We welcome back Josh Teekell, founder and CEO of Smart AC, to discuss their Gen-2 HVAC monitoring platform. Built to target the 80% of homeowners who reject traditional memberships, Gen 2 helps contractors drive rapid market expansion. Josh details how Gen 2 improves on their original model with a single sensor, 30-second setup, and non-Wi-Fi connectivity. He also shares insights on leveraging AI, leading teams through product shifts, and using low-cost entry points to convert one-off service calls into lifelong customers. Join us as we discuss:  [2:54] What changed at Smart AC: Announcing the Gen-2 platform launch[13:03] Leveraging $5/month pricing to capture the non-membership homes[19:56] Homeowner survey results validating low-cost monitoring models. Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast: Check out the survey data here! (https://survey.smartac.com/homeowner2026)  You can find this interview and many more by subscribing to Toolbox for the Trades on Apple Podcasts (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/toolbox-for-the-trades/id1503078938), on Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/76wMZ1SJV4OAql9HzbnQ87?si=85dc59f7c6e244b2), or here (https://www.servicetitan.com/podcast).  Know a business that could use a bit of muscle from ServiceTitan? Refer them here! (https://www.servicetitan.com/referrals) Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Toolbox for the Trades in your favorite podcast player. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Successful navigation around the complexities of family business ownership demands radical honesty and clear boundaries. Brittany Burgess (https://www.linkedin.com/in/missbrittanybrewer/), Senior Customer Advocacy Specialist at ServiceTitan (https://www.servicetitan.com/), joins the show to share her candid experience starting and eventually closing a landscaping company with her husband. From the initial excitement of partnering with a spouse to the breaking point of operational chaos and equipment failure, Brittany discusses the emotional toll of trying to save a business for someone else's sake. She provides actionable advice for couples entering the trades together, emphasizing the importance of defined roles, strict boundaries between work and home, and maintaining a growth mindset even when a venture fails. Her story serves as a powerful reminder that success isn't always found in the bottom line, but often in the lessons learned through hardship. Join us as we discuss:  [4:00] Early challenges that led to the breaking point of a couple-owned landscaping company [13:11] Dealing with the immediate fallout of shuttering a business and breaking the news to employees[19:34] Why correctly identifying roles and responsibilities is essential to a family business’s survival You can find this interview and many more by subscribing to Toolbox for the Trades on Apple Podcasts (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/toolbox-for-the-trades/id1503078938), on Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/76wMZ1SJV4OAql9HzbnQ87?si=85dc59f7c6e244b2), or here (https://www.servicetitan.com/podcast). Know a business that could use a bit of muscle from ServiceTitan? Refer them here! (https://www.servicetitan.com/referrals) Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Toolbox for the Trades in your favorite podcast player. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Burnout in the trades is often a silent killer, a slow decay that catches business owners off guard after years of relentless grinding. Nate Agentis (https://www.linkedin.com/in/nagentis/), VP of Plumbing at BDR (https://www.bdrco.com/), joins the show to share his raw, personal journey through the pressures of inheriting a family plumbing business, navigating a tragic stage four cancer diagnosis in his family, and facing a mental health breaking point during the COVID-19 pandemic. Nate discusses the danger of tying your entire identity to business growth and introduces the “balance wheel” exercise to help contractors audit their personal lives. From the importance of finding a neutral third-party counselor to the power of small daily habits, Nate provides a roadmap for entrepreneurs to build a lasting legacy without sacrificing their health, family, or sanity. Join us as we discuss:  [2:49] Why the grind mentality ultimately leads to burnout and regret[13:09] How bringing in a corporate outsider helped Nate 3X his family business[21:59] Leaning on others to help alleviate the pressures of business ownership[29:07] Why a healthy work culture starts with a healthy owner Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast: Get Shit Done! (https://www.amazon.com/Get-Shit-Done-Profitable-Business/dp/1967587191) by Nate Agentis You can find this interview and many more by subscribing to Toolbox for the Trades on Apple Podcasts (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/toolbox-for-the-trades/id1503078938), on Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/76wMZ1SJV4OAql9HzbnQ87?si=85dc59f7c6e244b2), or here (https://www.servicetitan.com/podcast). Know a business that could use a bit of muscle from ServiceTitan? Refer them here! (https://www.servicetitan.com/referrals) Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Toolbox for the Trades in your favorite podcast player. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Renee Richardson, Director of Philanthropy at All Within My Hands Foundation (https://www.allwithinmyhands.org/), joins the show to share how heavy metal icons Metallica are helping close the skilled labor gap across North America. Renee details the origin story of the Metallica Scholars Initiative, sparked by frontman James Hetfield’s passion for supporting blue-collar trades and hands-on workforce education. What began in 2019 as a $100,000 grant to 10 community colleges has exploded into a $19 million-plus investment spanning 93 schools and nearly 18,000 students. Renee discusses the transformative power of these scholarships, from breaking generational poverty cycles to encouraging women in male-dominated trades, and explains how organic corporate partnerships with brands like Wolverine, Carhartt, and ServiceTitan amplify the foundation's reach. Join us as we discuss:  [1:52] How a love for music and nonprofit work led to helping Metallica advance the trades [9:43] Why the band decided to lean into workforce education and scholarship opportunities [13:06] School sponsorships and inspirational student success stories [21:18] ServiceTitan’s partnership and how you can help amplify the foundation’s cause Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast: Metallica Scholars Initiative (https://www.allwithinmyhands.org/who-we-support/metallica-gives-back/metallica-scholars.html) You can find this interview and many more by subscribing to Toolbox for the Trades on Apple Podcasts (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/toolbox-for-the-trades/id1503078938), on Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/76wMZ1SJV4OAql9HzbnQ87?si=85dc59f7c6e244b2), or here (https://www.servicetitan.com/podcast). Know a business that could use a bit of muscle from ServiceTitan? Refer them here! (https://www.servicetitan.com/referrals) Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Toolbox for the Trades in your favorite podcast player. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Adrian Fadini (https://www.linkedin.com/in/tradie-profit-coach/), founder of TradesFormation (https://www.tradesformation.com.au/) and one of Australia and New Zealand's top trade business coaches, returns to the podcast to dissect the key findings of the Australian State of the Trades Report for 2026. Surveying over 1,000 senior decision-makers across Australian trade businesses, the report highlights a critical shift: while demand remains steady and over 40% of businesses continue to grow revenue, contractors are redlining their capacity and turning their focus inward. Adrian breaks down why fixing business model root causes beats putting out operational fires, how to solve the surging 57% accounts receivable pain point by transitioning from hourly billing to upfront pricing, and why adopting AI requires a clear business vision rather than tactical chasing. Join us as we discuss:  [1:57] Why cross-shadowing between departmental roles is critical to your business[7:31] Identifying blind spots and fixing your business model instead of patching symptoms[10:42] Achieving a holistic view of your operations and the number one pain point for Aussie contractors in 2026[17:27] How a tailored Pricebook can save you from hidden costs and hourly vs flat rates[26:14] Why your business needs a clear vision before adopting AI tools and what NOT to do when managing rising fuel costs and interest rates Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast: Check out the Australian State of the Trades Report for 2026 here (https://drive.google.com/file/d/1R70IgQfMMWVt7ygoZ7ahpGK3aHUR-J6j/view)! You can find this interview and many more by subscribing to Toolbox for the Trades on Apple Podcasts (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/toolbox-for-the-trades/id1503078938), on Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/76wMZ1SJV4OAql9HzbnQ87?si=85dc59f7c6e244b2), or here (https://www.servicetitan.com/podcast). Know a business that could use a bit of muscle from ServiceTitan? Refer them here! (https://www.servicetitan.com/referrals) Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Toolbox for the Trades in your favorite podcast player. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Leila Rookstook (https://www.linkedin.com/in/leila-rookstool-98b8b131/), Senior Industry Advisor, and Evan Smith (https://www.linkedin.com/in/william-evan-smith/), Group Product Manager at ServiceTitan (https://www.servicetitan.com/), join host Amanda Salvatore to unpack the transformation of the commercial trades from reactive maintenance to predictive service. Drawing from Leila’s four-generation trade legacy and Evan’s expertise in enterprise AI, the pair outlines how a central shared data foundation bridges sales and operations to prevent equipment failures before they happen. They break down the three structural layers of predictive service: serial-level equipment history, make/model statistical context, and physical IoT sensor connectivity. They also share how tools like Atlas empower technicians to deliver speed, precision, and proactive solutions in the field. Join us as we discuss:  [6:22] The trades’ evolution from reactive to predictive service and what that looks like in practice [13:27] How ServiceTitan is helping move the industry closer to predictive services through as shared data foundation [19:45] Confronting existing data gaps that prevent contractors from utilizing true predictive analytics [25:07] Why the future of the trades will focus on uptime as a service over repair You can find this interview and many more by subscribing to Toolbox for the Trades on Apple Podcasts (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/toolbox-for-the-trades/id1503078938), on Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/76wMZ1SJV4OAql9HzbnQ87?si=85dc59f7c6e244b2), or here (https://www.servicetitan.com/podcast). Know a business that could use a bit of muscle from ServiceTitan? Refer them here! (https://www.servicetitan.com/referrals) Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Toolbox for the Trades in your favorite podcast player. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Ryan Nelson (https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-nelson612/), Senior Operations Manager of Integration at Visterra Landscape Group (https://www.vlgllc.com/), joins the show to unpack how landscape businesses can scale by choosing simplicity over complex configuration. Drawing from a unique career path that spans construction, field management, branch operations, software implementation, and corporate leadership, Ryan shares the harsh realities of software adoption. He outlines why over-engineering estimating kits and tracking every micro-cost causes teams to fail, advocating instead for streamlined metrics and a realistic three-year timeline for total system mastery. Additionally, Ryan addresses the pervasive management training gap in the trades, giving actionable advice on shadow programs, asking “annoying” questions, and maintaining a grounded perspective on emerging technologies like autonomous mowers and AI. Join us as we discuss:  [3:23] Why adapting to new software never truly stops after implementation[10:44] Keeping software setups simple versus over-engineering your operations[17:05] Why manager training is one of the trades’ biggest opportunity gaps Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast: Aspire (https://www.youraspire.com/?utm_campaign=toolboxforthetrades&utm_source=shownotes&utm_medium=podcast&utm_content=e290) You can find this interview and many more by subscribing to Toolbox for the Trades on Apple Podcasts (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/toolbox-for-the-trades/id1503078938), on Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/76wMZ1SJV4OAql9HzbnQ87?si=85dc59f7c6e244b2), or here (https://www.servicetitan.com/podcast). Know a business that could use a bit of muscle from ServiceTitan? Refer them here! (https://www.servicetitan.com/referrals) Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Toolbox for the Trades in your favorite podcast player. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Chad Colony (https://www.linkedin.com/in/chad-colony-1077182/), CEO at TrussPoint Roofing & Exteriors (https://trusspt.com/), joins the podcast to unpack the operational leverage points that turn regional roofing contractors into national platforms. Drawing on his extensive background across 13 states and multiple trades, Chad details TrussPoint’s disciplined growth strategy across organic expansion, greenfield locations, and selective acquisitions. He shares why his team prioritizes retail-focused businesses with strong, active leadership over simple financial roll-ups when making an acquisition. Chad also breaks down takeaways from TrussPoint's L40 Leadership Summit, stressing the critical need for mid-level management training and transparent “Day One” communication after an acquisition. Join us as we discuss:  [3:47] The three pathways to achieving business growth: organic, greenfield, and acquisition[12:07] What role a company’s tech stack should play in evaluating a potential acquisition[17:42] The key to gaining employees’ trust after acquiring a new business You can find this interview and many more by subscribing to Toolbox for the Trades on Apple Podcasts (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/toolbox-for-the-trades/id1503078938), on Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/76wMZ1SJV4OAql9HzbnQ87?si=85dc59f7c6e244b2), or here (https://www.servicetitan.com/podcast). Know a business that could use a bit of muscle from ServiceTitan? Refer them here! (https://www.servicetitan.com/referrals) Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Toolbox for the Trades in your favorite podcast player. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Growing a commercial landscaping business is one thing. Building a company that can scale without consuming your life requires a strategy. In this episode, Tony Lisa (https://www.linkedin.com/in/tony-lisa-672a9512/), CEO of CAM Partner Holdings (https://www.campar.com/), joins the show to discuss how he transformed a traditional landscaping company into a diversified property services business serving commercial real estate across New England. Tony shares how listening to customers led to new service offerings, why investing in people was the key to sustainable growth, and what business owners should know before pursuing acquisitions or expanding into new markets. Join us as we discuss:  [5:01] Why you’re only as good as the job you’re doing right now[14:52] Why a functional business partnership is like a marriage[21:59] When you lose a customer’s trust and first steps to recovery [27:16] Inside CAM Partners' acquisition strategy and advice for owners scaling from $5M to $10M  Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast: Aspire (https://www.youraspire.com/?utm_campaign=toolboxforthetrades&utm_source=shownotes&utm_medium=podcast&utm_content=e288) You can find this interview and many more by subscribing to Toolbox for the Trades on Apple Podcasts (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/toolbox-for-the-trades/id1503078938), on Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/76wMZ1SJV4OAql9HzbnQ87?si=85dc59f7c6e244b2), or here (https://www.servicetitan.com/podcast).  Know a business that could use a bit of muscle from ServiceTitan? Refer them here! (https://www.servicetitan.com/referrals) Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Toolbox for the Trades in your favorite podcast player. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

High season is heating up and this summer we're bringing you some of the best episodes from both our shows on the ServiceTitan Podcast Network. Between new episodes, ones from the past you might have missed, and conversations and checkins from over 5 years and 280 episodes - there's so much to learn about running your trades business better than ever. Originally Aired 1/20/2026 What if helping other contractors grow could earn you real rewards? In this episode, we’re joined by ServiceTitan leaders Naomi Menzer (https://www.linkedin.com/in/naomi-mendzer-6b2107129/) and Ellen Rohr (https://www.linkedin.com/in/ellen-rohr-5052101/) to break down two powerful ways contractors can engage with the ServiceTitan community: the referral program and the brand ambassador program. From cash bonuses and cars to brand-building opportunities and industry visibility, Naomi and Ellen explain how these programs work, who they’re for, and why community-driven contractors tend to benefit the most. Join us as we discuss:  [4:06] The ins and outs of ServiceTitan’s referral program [7:24] Why the referral race to win a new truck is closer than you think [13:01] What makes a great ServiceTitan brand ambassador Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast: ServiceTitan Referral Program (https://www.servicetitan.com/referrals) Aspire Referral Program (https://www.youraspire.com/industry-partners/partner-referral-program) FieldRoutes Referral Program (https://www.fieldroutes.com/lp/referrals) ServiceTitan’s Referral Winner 2025 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-f1T0VwW8SY) Become a ServiceTitan Brand Ambassador (https://www.servicetitan.com/referrals/brand-ambassador) You can find this interview and many more by subscribing to Toolbox for the Trades on Apple Podcasts (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/toolbox-for-the-trades/id1503078938), on Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/76wMZ1SJV4OAql9HzbnQ87?si=85dc59f7c6e244b2), or here (https://www.servicetitan.com/podcast).  Know a business that could use a bit of muscle from ServiceTitan? Refer them here! (https://www.servicetitan.com/referrals) Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Toolbox for the Trades in your favorite podcast player. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.