The Fire Time Podcast
Tim Reed
Are you tired of presentations that are only half relevant to your business? Many speakers are not practitioners of their material, simply teachers—not so with The Fire Time Podcast. This podcast is for the hearth industry and by the hearth industry. Host Tim Reed has over a decade of experience in the hearth industry, making conversations with guests relevant and extremely practical. In Season One, Tim speaks with twelve hearth industry leaders and provides content relevant to any position, whether on the retail or manufacturing side. Hearth companies everywhere are lost because the landscape of business has changed dramatically in the last ten years. They are trying hard, but they just don’t know what to do. The Fire Time Podcast equips hearth companies to win by sharing ideas and innovation from the best minds in our industry. This podcast will give you the tools to move the needle in your company and win in the changing landscape. This podcast is the first of its kind—specific to the business that you work in every day and simple enough to teach you what’s needed to succeed. Do not miss out on The Fire Time Podcast, available for Apple and Droid devices or at www.itsfiretime.com/podcast. The simple and repeatable steps provided will empower you to grow the bottom line of your company and inspire the team that you lead. ABOUT: Tim Reed is the Retail Sales Leader at Fireside Home Solutions in the Pacific Northwest where he helps his team members make it so stupidly easy to buy from them that there is no excuse not to. Starting as individual salesperson in an empty warehouse, he has grown Fireside’s Retail division by millions (after cutting his marketing budget by 90%). Tim has been invited all over the country to teach companies how to market effectively to their customers and sell more than ever before. His YouTube videos, sales blog, and “Fire Time Podcast” have become a resource for the industry and are actively helping thousands of people rethink their paradigms so that they can grow their businesses in the changing landscape. Tim learned “just enough to be dangerous” about sales, marketing, web development, and leadership from years of playing guitar in a failing punk band—which he swears has uniquely qualified him for his job today. Now considered one of the most innovative minds and compelling communicators in the industry, Tim uses his platform to serve others, helping them create clear messages that are wildly compelling to their audiences. Tim lives in Portland, Oregon with his wife, Jessica, two children, Olivia and Luke, and his 90 pound Golden Retriever, Walter. He still plays guitar in a failing punk band. CONTACT: tim@itsfiretime.com | www.itsfiretime.com
Episodes
Mentioned books
Jun 1, 2021 • 51min
Robert Bryce - The Perils of Trying to Electrify Everything
With a heavy governmental push to reduce our carbon footprint, many individuals believe that a renewably powered grid and electrifying everything is the end-all solution. Yet, the implications of such a shift often are overlooked. For example, what happens when wind and solar can’t generate enough energy to meet demand—is completely removing natural gas from our grid that good of an idea after all?These questions, along with others, are answered in today’s episode. Tim sits down with Robert Bryce, an Author and Filmmaker who covers all things energy, and is also the host of the refreshing, Power Hungry Podcast. If anyone is an expert on the future of energy, it’s Robert. In this episode you will learn:
What we as an industry need to know when it comes to gas bans (and how becoming informed will allow us to unite and stand up for the solution)
Why equity and affordability—the most overlooked factors when it comes to electrification—need to be brought up (accounting for lower-income individuals is crucial in understanding the pain points in transitioning to an electrified nation)
How having fuel diversity is more practical and reliable than a solely renewable grid (this will prevent future blackouts similar to that of Texas)
As an industry, we need to stop viewing bans as the reason we close our doors, and instead take responsibility for where we are, and stand up for where we want to go. Listen today to gain valuable insight into the future of energy and the benefits of keeping natural gas around. This Blizzard Exposes The Perils Of Attempting To ‘Electrify Everything’Check out The Power Hungry PodcastPower Hungry Podcast: John Harpole - President of Mercator Energy, on the Texas Blackouts and Why Natural Gas is a Strategic FuelVisit Robert’s WebsiteSupport The Fire Time Podcast financiallyClick here to join The Fire Time Network
May 25, 2021 • 55min
Jon Fox - How to Gain Traction in Your Business
Your business is like a boat—if all your team members are not paddling in the same direction, you are getting nowhere. Understanding how to have company-wide clarity regarding where you want to go is critical if you want to operate effectively.Today, Tim sits down with Jon Fox of Vital Consulting to outline the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS), a framework created by Gino Wickman, designed to help business leaders overcome problems and execute what needs to be done within a business.In this episode you will learn:
The six systems that EOS lines out for running a successful company (this is gold)
How making expectations clear to your team will align them around you like never before (and thin the herd of anyone who shouldn't be there)
Why learning to optimize before you maximize is the key to longevity (this is easier said than done)
Too many businesses go day in and day out operating without any sense direction. As a result, team members are unmotivated, and productivity is limited—but it doesn’t have to be that way. By putting the EOS System to work in your business, you can begin to understand where it is that you want to go and just how to gain traction to get there. Listen today to get moving.Click here to buy Traction by Gino WickmanClick here to view the EOS Traction WheelContact Jon: jon@vitlconsulting.comVITL Consulting Support The Fire Time Podcast financiallyClick here to join The Fire Time Network
May 18, 2021 • 54min
Grant Falco - Moving Your Company From Analog to Digital
Most businesses will say, “but we've always done it that way”, to avoid making changing that are difficult and scary—especially when it come to replacing analog systems with digital in their business. Failing to take seriously the impact of going digital will cripple your business in the coming years as the market continues to change. Today, Tim sits down with his good friend and business partner, Grant Falco (owner of Falco’s and co-founder of The Fire Time Network), to discuss some basic digital tools that will help a business run more efficiently.In this episode you will learn:
Why you should transfer everything to a digital calendar (you won’t believe how much more efficient this will make your team)
How using Google Drive across your company will allow everyone to be more organized than ever (it’s free and easy to use)
What investing in a Point of Sale (POS) system means for tracking and understanding your inventory (this can grow your bottom line like you've never imagined)
By not going digital, you’re missing out on the ability to track and record—two things that are huge in scaling your business and having more time to do the things you enjoy. Creating digital tools for your business is easier than ever, so why wait? Listen to this episode to become familiar with what tool should come first for your business. To get ahold of the GoogleSheets CRM that Tim discussed in this episode. Send an email to: tim@itsfiretime.comClick here to check out CanvaSupport The Fire Time Podcast financiallyClick here to join The Fire Time Network
May 11, 2021 • 51min
Tim Reed - 3 Books You Need to Read—Now
If you're a leader, then you know that growing yourself is the only way to grow other people—and reading is imperative to do just that.In this episode, Tim sits down to share three books he’s read in 2021 that have brought him serious value and changed how he views certain aspects of modern-day business. The three books discussed are:
Beyond Entrepreneurship 2.0 by Jim Collins & Bill Lazier — An updated version of the legendary Jim Collins book that has heavily influenced the business community. A must-read if you have your own business or are looking to start one.
The Four Hour Work Week by Timothy Ferriss — You have a bigger purpose in life, and your business should empower you to live out that purpose. This book is a step-by-step guide to get you the lifestyle you’ve always wanted.
Profit First by Mike Michalowicz — Many businesses don’t know if they’re losing or making money as they rely purely on having money in one checking account. This book suggests a framework for managing your money, so you know exactly how much you’re bringing in at all times.
No one has it all figured out and, the truth is, everyone needs help finding that next step. This episode will help you get the best out of these books so that you can grow your company faster than before. Listen today to learn more.Support The Fire Time Podcast financiallyClick here to join The Fire Time Network
May 4, 2021 • 42min
Phil Connor - Find Your Fire Power
In a world where negativity dominates the headlines, remaining positive can be challenging. However most people miss that intentionally surrounding yourself with the right things will allow you to unlock an internal firepower. Today, Tim talks with Phil Connor (CEO | Ignition Laboratories), a regular contributor to The Fire Time Magazine with his powerful “Firepower with Phil Connor” column. In this episode, the primary focus is Phils’s genius PIVOT model, as seen in the most recent publications of the magazine. By the end of this episode you will have learned:
What each letter in the PIVOT acronym stands for and how you can implement it into your own life (this is huge for staying positive when it’s so easy to be negative)
How utilizing The Personal Combustion Triangle can supercharge your personal success (you can learn all of the skills that you need)
Why we as an industry MUST come together and communicate if we want to survive (we need to reconnect with why we sell out products)
Waking up every morning with a negative view of our world won't get you anywhere. Instead, channeling positivity through a lens like Phil’s PIVOT model will allow you to see that there is purpose in what you do. Listen to this episode to learn how you can live a more positive, purposeful life.Support The Fire Time Podcast financiallyClick here to join The Fire Time Network
Apr 27, 2021 • 42min
Julie Keyes - Poised for Exit
Business owners work too hard to see their company sell for nothing when it's time to retire. Unfortunately, this happens all the time because they don’t take the steps needed to prepare to get ready.Today, Tim talks with Julie Keyes, the owner of Keyes Strategies and author of Poised for Exit, to discuss the best practices and options for business owners when preparing to sell or step away from their business. In this episode you will learn:
Why you should practice your exit before it's time (this is the key to maximizing your business legacy).
How, in some cases, not selling your business is the right answer (and you can still step away to enjoy your life).
The pros and cons between an internal and external sale (and how to go about each).
At the end of the day, relying on hope to eventually get out of your business will accomplish nothing. Instead, you can start planning today, create systems that will carry on long after you, and sell your business for the profit you deserve. Checkout the Business Transition Readiness CourseBuy Julie’s Book, Poised for ExitBuy Christopher Snider’s Book, Walking to DestinyBuy John Warrillow’s Book, Built to SellSupport The Fire Time Podcast financiallyClick here to join The Fire Time Network
Apr 20, 2021 • 45min
Troy Olsen - Adapt or Die
When a challenging conversation has to be had with a customer, salespeople often struggle to be honest out of fear it won’t sit well on the receiving end. As the marketplace rapidly evolves, continuing to skew details to please customers is a practice you must eliminate. Now more than ever is the time for your business to adapt…In today’s episode, Tim talks with Troy Olsen of Napoleon Fireplace about how the pandemic has caused drastic changes and innovations within our industry. Troy is an industry veteran who has watched so much growth over the past 25 years, making a valuable perspective on our current circumstances.In this episode you will learn:
Why honesty is the greatest form of intelligence when working with competitors and customers (we need more of this).
How changing your business’s identity to better align with your market conditions is crucial to maximizing success (being stuck in the same practices gets you nowhere).
The ultimate phrasing to deliver a hard message to someone (you are not going to want to miss this).
Although it may be hard to let go of practices that worked for so many years, embracing change within your business is essential in achieving success within our quickly changing industry. Listen today to learn how you can modernize how your business approaches the future. Support The Fire Time Podcast financiallyClick here to join The Fire Time Network
Apr 13, 2021 • 52min
Peter Parsons - The Passion of the Sale
When customers walk into a showroom, they aren't looking for the smartest person in the room—they’re looking for someone who will listen. Showing that you care about them and their situation before trying to sell them something is critical to maximizing your business's success.Today Tim sits down with Peter Parsons, the owner of Tin Man Inc., to discuss how Peter’s passion and excitement for his customers—and products—has made up for other things that can go wrong in a business.In this episode you will learn:
Why having passion and excitement can give you a leg up and build instant trust (this energy is contagious with customers).
Why you should be giving your employees products for their own homes (this is powerful if you want team members with passion).
How a customer’s entire purchase is based on emotions first (and practicality second).
Don't let years of service drain the passion that you have for your business—your team will follow the example you set. As you pave the way, and create opportunities for team members to stoke their own passion (like installing the products that they sell in their own homes) you'll find that they are able to create an amazing customer experience. This experience will win in the market because it is based on experiential knowledge—and not a manufacturer's brochure. This episode will help you remember what you first loved about the industry and how it can be passed on to others.Support The Fire Time Podcast financiallyClick here to join The Fire Time Network
Apr 6, 2021 • 51min
Jenna Guldin - The Right Seat on the Bus
If one of your best salespeople requested time off in the middle of peak season, would you give it to them? Often, this vacation time is not granted, and your salesperson is bummed out over peak season. Your business shouldn’t be run this way. Having flexibility with your team members is key to having a team that is filled with drive and passion. In today’s episode, Tim sits down with Jenna Guldin of Salter’s Fireplace & Outdoor Living. Much like Tim, Jenna is of the younger millennial generation, making her a great guest to discuss things that matter in the workplace today. In this episode you will learn:
Why putting team members in positions where they can utilize their strengths is crucial to them staying with your company (you don’t want your team to not enjoy what they do).
How getting rid of team member that doesn't fit can't be put off (this affects your business much more than you think).
What to understand when deciding to hire a millennial (they are not as bad as you think—but they are different).
Taking time to make sure your team members are in the right seats on the bus is something that every leader needs to do regularly. Team members are not numbers, and all have their strengths that should be utilized. Listen today to learn how you can become the leader of a team that loves what they do, and goes to the wall for your company over and over again. Click to purchase Good to Great by Jim CollinsSupport The Fire Time Podcast financiallyClick here to join The Fire Time Network
Mar 30, 2021 • 48min
Justin Sundset - The Bias Against Electric Fireplaces
On a global scale, many governments are implementing new bans preventing combustion fireplaces from being installed in new homes. With this on the radar, business owners in our industry are naturally worried about the future of their companies. This doesn’t have to be the case—if you're willing to take on electric fireplaces.In today’s episode, Tim sits down with Justin Sundset of Dimplex, to discuss his take on our industry’s future. Justin acknowledges an inherent bias that many industry professionals have against electric fireplaces—none of which are based on the facts. In this episode you will learn:
How the market for electric fireplaces is bigger than all combustion fireplaces combined (you are missing out on customers by ignoring this).
What your storefront offers that the internet does not (and how this makes selling electric fireplaces easier).
Why not having electric fireplaces on display pushes your customers to go check out competitors (they hardly take up any space—there is no reason not to).
Viewing electric as another facet of your business—rather than a replacement for combustion models—will benefit you in more ways than not. Preparing for a future where combustion fireplaces are thin and few might sound like an unappealing challenging task, however, adding electric to your arsenal is easier than you think. If you've been struggling on how to attack electric fireplaces in your market, listen today.Support The Fire Time Podcast financiallyClick here to join The Fire Time Network
