through the $10M ceiling.
In this episode of Owned and Operated, John Wilson sits down with Tony from Wanamaker to break down one of the biggest challenges contractors are facing in 2025: leads are tougher for everyone.John and Tony dig into why this year has been so unusual for home service businesses, from cooler summers and unpredictable weather to rising digital costs and shifting media consumption. They unpack how operators can protect market share in a down year, why consistency beats quick creative changes, and the three questions every ad should answer: Why you? Why now? How can I afford you?Tony shares practical insights on cost-shifting budgets, leveraging the Zero Moment of Truth, and keeping brand messaging dialed in—even when the industry feels shaky. From media buying advantages in non-political years to the impact of ChatGPT, SEO, and the decline of cookies, this conversation is packed with actionable pro tips to help contractors navigate 2025 and set up strong for 2026.
Welcome to Day 30 of the Double Your Profit SeriesThe go-to series for contractors, home service owners, and small business entrepreneurs.Today's topic is one of the biggest levers you have in scaling your company: Cut Overhead Like a Maniac.
Welcome to Day 29 of the Double Your Profit SeriesThe go-to series for contractors, home service owners, and small business entrepreneurs.Today's lesson might surprise you because it runs counter to the current industry hype: Don't Overinvest in Technology.
The guys discuss OSU beating UTM, Micah Parsons being traded to Green Bay, OU's season opener, and the rest of the weekend schedule in college football! Follow Matt on X @mattravis and WWLS @sportsanimal, thesportsanimal.com, and The Sports Animal app!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Welcome to Day 28 of the Double Your Profit SeriesThe go-to series for contractors, home service owners, and small business entrepreneurs.Today's lesson is simple, bold, and direct: Outspend Your Competitors in Sales & Marketing.
In this episode of Owned and Operated, John Wilson sits down with Tony Castellucci from Wanamaker to break down how home service companies should think about marketing spend at three different levels: $100K, $500K, and $1M.Tony and John dig into what works (and what doesn't) as your budget scales. From avoiding white noise and wasted spend, to maximizing digital safety nets like SEO, PPC, LSAs, and Google My Business, the conversation highlights how to build consistent lead flow and a strong brand presence without diluting your dollars.They cover why seasonality matters for small budgets, when to shift toward year-round brand building, and how traditional media like TV, streaming, and selective billboards can play a role as you grow. Tony also shares agency-side lessons on attribution, cost per lead, and why marketing dilution is one of the most common pitfalls for home service owners.If you're looking to understand how to strategically allocate your marketing dollars — whether you're running a $5M shop or pushing past $15M — this is a must-listen episode.
Apple Silicon provides so many different opportunities with virtualisation, but many of us still miss the intel days when we could snapshot and use serial numbers to automate device enrollment. Tools like Tart provide opportunities to build workflows that allow us to configure and enhance the way we virtualise macOS. Hosts: Tom Bridge - @tbridge@theinternet.social Marcus Ransom - @marcusransom Selina Ali - LinkedIn Guests: Rob Potvin, Senior Consulting Engineer, Jamf - LinkedIn Links: MacADUK presentation https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7DqS9bG3bkg Rob's Blog - https://www.motionbug.com/ Tart - https://tart.run/ Virtual Buddy - https://github.com/insidegui/VirtualBuddy Bushel - https://getbushel.app/ Orka - https://www.macstadium.com/orka Anka - https://veertu.com/anka-flow/ UTM - https://mac.getutm.app/ Great resource for VMs https://eclecticlight.co/ Sponsors: Kandji 1Password Nudge Security Material Security Watchman Monitoring If you're interested in sponsoring the Mac Admins Podcast, please email podcast@macadmins.org for more information. Get the latest about the Mac Admins Podcast, follow us on Twitter! We're @MacAdmPodcast! The Mac Admins Podcast has launched a Patreon Campaign! Our named patrons this month include Weldon Dodd, Damien Barrett, Justin Holt, Chad Swarthout, William Smith, Stephen Weinstein, Seb Nash, Dan McLaughlin, Joe Sfarra, Nate Cinal, Jon Brown, Dan Barker, Tim Perfitt, Ashley MacKinlay, Tobias Linder Philippe Daoust, AJ Potrebka, Adam Burg, & Hamlin Krewson
Welcome to Day 27 of the Double Your Profit SeriesThe go-to series for contractors, home service owners, and small business entrepreneurs. Today we're diving into a powerful framework for spending money wisely: Strategic vs. Non-Strategic Costs.
#236 — AI Sales Engines for Home Services: Tal Shub on Craft & Closing More Deals In this episode of Owned and Operated, John Wilson sits down with Tal Shub, CEO of Craft, to dive into how AI is transforming sales in the home service industry.Tal shares how Craft built an AI-powered sales engine that listens to customer conversations, provides real-time coaching, and helps service teams recover lost revenue. From boosting average tickets with better financing conversations to coaching technicians on open-ended questions and process-driven sales, Craft is creating a playbook for the next era of home service growth.The conversation goes deep into why team adoption matters more than features, how to overcome technician resistance to recording calls, and what separates top performers from the rest. John also shares firsthand results from rolling out Craft across his $30M company — including higher tickets, improved training, and stronger close rates.This episode isn't just about AI tools. It's about how technology, leadership, and process come together to drive real performance in the field. If you're serious about building a stronger sales culture in your HVAC, plumbing, or electrical business, this conversation is a must-listen.
Welcome to Day 26 of the Double Your Profit SeriesThe go-to series for contractors, home service owners, and small business entrepreneurs. Today's lesson is the natural follow-up to yesterday's topic of Cut Complexity. Once you trim what doesn't work, the next step is simple: Multiply Your Winners. Why Multiplying Winners MattersToo often, owners keep dragging along departments or services that look big on top-line revenue but secretly ruin margins. The real growth hack is cutting what's unproductive and doubling down on what's already winning.In other words: do less, but do way more of the less.
Welcome to Day 25 of the Double Your Profit SeriesThe go-to series for contractors, home service owners, and small business entrepreneurs.Today's topic is one of the most important lessons I've learned in scaling a business: Cut Complexity. Or, as I like to say: Simple is Scalable.
Welcome to Day 24 of the Double Your Profit SeriesThe go-to series for contractors, home service owners, and small business entrepreneurs.Today we're diving into one of the most important — and often most confusing — financial topics in business: Cash Flow.It's the reason so many owners scratch their heads at year-end when their accountant says, “Congrats, you made a profit,” but the checking account feels empty. That gap? That's cash flow.
Welcome to Day 23 of the Double Your Profit SeriesThe go-to series for contractors, home service owners, and small business entrepreneurs.Today, we're talking about a trap that many business owners fall into as they grow: Over-Delegation.Yes, you should delegate. Yes, you should make yourself replaceable in the day-to-day. But there's a critical line you cannot cross: abdication.
Welcome to Day 22 of the Double Your Profit SeriesThe go-to series for contractors, home service owners, and small business entrepreneurs. Today, we're diving into one of the fastest ways to improve margins without cutting jobs, service quality, or growth: Vendor Negotiations. If you had to find 10% savings in your business today, where would you look first?That's right — your vendors.
In this episode of Owned and Operated, John Wilson sits down with Chad Peterman, president of Peterman Brothers, to dive deep into what it takes to scale a home service company to nine figures.Chad shares how he and his team grew Peterman Brothers from $20M to $100M, expanding across multiple Midwest markets while navigating the challenges of recruitment, infrastructure, and market entry. From pooling install labor to centralizing processes and managing service lines, Chad breaks down the systems that allowed Peterman Brothers to scale while maintaining operational excellence.The conversation also explores leadership and communication tools, staff training and licensing programs, and the advantages of launching new locations strategically. Chad even offers a look at what's next — including potential ancillary service expansions and how AI could shape the future of home service operations.If you're serious about scaling your HVAC or home service business, this episode is packed with playbook-level insights.
Welcome to Day 21 of the Double Your Profit SeriesThe go-to series for contractors, home service owners, and small business entrepreneurs.Today, we're tackling a silent bottleneck of growth: Over-qualifying what you already know.The truth is simple: speed wins. Most businesses don't fail because they made a wrong call — they fail because they got stuck waiting for the perfect call. Analysis paralysis keeps you stuck while competitors take action.
Welcome to Day 20 of the Double Your Profit SeriesThe go-to series for contractors, home service owners, and small business entrepreneurs.Today, we're digging into one of the toughest — and most important — topics in business: Improving Employee Productivity.It's tempting to think the secret is cloning your best performer. But here's the reality: if you average your top performer with your lowest performer, their combined output often falls below the team average.That's why low performers don't just under-deliver — they drag down your best people too. The key isn't creating more “10x” employees. It's raising the performance of your average team member.
In this episode of Owned and Operated, John Wilson sits down with Ismael Valdez, founder of NextGen and Nuva Thermostats, to unpack how he built one of the fastest-growing home service businesses in the country.Valdez shares how he scaled NextGen from his garage to a $100M+ powerhouse with multiple locations, breaking down the exact strategies that fueled his growth. From high-ROI marketing plays to perfecting tech turnover processes and managing gross profit like a hawk, you'll learn the playbook that took him from startup to industry leader.For the first time, Valdez also dives into his latest venture: Nuva Thermostats — a game-changing tool for HVAC contractors that brands the thermostat with your logo, turning every home into a lead-gen engine.This episode isn't just about tactics. Valdez gets real about the personal sacrifices behind scaling to $100M, how to leverage social media for future growth, and what it takes to keep winning at the highest level.If you're serious about scaling your HVAC or home service business, this conversation is a must-listen.
Welcome to Day 19 of the Double Your Profit SeriesThe go-to series for contractors, home service owners, and small business entrepreneurs.Today, we're diving into one of the most profitable levers in your business: Raising Your Conversion Rate.Conversion rate is simply how many potential customers you turn into paying customers. And here's the beautiful part: you don't need more leads to grow your business — you just need to get better at handling the ones you already have.
Welcome to Day 18 of the Double Your Profit SeriesThe go-to series for contractors, home service owners, and small business entrepreneurs.Today, we're talking about one of the most overlooked but powerful levers in your business: Reviewing and ruthlessly cutting recurring costs.I call this the “F** It Up List”* (we'll bleep it for YouTube
Welcome to Day 17 of the Double Your Profit Series — the go-to series for contractors, home service owners, and small business entrepreneurs. Today's topic is a little spicy but absolutely essential: Firing Bad Clients.
Welcome to Day 16 of the Double Your Profit Series — the go-to series for contractors, home service owners, and small business entrepreneurs. Today, we're diving into one of the most powerful performance drivers in your business: Creating a Culture of Accountability.
Welcome to Day 15 of the Double Your Profit Series — the go-to profit series for contractors, home service owners, and small business entrepreneurs. Today, we're talking about one of the most important — and most overlooked — levers in your business: Tightening Your Standards.
In this episode, I'm diving deep into one of the most important topics for veterinary practice owners and managers as we head into 2025: how to build a predictable, measurable, and scalable client acquisition system. If you've been feeling the pressure from economic uncertainty, changing pet owner behaviors, and the ever-growing competition from corporate groups, you're not alone. I know firsthand how stressful it can be when your appointment book is packed one week and then unexpectedly quiet the next. The days of “if you build it, they will come” are long gone, and it's time to get proactive about filling your schedule with the right clients. In this episode, I break down the three pillars that every modern veterinary practice needs to thrive: targeting, tracking, and scalability. I'll walk you through how to identify and attract your ideal clients—those who truly value your services and fit your practice culture — using data from your PIMS and advanced targeting tools. We'll talk about how to make your marketing efforts measurable, so you know exactly which campaigns are driving results (and which ones aren't), using tools like call tracking, UTM parameters, and Google Analytics. And most importantly, I'll share strategies for scaling your client acquisition so you can grow your practice predictably, avoid the feast-or-famine cycle, and respond quickly to slow periods with confidence. Whether you're just starting to build your marketing system or looking to refine what you already have, I'll also cover common pitfalls to avoid — like overcomplicating your campaigns, relying on gut feelings instead of data, and missing out on key tracking opportunities. By the end of this episode, you'll have actionable steps to audit and improve your client acquisition process, plus expert recommendations to help you future-proof your practice. So grab a notebook, tune in, and let's get your veterinary practice set up for measurable, sustainable growth in 2025 and beyond!
Welcome to Day 14 of the Double Your Profit Series — the go-to profit series for contractors, home service owners, and small business entrepreneurs. Today, we're diving into one of the simplest, most powerful habits you can build: Making Your P&L a Daily Tool.
If you're building a home service business in a rural market, the playbook looks a little different — and this episode shows exactly why. In this episode of Owned and Operated, John Wilson, CEO of Wilson Plumbing in Ohio, sits down with Laura and Brian Beltz, founders of Beltz, to unpack how they've grown from a one-truck startup in 2001 to a 49-person team — all while staying true to their community roots.If you're thinking about expanding into multiple markets, growing in a rural area, or taking the leap into acquisitions, this conversation is a masterclass in building a durable trades business from the ground up.
Welcome to Day 13 of the Double Your Profit Series — the go-to profit series for contractors, home service owners, and small business entrepreneurs. Today's lesson is short on purpose—because that's the point: Cut Your Meetings in Half.
If you're trying to grow a home service business, your marketing budget is one of your biggest bets — and biggest risks. In this episode of Owned and Operated, John Wilson and Sam Preston host a no-fluff Q&A tackling real contractor questions on lead generation, paid ads, and when to actually bring in an agency.They break down how to allocate marketing spend at every stage — from $1K/month up to $200K — and what it really takes to get traction with LSA, GMB, and PPC. You'll learn how to play offense with your best-performing lead sources, why spreading your budget too thin kills momentum, and how to ride your winning channels like you stole it.If you're struggling to get leads from PPC or Google Ads, they also cover how to fix campaign waste, when landing pages are the problem, and how top operators manage their media vs lead-gen mix to scale past $10M.Whether you're just getting started or dialing in a multi-location growth strategy, this episode is a tactical deep dive into what's actually working right now.
Welcome to Day 12 of the Double Your Profit Series — the go-to profit series for contractors, home service owners, and small business entrepreneurs. Today's topic is one of the fastest, easiest, and most effective ways to increase your bottom line: Using Scarcity to Raise Prices.
Welcome to Day 11 of the Double Your Profit Series — the go-to profit series for contractors, home service owners, and small business entrepreneurs. Today we're unlocking one of the most powerful, overlooked profit drivers in your business: Optimizing Your Schedule for Profit.
Welcome to Day 10 of the Double Your Profit Series — the go-to profit series for contractors, home service owners, and small business entrepreneurs. Today, we're tackling something that's as obvious as it is underused: Tying Compensation to What Actually Matters.
Welcome to Day 9 of the Double Your Profit Series — the go-to profit series for contractors, home service owners, and small business entrepreneurs. Today, we're diving into one of the most overlooked drivers of bottom-line success: Training for Profit Awareness.
Welcome to Day 8 of the Double Your Profit Series —the go-to profit series for contractors, home service owners, and small business entrepreneurs. Today's topic might feel uncomfortable, but it's a game changer: Fire Your Worst Customers. We're talking about freeing your team, protecting your profit, and finally saying goodbye to the clients who drain your time, energy, and resources.
Welcome to Day 7 of the Double Your Profit Series —the go-to profit series for contractors, home service owners, and small business entrepreneurs. Today we break down the Profit First Pricing method, a mindset shift that guarantees you pay yourself first by building profit directly into your prices.
AI isn't coming — it's here. And the way people find your business is already changing.In this episode of Owned and Operated, John sits down with Sam Preston, CEO of Service Scalers, for a deep-dive on how AI is reshaping local search and why HVAC, plumbing, and home service operators need to evolve fast — or risk being left behind.They explore what it means to “rank” in a world of LLMs, how showing up in ChatGPT, Perplexity, and Google's AI Overview actually works, and why your SEO and Google Business Profile (GMB) are more valuable than ever. From review mining to AI-mode discovery to early signs of AI agents booking jobs, this episode lays out a real-world, contractor-first roadmap to dominate in the AI-driven search era.You'll also hear how Wilson's early investment in SEO and programmatic content is now paying off — and why operators of every size should focus on backlinks, FAQs, and review quality today to future-proof their lead flow.Whether you're doing $1M or $50M, if you want to stay visible and competitive as AI search becomes the new front door to your business, this one's essential.
Double Your Profit Day 5: Zero-Based Budgeting for Home Service Businesses, Contractors, and Small Business OwnersWelcome to Day 5 of the "Double Your Profit" 30-Day Challenge — your go-to business growth series for home service business owners, contractors, and small business entrepreneurs looking to boost profit margins fast.Today's strategy? Zero-based budgeting — one of the most powerful financial tools for HVAC companies, plumbing businesses, electrical contractors, cleaning service operators, and anyone in the trades or service-based industries.
Boomers aren't your best bet anymore. While everyone's still chasing the so-called Silver Tsunami, the truth is most aging-out home service businesses won't sell — and the ones that do often aren't worth buying. In this episode of Owned and Operated, John and Jack explain why smart operators are ditching the outdated playbook and going all-in on modern growth strategies.They unpack why 2026 is their multi-market year and how they're expanding beyond Ohio through greenfield launches, tuck-in acquisitions, and strategic partnerships. From leadership infrastructure to population-driven market selection, they share what it actually takes to scale a home service company past a single location. You'll hear hard-earned lessons from failed multi-location attempts, the red flags of unscalable markets, and why buying a business isn't always the best move — especially if the fundamentals aren't there.If you're a plumbing, HVAC, or electrical operator looking to grow into new markets, this is your real-time roadmap — not the recycled Silver Tsunami narrative. John even teases behind-the-scenes strategies they're using for greenfielding (the stuff he's not ready to fully reveal… yet).This is the episode that separates yesterday's growth myths from today's $100M playbook.
Welcome to Day 4 of the "Double Your Profit" 30-Day Series!If you're running a home service business, small business, or a contractor company, this series is here to help you double your profit in 30 days—one smart move at a time.Today, we're talking about strict, non-negotiable budgets—the kind that bounce credit cards if someone goes over. Sound intense? It is—and it works. This approach fosters real accountability, forces smarter decisions, and helps smaller businesses stay lean and agile.
Welcome to Day 3 of the "Double Your Profit" 30-Day Series!If you're running a home service business, small business, or a contractor company, this series is designed to help you double your profit in just 30 days.Today's episode dives into how to cut costs fast—without hurting your operations—and how to foster a lean, profit-minded culture in your company. We'll walk through how to trim unnecessary expenses, empower managers to make smarter budget decisions, and align your entire team around cost-conscious growth.
Welcome back to Day 2 of the "Double Your Profit" 30-Day Series!In today's episode, we're breaking down how to cut business costs like a CFO—without compromising growth. If you want to double your profit, mastering the art of cost control is essential. These strategies will help you streamline spending, boost margins, and create a more efficient, profitable operation.This episode is packed with real-world examples and practical cost-cutting techniques you can implement immediately in your home service business, contractor company, or small business.
Welcome to Day 1 of the "Double Your Profit" 30-Day Series!If you're running a home service business, small business, or a contractor company, this series is built to help you increase profit in 30 days—starting today.In this video, we kick things off by shifting your mindset from revenue-focused to profit-first strategy. Understanding the difference between profit vs revenue is crucial for any business owner aiming to maximize business value and scale sustainably.