Toolbox for the Trades

Tommy Mello is a titan in the trades industry. But in 2012, the owner of A1 Garage Door Services and author of Home Service Millionaire hit the lowest point of his career. Facing payroll issues, internal theft, and maximum burnout, Tommy took a step back to reevaluate the “why” behind the outcomes of his actions. Tommy shares how he shifted his focus back to investing in people and how fellow contractors can avoid leading their company to the brink. Join us as we discuss - (6:01) Leaving a legacy of caring for and investing in people - (12:48) Acknowledging your weaknesses in a leadership position - (20:49) Surrounding yourself with people who make you better - (34:18) Addressing the victim mentality of struggling contractors Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast: - Tommy Mello - A1 Garage Door Services - Home Service Millionaire - Elevate: Build a Business Where Everybody Wins You can find this interview and many more by subscribing to Toolbox of the Trades on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, or here. Know a business that could use a bit of muscle from ServiceTitan? Refer them here! Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Toolbox of the Trades in your favorite podcast player.  Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

After 10 years in the travel industry, Ashley Gulevich was ready for a change. After joining her family at a trades boot camp that could help level up her parents’ business, Coastal Heat Pumps, she knew she was in it for the long haul. Now the General Manager at Coastal, Ashley has applied the skills she acquired from her previous career to help scale the family business. And she shares what else she’s learned about listening and systems management during her five years at Coastal. Join us as we discuss: (5:40) Why listening is a skill that instills action and growth (12:12) How she translated her travel industry experience to the trades (24:57) The importance of self-care for working professionals (35:23) Dealing with misconceptions as a woman in the trades Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast: - Ashley Gulevich - Coastal Heat Pumps You can find this interview and many more by subscribing to Toolbox of the Trades on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, or here. Know a business that could use a bit of muscle from ServiceTitan? Refer them here! Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Toolbox of the Trades in your favorite podcast player.  Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

As third-generation tradesmen, Joseph Gee, CEO of Gee Heating and Air in North Atlanta, and his brother Jacob Gee, the company CFO, are building a culture of winners. After taking over the family business, they immediately implemented a joint vision for growth. And they had a simple message for everyone else at Gee: come with us or get out of our way. In this episode, Joseph and Jacob tell us about their shared passion for shattering goals and how they empower employees to do the same.    Join us as we discuss: - (5:54) Navigating change after taking over the family business - (26:04) Implementing new systems centered around problem-solving  - (37:05) Focusing on customer relationships during seasonal slowdowns Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast: - Gee Heating and Air You can find this interview and many more by subscribing to Toolbox of the Trades on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, or here. Know a business that could use a bit of muscle from ServiceTitan? Refer them here! Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Toolbox of the Trades in your favorite podcast player.  Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Contractor associations are in a unique position of being able to draw talent from their membership pool to tackle big projects. And the Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors' National Association, or SMACNA, is no exception. As an international group with chapters across four countries, SMACNA bids on multiple “mega” projects involving thousands of workers. But even an organization as large as theirs has to be wary of biting off more than it can chew. SMACNA’s CEO, Aaron Hilger, shares his valuable insights on project management, strategies for growth, and elevating universal opinion of the trades.    Join us as we discuss: - (9:45) How unionized contractor groups tackle mega projects  - (19:48) Five tips for successful project management at any level   - (30:50) Why reinvesting in people is critical to long-term success Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast: - Aaron Hilger - SMACNA - MEP Innovation Conference - MCAA - NECA You can find this interview and many more by subscribing to Toolbox of the Trades on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, or here. Know a business that could use a bit of muscle from ServiceTitan? Refer them here! Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Toolbox of the Trades in your favorite podcast player.  Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

When his father became very ill, Pete Bradham suddenly had to step in and take the reins of their family business.For years, they had gotten by on respected word-of-mouth in Charlotte, North Carolina. As General Manager, Pete knew that if their company, Bradham Brothers, was going to continue growing, they had to change or die.Pete tells us how valuable mentors helped him through the tough transition of taking over leadership as a second-generation tradesman.Join us as we discuss:- Why communication is a valuable skill in the trades (3:41)- The unexpected transition in leadership from father to son (10:50)- How multiple mentors helped Pete stay the course (20:52)Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:- Pete Bradham- Bradham Brothers- Bradham Brothers onboard with ServiceTitanYou can find this interview and many more by subscribing to Toolbox of the Trades on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, or here.Know a business that could use a bit of muscle from ServiceTitan? Refer them here! Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Toolbox of the Trades in your favorite podcast player.  Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Ismael Valdez, CEO at Nexgen Air Conditioning Heating and Plumbing, shares his struggles and triumphs in the trades industry, from nearly quitting to seeking help and avoiding burnout. He emphasizes the importance of vulnerability, support, and personal growth. The podcast highlights the power of music and perseverance in overcoming challenges in the trades sector.

A lot of small business owners in the trades are technical experts in their respective crafts. But Jason Arthur , Owner of Eighty-Seven Degrees Coaching , says that most of those entrepreneurs neglect the one thing that dictates their long-term growth outlook: their budget. And too many are reluctant to ask for help. Jason shares how his former employee experiences shaped his coaching philosophy and how small business owners can create a solid budgeting culture. Join us as we discuss: (3:44) Why Jason saw a need to start his coaching business (11:44) Creating an accountable budget reporting culture (25:44) Integrating employees into the budget creation process (31:00) Memorable stories from the clients’ perspective Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast: Jason Arthur Eighty-Seven Degrees Coaching jason@87helps.com You can find this interview and many more by subscribing to Toolbox of the Trades on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, or here. Know a business that could use a bit of muscle from ServiceTitan? Refer them here!  Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Toolbox of the Trades in your favorite podcast player.Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Texas Medley , CEO of Medley Heating & Air Conditioning , hated the trades as a kid. But after a multi-year stint in grocery retail, he began his journey to build his dream $50 million mom n’ pop HVAC business. Texas shares how realigning his priorities and laying a strong foundation of family culture set his company up for future growth. Join us as we discuss: (5:50) Negative stigma attached to the trades (20:38) Shifting mindset to escape the “rat race” mentality (33:30) The importance of strong culture and positive reinforcement  Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast: Texas Medley  Medley Heating & Air Conditioning   You can find this interview and many more by subscribing to Toolbox of the Trades on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, or here. Know a business that could use a bit of muscle from ServiceTitan? Refer them here!  Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Toolbox of the Trades in your favorite podcast player.Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Travis Smith was practically born into the trades. He started working for his father full-time out of high school before taking over the family business - Sky Heating, AC, Plumbing, and Electrical - in 2015. A few years later, he partnered with a private equity firm to help bolster his company with extra resources and training. Today, he believes they were a perfect fit for each other. In this episode, Travis shares his thoughts on private equity and why he believes selling his business is one of the best decisions he ever made. Join us as we discuss: (5:44) Travis’ early ownership struggles and change-ups (23:33) The decision to partner with a private equity group (41:34) Advice for owners considering private equity  Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast: P1  You can find this interview and many more by subscribing to Toolbox of the Trades on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, or here. Know a business that could use a bit of muscle from ServiceTitan? Refer them here!  Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Toolbox of the Trades in your favorite podcast player.Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

As one of the largest HVAC service providers in the Southwest, the folks at Goettl Air Conditioning & Plumbing have a clear vision for growth. And it starts with a solid foundation built by strong leadership and a willingness to change. Their VP of Sales, Dale Steele , told us how authenticity and a positive mindset have elevated their techs and sales team and set Goettl on the path to success. Join us as we discuss: (25:13) The importance of authentic human connections (34:17) Training technicians in impromptu sales (44:17) Maintaining team alignment and a positive mindset  Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast: Dale Steele  Goettl Air Conditioning & Plumbing   Know a business that could use a bit of muscle from ServiceTitan? Refer them here!  You can find this interview and many more by subscribing to Toolbox of the Trades on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, or here.Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.