Service Business Mastery for Skilled Trades: HVAC, Plumbing & Electrical Home Service

Learn how to automate tasks, save time, and increase your profit. No Coding required! 👉 Enroll Today - https://bit.ly/3CZTDte __________________________________________ Get Ready: TAP Into the Future | October 3-5, 2025 | Savannah, GA Don't miss 3 dynamic days of business growth strategies, process automation, and client retention insights. 🎟️ Seats are limited - save yours today at: https://tapintothefuture.ai/ Welcome to the Service Business Mastery Podcast! Visit our website for more episodes and insights! https://www.servicebusinessmastery.com In this episode of the Service Business Mastery podcast, Tersh Blissett and Josh Crouch talk with Kevin Hill, Master Advisor / Director of Training at CEO Warrior, about leadership, hiring, and culture in the trades. Kevin shares how he helped grow an HVAC, plumbing, and electrical business in South Carolina, eventually selling it to private equity. He explains the power of servant leadership, how clear training and onboarding build strong teams, and why great culture helps you keep the right people. Learn simple tips to hire better, lead better, and build a company people want to work for. In this episode, here's what you can expect to learn: Why strong leadership is more than just a title in building a great team. How hiring, culture, and leadership all connect for business success. The power of clear onboarding and training to keep good employees. How setting clear rules and team goals leads to real accountability. Simple ways to recruit better and build a workplace people want to join. Timestamps⏰ [00:00] - Recap [03:08] - Episode introduction & meeting Kevin Hill [04:27] - Kevin's Journey from Trades to Trainer [05:39] - Recycling Dirt: Kevin's Unusual Business Venture [07:06] - Defining True Leadership in Service Companies [09:04] - Clarity + Alignment = Accountability [11:39] - Letting Go of Poor Fits and Warm Body Hiring [18:25] - Recruiting Strategy: First Impressions Matter [20:52] - Red Flags in Summer Hiring & Vetting Techs [26:01] - Apprenticeships, Military Programs, and Second Chances [31:34] - Building a Strong Onboarding & Training Culture [37:07] - Ride-Alongs & Senior Tech Buy-In for New Hires [39:16] - Techs Teaching Peers & Turning Callbacks into Lessons If you found this conversation with Kevin Hill helpful, please leave us a review (5 stars would mean a lot to us 😉). Links & References: LinkedIn: Kevin Hill CEO Warrior Website: CEO Warrior This episode is kindly sponsored by: Sera UpFrog CallRail CompanyCam Visit CompanyCam and use code SBM for a free 2-week trial, 1:1 training and account setup, and 50% off your first two months! MarketStorm Lace.ai Autobot.ai ServiceWorldExpo Connect with us! Tersh Blissett Josh Crouch Join the Service Business Mastery Facebook group for more updates! Visit our website: www.servicebusinessmastery.com Affiliate links: Castmagic StreamYard IfTTT Zyra Talk

Learn how to automate tasks, save time, and increase your profit. No Coding required! 👉 Enroll Today - https://bit.ly/3CZTDte __________________________________________ Mark Your Calendar: TAP Into the Future | October 3-5, 2025 | Savannah, GA Join us for 3 action-packed days of learning business growth tips, automating processes, and boosting client retention. 🎟️Spaces are filling up fast - register now at: https://tapintothefuture.ai/ Welcome to the Service Business Mastery Podcast! Visit our website for more episodes and insights! http://www.servicebusinessmastery.com In this episode of the Service Business Mastery podcast, hosts Tersh Blissett and Josh Crouch talk with Matthew Abbott, the Founder, and Jacob Abbott, the Co-Chief Executive Officer of Abbott Family Insurance at the AHR Expo 2025. The conversation centers on Matthew and Jacob's journey of building their insurance business through cold calling, persistence, and hard work. They share how implementing automation helped streamline their processes, save time, and boost efficiency. The duo also discusses the impact of offering creative benefits to clients, which led to stronger retention and steady business growth. Their story is a testament to how dedication, innovation, and smart strategies can drive long-term success. In this episode, here's what you can expect to learn: How persistence and cold calling helped grow the business. Why automating processes saves time and boosts efficiency. The impact of offering creative benefits to clients. How smart strategies led to better retention and growth. Why dedication and hard work are key to long-term success. Timestamps⏰ [00:00] - Recap [02:15] - Episode Intro & Meeting Matthew and Jacob Abbott [02:46] - How Matthew and Jacob Got Started in Insurance [04:15] - The Role of Cold Calling and Persistence in Early Success [07:12] - Lessons Learned from Outbound Sales Techniques [13:40] - Overcoming Sales Objections and Handling Rejection [14:24] - The Impact of Consistency and Timing in Sales [17:54] - Innovative Insurance Solutions and Tax Savings [23:31] - The Role of Automation in Streamlining Operations [24:43] - Focus on income-producing actions (IPAs) [25:22] - How to Get in Touch with Abbott Family If you enjoyed this conversation with Matthew and Jacob Abbott, please leave us a review (5 stars would be awesome 😉). Links & References: LinkedIn: Matthew Abbott Jacob Abbott Abbott Family Insurance Website: Abbott Family Insurance This episode is kindly sponsored by: Sera UpFrog CallRail CompanyCam Visit CompanyCam and use code SBM for a free 2-week trial, 1:1 training and account setup, and 50% off your first two months! MarketStorm Lace.ai Autobot.ai ServiceWorldExpo Connect with us! Tersh Blissett Josh Crouch Join the Service Business Mastery Facebook group for more updates! Visit our website: www.servicebusinessmastery.com Affiliate links: Castmagic StreamYard IfTTT Zyra Talk

Learn how to automate tasks, save time, and increase your profit. No Coding required! 👉 Enroll Today - https://bit.ly/3CZTDte __________________________________________ Join Us at: TAP Into the Future | October 3–5, 2025 | Savannah, GA Spend three action-packed days diving into practical automation strategies, exclusive access to the Savannah Bananas, and real-world tools to drive serious growth in 2026 🎟️ Spots are limited - reserve yours today: https://tapintothefuture.ai/ Welcome to the Service Business Mastery Podcast! Visit our website for more episodes and insights! https://www.servicebusinessmastery.com In this episode of the Service Business Mastery podcast, hosts Tersh Blissett talks with Dan G. (Dan Goodman), CEO and Founder of Building36 Technologies, a company dedicated to helping contractors grow through smart home technology. Dan shares how tools like smart thermostats, sensors, cameras, and branded apps help contractors stay connected with customers, remain top of mind, and build long-term loyalty. He explains how automation, remote monitoring, alerts, and simple setups make service more reliable and easier to deliver. Throughout the conversation, Dan highlights how smart tech not only improves customer retention and increases recurring revenue but also supports faster, more sustainable business growth for service contractors. In this episode, here's what you can expect to learn: How smart thermostats help build long-term customer loyalty. Why branded apps and alerts keep contractors top of mind. The value of using automation to catch system issues early. How connected devices can boost service and add revenue. Why simple tech tools help contractors grow and stay ahead. Timestamps⏰ [00:00] - Recap [01:59] - Episode Intro & Meeting Dan Goodman [03:09] - Dan's Tech Journey from MIT to Smart Thermostats [04:15] - Starting Building36: From Retail to Trade Focus [05:11] - Smart Home Uses: Sensors, Locks, Lights, and More [06:41] - Compatibility with Thermostats & HVAC Systems [11:31] - Monthly Reports and Alerts for AC Performance [18:48] - Building Recurring Revenue from Smart Cameras [23:11] - Using Thermostat Data to Boost Early Bookings [25:18] - AI, Automation & Data Use in HVAC Maintenance [29:24] - Remote Monitoring, Sensors & AC Efficiency [40:44] - Zoning, Temp Sensors & Multi-Thermostat Setups If you enjoyed this insightful conversation with Dan Goodman, please leave us a review (5 stars would be greatly appreciated 😉). Links & References: LinkedIn: Dan G. Building36 Technologies Website: Building36 Technologies This episode is kindly sponsored by: Sera UpFrog CallRail CompanyCam Visit CompanyCam and use code SBM for a free 2-week trial, 1:1 training and account setup, and 50% off your first two months! MarketStorm Lace.ai Autobot.ai ServiceWorldExpo Connect with us! Tersh Blissett Josh Crouch Join the Service Business Mastery Facebook group for more updates! Visit our website: www.servicebusinessmastery.com Affiliate links: Castmagic StreamYard IfTTT Zyra Talk

Nathan Keller, co-founder and Chief Sales Officer of Free2Grow, explains how his company turned a human answering service into AI voice agents for trades. He discusses 24/7 call handling, booking improvements, training and scripting, onboarding and integrations, and how AI handles upset callers while freeing teams for higher-value work.

Learn how to automate tasks, save time, and increase your profit. No Coding required! 👉 Enroll Today - https://bit.ly/3CZTDte ---------------------------------------------------- Save the Date: TAP Into the Future | October 3-5, 2025 | Savannah, GA Join us for 3 powerful days of hands-on automation strategies, exclusive Savannah Bananas access, and the energy boost your service business needs heading into 2026. Walk away with real tools, real momentum, and real connections that drive results. This isn't fluff - it's strategy-packed and seriously fun. 🎫 Spots are limited - register now at: https://tapintothefuture.ai/ Welcome to the Service Business Mastery Podcast! Visit our website for more episodes and insights! http://www.servicebusinessmastery.com In this episode of the Service Business Mastery podcast, hosts Tersh Blissett and Josh Crouch talk with Chris Buttenham, Co-Founder of Reins, a company that helps contractors retain employees through incentive programs. Chris shares how offering phantom equity and profit-sharing plans motivates employees and aligns their goals with the business's success. He explains how using technology to simplify these programs makes them easy to manage and more effective. Chris talks about how offering meaningful rewards can drive business growth and employee loyalty. This conversation focuses on Chris's journey helping contractors retain key employees with incentive programs. He shares how offering phantom equity and profit-sharing plans motivates employees and aligns their goals with the business. Chris explains how using technology to simplify these programs makes them easy to manage and more impactful. He highlights how offering meaningful rewards can strengthen loyalty, improve performance, and lead to long-term growth. In this episode, here's what you can expect to learn: How phantom equity and profit-sharing motivate employees. Why aligning employee goals with the business drives success. The value of using simple technology to manage incentives. How offering meaningful rewards can increase employee loyalty. Why creating clear, visible incentives leads to better performance and growth. Timestamps ⏰ [00:00] - Recap [02:52] - Episode Intro & Meeting Chris Buttenham [06:39] - The Importance of Employee Retention in Home Services [11:50] - Challenges of Aligning Employee Goals with Business Success [15:40] - Understanding Phantom Equity and Profit-Sharing Programs [18:21] - Simplifying Employee Incentives with Technology [24:04] - How Incentive Programs Can Boost Employee Motivation [31:28] - Managing Emotional Expectations and Visibility in Equity Compensation [33:18] - The Role of Technology in Managing Employee Incentives [37:16] - Employee Compensation Ranges and Impact [38:09] - Equity Impact at Different Business Sizes [40:00] - Fast Onboarding for Profit Sharing Programs [43:34] - KPIs and the Need for Ongoing Communication in Employee Programs If you enjoyed this insightful conversation with Chris Buttenham, please leave us a review (5 stars would be greatly appreciated 😉). Links & References: LinkedIn: Chris Buttenham Reins Website: Reins This episode is kindly sponsored by: Free-2-grow Sera UpFrog CallRail CompanyCam Visit CompanyCam and use code SBM for a free 2-week trial, 1:1 training and account setup, and 50% off your first two months! MarketStorm Lace.ai Autobot.ai Connect with us! Tersh Blissett Josh Crouch Join the Service Business Mastery Facebook group for more updates! Visit our website: www.servicebusinessmastery.com Affiliate links: Castmagic StreamYard IfTTT Zyra Talk

Join Marcus Sheridan, a communication expert and bestselling author, as he delves into the power of transparent pricing strategies. He shares how one content piece generated $35 million in sales and emphasizes the importance of honesty in pricing to boost lead conversions. Discover how AI and data-driven insights can enhance marketing, and learn effective content creation strategies that resonate with customers. Plus, tips on using video to build trust and personal branding in the service industry make this a must-listen for service professionals!

Learn how to automate tasks, save time, and increase your profit. No Coding required! 👉 Enroll Today - https://bit.ly/3CZTDte ---------------------------------------------------- Welcome to the Service Business Mastery Podcast! Visit our website for more episodes and insights! https://www.servicebusinessmastery.com In this episode of the Service Business Mastery podcast, hosts Tersh Blissett and Josh Crouch talk with David Cochran, owner of Complete Comfort, a company known for using creative videos to grow its HVAC brand. David shares how doing things differently, like sending fun thank-you videos, making a team song, and using humor, helps customers remember and trust your business. He explains how finding the right people, staying inspired by events, and telling your story can build strong loyalty and make your business stand out in a busy market. This conversation focuses on David's journey building his HVAC business by thinking outside the box. He shares how using funny videos, sending thank-you messages, and even creating a company song helped connect with customers in a fun way. David explains how having the right team, being inspired by events, and sharing your story can build loyalty. He highlights how being different and creative can grow your brand, attract attention, and lead to long-term success. In this episode, here's what you can expect to learn: How funny videos and creative ideas help your brand stand out. Why doing the opposite of normal grabs attention and build trust. The value of hiring the right people to grow your business. How sharing your journey creates stronger customer loyalty. Why being unique can lead to more fans, referrals, and success. Timestamps⏰ [00:00] - Recap [03:11] - Episode Intro & Meeting David Cochran [05:26] - How David Started in HVAC From Scratch [08:04] - Challenges of Starting Young & Building Trust [12:07] - From Field Work to Office Role: David's Shift [15:10] - Growing a Team & Letting Go of Control [18:19] - Standing Out With Funny Spoof Videos [24:07] - Creative Ideas Inspired by Jesse Cole & Events [28:15] - Building a Media Team & Bringing Ideas to Life [37:30] - How Video Content Boosts Team Culture [40:27] - Implementing Ideas from the Industry If you enjoyed this fun and inspiring talk with David Cochran, please leave us a review (5 stars would mean a lot 😉). Links & References: LinkedIn: David Cochran Complete Comfort Website: Complete Comfort This episode is kindly sponsored by: Free-2-grow Sera UpFrog CallRail CompanyCam Visit CompanyCam and use code SBM for a free 2-week trial, 1:1 training and account setup, and 50% off your first two months! MarketStorm Lace.ai Autobot.ai Connect with us! Tersh Blissett Josh Crouch Join the Service Business Mastery Facebook group for more updates! Visit our website: www.servicebusinessmastery.com Affiliate links: Castmagic StreamYard IfTTT Zyra Talk

Learn how to automate tasks, save time, and increase your profit. No Coding required! 👉 Enroll Today - https://bit.ly/3CZTDte ---------------------------------------------------- Welcome to the Service Business Mastery Podcast! Visit our website for more episodes and insights! https://www.servicebusinessmastery.com In this episode of the Service Business Mastery podcast, hosts Tersh Blissett and Josh Crouch talk with Caleb Baitz, Vice President of Marketing at To Your Success, a company known for using gift packages to help businesses grow stronger customer relationships. Caleb shares how service business owners can use simple tools like cookies, handwritten notes, and surprise gifts to create emotional connections. He explains how thoughtful automation builds trust, drives word-of-mouth referrals, and helps businesses stand out in a busy market. This conversation focuses on Caleb's work helping service business owners build stronger customer relationships through automation. He shares how sending gifts like cookies, using follow-ups, and adding personal touches can create lasting loyalty. Caleb explains how small, thoughtful actions can lead to more word-of-mouth referrals, brand trust, and business growth. He highlights how caring service and simple automation can drive long-term success and deeper customer connections. In this episode, here's what you can expect to learn: How small gifts like cookies create loyal customers and brand trust. Why surprise and delight make your business stand out. The power of automation in keeping customer connections strong. How follow-ups show care and build long-term relationships. Why thoughtful touches can lead to more referrals and growth. Timestamps ⏰ [00:00] - Recap [03:33] - Episode Intro & How Service Emperor Tests Automation [04:15] - How "To Your Success" Sparked Automation Ideas [06:54] - Caleb's Story & Family Business Background [08:21] - Using Gifts Like Cookies to Wow Customers [09:39] - How Automation Builds Emotional Connections [12:02] - Real-Life Impact: The Massage Gift Story [15:21] - Brand Loyalty Through Surprise and Delight [23:22] - Why Follow-Ups and Thank-Yous Build Trust [32:19] - Giving Value First & Staying Top of Mind [37:10] - Competing With Big Players Using Personal Touch [38:31] - Team Buy-In & Caring Culture Through Automation [44:45] - Final Thoughts & How to Connect With Caleb If you enjoyed this chat with Caleb Baitz, please leave us a review (5 stars would mean a lot 😉). Links & References: LinkedIn: Caleb Baitz To Your Success Website: To Your Success This episode is kindly sponsored by: Free-2-grow Sera UpFrog CallRail CompanyCam Visit CompanyCam and use code SBM for a free 2-week trial, 1:1 training and account setup, and 50% off your first two months! MarketStorm Rilla Lace.ai Autobot.ai Connect with us! Tersh Blissett Josh Crouch Join the Service Business Mastery Facebook group for more updates! Visit our website: www.servicebusinessmastery.com Affiliate links: Castmagic StreamYard IfTTT Zyra Talk

Learn how to automate tasks, save time, and increase your profit. No Coding required! 👉 Enroll Today - https://bit.ly/3CZTDte ---------------------------------------------------- Welcome to the Service Business Mastery Podcast! Visit our website for more episodes and insights! https://www.servicebusinessmastery.com In this episode of the Service Business Mastery podcast, host Tersh Blisett and Josh Crouch talk with Ryan Naylor, currently serving as the CEO/Founder of AvaHR and previously leading as Chief Executive Officer at LocalWork and also the Contributing Author of Entrepreneur Media. Ryan shares his expertise on how service business owners can improve hiring, team culture, and employee retention. He explains the importance of hiring A players, offering competitive wages, and having clear communication to attract top talent. Ryan also discusses how small changes in the hiring process and team culture can drive long-term business growth and success. This conversation focuses on Ryan's work helping service business owners improve hiring and team culture. He shares how hiring A players, offering competitive wages, and clear communication help attract top talent. Ryan explains how small changes in the hiring process and team culture can lead to better business growth. He highlights how improving the team and focusing on clear communication can drive long-term success and stronger relationships. In this episode, here's what you can expect to learn: How hiring A players leads to better results and long-term success. Why offering competitive wages helps attract top talent. The importance of clear communication in hiring the right people. Why fast response times are key to securing top candidates. How small improvements in hiring and team culture drive business growth. Timestamps ⏰ [00:00:00] - Introduction & Episode Overview [00:02:38] - Episode Introduction and Guest Welcome [00:03:54] - Ryan's Background and Early Entrepreneurial Journey [00:06:32] - The Real Cost of C and B Players [00:08:32] - Smart Interview and Reference Check Strategies [00:10:56] - What is an ATS, and why does it matter [00:16:34] - Optimizing the Hiring Funnel [00:23:21] - Culture Marketing and Purpose-Driven Recruiting [00:28:51] - Spotting A-players During Interviews [00:34:55] - Resources, Tools, and Final Thoughts If you enjoyed this chat with Ryan Naylor, please leave us a review (5 stars would mean a lot 😉). Links & References: LinkedIn: Ryan Naylor Entrepreneur Media AvaHR LocalWork Website: Entrepreneur Media AvaHR LocalWork This episode is kindly sponsored by: Free-2-grow Sera UpFrog CallRail CompanyCam Visit CompanyCam and use code SBM for a free 2-week trial, 1:1 training and account setup, and 50% off your first two months! MarketStorm Rilla Lace.ai Autobot.ai Connect with us! Tersh Blissett Josh Crouch Join the Service Business Mastery Facebook group for more updates! Visit our website: www.servicebusinessmastery.com Affiliate links: Castmagic StreamYard IfTTT Zyra Talk

Learn how to automate tasks, save time, and increase your profit. No Coding required! 👉 Enroll Today - https://bit.ly/3CZTDte ---------------------------------------------------- Welcome to the Service Business Mastery Podcast! Visit our website for more episodes and insights! https://www.servicebusinessmastery.com In this episode of the Service Business Mastery podcast, hosts Josh Crouch and Tersh Blisset chat with Amber Gaige, Chief Marketing Advisor at Far Beyond Marketing and a marketing expert with a strong background in the trades. Amber shares her journey from working in her family's plumbing business to becoming a certified StoryBrand guide. She discusses how the StoryBrand framework helps service businesses stand out by focusing on clear messaging and solving emotional problems for customers. Amber also explains how small changes in marketing can lead to long-term growth and success. This conversation focuses on Amber Gaige's work helping trade business owners grow through effective marketing. She explains how the StoryBrand framework helps create clear messaging and build trust with customers. Amber shares how focusing on customer emotions and solving real problems leads to loyal clients. She also discusses how small marketing adjustments can lead to long-term growth and stronger customer relationships. In this episode, here's what you can expect to learn: How using the StoryBrand framework creates clear messaging and builds trust. Why focusing on emotional problems helps create loyal customers. How positioning your business as the guide leads to long-term growth. Why small marketing changes can have a big impact on your success. How clear communication across all platforms makes your business stand out. Timestamps ⏰ 00:20 - Introduction 01:08 - Introducing Amber Gaige 02:10 - Amber's Background in Trades and Marketing 05:32 - What is the StoryBrand Framework? 06:47 - Why Clear Messaging Builds Trust 10:42 - How Focusing on Customer Emotions Drives Loyalty 14:30 - Positioning Your Business as the Guide 17:00 - Small Changes in Marketing for Big Growth 19:15 - The Importance of Consistent Communication 21:30 - How StoryBrand Helps Service Businesses Stand Out 23:45 - Key Marketing Strategies for Trades Business Owners 26:00 - Real-Life Example of StoryBrand in Action 28:30 - Amber's Advice for Business Owners 30:00 - Closing Thoughts and Final Takeaways If you enjoyed this conversation with Amber Gaige, please leave us a review (5 stars would be greatly appreciated 😉). Links & References: LinkedIn: Amber Gaige Far Beyond Marketing Website: Far Beyond Marketing This episode is kindly sponsored by: Free-2-grow Sera UpFrog CallRail CompanyCam Visit CompanyCam and use code SBM for a free 2-week trial, 1:1 training and account setup, and 50% off your first two months! MarketStorm Rilla Lace.ai Autobot.ai Connect with us! Tersh Blissett Josh Crouch Join the Service Business Mastery Facebook group for more updates! Visit our website: www.servicebusinessmastery.com Affiliate links: Castmagic StreamYard IfTTT Zyra Talk