Can't Stop the Growth

In this episode, Laura Koester, Head of Marketing at Champions Group, joins Katie to talk shop—and it’s anything but boring. 🎙️ From her start in telecom and veterinary marketing to leading strategy in the trades, Laura breaks down what it really takes to succeed in today’s home services landscape. Fewer leads? No problem. It's all about base hits, big trust, and data that actually matters 📈. If you're into real talk about scaling smart, empowering teams, and staying sane in shifting markets—this one's for you!   Additional Resources: Connect with Laura on LinkedIn Connect with Katie Donovan Learn More About CAMP Digital Join The ARENA - a CSTG Community! Chad on LinkedIn Chad Peterman | CEO | Author Peterman Brothers Website More on PeopleForward Network Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn    Key Takeaways: Fewer leads, higher quality: Prepare for this new norm by treating every lead like gold. Marketing is now about consistent base hits—not one-off wins. Success starts with strong operations; marketing can’t cover operational gaps. Planning 20 weeks ahead creates structure that enables flexibility and rapid adjustment. Empower your team to act like owners—owning revenue outcomes, not just tasks.  

In this episode, Chad dives into one of his favorite leadership lessons: John Maxwell's "Law of Buy-In" 🙌 Why? Because no matter how great your plan is, if people don’t believe in you, they won’t follow the vision. Chad shares stories, slip-ups, and aha moments about building trust, leading with character, and creating real team momentum 🔥 Whether you're leading a crew or just trying to move the needle, this one's packed with people-first wisdom you can use today 👊   Additional Resources:  Join The ARENA - a CSTG Community! Chad on LinkedIn Chad Peterman | CEO | Author Peterman Brothers Website More on PeopleForward Network Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn    Key Takeaways: People buy into the leader before the vision. Character is the foundational piece for building trust. Competence includes being vulnerable and admitting you don’t have all the answers. Credibility is built through consistency and effort. Buy-in enables teams to contribute ideas, improve processes, and take ownership.

Ryan Fenn, Founder of Chiirp, and Justin Judd, a seasoned software developer, share insights on transforming lead management with text automation. They discuss how automation can capture missed opportunities, turning leads into revenue. With texting boasting a 99% open rate, they highlight its effectiveness over traditional methods. The duo explores the balance of human interaction and tech enhancements, encouraging businesses to automate repetitive tasks and streamline communication for better growth. Discover how to plug revenue leaks and enhance customer engagement!

Andrew Hastie, COO of Peterman Brothers and a veteran in educational leadership, discusses the transformative power of leading by example. He dives into the 'Law of the Picture,' showcasing how actions often speak louder than words in building trust and a thriving culture. From battlefield insights to relatable office anecdotes, he emphasizes that modeling core values can uplift team morale. Hastie highlights that the toughest moments reveal a leader's true character, reminding us that our teams are always watching how we lead.

Heather McLeod, Chief Growth Officer at Authority Brands, dives deep into modern marketing strategies in the home services industry. She emphasizes the importance of smarter lead generation, revealing that true growth comes from uncovering hidden revenue through call analysis. The conversation shifts to how elite marketers must align closely with operations and focus on the entire customer journey for improved outcomes. Heather also highlights the potential of cross-selling and utilizing existing customer data to drive future growth. Buckle up for some actionable insights!

Chad Peterman dives into the Law of Empowerment, revealing that simply delegating isn't enough. He emphasizes the need for context and clarity in leadership, explaining why team members must understand the 'why' behind their tasks. Real-life examples highlight the challenges of letting go of control and the importance of communication in fostering trust. By encouraging transparency and sharing success metrics, leaders can nurture growth and build stronger teams, ultimately turning potential into performance.

Is your leadership helping your team grow—or holding them back? In this powerful conversation, Chad Peterman sits down with Andrew Hasty to unpack the first 10 irrefutable laws of leadership through the lens of real-world HVAC and home service business challenges. From overcoming limiting beliefs to building a people-first culture, this episode is a masterclass in self-awareness, leadership development, and scaling trades companies the right way. Perfect for service business owners and leaders who want to: Improve HVAC leadership skills Create a culture of continuous growth Scale their home service business with intention Coach frontline teams to higher performance Balance vision and daily accountability Discover how to lead through ambiguity, earn team respect, and coach in real time—all while staying grounded in long-term business growth. 🔧 Subscribe to Can't Stop the Growth for more episodes on HVAC leadership, home service business growth, and building strong cultures in the trades. Additional Resources: Andrew on LinkedIn Book: The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership by John C. Maxwell Join The ARENA - a CSTG Community (powered by our media partner, PeopleForward Network) Chad on LinkedIn Chad Peterman | CEO | Author Peterman Brothers Website Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn Learn more about PeopleForward Network Key Takeaways: Leadership Limits Business Growth When Development Stops Empowerment Drives a People-First Culture in the Trades Small Daily Improvements Fuel Home Service Business Growth Respect Is Earned Through Action, Not Authority Leadership Intuition Is Built Through Repetition and Curiosity

Karen Balko, co-owner of Vector Services, discusses her journey from financial struggles to scaling a $6.7 million HVAC and electrical company in the Twin Cities. She emphasizes the power of servant leadership, sharing how answering customer calls at 2 AM has built trust. Karen highlights the importance of a strong brand and company culture in attracting talent. The couple's insights on navigating growth, personal anecdotes, and the humor in their challenges offer invaluable lessons for aspiring entrepreneurs in the home services industry.

What do furnaces and fractions have in common? 🔥➗ More than you think! In this episode, Chad chats with Dr. Kevin Berkopes, CEO and Cofounder of MathTrack, about building learning organizations where real education goes way beyond check-the-box training. They dive into why mistakes matter, how to actually grow your people, and what it takes to turn experience into excellence. Whether you're a math nerd or a master tech, this one’s full of “aha!” moments 🎯💡   Additional Resources:  Connect with Kevin on LinkedIn Learn more about MathTrack Institute Join The ARENA - a CSTG Community! Chad on LinkedIn Chad Peterman | CEO | Author Peterman Brothers Website More on PeopleForward Network Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn    Key Takeaways: Learning organizations are built on storytelling, shared myths, and cultural narratives—not mission statements. The gap between training and education lies in understanding the "why" behind skills, not just the "how." Mistakes are not just acceptable—they're essential for growth and should be part of a deliberate feedback loop. Younger workers thrive in environments that recognize and label their skills as valuable. True leadership means modeling vulnerability, owning mistakes, and fostering loyalty through empathy.

AI Trade Talk is the newest series on Can’t Stop the Growth, created for home service business owners who want to lead at the edge of innovation. Hosted by Brad Scruggs, founder of ZyraTalk, this series highlights the tools, trends, and transformations that are reshaping how HVAC, plumbing, and electrical companies grow. The series kicks off with industry powerhouse Katie Donovan, CEO of Camp Digital. and host of the Around the CAMPfire series. In this episode, Katie breaks down how AI and data-driven digital marketing are changing the game—from smarter ad strategies and real-time call board tracking to AI phone answering that saves lost revenue. Subscribe to Can’t Stop the Growth to follow this powerful series built for future-focused leaders in the trades. Growth is changing, and this is where to stay ahead of it. Additional Resources: Connect with Katie Donovan on LinkedIn Learn More About CAMP Digital Connect with Brad on LinkedIn Ready to Chat Smarter? Grab Your Free ZyraTalk Demo! Learn more about Zyratalk Join The ARENA - a CSTG Community (powered by our media partner, PeopleForward Network) Chad on LinkedIn Peterman Brothers Website Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn Learn more about PeopleForward Network Key Takeaways: Why trades businesses need to stop chasing impressions and start tracking call board data How dynamic, real-time offers are boosting conversion rates Where AI is making the biggest impact—on the phone, on the site, and on the bottom line What every owner should know about tapping into Bing, Reddit, and evolving search trends The shift from customer acquisition to customer retention—and why it matters more than ever