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
18 snips
Sep 25, 2025 • 26min
#245 4 Sales Team Training Secrets Top Businesses Use Daily
In this engaging conversation, Jack Carr, the founder of Rapid Response Plumbing, shares his insights on building high-performing sales teams. Discover the four critical steps to successful sales training: establishing a consistent process, implementing regular training, utilizing visible metrics, and the importance of accountability. Jack discusses how these strategies fueled his business's rapid growth and how gamifying performance keeps team members motivated. Tune in for practical tips that could transform your sales approach!
Sep 23, 2025 • 21min
#244 How to Hire the PERFECT Employee Every Time
Jack Carr, founder of Jackquisitions and expert hiring advisor for contractors, joins to share a practical 4-step playbook for hiring top talent. They emphasize treating hiring like marketing, enhancing job postings, and ensuring perks attract the right candidates. Jack explains the importance of tight role scoping, realistic compensation, and clear KPIs for success. They also delve into matching personality to roles through scenario-based interviews, highlighting how these strategies reduce callbacks and improve team dynamics.
10 snips
Sep 18, 2025 • 37min
#243 Home Service Contractors: Stop Overpaying for Parts!
Jen Laughlin, an executive at WeSupplyTrades, shares valuable insights on saving material costs for HVAC and plumbing contractors. They discuss the power of exclusive brands that protect margins while maintaining quality. Jen reveals strategies for fast parts access, especially for rural contractors, and the importance of building trust with suppliers. They also cover the need for SKU audits and bulk discounts, emphasizing the significance of diversifying suppliers to maximize savings and efficiency in the industry.
Sep 16, 2025 • 22min
#242 What Every Contractor Needs to Know to Make the Jump to CEO
Jack Carr, CEO of Rapid Plumbing and HVAC, shares his journey from contractor to CEO with insights from years of experience. He discusses the critical transition stages and pitfalls that can trap business owners in 'owner's hell.' Listeners learn about the differences between a founder and a CEO, the importance of effective delegation, and strategies for expanding from a single to multi-location operation. Jack highlights how structured management and clear processes are essential for sustainable growth and overcoming leadership challenges.
4 snips
Sep 11, 2025 • 23min
#241 What Would YOU Do With $1,000,000 in Marketing?
In this discussion, Ethan Wright from Service Scalers, a digital marketing agency specializing in home service growth, joins John Wilson to tackle the intriguing question of maximizing a million-dollar marketing budget. They emphasize prioritizing lead generation and discuss the breakdown between demand capture and generation. The duo warns against spreading budgets too thin and highlights the importance of focusing on a few proven channels. Listeners will gain insights into budget allocation strategies and discover the vital interplay between brand marketing and lead management.
Sep 9, 2025 • 27min
#240 3 Marketing Mistakes That Keep Contractors Stuck Under $10M
Ethan Wright, a growth strategist from Service Scalers, joins to uncover the three critical marketing mistakes service companies make that stifle growth. He explains how chasing leads can lead to confusion and reveals the importance of understanding booking rates and ROI. Ethan discusses effective budget management and highlights the power of optimizing Google Business Profiles and leveraging customer reviews. Discover practical strategies for scaling past $10 million with smart marketing decisions and a data-driven approach.
11 snips
Sep 4, 2025 • 18min
#239 How To Make Your Business Grow FAST
Join John Wilson and Jack Carr as they unveil the secrets to smashing through the $10 million growth barrier in home services. Discover why the right leads, a strong sales team, and effective recruitment are your golden tickets. Learn how employee incentives can boost performance and why a solid infrastructure won't substitute for core business fundamentals. Jack shares insights from his own journey, offering practical strategies to spark consistent demand and foster rapid, efficient growth.
Sep 2, 2025 • 22min
#238 Are You Making This BIG Marketing Mistake?
The podcast dives into the challenges of lead generation for contractors in 2025, highlighting unpredictable weather and rising digital costs. It promotes consistency in marketing while answering crucial questions: Why you? Why now? How can I afford you? The discussion also covers the Zero Moment of Truth, stressing the significance of consumer research. Plus, it explores SEO changes influenced by AI and provides strategies for maintaining market share during tough times, ensuring businesses are well-prepared for 2026.
8 snips
Aug 30, 2025 • 3min
Double Your Profit Day #30 How We Doubled Profits By Slashing Overhead!
Discover how cutting overhead can drastically increase profits. Learn why overhead is the silent killer of revenue and how it can strangle growth. The discussion includes smart strategies like combining roles, automating tasks, and outsourcing non-essential work. Cutting unnecessary consultants can quickly free up cash. Embrace a 'cut first, ask questions later' approach to savings, and find out how to reward excellence while trimming costs. This is a must-listen for contractors and small business owners wanting to scale!
4 snips
Aug 29, 2025 • 2min
Double Your Profit Day #29 Are You Wasting Money on Tech You Don’t Need?
In this insightful discussion, experts warn against the pitfalls of over-investing in technology. They highlight the risks of being an early adopter, pointing out that flashy new tools may not always provide a return on investment. The conversation delves into how excessive SaaS fees can erode profits and the hidden costs of implementation distractions. Ultimately, the focus shifts to the importance of solid business processes over simply accumulating tech.
