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 14, 2025 • 58min
Start or Buy a Business? One Founder’s Surprising Answer
In this insightful chat, Tyler Griffin, the founder of Swift Pro Heating, Cooling & Plumbing, shares his journey of building a thriving HVAC and plumbing startup in Washington, D.C. After selling his previous business, he took a six-month break before launching from scratch. Tyler discusses why starting fresh can outpace expensive acquisitions, emphasizes the importance of vendor partnerships, and reveals his strategies for scaling quickly, including prioritizing reviews and leveraging Angie Ads. He also explains how to cultivate a winning culture and promote talent from within.
11 snips
Oct 9, 2025 • 59min
#249 How to Build a National Septic Pumping Empire (The 2025 Playbook)
Micah Findley, co-founder of HomeField and expert in scaling field-service businesses, dives into the often-overlooked septic pumping industry. He discusses how to build a national brand, the impact of COVID on market dynamics, and the importance of service agreements for stabilizing cash flow. Micah shares insights on pricing strategies, operational challenges like dump waits, and how technology transforms the industry. He emphasizes the need for multiple service lines beyond pumping and the role of marketing in capturing local visibility. This is a deep dive into thriving in a niche business!
Oct 8, 2025 • 52min
How to Build, Scale, and Sell a Security or Fire Protection Business
Collin Trimble and Steven Ullman, co-founders of Alarm Masters, share their journey of scaling their security firm from under $2M to over $6M. They delve into the three revenue pillars—install, service, and recurring revenue—and discuss the significance of acquiring monitoring accounts for future projects. Tips like the coffee/taco drop strategy reveal innovative ways to enhance customer loyalty and cross-sell services. They also explore M&A strategies, hiring operations leaders, and the competitive landscape of the security industry.
10 snips
Oct 7, 2025 • 22min
#248 Inside the $150M Operator Playbook: How Sierra Scaled Fast
RJ Magee, an executive at Sierra, shares insights on scaling trades businesses through strategic acquisitions. He reveals how Sierra grew to six companies across five states and discusses the centralization of shared services while allowing localized control. Tyson Chen from Avoca AI elaborates on their AI technology, revolutionizing call centers by booking jobs and integrating seamlessly with ServiceTitan. Together, they explore the importance of embracing technology in the trades, overcoming AI anxiety, and driving cultural change within teams.
13 snips
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.
18 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.
