Owned and Operated - A Plumbing, Electrical, and HVAC Business Growth Podcast
John Wilson
The Owned and Operated Podcast is the go-to show for HVAC, plumbing, and electrical business owners who want to grow faster, increase profits, and scale smarter.Hosted by John Wilson and Jack Carr, real home service operators in the trenches. This podcast delivers 2x weekly, no-BS conversations on what’s actually working in the trades today. From lead generation and marketing to hiring top-tier talent and building scalable systems, every episode is packed with actionable strategies you can implement immediately.If you're an HVAC contractor, plumber, or electrician looking to grow your business, improve operations, and stay ahead in a competitive market, this podcast is for you.New episodes drop every Tuesday and Thursday.Learn more at www.ownedandoperated.com
Episodes
Mentioned books
12 snips
Dec 24, 2024 • 31min
#157 Your Questions, Answered: Commission, Supplier Leverage, and Training Strategies
A live Q&A dives into crucial topics for home service business owners. Discover strategies for competitive compensation and impactful training programs. Learn how AI can elevate call center efficiency. Explore ways to manage seasoned teams and create scalable HVAC models. Attract top talent through strong benefits and simplify processes for growth. Hear about impressive year-over-year growth milestones and the role of effective partnerships in achieving success.
32 snips
Dec 17, 2024 • 48min
#156 LEGENDS: From the Trades to $110 Million with Nexgen Founder Ismael Valdez
Ismael Valdez, founder of Nexgen, dives into his remarkable journey from starting in the trades at 18 to scaling his HVAC company to $110 million in just four years. He shares essential strategies for growth, including innovative compensation models and the crucial role of a strong sales team. Ismael also discusses the shift to digital lead generation and the importance of engaging content in customer retention. Balancing personal life with rapid growth is a key theme, offering insights for aspiring entrepreneurs aiming for success without sacrificing well-being.
9 snips
Dec 10, 2024 • 52min
#155 - Merging Cultures: Challenges In Home Service Acquisitions
Nathan Lenahan, co-owner of Bart's Heating and Air, shares how he scaled his HVAC business from $1 million to over $10 million through strategic acquisitions. He dives into the complexities of merging cultures, brand management, and the importance of effective communication during transitions. Nathan discusses the challenges of retaining staff, rethinking compensation structures, and maintaining company values. He also highlights the shift from acquisition-led growth towards organic expansion, providing insights that are crucial for navigating the home service industry.
20 snips
Dec 3, 2024 • 49min
#154 - Business Cost Management and Sustainable Home Service Growth
In this discussion, Luke Weiden, the General Manager at Deljo Heating and Cooling, shares his expertise in cost management and sustainable strategies for home service businesses. He emphasizes the importance of profitability for sustainability and effective expense management. Luke highlights how leadership development and optimizing field efficiency can drive growth. The conversation also covers enhancing operational efficiencies through technology and the critical balance of maintaining high service quality while managing costs.
16 snips
Nov 26, 2024 • 28min
#153 - AI In Customer Service with Hatch and Chris Bache
In this engaging conversation, Chris Bache, CEO of Hatch, shares his expertise on integrating AI into customer service for home service businesses. He discusses how Hatch has evolved from a small startup to a market leader, helping over 2000 businesses improve their engagement. The importance of quick follow-ups, personalized messaging, and compliance in automated communications is explored. Chris also highlights success stories and offers insights into leveraging AI for sustained business growth, showcasing its role in enhancing both customer interaction and operational efficiency.
Nov 19, 2024 • 45min
#152 - Advice for Selling a Home Service Business with Leap Partners
Justin Deese, a partner at Leap Partners and former plumbing business owner, shares invaluable insights on selling home service businesses. He emphasizes understanding financial performance and maintaining company culture during acquisitions. The discussion highlights the significance of a collaborative approach for former owners transitioning into shareholder roles. Strategies for successful growth in recession-resistant industries, as well as leveraging AI for efficiency, are explored, offering practical advice for current and aspiring business owners.
10 snips
Nov 12, 2024 • 41min
#151 - From Leads to Revenue: Maximizing Your Marketing ROI with Sam Preston
Sam Preston, CEO of Service Scalers, shares his expertise on maximizing marketing ROI for home service businesses. He discusses how to track lead sources effectively and the importance of a well-optimized website over a flashy one. Sam emphasizes the power of SEO and Google Ads in driving qualified leads, while revealing strategies that fueled his company’s explosive growth. He also covers measuring marketing performance, managing costs per lead, and adapting to Google's evolving landscape, ensuring businesses can scale efficiently.
Nov 5, 2024 • 59min
#150 - LEGENDS: From Bankruptcy to $75 Million with EcoPlumber and Aaron Gaynor
Aaron Gaynor, founder of Eco Plumbers, shares his incredible journey from bankruptcy to building a $75 million home service business. He stresses the importance of having a bold vision and focusing on one trade initially. The conversation dives into the critical role of customer reviews and social validation, as well as the value of strong vendor relationships. Gaynor also highlights the significance of mastering one service before expansion and discusses strategies for navigating competitive markets.
8 snips
Oct 29, 2024 • 1h 3min
#149 - Leadership Through Open Book Management with Ellen Rohr
Ellen Rohr, a plumbing entrepreneur and business consultant known for her roles at Zoom Drain and ServiceTitan, shares her journey from plumbing to business success. She delves into the transformative power of open book management and how financial transparency can elevate team morale. Ellen discusses strategic pricing and its role in overcoming debt, alongside practical advice for tracking financial metrics in the trades. Her insights on leadership and aligning personal and business goals are a must for anyone looking to thrive in service industries.
Oct 22, 2024 • 35min
#148 - Using Global Talent to Outpace Competition with Sagan's Jon Matzner
Jon Matzner, Founder of Sagan, discusses the revolutionary impact of global talent on business operations. He highlights how hiring overseas isn't just about cost savings but about enhancing efficiency and service delivery. The conversation dives into the evolution of Sagan’s system, emphasizing the interplay of remote work and automation. Matzner also explores the role of AI in business processes and strategies for optimizing workforce structures in the HVAC sector. His insights on decentralized leadership and innovative talent acquisition approaches are truly enlightening.
