

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

Aug 29, 2025 • 46min
How To Scale Your Home Service Business with Steven Nash
What’s holding you back from scaling your service business? In this episode of the OWNR OPS Podcast, Austin Gray interviews Steven Nash—private equity operator and partner to dozens of HVAC businesses. Steven shares how he helps business owners go from $800K to $100M+ by solving one bottleneck at a time.You’ll learn:Why small businesses stay small—and how to break throughHow to calculate your exact growth targets using simple mathThe difference between working on vs. in your businessHow systems, SOPs, and hiring checklists unlock freedomWhat founders need to understand about finance and cash flowThe visionary vs. executor framework: when to pick your laneIf you’re a service-based business owner ready to scale with intention and accountability, this is the episode you’ve been waiting for.🔥 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📚 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 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.

12 snips
Jul 11, 2025 • 49min
Build A Brand That Speaks To Your Ideal Customer
In this enlightening discussion, Brian Sooy, a certified brand architect with over 30 years of experience, shares invaluable insights into branding for service-based businesses. He highlights common pitfalls companies make, emphasizing that branding goes beyond logos to focus on messaging and storytelling. Brian introduces his CARE framework, which enhances brand clarity and relevance. He illustrates how effective branding sets the stage for premium pricing and team attraction, providing practical strategies to help businesses differentiate themselves and resonate with their customers.

9 snips
Jul 4, 2025 • 55min
How a $1.2K Facebook Ad Campaign Turned into $40K in Revenue
Asa Hunt, the founder of Big Horn Painting, shares his inspiring journey from tech sales to entrepreneurship in the painting industry. He discusses how he leveraged Facebook Ads, focusing on engaging videos, to boost his business's revenue to over $300K in the first year. Asa emphasizes the significance of building strong referral relationships, mastering email drip campaigns, and using innovative tools like OpenPhone. With practical insights, he empowers aspiring entrepreneurs to embrace challenges and scale smarter in their ventures.

17 snips
Jun 27, 2025 • 1h 5min
$1.6M Painting BIZ Owner Built A Software Startup
Tanner Mullen, an entrepreneur and founder of Drip Jobs, shares his journey from a painting business owner to a software startup leader. He discusses the significance of automating lead processes and enhancing customer experience. Tanner emphasizes that branding goes beyond logos to the stories customers tell. He highlights the challenges of integrating automation tools and stresses empathy in communication to optimize customer engagement. The conversation offers valuable insights for service-based entrepreneurs seeking to grow their impact and streamline operations.