Toolbox for the Trades

In both white and blue-collar businesses, the culture is what matters in the end.Take it from Ryan Lucia, the founder of Aaron Overhead Doors and Such n Such Media. He started out in the software startup world, transitioned to the trades, and now helps blue-collar folks market their businesses.In this episode, Ryan tells Jackie about… Why culture is #1 in both of his businessesWhat he looks for in new hiresHow connecting with other professionals has moved his business forwardCheck out Ryan’s show, Torsion Talk Podcast, here.Know a business that could use a bit of muscle from ServiceTitan? Refer them here! If you want to hear more stories from the trades, subscribe to Toolbox for the Trades on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or here. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Stop recruiting for technical experience. Start recruiting for “soft” skills like good communication the ability to learn and adapt.You can teach all the other stuff.That’s one of Eric Knaak’s (Executive VP & GM at ISAAC) biggest pieces of advice in this episode of Toolbox for the Trades. He and Jackie also discuss… How the trades have supported and employed veteransHow to find more opportunities within your companyBest practices for managing a fleet of service techniciansResources mentioned in this episode:Good to Great by Jim CollinsThe E Myth by Michael GerberIf you want to hear more stories from the trades, subscribe to Toolbox for the Trades on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or here. Know a business that could use a bit of muscle from ServiceTitan? Refer them here!Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Are you living your life on purpose or by default?At a young age, Chris Crew — President of The Blue Collar Success Group — chose to live his life by design. That decision has affected him professionally and personally ever since.In this episode of Toolbox for the Trades, Chris speaks to Jackie about… The unique journey that led him to the trades and beyond Tips for technicians who want to level-up in their career How owners should train their techs in order to scale up The best ways to find new opportunities and make important connections Resources mentioned in this episode:Ed Mylett podcastFeelin’ Good With Duddy The Six Dimensions of C.H.A.N.G.E. 2.0 by Kenny ChapmanIf you want to hear more stories from the trades, subscribe to Toolbox for the Trades on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or here.Know a business that could use a bit of muscle from ServiceTitan? Refer them here!Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Retention: It’s something we all struggle with in the trades. It’s something we haven’t quite yet figured out.Though it’s not a perfect science, Eddie McFarlane — VP of Learning & Development at Haller Enterprises — has a rather revolutionary approach to retaining talented technicians.In this episode of Toolbox for the Trades, we talk to Eddie about… How and why he uses change management to hire and retain workersHow he gets to the root of problems instead of patching up the symptomsWhy diversity and inclusion is the answer to the trades’ labor shortage The importance of personal development in the workplaceIf you want to hear more stories from the trades, subscribe to Toolbox for the Trades on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or here.Know a business that could use a bit of muscle from ServiceTitan? Refer them here! Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

We really did it!We delivered not 1 but 2 seasons of Toolbox for the Trades in this outrageous, chaotic year.In this episode, host Jackie Aubel walks you through just a few of our takeaways from this standout season.Thank you so much to every one of our guests: We know your raw honesty inspired our listeners. You do so much good in the world. Thank you!Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:Keep connected with us on the Toolbox for the Trades Community on Facebook Find the companion for this episode at servicetitan.com/toolboxtipsIf you want to hear more stories from the trades, subscribe to Toolbox for the Trades on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or here. Know a business that could use a bit of muscle from ServiceTitan? Refer them here!Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Ismael Valdez, CEO of Nexgen, shares his journey from startup to $30M, discussing technician tracks, efficiency practices, and the transition from hustling to running a business. They emphasize the shift to review-based referrals and the importance of tracking KPIs for contractors.

There are a lot of questions about how to approach mergers and acquisitions in the trades. Turns out, it’s a lot like dating. At least according to AJ Brown, President and CEO, and Will Matson, Group CFO & Head of MFA, from Apex Service Partners. It’s one of many things I learned when I spoke with them about how their services group is operating like a pit crew for its partners in the trades.What we talked about:Why they left finance and found their forever-home in the trades How services groups work How to approach a partnership (& why it’s like dating)If you want to hear more stories from the trades, subscribe to Toolbox for the Trades on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or here.Know a business that could use a bit of muscle from ServiceTitan? Refer them here!Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Look around your workplace. Where are the young faces? The average age of someone in the trades is around 50. That’s what happens when your industry does things “the way they’ve always been done.”But for Justin Armendariz, Founder & CEO at Better Future Facilities, the average tech in his company is under 30. Justin has brought technology to the forefront in his business and, as a result, is dragging the trades out of the past and preparing a new generation for the future. In this episode, we discuss:How to revolutionize an aging industryHow he is taking on some of the biggest names out thereWhy recruiting and training is everything. If you want to hear more stories from the trades, subscribe to Toolbox for the Trades on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or here.Know a business that could use a bit of muscle from ServiceTitan? Refer them here!Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Usually, the customer knows why they need your product… HVAC, plumbing — when something happens they’ll call.But what if they don’t know they need your product?Then it’s time to educate them.That’s exactly what Rod Yoder, Director — North American Dealer Sales at Kinetico Water Systems, does. He’s learned some clever techniques over the years to teach his customers the value of the water softening and filtration systems he sells. And there are some great ones. What we talked about:Educating your customers about the need for your product How to set yourself apart (and get referrals)How a non-electric company moved into IoT If you want to hear more stories from the trades, subscribe to Toolbox for the Trades on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or here.Know a business that could use a bit of muscle from ServiceTitan? Refer them here!Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

How do you get a thriving culture?It starts with leadership.The owner should be the chief people-person in the company. That’s what Jaime DiDomenico, President at Cool, Plumbing and Energy Today, learned time and time again in his career: A company is only as good as its owner. In this episode, we discuss:Why the owner should be the chief people-personWhy you need to reinvest in your people and the businessWhy a business is only as good as its ownerTo watch our webinar with Jaime, visit servicetitan.com/jaime If you want to hear more stories from the trades, subscribe to Toolbox for the Trades on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or here.Know a business that could use a bit of muscle from ServiceTitan? Refer them here!Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.