Toolbox for the Trades

When his father became very ill, Pete Bradham suddenly had to step in and take the reins of their family business. For years, they had gotten by on respected word-of-mouth in Charlotte, North Carolina. As General Manager, Pete knew that if their company, Bradham Brothers, was going to continue growing, they had to change or die. Pete tells us how valuable mentors helped him through the tough transition of taking over leadership as a second-generation tradesman. Join us as we discuss: - Why communication is a valuable skill in the trades (3:41) - The unexpected transition in leadership from father to son (10:50) - How multiple mentors helped Pete stay the course (20:52) Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast: - Pete Bradham - Bradham Brothers - Bradham Brothers onboard with ServiceTitan You can find this interview and many more by subscribing to Toolbox of 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 of the Trades in your favorite podcast player.  Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Ismael Valdez, CEO at Nexgen Air Conditioning Heating and Plumbing, shares his struggles and triumphs in the trades industry, from nearly quitting to seeking help and avoiding burnout. He emphasizes the importance of vulnerability, support, and personal growth. The podcast highlights the power of music and perseverance in overcoming challenges in the trades sector.

A lot of small business owners in the trades are technical experts in their respective crafts. But Jason Arthur , Owner of Eighty-Seven Degrees Coaching , says that most of those entrepreneurs neglect the one thing that dictates their long-term growth outlook: their budget. And too many are reluctant to ask for help. Jason shares how his former employee experiences shaped his coaching philosophy and how small business owners can create a solid budgeting culture. Join us as we discuss: (3:44) Why Jason saw a need to start his coaching business (11:44) Creating an accountable budget reporting culture (25:44) Integrating employees into the budget creation process (31:00) Memorable stories from the clients’ perspective Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast: Jason Arthur Eighty-Seven Degrees Coaching jason@87helps.com You can find this interview and many more by subscribing to Toolbox of 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 of the Trades in your favorite podcast player.Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Texas Medley , CEO of Medley Heating & Air Conditioning , hated the trades as a kid. But after a multi-year stint in grocery retail, he began his journey to build his dream $50 million mom n’ pop HVAC business. Texas shares how realigning his priorities and laying a strong foundation of family culture set his company up for future growth. Join us as we discuss: (5:50) Negative stigma attached to the trades (20:38) Shifting mindset to escape the “rat race” mentality (33:30) The importance of strong culture and positive reinforcement  Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast: Texas Medley  Medley Heating & Air Conditioning   You can find this interview and many more by subscribing to Toolbox of 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 of the Trades in your favorite podcast player.Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Travis Smith was practically born into the trades. He started working for his father full-time out of high school before taking over the family business - Sky Heating, AC, Plumbing, and Electrical - in 2015. A few years later, he partnered with a private equity firm to help bolster his company with extra resources and training. Today, he believes they were a perfect fit for each other. In this episode, Travis shares his thoughts on private equity and why he believes selling his business is one of the best decisions he ever made. Join us as we discuss: (5:44) Travis’ early ownership struggles and change-ups (23:33) The decision to partner with a private equity group (41:34) Advice for owners considering private equity  Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast: P1  You can find this interview and many more by subscribing to Toolbox of 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 of the Trades in your favorite podcast player.Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

As one of the largest HVAC service providers in the Southwest, the folks at Goettl Air Conditioning & Plumbing have a clear vision for growth. And it starts with a solid foundation built by strong leadership and a willingness to change. Their VP of Sales, Dale Steele , told us how authenticity and a positive mindset have elevated their techs and sales team and set Goettl on the path to success. Join us as we discuss: (25:13) The importance of authentic human connections (34:17) Training technicians in impromptu sales (44:17) Maintaining team alignment and a positive mindset  Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast: Dale Steele  Goettl Air Conditioning & Plumbing   Know a business that could use a bit of muscle from ServiceTitan? Refer them here!  You can find this interview and many more by subscribing to Toolbox of the Trades on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, or here.Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Running a small business as a working mom is tough. Doing it alongside your spouse adds a whole other set of challenges. But a shared vision, defined roles, and consistent communication can help ensure a happy partnership - in the marriage and at work. Leslie Harpole , Owner of Champion Plumbing , talks with us about being a mom in the trades and how she and her husband, Brent, support each other as co-owners. Join us as we discuss: (1:59) Getting into the trades as a working mom (14:56) Challenges of partnering with a spouse in business (27:41) The LadyTitans and women in the trades today   Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast: Leslie Harpole  Champion Plumbing  LadyTitans Facebook  LadyTitans Youtube  Women in HVACR   You can find this interview and many more by subscribing to Toolbox of 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 of the Trades in your favorite podcast player.Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Sustainability is a cornerstone of running a business. Lowering your carbon footprint is cheaper than you might think. Not only does a sustainable business model promote goodwill in your community, but it is also profitable and efficient. Dale Jackson , Owner of Jackson Services , tells us how his commercial HVAC business has generated positive buzz by embracing sustainable money-saving technology. Join us as we discuss: - (10:57) Benefits of a sustainable operating model - (19:32) The technology niche in new construction - (30:30) Why commercial HVAC is critical in the trades Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast: - Dale Jackson  - Jackson Services  You can find this interview and many more by subscribing to Toolbox of 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 of the Trades in your favorite podcast player.Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Employment expectations are not a one-way street in any industry. Managers must understand their employees’ needs, be it work-life balance or commute time. As trade businesses struggle to find and retain technicians, they must be willing to meet recruits where they are. Phillip Mize , CFO of Happy Hiller Plumbing, HVAC, & Electrical Services , told us how their training school, Total Tech , has helped them build a better - and motivated - workforce. Join us as we discuss: - (8:00) How Total Tech has helped Hiller with its rapid growth - (11:59) Walmart’s recruiting push for technicians - (21:56) Hiller’s connection to the US Army and preparing America’s Heroes for life after enlistment - (24:50) The high costs of employee turnover Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast: Happy Hiller Plumbing, HVAC, & Electrical Services Total Tech School You can find this interview and many more by subscribing to Toolbox of 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 of the Trades in your favorite podcast player.Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

We want your feedback! Share your thoughts on today’s episode by taking this 10-second survey . In this episode, we’re taking to the phones and answering questions from you - our dear listeners! Tom Howard, VP of Customer Experience at ServiceTitan, and Eddie McFarlane, President of Haller Enterprises, join us for a roundtable discussion on training, inventory management, and business growth. Tom and Eddie share valuable insight on multiple challenges, from attracting new talent to confronting the scarcity mindset. Join us as we discuss: - (1:40) Recruiting young service techs and implementing training centers - (22:55) Rising material costs and warehouse inventory control - (47:32) Planning for sustainable business growth Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast: - Haller Enterprises - Predictably Irrational by Dan Ariely - Building a Story Brand by Donald Miller - On Marketing - Red Notice - Emotionally Agility - Bias Interrupted You can find this interview and many more by subscribing to Toolbox of 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 of the Trades in your favorite podcast player. We want your feedback! Share your thoughts on today’s episode by taking this 10-second survey .Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.