From the Yellow Chair

Send us a textMost contractors don’t have a marketing problem—they have a systems problem. We sat down with Skip Wilson, CEO of Draft Media Partners and a veteran of iHeart’s digital era, to break down how to replace tactic-hopping with a durable plan that compounds. We start with the core: define a real audience, clarify the action you want (calls, forms, financing inquiries), craft messages people actually care about, and then build a channel mix that won’t collapse when a platform changes the rules.We get practical fast. If “family-owned” is your headline, you’re blending in. Instead, choose a USP that’s provable and valuable: same-day installs, weekend hours without overtime, or flexible financing. From there, we map a resilient stack that aligns operations with demand: a CRM that can handle volume, automated nurturing to recover no-shows and slow deciders, strong search visibility, and brand-building through video and audio with precise household targeting. One standout tactic: retarget website visitors with oversized direct mail that lands days after they browse—perfect for bigger, non-urgent purchases like tankless water heaters, where timing and recall close the gap.Measurement is the unlock. We walk through shifting from cost per lead to customer acquisition cost and show how matchbacks connect exposure on CTV, radio, and social to actual new customers. No advanced stack? Use call tracking and a simple monthly CAC baseline to create a meaningful “pass/fail” view. Month one is an educated guess; month two should be optimization, not reinvention. When leads dip, pull pre-planned levers—adjust the audience, rotate offers, move budget up or down the funnel, or trigger targeted mail and outbound—rather than scrambling for “what’s new.”If you’re ready to stop chasing the most expensive leads in your market and start building a brand people search by name, this conversation is your blueprint. Listen, take notes, and then tell us: what’s your current CAC target, and which lever will you pull next? If the show helped, subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a contractor who needs steadier growth.If you enjoyed this chat From the Yellow Chair, consider joining our newsletter, "Let's Sip Some Lemonade," where you can receive exclusive interviews, our bank of helpful downloadables, and updates on upcoming content. Please consider following and drop a review below if you enjoyed this episode. Be sure to check out our social media pages on Facebook and Instagram. From the Yellow Chair is powered by Lemon Seed, a marketing strategy and branding company for the trades. Lemon Seed specializes in rebrands, creating unique, comprehensive, organized marketing plans, social media, and graphic design. Learn more at www.LemonSeedMarketing.com Interested in being a guest on our show? Fill out this form! We'll see you next time, Lemon Heads!

Send us a textTired of adding hours and still feeling stuck? We dive straight into the moves that create freedom: pricing for profit, selling outcomes in the home, and using a simple, layered marketing mix that actually compounds results. Our guest, Ryan Lee—former landscape lighting owner turned coach—shares how a 10% price increase can double profit for many service businesses, why on-the-spot closes beat emailed quotes, and how to use personal branding to smooth out slow seasons.We get honest about the operator-to-owner shift and why so many founders accidentally buy themselves an 80-hour job. Ryan lays out a practical way to buy back your time: compress your workweek, force focus, and dedicate protected blocks to working on the business—hiring, training, pricing strategy, and sales scripts. We also unpack the power of niche: how specializing helps you stand out, charge premium prices, and deliver a white-glove experience that earns five-star reviews and referrals. When your core runs smoothly, you can bolt on high-ticket services the right way—serving the same customer with a dedicated team and tapping the goldmine in your existing client list.You’ll leave with three levers to pull now: raise prices to fund growth, close in person while emotion is high, and prioritize high-quality leads over volume. Expect actionable ideas you can apply today—whether you run HVAC, plumbing, electrical, pest, or lighting. Want more of Ryan’s insights? Check out Lighting for Profits and connect with him online. If this conversation sparked ideas, share it with a fellow owner, hit follow, and leave a quick review so we can help more service pros build profit and freedom.If you enjoyed this chat From the Yellow Chair, consider joining our newsletter, "Let's Sip Some Lemonade," where you can receive exclusive interviews, our bank of helpful downloadables, and updates on upcoming content. Please consider following and drop a review below if you enjoyed this episode. Be sure to check out our social media pages on Facebook and Instagram. From the Yellow Chair is powered by Lemon Seed, a marketing strategy and branding company for the trades. Lemon Seed specializes in rebrands, creating unique, comprehensive, organized marketing plans, social media, and graphic design. Learn more at www.LemonSeedMarketing.com Interested in being a guest on our show? Fill out this form! We'll see you next time, Lemon Heads!

Send us a textHow quickly are you responding to potential customers? In today's instant-gratification marketplace, that question might determine whether your contracting business thrives or struggles. When a homeowner discovers a pest problem at midnight or needs an emergency HVAC repair, they're not waiting until your business hours—they want answers now.Nick, a serial entrepreneur who has built three organizations to nine-figure revenues, drops a bombshell early in our conversation: "If you do not answer a lead within three seconds, the likelihood of converting that into a deal drops by 8x." This isn't just theory—it's backed by hard data showing that first responders consistently win more business.The good news? Artificial intelligence offers contractors practical, affordable solutions to this challenge. Rather than replacing your team, AI tools can serve as a powerful buffer—answering after-hours calls, managing overflow during busy periods, and ensuring no inquiry goes unanswered. The technology has advanced dramatically, creating natural conversations that gather essential customer information and integrate seamlessly with your existing systems.For contractors hesitant about implementing AI, Nick offers pragmatic advice: start by enhancing what you're already doing. Look at areas where leads commonly fall through the cracks—missed calls, delayed responses to web inquiries, limited communication channels—and apply AI solutions to strengthen these weak points. The goal isn't to completely overhaul your business but to optimize current operations with technology that works 24/7.Perhaps most importantly, we discuss the changing expectations of today's consumers. When your website only offers a phone number, you're limiting accessibility to potential customers who might prefer texting, messaging, or online scheduling. By meeting customers where they are, with their preferred communication methods, you significantly expand your capacity to capture new business.Ready to stop losing leads and start growing your contracting business? This episode provides the practical insights and actionable strategies you need to implement AI effectively, respond faster to inquiries, and ultimately convert more leads into paying customers.If you enjoyed this chat From the Yellow Chair, consider joining our newsletter, "Let's Sip Some Lemonade," where you can receive exclusive interviews, our bank of helpful downloadables, and updates on upcoming content. Please consider following and drop a review below if you enjoyed this episode. Be sure to check out our social media pages on Facebook and Instagram. From the Yellow Chair is powered by Lemon Seed, a marketing strategy and branding company for the trades. Lemon Seed specializes in rebrands, creating unique, comprehensive, organized marketing plans, social media, and graphic design. Learn more at www.LemonSeedMarketing.com Interested in being a guest on our show? Fill out this form! We'll see you next time, Lemon Heads!

Send us a textEver wonder why some contractors seem to explode onto the scene while others struggle for decades without significant growth? The answer lies in avoiding what Crystal Williams and Eric Thomas call "the dumbest marketing mistakes" that plague the contracting industry.This candid conversation dives deep into the nine critical errors preventing contractors from reaching their full potential. At the top of the list: woefully inadequate marketing budgets. While most contractors hover around 2-3% of revenue, true growth requires 8-10% investment based on revenue goals, not current earnings. As Crystal explains, "I'm rolling 12% deep when we're opening a new location on a million-dollar budget," a strategy that has consistently produced million-dollar companies within 20 months.The discussion highlights how contractors frequently mismanage internal marketing positions, turning dedicated brand-builders into glorified customer service representatives. This misalignment wastes talent and prevents businesses from developing the community presence needed for sustainable growth. Both experts emphasize that marketing isn't about single tactics but requires an integrated strategy where all elements work together to strengthen your brand position.Perhaps most revealing is their analysis of why contractors resist innovations like online pricing and scheduling. "I remember in 2019, when the thought of online scheduling was just the craziest thought in the world," Eric recalls. "But now that conversation is not happening anymore... we're facing that same thing right now with pricing transparency." Crystal adds, "You are not doing people a favor by servicing their air conditioner... Book the lead, book it, and then figure it out."Whether you're struggling with imposter syndrome, relying too heavily on Facebook advice, or starting businesses without adequate marketing capital, this conversation provides actionable insights to transform your approach. The contractors who will dominate in the coming years aren't necessarily the most skilled technicians—they're the ones who master these marketing fundamentals and invest accordingly.If you enjoyed this chat From the Yellow Chair, consider joining our newsletter, "Let's Sip Some Lemonade," where you can receive exclusive interviews, our bank of helpful downloadables, and updates on upcoming content. Please consider following and drop a review below if you enjoyed this episode. Be sure to check out our social media pages on Facebook and Instagram. From the Yellow Chair is powered by Lemon Seed, a marketing strategy and branding company for the trades. Lemon Seed specializes in rebrands, creating unique, comprehensive, organized marketing plans, social media, and graphic design. Learn more at www.LemonSeedMarketing.com Interested in being a guest on our show? Fill out this form! We'll see you next time, Lemon Heads!

Send us a textThe search for qualified HVAC talent has contractors desperate for innovative solutions. In this eye-opening conversation, Crystal welcomes Flavia De La Fuente, founder of Field Pay, who's pioneering a revolutionary approach to compensation that's transforming how service businesses recruit, retain, and motivate their teams.Flavia reveals how today's workforce expectations have fundamentally shifted thanks to the gig economy. When 30% of young adults already earn from side hustles with instant payouts, the traditional two-week pay cycle feels increasingly outdated. This disconnect creates a massive opportunity for contractors willing to embrace new compensation models.The magic of instant pay lies in its psychological impact. Research shows that merely having access to immediate payment options creates an effect equivalent to a 19% wage increase—without actually increasing base compensation. By connecting desired behaviors (weekend shifts, emergency calls, successful sales) with instant financial rewards, contractors can drive productivity while giving employees greater financial control."The marshmallow test shows us that people value choice in when they receive rewards," Flavia explains. "Instant pay is like saying: you accomplished something valuable, here's your reward, use it whenever you want." This approach transforms how technicians view challenging shifts from obligations to opportunities.Perhaps most compelling is how instant pay revolutionizes recruitment. By attaching immediate bonuses to referral milestones—when candidates apply, interview, get hired, and reach retention anniversaries—contractors effectively turn their entire team into an engaged recruiting force. This creates a powerful cycle where team members actively help maintain the quality culture they value.For contractors facing labor shortages and increasing wage demands, Field Pay offers a strategic approach to compensation that aligns business objectives with employee motivation. Those who adapt faster with smarter pay systems will gain significant advantages in building capacity, delivering exceptional customer experiences, and fostering stronger company cultures.Ready to transform how you motivate your team? Visit myfieldpay.com to join the waitlist and be among the first to leverage this game-changing approach to compensation in the trades.If you enjoyed this chat From the Yellow Chair, consider joining our newsletter, "Let's Sip Some Lemonade," where you can receive exclusive interviews, our bank of helpful downloadables, and updates on upcoming content. Please consider following and drop a review below if you enjoyed this episode. Be sure to check out our social media pages on Facebook and Instagram. From the Yellow Chair is powered by Lemon Seed, a marketing strategy and branding company for the trades. Lemon Seed specializes in rebrands, creating unique, comprehensive, organized marketing plans, social media, and graphic design. Learn more at www.LemonSeedMarketing.com Interested in being a guest on our show? Fill out this form! We'll see you next time, Lemon Heads!

Nick Miller, from Viral, specializes in helping contractors navigate digital marketing. He explores the pitfalls of relying solely on Google ads and advocates for diversifying lead generation tactics. Miller unveils the power of lead aggregation platforms, emphasizing their role in connecting local contractors with homeowners. Key factors for success include quick response times and a proper budget. The discussion highlights the importance of systematic follow-ups and a holistic marketing strategy, urging contractors to embrace change for lasting results.

Send us a textEver wonder why your service business hits a ceiling despite your best marketing efforts? The answer might not be in your advertising strategy but in your leadership bench strength.In this enlightening conversation, Crystal welcomes leadership strategist Elise from Velocity Leader to explore how contractors can build depth on their teams. Drawing from her experience coaching over 150 contractors annually, Elise shares invaluable insights about identifying and developing leadership potential within your existing team.The discussion tackles the uncomfortable truth many contractors face: technical excellence doesn't automatically translate to leadership ability. Just because someone is your best technician doesn't mean they should manage your team. Leadership requires a distinct set of skills – emotional intelligence, communication flexibility, and the ability to stay calm under pressure. As Elise points out, "If you look at the most calm person in a room, that's your leader, regardless of title."Both experts emphasize that leadership development must start with self-awareness from the top. Before building your bench, you must become "a leader worth following" who models the behaviors you expect. This means confronting common roadblocks like fear of letting go, perfectionism, and the need for control that prevent many contractors from developing strong teams.The conversation provides practical tools for leadership development, including DISC training to understand communication styles, the "delegate and elevate" framework to identify strengths, and creating clear systems that remove excuses through documentation. Most importantly, they affirm that leadership can absolutely be taught to those who "get it, want it, and have capacity for it."Ready to break through your revenue ceiling? Stop doing everything yourself and start developing the bench strength that will carry your business forward. Your future growth depends not on how hard you work, but on how effectively you develop others to lead alongside you.If you enjoyed this chat From the Yellow Chair, consider joining our newsletter, "Let's Sip Some Lemonade," where you can receive exclusive interviews, our bank of helpful downloadables, and updates on upcoming content. Please consider following and drop a review below if you enjoyed this episode. Be sure to check out our social media pages on Facebook and Instagram. From the Yellow Chair is powered by Lemon Seed, a marketing strategy and branding company for the trades. Lemon Seed specializes in rebrands, creating unique, comprehensive, organized marketing plans, social media, and graphic design. Learn more at www.LemonSeedMarketing.com Interested in being a guest on our show? Fill out this form! We'll see you next time, Lemon Heads!

Send us a textReady to transform your contracting business? Crystal, co-founder and lead strategist at Lemon Seed Marketing, breaks down the three essential mindshifts that separate thriving contractors from those constantly struggling with marketing frustrations.First, you must recognize that you already have a brand whether you're actively managing it or not. Your logo, customer experiences, reviews, and market presence collectively form your brand identity. The question isn't whether you have a brand—it's whether you're controlling it. Crystal debunks the myth that effective branding requires mascots (though she admits to loving them), explaining that consistency across all touchpoints is what truly matters. Whether it's your distinctive color scheme, memorable tagline, or unique visual elements, successful branding demands intentionality rather than leaving your reputation to chance.The second critical mindshift addresses a common contractor pitfall: expecting immediate, measurable returns from every marketing dollar spent. As Crystal colorfully puts it, "scared money don't make money." The most successful contractors approach marketing as an ecosystem where multiple strategies work together, rather than isolated tactics with one-to-one ROI. This requires patience and sustained investment—ideally 7-10% of revenue, not the insufficient 2% many allocate. Crystal warns against cutting marketing budgets when immediate results aren't visible, explaining how this creates the very lead droughts contractors fear.Finally, Crystal delivers the uncomfortable truth many contractors need to hear: you must actually run your business like the boss you are. Stop allowing team members to dictate what marketing initiatives they'll support or which upsells they'll offer. By setting clear expectations, creating proper incentives, and knowing your key performance metrics, you establish the foundation for sustainable growth. Without these elements, you're simply "driving a spaceship blind"—orbiting aimlessly without the ability to land.Are you ready to shift your thinking and transform your approach to marketing? Listen now and start building the legacy business you've always dreamed of creating.If you enjoyed this chat From the Yellow Chair, consider joining our newsletter, "Let's Sip Some Lemonade," where you can receive exclusive interviews, our bank of helpful downloadables, and updates on upcoming content. Please consider following and drop a review below if you enjoyed this episode. Be sure to check out our social media pages on Facebook and Instagram. From the Yellow Chair is powered by Lemon Seed, a marketing strategy and branding company for the trades. Lemon Seed specializes in rebrands, creating unique, comprehensive, organized marketing plans, social media, and graphic design. Learn more at www.LemonSeedMarketing.com Interested in being a guest on our show? Fill out this form! We'll see you next time, Lemon Heads!

Financing can boost sales and customer satisfaction for contractors. Modern consumers, especially millennials, expect financing options, making large purchases more digestible through manageable monthly payments. The conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding customer needs and building trust. By leading with payment plans during sales discussions, contractors can enhance experiences and increase close rates. The podcast advocates for adopting financing as a strategic tool in marketing and customer relations, positioning it as a necessity for competitive success.

Jonathan Bannister, a former police officer turned marketing strategist, discusses the pitfalls of traditional digital marketing in his new book, "F*** Digital Marketing." He reveals that contractors often chase only the small percentage of homeowners looking for services while neglecting the vast majority. Bannister warns that with the rise of AI, brand recognition will soon outweigh SEO. His compelling story of a 97-year-old company's rebranding disaster underscores the risks of poor strategy, highlighting the importance of authentic storytelling and effective branding in today’s market.