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

Alan Peterson, an SBA lender at First Internet Bank with over $70 million in acquisition financing last year, shares invaluable insights for aspiring business buyers in the home service sector. He breaks down effective strategies for leveraging SBA loans, the recent changes in SBA guidelines, and the importance of having a strong deal team. Listeners will learn about avoiding common pitfalls, structuring multi-step acquisitions, and the significance of personalized financial statements in making a lasting impression on lenders.

Laurie Metz, Director of Operations, shares her expertise in managing high-performing remote teams. She discusses the significance of building trust and fostering a supportive culture across different time zones. Key topics include setting clear expectations, maintaining regular communication through tools like Slack and Google Meet, and blending personal interactions with work to enhance team bonding. Laurie also highlights strategies for hiring international talent and nurturing emotional intelligence in leadership, ensuring loyalty even when teams are far apart.

Discover the secrets behind rapidly scaling a home service business with insights from top sales leaders. They reveal strategies for hiring and training talent that drives revenue, emphasizing the importance of company culture on performance. Learn about innovative marketing approaches that fueled impressive growth, alongside overcoming supply chain challenges. The conversation also highlights the significance of metrics in tracking success and fosters a winning sales culture. If you're seeking practical tips to elevate your business, this discussion is a must-listen!

Discover the essential experts you need when buying a business, from M&A attorneys to CPAs. Learn how these professionals help you avoid costly mistakes and facilitate quick funding. Dive into the importance of valuation experts to ensure you don’t overpay. Explore post-acquisition must-haves like bookkeeping and reliable insurance. Plus, find out about outsourcing customer service to streamline operations. If you’re gearing up for an acquisition in 2025, this is your ultimate checklist!

Brandon Schlicter, also known as Investment Joy, shares his remarkable journey from a small-town Ohio upbringing to building a multimillion-dollar business portfolio. He discusses how a viral laundromat video launched his service empire and the strategies behind his successful acquisitions in real estate and commercial roofing. Brandon emphasizes the importance of balancing business growth with family values and offers actionable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs. Tune in for insights on leveraging social media and creating a supportive company culture.

In this discussion, Amir Haboosheh from Snowball Industries, a leader in development and management training, shares his expertise on fostering future leaders. He emphasizes the shift from technical skills to essential soft skills like empathy and humility. The duo explores practical strategies for identifying and nurturing talent within service businesses. They also dive into the importance of structured training programs, peer learning opportunities, and effective communication, all foundational to building high-performing teams and achieving long-term success.

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 Owned and Operated Leave a Review John Wilson, CEO of Wilson CompaniesJack Carr, CEO of Rapid HVAC📌 Disclaimer: Some links may include UTM parameters or affiliate relationships, meaning we may earn a commission if you make a purchase. Episodes may feature sponsors, but all opinions expressed are our own.