Service Business Mastery for Skilled Trades: HVAC, Plumbing & Electrical Home Service

Kristen Deese, a Chief Financial Officer at The Virtual CFO for the Trades and co-owner of Paradise Home Services, shares valuable insights about financial management for home service businesses. She discusses the critical difference between CPAs and CFOs, highlighting how understanding your numbers can transform profitability. Kristen emphasizes proactive cash flow management, the importance of training teams on KPIs, and the need for clear financial reports. Her practical advice empowers business owners to build confidence and foster sustainable growth.

Learn how to automate tasks, save time, and increase your profit.No coding required! 👉 Enroll Today - https://bit.ly/3CZTDte ---------------------------------------------------- Welcome to the Service Business Mastery Podcast! Visit our website for more episodes and insights! https://www.servicebusinessmastery.com In this episode, recorded live at Rilla Masters 2025 in Las Vegas, hosts Tersh Blissett and Josh  Crouch chat with Dustin Van Orman, Marketing Manager and President of Business Development and M&A at Any Hour Services - Electrical, Plumbing, Heating & Air.They explore how Dustin’s early love for fixing things led him to HVAC and owning businesses. He shares how weekly leadership training and a strong team culture helped keep 90% of employees. Dustin also talks about private equity, offering tips on how to make smart choices and keep your business values. His simple advice helps others grow without losing what matters most. This talk covers key points like weekly leadership training, keeping a strong work culture, and holding on to great team members, and big parts of growing a solid business. Dustin shares why choosing the right private equity deal matters and how staying true to your values helps build lasting success with your team. In this episode, here's what you can expect to learn:  How a Childhood Hobby Sparked a Career: Dustin’s love for fixing things led him into HVAC and business. Keeping Great Employees: Learn how weekly leadership training helps keep 90% of staff. Smart Private Equity Choices: Dustin shares how to choose the right deal without losing your values. From Tech to Business Leader: Hear Dustin’s story of learning by doing and growing along the way. Building a Winning Team: See how trust and culture lead to a strong and lasting team. Timestamps ⏰ 00:00 - Recap of the Episode 04:04 - Meet Dustin Van Orman and His HVAC Roots 06:26 - From Fixing Bikes to Building a Business 07:52 - How Childhood Hobbies Shape Great HVAC Technicians 11:07 - The Moment That Changed Dustin’s Career Path 14:19 - The “Just the Service Guy” Story, Journey, and What Changed 16:57 - Turning a Near-Death Ice Accident into Life-Changing Lessons and Direction 23:47 - Why Any Hour Has 90% Employee Retention 26:31 - Leadership Training and Weekly Team Growth 33:21 - How Strong Culture Drives Team Loyalty 35:56 - Dustin’s Thoughts on AI and Business Tools 42:01 - Advice on Choosing the Right Tools and Learning from Successful Operators 44:01 - Recruiting Tips from Gas Stations to Sidewalks 47:47 - Real Talk About Private Equity in the Trades 50:08 - Advice for Business Owners Facing Big Decisions 54:06 - What Makes a Good PE Partner and Smart Growth 57:43 - Defining Alignment in Business Partnerships and the Importance of Education If you enjoy the episode, please don’t hesitate to leave us a review (5 stars preferably 😉) Links & References: LinkedIn:  Dustin Van Orman Website: Any Hour Services - Electrical, Plumbing, Heating & Air This episode is kindly sponsored by: Sera UpFrog CallRail CompanyCam Visit CompanyCam and use code SBM for a free 2-week trial, 1:1 training and account setup, and 50% off your first two months! MarketStorm Rilla Lace.ai Autobot.ai Avoca.ai   Connect with us! Tersh Blissett Josh Crouch Join the Service Business Mastery Facebook group for more updates! Visit our website: www.servicebusinessmastery.com Affiliate links: Castmagic StreamYard IfTTT Zyra Talk

Mike Venidis, Chief Experience Officer at RYNO Strategic Solutions, shares his inspiring journey from overcoming trauma to leading in digital marketing. He discusses the game-changing impact of AI on SEO and how businesses can leverage these tools for greater visibility. Trust and reputation management are highlighted as critical components for success in the digital realm. Listeners gain actionable insights on adapting to technology, creating authentic connections, and navigating the evolving landscape of online marketing.

Discover how AI is reshaping the HVAC industry by automating tasks and enhancing efficiency. Learn about innovative tools that streamline customer interactions and optimize lead conversion. The hosts discuss the significance of adapting traditional business models to incorporate technology. Explore practical strategies for improving internal processes and communication. Plus, hear how documenting workflows and SOPs can lead to consistent service quality. Join a community focused on leveraging AI for growth and success in the skilled trades.

Samantha Brazie, the General Manager at Progressive Heating, Air and Plumbing, discusses crucial shifts in the HVAC industry. She shares her journey from telemarketer to manager, revealing the importance of maintaining company culture amidst private equity acquisitions. The conversation touches on effective community engagement, innovative marketing strategies, and the role of technology, including AI, in enhancing operations. Samantha emphasizes the balance between smart business decisions and emotional intelligence to ensure employee satisfaction and long-term success.

Austin Helms, the Founding Partner of Halftime Rentals and founder of NuBlue Electric, Plumbing, and Air, shares his insights on scaling service businesses. He discusses the challenges of rapid growth, emphasizing the need for strong teams and adaptability. Austin highlights technology's role in automation and operational efficiency, introducing tools like an AI voice agent for better customer service. He also delves into the significance of community ties and effective marketing strategies while reflecting on the entrepreneurial journey.

Learn how to automate tasks, save time, and increase your profit. No coding required! 👉 Enroll Today- https://bit.ly/3CZTDte ------------------------------------------------- Welcome to the Service Business Mastery Podcast! Visit our website for more episodes and insights! www.servicebusinessmastery.com In this episode of Service Business Mastery podcast, hosts Tersh Blissett and Joshua Crouch engage with Daniel Fuentes and Nikolai Matveev, founders of Cardinal Plumbing, Heating and Air. They look into the challenges of implementing online scheduling systems in a service business, covering everything from technological integration to operational efficiency. Daniel and Nikolai provide valuable insights on navigating the digital transformation, effective adaptation strategies, and preparing for future advancements in service industry technologies. This discussion emphasizes crucial aspects such as optimizing online booking systems and ensuring long-term operational efficiency for both the service providers and the company. Timestamps ⏰ 00:00 - Episode Recap 03:42 - Episode Intro with Discussing Online Bookings and Market Attributions. 06:17 - Daniel shares his business journey, role, & how he integrates tech after meeting Nikolai. 12:12 - Talking About Strategic Technology Implementation 14:35 - Managing and optimizing online scheduling and operational insights. 12:22 - Adjusting Online Scheduling Fees and Autobot Customizations 22:48 - The Full Process Behind the Marketing Attributions 26:32 - Understanding Marketing Attribution and ROI 36:00 - Discussing AI Integration with Online Booking Systems 43:08 - Understanding Customer Drop-off Points in Online Scheduling 46:36 - Discussing the Future of Cookies and Online Privacy 52:00 - How data-driven customer avatars shape smarter marketing strategies. In this episode, here's what you can expect to learn:  Technological Integration Planning: Learn how strategic planning enhances the implementation of online scheduling systems and operational efficiency. Managing Key Roles: Discover how Daniel and Nikolai manage essential team members during technological updates. Strategic Decision-Making: Explore how insights and strategic thinking facilitate informed management decisions. Expertise and Innovation: See how combining technical knowledge with innovative planning leads to superior operational results. Technological Enhancement in Services: Gain strategies for effectively integrating technology to improve service business efficiency and stakeholder satisfaction. If you enjoy the episode, please don’t hesitate to leave us a review (5 stars preferably 😉)   Unlock Your Special Autobot Discount Now! 🌟 Save $1,500 on Autobot setup exclusively through our podcast. No long-term commitments required. Pay only for the results you see. Transform your booking system with state-of-the-art automation today! Use code "𝗦𝗕𝗠" for $1500 off setup fees Follow the Guests: LinkedIn:  Nikolai Matveev Daniel Fuentes Cardinal Plumbing Heating & Air Inc Website: Cardinal Plumbing Heating & Air Inc This episode is kindly sponsored by: Sera UpFrog CallRail CompanyCam Visit CompanyCam and use code SBM for a free 2-week trial, 1:1 training and account setup, and 50% off your first two months! MarketStorm Rilla Lace.ai Autobot.ai Avoca.ai Connect with us! Tersh Blissett Josh Crouch Join the Service Business Mastery Facebook group for more updates! Visit our website: www.servicebusinessmastery.com Affiliate links: Castmagic StreamYard IfTTT Zyra Talk

Learn how to automate tasks, save time, and increase your profit. No coding required! 👉 Enroll Today- https://bit.ly/3CZTDte    ------------------------------------------------- Welcome to the Service Business Mastery Podcast! Visit our website for more episodes and insights! www.servicebusinessmastery.com In this episode, recorded live at the Service World Expo 2024 in Orlando, Florida, hosts Tersh Blissett and Joshua Crouch engage with Joe Strittmatter, Former Owner, Strittmatter A/C, Heating & Plumbing, Former Regional President at Granite Comfort LP, and Brian Cohen, a business strategist specializing in HVAC transactions at SF&P Advisors. They delve into the challenges of selling a service business, covering everything from the emotional aspects to strategic planning. Joe and Brian provide valuable insights on navigating business negotiations, effective succession planning, and preparing for life after the sale. This discussion emphasizes crucial aspects such as business valuations and ensuring long-term success for both the seller and the company. Timestamps ⏰ 00:00:00 - Episode Recap 00:03:57 - Episode Intro and Joe Strittmatter Talks About His Business Journey 00:06:19 - Meeting Brian and learning from a failed business deal. 00:08:05 - Brian Introduces His Role and Experience 00:11:30 - Talking About Planning for a Business Owner's Future 00:14:14 - Managing and protecting assets after selling a business and legal insights from Service Nation. 00:23:32 - Market Trends with Hot Topics and Economic Predictions 00:26:12 - Discussing Call Volume and Business Efficiency 00:33:22 - The Role of AI in Business Efficiency 00:41:40 - Discussing Dispatch Software and Technician Revenue 00:44:41 - EBITDA's Impact on Business Operations and Marketing Decisions 00:57:23 - The Importance of Understanding Break-Even Points in Business 01:01:38 - Closing remarks on Investment Trends and the Impact on Business Multiples In this episode, here's what you can expect to learn:  Planning for Business Sale Success: Learn how careful planning improves the success of selling businesses and makes operations better. Handling Important Roles: Find out how Joe Strittmatter and Brian Cohen manage important team members and keep everyone informed during business changes. Using Emotions and Smarts in Talks: Discover how using feelings and smart planning helps in business talks. Mixing Knowledge with Plans for Better Results: See how using deep knowledge and careful planning leads to better business outcomes. Growing Service Companies Well: Learn strategies for growing service businesses well, increasing their value, and making stakeholders happier with insights from Joe Strittmatter and Brian Cohen. If you enjoy the episode, please don’t hesitate to leave us a review (5 stars preferably 😉) Links & References: LinkedIn:  Brian Cohen Joe Strittmatter Website: SF&P Advisors Granite Comfort LP This episode is kindly sponsored by: Sera UpFrog CallRail CompanyCam Visit CompanyCam and use code SBM for a free 2-week trial, 1:1 training and account setup, and 50% off your first two months! MarketStorm Rilla Lace.ai Autobot.ai Avoca.ai   Connect with us! Tersh Blissett Josh Crouch Join the Service Business Mastery Facebook group for more updates! Visit our website: www.servicebusinessmastery.com Affiliate links: Castmagic StreamYard IfTTT Zyra Talk

Learn how to automate tasks, save time, and increase your profit. No coding required! 👉 Enroll Today- https://bit.ly/3CZTDte —----------------------------------------------------- Welcome to the Service Business Mastery Podcast! Visit our website for more episodes and insights! www.servicebusinessmastery.com In this episode, recorded live at the Business Uncensored event in Chattanooga, Tennessee, hosts Tersh Blissett and Joshua Crouch talk with Matt Michel, a speaker, writer, and rancher at Ranchlands of Texas LLC, and Brandon Jacob, the Principal of Contractors Financial Opportunity LLC. They explore the challenges of selling a service business, from emotional struggles to strategic decisions. Matt and Brandon share valuable insights on business negotiations, succession planning, and preparing for life after the sale.  This discussion highlights key factors like business valuations and long-term success for both the seller and the company. Timestamps ⏰ 00:00 - Meet Matt Michel & Brandon Jacob: Insights into Their Expertise 04:05 - The Brief Overview and Journey of Selling a Business 09:38 - Talking About the Day We Sold the Business 13:10 - Discussing Backgrounds with Industry Evolution Investment Trends 16:50 - How Private Equity Changes Company Culture 23:37 - Discussing Pay Structures and Employee Reactions 29:42 - Talking About How to Deal with Brokers and Lawyers 43:05 - Family Business and Future Generations: A Strategic Perspective 50:24 - Closing the Conversation: A Peek into Brandon's Published Works In this episode, here's what you can expect to learn:  Discover how strategic planning enhances business sale success and operational efficiency. Learn about managing stakeholder communications and key employee roles with Matt Michel and Brandon Jacob to optimize transition processes. Explore the integration of emotional intelligence and strategic insights in business negotiations. Understand how combining expert knowledge with strategic foresight leads to superior outcomes in business sales. Uncover strategies for service companies to scale effectively, maximize sale value, and improve stakeholder satisfaction with insights from Matt Michel and Brandon Jacob. If you enjoy the episode, please don’t hesitate to leave us a review (5 stars preferably 😉)   Links & References: LinkedIn:  Matt Michel Brandon Jacob Website: Ranchlands of Texas LLC Contractor Financial Opportunity LLC   Learn more and Reach out to Brandon Jacob: +1 713 443 8311   Order the Books of Matt Michel and Brandon Jacob on Amazon Now: For What It’s Worth Operations Exit Strategy Contractor Stories This episode is kindly sponsored by: Sera UpFrog CallRail CompanyCam Visit CompanyCam and use code SBM for a free 2-week trial, 1:1 training and account setup, and 50% off your first two months! MarketStorm Rilla Lace.ai Autobot.ai Avoca.ai   Connect with us! Tersh Blissett Josh Crouch Join the Service Business Mastery Facebook group for more updates! Visit our website: www.servicebusinessmastery.com Affiliate links: Castmagic StreamYard IfTTT Zyra Talk  

Learn how to automate tasks, save time, and increase your profit. No coding required! 👉Enroll Today - https://bit.ly/3CZTDte  ----------------------------------------------------------- Welcome to the Service Business Mastery Podcast! Visit our website for more episodes and insights! www.servicebusinessmastery.com In this engaging episode, recorded at the Nexstar Event in Orlando, Florida, hosts Tersh Blissett and Joshua Crouch sit down with Kate Cinnamo, the Executive Director of Explore The Trades. Kate shares her expertise on the critical role of education and partnerships in the trades industry. They discuss the importance of addressing the technical talent gap, the utilization of educational resources to support industry growth, and personal stories that underscore the impact of strategic educational initiatives on professional and industry development. Kate also emphasizes the role of Explore The Trades, an organization that facilitates connections between the education sector and the trades industry, promoting collaboration, learning, and ongoing development in a dynamic environment. In this episode, here's what you can expect to learn:  The importance of educational partnerships in closing the technical talent gap. Ways contractors can support and engage with educational programs in their communities. Practical approaches for using educational resources to address labor shortages in the trades. How fostering understanding of trades in early education can influence career choices and industry health. If you enjoy the episode, please don’t hesitate to leave us a review (5 stars preferably 😉)   Timestamps ⏰ 03:43 Introduction of Kate Cinnamo as the Executive Director of Explore the Trades. 05:43 Understanding the Role of Contractors in Education Partnerships. 07:02 Conversations on Career Choices for Kids and Self-Growth 17:54 Pandemic Lessons: The Growing Appeal of Hands-On Training 20:02 Personal stories on the impact of education in the trades industry. 24:06 How Contractors Contribute to Education and Community Growth 31:53 Connecting with Explore the Trades to Help Contractors Support Trade Education and Local Initiatives. Links & References: LinkedIn:  Kate Cinnamo Explore The Trades Website: Explore The Trades This episode is kindly sponsored by: Sera UpFrog CallRail CompanyCam Visit CompanyCam and use code SBM for a free 2-week trial, 1:1 training and account setup, and 50% off your first two months! MarketStorm Rilla  Lace.ai Autobot.ai Avoca.ai   Connect with us! Tersh Blissett Josh Crouch Join the Service Business Mastery Facebook group for more updates! Visit our website: www.servicebusinessmastery.com Affiliate links: Castmagic StreamYard IfTTT Zyra Talk