Can't Stop the Growth

In this discussion, Margot Shaffer, a seasoned business coach from Nexstar Network, and Jeff Wright, a marketing expert with a diverse industry background, explore vital strategies for home service businesses. They emphasize that a budget should narrate your company's story, not just list numbers. The duo shares customer retention tactics to lower costs, the importance of cohesive branding, and strategies for breaking down departmental silos for a seamless customer experience. Plus, learn how to leverage existing customers and multi-trade services to boost revenue!

In this episode of Can’t Stop the Growth, Chad Peterman dives deep into the challenges (and wins!) of leading remote teams with Matt Tait, CEO of Decimal. With 85 employees across five countries, Matt’s mastered intentional leadership, accountability, and culture—even when teams are miles apart. They unpack how to: Reinforce values daily so they’re lived, not just listed. Balance empathy and accountability for a culture that’s both people-centered and high-performing. Create clear, transparent communication that doesn’t leave room for guesswork. If you’re leading a remote or decentralized team, this episode offers actionable insights to keep your people connected, accountable, and aligned—no matter where they are. Additional Resources:  Connect with Matt on LinkedIn Discover Decimal Chad on LinkedIn Chad Peterman | CEO | Author Peterman Brothers Website More on PeopleForward Network Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn  Key Takeaways: Intentional Culture Building in Remote Teams: Leading remote teams requires intentionality—reinforce values consistently so they become ingrained behaviors. As Matt puts it, he acts as the “Chief Repeating Officer” to keep Decimal’s values front and center for his widely dispersed team. Balance Empathy with Accountability: A people-first culture doesn’t mean compromising on accountability. Matt and Chad discuss how holding individuals accountable can actually reinforce the team’s morale by keeping everyone aligned and focused on common goals. Address Conflict Directly for Stronger Teams: Conflict avoidance can erode trust and productivity. Effective leaders lean into uncomfortable conversations and model healthy conflict resolution, strengthening team cohesion and organizational health.

In this episode, Chad sits down with Alec Stefanovski, Editor of Homepros, to discuss key shifts in the home services industry. From navigating HVAC regulations to the latest in tech and AI, Alec shares insights on private equity's influence and strategies for staying adaptable. Perfect for leaders looking to stay informed on trends and smart growth in a rapidly evolving industry.   Additional Resources:  Connect with Alec on LinkedIn Subscribe to the Homepros Newsletter Chad on LinkedIn Chad Peterman | CEO | Author Peterman Brothers Website More on PeopleForward Network Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn  Key Takeaways Adaptation and Technology: The HVAC and home services sectors are ripe for innovation, especially around tech and AI for improving operations, yet careful selection and management of these tools are crucial. Tech Integration Over Adoption: New tech tools like AI for call centers can enhance efficiency, but successful integration depends on using them purposefully and ensuring real ROI. Economic Uncertainty’s Impact: Despite economic ups and downs, essential services like HVAC retain demand resilience, making them a solid investment and career choice.

Join Josh and Andy for part two of an insightful conversation with Landon Brewer, diving deep into the entrepreneurial journey, specifically focusing on scaling businesses in the home services industry. Landon shares hard-earned lessons about leadership, overcoming imposter syndrome, and navigating the complex transition from startup to a thriving enterprise. In case you missed it, listen to part one here. Josh Teekell and Andy Fuselier from SmartAC.com are revolutionizing the way we think about HVAC and plumbing through technology. Addtional Resources:  Chad on LinkedIn Chad Peterman | CEO | Author Peterman Brothers Website Connect with Andy Fuselier Connect with Josh Teekell Learn more about SmartAC.com Connect with our Sponsor, GoodLeap More on PeopleForward Network Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn Key Takeaways:  Imposter Syndrome: Even at the peak of success, many leaders feel unsure of their worthiness, especially when others look to them for leadership. Scaling Requires Specialized Skills: The skills needed to grow a company from zero to $50 million are not the same ones required to scale to $300 million or beyond. Adaptability: Entrepreneurs must be willing to pivot, evolve, and recognize when it’s time to hand over responsibilities to more specialized leaders.  

In this popular re-release, Ron Kitchens joins Chad to discuss the transformative power of recognition and mentorship. He shares how acknowledging team contributions in meaningful ways can uplift the entire organization. Tune in for an insightful conversation on workplace communication, mentorship, and the impact of recognizing others' contributions. Additional Resources:  Chad on LinkedIn Chad Peterman | CEO | Author Peterman Brothers Website More on PeopleForward Network Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn Connect with Ron on LinkedIn Wichita Falls Chamber Learn more about Uniquely You Key Takeaways Mentorship Matters: Having a mentor can change lives by opening up resources and giving the confidence to succeed. Communication as Culture: Great companies aren't just about profit; they build their success on a foundation of culture and caring, recognizing that validating and engaging employees is central to thriving, especially during tough times. Purposeful Leadership: It takes clear purpose, vulnerability, and balance between personal self-care and commitment to organizational goals.  

Lee Downing, owner of 12 home service franchises, shares his incredible journey from a single HVAC business to a thriving empire. He discusses the importance of prioritizing a people-centered culture over profits, emphasizing that accountability and community support are essential for franchise success. Lee highlights strategic growth insights, like the significance of structured hiring practices and nurturing employee engagement amidst rapid change. With a focus on genuine relationships and effective leadership, he reveals the blueprint for building lasting businesses.

Ryan Fenn, CEO and founder of Chiirp, shares his expertise in text message automation for home service businesses. He emphasizes the crucial concept of 'Speed to Lead'—responding to inquiries within one minute to significantly boost conversion rates. The discussion also highlights the power of multi-touch follow-ups that incorporate text, email, and voicemail for enhanced customer engagement. Ryan reveals how automation helps streamline processes, allowing teams to focus on high-value tasks, and he also delves into the legal challenges of text communication.

This re-release is not only one of our most popular episodes, but also one of Chad’s favorites. Join Chad as he shares timeless principles he learned from his dad—lessons rooted in integrity, empowerment, and, yes, even the kind of compassion you wouldn't expect from a guy who runs a tight ship. From the grit of waking up early to the art of leading with humility, Chad breaks down what it means to lead by example and believe in the people around you. Additional Resources:  Chad on LinkedIn Chad Peterman | CEO | Author Peterman Brothers Website More on PeopleForward Network Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn Key Takeaways: Integrity is foundational: “Do what you say and lead by example.” It's more than just words; it’s about action. Compassion in leadership: Leadership is not only about guiding but also showing genuine care for the people you lead. Empowerment and trust: Giving people room to explore, make mistakes, and grow is critical to building a strong, motivated team.  

In this special two part episode, hosts Andy Fusellier and Josh Teekell sit down with entrepreneur extraordinaire Landon Brewer. He’s the kind of guy who’s not just surviving the roller coaster of running a business—he’s thriving on it. We’re talking about turning risk into reward, surrounding yourself with the right people, and evolving your home services business like it’s a living, breathing thing. Josh Teekell and Andy Fuselier from SmartAC.com are revolutionizing the way we think about HVAC and plumbing through technology. Addtional Resources:  Chad on LinkedIn Chad Peterman | CEO | Author Peterman Brothers Website Connect with Andy Fuselier Connect with Josh Teekell Learn more about SmartAC.com Connect with our Sponsor, GoodLeap More on PeopleForward Network Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn Key Takeaways:  Entrepreneurship is about risk, but control matters – Whether working for a company or starting your own, being able to control your own fate is key to long-term success. Stages of business growth – From survival to thriving, successful businesses continually adapt, learn, and evolve. Leadership and vision are critical – Strong leadership combined with an openness to new ideas can push a business to scale. Understanding customer psychology – Whether in contracting or tech, knowing your customer’s needs and behavior is essential for success.  

In this episode, Chad talks about something we all secretly (or not-so-secretly) try to avoid: discomfort. But here's the twist—he's all about embracing it. Why? Because discomfort is the key to growth. Chad shares a powerful story from a Future Leader Series meeting, exploring how our choices—big and small—can either push us toward our goals or leave us stuck where we are. And yes, this is all about learning to love the uncomfortable stuff. Additional Resources:  Chad on LinkedIn Chad Peterman | CEO | Author Peterman Brothers Website More on PeopleForward Network Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn Key Takeaways Embrace Discomfort: Growth often requires getting comfortable with discomfort—it's a natural part of progress. Focus on Small, Daily Choices: Breaking big goals into small, manageable actions helps overcome overwhelm and stay focused. Develop the Right Mindset: Believe in yourself and your goal, and recognize that discomfort is a stepping stone to achievement. Higher Purpose: Tie your goals to a higher purpose to stay motivated during tough times.