Toolbox for the Trades

Learn about the powerful growth strategies that fueled a plumbing business's 45% year-over-year success. The conversation highlights the significance of coaching and continuous training in home services. Discover how expanding office space and evolving plumbing practices are crucial for improving service delivery. Plus, explore the importance of personal well-being and how activities like cycling can alleviate business stress. Lastly, the power of delegation in leadership is discussed, showcasing the balance between control and team empowerment.

Chris Ramsay has seen it all — growing up in a successful family business, navigating exits, and starting anew in the trades. Now the Operations Manager at ICE Heating, Cooling, and Plumbing in Las Vegas, NV, Chris joins us on our Pantheon set to share his incredible journey, from sweeping floors in his teens to scaling a 40-employee company.Chris reveals the lessons learned from simplifying processes, adopting scalable technology, and prioritizing company culture to retain top talent. He also explains why he returned to ServiceTitan to grow his business sustainably and efficiently.Whether you’re in HVAC, plumbing, or another service trade, Chris’s insights will inspire you to rethink your processes and focus on scalable growth.Join us as we discuss:[1:50] Rocky exits and failed business partnerships[7:20] Implementing new tech stacks and preventing future hiccups[16:39] Game-changing software that’s driving efficiency  Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:ServiceTitanDispatch ProFacebook Torch NetworkFacebook ServiceTitan MastermindsRegister now for Pantheon 2025 in Anaheim, CA here!You 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 on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Elliot Palmer, Chief Technology Officer at The Eco Plumbers, shares his expertise in data-driven decision-making and IT crisis management, drawing from his extensive retail experience. He discusses how transparency fosters a better workplace culture and highlights the significance of preparedness for IT emergencies. Elliot dives into actionable strategies for performance optimization and underscores the potential for IT opportunities within the service industry. This insightful dialogue sheds light on the transformative power of technology in the trades.

Matt DiBara comes from a long line of professionals in the construction industry, taking over DiBara Masonry family business from his father.Matt identified a significant challenge a few years ago that he has turned into an opportunity with his new company The Contractor Consultants — find and retain qualified people for construction companies.He stopped by to discuss his professional and entrepreneurial journey and provided some expert tips on generating candidate demand, the hiring process, how to vet people quickly, and retaining the best talent.Join us as we discuss:[09:28] What inspired Matt to start The Contractor Consultants[12:43] Matt’s tips for hiring good and qualified people[20:49] Speed to lead - treating candidates like customers[28:37] The importance of talent retentionCheck out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:DiBara MasonryThe Contractor ConsultantsServiceTitanYou 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 on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Jordan Martin worked with his father as a young boy and gradually joined the family’s landscaping business, North By Northwest Lawns, LLC.He eventually convinced his brother and sister to join the company as well, and they made some disruptive changes that enabled the business to experience phenomenal growth. Today, they’re one of the largest landscaping services in Austin, Texas.Jordan stopped by to discuss his professional and entrepreneurial journey, how they made the difficult yet highly profitable decision to focus on commercial work, and the importance of bringing a fresh vision of hope to families in need.Join us as we discuss:[06:29] The challenging decision to focus only on commercial work[13:34] The changes that the family had to make for the business to grow[21:28] Navigating family dynamics and charitable projectsCheck out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:North By Northwest Lawns, LLCServiceTitanYou 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 on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Cris Dutelle is a fourth-generation plumber who grew up in the trades and went on to start his own plumbing business, Service Plumbing.When faced with incredible adversity, Cris’s perseverance and a visit to Pantheon completely changed everything for him and his business.Cris stopped by to discuss his professional and entrepreneurial journey, how he found a very lucrative niche, and the importance of continuous improvement and knowing when to ask for help.Join us as we discuss:[05:18] How Cris found his niche in the hospitals and medical gas space[11:08] How a major life event changed the way Cris viewed his business[14:29] How Pantheon helped change Cris’s perspective on work and lifeCheck out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:Service PlumbingServiceTitanYou 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 on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

In this episode, we dive into an inspiring conversation with Stephanie Allen, CEO of Airworks Solutions, a unique player in the trades. Stephanie takes us on her journey — from law school to leading a thriving family-run business that’s redefining plumbing and HVAC.You’ll learn how Airworks’ community-first mindset, flexible workplace culture, and mom-approved branding create a lasting impact in the industry. We also spotlight Airworks’ charitable ventures, including a remarkable collaboration with ServiceTitan’s Power the Nation program, proving that giving back is at the core of their success. This episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about a positive culture, family, and making a difference.Join us as we discuss: [16:16] The story behind a family-run, Mom-approved brand[24:46] Why Airworks is in the people development business[27:57] The impact your business can have on community initiativesCheck out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:ChatGPTMasterclass on ChatGPTToolbox for the Trades Episode 87, featuring  Dan AntonelliServiceTitan’s Power the Nation4 Kids 2 KidsYou 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 on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Dan Lizette, the Director of Process Improvement at Mattioni Plumbing, Heating & Cooling, shares his expertise in scaling operations in the trades. He dives into the importance of robust documentation and training systems for business growth. Listeners will gain insights on optimizing call center processes, creating clear career paths for employees, and implementing performance incentive programs. Dan also highlights the value of bringing in fresh talent from outside the industry to foster innovation and diverse perspectives.

Gilbert Ayala, President, and Victor Ayala, GM, of Five or Free Electrical Services in Sacramento, CA, join us to share their inspirational journey of transformation and perseverance.With roots in chimney sweeping and window cleaning, the Ayala brothers built a thriving electrical business dedicated to helping others. They discuss the challenges of overcoming a tumultuous upbringing, their entrepreneurial spirit, and their commitment to giving second chances to those rebuilding their lives.Tune in to hear how family, faith, and a passion for the trades can lead to remarkable growth — both personally and professionally.Join us as we discuss:[3:39] How customer reviews impacted a service business’s branding[10:20] Breaking into the trades and redemption stories[18:52] Supporting company team members’ self-improvement[24:40] Why everyone deserves a second chanceYou 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 on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

HVAC techs, how many times have you serviced an outdated unit with no manual to be found — anywhere? Bluon is changing that.Peter Capuciati, CEO of Bluon, shares how his company built the world’s largest HVAC database to provide technicians with the technical data and support they need. From wiring diagrams to troubleshooting tips, Bluon’s platform saves time, reduces frustration, and empowers techs in the field.Discover the story behind how Bluon’s data-driven approach has transformed the HVAC service industry by helping professionals work smarter, not harder.Join us as we discuss:[2:36] How Bluon realized the need for their HVAC diagnostic platform [9:46] Getting your team on board during serious change management[20:07] Building and supporting a massive software databaseYou 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 on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.