To The Point - Home Services Podcast

Michael Franzese, a former top-ranking member of the Colombo crime family, shares his incredible journey from organized crime to motivational speaking. He reveals how he orchestrated a massive gasoline tax swindle, the dynamics of loyalty and leadership in the mob, and crucial lessons for entrepreneurs. Franzese discusses the importance of authenticity and effective delegation in both life and business. His story of faith and redemption offers compelling insights into building a legitimate empire from a tumultuous past, making this conversation a treasure trove for anyone seeking inspiration.

Josey Parks, CEO of SVG and the Win The Storm Conference, shares his insights as a serial entrepreneur in the home services industry. He reveals how he grew a sales team from 34 to 300 members, emphasizing the 'actioneer' mindset for decisive progress. Josey discusses the power of hiring rookies with raw talent over seasoned reps, highlighting the role of technology and data in modern sales strategies. He also expresses his passion for mentoring young contractors to lead responsibly and foster professionalism in the storm restoration field.

In this power-packed micro episode of To The Point, Chris Yano welcomes Zac Garside—President of Prolific and email marketing wizard—for a deep dive into why most home service businesses are sleeping on email marketing. Spoiler alert: it’s more powerful (and affordable) than you think.Chris and Zac break down exactly what contractors are missing, from deliverability issues to poor open rates—and how Prolific is flipping the script with 30–50% open rates and real lead generation. If you’re not using email marketing the right way, you’re leaving low-cost, high-converting leads on the table.Get ready to learn:Why your emails are going to spam—and how to fix itWhat open rates and conversions you should be hittingHow to turn your email list into a revenue-generating machineSimple tactics to increase replies, book more jobs, and stay top-of-mindWhy “reply to this email” may be your strongest CTAPlus, enjoy some classic dad jokes, behind-the-scenes insight into Zac’s career, and real success stories from top-performing contractors.🎯 Key Takeaways:✅ Email marketing isn’t dead—it’s just done wrong.📈 Targeted emails = higher opens, more replies, and more jobs.🛠 Technical setup matters: authentication, warm-up cycles, and sender domain reputation are game changers.💬 “Reply to this email” CTAs drive 30–100 leads within days.🔄 Open rate benchmark: 30–50%. Response rate: 1–2%.📅 Seasonal and weather-triggered campaigns = gold.⏱ Timecodes:00:00 – Intro & dad jokes06:45 – Why Zac joined Prolific08:30 – The untapped power of email marketing13:00 – What’s killing your deliverability16:50 – Why segmentation matters20:45 – Email vs. ads: ROI comparison25:00 – Best subject lines that actually get opens30:00 – Automation, drip campaigns, and personalization33:45 – How to measure real ROI36:00 – Getting out of spam folder: Setup & warm-up explained40:00 – Plain text vs. HTML email: What works41:00 – Chris roasts TTP’s email format 😂42:00 – Wrapping up + where to learn more🔗 Resources Mentioned:Learn more about Prolific: https://prolificbranddesign.com/Follow Chris Yano & RYNO Strategic Solutions: https://rynoss.comConnect with Zac Garside on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zacgarside/⭐️ Thank you to our Sponsors!Rilla: https://www.rilla.com/tothepointChiirp: https://chiirp.com/Contractor Commerce: https://www.contractorcommerce.com/ryno/Bluon: https://www.bluon.com/get-demo?referral_code=ToThePointAvoca.ai: https://avoca.ai/r/tothepoint📬 Stay Connected:Subscribe to the To The Point Home Services Podcast for more no-fluff insights to help your business grow.👍 Like this episode?💬 Drop a comment with your biggest takeaway!📲 Share this with your marketing team.🎯 Follow now and level up your marketing game—No. Zero. Days.🔔 Don’t forget to hit that bell so you never miss an episode.

In this powerhouse episode, Chris Yano sits down with Ismael Valdez, former CEO of NexGen, founder of Nuve, and straight-talking industry disruptor, to break down the REAL issues plaguing contractors today—and what it actually takes to grow and lead a successful home services business in 2025 and beyond. This isn't just another podcast episode. It's a masterclass in leadership, accountability, AI, branding, and the future of the trades. From calling out fake mentors and lazy operators to talking billion-dollar visions, robotic labor, and how personal branding is becoming a business necessity—this is the episode you didn't know you needed. 🔥 KEY TAKEAWAYS:Why most contractors operate like employees, not CEOs—and how to fix itThe accountability gap killing growth in small to mid-sized businessesWhy contractors are losing leads due to poor online reviewsThe rise of AI and robotics in trades: what’s coming and what to do about itThe future of branding (both personal and company) in an AI-dominated worldWhat separates real mentors from the frauds in the home services spaceHow Nuve is changing the game by listening to contractor feedback in real time ⏱️ TIMECODES:00:00 - Intro & Ishmael’s return00:51 - The economy, interest rates, and the outlook for 202602:05 - The real impact of immigration policies on the trades04:49 - Why Ishmael is still grinding after a big exit06:17 - Nuve’s mission and learning from contractor feedback08:00 - Yelp, Google, and the brutal truth about reviews10:01 - Every contractor messes up—what matters is how you respond14:45 - Most “CEOs” still think like employees17:08 - The rise of fake mentors & predatory coaches in the industry21:00 - Nobody is coming to save you—do the work24:14 - AI and the future of CSR & dispatch26:09 - Robotics in trades: the change is coming faster than you think31:06 - Brand is everything: company + personal brand strategy36:11 - Why you MUST get on camera (or find someone who will)42:05 - Why most contractors suck at social media—and how to fix it44:52 - The metric that matters most in social: SHARES47:30 - Final thoughts & actions to take now 🔗 MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:Nuve: https://www.nuvehome.com/Prolific Brand Design: https://prolificbranddesign.com/ Thank you to our Sponsors! Rilla: https://www.rilla.com/tothepointChiirp: https://chiirp.com/Contractor Commerce: https://www.contractorcommerce.com/ryno/Bluon: https://www.bluon.com/get-demo?referral_code=ToThePointAvoca.ai: https://avoca.ai/r/tothepoint 🙌 CALL TO ACTION:Found this episode valuable? Then stop what you're doing and:✅ Subscribe to the podcast💬 Drop a comment below with your biggest takeaway🔁 Share this episode with a contractor who needs to hear it Let’s keep building—together. No. Zero. Days.

In this episode of To The Point, hosts Chris and Chad sit down with Peter Capuciati (Chairman & CEO of Bluon) and Taylor Distler (VP of Biz Dev) for a no-filter, technician-first conversation on how Bluon is reshaping the HVAC industry.What started as a research-driven mission to create better refrigerants turned into a full-blown tech solution that now serves over 150,000 technicians. From giving techs instant access to wiring diagrams and manuals, to drastically reducing callbacks and increasing billable hours, Bluon is more than an app—it's a tool for empowering the future of HVAC.If you're an HVAC owner, tech, or operator looking for practical ways to reduce burnout, increase profits, and retain your best people—this one's for you.🔥 Key Takeaways:[01:06:04] Why Bluon was born out of frustration with inaccessible data[01:07:00] How Peter went from physicist to HVAC disruptor[01:08:00] The evolution from refrigerant R&D to technician empowerment[01:10:00] Why HVAC techs were being "left blind" and how Bluon fixed it[01:14:00] Business use cases: time savings, fewer callbacks, and tech retention[01:15:00] How contractors are using Bluon as a recruiting advantage📲 Resources & Mentions:Learn more about Bluon: https://www.bluon.comWant to sponsor the show? Reach out to us!Special shoutout to Logan Marshall for connecting the dots📢 Enjoyed the episode?Smash that Like button, drop a comment with your biggest takeaway, and don’t forget to Subscribe to the channel for more real talk with industry leaders.Thank you to our Sponsors!Rilla: https://www.rilla.com/tothepointChiirp: https://chiirp.com/Contractor Commerce: https://www.contractorcommerce.com/ryno/Bluon: https://www.bluon.com/get-demo?referral_code=ToThePointAvoca.ai: https://www.getavoca.ai/partners/ryno?utm_source=partner&utm_campaign=ryno&utm_medium=podcast💬 Got thoughts or questions? We read every comment—drop yours below!📩 Subscribe to our newsletter for behind-the-scenes and bonus content.🚀 No. Zero. Days.

Tersh Blissett, an automation expert and owner of multiple home service businesses, shares invaluable insights on AI's real-world applications. He discusses the importance of optimizing processes before automating to avoid inefficiencies and clarifies the difference between AI and automation. Tersh shares tools that enhance productivity, like ChatGPT and Trello, while emphasizing the role of upskilling employees rather than replacing them. Expect practical advice on leveraging automation and some light-hearted dad jokes sprinkled throughout!

🔧 Built for Olympians. Adapted for Guys Who Move the World.If your back’s stiff, your shoulder clicks, or your knees feel older than you are—this episode’s a wake-up call.Former U.S. National Gymnastics Coach Christopher Sommer spent decades building Olympians. Now he’s training the hardest-working men and women in America—trades pros, service techs, and business owners who can’t afford to break down.You show up for the job. You carry the load at work, lead your team, and still go home with enough left to be there for your family.But when your back tightens up, your shoulder goes out, or your energy fades, everything suffers—your business, your people, your peace of mind.This isn’t about getting fit. It’s about getting free. Staying strong enough to keep showing up where it matters most—without pain holding you back. 🔑 Key Takeaways:The power of playing the long game: thinking in 3–5 year blocks, not 3–5 months"No brain, no gain": why smart training beats “no pain, no gain” every timeWhy talent alone isn’t enough — and why most naturally gifted athletes failHow elite-level discipline and systems translate to business leadershipHow to hire, coach, and lead high-performers (and why most people aren't built to be entrepreneurs)Building character, not just champions — why the long game is always about people 🕒 Timecodes:00:00 – Intro & how Chris met Coach Sommer02:00 – Coach Sommer’s background: 40 years of gymnastics excellence05:15 – From athletes to business: mindset shifts that matter09:00 – The problem with 3–5 month thinking12:30 – What makes an elite performer: talent vs. grit17:30 – GymnasticBodies: building strength for everyone20:00 – How Coach helped SEAL Team 6 and NFL/NHL pros recover24:00 – “No brain, no gain” — redefining performance30:00 – Lessons in leadership & managing high-level talent35:00 – Steve Jobs, Saban, and high-achiever psychology42:00 – The truth about scaling, mediocrity, and maintaining excellence49:00 – Premium pricing for premium service — no shortcuts53:00 – Coaches need coaches: how to stay accountable58:00 – Final thoughts & lessons for business owners 🔗 Resources & Mentions:GymnasticBodies: https://www.gymnasticbodies.comCoach Sommer on Tim Ferriss Podcast (200+ million downloads) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yRFEb8KJC2ISports Illustrated profile on Coach Sommer - https://www.si.com/everyday-athlete/stories/the-brutal-truth-about-building-elite-athletes-lessons-from-gymnastics-coach-chris-sommer-01jtdv06te4d 📢 CALL TO ACTION✅ Try the 7-day Premium Trial of GymnasticBodies for free✅ Restore mobility, eliminate joint pain, and feel younger—no gym needed✅ Same system that rebuilt broken-down athletes—now built for you  ⭐️ Thank you to our Sponsors! Rilla: https://www.rilla.com/tothepointChiirp: https://chiirp.com/Contractor Commerce: https://www.contractorcommerce.com/ryno/Bluon: https://www.bluon.com/get-demo?referral_code=ToThePointAvoca.ai: https://www.getavoca.ai/partners/ryno?utm_source=partner&utm_campaign=ryno&utm_medium=podcast  Thanks for tuning in — and as always, No. Zero. Days. #Gymnastics #HomeServices #Leadership #Podcast #ChrisSommer #ToThePointPodcast #BusinessDiscipline #Entrepreneurship #HighPerformance #ChrisYano

Chris Crew, President of Blue Collar Success Group, shares his impressive journey from dropping out of school to building a $30M electrical service company. He discusses crucial lessons in scaling businesses, emphasizing that operational breakdowns often stall growth. Chris advocates for cohesive sales and operations, reveals the pitfalls of incorrect pricing, and stresses the importance of tailored training for team development. With insights on combatting 'shiny object syndrome' and implementing effective tools, his advice is invaluable for contractors at any revenue level.

In this engaging podcast episode, NFL legend Terry Bradshaw shares captivating stories and insights from his illustrious career and life beyond football. He delves into his philosophy on resilience, recounting how he overcame setbacks from his early days in the NFL to personal challenges. Bradshaw also touches upon his unique experiences as a car salesman and fishing guide during his off-seasons in the NFL, revealing his sales approach and the significant differences in player salaries and endorsements then versus now.A significant portion of the discussion revolves around his tumultuous relationship with his Steelers coach, Chuck Noll, and how their clashing personalities ultimately shaped him. He emphasizes the importance of teamwork built on love and understanding, even with diverse personalities and egos, drawing parallels between his championship Steelers teams and business environments. Bradshaw shares his "process" for his horse business, prioritizing employee well-being and a positive work atmosphere. He also offers his perspective on the ongoing debate of talent versus process in team management, referencing Nick Saban's coaching philosophy and Jimmy Johnson's approach to superstars. The episode concludes with Bradshaw discussing current NFL topics, including Jerry Jones's role as Cowboys general manager and his thoughts on various NFL coaches.Timecodes:00:00 - 07:37 Introduction & Personal Anecdotes  07:38 - 13:52 Defining Resilience  13:53 - 22:13 The 1974 Benching & Coach Noll  22:14 - 26:40 Team Dynamics & Leadership26:40 - 31:19 Early NFL Earnings & Off-Season Jobs31:19 - 36:39 Sales Philosophy 36:39 - 44:58 Talent vs. Process in Management 44:58 - 47:28 Employee Relations & Values 48:07 - 51:59 Dallas Cowboys & Jerry Jones 52:00 - 57:22 Favorite Coaches & Final Thoughts Thank you to our Sponsors!Rilla: https://www.rilla.com/tothepointChiirp: https://chiirp.com/Contractor Commerce: https://www.contractorcommerce.com/ryno/Bluon: https://www.bluon.com/get-demo?referral_code=ToThePoint

In this episode of To The Point Home Services, we sit down with Daryl Bingham, President of Parker & Sons, to unpack the transformative power of trust, accountability, and people development in the trades. With decades of leadership experience, Daryl shares how intentional culture-building leads to higher-performing teams and sustainable growth. 🔑 Key Takeaways:Why trust is the foundation of a high-performing culture.The three leadership buckets: visionary, relational, and operational—and how great leaders leverage all three.Why accountability isn’t punitive, but a form of support.How to develop your people through coaching, feedback, and belief.Daryl’s career journey from technician to VP, and the mentors that shaped his path.Actionable strategies for training field leaders, creating safe environments, and multiplying leadership capacity. ⏱️ Timecodes:00:00 – Intro to Daryl Bingham02:45 – Daryl's early career and lessons from the field06:20 – Defining accountability as support09:50 – The three leadership buckets explained13:15 – Why people don't do what they're supposed to16:40 – Culture-building at Service Champions20:30 – Training field leaders effectively25:10 – Creating psychological safety29:45 – The cost of poor leadership33:00 – From technician to organizational leader37:20 – How to grow people through belief and coaching41:50 – Final thoughts and leadership wisdom 📚 Resources & Mentions:The Path Less Traveled Newsletter: https://thepathlesstraveled.beehiiv.comBook mentioned: The Speed of Trust by Stephen M. R. CoveyConnect with Daryl Bingham on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daryl-bingham-0b44aa36/ ⭐️ A Special Thank You to Our SponsorsRilla: https://www.rilla.com/tothepointChiirp: https://chiirp.com/Contractor Commerce: https://www.contractorcommerce.com/ryno/Bluon: https://www.bluon.com/get-demo?referral_code=ToThePoint 📣 Enjoyed the episode?Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations with top leaders in the home services industry. Got a takeaway or question? Drop it in the comments—we’d love to hear from you!