

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

11 snips
Aug 7, 2025 • 34min
#231 How AI Will Change Home Service Marketing Forever
Sam Preston, CEO of Service Scalers, reveals how AI is fundamentally transforming local search for home service businesses. He discusses the urgent need for HVAC, plumbing, and service operators to adapt their marketing strategies or risk becoming obsolete. Preston emphasizes the significance of SEO, Google Business Profiles, and quality reviews in the AI-driven landscape. Listeners learn about AI tools like ChatGPT and their impact on marketing effectiveness, customer engagement, and operational efficiencies that can set businesses apart in a competitive market.

5 snips
Aug 6, 2025 • 3min
Double Your Profit Day #6 80/20 Rule: The Secret to Explosive Business Growth
Unlock the secrets of the 80/20 rule, where 80% of profits come from just 20% of your efforts! Discover how to streamline your focus by eliminating low-margin services and unproductive customers. Learn to identify which departments are draining cash and find case studies showcasing businesses that doubled their profits by simplifying operations. This insightful discussion offers a repeatable framework for cutting waste and maximizing revenue, ensuring you can scale your business effectively!

Aug 5, 2025 • 4min
Double Your Profit Day #5 Can Zero-Based Budgeting Save Your Business Money?
Discover how zero-based budgeting can transform your business finances by starting budget planning from scratch. Learn why it's essential to justify every expense and align them with profitability. Explore practical tips for cutting overhead costs and improving cash flow while focusing on your biggest expenses first. This method redefines budgeting by ignoring last year’s numbers, promising significant savings and a clearer path to growth for service-based businesses.

Aug 5, 2025 • 48min
#230 Is Buying Businesses Overhyped? Why You Should Build Instead
In a refreshing take on growth strategies, the hosts argue against chasing the retiring baby boomer market. They emphasize the value of building rather than buying businesses, discussing their ambitious plans for 2026 and beyond. Learn about the pitfalls of acquisitions and how strong leadership is crucial for scaling operations. The discussion highlights the benefits of strategic partnerships and the importance of navigating market seasonality. With insights on Midwest expansion and innovative tactics, this is a must-listen for savvy operators.

4 snips
Aug 4, 2025 • 3min
Double Your Profit Day #4 Non-Negotiable Budgets = Real Results
Discover how strict, non-negotiable budgets can transform home service businesses into profit powerhouses. Learn why adhering to exact dollar limits fosters financial discipline and accountability. Tight budgets spark creativity and innovation, allowing smaller companies to thrive. When every dollar is prioritized, teams shift their focus from convenience to strategic spending. It’s about saying yes to what truly matters—real results follow financial discipline!

4 snips
Aug 3, 2025 • 5min
Double Your Profit Day #3 Slash Costs and Maximize Profit with a Lean Business Culture
Learn how to quickly cut costs without jeopardizing your operations while fostering a lean business culture. Discover the benefits of zero-based budgeting and identify expenses that no longer yield a return on investment. The podcast emphasizes empowering managers to make smart budget decisions and aligning your team with cost-conscious growth. Get ready to transform your home service business and boost profits!

9 snips
Aug 2, 2025 • 4min
Double Your Profit Day #2 Cut Costs Like a CFO
Discover how to slash business costs effectively with CFO-like strategies! Learn why zero-based budgeting is a game changer and how to audit every expense for potential savings. Real-world examples demonstrate the impact of effective cost control, ensuring growth isn't compromised. Plus, get practical techniques you can implement right away in your home service or contractor company to boost profitability. Transform your financial approach and unlock your business's true potential!

7 snips
Aug 1, 2025 • 5min
Double Your Profit Day #1 Choose Profit Over Revenue
Kickstart your profit journey by shifting your mindset from chasing revenue to prioritizing profit. Learn why profitability is crucial for business growth and how to optimize your margins through effective cost control. Discover the significance of financial transparency and aligning team incentives with profit goals. This approach not only boosts your bottom line but also enhances your business's overall value and sustainability.

Jul 31, 2025 • 50min
#229 Plumber Closes +$10M/Year (With Just One Trade)
Kelson Carter, owner of a booming plumbing business that generates over $11 million annually, shares his remarkable journey. He discusses how focusing on a single trade streamlined operations and fueled rapid growth. The episode highlights the transformative power of smart marketing and rebranding, as well as the critical role of dedicated sales teams. Kelson reveals key insights on navigating profitability and market dynamics, alongside the importance of adapting strategies for different regions, making this a goldmine of actionable tips for aspiring entrepreneurs.

Jul 29, 2025 • 1h 1min
#228 How this NEW Service Owner is doing $80k/month
Ethan Realander, a new franchisee of Rolling Suds in New York and the owner of the Westchester Weekly newsletter, joins the conversation to share his entrepreneurial journey. He reveals how cold calling and emailing helped him land initial clients and why franchising was a strategic choice for growth. Ethan discusses the integration of local newsletters in business marketing, innovative ad strategies for revenue growth, and the use of AI tools to enhance customer engagement. His insights on balancing multiple ventures and maintaining a proactive mindset are refreshing for future entrepreneurs.