To The Point - Home Services Podcast

Thank you to our Sponsors!Basic Capital: https://basiccapital.com/tothepointChiirp: https://chiirp.com/Contractor Commerce: https://www.contractorcommerce.com/ryno/Bluon: https://www.bluon.com/get-demo?referral_code=ToThePointAvoca.ai: https://avoca.ai/r/tothepointIn this episode of To The Point Home Services, Chris Yano sits down with Chad Peterman to have a real, no-BS conversation about one of the biggest challenges facing home service businesses today: attracting, motivating, and retaining younger technicians.They dive deep into what actually matters to the next generation of talent, why money alone isn’t enough anymore, and how leadership, training, accountability, and culture must evolve to keep great people long-term. From structured career paths and KPIs to feedback loops, praise, and realistic expectations, this episode is packed with actionable insights for owners, managers, and leaders in the trades.If you’re struggling with technician turnover, engagement, or training or you want to future-proof your workforce, this is a must-listen.🔑 Key Topics Covered:Why younger technicians leave (even when paid well)How career pathing and scorecards drive retentionThe rise of “boomerang” technicians and why bridges matterTraining vs. “throwing them in a truck”How praise, feedback, and culture look different for younger generationsHolding technicians accountable without running them offWhy no job is 100% perfect and how to lead through that reality⏱️ Timecodes:00:00 – Intro & Purdue basketball banter01:45 – Why this episode matters: the next generation of technicians03:00 – “Cut to the chase” metaphor explained05:00 – How many techs are under 30—and why it matters07:30 – Pay, motivation, and why money isn’t everything08:30 – Boomerang technicians & leaving on good terms10:20 – Career pathing, KPIs, and earning more money12:45 – Hiring green techs & building real training systems15:00 – Why young techs really quit17:00 – Praise, feedback, and developing people19:00 – Why the “old way” of training doesn’t work anymore22:00 – Helping techs see a 3–5 year career path25:45 – Celebrating performance at every level26:15 – What “culture” actually means to younger techs28:00 – Feedback loops & listening to your team31:00 – Accountability without fear or burnout📚 Resources Mentioned:The 5 Languages of Appreciation in the Workplace by Gary Chapman & Paul White📣 Call to Action:If you found value in this episode:👍 Like the video💬 Comment with your biggest takeaway🔁 Share this episode with a business owner or manager who needs it🔔 Subscribe to To The Point Home Services for weekly conversations that help you grow, lead, and scale smarter

Ara Mahdessian, Co-founder and CEO of ServiceTitan, dives into the transformative role of AI in the home services sector. He discusses the advantages of AI voice agents over human customer service reps, enhancing booking rates and efficiency. Ara highlights the importance of speed-to-lead as a competitive edge and how automation can tackle maintenance bookings. He emphasizes leveraging real contractor feedback to evolve their platform and the crucial role of AI in improving margins and driving demand for contractors.

Will Staton, owner of Staton Heating, Cooling & Plumbing, shares his inspiring journey from addiction recovery to leading a $17M multi-trade company. He reveals how personal loss at a young age shaped his resilience and leadership style. The conversation dives into the challenges of adding HVAC services, operational missteps, and the importance of cultural fit in hiring. Will emphasizes the need for accountability and effective KPIs to drive growth, with ambitious goals of reaching $24M in revenue while reflecting on the emotional impact of his past.

Hey all! This week we are taking time to reflect and set our goals! We hope you are doing the same! We will be back next week.

This enlightening discussion dives into the art of goal accomplishment versus mere goal setting. Discover the power of writing down your ambitions, backed by a Harvard study. Learn five essential rules for turning plans into reality, including how to build automatic habits through cues and rewards. The conversation also covers common pitfalls to avoid and stresses the importance of categorizing goals into personal, business, health, and spiritual domains. Plus, find out how to celebrate milestones and engage accountability partners to turbocharge your success!

Ken Goodrich, a veteran in home services, emphasizes the transformative power of leadership in changing lives. Ishmael Valdez discusses transitioning from an employee mindset to a CEO mentality, highlighting the importance of accountability in leadership. Other standout moments include insights on navigating tough markets and the crucial role of effective communication in shaping company culture. The conversation also touches on resilience, defining it as pushing forward despite setbacks and the necessity of peer support for personal and professional growth.

Alyssa Rogers, Vice President of Rogers Heating & Cooling, shares her inspiring journey of scaling the family-run HVAC business from $600K to $10M in a small town. She discusses turning down a lucrative private equity offer to pursue an ambitious $100M vision. Alyssa reveals innovative grassroots marketing strategies, the importance of community connections, and the challenges of balancing a thriving business with personal sacrifices, including living above their office. This compelling conversation empowers small-town entrepreneurs to chase big dreams.

In this insightful discussion, Anna Yano, co-founder of RYNO Strategic Solutions, shares her experience navigating the tricky waters of private equity and company integration. She reveals the challenges of cultural shifts and the emotional toll of leadership changes post-sale. Anna emphasizes the importance of operational efficiency, particularly with AI, and highlights key lessons for founders about contractual protections in partnerships. With a focus on rebuilding and accountability, she provides actionable insights for anyone facing organizational change.

Tony Patino, President of Abacus Plumbing, Air Conditioning & Electrical, shares his remarkable journey from retail to leading a $100M company. He discusses earning trust from seasoned technicians by prioritizing their needs and simplifying operations with technology like ServiceTitan. Tony details the strategic launch of new verticals such as water treatment and generators, emphasizing the importance of mentorship and learning from industry leaders. He also highlights how a unified VIP membership transformed sales across multiple trades, showcasing practical insights for aspiring leaders.

Ty Wickstrom, President of Wickstrom Plumbing, Heating & Cooling, shares his inspiring journey from accountant to business leader after his mother's passing. He discusses turning a $1M company into an $11M powerhouse by focusing on sales processes, recruiting, and cultivating a strong company culture. Ty reveals how a major turnover became a transformative moment and emphasizes the importance of leveraging technology like ServiceTitan for efficiency. He also outlines future growth plans, including tech training and preserving his mother's legacy through leadership.