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

In this episode of Service Business Mastery, Tersh and Josh interview Stephanie Allen and Jessica Woodruff Smith who share their expertise in growing service businesses through strategic hiring and networking. Stephanie, co-owner of Airworks, prioritizes family-oriented and mom-approved services, while Jessica, co-founder of Lady Titans, advocates for women in the trades. Together, they provide practical tips and growth strategies, emphasizing the importance of strategic hiring, networking, and fostering positive company culture. This episode is a must-listen for entrepreneurs seeking valuable advice on achieving sustained growth and managing remote teams. Resources And People Mentioned: Connect with Stephanie Allen and Jessica Woodruff Smith on social media to learn more about their experiences in the industry and their involvement with LadyTitans. Consider joining Women in HVACR (WHVACR) and LadyTitans to network and collaborate with other women in the industry. Evaluate your current team members and ensure they are in the right positions for their growth and the success of your business.   This episode is kindly sponsored by Sera (visit their website) CompanyCam (visit their website), UpFrog (visit their website) and Emerson (visit their website). Visit www.companycam.com/SBM and use code SBM for a free 2-week trial, 1:1 training and account setup, and 50% off your first two months! Join the Service Business Mastery Facebook group --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/tershblissett/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/tershblissett/support

In this episode of Service Business Mastery, Tersh and Josh interview two Business Development Representatives from CompanyCam, Claire Ficke and Samantha Petersen, who are passionate about empowering women in various industries, including HVAC, plumbing, roofing, windows, remodeling, and solar. We highlight their experiences attending Women in HVACR events, networking, and sharing knowledge with others. We also talk about how CompanyCam's innovative app simplifies documentation and enhances collaboration for contractors, with a specific emphasis on the importance of photo documentation for project quality and marketing success in the HVACR industry. Resources And People Mentioned: Check out CompanyCam's photo and video documentation software for contractors to improve organization and streamline communication within teams. Explore CompanyCam's features like live time and cloud-based storage, allowing team members to access project information easily. Utilize CompanyCam's user-friendly app to separate professional and personal work on mobile devices. Take advantage of CompanyCam's to-do lists and task management features to ensure technicians complete all necessary steps and document their work. Attend the Women in HVACR conference to network with other professionals in the industry and learn about new tools and strategies for success.   This episode is kindly sponsored by Sera (visit their website) CompanyCam (visit their website), UpFrog (visit their website) and Emerson (visit their website). Visit www.companycam.com/SBM and use code SBM for a free 2-week trial, 1:1 training and account setup, and 50% off your first two months! Join the Service Business Mastery Facebook group --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/tershblissett/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/tershblissett/support

SHOW DESCRIPTION: Introducing Nicole Boyette, an accomplished professional who has carved her niche in the HVAC industry. With her roots in business, Nicole has been exposed to the trades since her childhood, thanks to her grandfather's involvement in refrigeration and her father's heating and air conditioning company. Despite exploring different career paths, including law enforcement and counseling, Nicole found her way back into the HVAC world.   In this episode, hosts Tersh and Josh sit down with Nicole Boyette, the Director of Business Development at HVAC and Plumbing Unlimited. We discuss her background and how she became involved with Women in HVACR, which has allowed her to connect with other women in the trades.    SHOW NOTES   Introducing Nicole Boyette and her story. [1:21] Leaving Family Business. [4:01]  Women in HVACR [7:58]  Overcoming Challenges [11:18] Learning and Implementing Business Principles [12:54] Women in the Trades [13:34] Automation and Business Development [20:31] Communication and Workflow [23:44] Professional Development [24:49] Building a Great Business [25:48] Closing Thoughts [26:41] Shoutouts [27:06] The hosts wrap up the episode [28:56]   Resources And People Mentioned: Apply for Women in HVACR Scholarship: To support women in the trades, consider applying for this scholarship and joining the community for resources and networking opportunities. Attend BDR Spark events: To improve your business skills and learn from industry experts, attend these events and connect with professionals in the field.   This episode is kindly sponsored by Sera (visit their website) CompanyCam (visit their website), UpFrog (visit their website) and Emerson (visit their website). Visit www.companycam.com/SBM and use code SBM for a free 2-week trial, 1:1 training and account setup, and 50% off your first two months! Join the Service Business Mastery Facebook group   --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/tershblissett/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/tershblissett/support

Hosts Tersh Blissett and Josh Crouch welcome Ken Goodrich and Billy Stevens to the Service Business Mastery podcast, where they discuss mergers and acquisitions in the HVAC industry. Goodrich and Stevens, who possess a wealth of experience in the home service sector, offer their insights into the increasing EBITDA multiples and how home service entrepreneurs can benefit from these trends.  The conversation also delves into the importance of cultivating a strong company culture and creating a business model where technicians have opportunities for growth. Additionally, the guests shared their views on leveraging technology to enhance efficiency and profitability. Home service entrepreneurs looking for industry insights and growth strategies should not miss this engaging episode. SHOW NOTES Introducing Ken Goodrich and Billy Stevens [0:00] Ken shares the history of Goettl [06:36]  Ken discusses his past experiences with acquisitions and building businesses. [09:51]  Workforce development [14:49] Taking advantage  [15:32] Increasing efficiency [18: 20] Ken and Billy discuss the importance of marketing in the HVAC industry [21: 18] The Birth of Sera [22: 39] The Myth of Growth [25:20] The Power of Average People [28:20] The Importance of Technology in Business Today [30:38] The Future of Software and Home Service Companies [31:44] Improving Business Efficiency [32:48] The Best Businesses are the Boring Businesses [33:28] The Future of Technology [33: 54]   Resources And People Mentioned: Consider selling your HVAC business if the market conditions are favorable and you have a well-established company with processes and procedures in place. Utilize low-interest rates and SBA loans to acquire other companies and expand your business. Learn from experienced professionals in the industry, such as Ken Goodrich and Billy Stevens, to better understand the strategies and tactics used in successful business  This episode is kindly sponsored by Sera (visit their website) CompanyCam (visit their website), and UpFrog (visit their website) and Emerson (visit their website). Visit www.companycam.com/SBM and use code SBM for a free 2-week trial, 1:1 training and account setup, and 50% off your first two months! Join the Service Business Mastery Facebook group   --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/tershblissett/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/tershblissett/support

SHOW NOTES Cassie Pound and Leslie Harpole are two accomplished women who have made a notable impact in the HVAC and plumbing industries, respectively. Cassie is the co-owner of Quality Heating, Cooling & Plumbing, where she has used her expertise in sales and people management to contribute to the growth of the business. She is a strong advocate for women in the trade industry and is dedicated to inspiring and connecting with others through her podcast and interactions.   Leslie is the owner of Champion Plumbing, a leading company in the Oklahoma City plumbing industry. Her business acumen has helped shape the core values of Champion Plumbing and positioned it for success. Leslie is also committed to giving back to the community and encouraging female entrepreneurs from diverse backgrounds. Both women are inspirations in their trades and are dedicated to making a positive impact.   In this episode, co-hosts Josh Crouch and Tersh Blissett chat with Cassie and Leslie, regarding their unique experiences as female entrepreneurs who have navigated gender-based challenges to grow their businesses.   Cassie and Leslie highlight the importance of a strong support system, seeking guidance, and maintaining a balance between personal and professional life. They further discuss the significance of great company culture, continuous improvement, and learning from setbacks. This episode offers valuable insights for female entrepreneurs looking to achieve HVAC success through support, accountability, and adaptability.   Introducing Cassie Pound and Leslie Harpole [0:46] Daunting Thing about Running a Home Service Company [08:00]  Surviving without a Support System [11:46]  How They Connected [13:07] Culture vs. Leadership [15:38] Insurance and Pollution Exclusions [17:33] Risks and Rewards of Business Ownership [21:53] The Value of Networking [27:06] Balancing Giving Back and Protecting Secrets [29:27] The Reality of Business Ownership [31:01] Finding a Coach [33:11] Be Careful and Check the Facts [35:02] Accountability Groups and the Importance of Focus [37:20] Balancing Business and Identity [41:18] Wrapping Up [44:55]   Resources And People Mentioned:   Connect with Cassie Pound and Leslie Harpole on Facebook and other social media platforms to learn from their experiences in the HVAC industry. Utilize Facebook groups to grow your business and network with others in the industry. This episode is kindly sponsored by Sera (visit their website) CompanyCam (visit their website), UpFrog (visit their website), and Emerson (visit their website). Visit www.companycam.com/SBM and use code SBM for a free 2-week trial, 1:1 training and account setup, and 50% off your first two months! Join the Service Business Mastery Facebook group   --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/tershblissett/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/tershblissett/support

Jeff Plant, a seasoned expert in the contracting industry, is here to share his valuable insights on addressing labor shortages and inefficiency. With years of hands-on experience, Jeff has navigated the challenges faced by service managers and developed effective strategies to improve efficiency in the field. Drawing from his extensive background, he offers a unique perspective on tackling issues such as labor shortages and technician training, making him an invaluable resource for those looking to level up their service departments.  In this episode of Service Business Mastery, Tersh Blisset and Joshua Crouch are joined by Jeff Plant, an expert in business leadership and personal growth, where they talk about artificial intelligence, digital marketing, and search engine optimization.   SHOW NOTES Introducing Jeff Plant. [0:48] The lack of labor and the perception of lack of sales. [1:11]  Training Technician to Sell. [2:08]  Change Technicians’ Mindsets [6:22] Maximizing Service Department Revenue. [9:48] The average ticket takes care of itself. [12:26] Providing Professional Guidance [13:17] Managing Leads and Labor Efficiency [14:22] Labor Management and Efficiency [15:24] Hourly vs. Commission-based Pay [16:40] Career Path and Merit-based Growth [19:06] The importance of connecting with your team [22:02] The five levels of leadership and the first leadership role.[24:41] Jeff's Early Struggles as a Service Manager [26:57] Turning Points in Jeff's Leadership Journey [28:00] The hosts give a shoutout to BDR and recommend their coaching services to other contractors [31:06]   Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast: This episode is kindly sponsored by Sera (visit their website) CompanyCam (visit their website), and UpFrog (visit their website) and Emerson (visit their website). Visit www.companycam.com/SBM and use code SBM for a free 2-week trial, 1:1 training and account setup, and 50% off your first two months! Join the Service Business Mastery Facebook group   Meet the Hosts: Tersh Blissett is a serial entrepreneur who has created and scaled multiple profitable home service businesses in his small town market. He’s dedicated to giving back to the industry that has provided so much for him and his family. Connect with him on LinkedIn. Joshua Crouch has been in the home services industry, specifically HVAC, for 8+ years as an Operations Manager, Branch Manager, Territory Sales Manager and Director of Marketing. He’s also the Founder of Relentless Digital, where their focus is dominating your local market online. Connect with him on LinkedIn.   Tune in to hear the latest and greatest in business services trends on Service Business Mastery on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and our website.    Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Service Business Mastery in your favorite podcast player. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/tershblissett/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/tershblissett/support

When Ruth King and friend set out to find other female technicians in the HVACR industry in 2002, they only found a single Canadian technician. But this discovery was only the beginning of an inspiring journey for Ruth and her organization, Women in HVACR. Through scholarships, mentorship, and ambassador initiatives, they have broken down barriers and given countless women the opportunity to pursue a career in the industry - and they're not done yet. Who knows what unexpected success this organization could achieve next? Women in HVACR started in 2002 with just 10 members, but after 20 years of tireless effort, the organization has grown to over 900 members. Their hard work has paid off, as they have received recognition and funded scholarships for women pursuing a career in HVACR. However, a shocking moment has left the protagonist questioning whether they can continue to make a difference in an industry still plagued by outdated attitudes. What the future holds for Women in HVACR is uncertain, but they remain committed to driving progress and promoting opportunities for women in the industry. If you're feeling frustrated, helpless, and discouraged after taking steps like attending professional conferences, joining industry groups, and networking without seeing any progress toward increased support and opportunities for women in the HVACR industry, then you are not alone! On this episode of the Service Business Mastery podcast, hosts Tersh Blissett and Joshua Crouch interviewed Ruth King, a renowned author in business, leadership, and personal growth. The discussion covered a wide range of topics related to managing a successful and profitable business, including marketing, pricing, and human resources. As the recipient of the Flame of Spirit award, Ruth King shared invaluable insights on navigating the challenges of entrepreneurship, which could be beneficial to anyone looking to make a positive impact in the HVACR industry. In this episode, you will be able to: Discover the possibilities and backing for women in the HVACR arena. Learn from Ruth King's unwavering determination in a predominantly male industry. Explore financial aid opportunities for budding female HVACR experts.  Uncover the advantages of a well-rounded and inclusive work environment. Delve into the significance of male advocates fostering gender parity in HVACR. Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast: Visit the Women in HVACR website at womeninhvacr.org to learn more about the organization, its programs, and how to get involved. Join the Women in HVACR Facebook group for networking, mentorship, and support from other women in the industry. If you're a woman in the HVACR industry or interested in joining, consider attending the annual Women in HVACR conference for valuable insights, networking opportunities, and professional development. This episode is kindly sponsored by Sera (visit their website) CompanyCam (visit their website), and UpFrog (visit their website). Visit www.companycam.com/SBM and use code SBM for a free 2-week trial, 1:1 training and account setup, and 50% off your first two months! Join the Service Business Mastery Facebook group Meet the Hosts: Tersh Blissett is a serial entrepreneur who has created and scaled multiple profitable home service businesses in his small town market. He’s dedicated to giving back to the industry that has provided so much for him and his family. Connect with him on LinkedIn.   Joshua Crouch has been in the home services industry, specifically HVAC, for 8+ years as an Operations Manager, Branch Manager, Territory Sales Manager and Director of Marketing. He’s also the Founder of Relentless Digital, where their focus is dominating your local market online. Connect with him on LinkedIn.   Meet the Guest: Ruth King, CEO of Business Ventures Corporation Ruth King is a renowned business expert whose mission is to impact the lives and businesses of entrepreneurs. With over two decades of experience, she has helped countless business owners achieve their goals through a range of tools and processes that focus on staying profitable. She runs the Profitability Revolution Paradigm, the first internet TV network for small businesses. Her operations manuals are widely recognized for their effectiveness in helping plumbing, HVAC, and other contracting companies grow and sustain profitable businesses.With a focus on solving business problems and staying profitable, she continues to be a leader in the industry. LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/ruthking1/     Tune in to hear the latest and greatest in business services trends on Service Business Mastery on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and our website.     Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Service Business Mastery in your favorite podcast player.   --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/tershblissett/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/tershblissett/support

Leadership is a skill. And like all skills, it can be learned. Sure, some people may possess good leadership skills from the get-go but they’re not impossible to pick up through practice. The trick is to never stop learning.  This is the kind of mindset that Sarah Hammond, President of Atlas Electrical Air Conditioning Refrigeration and Plumbing Services, Inc has consistently applied with her life. When she worked full time for the company in 2008, she had little to no practical knowledge about the company that her father and brother ran all their lives.   But with her strong determination to learn, Sarah learned the ropes and eventually took over as president four years later in 2012. This is the same attitude that she took with her when she realized that there was a lot of room for her to grow her leadership skills. Sarah understood that there was a lot to learn about people, and so she began the journey that would lead her to personality tests.  In this episode of the Service Business Mastery podcast, Sarah shares several nuggets of leadership wisdom with our hosts Tersh and Josh. The trio also talk about the customer disputes, how best to handle them, and the options contractors have in settling them.    In this episode we discuss: How taking this personality test can help you lead better  Good leadership is all about tailoring your approach to different personalities  How the Better Business Bureau can help contractors settle disputes with customers    Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast: This episode is kindly sponsored by Sera (visit their website) CompanyCam (visit their website), and UpFrog (visit their website). Visit www.companycam.com/SBM and use code SBM for a free 2-week trial, 1:1 training and account setup, and 50% off your first two months! Join the Service Business Mastery Facebook group   Meet the Guest: Sarah Hammond is the President of Atlas Electrical Air Conditioning Refrigeration and Plumbing Services, Inc.  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-hammond-atlas/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarah_atlasrgv/ Website: www.atlasrgv.com Email: sarah@atlasrgv.com TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sarahhammondphoenix   Meet the Hosts: Tersh Blissett is a serial entrepreneur who has created and scaled multiple profitable home service businesses in his small town market. He’s dedicated to giving back to the industry that has provided so much for him and his family. Connect with him on LinkedIn. Joshua Crouch has been in the home services industry, specifically HVAC, for 8+ years as an Operations Manager, Branch Manager, Territory Sales Manager and Director of Marketing. He’s also the Founder of Relentless Digital, where their focus is dominating your local market online. Connect with him on LinkedIn.   Tune in to hear the latest and greatest in business services trends on Service Business Mastery on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and our website.    Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Service Business Mastery in your favorite podcast player. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/tershblissett/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/tershblissett/support

The old guard is far from dying out, but the problem is clear: there’s not enough young qualified technicians out there to address the burgeoning demand. If only there was something that contractors could do to encourage more young people to go into the trades, right?   In this episode of the Service Business Mastery, your hosts Tersh and Josh talk to Lenni Diaddario and Dustin Blackstone of Emerson Commercial and Residential Solutions. Our duo from Merson talks about the current efforts of their company to get more young people to learn more about the exciting world of Heating, Ventilation, Airconditioning Refrigeration, and Electrical services.   For Dustin, it’s all about extending a helping hand to schools and talking to students not just in middle school during career day, but also when these kids get into high school and even college. Meanwhile, Lenny emphasizes the need for contractors to help schools design a curriculum that will help students learn about the trades in a way that will not only encourage, but prepare them to take it on as a career.    Our duo also touches on the future of training, especially with the use of virtual reality (VR). With VR technology getting better by the day, contractors can leverage its capabilities to create better technicians and provide a higher level of service to customers.    In this episode we discuss: What’s causing the labor shortage in the trades How contractors can help produce more qualified technicians  Will VR replace face-to-face instruction?   Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast: This episode is kindly sponsored by Sera (visit their website) CompanyCam (visit their website), and UpFrog (visit their website). Visit www.companycam.com/SBM and use code SBM for a free 2-week trial, 1:1 training and account setup, and 50% off your first two months! Join the Service Business Mastery Facebook group   Meet the Hosts: Tersh Blissett is a serial entrepreneur who has created and scaled multiple profitable home service businesses in his small town market. He’s dedicated to giving back to the industry that has provided so much for him and his family. Connect with him on LinkedIn.   Joshua Crouch has been in the home services industry, specifically HVAC, for 8+ years as an Operations Manager, Branch Manager, Territory Sales Manager and Director of Marketing. He’s also the Founder of Relentless Digital, where their focus is dominating your local market online. Connect with him on LinkedIn.   Meet the Guests: Dustin Blackstone LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dustin-blackstone-281902189/    Lenny Diaddario LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lenny-diaddario-8022717a/ You can also reach out to Lenny and Dustine through this link: https://go.climate.emerson.com/SkilledTradesEducator   Tune in to hear the latest and greatest in business services trends on Service Business Mastery on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and our website.     Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Service Business Mastery in your favorite podcast player.   --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/tershblissett/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/tershblissett/support

One of the things that make the HVAC industry unique from other trades is its complexity. It’s common to see two HVAC systems using different parts for the same function, even if they were made by the same company. The problem worsens if a technician has to work with aftermarket parts while still ensuring compatibility. This makes experience and knowledge acquired through years of hands-on work critical, especially for technicians that regularly need to make decisions on the ground.  What makes it even more difficult is the lack of a brand-agnostic database for HVAC systems that technicians can cross reference, making information difficult to access and pass on to the newer technicians with limited experience. This stunts industry growth and frustrates both clients and contractors. This is the problem that Peter Capuciati and his company has addressed with Bluon, a mobile app and support platform designed for HVAC technicians, contractors, suppliers, and distributors.  In this episode of the Service Business Mastery podcast, Tersh and Josh talk to Bluon’s CEO and chairperson Peter Capuciati. Peter shares the story of how attempting to release a new kind of refrigerant opened their eyes to the problems of the industry, and how those realizations resulted in the creation of Bluon.  Peter shares the pain points that every technician faces while working with limited knowledge in the field, and how using Bluon helps alleviate those issues. He also talks about expanding the app’s features to benefit contractors and suppliers to make working in the HVAC industry more efficient and profitable for all.  In this episode we discuss: Developing the largest database of HVAC systems in the world Technicians as the guardians of HVAC innovation  How Bluon got both technicians and suppliers to use their platform    Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast: This episode is kindly sponsored by Sera (visit their website) CompanyCam (visit their website), and UpFrog (visit their website). Visit www.companycam.com/SBM and use code SBM for a free 2-week trial, 1:1 training and account setup, and 50% off your first two months! Join the Service Business Mastery Facebook group   Meet the Hosts: Tersh Blissett is a serial entrepreneur who has created and scaled multiple profitable home service businesses in his small town market. He’s dedicated to giving back to the industry that has provided so much for him and his family. Connect with him on LinkedIn. Joshua Crouch has been in the home services industry, specifically HVAC, for 8+ years as an Operations Manager, Branch Manager, Territory Sales Manager and Director of Marketing. He’s also the Founder of Relentless Digital, where their focus is dominating your local market online. Connect with him on LinkedIn. Meet the Guest: Peter Capuciati is the Chairman and CEO of Bluon, INC. They created and continue to maintain the biggest HVAC database in the world, used by a third of all HVAC technicians in the US. Peter is a serial entrepreneur who found success in commercial real estate, but is a nuclear physicist by training.    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-capuciati-9625b4206/ Tune in to hear the latest and greatest in business services trends on Service Business Mastery on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and our website.   Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Service Business Mastery in your favorite podcast player.   --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/tershblissett/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/tershblissett/support