Yocelin Reynoso-Prado, Branch Manager of the L.A. Division at SouthWest Landscape (https://www.southwestlandscapeinc.com/) and a 2025 Lawn & Landscape Employee of the Year finalist, joins the show to discuss her rapid rise in the industry and her focus on operational due diligence in landscaping. Coming from a background in medical billing and finance, Yocelin brings a unique perspective to field operations, emphasizing proactive communication and the power of being a “partner” rather than just a vendor to property managers. She details her journey with AI, from initial skepticism to using it as a “teammate” for reporting and sales analysis, and offers profound advice for women looking to claim their authority and lead with compassion in the trades. Join us as we discuss:  [3:08] What separates great landscaping leaders from the rest of the field [7:29] How Southwest is using AI in their day-to-day workflows [12:22] Why transparent communication is the key to long-term success [16:20] Advice to women seeking leadership roles in the landscaping industry Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast: Lawn & Landscape 2025 Employee of the Year Winners (https://www.lawnandlandscape.com/page/employee-of-the-year/) 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.

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?utm_campaign=toolboxforthetrades&utm_source=shownotes&utm_medium=podcast&utm_content=e264) 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?utm_campaign=toolboxforthetrades&utm_source=shownotes&utm_medium=podcast&utm_content=e264) 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.

Brooke (https://www.linkedin.com/in/lawrence-riley-1ab04ba2/) and Allie Riley, Co-owners of Riley Plumbing, Heating & Air (https://rileyplumbingheatingandair.com/), join the show to discuss leveraging AI in the trades to transform a 25-year-old business. Brooke, who started the company at age 19 in 1999, shares the “whiplash” experience of moving from paper maps to running a fully AI-powered remote location in Reno with zero office staff. Allie explains how she optimized operational workflows by introducing ServiceTitan and using AI voice agents to automate 100% of their inbound call taking. The Rileys provide a masterclass in change management, revealing how they use AI to give their team “superpowers” and why fighting automation is no longer an option for contractors who want to thrive. Join us as we discuss:  [3:17] Riley’s multi-decade evolution and adapting new innovational workflows [12:07] How Dispatch Pro and Contact Center Pro get you your time back [20:45] Launching one of the first office-free AI-augmented trades hubs  Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast: Dispatch Pro (https://www.servicetitan.com/features/pro/dispatch?utm_campaign=toolboxforthetrades&utm_source=shownotes&utm_medium=podcast&utm_content=e263) Contact Center Pro (https://www.servicetitan.com/features/pro/contact-center?utm_campaign=toolboxforthetrades&utm_source=shownotes&utm_medium=podcast&utm_content=e263) 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.

In this episode, we sit down with Travis Wills (https://www.linkedin.com/in/traviswills/), Sr. Director of Client Success at Aspire Software (https://www.youraspire.com/), to explore what it takes to grow without chaos. From starting in landscaping as a teenager to becoming employee #19 at Aspire, Travis has seen firsthand how systems, mindset, and people shape success. We dig into why keeping it simple is often the fastest path to scaling, why change management matters more than software features, and how emotional attachment to old processes can quietly slow growth. Join us as we discuss:  [5:26] How keeping it simple matters for scaling [9:50] Taking the emotions out of big changes in your business [17:21] How Aspire to Greatness is elevating the industry Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast: Sign up for Aspire to Greatness here (https://community.youraspire.com/events/aspire-to-greatness-february-2025-38)! From Paper Trails to Digital Portals: Scaling a Landscaping Business With Intention (https://www.youraspire.com/podcasts/toolbox-for-the-trades/tiffany-martin-peters-interview?utm_campaign=toolboxforthetrades&utm_source=shownotes&utm_medium=podcast&utm_content=e262) with Tiffany Martin Peters 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.

Justin Blaine (https://www.linkedin.com/in/justinblaine/), Co-owner of Carter Services (https://www.carterservices.com/) in Torrance, CA, provides a unique perspective on banking on the resilience of the trades by detailing his transition from a professional M&A advisor to an owner-operator. Drawing on lessons from his three years in minor league baseball, Justin discusses the necessity of humility, work ethic, and managing failure when entering a new industry. He shares the fascinating story of how he went from being a customer to the owner of a 50-year-old family business that specializes in multiple home service trades. Justin reveals how he navigated a challenging first year of ownership by leveraging technology to learn the business quickly and implementing a “hospitality first” mindset to drive a 45% revenue increase in year two. Join us as we discuss:  [1:42] Justin’s pivot from minor league baseball to M&A and the trades [14:58] Transitioning from customer to owner of a home services business [25:23] Cultivating a growth mindset with your team and “unreasonable hospitality” [37:25] The future of private equity and why the trades is accessible to everyone  Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast: AthletesTouch (https://athletestouch.com/) Unreasonable Hospitality (https://www.amazon.com/Unreasonable-Hospitality-Remarkable-Giving-People/dp/0593418573) by Will Guidara Setting the Table (https://www.amazon.com/Setting-Table-Transforming-Hospitality-Business/dp/0060742763?tag=ustxtaddt-20) by Danny Meyer 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.

John Conway (https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-conway-030087211/), COO at Redwood Services (https://redwoodservices.com/) in Memphis, shares his blueprint for de-seasonalizing your business for year-round stability and growth. Drawing on his experience as a former contractor and Nexstar coach, John details how to mitigate slow seasons by strategically adjusting marketing spend, adding complementary year-round trades (like plumbing), and aggressively nurturing your maintenance base. He also reveals the powerful 350:1 KPI for a healthy agreement base and explains how consistent training during slow times is critical for long-term people retention, which he calls the biggest growth challenge after conquering seasonality. Join us as we discuss:  [4:44] A private equity firm that comes alongside your business as a partner [9:12] The biggest risk factors of owning a purely seasonal trades business [17:56] Benchmarking KPIs for a strong customer membership base [23:14] Why marketing needs to be top-of-mind for contractors year-round Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast: Nexstar Network (https://www.nexstarnetwork.com/) 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.

Contractors are drowning in tech clutter. Between AI tools and endless “must-have” software subscriptions, it’s easy to get lost chasing the next shiny object. In this episode, Powerhouse Consulting (https://mypowerhouse.group/)’s Jenny Benbrook (https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennybenbrook/) and Pam Duffy (https://www.linkedin.com/in/thisispamduffy/) join the show to share a five-step plan for cutting through the noise, eliminating redundant tools, and building a smart, scalable tech strategy that actually drives profit. From budgeting like a marketer to running a “Goldilocks check” on your tech, this conversation will help you stop chasing shiny objects and start getting ROI from the software you already own. Join us as we discuss:  [5:24] The rise of tech FOMO and the problem with over-adoption [19:06] A five-step plan to technology strategy success [38:23] The importance of regularly evaluating your tech spend Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:  ServiceTitan (https://www.servicetitan.com/?utm_campaign=toolboxforthetrades&utm_source=shownotes&utm_medium=podcast&utm_content=e259) 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.

What happens when curiosity turns a landscape professional into the tech driver behind an entire organization? In this episode, we talk with Taylor Anderson (https://www.linkedin.com/in/taylor-anderson-a87a52290/), Systems Development and Growth Manager at Sunline Landscapes (https://sunlinelandscapes.com/), to explore how a passion for learning, curiosity, and a little patience can transform both a career and an organization. Taylor talks about stepping into a brand new role, refining processes across departments, gaining support from the top, and why patience is the real secret behind meaningful change. Join us as we discuss:  [6:49] How to identify an Aspire super user inside your company [11:43] Why using Aspire data improves outcomes across departments [17:53] The cornerstone of a strong SOP and Aspire in the classroom 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=e258) 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.

Recording live at Pantheon, Kristen Deese (https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristen-deese-39025130/), CFO at The Virtual CFO for the Trades (https://www.kristendeese.com/), explains her fractional CFO strategy for helping trades business owners master their finances. Drawing on her experience selling her own home services business to private equity, Kristen discusses the crucial steps to ensure financial health, including properly departmentalizing financials and calculating gross profit margin. She shares the one "hot take" she would megaphone to the entire industry — why net profit trumps revenue — and details the KPIs she immediately zeroes in on when auditing a client's ServiceTitan to QuickBooks workflow. Join us as we discuss:  [3:48] How a fractional CFO can help contractors with their financials and training [7:15] Common issues Kristen sees in the books of struggling businesses [14:30] Prepping companies for a private equity sale [18:03] How contractors should factor new tech into their financial planning Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast: ServiceTitan Atlas (https://www.servicetitan.com/features/atlas?utm_campaign=toolboxforthetrades&utm_source=shownotes&utm_medium=podcast&utm_content=e257) Freedom Blueprint for Home Services with Justin Deese (https://open.spotify.com/show/7bU3lSPtMoBdIEDoRuI9rX) Contact Kristen at kristen@kristendeece.com (mailto:kristen@kristendeece.com) 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.

Live from Pantheon, Chris Gist (https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-gist-650165151/), Regional VP of the Gulf at Leap Service Partners (https://www.theleappartners.com/), shares his incredible journey of rapid trades growth. Starting his plumbing company, Paradise Plumbing, in 2019, Chris quickly partnered with a mentor and executed an ambitious plan, selling the business in just three years to LEAP. He discusses the critical role of a distinctive brand and culture (including tiki hut vans and Hawaiian shirts) in attracting customers and private equity interest, the intense commitment required for doubling revenue annually, and how he uses ServiceTitan reports daily to manage gross profit margin in real time. Join us as we discuss:  [6:11] Why private equity cares about your company’s culture and branding  [11:48] Why higher marketing spend is the key to rapid growth [17:54] Chris’s go-to ServiceTitan reports for gauging a company’s fiscal health Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast: ServiceTitan (https://www.servicetitan.com/?utm_campaign=toolboxforthetrades&utm_source=shownotes&utm_medium=podcast&utm_content=e256) 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.