
OWNR OPS Podcast
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.
Latest episodes

Jun 3, 2024 • 1h 7min
34: GARAGE CUTTING BOARDS TO $1.5M/YR CABINETRY BUSINESS- ALEX FORBES
In this episode, I’m joined by Alex Forbes, an entrepreneurial cabinet maker who grew his business, Lane 17 Cabinet Company, from crafting cutting boards in his garage to a multi-million dollar operation. Let’s dive into Alex’s journey, the challenges of scaling a business, and the importance of having an owner-operator mindset.📙Free Service Startup Playbook To Generate Your First $100k: https://www.ownrops.com/playbook💪In this episode, we cover:✅Alex’s journey from garage to multi-million dollar business✅The importance of the owner-operator mindset✅How to scale your business with practical stepsWhether you’re in the corporate world or ready to jump into entrepreneurship, remember that hard work and persistence will pay off.#Entrepreneurship #SmallBusiness #OwnerOperator #Cabinetry #BusinessGrowth #Motivation #BusinessTipsRemember: ✅Work Hard ✅Do Your Best ✅Never Settle For Less🎧 Enjoying the podcast? Leave us a 5-star review on Apple or Spotify!This episode is brought to you by:📈Home Service Software: Jobber is the all-in-one business management software for service businesses. Get 20% off your first 6 months: https://go.getjobber.com/ownrops🌱Grow Your Online Presence: Bear Claw Media provides FB Ads & Content Creation for service & trade business: https://www.gobearclawmedia.com🚀Local SEO: Stryker Digital helps service businesses rank high on Google Search Results: http://stryker-digital.com/?el=oo✉️Weekly Newsletter: Want to get the most actionable tips from this episode?🔔Subscribe for free here: https://www.ownrops.com/newsletter

May 20, 2024 • 13min
33: WAKE UP EARLY & OUTWORK YOUR COMPETITION
In this episode, we talk about the power of waking up early and outworking your competition. Success isn’t handed to you—it’s earned by putting in the extra hours and pushing yourself to be better every day. I'll share how starting your day early can give you a competitive edge, helping you stay ahead in the game. 📙Free Service Startup Playbook To Generate Your First $100k: https://www.ownrops.com/playbookTune in for tips on how to outwork the competition and build momentum for success!If you're planning to start your own local business and want to learn from other business owners, make sure to subscribe and leave us a 5-star review!Remember: ✅Work Hard ✅Do Your Best ✅Never Settle For Less🎧 Enjoying the podcast? Leave us a 5-star review on Apple or Spotify!This episode is brought to you by:📈Home Service Software: Jobber is the all-in-one business management software for service businesses. Get 20% off your first 6 months: https://go.getjobber.com/ownrops🌱Grow Your Online Presence: Bear Claw Media provides FB Ads & Content Creation for service & trade business: https://www.gobearclawmedia.com🚀Local SEO: Stryker Digital helps service businesses rank high on Google Search Results: http://stryker-digital.com/?el=oo✉️Weekly Newsletter: Want to get the most actionable tips from this episode?🔔Subscribe for free here: https://www.ownrops.com/newsletter

May 10, 2024 • 1h 3min
32.BUILDING A $16MM POOL SERVICE BUSINESS IN TEXAS
Welcome back to the channel! I'm Austin Gray, and in this episode, I'm talking with Malcolm Marshall, the owner of a successful pool service business based in Austin, Texas. Malcolm’s journey is an inspiring one, from working at a well-known energy drink company to founding his own multi-million-dollar pool service business. He shares valuable insights and lessons from his entrepreneurial journey, making this episode a must-listen for anyone interested in starting their own pool service company.📙Free Service Startup Playbook To Generate Your First $100k: https://www.ownrops.com/playbook💪In this episode, we cover:✅Malcolm’s journey from finance in the energy drink industry to entrepreneurship.✅Starting a pool service business in 2014 with no experience.✅Challenges in finding pool routes and market changes.✅Lessons from growing a business in a new industry.✅Expanding into pool construction and the challenges.✅Dealing with pool maintenance issues and special equipment.✅Training staff for complex pool service tasks.#EntrepreneurJourney #PoolServiceBusiness #SmallBusinessGrowth #StartupChallenges #PoolConstruction #BusinessLessons #ServiceIndustry #EntrepreneurLife #BusinessExpansion #WorkforceTrainingRemember: ✅Work Hard ✅Do Your Best ✅Never Settle For Less🎧 Enjoying the podcast? Leave us a 5-star review on Apple or Spotify!This episode is brought to you by:📈Home Service Software: Jobber is the all-in-one business management software for service businesses. Get 20% off your first 6 months: https://go.getjobber.com/ownrops🌱Grow Your Online Presence: Bear Claw Media provides FB Ads & Content Creation for service & trade business: https://www.gobearclawmedia.com🚀Local SEO: Stryker Digital helps service businesses rank high on Google Search Results: http://stryker-digital.com/?el=oo✉️Weekly Newsletter: Want to get the most actionable tips from this episode?🔔Subscribe for free here: https://www.ownrops.com/newsletter

May 3, 2024 • 1h 4min
31: MARKET YOUR EXCAVATION BUSINESS W/ LUKE EGGEBRAATEN
In this episode, I host Luke Eggebraaten, founder of Phaser Digital Marketing. Phaser specializes in digital marketing specifically for excavation companies. Join us as we dive into excavation company marketing strategies, starting the Dirt Bags podcast, and insightful discussions on tailored marketing tactics for service businesses.📙Free Service Startup Playbook To Generate Your First $100k: https://www.ownrops.com/playbook💪Here’s what we cover in this episode:✅How he's built one of the most recognizable marketing agencies in the construction world✅How he helped his business partner (and first client) go from $500 - $12.5 million✅How to take action rather than just consume content✅The upsides of starting your own businesses. ✅Starting a successful podcast✅How to market your unsexy business in excavation, septic, and landscaping🎧 Enjoying the podcast? Leave us a 5-star review on Apple or Spotify!This episode is brought to you by:📈Home Service Software: Jobber is the all-in-one business management software for service businesses. Get 20% off your first 6 months: https://go.getjobber.com/ownrops🌱Grow Your Online Presence: Bear Claw Media provides FB Ads & Content Creation for service & trade business: https://www.gobearclawmedia.com🚀Local SEO: Stryker Digital helps service businesses rank high on Google Search Results: http://stryker-digital.com/?el=oo✉️Weekly Newsletter: Want to get the most actionable tips from this episode?🔔Subscribe for free here: https://www.ownrops.com/newsletter

10 snips
Apr 26, 2024 • 1h 5min
30: MULTI MILLION $$$ CONTRACTOR PLAYBOOK W/ LES O'HARA
Les O'Hara, a seasoned contractor coach who runs a successful $4 million masonry business in Chicago, shares his entrepreneurial journey in this enlightening chat. He reflects on how his sports background informs his coaching methods and highlights the pivotal role of mentoring in scaling trades businesses. Les delves into the challenges of moving from a family roofing business to launching new ventures, emphasizing the importance of networking, tech improvements, and effective financial management. His insights are a goldmine for aspiring business owners in the trades.

Apr 25, 2024 • 1h 14min
29: BREAKING DOWN SMB GROWTH STAGES W JOHN WILSON
Join us this week as we talk to John Wilson, founder of Wilson Companies, about how to handle change and grow your business successfully. John runs a $23M+ company that covers plumbing, electrical, heating, and septic services. He's one of the OG's in the SMB Twitter community. He bought his dad's plumbing business when it was at $1M and has since grown it to over $23M through smart acquisitions—at just 30 years old. Pretty impressive, right?📙Free Service Startup Playbook To Generate Your First $100k: https://www.ownrops.com/playbook💪 Here’s what we cover in this episode:✅His experience scaling his business from $1 million to over $23 million.✅The concept of inflection points—key moments in a business's growth that require strategic shifts.✅John explains each phase of small business growth and the tough lessons that come with breaking through those challenges.Don’t miss this episode for helpful tips on business growth, making smart changes, and overcoming challenges!#BusinessGrowth #Entrepreneurship #SEO #SmallBusiness #Podcast #PlumbingBusiness #LocalBusiness #ServiceBusiness #BusinessStrategy 🎧 Enjoying the podcast? Leave us a 5-star review on Apple or Spotify!This episode is brought to you by:📈Home Service Software: Jobber is the all-in-one business management software for service businesses. Get 20% off your first 6 months: https://go.getjobber.com/ownrops🌱Grow Your Online Presence: Bear Claw Media provides FB Ads & Content Creation for service & trade business: https://www.gobearclawmedia.com🚀Local SEO: Stryker Digital helps service businesses rank high on Google Search Results: http://stryker-digital.com/?el=oo✉️Weekly Newsletter: Want to get the most actionable tips from this episode?🔔Subscribe for free here: https://www.ownrops.com/newsletter

Apr 12, 2024 • 50min
28: EXCAVATION BIDDING OVERVIEW & ORG CHART W/ GARRETT W FROM G&M
Welcome back to the OWNR OPS Podcast! This week, we dive deeper with Garrett Williams, co-owner of G&M Outdoor Services, as he shares invaluable insights from scaling his business to nearly $5 million in revenue. 📙Free Service Startup Playbook To Generate Your First $100k: https://www.ownrops.com/playbook💪Here’s what we cover in this episode:✅Garret’s delegation & organizational structure ✅Excavation Bidding ✅The Power of a Strong Partnership✅Role Clarity & Efficiency✅Their family & Team Dynamics✅SEO and social media growth to elevate G&M’s online presence. If you're looking to scale your business, enhance your organizational structure, or master excavation bidding, this episode is packed with essential advice!Tune in for the full conversation, and don't forget to like, follow, and leave a review if you find the episode valuable! #OwnerOperatorPodcast #BusinessGrowth #Delegation #ExcavationBidding #Teamwork #Entrepreneurship #GNMOutdoorServices #SmallBusiness #ScalingRemember: ✅Work Hard ✅Do Your Best ✅Never Settle For Less🎧 Enjoying the podcast? Leave us a 5-star review on Apple or Spotify!This episode is brought to you by:📈Home Service Software: Jobber is the all-in-one business management software for service businesses. Get 20% off your first 6 months: https://go.getjobber.com/ownrops🌱Grow Your Online Presence: Bear Claw Media provides FB Ads & Content Creation for service & trade business: https://www.gobearclawmedia.com🚀Local SEO: Stryker Digital helps service businesses rank high on Google Search Results: http://stryker-digital.com/?el=oo✉️Weekly Newsletter: Want to get the most actionable tips from this episode?🔔Subscribe for free here: https://www.ownrops.com/newsletter

Apr 6, 2024 • 51min
27: OPTIMIZING CASH FLOW & FREEDOM IN LOCAL SERVICES W/ DAN CRONAUER
Today, I’m joined by Dan Cronauer, a versatile entrepreneur with businesses in pressure washing, Christmas lights, and gyms. In this episode, we dive into his Christmas light business and also touch on his pressure-washing ventures. Dan also shares valuable insights into his approach to business, emphasizing a lifestyle-optimizing mindset. He explains how he balances work and personal life, often mixing productivity with fitness. 📙Free Service Startup Playbook To Generate Your First $100k: https://www.ownrops.com/playbook💪 Here’s what we cover in this episode:✅Dan’s approach to optimizing lifestyle through business.✅Why a simple workspace works better than fancy office setups.✅How Dan balances fitness and work, staying productive while exercising.✅Insights into his Christmas light business and other ventures.✅The importance of staying active for mental clarity and work efficiency.If you enjoy these episodes, make sure to like and subscribe on YouTube! Let us know in the comments who you'd like to see on the show next.#Entrepreneurship #LifestyleBusiness #FitnessAndWork #BusinessTips #BusinessLife #SmallBusiness #EntrepreneurMindset #WorkLifeBalanceRemember: ✅Work Hard ✅Do Your Best ✅Never Settle For Less🎧 Enjoying the podcast? Leave us a 5-star review on Apple or Spotify!This episode is brought to you by:📈Home Service Software: Jobber is the all-in-one business management software for service businesses. Get 20% off your first 6 months: https://go.getjobber.com/ownrops🌱Grow Your Online Presence: Bear Claw Media provides FB Ads & Content Creation for service & trade business: https://www.gobearclawmedia.com🚀Local SEO: Stryker Digital helps service businesses rank high on Google Search Results: http://stryker-digital.com/?el=oo✉️Weekly Newsletter: Want to get the most actionable tips from this episode?🔔Subscribe for free here: https://www.ownrops.com/newsletter

Apr 1, 2024 • 1h 8min
26: LEADERSHIP LESSONS FROM A 160TH DIVISION HELICOPTER PILOT W/ CHRIS
In today’s episode, I’m joined by Christian Ruf, a former helicopter pilot with the 160th Division Nightstalkers. Christian is now working on a project called “Uncommon Elite”, where he connects Special Operations forces with successful entrepreneurs for tough group activities that help everyone grow and develop. 📙Free Service Startup Playbook To Generate Your First $100k: https://www.ownrops.com/playbook💪Here’s what we cover in this episode:✅Christian’s story as a helicopter pilot and how he got into coaching and leadership.✅The details of the Uncommon Elite events, where military and business leaders come together to learn and grow.✅How Uncommon Elite started and grew into a community for coaching, accountability, and networking.✅Exciting plans for an Uncommon Elite event in ColoradoThis episode highlights the power of community, leadership, and personal growth. It’s a reminder that, as entrepreneurs, the value of surrounding yourself with the right people and sharing meaningful experiences is key to building lasting connections and thriving in business.#Leadership #EntrepreneurMindset #SpecialOps #EntrepreneurLife #BusinessNetworking #LeadershipJourney #PersonalGrowth #Accountability #BusinessEvents #BusinessCommunityRemember: ✅Work Hard ✅Do Your Best ✅Never Settle For Less🎧 Enjoying the podcast? Leave us a 5-star review on Apple or Spotify!This episode is brought to you by:📈Home Service Software: Jobber is the all-in-one business management software for service businesses. Get 20% off your first 6 months: https://go.getjobber.com/ownrops🌱Grow Your Online Presence: Bear Claw Media provides FB Ads & Content Creation for service & trade business: https://www.gobearclawmedia.com🚀Local SEO: Stryker Digital helps service businesses rank high on Google Search Results: http://stryker-digital.com/?el=oo✉️Weekly Newsletter: Want to get the most actionable tips from this episode?🔔Subscribe for free here: https://www.ownrops.com/newsletter

Mar 22, 2024 • 1h 3min
25: 21 YEARS OF BUSINESS LESSONS WITH THE WASH GUY, KRISS BERGETHON
Welcome back to the channel! In this episode, I sit down with Kriss Bergethon to talk about his journey as an entrepreneur for 21 years and the lessons he has learned along the way. Kriss’s mindset is refreshing and proactive, especially in an environment full of people who are hesitant and quick to discourage new ventures.📙Free Service Startup Playbook To Generate Your First $100k: https://www.ownrops.com/playbook💪Here’s what we cover in this episode:✅Growing an excavation business from $200k - over $2mm✅Generating $15mm / yr from supplement e-com biz✅Buying car washes✅Nuking his tax bill✅Health, longevity, exercise✅Colorado fun (snowboarding / mtn biking)✅And much moreThis episode highlights how Kriss’s proactive attitude has helped him navigate the ups and downs of entrepreneurship.#Entrepreneurship #BusinessJourney #SmallBusiness #EntrepreneurMindset #Delegation #BusinessAdvice #ProactiveBusiness #EntrepreneurLife #StartupJourney #BusinessSuccess #MindsetMatters #BusinessGrowth #Leadership #WorkSmart #SmallBizTips #EntrepreneurshipJourney #SuccessMindset🎧 Enjoying the podcast? Leave us a 5-star review on Apple or Spotify!This episode is brought to you by:📈Home Service Software: Jobber is the all-in-one business management software for service businesses. Get 20% off your first 6 months: https://go.getjobber.com/ownrops🌱Grow Your Online Presence: Bear Claw Media provides FB Ads & Content Creation for service & trade business: https://www.gobearclawmedia.com🚀Local SEO: Stryker Digital helps service businesses rank high on Google Search Results: http://stryker-digital.com/?el=oo✉️Weekly Newsletter: Want to get the most actionable tips from this episode?🔔Subscribe for free here: https://www.ownrops.com/newsletter