Waste No Day: A Home Services Motivational Podcast

In today’s show, we discuss the topic of upfront agreements. Learning how to game plan a client meeting can be an internal fight. So often what goes “right” in our heads seems to fall apart in shoe leather. Upfront agreements are a tool of simplicity that can be used throughout a client experience to help everyone stay on the same page. The idea is to eliminate the unknown and unexpected and replace it with a mutually agreed upon outline of the call schedule. While simple in nature, the discipline of employment can be the downfall. Hosts Brian and Nate explain the idea of upfront agreements and share some advice on how they can be utilized.

In today’s show, we interview special guest Ted Schnettler. Ted is currently the service manager with One Hour Heating and Air Conditioning in Lancaster, PA. Ted began his career in the trades after observing house construction as a framer. Looking for a long-term career Ted shifted gears from framing to HVAC and began learning the ins and outs of refrigerant and equipment. Growing in knowledge and abilities, he quickly rose through the ranks and held multiple positions of differing responsibilities including service tech, overseeing install, and more. Now Ted works hand in hand with the service and install teams for troubleshooting, technical development, quality control, and training. Ted’s passion for excellence does not overshadow his ability to relate. Having been in the shoes of many roles in HVAC companies, he holds a well-rounded understanding of day-to-day operations while still expecting high quality work. Ted reveals some tips on how to improve your technical skills whether just starting in the trades or achieving the next level in your career.

In today’s show, we discuss the topic of technically speaking. In the home services industry, there is always a need for improvement and growth in technical skills. Not only is the industry constantly evolving with new tools and new equipment, but there is already such a wide variety of existing equipment in place that the learning never stops. On this podcast, hosts Brian and Nate examine the importance of keeping up with your technical abilities and why it matters.

In today’s show, we interview special guest James Frese. James is a service HVAC technician with One Hour Heating and Air Conditioning in Lancaster, PA. Graduating from a local trade college in HVAC, James started with One Hour riding shotgun in a truck for several months. Once making the jump to his own truck he struggled with the transition. Finally determining in his own mind to learn improvement, James began seeking out training support online. Finding one program after another he began creating the habit of learning in his life and eventually brought that habit into his drive time. James shares not only the impact that consistent training has had on his life but the value of using your drive time to improve and learn.

In today’s show, we discuss the topic of my vehicle university. There are many differences in the home services industry between plumbing, electrical and HVAC. However, one thing that they all have in common is road time. If you are in home services, you see the backside of a windshield for upwards of 20-30% of your day. The time is significant; and so is how you spend it. Brian and Nate breakdown the concept of my vehicle university (MVU) in making the most of that drive time. Whether it’s listening to communication training, podcasts, or other educational materials drive time is paid time; and paid time is growth time. A long-distance runner runs the full distance every race. There is no “run time” and “rest time.” There is only race time and that is the idea that really resonates with wasting no day.

In today’s show, we interview special guest James Mellinger. James is a service electrician and safety advisor for Mister Sparky Electric in Lancaster, PA. Coming out of high school, James got introduced to the trades through a family connection eventually taking apprenticeship classes and learning the skills. Originally joining One Hour Heating and Air Conditioning as an HVAC tech, he eventually transferred to the sister company Mister Sparky Electric wear he found his niche in the service industry. As a self-proclaimed amateur in selling communication, James graduated the school of hard knocks to eventually become one of the highest producing panel sales electricians in the nation. James shares his story in how he went from “didn’t know what I was doing” to great success by learning how to transfer the enthusiasm of his service.

In today’s show, we discuss the topic of transferring your enthusiasm. Selling is a baggage word that brings up all kinds of feelings in people; most of them negative. Really at the end of the day to sell something is to transfer the excitement you have for a product or service to someone who doesn’t have that product or service. This definition comes from Brian Tracy, a successful and renown sales trainer and coach. Brian and Nate breakdown the concept and review how important it is to not only believe in what you are offering but help others understand the same value that you place upon that particular product or service.

In today’s show, we interview special guest Brad Hauck. Brad serves as the service coordinator and dispatcher for One Hour Heating and Air Conditioning, Benjamin Franklin Plumbing, and Mister Sparky Electric; all located in Lancaster, PA. Prior to taking his role as master of the schedule, Brad was a HVAC technician himself for many years. This unique combination of both field experience and strong organization has empowered Brad to maximize efficiency in his day while not losing site of what it was to be a technician. In the service industry, time is a key motivator not only to the customer you are serving (by arriving on time) but also to the service professional. If you waste time through the day, your lack of efficiency can end up costing you opportunity. If you arrive late at your first call, you may not have the opportunity to have that last call in you day and in turn cost you possible income. We break down some advice from the scheduler Yoda on making the most of your home services day.

In today's show, we discuss the topic of an efficient service day. Efficiency is something that everyone is concerned about and interested in gaining. We spend extra money for longer lasting product, for better MPG, for better energy, and the list goes on. Efficiency is certainly of consumer interest; but what about efficiency in your day. Would you pay to get one more minute? If only that was possible, but we all get the same number of minutes each day. The efficiency comes through how you choose to use the minutes you are given. Here is where the theory turns to application. Are you disciplined in your time management? How can your time efficiency affect your day in the home services industry? Are you budgeting your time so that are making the most of each day? This episode breaks down the idea of efficiency in your day and specifically how it relates to the home services industry.

In today’s show, we interview special guest Caleb Harnish. Caleb brings a unique background to the service industry by both understanding the customer side and the technician side of the equation. Entering the trades in customer service after some time at college, Caleb started his journey in the office. Here he learned the importance of serving a customer and the types of needs that homeowners have on a day-to-day basis. He eventually moved into a role as human resources director which taught him about the concerns and challenges of technicians, plumbers, and electricians. Combining these two areas of expertise, Caleb branched out into the sales field delicately balancing and bridging the gap between homeowners and technicians when HVAC replacement is in discussion. Caleb has and continues to learn the value of understanding pain in his meetings with customers. Caleb shares his practical advise on how understanding everything the customer is dealing with aids in providing a solution the customer needs.