

OWNR OPS Podcast
Austin Gray @theownerop
Starting a business by offering a service to your local community is one of the greatest entrepreneurial opportunities of our time. While most people search for a remote job and try to build the next tech unicorn, you can start a business in your own back yard.
Join your host, Austin Gray, as he shares tips from behind the scenes of starting and growing his own local service businesses in bite sized <10 min episodes.
PLUS, tune in for special guest interviews, where Austin hosts other entrepreneurs who have started local service businesses in markets across the US.
Join your host, Austin Gray, as he shares tips from behind the scenes of starting and growing his own local service businesses in bite sized <10 min episodes.
PLUS, tune in for special guest interviews, where Austin hosts other entrepreneurs who have started local service businesses in markets across the US.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Sep 17, 2025 • 49min
We're Making 1 Change To Grow Our Business!
📈Access my free Blue Collar Growth Training: https://start.ownrops.com🎓 Join OWNR OPS Skool Group: skool.com/ownropsIn this episode of the OWNR OPS Podcast, I’m sharing an important decision we just made inside Bear Claw Land Services that I believe will change the future of our business.Over the past three years, we’ve said “yes” to a lot of different work—trees, dirt, foundations, driveways. But after tracking the numbers, analyzing the systems, and watching what’s actually working, we finally made the call to focus on one service and dominate our local market.If you’re a home service business owner, contractor, or operator who’s trying to grow past that first $100K–$500K in revenue, you’ll want to hear this. I break down:Why focus beats being a jack-of-all-trades in the service business.Lessons I learned from interviewing 7- and 8-figure contractors on this podcast.How systems like Jobber and Go High Level help track leads, quotes, and average job size so you can make smarter business decisions.Why optimizing your Google Business Profile and running simple Facebook Ads are the best top-of-funnel strategies for local services.What “fire mitigation” is, why we’re focusing on it, and how specialization gives clarity to your marketing, sales, and operations.The 80/20 rule in action: how 20% of services usually drive 80% of profits.👉 If you’re early in business, my advice is simple: pick one service, become known for it, and pour gas on that fire.

Sep 13, 2025 • 48min
David Increased Cleaning Revenue 30% Using Production Pay
David Loria, the owner of Squeakies Cleaning in Metro Detroit, shares his journey of boosting his cleaning business's revenue by 30% using a production pay model. He details how switching from two-person crews to solo cleaners increased efficiency and job capacity. David discusses data-driven pricing strategies, operational tools like Made Central, and the benefits of a performance-based compensation system for employees. He also touches on future innovations such as AI in enhancing business insights, making it an enlightening discussion for service-oriented entrepreneurs.

Sep 5, 2025 • 44min
3 Best AI Opportunities For Local Service Business with Nikonomics
💰 Join our Free OWNR OPS Skool Community to grow your local service biz: ➡️ https://skool.com/ownropsAI is revolutionizing sales, customer service, and business operations. In this episode, Austin Gray talks with Nikolas Hulewsky about the latest advancements and how he’s implementing AI in his businesses. From automating sales follow-up with AI chatbots to optimizing lead qualification with CRM tools like Go High Level, Nik reveals how small businesses can use AI to save time and increase efficiency.In this episode, you’ll learn:The future of AI-powered sales and customer serviceHow AI tools like Claude and GPT are transforming how we organize and leverage dataNick's journey in applying AI to his healthcare acceleratorTips for automating lead capture and follow-up to scale your business🔗 Follow Nikolas on Spotify: Nikonomics🔥 Mentioned in This Episode 🔥We use Jobber to manage our quoting, scheduling, & invoicing➡️ Get 20% off your first 6 months here: https://go.getjobber.com/ownrops📞 Business Phone System That Scales With You: Get 20% off your first 3 months: https://www.openphone.com/ownrops🚀 Get ranked #1 On Google With Stryker Digital SEO: https://stryker-digital.com/?el=ooWant to learn more about starting and scaling your own service-based business?📰 Sign up for the OWNR OPS Newsletter: → ownrops.com/newsletterDon’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes with entrepreneurs sharing their best insights and success stories!

Aug 29, 2025 • 46min
How To Scale Your Home Service Business with Steven Nash
In this conversation with Steven Nash, a private equity operator known for scaling HVAC businesses, listeners discover strategies to break through growth barriers. He shares insights on transitioning from working in your business to working on it, emphasizing the importance of systems and financial awareness. Nash also discusses visionary roles versus executor roles, the significance of accountability in team dynamics, and invaluable life lessons from his grandfather about humility and support. Perfect for ambitious service business owners!

6 snips
Aug 22, 2025 • 50min
Profitbale FB Ads For Christmas Ligtht Biz
Join Andrew Rampulla, founder of a softwash company in New York and a Christmas lights business in Florida, as he shares his entrepreneurial journey. He reveals how a simple Facebook post landed his first client and discusses the importance of alternating between seasons for maximum revenue. Andrew dives into financial insights like labor and materials costs and offers effective strategies for Facebook advertising to attract local leads. He also explores leveraging AI for scheduling while emphasizing a structured sales process to enhance ROI.

Aug 15, 2025 • 1h 7min
Growing YouTube Followers to 264K While Building a Washing Business
💰 Join our Free OWNR OPS Skool Community to grow your local service biz: ➡️ https://skool.com/ownropsIn this episode of the OWNR OPS Podcast, I sit down with Spencer Claeys, an exterior home service business owner and YouTube creator with over 264,000 subscribers and viral TikTok success. Spencer shares his journey from starting a roof washing business in Washington to building a loyal online following, all while staying true to what excites him most. We dive deep into content creation, entrepreneurship, and how to avoid being trapped by fear or low-ticket thinking. This conversation isn’t just about business—it’s about life. We explore the power of flow state, why bigger-ticket services can be a game changer, and how faith and spirituality shape how we work, create, and live.Inside the episode:The moment Spencer quit sales to go all-in on contentHow one viral tweet thread changed everythingHis 4-part content flywheel (and how you can steal it)SOPs, editing, and why he still does it all soloHow to build trust faster than attentionThe creator mindset that makes content sustainableWhether you’re a home service business owner, a content creator, or just looking for inspiration to live life on your terms, this episode will challenge you to think bigger, move with purpose, and create from your unique voice.🎙️ Tap in and take notes — Spencer doesn’t hold back.🔗 Follow Spencer Clay on: X: https://x.com/spencerclaeysIG: https://www.instagram.com/spencerclaeys/Get a copy of his book: The Official Roof and Gutter Cleaning Business Blueprint 🔥 Mentioned in This Episode 🔥We use Jobber to manage our quoting, scheduling, & invoicing➡️ Get 20% off your first 6 months here: https://go.getjobber.com/ownerops-spotify📚 Bookkeeping: Get 50% off bookkeeping for 3 months with the Home Service Bookkeeping Pros: https://dialedinbookkeeping.com/ownrops🚀 Get ranked #1 On Google With Stryker Digital SEO: https://stryker-digital.com/?el=ooWant to learn more about starting and scaling your own service-based business?📰 Sign up for the OWNR OPS Newsletter: → ownrops.com/newsletterDon’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes with entrepreneurs sharing their best insights and success stories!

Aug 8, 2025 • 43min
Build A 7-Figure Trade School Business with Hector Resendez
💰 Join our Free OWNR OPS Skool Community to grow your local service biz: ➡️ https://skool.com/ownropsAustin Gray speaks with Hector Resendez, the mastermind behind Trade School Secrets, a unique platform that helps businesses solve their staffing problems by leveraging trade schools.Hector reveals how virtual reality is revolutionizing the traditional trade school model, making it faster and more accessible for people to gain certifications.Hector discusses:The benefits of building a virtual trade school in today’s workforceHow to use the WIOA grant to fund your trade school tuitionThe financial model behind scaling a successful trade school businessWhy trade schools are a game changer for businesses struggling to find skilled talentHow to position your trade school for an exit and add value to your businessThis episode is a must-listen for entrepreneurs, operators, and those interested in the future of education in skilled trades.Listen in and discover how you can scale a 7-figure trade school business that not only trains but provides long-term career opportunities.🔥 Mentioned in This Episode🔥We use Jobber to manage our quoting, scheduling, & invoicing➡️ Get 20% off your first 6 months: https://go.getjobber.com/ownerops-spotify📚 Bookkeeping: Get 50% off bookkeeping for 3 months with the Home Service Bookkeeping Pros: https://dialedinbookkeeping.com/ownrops🚀 Get ranked #1 On Google With Stryker Digital SEO: https://stryker-digital.com/?el=ooWant to learn more about starting and scaling your own service-based business?📰 Sign up for the OWNR OPS Newsletter: → ownrops.com/newsletterDon’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes with entrepreneurs sharing their best insights and success stories!

Aug 1, 2025 • 48min
How Real Service Businesses Are Using AI to Save Time, Cut Costs & Scale Faster
Nik of Nikonomics, an AI expert, dives deep into how service businesses can leverage AI to enhance efficiency and cut costs. He reveals real-world use cases, like a snow plow company utilizing AI for scalable SOPs. The conversation includes strategies for documenting processes and training AI, as well as creating effective job descriptions. Nik emphasizes the importance of early AI adoption and shares useful tools like ChatGPT, Descript, and OpenPhone to streamline operations and boost productivity in small businesses.

Jul 25, 2025 • 44min
Tim Built A $83k / Month Handyman Business
Tim Leary, founder of Handy's Handyman Services, shares his inspiring journey of scaling his business to $83k monthly in just a year. He discusses clever strategies for lead generation, including a remarkable conversion rate boost from 25% to 55%. Tim reveals the secrets behind automating customer follow-ups and highlights the importance of using tech tools like Google LSA and job management software. With practical advice for aspiring entrepreneurs, he encourages open collaboration within the handyman industry to enhance standards and profitability.

10 snips
Jul 18, 2025 • 52min
$5 Mastermind: How Shannon Jean Built a 39K Audience in Just 9 Months
In this conversation with Shannon Jean, a serial entrepreneur known for his expertise in liquidation and social media growth, he shares how he rapidly grew his following on X from 500 to 39K. He introduces his Whistle → Workhorse → Whale strategy and discusses creating products like a $5 mastermind and leveraging low-cost offers to attract higher-paying clients. Tips on building a global team, effective content creation, and the importance of adapting to market needs illuminate his journey. Shannon’s insights provide a roadmap for turning attention into scalable revenue.