Owned and Operated - A Plumbing, Electrical, and HVAC Business Growth Podcast

Peter De Baptiste, owner of Joe Cole Plumbing, shares his entrepreneurial journey from banking to acquiring home service businesses. He dives into the exciting, often underrated tier two and three opportunities in the HVAC and turf installation sectors. Peter discusses the unique challenges and scalability of these niche industries while revealing effective strategies for navigating small business acquisitions. He emphasizes the importance of marketing and the operational dynamics that influence customer satisfaction and long-term growth potential.

Jesse Reyes from Wilson Companies joins to discuss the exciting intersection of e-commerce and the trades. They explore selling big-ticket items like HVAC systems online and share lessons learned from setting up e-commerce platforms. Insights include the impact of AI on customer engagement, the importance of transparent pricing, and the effectiveness of late-night buying behaviors. The conversation dives into advertising strategies, lead generation techniques, and how to optimize the online sales journey in the home services industry.

Discover the incredible journey of two founders who scaled their home services business to $174 million in just three years. They share the secrets behind their rapid growth, including innovative hiring practices and pioneering products. Learn how they transformed their operations with streamlined bathroom remodeling services that deliver quality in just one day. The podcast dives into the importance of effective lead generation and the revolutionary partnerships that propelled their success. Get ready for actionable insights and real-world strategies!

Don’t Fall for the Buyer’s Trap: Why No-Marketing Businesses Aren’t Easy Wins In this episode of Jackquisitions, we dive into a common pitfall many first-time buyers fall for—the belief that a business with little or no marketing is a “goldmine” just waiting to be unlocked. Spoiler: it’s not that simple. Using the tongue-in-cheek example of an underwater basket weaving business, we break down the real costs of building out a marketing engine from scratch.Jack unpacks the "buyer’s trap": the dangerous assumption that adding marketing will instantly generate revenue. In reality, successful marketing requires time, capital, and deep strategic focus—and that investment often erodes the profit margins buyers were initially excited about. Instead of chasing fixer-uppers, Jack recommends targeting businesses with established marketing systems already in place. It’s about buying stability, not a project.Whether you're just starting your acquisition journey or knee-deep in LOIs, this episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to grow through home service business acquisitions without overextending financially.🚨 In This Episode, We Cover:🔹 Why “just add marketing” is a flawed growth plan 🔹 The hidden costs of launching marketing from zero 🔹 Avoiding the buyer’s trap and protecting your upside 🔹 How to evaluate marketing systems before buying 🔹 Real-world examples (including underwater basket weaving) 🔹 Jack’s criteria for choosing scalable, stable businesses🎙️ Episode Host 🗣️ Jack [@theHVACJack]💼 Special Thanks to First Internet Bank! Looking to buy or expand a business? First Internet Bank is a National Preferred SBA lender specializing in acquisitions for the skilled trades. Their SBA loan program offers up to 90% financing for business acquisitions, partner buyouts, and commercial real estate—plus optional lines of credit to fuel future growth. Unlike traditional lenders, they take a “how can we” approach, making deals happen for both first-time buyers and experienced operators.👉 Special Offer: Mention Owned and Operated for a reduced good faith deposit and a complimentary deal review + buyside prequalification.Connect with Alan Peterson from First Internet Bank here to get started 📢 Enjoyed the episode? ✅ Like, Comment & Subscribe for unfiltered insights on building in the blue-collar space.📌 Disclaimer:Some links may include UTM parameters for tracking. Episodes may feature paid sponsors, but all opinions are our own. Always do your own research before making business decisions.Send Us Mail!More Ways To Connect with O&O John's YouTube Channel Weekly Newsletter Leave a Review John Wilson, CEO of Wilson CompaniesJack Carr, CEO of Rapid HVAC📌 Disclaimer:Some links may include UTM parameters for tracking. Episodes may feature paid sponsors, but all opinions are our own. Always do your own research before making business decisions.

Sam Preston, CEO of Service Scalers, shares invaluable insights on marketing for home service businesses. He highlights the importance of prioritizing Google Ads, Local Service Ads, and SEO, while cautioning against wasting budgets on traditional media too soon. Discussed are the differences between capturing and creating demand, as well as the pitfalls of hiring marketing managers too early. Sam emphasizes the need for strategic budget allocation and effective vendor management to drive growth, providing real-world examples of successful marketing strategies.

Struggling to attract and retain top talent? Discover innovative recruiting strategies that treat hiring like a sales pipeline. Learn how to create an appealing company culture and use incentives like trips and bonuses to motivate your team. Explore the importance of proper branding and infrastructure in attracting skilled workers. Gain insights into overcoming staffing challenges, particularly in customer service, while optimizing software solutions for your business needs.

Elias Youssef, a 24-year-old entrepreneur from Denver, dives into the world of business acquisitions, sharing his inspiring transition from selling appliances to owning a booming plumbing company. He reveals his strategies for sourcing deals through cold calling and emphasizes the value of mentorship. Discussing the importance of perseverance, he highlights challenges faced by small contractors and how innovative financing helped turn around a struggling business. Elias also balances the dynamics of scaling through acquisitions and organic growth in the competitive home service industry.

Artificial intelligence is revolutionizing customer service in home services like plumbing and HVAC. The discussion reveals how AI handles calls 24/7, improves lead conversion, and reduces costs for businesses ranging from $2M to $100M. Real-life success stories illustrate its impact, emphasizing the balance between AI efficiency and human oversight. Strategies for gradual AI adoption, such as refining workflows and using in-field coaching tools, show how companies can scale effectively. It's an exciting glimpse into the future of operational excellence!

Discover proven strategies to grow your plumbing business! The hosts outline core pillars such as leads, sales, and fulfillment essential for scaling. Learn how to tighten pricing for better profitability and the significance of dedicated roles for enhanced performance. Explore the challenges of training teams and the importance of AI technology in improving operational efficiency. Delve into sales complexities, customer communication tactics, and the metrics crucial for success in the plumbing industry.

Chris Barr, an experienced operator known for his journey in small business acquisitions, shares invaluable insights on buying and scaling operations. He discusses effective cold call strategies and the importance of personal branding in standing out to brokers. The conversation highlights real-world stories from pool cleaning to art framing, showcasing the art of negotiation and building trust with sellers. Chris emphasizes navigating deal terms and due diligence while revealing that authentic connections are key to successful transactions in a crowded market.