Nathan Lenahan, co-owner of Bart's Heating and Air, shares how he scaled his HVAC business from $1 million to over $10 million through strategic acquisitions. He dives into the complexities of merging cultures, brand management, and the importance of effective communication during transitions. Nathan discusses the challenges of retaining staff, rethinking compensation structures, and maintaining company values. He also highlights the shift from acquisition-led growth towards organic expansion, providing insights that are crucial for navigating the home service industry.

In this discussion, Luke Weiden, the General Manager at Deljo Heating and Cooling, shares his expertise in cost management and sustainable strategies for home service businesses. He emphasizes the importance of profitability for sustainability and effective expense management. Luke highlights how leadership development and optimizing field efficiency can drive growth. The conversation also covers enhancing operational efficiencies through technology and the critical balance of maintaining high service quality while managing costs.

In this engaging conversation, Chris Bache, CEO of Hatch, shares his expertise on integrating AI into customer service for home service businesses. He discusses how Hatch has evolved from a small startup to a market leader, helping over 2000 businesses improve their engagement. The importance of quick follow-ups, personalized messaging, and compliance in automated communications is explored. Chris also highlights success stories and offers insights into leveraging AI for sustained business growth, showcasing its role in enhancing both customer interaction and operational efficiency.

Justin Deese, a partner at Leap Partners and former plumbing business owner, shares invaluable insights on selling home service businesses. He emphasizes understanding financial performance and maintaining company culture during acquisitions. The discussion highlights the significance of a collaborative approach for former owners transitioning into shareholder roles. Strategies for successful growth in recession-resistant industries, as well as leveraging AI for efficiency, are explored, offering practical advice for current and aspiring business owners.

Sam Preston, CEO of Service Scalers, shares his expertise on maximizing marketing ROI for home service businesses. He discusses how to track lead sources effectively and the importance of a well-optimized website over a flashy one. Sam emphasizes the power of SEO and Google Ads in driving qualified leads, while revealing strategies that fueled his company’s explosive growth. He also covers measuring marketing performance, managing costs per lead, and adapting to Google's evolving landscape, ensuring businesses can scale efficiently.

Aaron Gaynor, founder of Eco Plumbers, shares his incredible journey from bankruptcy to building a $75 million home service business. He stresses the importance of having a bold vision and focusing on one trade initially. The conversation dives into the critical role of customer reviews and social validation, as well as the value of strong vendor relationships. Gaynor also highlights the significance of mastering one service before expansion and discusses strategies for navigating competitive markets.

Ellen Rohr, a plumbing entrepreneur and business consultant known for her roles at Zoom Drain and ServiceTitan, shares her journey from plumbing to business success. She delves into the transformative power of open book management and how financial transparency can elevate team morale. Ellen discusses strategic pricing and its role in overcoming debt, alongside practical advice for tracking financial metrics in the trades. Her insights on leadership and aligning personal and business goals are a must for anyone looking to thrive in service industries.

Jon Matzner, Founder of Sagan, discusses the revolutionary impact of global talent on business operations. He highlights how hiring overseas isn't just about cost savings but about enhancing efficiency and service delivery. The conversation dives into the evolution of Sagan’s system, emphasizing the interplay of remote work and automation. Matzner also explores the role of AI in business processes and strategies for optimizing workforce structures in the HVAC sector. His insights on decentralized leadership and innovative talent acquisition approaches are truly enlightening.

In this episode, Jack is flying solo and speaks with Rory Tyer, a new owner of an independent garden center in South Carolina, about his journey in entrepreneurship through acquisition. Rory shares his experiences and challenges in acquiring and operating a local nursery, discussing factors such as location, customer demographics, and the dynamics of retail vs. wholesale businesses. The conversation also touches on the significant learning curve, managing inventory, and engaging in new marketing strategies such as an SP club and local school partnerships. Thanks to Our Sponsor Supply House Need parts fast? Supply House Dot Com is fast, reliable, offers easy returns, and has a huge inventory of parts and supplies so that you're waiting less. Take a look at their TradeMaster program and start getting perks now!Episode Hosts: 🎤John Wilson: @WilsonCompanies on XJack Carr: @TheHVACJack on XEpisode Guest:Rory Tyer: @rorytyer on TwitterLearn more about Sagan Passport and what it can do for your business hiring needsContact Owned and Operated: info@ownedandoperated.com Visit the website for more information 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

In this episode of Owned and Operated, John explains the world of home service business growth with CEO Peter Lohmann, focusing on how branding can serve as a powerful lead-generation tool. John and Peter explore the journey of scaling a home service company, including the challenges, insights, and opportunities that come with driving marketing efforts and building operational efficiency.Key takeaways from this episode include the critical role that marketing and branding play in generating leads, the importance of optimizing call centers, and how to scale operations efficiently. John also emphasizes the value of finding the right people to solve specific problems in the business, which can unlock massive growth potential.Special Thanks to Avoca AI Coaching and TrainingLooking to train your call center and technicians back on their calls? Get better performance today with the power of Avoca AI, as your staff learns their pain points and improves end-to-end. We have a special promo code available if you schedule now: ‘OWNED’.Click here to schedule your demo today.Episode Hosts: 🎤John Wilson: @WilsonCompanies on XJack Carr: @TheHVACJack on XEpisode Guest:Peter Lohmann: @pslohmann on TwitterMore about Peter Here: (peterlohmann.com)Subscribe to Peter’s free property management newsletter(https://peter.beehiiv.com/subscribe)Peter’s RL property management: (https://rlpmg.com)Turn communication into conversion with Hatch and its AI Agents, ready to handle follow-ups, reminders, email blasts, and more for your home service business. Save employee hours and book more leads with the power of Hatch.Learn More About Hatch HereContact Owned and Operated: info@ownedandoperated.com Visit the website for more information 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