Toolbox for the Trades

Andrew Craft, CFO at Site Landscape Development, shares his insights on transforming a landscaping business through tech and efficient systems. He emphasizes how adopting Aspire and the EOS framework doubled revenue by automating processes and enhancing decision-making. Craft discusses the journey from video games to landscaping and the critical role of tailored strategies for growth. He also reveals how building a high-functioning scheduling system can prepare businesses for serious scaling challenges, proving that efficiency is a key growth engine.

Mentorship in the trades can drive lasting impact across careers, teams, and entire industries. In the first episode of our Green and Clean series, Jon Gohl, Director of Client Experience at Aspire Software, shares how early lessons in leadership and the mentorship of industry icons like Kevin Kehoe shaped his career trajectory. From recruiting international teammates to advancing software adoption in the field, Jon reflects on how empathy, trust, and bold action have fueled Aspire’s mission — and his own. This conversation explores the powerful ripple effect of mentorship and what it takes to inspire the next generation of trades professionals.Join us as we discuss: [11:21] Leadership lessons Jon took from some of the industry’s legends[17:46] Bringing technology to schools for the next generation of landscapers[24:30] Framing software platforms as an approachable toolCheck out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:Aspireacademy.youraspire.comYou can find this interview and many more by subscribing to Toolbox for the Trades on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, or here. Know a business that could use a bit of muscle from ServiceTitan? Refer them here!Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Toolbox for the Trades in your favorite podcast player.Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Join hosts Jackie Aubel and Amanda Salvatore as they talk to top service professionals to find out the best tips, tricks, and tactics to succeed in the home services industry.Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

In this episode, we sit down with Jeff Sample, longtime construction technologist and host of The ConTech Crew podcast, to talk about the challenges construction professionals face when adopting new tech. From the disconnect between flashy software and field usability, to the power of data-driven decision-making, Jeff shares hard-earned insights from a career spent bridging the gap between jobsite and back office. You’ll learn why "show me, don’t tell me" should be your mantra when evaluating tech, how to map processes before buying tools, and why trust in technology starts with solving real problems, not chasing the next shiny object. Join us as we discuss: [3:29] Why early construction software failed in the field[19:18] How to vet software: “Show me, don’t tell me”[23:24] Why IT leaders need to learn to “speak business”[31:47] Building tech with field outcomes in mindCheck out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:Pantheon 2025You can find this interview and many more by subscribing to Toolbox for the Trades on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, or here. Know a business that could use a bit of muscle from ServiceTitan? Refer them here!Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Toolbox for the Trades in your favorite podcast player.Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

In this episode, we sit down with Eduard Mirzoian, Owner of Restorez Emergency Services, the first emergency restoration services company to join the show! Eduard shares his incredible journey from family business beginnings to scaling a multimillion-dollar operation across multiple locations. He dives deep into the lessons he’s learned stepping into the CEO role, including why building repeatable processes is essential, how simplifying creates room for growth, and why culture and systems go hand in hand. Eduard also offers candid thoughts on "guru disease," software overwhelm, and what it really takes to make technology work for your business.Join us as we discuss: [8:15] How Restorez responded to the LA wildfires[20:23] Eduard’s take on “guru disease” and avoiding information overload[26:12] Why software alone won’t save your businessCheck out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:Pantheon 2025You can find this interview and many more by subscribing to Toolbox for the Trades on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, or here. Know a business that could use a bit of muscle from ServiceTitan? Refer them here!Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Toolbox for the Trades in your favorite podcast player.Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Kelly Mesaris, VP of Special Operations at LB Capital, shares her journey from HVAC business owner to leading operations across roofing brands. She reveals secrets to scaling a roofing business for private equity success, including the importance of quick decision-making and technology like ServiceTitan. Misconceptions about private equity are addressed, emphasizing that revenue isn’t everything. The podcast also covers strategies for solid partnerships, effective leadership, and optimizing structures for lasting growth and profitability.

Family business succession is never easy, but Karly Rolls has done it with heart, hustle, and a big dose of humility.As Vice President of Rolls Mechanical, a Michigan-based contractor with 200-plus employees, Karly shares how she scaled the service department from 3 to 80 techs, implemented new processes, and kept “old school” values alive in a modern operation. She discusses her journey from shop hand to VP, the importance of technical training for leadership credibility, and how the company continues to scale without sacrificing quality or culture.Whether you’re growing your family business or navigating generational leadership, Karly’s story is packed with lessons on grit, growth, and leading by example.Join us as we discuss:[5:54] Why having a technical background is important as a leader in the trades[10:38] Getting out of the business to make time to work on the business[16:41] Setting up a marketing budget and installing a branding campaignYou can find this interview and many more by subscribing to Toolbox for the Trades on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, or here. Know a business that could use a bit of muscle from ServiceTitan? Refer them here!Register for Pantheon 2025 - see you in Anaheim!Prometheus Award NominationsListening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Toolbox for the Trades in your favorite podcast player.Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

In this episode, we sit down with Courtney Greeley, COO of Chesapeake Electric in Annapolis, MD, to explore the intersections of leadership, workplace culture, and cybersecurity. From her experience in the Air Force, NSA, and cybersecurity startups to leading a fast-growing trade business, Courtney brings her expertise on building a resilient team and protecting your business from digital threats. We’ll dive deep into the hard lessons learned from toxic work environments, the importance of strong leadership in fostering a positive company culture, and why cybersecurity is no longer optional for business owners.Join us as we discuss: [8:19] How to lead with values and create a no-toxicity workplace[14:39] Why letting go of high-performing employees might be necessary[25:32] Why cybersecurity is non-negotiable, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelmingCheck out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:Vigilant SecCourtney’s Tips for Cybersecurity in Home ServicesServiceTitan Live EventsYou can find this interview and many more by subscribing to Toolbox for the Trades on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, or here. Know a business that could use a bit of muscle from ServiceTitan? Refer them here!Register for Pantheon 2025 - see you in Anaheim!Prometheus Award NominationsListening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Toolbox for the Trades in your favorite podcast player.Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Running a family business isn’t always smooth sailing — especially in the trades. Morgan Chapman, VP at Friend's Plumbing in Tampa, Florida, has navigated the challenges of leadership, company culture, and family dynamics in a way that has helped propel the business forward.Morgan shares her journey from working in sales to stepping into a leadership role at her family’s plumbing company. She unpacks some of the challenges she’s faced in hiring the right people, improving customer service, and balancing relationships with her father and brother, both of whom are integral parts of the business.Join us as we discuss:[4:46] Breaking into the family business and retooling the culture[9:56] Setting clear boundaries and the evolution of family dynamics[17:18] Why neglecting your self-care does your employees a disserviceCheck out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:LadyTitansYou can find this interview and many more by subscribing to Toolbox for the Trades on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, or here. Know a business that could use a bit of muscle from ServiceTitan? Refer them here!Register for Pantheon 2025 - see you in Anaheim!Prometheus Award NominationsListening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Toolbox for the Trades in your favorite podcast player.Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Jay and Amanda Mahaffey didn’t just step into ownership when they purchased Tuck & Howell Plumbing in Greenville, SC, from Jay’s uncle — they transformed it. In less than two years, they scaled the business from $4M to $11M by making tough decisions, rebranding, and streamlining operations.Jay and Amanda share their journey from employees to owners, the challenges of modernizing a 55-year-old business, and how they handled team transitions, rapid growth, and technology adoption.Tune in to hear how their fast decision-making, financial acumen, and leadership strategies helped them rebuild Tuck & Howell into a powerhouse.Join us as we discuss:[1:54] The importance of implementing new systems quickly[11:37] Treating employee retention as a rehiring process[18:00] Opening a new service division and leveraging KPIsCheck out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:Branded Not Blanded: KickCharge Your Home Service Brand by Dan AntonelliWhoHireCloverYou can find this interview and many more by subscribing to Toolbox for the Trades on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, or here. Know a business that could use a bit of muscle from ServiceTitan? Refer them here!Register for Pantheon 2025 - see you in Anaheim!Prometheus Award NominationsListening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Toolbox for the Trades in your favorite podcast player.Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.