From the Yellow Chair

Send us a textEver wonder what $150,000 in professional branding and business resources could do for a contracting company? The answer might surprise you—it could completely transform their trajectory.When Lemon Seed Marketing dreamed up the Great American Brand Story initiative, they knew they needed powerful partners to make it truly impactful. Enter Service Nation, whose decade-long mission of helping contractors grow made them the perfect presenting sponsor. Together, they've assembled an extraordinary opportunity worth over $150,000 for one deserving contractor in the plumbing, HVAC, or electrical trades.Nicole Norris from Service Nation joins Emily to unpack why this initiative matters so deeply. "We want to be instrumental in the lives of contractors," Nicole explains, highlighting how proper branding goes far beyond aesthetics. A thoughtfully crafted brand communicates trust and value to homeowners making significant investments in their properties. As both hosts agree—nobody wants the cheapest contractor handling their essential home systems.The prize package is comprehensive by design: Lemon Seed's complete rebrand services, Service Nation's business coaching and membership benefits, plus contributions from multiple partners including website development, PR campaigns, direct mail marketing, digital analytics, and more. The transformation journey will culminate in a grand reveal at Service World Expo in Las Vegas this October, professionally documented from start to finish.For contractors listening, this represents more than just a marketing opportunity—it's potentially life-changing. The initiative targets privately-owned businesses with $1-5M in revenue who are open to creative transformation. As Nicole powerfully states: "If you want to grow, you need to be open to change. If you're not going to change, you're going to die."Ready to see if this transformation could be yours? Applications close May 15th at midnight. Visit greatamericanbrandstory.com to apply and join a movement that's elevating the trades one contractor at a time.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 wondered why some home service businesses become household names while others remain forgettable? The secret isn't just clever digital marketing or a fancy logo—it's building genuine community relationships that transform customers into raving fans.Crystal, founder and lead strategist at Lemon Seed Marketing, pulls back the curtain on what truly separates market leaders from the competition. With passion and practical wisdom, she challenges the common misconception that your brand is merely your logo. While visual identity matters, it's only the introduction—not the relationship. True brand building happens when your technicians roll trash cans up driveways for elderly customers, when your mascot high-fives local kids, and when your team shows up consistently as positive community members.The harsh truth Crystal delivers? Most contractors won't commit to genuine community marketing because it demands sustained effort and creativity. But those who persevere gain tremendous advantages. Rather than simply writing sponsorship checks and slapping logos on banners, successful brands customize their community presence in memorable ways—transforming putting greens into branded experiences, creating signature charitable moments, and generating authentic content that resonates long after the event ends.This approach creates what Crystal calls "the top of the funnel" marketing that builds brand awareness and trust before customers ever need your services. When market demand fluctuates or digital advertising falters, companies with strong community relationships maintain stability through word-of-mouth and brand loyalty. The key is layering these community efforts with digital marketing, direct mail, and other tactics for a comprehensive approach where "2+2=5."Ready to transform your home service brand from a forgettable logo into a beloved community fixture? Take Crystal's challenge to think outside the box, show up consistently, and create the kind of authentic connections that competitors can't easily replicate. Because when market conditions get tough, it's not your logo that saves you—it's the relationships you've built one community interaction at a time.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 textCulture isn't just a buzzword – it's the foundation that determines whether businesses thrive or merely survive. This conversation dives deep into why prioritizing people before products and profits creates sustainable success. The research is clear: money only impacts happiness up to about $75,000 per year. Beyond that threshold, purpose and meaning take precedence – especially among younger generations seeking work-life balance and connection to something greater than themselves. We explore how sharing your long-term vision with team members creates buy-in and alignment that ripples throughout your organization.Core values deserve special attention. Generic principles like "honesty" and "integrity" fall flat compared to actionable values that guide decision-making. One example shared: "Do what's right, not what's easy" – a principle that team members can apply both professionally and personally. We discuss how businesses impact far more lives than most realize, with a single company potentially influencing thousands of households through its network of clients and their employees.As your business grows, consider establishing a dedicated "culture steward" to maintain your organizational DNA through hiring and onboarding. Like Amazon's famous door desks (still used today as a symbol of frugality), culture-defining elements become powerful when intentionally cultivated. Whether you run a marketing agency, contracting business, or any other enterprise, the message remains clear: happy teams naturally create happy customers. Your culture isn't just nice to have – it's your competitive advantage.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 textDigital marketing frustrates many contractors, but what if the secret isn't finding the perfect channel—but creating a powerful strategy where everything works together? Tim Brown, CEO of Hook Agency, joins Crystal to unpack what truly makes digital marketing work for home service businesses. Unlike marketers who guard their "secret sauce," Tim shares candidly about SEO challenges in the age of AI, why most contractors struggle with online presence, and how small businesses can compete against industry giants.The conversation takes a fascinating turn when Tim explains why a strong brand multiplies the effectiveness of every marketing dollar you spend. "If you're more memorable and distinct, every single piece of marketing you put out will have a higher ROI," he says. This isn't just about logos—it's about infusing your reputation into symbols customers immediately recognize when they need you.For contractors feeling overwhelmed by marketing options, Tim provides a clear starting point: master your Google Business Profile before expanding to other channels. The strategy is refreshingly simple yet powerful: "Every homeowner is going to review me. I'm going to figure out how to get every homeowner to review me." Companies following this approach often surpass established competitors who neglect this fundamental step.Beyond tactics, Tim shares candid insights from scaling his own agency, including the challenges of building culture and the "law of the lid"—recognizing that a company's growth is limited by its leader's personal development. These lessons provide valuable perspective for contractors navigating their own growth journeys.Ready to transform your approach to digital marketing? Listen now and discover how to create marketing momentum that competitors can't match. The difference isn't just what you do—it's how strategically you combine all your marketing elements to build an unstoppable presence.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 textWhat happens when social media shifts from an obligatory marketing checkbox to a strategic centerpiece of your brand-building efforts? Jen McKee, founder of Kee Hart Marketing, joins Crystal to unpack exactly how contractors and home service businesses can leverage authentic social content to transform their online presence.For too many business owners, social media feels like a frustrating time sink without clear returns. Jen dismantles this misconception by introducing her proven 3S Framework—Show Up, Stand Out, and Scale—a strategic approach that balances engaging content (50%), educational material (30%), and promotional messaging (20%). This intentional mix is what separates social accounts that algorithms love from those that struggle for visibility.The conversation tackles the elephant in the room: ROI expectations for social media. Rather than direct lead attribution, Jen explains how successful social strategies typically progress through three phases—increased visibility among personal networks, enhanced recruitment capabilities, and finally, broader community recognition. This marathon approach takes 6-12 months to fully materialize but creates lasting brand equity no quick-win strategy can match.You'll walk away with immediately actionable insights: scheduling dedicated weekly social media time, determining realistic posting frequency, creating a content calendar using the "Four C's" approach, and focusing on authentic team content rather than generic stock imagery. As Crystal emphasizes, social media doesn't work in isolation—it amplifies every other marketing effort and community involvement initiative.Whether you're struggling to start your social media journey or looking to revitalize a stagnant approach, this conversation provides both the strategic framework and tactical steps to transform your digital presence into a genuine competitive advantage.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 textMarketing synergy isn't just a buzzword—it's the game-changing approach that separates thriving contractors from those perpetually struggling to generate consistent leads. Drawing from recent conversations with digital marketing providers, Crystal tackles the critical disconnect happening in contractor marketing today. Too many business owners place all their hope (and budget) into digital tactics alone, then wonder why their results fall short. The truth? Without solid branding as your foundation, even the most sophisticated SEO and PPC campaigns will underperform.Think of effective marketing like baklava—those delicious, honey-soaked pastries with countless thin layers. Each marketing component might seem insignificant on its own, but when properly layered together, they create something exponentially more powerful than any single ingredient could deliver. This is the "two plus two equals five" principle that transforms good marketing into great results.Crystal doesn't hold back on some uncomfortable truths: most contractors drastically overestimate their market recognition, their logos are often illegible or forgettable, and word-of-mouth alone won't protect them from competitors with actual marketing strategies. She explains why different marketing tactics require different expectations—from the transactional nature of Google Local Service Ads to the awareness-building function of billboards and social media.The podcast reveals why leading digital providers now refuse clients without solid branding fundamentals—they've learned through experience that no amount of technical optimization can overcome basic brand deficiencies. For contractors serious about sustainable growth, the path forward requires honest assessment and a willingness to build marketing systems where each component enhances the others.Ready to transform your marketing approach from disconnected tactics to a powerful, integrated strategy? This episode provides the roadmap to make it happen. Follow Lemon Seed Marketing on social media and subscribe to our newsletter to catch upcoming webinars and exciting new product announcements that will help you implement these principles in your business.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 textWhat if your most powerful marketing strategy isn't about generating leads or spending more on advertising, but simply showing genuine appreciation to your customers? This episode dives deep into the transformative power of gratitude marketing with Caleb Bates from To Your Success, exploring how thoughtful gestures of appreciation create emotional connections that turn one-time customers into lifelong advocates.Our conversation reveals the fascinating origin story behind To Your Success – how founder Jim discovered that customers who purchased expensive motorhomes were more energized by the dozen cookies they received afterward than by the motorhome itself. This revelation sparked a business dedicated to helping companies express authentic gratitude through memorable gifts that engage multiple senses and create lasting positive associations.We explore the psychology behind effective appreciation marketing, examining why surprise and delight are so powerful in creating brand loyalty. Caleb shares remarkable success stories of businesses whose simple thank-you gifts generated organic referrals when customers proudly displayed branded items in their communities. You'll learn why consistency matters in gratitude marketing and how to balance automation with authentic human connection.As digital marketing becomes increasingly automated and impersonal, this episode reminds us that tapping into our fundamental humanity – through thoughtful gestures of appreciation – might be the most strategic differentiator available to home service businesses today. Whether you're looking to increase customer retention, generate more referrals, or simply build a brand that resonates on a human level, this conversation will transform how you think about marketing.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 textStep into the future of contractor marketing with insights on how artificial intelligence, strategic branding and customer rehash can revolutionize your business. In this engaging episode with Crystal and Alec Stevanovski from Homepros, we invite you to explore the impact of AI tools—like ChatGPT—on everyday marketing tasks and how to leverage them for enhanced communication and operational efficiency. Learn how to integrate AI seamlessly while retaining the human touch that defines your brand.Branding remains a crucial focus, with discussions on why maintaining a strong presence and regular engagement with past clients can invigorate your marketing efforts. Our expert guest shares practical tips for refreshing your branding and strategies for utilizing existing customer databases effectively. Dive deep into the art of creating personalized communication strategies and discover how to maximize the potential of your marketing initiatives.This isn't just about technology; it’s about evolving your approach to truly connect with clients and cultivate a recognizable brand. Whether you’re looking to implement AI into your workflow or seeking to refine your branding strategy, this episode is full of actionable insights that can drive your business forward. Join us to transform the way you think about marketing—your clients will appreciate it. After listening, don't forget to reach out, subscribe, and leave a review!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 textWe're sipping some lemonade with the fabulous ladies from CSR Academy! In this episode, you'll discover the profound impact of customer service representatives (CSRs) on business success. We delve into training strategies, systems, and mindsets that can shift the trajectory of your company.- Explore the essential role of CSRs - Discuss the importance of training and leadership - Emphasize hiring for attitude over skills - Share successful systems for CSR processes - Highlight the integration of technology in customer service - Foster a positive culture for CSRs - Examine the significance of attitude and mindset - Call for investment in customer service teams Don’t miss our exciting announcement about the CSR Academy’s upcoming training event! 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 textWhat if embracing technology could revolutionize your trades business? In this episode, I sit down with Jess Krellman, the innovative founder and CEO of Titan Advising Gurus, to uncover how Service Titan can transform operations and fuel growth in the trades industry. Jess shares her compelling journey from hands-on trades experience to mastering Service Titan, offering insights on overcoming the hurdles of integrating such a powerful system. By leveraging available tools and resources, contractors can streamline processes, enhance customer experiences, and drive success without feeling overwhelmed by technological adoption.We'll uncover the secrets to optimizing Service Titan for maximum impact. Jess and I discuss the importance of setting up systems like Marketing Pro correctly to avoid inefficiencies and frustrations. Through relatable examples, we underscore the value of trusting the process and being patient for substantial improvements. Learn how a seamless customer experience, powered by well-monitored CSR and marketing scorecards, can boost positive reviews and customer retention. This episode provides a roadmap for aligning marketing efforts with performance to ensure businesses not only meet but exceed customer expectations.Join us as we explore the mindset shift required to perceive technology as an investment rather than a mere expense. Jess emphasizes adapting to change and the transformative potential of Service Titan in streamlining operations. We highlight the importance of seeking help, utilizing online communities, and embracing empowerment to confidently navigate the technological landscape. Jess’s journey from mastering Service Titan to founding her own consultancy is a testament to the impact of technology on business growth. This episode promises valuable insights for contractors determined to turn technological challenges into opportunities for long-term success.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!