Toolbox for the Trades

Krista Landen knows about change all too well. She has witnessed the company she works for growing exponentially over the years, and a big part of that is linked to continuous improvement. Over time, she has learned that embracing and adapting to change is key to being successful in the trades. To get ahead, you need to be able to learn new things as well as improve current systems and processes.As the Marketing & IT Manager at Gulfshore Air Conditioning and Heating, Krista utilizes her experience as well as her exceptional people skills to implement the changes necessary for her organization to scale effectively. She stops by to share her professional journey with us, how she got into the trades, and provides practical advice on how companies can navigate change seamlessly.Join us as we discuss:[07:34] How Gulfshore has grown during Krista’s tenure[11:25] Some big changes that Krista went through and how she managed them[23:15] How Krista manages her colleagues and gets output from themCheck out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:Gulfshore Air Conditioning and HeatingTitan AdvisorServiceTitan 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!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.

Lance Ball believes that if you don’t challenge yourself, you will never grow. His professional career is a testament to how someone can persevere, reinvent themselves, and seize untapped opportunities.He likes to assure customers that he has their best interests at heart and wants to give them control over their choices.As the owner of Aspen Mountain Plumbing, Lance uses his solid industry knowledge and experience to deliver professional plumbing solutions to customers in rural Wyoming. During our conversation, Lance shared how he got into the trades due to a tragedy and how he worked his way up and decided to start his own plumbing business.Join us as we discuss:[01:50] How Lance got into the trades[11:48] How the desire to deliver good customer service accelerated growth[17:41] Challenges that Lance faced and how he overcame them[28:56] Key lessons for business ownersCheck out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:Aspen Mountain PlumbingServiceTitan Masterminds Facebook GroupYou 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.

Katie Biddle believes that when an organization’s leadership shows that they care about their employees, they will be better motivated to provide excellent service to their customers. She proactively encourages her team to put themselves in their customer's shoes to anticipate their questions and understand their challenges or pain points.As the Head of Customer Experience at Call Dad AC & Heating, Katie leverages her experience and expertise in the trades to provide professional customer service and support to homeowners across North Carolina. During our discussion, Katie talked about how she got into the trades, managed a brand rollout, and what makes her so passionate about her work.Join us as we discuss:[04:37] What makes Katie so passionate  [16:28] What virtual assistants are and how to integrate them into your workflow[27:03] What differentiates a successful company from a stagnant one[29:02] An overview of D.A.D. UniversityCheck out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:Call Dad AC & HeatingD.A.D. UniversityTorch NetworkServiceTitan Masterminds Facebook GroupYou 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.

Ismael Valdez, a 'Renaissance Man' in contracting, shares insights on knowing your numbers, paying people well, and staying ahead of competitors. He discusses struggling business owners, scaling effectively, and managing labor costs. The podcast also covers dispatching techniques, partnership with Wrench, balancing work and personal life, and innovative thermostat technology.

Kristian Protic learned about running a business the hard way. He started his career in the trades as a salesman for a home service business. He then started two ventures before founding his current company, which focuses on providing heating, cooling, and plumbing services to customers.Over time, he learned to trust in his abilities, have more confidence, not over-rely on partners, and have the right team in place that would propel his business forward.As President and Co-Owner of 365 Heating, Cooling, and Plumbing, Kristian leverages his expertise to deliver professional HVAC and plumbing services to homeowners in southwestern Ontario, Canada. He stops by to share his entrepreneurial journey with us, how he got into the trades, and how he took his company from its humble beginnings to the success story it is today.Join us as we discuss:[02:14] Takeaways from Kristian’s past two businesses[15:44] How to hire the right people[24:05] The importance of asking others for helpCheck out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:365 Heating, Cooling, and PlumbingProfit First by Mike MichalowiczThe E Myth HVAC Contractor by Michael E. Gerber and Ken GoodrichHome Service Millionaire by Tommy MelloVictor RancourServiceTitan Masterminds Facebook GroupYou 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.

Samuel Petrie began his career in the trades by working in his father’s business. He then went on to start his own company that focused on delivering technology and solutions that benefit the rural communities that he serves. It was through his business that he identified an underserved market needing urgent help - homeowners looking for someone to complete multiple simple tasks. As the General Manager at Red Barn Service LLC, Samuel leverages his experience and know-how to deliver HVAC and electrical services to homeowners in rural Wisconsin. He stops by to share his entrepreneurial journey with us, shares his thoughts about the trades, and reveals how he continues to educate himself to stay at the top of his game. Join us as we discuss: - [02:15] Getting started in the trades - [14:41] Filling the gaps in a business education - [16:40] How Samuel disrupted and improved his business - [27:40] The importance of networking and building connections Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast: - Red Barn Service LLC - Profit First by Mike Michalowicz   - The E Myth HVAC Contractor by Michael E. Gerber and Ken Goodrich - Elevate: Build a Business Where Everybody Wins by Tommy Mello - Small Business Leaders Community Group - ServiceTitan Masterminds Facebook Group 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! 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.

Paige Knowles, or “Plumber Paige,” has loved the trades since she first saw the construction wing of a tech school during a junior high tour. But she was dismayed by the stigma that surrounded her passion for blue-collar careers. So she took on the mantle of a trades advocate, spreading the word to boys and girls across the country that the trades are cool — and lucrative. The children’s author and social media darling shares why she fell in love with the trades and how old-school contractors can get the next generation into their shops.   Join us as we discuss: - [7:47] The blue-collar narrative in today’s schools - [18:09] How contractors can connect with young people - [29:08] A forward-thinking construction camp for girls - [37:40] Children’s books focused on the trades Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast: - Plumber Paige Instagram - Plumber Paige: Let’s Fix a Running Toilet - Plumber Paige: Let’s Replace a Shower Head  - SkillsUSA  - Let’s Build Construction Camp for Girls 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! 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.

Jawad Olabi was riding high in a lucrative corporate finance career. But after COVID forced devastating layoffs at his global firm, he started searching for new opportunities. That’s when he found an underserved market that was ripe for much-needed accounting services — the trades. Now a Managing Partner at ServicePro CFO, Jawad uses his expertise to help contractors get their books in order so they can negotiate their services from a healthy financial position. He stops by to share his thoughts on accounting, private equity, and economic trends heading into 2024 and beyond. Join us as we discuss: - [11:35] The good, the bad, and the ugly of private equity - [22:06] Economic projections for the 2024 market - [29:07] How contractors can get ahead of financial trends - [36:00] If private equity will still be viable in the near future  Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:  - 3 Strategies to Unlock Success During Shoulder Months  - 50X Podcast (TransDigm)  - ServiceTitan Masterminds Facebook Group  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! 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.

Facilities management often isn’t top of mind in the day-to-day bustle of contractors and business owners. But Sid Shetty, Chief Business Development Officer at ServiceChannel, believes it’s a pillar of the customer experience. Not only does proactive facilities management delight customers, but it can take your company’s workflows to the next level. Sid shares how he’s been using his breakout podcast, Elevating Brick & Mortar, to empower managers, contractors, and technicians to get proactive and maximize their assets. Join us as we discuss: - (2:40) Using podcasts to spread awareness around the trades - (9:04) Challenging the brick-and-mortar industry narrative - (20:20) Elevating the customer experience in facilities management - (33:57) How commercial contractors can better serve facilities managers Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast: - Elevating Brick & Mortar Podcast  - ServiceTitan x ServiceChannel Integration  - ConnexFM  - SmartAC.com   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! 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.

Depending on the municipality, inspections and permits can be the bane of contractors. While construction giants often have the luxury of an engineering firm on-site, small to mid-sized owner-operators usually have to wait for a local inspector to certify their work. And time is money. It was a constant struggle for Anthony Perera, Founder and Chief Growth Officer at Air Pros USA, and his team. So they set out to solve the problem. Tune in to hear the practical solutions Anthony and his colleagues created for speeding up the inspection and permit process, all while driving incredible growth for his business.      Join us as we discuss: - (7:22) Retaining equity by raising debt capital to accelerate growth - (17:59) Smoothing out the home inspection and permit process - (29:00) Why new entrepreneurs shouldn’t be afraid to work in the business Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast: - Inspected.com  - Permit Hub  - Traction: Get a Grip on Your Business by Gino Wickman  - Good to Great: Why Some Companies Make the Leap and Others Don't by Jim Collins  - The Innovator’s Dilemma by Clayton M. Christensen  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! 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.