To The Point - Home Services Podcast

Kevin Comerford, Founder of Service Champions, and Jonathan Bancroft, President of Morris-Jenkins, dive into solving the skilled labor shortage in home services. They discuss their innovative internal training academies that transform technicians into managers. The duo highlights the importance of continuous development, team dynamics, and structured educational frameworks. With insights on overcoming organizational conflicts and using KPIs for accountability, this conversation is a treasure trove for anyone in the home service industry looking to scale and enhance workforce capabilities.

In this quick-hit micro episode, Chris gets straight to the point about a critical concept many contractors overlook: prepping for the shoulder season while you're still crushing summer. Whether you're in HVAC, roofing, or another home service trade, the true pros don't just survive the off-season—they dominate it by preparing early.👉 Learn the proven tactics successful contractors use to stay ahead:Why planning in June/July gives you an edge in fall and winterHow to train like a pro in the offseason (hint: not during the game!)The importance of building a review strategy while you're at max capacityKeeping your marketing running while competitors pull backHow to recruit top-tier talent when others overextendAnd how to reverse engineer your busy season to improve next year📌 Timecodes: 00:00 – Intro: What’s the shoulder season and why it matters 00:40 – Why top contractors plan for fall during summer 01:15 – Staying aggressive when others relax 02:15 – Tactics to prepare now for success later 02:59 – Use shoulder season to train, recruit, and systematize 04:12 – Max out review collection while business is booming 05:09 – Operational and tech process improvement 06:17 – Keep marketing to take market share 07:17 – Build your powerhouse team before the slowdown 07:57 – Reverse engineer what went wrong (or right!) during the busy season 08:48 – Final thoughts + Memorial Day message🧠 Key Takeaway: The offseason isn’t the time to start thinking about strategy—it’s the time to implement it. The best in the business are always thinking a season ahead.🔔 Don't forget to: ✅ Subscribe for more no-BS insights 💬 Comment below with how you're prepping for shoulder season 📤 Share this with a contractor friend who needs to hear it📱 Follow us for more: Website: https://rynoss.com/podcast/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/to_the_point_podcast/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/to-the-point-home-services/ 🎧 Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and everywhere you get your podcasts.

Welcome back to To The Point Home Services! In this powerhouse episode, Chris and Chad sit down with Sammy Ayoub, the founder of Apex Pros in Columbus, Ohio. Sammy went from running the nation’s largest Boost Mobile retail chain to launching a home services juggernaut—growing from 3 vans to 135 and pushing $50M in under 4 years. You’ll hear the full story—from humble beginnings and an unexpected pandemic pivot to building a people-first culture, bold branding, and aggressive marketing that turned Apex into a household name in record time. 🚨 First-time podcast guest. First-class growth story. Don't miss this one. ⏱ Timestamps00:00 – Intro & Birthday Banter 🎉02:24 – Meet Sammy Ayoub of Apex Pros03:40 – Launching Apex Pros in 202104:44 – From 3 Vans to 135 🚐06:00 – Building Culture + A Giant Koi Pond 🐟08:08 – From Boost Mobile to HVAC/Plumbing/Electrical11:00 – Exiting Wireless After 28 Years14:00 – Transitioning Into Trades During the Pandemic17:00 – Recruiting First 110 Employees Himself20:00 – Culture & Weekly Tech Meetings22:10 – No Signing Bonuses. Just Real Culture.26:15 – Rapid Education: Podcasts, Facebook Groups & DMs28:05 – Why Marketing % Rules Are BS30:00 – TV, Radio, and the Columbus Blue Jackets Partnership35:00 – Alex the Mascot & Alex Cares Program ❤️38:46 – Growth Trajectory: 4M → 16M → 33M → 50M41:00 – Market Competition & Scaling Against Giants44:00 – Advice: $5M is Great. $50M Ain’t for Everyone46:30 – Wrapping Up & Growth Mindset Takeaways 🔗 Resources & MentionsApex Pros Website - https://apexpros.com/Dan Antonelli / KickCharge Branding - https://www.kickcharge.com/ServiceTitan - https://www.servicetitan.com/Nexstar Network - https://www.nexstarnetwork.com/Clover Marketing - https://www.growwithclover.com/ 💬 Liked this episode? Here's how to support us:✅ Subscribe for more unfiltered insights from top operators👍 Like the video if you learned something new💬 Drop your thoughts or questions for Sammy in the comments📢 Share this episode with a friend or your team!

Michael Brewner, co-owner of Iceberg Home Services and former professional poker player, shares his inspiring journey from poker to building a $47M HVAC and plumbing empire. He discusses critical leadership lessons, the importance of team dynamics, and personal growth while scaling without outside investment. Mike highlights the challenges of recruitment and emphasizes fostering a culture of collaboration and mentorship. With a few dad jokes sprinkled in, he offers keen insights on balancing business growth with personal well-being.

In this episode of To The Point Home Services, host Chris Yano reflects on the invaluable lessons he's learned over the years—personally, professionally, and spiritually. Chris dives deep into what’s shaped him as a leader, business owner, husband, and father, sharing wisdom gained through faith, experience, and hard work. This episode is a must-listen for anyone navigating leadership, business growth, or personal development in the home services industry (and beyond).💡 Key Takeaways:The power of faith and trusting God’s planImportance of staying grounded while growing a businessLessons in leadership, including vulnerability and accountabilityWhy embracing change is key to growthInsights on navigating burnout and finding balanceThe role of mentors, self-reflection, and continuous improvement📌 Links & Resources:Learn more about RYNO Strategic Solutions: https://rynoss.comSubscribe to the podcast newsletter: https://rynoss.com/podcastPrevious episodes: https://www.youtube.com/@ToThePointPodcast⏱️ Timecodes: 00:00 – Intro: Why this episode is different 01:02 – Trusting God’s plan (and letting go of control) 03:05 – What burnout taught me about balance 05:10 – Business mistakes and leadership growth 07:42 – Vulnerability is a strength, not a weakness 09:55 – Always stay teachable 11:12 – Why mindset matters more than strategy 13:04 – Wrapping up: Lead with intention 14:25 – Final thoughts and sign-off📣 Don’t forget to: 👍 Like this video 💬 Leave a comment with your favorite lesson 🔔 Subscribe to the channel for more real-talk from home services leaders 📤 Share this episode with someone who needs to hear it!

John Bowman, President of F.F. Hitchcock, has transformed a 150-year-old family business into a $20M+ home services powerhouse. He discusses innovative branding strategies, emphasizing humor and authenticity to attract customers. The conversation dives into a leadership transition in a multi-generational setup and the impact of technology on service delivery. Creative marketing tactics like prank calls and upside-down booths showcase how fun can foster a strong brand identity. Learn how nurturing company culture fuels growth and adaption in challenging markets.

Leland Smith, founder of Service Champions, and industry expert Aaron Gaynor explore key strategies for navigating economic challenges in home services. They discuss the impact of tariffs and the importance of timely price adjustments to maintain profitability. Leland reveals the success behind club memberships and their role in customer loyalty. The conversation also covers lessons learned during COVID, the significance of training skilled tradespeople, and the value of quality service over quick fixes. It's a must-listen for anyone looking to enhance their business!

🔥 In this high-energy micro episode, Chris dives into one of the most overlooked yet powerful business growth strategies: RELATIONSHIPS. Whether you’re leading a multimillion-dollar HVAC empire or just starting out in your trade, this episode is packed with hard-hitting truths, real-world examples, and actionable insights. Relationships aren't just a “nice to have”—they’re a must-have.From mentors and peers to vendors, competitors, and even yourself—Chris breaks down how building strong, respectful, and strategic connections can completely change your business trajectory. 💥⏱️ Timestamps:00:00 - Intro: Why this is one of Chris’s favorite topics00:40 - The most underrated strategy: Relationships01:35 - The 4 (plus 1!) key relationship types01:54 - 💡 1. Mentors: Why having the right guide matters03:30 - Real examples: Keegan Hodges, Jamie DiDominico, Joe Huck, Ken Goodrich04:09 - Tips on approaching mentors04:40 - 💡 2. Peers: Your inner circle for real talk06:08 - 💡 3. Vendors: Don’t be a jerk—be a partner07:30 - 💡 4. Competitors: Compete without hate08:59 - Recap of the 4 types09:28 - 💡 BONUS: Relationship with YOURSELF09:52 - Self-care, self-esteem & always learning12:46 - Why self-education feeds confidence13:25 - The ripple effect of great relationships14:01 - Final thoughts: Start somewhere—start with relationships💬 Join the Conversation:Which relationship type do you need to work on the most? Drop your thoughts or experiences in the comments below—we’d love to hear from you!👍 Enjoying the pod?Hit that LIKE button, SUBSCRIBE for more real talk from the trenches, and SHARE this episode with someone who needs to hear it today.🔔 Turn on notifications so you never miss an episode!📲 Follow Us:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/to_the_point_podcast/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/to-the-point-home-services/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ToThePointHomeServicesPodcastWebsite: https://rynoss.com/podcast/

In this episode of To The Point Home Services Podcast, hosts Chris and Chad sit down with Yossi Wachtel, Founder & President of Monkey Wrench to explore his inspiring entrepreneurial journey. From scaling a one-truck plumbing company to a $25M+ home services powerhouse in Southern California, Yossi gets real about navigating tough markets, leadership through crisis, personal branding, and building a customer-obsessed culture.Whether you're running a service business, managing a team, or trying to create value in a noisy market, this one’s packed with insights you won’t want to miss!🧠 Key TakeawaysHow Yossi scaled Monkey Wrench to $25M in revenue in one of the most competitive home service markets.The importance of mission-driven leadership and a customer-centric mindset.Behind-the-scenes of how the Palisades fire impacted his business and how he led through adversity.Using personal brand (especially on LinkedIn) to connect with customers and elevate trust.Creating training systems and internal bootcamps that reinforce service excellence.Why simplifying the customer experience—even something as small as a voice prompt—can boost conversions.Marketing strategies that actually leverage your existing customer base.The power of empathy, handwritten letters, and going above & beyond in a service-based industry.⏱️ Timecodes00:00 – Intro + wild flight story04:00 – Meet Yossi: Founder of Monkey Wrench07:00 – Dad jokes & Cuban elevator story10:00 – Palisades Fire: Business impact & leadership through crisis18:00 – Revenue talk: $25M company in 202421:00 – Competing in SoCal: mindset vs market23:00 – Service over new construction26:00 – Memberships & marketing to your current base31:00 – The power of personal branding on LinkedIn36:00 – Making it EASY to do business with you42:00 – Training, roleplay, and elevating installers44:00 – Marketing like a funnel & cross-promotion strategy47:00 – Final thoughts & gratitude🔗 Resources & MentionsMonkey Wrench Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electric - https://www.monkeywrenchplumbers.com/Connect with Yossi on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/yossi-wachtel-70a81412/Nexstar Network - https://www.nexstarnetwork.com/📣 Enjoyed this episode?👉 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes that get straight To The Point. 💬 Drop your favorite takeaway in the comments—or share your best dad joke! 📲 Follow us on your favorite podcast app & never miss an episode.#ToThePointPodcast #HomeServices #HVAC #Plumbing #Leadership #Entrepreneurship #Marketing #CustomerExperience

In this discussion, Michael Caito, a business scaling expert and CEO of Management Action Programs (MAP), shares invaluable insights on the differences between leaders and managers. He emphasizes the significance of routine, discipline, and structure in achieving business success. Listeners will learn how effective leaders develop talent and the importance of tailored training systems. Caito also highlights common leadership pitfalls, the necessity of clear communication, and actionable strategies for overcoming analysis paralysis in decision-making.