

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

Mar 5, 2024 • 1h 1min
22: SEPTIC BUSINESS GOES 0 - $1.3mm IN 7 MONTHS!!! Part 1
In this episode, we dive into the inspiring journey of Brock Peel, the founder of Canadian Sanitation, who scaled his business to $1.3 million in revenue within just seven months! 🚀📙Free Service Startup Playbook To Generate Your First $100k: https://www.ownrops.com/playbook🔑 Here’s what we cover in this episode:✅Brock’s path to founding Canadian Sanitation✅The importance of testing ideas before perfection✅His background in heavy equipment, real estate, and contracting✅How he co-founded Canadian Sanitation with a business partner✅Overcoming challenges while building a businessThis episode is just the first part of a two-part series—stay tuned for part two, where we’ll dive deeper into Brock's mindset and unique approach to service specialization. Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe on YouTube! If you're listening on Apple or Spotify, please leave us a 5-star review—it really helps!#OwnerOperatorPodcast #SmallBusinessOwner #SanitationServices #EntrepreneurJourney #BusinessGrowth #BusinessScaling #OwnerOps #CanadianSanitation #Entrepreneurship #StartUpStory #SuccessMindset #BusinessStrategies #LocalBusiness #BusinessPodcastRemember: ✅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 3, 2024 • 45min
21: $60K CHRISTMAS LIGHTING SERVICE - JULIUS MARCHI
Welcome back to the OWNR OPS Podcast! In this episode, I’m joined again by Julius Mary, a successful pressure-washing entrepreneur who has also built a thriving Christmas light installation business. He shares how he generated an impressive $60,000 in just one month through his Christmas light service.📙Free Service Startup Playbook To Generate Your First $100k: https://www.ownrops.com/playbook💪Here’s what we cover in this episode:✅ How Julius started a Christmas light business✅ How he adjusted his pricing to secure more jobs✅Why he prefers small trees and bushes over complicated designs✅How returning customers save on lights, leading to a 90% profit margin for recurring work. ✅His goal of $65,000 to $70,000 in revenue this year and the challenges of scaling. If you’re interested in starting your own Christmas light business or want to optimize your current setup, this episode is packed with valuable insights and strategies.Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and leave a review if you found the episode helpful!#ChristmasLights #PressureWashing #ServiceBasedBusiness #OwnerOperatorPodcast #SmallBusinessTips #ChristmasLightInstallationRemember: ✅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 1, 2024 • 14min
20: HOW BAD DO YOU WANT IT? THE HARD TRUTHS BEHIND BUILDING A BUSINESS
In this episode, I get real about the tough truths of starting and running a small business in the local service market. I share about the commitment required to succeed, emphasizing that if you’re not ready to wake up early and put in the work, starting a business might not be for you. Check out the lessons I learned from my own journey, including the sacrifices I made and the mindset needed to thrive.📙Free Service Startup Playbook To Generate Your First $100k: https://www.ownrops.com/playbook🔑 Here’s what we cover in this episode:✅The dedication it takes to run a small business✅Why sacrifices, including social life, are necessary for success.✅My journey of building my business while building my house.✅The importance of outperforming competitors by delivering great service.✅How younger generations can thrive in local service businesses by embracing digital marketing.✅Why a simple work routine is more important than complicated rituals.✅The reality of the toll business ownership can take on personal life and health.If you're serious about entrepreneurship, this episode is a must-listen!#EntrepreneurMindset #SmallBusiness #OwnerOperator #BusinessSuccess #HardWork #StartupJourney #BusinessSacrifices #LocalServiceBusiness #WorkHardPlayHard #GrindSeason #DigitalMarketing #CommitmentToSuccess #AustinGray🎧 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

Feb 23, 2024 • 1h 1min
19: BUYING A TREE SERVICE BUSINESS
In this episode, Phil Burrows shares his journey of buying a tree and landscape business while juggling a full-time job, family life, and personal goals. From the challenges of learning a new industry to balancing his career with being a new dad, he shares how he managed it all and what he learned along the way.📙Free Service Startup Playbook To Generate Your First $100k: https://www.ownrops.com/playbook💪Here’s what we cover in this episode:✅Balancing a full-time fintech job and a new business✅The impact of Phil’s daughter’s birth on his business journey✅How he transitioned responsibilities to make the business run smoothly ✅Why he shifted from starting a new business to acquiring an existing one If you're interested in entrepreneurship, business acquisition, or balancing multiple roles, this episode is full of valuable insights!#Entrepreneurship #BusinessAcquisition #TreeBusiness #WorkLifeBalance #BusinessJourney #SideHustle #SmallBusinessSuccess #BusinessChallenges #StartupStory 🎧 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

Feb 14, 2024 • 1h 4min
18:BUYING A FOUNDATION REPAIR BUSINESS WITH $25K DOWN
In this episode, I chat with Nikola, an entrepreneur with over 10 years of experience. We dive into his journey from starting a hardscaping company, The Art of Rock, to buying Wet Basement Solutions, which specializes in basement waterproofing and foundation repair in Ottawa, Canada. Since 2008, Wet Basement Solutions has been giving homeowners peace of mind, and Nikola shares the challenges of team dynamics, scaling, and managing seasonal slowdowns.📙Free Service Startup Playbook To Generate Your First $100k: https://www.ownrops.com/playbook💪Topics covered in this episode include:✅How he started and the challenges he faced early on with team dynamics and scaling.✅The story behind buying Wet Basement Solutions✅Lessons from co-founding Waterbridge Creative✅The challenges of marketing blue-collar businesses and how Nikola and his partner combined their skills to succeedIf you're into business, especially in blue-collar fields, this episode is full of practical tips and lessons that could change the way you think! #Entrepreneurship #BlueCollarBusiness #BusinessJourney #Hardscaping #BasementWaterproofing #MarketingTips #BusinessGrowth #VideoProduction #SmallBusinessSuccess #BusinessAcquisition #BusinessChallenges #StartupStory #BlueCollarSuccess #FoundationRepair #BusinessInsightsRemember: ✅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

Jan 30, 2024 • 13min
16: GET MORE LEADS FROM YOUR SERVICE BUSINESS WEBSITE
In this episode, I'm sharing you effective strategies for building customer trust on your service-based business website. I am also covering actionable tips on using social proof to boost credibility and increase conversions. From customer testimonials to strategic use of recognizable logos, I will walk you through methods that top tech and e-commerce sites use to gain customer loyalty.📙Free Service Startup Playbook To Generate Your First $100k: https://www.ownrops.com/playbookHere’s what we covered:✅How to use customer testimonials (written or video) to build trust.✅The importance of featuring trusted logos like BBB and Google Reviews on your website.✅Creative ways to leverage industry certifications to enhance credibility.If you're looking to increase trust and get more leads through your website, this episode is packed with simple but powerful tips you can start using today.#CustomerTrust #SocialProof #LocalBusiness #EntrepreneurTips #SmallBusinessGrowth #GoogleReviews #ServiceBusiness #BusinessWebsite #TestimonialMarketing #EntrepreneurPodcast #BusinessTips #BusinessStrategies #BuildTrust #MarketingStrategyRemember: ✅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

Jan 29, 2024 • 57min
15: IS PEST CONTROL THE BEST SERVICE BUSINESS MODEL?!?!
In this episode, we dive into the incredible journey of Casey, the founder of King Pest Solutions. From zero to multiple 6 figures in just several months of door-knocking, Casey has rapidly scaled his pest control business and is now sharing his insights with aspiring entrepreneurs. He believes pest control is the best service-based business model, where each technician can easily generate around $400k in revenue.📙Free Service Startup Playbook To Generate Your First $100k: https://www.ownrops.com/playbookHere’s what we covered:✅How Casey quickly grew King Pest Solutions from 0 to multiple six-figures ✅Why pest control is the ideal service-based business ✅His business model focused on recurring services✅How Casey keeps his operations efficient while ensuring great customer satisfaction✅The resources and strategies that helped him build a thriving business Casey is committed to helping others start their own pest control business. If you're ready to take the leap, visit King Pest Solutions and fill out the contact form to ask Casey for his Pest Control Startup Resources.#PestControlBusiness #EntrepreneurJourney #BusinessGrowth #RecurringRevenue #ServiceBusiness #PestControlSuccess #SmallBusinessOwner #LocalServiceBusiness #Entrepreneur #BusinessSecrets 🎧 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

Jan 25, 2024 • 1h 6min
14: STARTING A CLEANING BUSINESS IN 1 WEEK!
In this episode, we explore the journey of Logan Robison balancing a full-time W2 job with a side hustle in the cleaning industry. Logan works as an in-house entrepreneur in the pet industry for a large retailer while pursuing their long-term goal of full-time entrepreneurship. He shares how a competition sparked the launch of their cleaning business after discovering a tweet from “Squeegee God” and following his step-by-step guide. Listen in as we discuss the ups and downs of starting a business, overcoming failures, and finding success. 📙Free Service Startup Playbook To Generate Your First $100k: https://www.ownrops.com/playbookHere’s what we covered: ✅Managing a full-time W2 job and a side hustle.✅How a competition led to launching a cleaning business.✅Lessons learned from entrepreneurial setbacks and successes.✅The importance of adaptability and seizing opportunities. 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

Jan 18, 2024 • 57min
13: $5MM EXCAVATION BUSINESS AT 23 YRS OLD!
In this episode, Garrett Williams, owner of GM Outdoor Services shares how he has built a successful business from scratch and shares valuable insights on growing a business, building boulder walls, and using social media effectively.Garrett also dives into the importance of teamwork, specifically how working alongside family has contributed to the success of their company. His passion for his work and infectious energy make for a truly motivating conversation.📙Free Service Startup Playbook To Generate Your First $100k: https://www.ownrops.com/playbookTopics covered in this episode include:✅Building a business from the ground up✅The role of social media in entrepreneurship✅The challenges and rewards of working with family✅The expansion into concrete flatwork and the growth of GM Outdoor Services✅Tips for creating engaging content with minimal equipmentIf you're an entrepreneur or an aspiring business owner, Garrett’s story is one you won’t want to miss. Find out how he plans to reach nearly $5 million in revenue this year, with even bigger goals for the future.#Entrepreneurship #SmallBusiness #Landscaping #Excavation #FamilyBusiness #BusinessGrowth #BusinessGoals 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

Jan 13, 2024 • 25min
12: Work ON or IN the business?
Welcome back! In this episode, I talk about the difference between working on the business vs. working in the business. I am sharing my experience of starting my business and how getting hands-on with every aspect—like sales, marketing, and operations—helps build a strong foundation. Tune in as I emphasize the importance of being both an owner and an operator when starting, and how this mindset leads to long-term growth.📙Free Service Startup Playbook To Generate Your First $100k: https://www.ownrops.com/playbook💪Topics covered in this episode include:✅Get your hands dirty in the field as the "owner operator"✅Gain respect and trust from your team by being on the ground with them✅Control quality and build a strong foundation for future growth✅Understand the importance of sacrifice and commitment in the early stages of businessGet ready for some tough love and practical advice for anyone looking to build a successful business from scratch!Don’t forget to subscribe and hit the bell icon for more entrepreneurial podcasts!#Entrepreneurship #BusinessGrowth #SmallBusiness #BusinessMindset #BusinessTips #StartupJourney #LocalBusiness #BuildingBusiness #BusinessSecrets 🎧 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