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
14 snips
Jan 6, 2026 • 45min
Stop Losing Money in 2026: The Profit Plan for Higher EBITDA
The focus is on a 'Don't Lose Money' mindset for 2026. The hosts reveal their profit planning approach, emphasizing the importance of EBITDA as a gradual journey. They discuss trimming wasteful software expenses that can leak up to $50K monthly. Marketing discipline is key, with metrics beyond ROI helping eliminate ineffective channels. Negotiating vendor terms and controlling material costs are highlighted as crucial strategies for increasing profitability. The emphasis is on building a healthy, cash-flow-positive business rather than reckless growth.
9 snips
Jan 1, 2026 • 31min
The Sales Process That Took Us From Losing Money to $12.5K Tickets
Discover how a home service business transformed its HVAC sales from losing money to averaging $12,500 per ticket. The hosts share how a repair-first mindset hurt profits and how focusing on selling systems instead changed everything. By implementing effective software and financing strategies early in the sales process, they boosted close rates significantly. Learn why premium equipment sells when framed correctly, and how structured options outperform talent in driving success. This isn't just about selling harder—it's about selling smarter!
5 snips
Dec 30, 2025 • 49min
The REAL Cost of Running a Trades Business in 2025 — What Most Owners Don’t Understand
Explore the surprising costs of running a home service business in 2025. Discover why plumbing thrived while HVAC struggled amid mild weather and shipment drops. Learn how financial transparency helped navigate tough times and why daily huddles revolutionized team alignment. Uncover the critical importance of recruiting amidst labor shortages and how quick hiring decisions can make or break success. Get strategies for 2026, focusing on gross margin as the key to profitability, alongside a 'Lean & Lethal' operational mindset for future growth.
4 snips
Dec 23, 2025 • 26min
Nextdoor Marketing for Contractors: The Local Referral Engine for Plumbing, HVAC & Home Services
Join Sam Preston, CEO of Service Scalers and marketing guru for home service businesses, as he reveals the untapped potential of Nextdoor. Discover why authentic storytelling outshines salesy ads and how small operators harness community trust. Learn about the three effective strategies for marketing on Nextdoor, from organic posts to neighborhood engagement. Sam shares insights on turning technicians into content creators and why local authenticity trumps bigger brands. Key takeaways to transform your approach to local marketing await!
Dec 18, 2025 • 39min
How Smart Home Service Owners Should Invest (P&L, EBITDA, and Enterprise Value)
Home service owners are essentially investors, even if they don't realize it. A 3x return on P&L expenses is crucial for maintaining enterprise value. The difference between P&L and balance sheet investments can impact overall growth and profitability. They explore how focusing on just two or three major initiatives can yield better results than spreading resources too thin. Finally, understanding cash-flow versus enterprise-value assets can guide smarter investment decisions for future success.
41 snips
Dec 16, 2025 • 32min
Remote Staffing for Contractors: How to Hire Offshore for Recruiting, Dispatch & Ops
In this discussion, Aizik Zimerman, a contractor from Jay Blanton Plumbing, shares his journey to scaling from zero to 140 employees using a remote-first staffing approach. He reveals how offshore roles, particularly in recruiting and dispatch, unlocked significant growth. Aizik introduces the hub-and-spoke model, emphasizing strategic U.S. leadership with specialized offshore execution. He discusses creative offshore roles and successful training techniques, illustrating how businesses can act quickly to expand their operational capabilities.
4 snips
Dec 11, 2025 • 38min
AI Didn’t Kill Google Search — Here’s Why GBP Still Wins
Sam Preston, CEO of Service Scalers and a home-services marketing expert, joins John Wilson to discuss the enduring power of Google Business Profiles (GBP). They reveal why AI hasn't dethroned GBP, the crucial role of user reviews, and why visibility in local searches remains a top lead source. Sam highlights three key ranking factors: proximity, category strength, and review quality. The duo shares insights on scaling multi-location businesses and emphasizes the importance of treating each GBP like a standalone website for optimal results.
14 snips
Dec 9, 2025 • 1h 12min
This HVAC Owner Scaled from $11M to $250M (Ken Goodrich’s Playbook)
Ken Goodrich, a legendary home services operator and turnaround specialist, shares his incredible journey from losing everything at 25 to building a $250M HVAC empire with Goettl. He dives into the critical lessons learned from his early missteps, emphasizing the transformative impact of The E-Myth on his business systems. Ken discusses the importance of effective multi-branch management, strategic exits, and optimal company size for growth. He also offers insights on talent acquisition and best practices that keep teams aligned and motivated.
Dec 4, 2025 • 52min
You’re Growing Fast… So Why Are You Still Broke?
Patrick Dichter, owner of AppleTree Business Services and a specialist in outsourced accounting for home service companies, joins John Wilson to shed light on crucial accounting practices. They discuss the stages of bookkeeping, from 'Checkbook Charlie' to in-house controllers, emphasizing the importance of clean month-end closes for informed decision-making. As growth consumes cash, they explore common pitfalls like accrual issues and bad accounting integrations. Patrick offers practical cash forecasting techniques to navigate financial complexity, making this a must-listen for anyone feeling financially lost in their business.
Dec 2, 2025 • 49min
Plumbing Owner Grew From $6M to $25M on Sewers (Here’s How)
Aizik Zimerman, the dynamic owner of Jay Blanton Plumbing, shares how he skyrocketed his business from $6M to $30M by focusing on trenchless sewer lining. He reveals his innovative $93 'Unclogs for Dogs' promotion and why sending a salesman with a camera is key to educating customers. Aizik discusses his hefty $1M investment in UV-curing technology, the competitive edge of pricing lining cheaper than excavation, and the strategic use of direct mail to target older neighborhoods. This is a masterclass in scaling a plumbing business!
