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

In this episode of Owned and Operated, John and Jack  welcome back Cassi Niekamp to the show, a home service entrepreneur who has significantly grown her business in the fencing business. Cassi shares her experience acquiring a 39-year-old home service business in Columbus, Ohio, and transforming it from a small-scale operation with outdated practices into a successful company with a revenue of 3 million and aiming for 5 million. Cassi details the pivotal changes that propelled her growth, including hiring an operations manager, incorporating software tools, and focusing on commercial over residential services for better margins and scalability. The crew also discusses challenges like customer segmentation, hiring, and managing cash flow for growth projects, all while navigating the complexities of small business ownership and personal milestones, such as having a baby.00:00 Introduction to Owned and Operated00:42 Cassi's Business Journey: From Acquisition to Growth02:25 Operational Changes and Team Expansion04:35 The Impact of Personal Milestones on Business Growth04:47 Strategic Pivots and Key Business Decisions09:41 The Role of an Ops Manager in Scaling the Business13:09 Navigating Business Challenges and Opportunities13:45 Embracing Legal Marijuana: A Business Perspective14:33 Certifications and Business Operations Insights15:02 Promo: Engaging with Weekly Business Insights15:25 The Power of Internal Promotion and Department Success16:23 Strategic Customer Segmentation and Market Expansion18:19 Navigating Commercial Projects and Financial Strategies23:09 The Excitement of Large-Scale Projects and Company Growth26:55 Exploring New Markets and the Challenges of Government Bids27:46 Personal Reflections on Business Strategy and Culture30:33 Closing Remarks and Invitation for EngagementEpisode Host: 🎤John Wilson: @WilsonCompanies on TwitterJack Carr: @TheHVACJack on TwitterCassi Niekamp: @cassiniekamp on TwitterSpecial thanks to our sponsor: Service Scalers: 📈Looking to scale your home service business? Service Scalers is a digital marketing agency that drives success in PPC and LSA. Discover more growth strategies by visiting Service Scalers: https://www.servicescalers.com/Check out Owned and Operated Weekly Insights: a newsletter that’s jam-packed with actionable growth strategies to level up your home service business. Subscribe Here: http://tinyurl.com/ownedopnewsDon't forget to subscribe! 🙏Youtube: @OwnedandOperatedPodcastX: @ownedoperatedcoSend Us Mail!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📌 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.

In this episode of 'Owned and Operated,' host John Wilson and guest Rich Jordan discuss the intricacies of running a home service business, focusing on the residential plumbing, HVAC, and electric sectors. They delve into the challenges of maintaining profitability in the HVAC installation sector, exploring the unpredictability of business demands, material cost fluctuations, and the impact of seasonal changes. The conversation highlights the importance of precise job costing, optimizing gross margins, and strategic planning to stabilize and grow the business. They touch upon the dynamics of partnerships, acquisitions, and the decision-making process between being a big fish in a small pond or a small fish in a big pond within the competitive landscape of home service businesses.00:00 Introduction to Owned and Operated00:30 Weekly Insights Newsletter Promo01:05 Special Guest: Rich Jordan's Second Appearance01:24 Navigating the HVAC Business Landscape03:32 The Unpredictability of HVAC Install Business05:14 Strategies for Smoothing Out Seasonal Variations07:13 Leveraging Technology for Business Efficiency10:06 Exploring Gross Margin Challenges in HVAC14:48 The Journey of Business Expansion and Acquisitions16:55 Shared Services: A Double-Edged Sword20:05 The Power of a Strong Business Partnership23:20 Future Plans and Organic Growth Strategies25:53 Big Fish in a Small Pond vs. Small Fish in a Big Pond29:54 Closing Thoughts and Workshop AnnouncementEpisode Host: 🎤John Wilson: @WilsonCompanies on TwitterJack Carr: @TheHVACJack on TwitterRich Jordan: @StrongPointRich on TwitterSpecial thanks to our sponsor: Service Scalers: 📈Looking to scale your home service business? Service Scalers is a digital marketing agency that drives success in PPC and LSA. Discover more growth strategies by visiting Service Scalers: https://www.servicescalers.com/Check out Owned and Operated Weekly Insights: a newsletter that’s jam-packed with actionable growth strategies to level up your home service business. Subscribe Here: http://tinyurl.com/ownedopnewsDon't forget to subscribe! 🙏Youtube: @OwnedandOperatedPodcastX: @ownedoperatedcoSPOTIFY: https://open.spotify.com/show/10mwKIq35xzVz5qHcju3Kb?si=a2eb1f177053402d&nd=1APPLE PODCAST: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/owned-and-operated/id1560999545www.ownedandoperated.comContact us: info@ownedandoperated.comSend Us Mail!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📌 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.

In this episode of 'Owned and Operated,' host John Wilson and special guest Rich Jordan look into the specific challenges and strategies for home service businesses and HVAC, to navigate and thrive during the shoulder seasons. They explore Rich Jordan's journey from operating a business with $800,000 in sales to achieving nearly $20 million through strategic acquisitions and effective scaling techniques. His tips include the importance of memberships, the concept of proactive buyers, and tactics for managing the off-peak, mild weather seasons that typically see a decline in HVAC system sales and installations. 00:00 Introduction to Owned and Operated00:28 Exclusive Service Scalers Promo00:50 Catching Up with Rich Jordan: Growth and Acquisitions04:46 Navigating Shoulder Season in HVAC07:14 Leveraging Memberships for Business Growth16:43 Strategies for HVAC Sales and Proactive Buyers27:25 Concluding Thoughts and Future DirectionsEpisode Host: 🎤John Wilson: @WilsonCompanies on TwitterJack Carr: @TheHVACJack on TwitterRich Jordan: @StrongPointRich on TwitterSpecial thanks to our sponsor: Service Scalers: 📈Looking to scale your home service business? Service Scalers is a digital marketing agency that drives success in PPC and LSA. Discover more growth strategies by visiting Service Scalers: https://www.servicescalers.com/Check out Owned and Operated Weekly Insights: a newsletter that’s jam-packed with actionable growth strategies to level up your home service business. Subscribe Here: http://tinyurl.com/ownedopnewsDon't forget to subscribe! 🙏Youtube: @OwnedandOperatedPodcastX: @ownedoperatedcoSPOTIFY: https://open.spotify.com/show/10mwKIq35xzVz5qHcju3Kb?si=a2eb1f177053402d&nd=1APPLE PODCAST: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/owned-and-operated/id1560999545www.ownedandoperated.comContact us: info@ownedandoperated.comSend Us Mail!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📌 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.

In this episode of 'Owned and Operated', hosts John Wilson and Jack Carr dive into the critical topic of developing leadership within home service businesses. Sharing insights from their experiences in residential plumbing, HVAC, and electric services, they discuss the importance of evolving as a leader to meet the needs of a growing business. They highlight the challenges of instilling core values and accountability throughout the organizational structure, from executives to lower-level managers. The episode emphasizes the significance of peer groups and mentorship for both technical and emotional support in the business journey. Additionally, they talk about their newsletter 'Weekly Insights' and the engagement in their newly launched Facebook group aimed at connecting home service entrepreneurs.CHAPTERS00:00 Introduction to Owned and Operated00:30 Weekly Insights Newsletter Promo01:27 Developing Leadership in Home Service Businesses02:55 Challenges of Rapid Business Growth and Leadership04:23 The Importance of Accountability in Leadership05:34 Promotional Offer from Service Scalers06:00 Deep Dive into Leadership and Accountability21:27 The Emotional and Mental Aspects of Running a Business25:58 Closing Thoughts and Invitation to EngageEpisode Host: 🎤John Wilson: @WilsonCompanies on TwitterJack Carr: @TheHVACJack on TwitterSpecial thanks to our sponsor: Service Scalers: Looking to scale your home service business? Service Scalers is a digital marketing agency that drives success in PPC and LSA. Discover more growth strategies by visiting Service Scalers.Check out Owned and Operated Weekly Insights: a newsletter where John discusses topics ranging from recruiting and marketing to the growth of your home service business.  Subscribe to the newsletter here.Contact us:Youtube: @OwnedandOperatedPodcastX: @ownedoperatedcowww.ownedandoperated.cominfo@ownedandoperated.comSend Us Mail!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📌 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.

In this episode of Owned and Operated, John and Jack explores the intricacies of running a home service business, focusing particularly on residential plumbing, HVAC, and electric services. The episode kicks off with a nod to Service Scalers for their exemplary assistance in managing digital advertising for home service companies. The discussion delves into the challenges and triumphs faced by entrepreneurs in the home service industry, highlighting the importance of adapting business strategies to different platforms, like LinkedIn, for growth and engagement. A significant portion of the episode is devoted to an in-depth discussion on the use of scorecards - a tool for evaluating employee performance based on key success metrics. The dialogue covers the implementation, benefits, and potential pitfalls of scorecarding, emphasizing its role in fostering accountability and improvement within teams. This practical conversation is aimed at offering insights and strategies to other home service business owners looking to optimize their operations and steer their businesses towards greater success.🎥🎥🎥00:00 Introduction to Owned and Operated00:26 Sponsor Spotlight: Service Scalers01:02 Casual Conversations and Business Updates01:54 Exploring LinkedIn for Business Growth03:03 Navigating Business Challenges and Successes04:45 Deep Dive into Scorecards for Business Management09:33 Exploring the Impact of Seasonality on Business Metrics13:34 The Art of Scorecarding in Business19:02 Closing Thoughts and Workshop Announcement19:44 Farewell and Podcast OutroEpisode Host: 🎤John Wilson: @WilsonCompanies on TwitterJack Carr: @TheHVACJack on TwitterSpecial thanks to our sponsor: Service Scalers: 📈Looking to scale your home service business? Service Scalers is a digital marketing agency that drives success in PPC and LSA. Discover more growth strategies by visiting Service Scalers: https://www.servicescalers.com/Check out Owned and Operated Weekly Insights: a newsletter that’s jam-packed with actionable growth strategies to level up your home service business. Subscribe Here: http://tinyurl.com/ownedopnewsDon't forget to subscribe! 🙏Youtube: @OwnedandOperatedPodcastX: @ownedoperatedcoSPOTIFY: https://open.spotify.com/show/10mwKIq35xzVz5qHcju3Kb?si=a2eb1f177053402d&nd=1APPLE PODCAST: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/owned-and-operated/id1560999545www.ownedandoperated.comContact us: info@ownedandoperated.comSend Us Mail!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📌 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.

In this episode of Owned and Operated, John and Jack explore the intricacies of running a home service business, focusing particularly on residential plumbing, HVAC, and electric services. The episode kicks off with a nod to Service Scalers for their exemplary assistance in managing digital advertising for home service companies. The discussion delves into the challenges and triumphs faced by entrepreneurs in the home service industry, highlighting the importance of adapting business strategies to different platforms, like LinkedIn, for growth and engagement. A significant portion of the episode is devoted to an in-depth discussion on the use of scorecards - a tool for evaluating employee performance based on key success metrics. Do you want to grow or start your plumbing, HVAC, or electrical business like these podcast pros? Then take your business tips and advice from the best and learn today what being 'Owned and Operated' is all about!00:00 Introduction to Owned and Operated00:26 Sponsor Spotlight: Service Scalers01:02 Casual Conversations and Business Updates01:54 Exploring LinkedIn for Business Growth03:03 Navigating Business Challenges and Successes04:45 Deep Dive into Scorecards for Business Management09:33 Exploring the Impact of Seasonality on Business Metrics13:34 The Art of Scorecarding in Business19:02 Closing Thoughts and Workshop Announcement19:44 Farewell and Podcast OutroEpisode Hosts:John Wilson: @WilsonCompanies on TwitterJack Carr: @thehvacjack on TwitterSpecial thanks to our sponsor: Service Scalers:Looking to scale your home service business? Service Scalers is a digital marketing agency that drives success in PPC and LSA. Discover more growth strategies by visiting Service Scalers: https://www.servicescalers.com/Check out Owned and Operated Weekly Insights: a newsletter that’s jam-packed with actionable growth strategies to level up your home service business. Subscribe Here: http://tinyurl.com/ownedopnewsDon't forget to subscribe!Youtube: @OwnedandOperatedPodcastX: @ownedoperatedcoSPOTIFY: https://open.spotify.com/show/10mwKIq35xzVz5qHcju3Kb?si=a2eb1f177053402d&nd=1APPLE PODCAST: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/owned-and-operated/id1560999545www.ownedandoperated.comContact us: info@ownedandoperated.comSend Us Mail!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📌 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.

Today on the Owned and Operated podcast, the boys interview entrepreneur Johannes Hock, the Owner of an artificial turf company who lives in Austin, Texas. They discuss Johannes's background, how he got into the turf industry, the business model of turf companies, expansion plans, challenges of scaling, and the factors influencing the choice of new locations. If you’re looking to learn more about the world of self-funded search and small business acquisitions then your favorite electrical, HVAC, and plumbing growth podcast has exactly what you need.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Owned and Operated00:34 AD - Transforming PPC Despair into Success01:08 Deep Dive with Johannes Haack: From Track to Turf02:54 Choosing Artificial Turf in Home Services05:33 Exploring the Business Model of Turf Installation07:57 Marketing Strategies and Customer Acquisition in Turf Industry12:03 Scaling Up: Processes and Expansion Strategies15:33 Vision for the Future: Aiming for a National Brand19:11 The Operational Blueprint: Systems, Processes, and People26:52 Expansion Strategy and Market Selection30:40 Final Thoughts and Where to Find JohannesEpisode Host:Jack Carr: @thehvacjack on TwitterGuest Johannes Hock: @HockJohannes on TwitterSpecial thanks to our sponsor: Service Scalers:Looking to scale your home service business? Service Scalers is a digital marketing agency that drives success in PPC and LSA. Discover more growth strategies by visiting Service Scalers: https://www.servicescalers.com/Check out Owned and Operated Weekly Insights: a newsletter that’s jam-packed with actionable growth strategies to level up your home service business. Subscribe Here: http://tinyurl.com/ownedopnewsDon't forget to subscribe!Youtube: @OwnedandOperatedPodcastX: @ownedoperatedcoSPOTIFY: https://open.spotify.com/show/10mwKIq35xzVz5qHcju3Kb?si=a2eb1f177053402d&nd=1APPLE PODCAST: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/owned-and-operated/id1560999545www.ownedandoperated.comContact us: info@ownedandoperated.comSend Us Mail!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📌 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.

In this episode, John and Jack discuss their strategies for enhancing customer satisfaction through the implementation of the Net Promoter Score (NPS) system. They detail the comprehensive process of gathering feedback across every customer touchpoint, from marketing to accounting, aiming to turn customers into promoters. They also cover the practical changes they’ve implemented in their business, such as improving call center operations and post-service cleaning protocols, to ensure a remarkable customer experience. Episode Hosts:John Wilson: @WilsonCompaniesJack Carr: @thehvacjack Special thanks to our sponsor: Service Scalers: Looking to scale your home service business? Service Scalers is a digital marketing agency that drives success in PPC and LSA. Discover more growth strategies by visiting Service Scalers.Check out Owned and Operated Weekly Insights: a newsletter where John discusses topics ranging from recruiting and marketing to the growth of your home service business.  Subscribe to the newsletter here.Contact us:Youtube: @OwnedandOperatedPodcastX: @ownedoperatedcowww.ownedandoperated.cominfo@ownedandoperated.comSend Us Mail!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📌 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.

Join John and Jack as they delve into the topic of business fraud within small companies, focusing on home service industries. Discover how to identify and prevent fraud in this insightful podcast episode. Learn from John's firsthand encounters with external and internal fraud attempts, such as a shocking incident involving attempted blackmail via Google reviews. Jack also shares his experiences, including subcontractor misconduct and service theft. Gain valuable insights and practical strategies to protect your business from fraud. Tune in to the top HVAC, plumbing, and electrical growth podcast for essential tips on safeguarding your small business against potential threats.Episode Hosts:John Wilson: @WilsonCompaniesJack Carr: @thehvacjack Special thanks to our sponsor: Service Scalers: Looking to scale your home service business? Service Scalers is a digital marketing agency that drives success in PPC and LSA. Discover more growth strategies by visiting Service Scalers.Check out Owned and Operated Weekly Insights: a newsletter where John discusses topics ranging from recruiting and marketing to the growth of your home service business.  Subscribe to the newsletter here.Contact us:Youtube: @OwnedandOperatedPodcastX: @ownedoperatedcowww.ownedandoperated.cominfo@ownedandoperated.comSend Us Mail!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📌 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.

John and Jack highlight the importance and benefits of focusing on just one main service in a home service business to boost growth and success. John points to Leaf Filter as a standout example of a company that thrived by focusing exclusively on a specific service, implying that adopting a similar model of specialization and distribution could greatly benefit their business. Throughout their conversation, they contemplate how simplification could potentially accelerate their progress toward achieving significant revenue goals.Episode Hosts:John Wilson: @WilsonCompaniesJack Carr: @thehvacjack Special thanks to our sponsor: Service Scalers: Looking to scale your home service business? Service Scalers is a digital marketing agency that drives success in PPC and LSA. Discover more growth strategies by visiting Service Scalers.Check out Owned and Operated Weekly Insights: a newsletter where John discusses topics ranging from recruiting and marketing to the growth of your home service business.  Subscribe to the newsletter here.Send Us Mail!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📌 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.