Owned and Operated - A Plumbing, Electrical, and HVAC Business Growth Podcast
John Wilson
The Owned and Operated electrical, HVAC, and plumbing business growth podcast is hosted by John Wilson and Jack Carr. These two Home Service Business owners bring you weekly podcasts and daily content with multiple perspectives, actionable advice, and info on an ever-changing industry revolving around advertising, lead generation, and more. Join us every Tuesday for topical conversations that unlock the potential for your business growth. Covering topics from top-tier talent recruitment to mastering marketing strategies and scaling your home service business, the podcast aims to be your guide on the path to entrepreneurial success.For more information, visit www.ownedandoperated.com.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Oct 2, 2025 • 1h 25min
#247 LEGENDS | The $1.2B Contractor: How Kelso Built a Billion-Dollar Empire
Steve Carroll, Founder and CEO of Kelso Industries, shares his journey of scaling the company to a massive $1.1–$1.2B by leveraging acquisitions and a decentralized model. He explains the strategic Kelso flywheel that starts with construction and expands into maintenance and service. Topics include how to balance centralization with empowering local leaders, the importance of leadership pipelines, and adapting to market demands, particularly in data centers. Carroll emphasizes a partnership approach that respects local teams while driving growth.
Sep 30, 2025 • 23min
#246 From $700K to $30 Million With Multiple Locations!
Rich Jordan, founder and operator, shares his journey of scaling a trades business from $700K to over $30M in just five years. He discusses the challenges of multi-location integration, revealing how they changed strategies on call center centralization. Rich highlights the importance of leadership development and cultural alignment post-acquisition, emphasizing rapid feedback and frontline engagement. He also shares insights on recruiting leaders from the trades and military, as well as the balance between speed and risk in operations.
5 snips
Sep 25, 2025 • 26min
#245 4 Sales Team Training Secrets Top Businesses Use Daily
In this engaging conversation, Jack Carr, the founder of Rapid Response Plumbing, shares his insights on building high-performing sales teams. Discover the four critical steps to successful sales training: establishing a consistent process, implementing regular training, utilizing visible metrics, and the importance of accountability. Jack discusses how these strategies fueled his business's rapid growth and how gamifying performance keeps team members motivated. Tune in for practical tips that could transform your sales approach!
Sep 23, 2025 • 21min
#244 How to Hire the PERFECT Employee Every Time
Jack Carr, founder of Jackquisitions and expert hiring advisor for contractors, joins to share a practical 4-step playbook for hiring top talent. They emphasize treating hiring like marketing, enhancing job postings, and ensuring perks attract the right candidates. Jack explains the importance of tight role scoping, realistic compensation, and clear KPIs for success. They also delve into matching personality to roles through scenario-based interviews, highlighting how these strategies reduce callbacks and improve team dynamics.
10 snips
Sep 18, 2025 • 37min
#243 Home Service Contractors: Stop Overpaying for Parts!
Jen Laughlin, an executive at WeSupplyTrades, shares valuable insights on saving material costs for HVAC and plumbing contractors. They discuss the power of exclusive brands that protect margins while maintaining quality. Jen reveals strategies for fast parts access, especially for rural contractors, and the importance of building trust with suppliers. They also cover the need for SKU audits and bulk discounts, emphasizing the significance of diversifying suppliers to maximize savings and efficiency in the industry.
Sep 16, 2025 • 22min
#242 What Every Contractor Needs to Know to Make the Jump to CEO
Jack Carr, CEO of Rapid Plumbing and HVAC, shares his journey from contractor to CEO with insights from years of experience. He discusses the critical transition stages and pitfalls that can trap business owners in 'owner's hell.' Listeners learn about the differences between a founder and a CEO, the importance of effective delegation, and strategies for expanding from a single to multi-location operation. Jack highlights how structured management and clear processes are essential for sustainable growth and overcoming leadership challenges.
4 snips
Sep 11, 2025 • 23min
#241 What Would YOU Do With $1,000,000 in Marketing?
In this discussion, Ethan Wright from Service Scalers, a digital marketing agency specializing in home service growth, joins John Wilson to tackle the intriguing question of maximizing a million-dollar marketing budget. They emphasize prioritizing lead generation and discuss the breakdown between demand capture and generation. The duo warns against spreading budgets too thin and highlights the importance of focusing on a few proven channels. Listeners will gain insights into budget allocation strategies and discover the vital interplay between brand marketing and lead management.
Sep 9, 2025 • 27min
#240 3 Marketing Mistakes That Keep Contractors Stuck Under $10M
Ethan Wright, a growth strategist from Service Scalers, joins to uncover the three critical marketing mistakes service companies make that stifle growth. He explains how chasing leads can lead to confusion and reveals the importance of understanding booking rates and ROI. Ethan discusses effective budget management and highlights the power of optimizing Google Business Profiles and leveraging customer reviews. Discover practical strategies for scaling past $10 million with smart marketing decisions and a data-driven approach.
11 snips
Sep 4, 2025 • 18min
#239 How To Make Your Business Grow FAST
Join John Wilson and Jack Carr as they unveil the secrets to smashing through the $10 million growth barrier in home services. Discover why the right leads, a strong sales team, and effective recruitment are your golden tickets. Learn how employee incentives can boost performance and why a solid infrastructure won't substitute for core business fundamentals. Jack shares insights from his own journey, offering practical strategies to spark consistent demand and foster rapid, efficient growth.
Sep 2, 2025 • 22min
#238 Are You Making This BIG Marketing Mistake?
The podcast dives into the challenges of lead generation for contractors in 2025, highlighting unpredictable weather and rising digital costs. It promotes consistency in marketing while answering crucial questions: Why you? Why now? How can I afford you? The discussion also covers the Zero Moment of Truth, stressing the significance of consumer research. Plus, it explores SEO changes influenced by AI and provides strategies for maintaining market share during tough times, ensuring businesses are well-prepared for 2026.
