Titans of the Trades | Straight-Talk for Scaling Your Construction Business

Is your CRM slowing down your sales team? In this episode of Titans of the Trades, Ryan Englin reconnects with Adam Honig, CEO of Spiro.ai, to explore why traditional CRMs are broken, especially for industries like construction and manufacturing. They dive into how AI is transforming the sales process by capturing tribal knowledge, reducing manual data entry, and making your salespeople more productive without sacrificing the human touch.Adam shares the story behind Spiro’s creation, inspired by the film Her, and how AI-driven automation is solving real-world problems that construction and manufacturing leaders face every day - from sales team retirements to labor shortages and lack of customer data transparency.If you're in construction, manufacturing, or any blue collar industry that relies on people and relationships to close deals, this is a must-listen.Episode Takeaways:[01:38] Adam introduces Spiro.ai and why it's not your typical CRM.[03:53] How AI helps automate the parts of sales everyone hates, like data entry and follow-ups.[06:00] A generational shift: younger leaders are driving AI adoption in manufacturing.[07:58] The tribal knowledge crisis - how AI can capture what your retiring sales team knows.[09:32] Spiro as the Iron Man suit for your sales team.[11:31] How Spiro pulls from emails, meetings, and ERP data to surface smart recommendations.[13:02] Balancing automation with the human touch in relationship-driven industries.[17:09] The future of AI in business communication: Think Star Trek, not spreadsheets.[20:27] How AI might collaborate across companies to solve problems more proactively.[22:48] Where to connect with Adam and explore Spiro’s anti-CRM platform.Connect With Adam:Website: https://spiro.ai/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamhonig/ Support Titans of the Trades: If you found this episode insightful, please subscribe, share, and leave a review for Titans of the Trades. Your support goes a long way in helping us bring more impactful discussions your way.

What if the difference between your best month ever and losing a loyal customer came down to one phone call?In this episode, Ryan sits down with David Powers, a Chief Experience Officer at Rooter Hero Plumbing and CX Riot Radio host, to dig into how most home service companies get call centers wrong - and how it’s costing them more than they think. David shares what he’s learned from decades running call centers (starting at age 17!) and now leading the ultra-efficient, ultra-human customer support engine at Rooter Hero.You’ll learn:Why treating employees better always leads to better customer service.What a 5-minute response window does for conversion rates.How real-time data (even on a smartwatch!) is changing the game.The biggest mistake small shops make when it comes to incoming leads.And what AI should (and shouldn’t) be doing in your service business.If you think having “just one CSR” means these lessons don’t apply to you, think again. David’s insights prove this stuff matters whether you have 1 tech or 100.Connect With David:Website: https://rooterhero.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidjpowers2/ Support Titans of the Trades: If you found this episode insightful, please subscribe, share, and leave a review for Titans of the Trades. Your support goes a long way in helping us bring more impactful discussions your way.

In this episode of Titans of the Trades, Ryan Englin welcomes Carl Veillette, CPO at Newforma. Carl dives deep into his journey from architecture to leading innovation in construction software. Discover how he's helping blue collar teams modernize without losing their roots.Carl shares the real challenges of merging startups with legacy companies, the importance of cross-platform collaboration between job sites and offices, and how Newforma is building a Google-style search engine for construction knowledge. This is a must-listen for anyone in construction, engineering, or leadership roles looking to future-proof their operations.Connect With Carl:Website: https://www.newforma.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carlveillette/ Support Titans of the Trades: If you found this episode insightful, please subscribe, share, and leave a review for Titans of the Trades. Your support goes a long way in helping us bring more impactful discussions your way.

Joe Crisara, known as "Uncle Joe" in the trades, went from being $471,000 in debt to building one of the most respected coaching businesses for service contractors. In this episode, Joe, America’s Service Sales Coach at Service MVP, shares the hard lessons he learned as a contractor, the moment a customer changed his life, and how tiered pricing transformed his business. If you're tired of running on low margins or struggling to close deals, this is the conversation you've been waiting for. Joe unpacks premium, mid-range, and economy pricing strategies that actually convert - and shows you how to emotionally connect with customers so they want to buy. This one’s packed with game-changing insight.Connect With JoeWebsite: https://servicemvp.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joecrisara/ Support Titans of the Trades: If you found this episode insightful, please subscribe, share, and leave a review for Titans of the Trades. Your support goes a long way in helping us bring more impactful discussions your way.

What happens when homeowners start expecting HVAC quotes with Amazon-level speed? In this episode of Titans of the Trades, Ryan Englin sits down with Josh Koplin, Co-Founder of EDEN, to talk about the seismic shifts hitting the residential HVAC industry.Josh shares how EDEN’s instant quoting tool is flipping the script, giving consumers the transparency they crave while delivering more qualified leads to contractors. But it’s more than just software. Josh dives deep into modern buying behavior, why traditional sales models are breaking down, and how AI-driven search is about to upend local SEO as we know it.If you're a contractor wondering how to adapt to the new digital-first customer, or you’re trying to stay competitive in the face of AI disruption, this episode is packed with insights you can’t afford to miss.Connect With Josh:Website: https://www.e-denhomes.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josh-koplin-57654230/ Support Titans of the Trades: If you found this episode insightful, please subscribe, share, and leave a review for Titans of the Trades. Your support goes a long way in helping us bring more impactful discussions your way.

Most construction business owners are great at building things, but not at building wealth. In this episode, Ryan Englin talks with Aaron Mills, Founder and CEO of DAAXIT, a firm helping contractors clean up their financials and scale smarter. Aaron shares how he took an electrical contractor from $30M to $90M and sold it at a 12x multiple, then realized most construction companies don’t even know if they’re profitable.Aaron also explains:The #1 financial tool contractors overlook.Why rollercoaster profits signal inaccurate books.How one client cut 50% of their workload and saved their marriage.If you’re running your business off your bank balance or waiting until tax season to know how you did last year, this conversation is for you. Learn what a WIP schedule is, why your net income might be lying to you, and how a fractional CFO can help you work less and make more.If you want to build a business that supports your lifestyle, not swallows it, this is your episode.Connect With Aaron:Website: https://daaxit.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaron-mills-11902272/ Support Titans of the Trades: If you found this episode insightful, please subscribe, share, and leave a review for Titans of the Trades. Your support goes a long way in helping us bring more impactful discussions your way.

What does it take to build a thriving business from the ground up and successfully pass it to the next generation? Elvin Hurst Sr., Founder of Kountry Kraft, shares his incredible journey - from milking cows on the family farm to running a custom cabinetry business with over 100 employees. In this episode, Elvin Sr. reveals:The Christmas gift that launched his business.How he maintained quality craftsmanship through decades of change.His secrets to hiring and retaining great employees in a shifting job market.What it takes to transition a business to the next generation.Visit the Website: https://www.kountrykraft.com/If you're a business owner looking to grow, lead, or transition your company to family members, this episode is a must-listen! Support Titans of the Trades: If you found this episode insightful, please subscribe, share, and leave a review for Titans of the Trades. Your support goes a long way in helping us bring more impactful discussions your way.

In this episode of Titans of the Trades, Ryan Englin sits down with Roland Ligtenberg, Co-Founder of Housecall Pro, to discuss AI's transformative role in the home services industry. They explore how automation and AI team members are helping contractors streamline operations, improve customer communication, and overcome labor shortages. Roland also shares actionable strategies for hiring and retaining skilled tradespeople, including how to build long-term relationships with local trade schools. If you're a home service business owner looking to scale, increase efficiency, and future-proof your company, this episode is a must-listen!Key Topics Covered: ✅ How AI is revolutionizing customer service in home services ✅ The impact of AI team members on efficiency and profitability ✅ The labor shortage crisis – and how to attract top trades talent ✅ Why trade schools are an untapped hiring goldmine ✅ How Housecall Pro is helping contractors grow with automation🔗 Learn more about Housecall Pro and claim your exclusive offer: HousecallPro.com Support Titans of the Trades: If you found this episode insightful, please subscribe, share, and leave a review for Titans of the Trades. Your support goes a long way in helping us bring more impactful discussions your way.

Growing up in a family-owned HVAC and plumbing business, Crystal Williams has seen firsthand how the trades evolve and how businesses must adapt to thrive. Now, as the Founder and Creative Strategist at Lemon Seed Marketing, she helps blue collar businesses develop powerful branding strategies, drive employee engagement, and create company cultures that attract top talent.In this episode, Crystal shares:The mindset shift needed to modernize a family business.How investing in branding and culture transformed her company into a multi-location powerhouse.Why making tough personnel decisions can be the key to long-term success.The hidden hiring goldmine that most trades businesses ignore (hint: it’s 50% of the population!).If you're looking for actionable insights on leadership, marketing, and growth in the skilled trades, this episode is a must-listen!Check Out Lemon Seed Marketing: https://www.lemonseedmarketing.com/Follow Crystal: https://www.linkedin.com/in/crystal-williams-35835b114/ 🎯 Mention this episode for $500 off an audit from Lemon Seed Marketing! Support Titans of the Trades: If you found this episode insightful, please subscribe, share, and leave a review for Titans of the Trades. Your support goes a long way in helping us bring more impactful discussions your way.

In this conversation, Greg Cayea, CEO & Founder at FunnelPros, shares his journey from being a Guinness World Record holder to becoming an expert in funnel building and automation for the home services industry. He discusses the challenges faced by contractors in marketing, the importance of integrating AI into their systems, and the future trends in automation. Greg emphasizes the need for a robust backend system and effective advertising strategies to grow a business, while also highlighting the significance of understanding technology to solve real problems.TakeawaysThe journey into funnel building began with a passion for automation.Rube Goldberg machines serve as a metaphor for effective funnels.Home service companies often struggle with customer recognition and engagement.AI can enhance customer service and scheduling in home services.Effective advertising is crucial for generating leads in the home service industry.A robust backend system is essential for nurturing leads and existing customers.Future trends indicate a shift towards AI agents in business processes.Understanding technology is key to leveraging automation tools effectively.Chapters03:03 The Genesis of Funnel Building and Automation05:56 Understanding Rube Goldberg Machines and Their Relevance08:56 Challenges in Home Services Marketing11:45 The Role of AI in Home Service Automation14:49 Integrating New Leads into the System17:59 Advertising Strategies for Home Service Contractors20:50 Future Trends in Automation and AIConnect With Greg:Website: https://funnelpros.ai/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gcayea/ Support Titans of the Trades: If you found this episode insightful, please subscribe, share, and leave a review for Titans of the Trades. Your support goes a long way in helping us bring more impactful discussions your way.