Chris Ramsay has seen it all — growing up in a successful family business, navigating exits, and starting anew in the trades. Now the Operations Manager at ICE Heating, Cooling, and Plumbing (https://www.iceaclv.com/) in Las Vegas, NV, Chris joins us on our Pantheon set to share his incredible journey, from sweeping floors in his teens to scaling a 40-employee company. Chris reveals the lessons learned from simplifying processes, adopting scalable technology, and prioritizing company culture to retain top talent. He also explains why he returned to ServiceTitan to grow his business sustainably and efficiently. Whether you’re in HVAC, plumbing, or another service trade, Chris’s insights will inspire you to rethink your processes and focus on scalable growth. Join us as we discuss: [1:50] Rocky exits and failed business partnerships [7:20] Implementing new tech stacks and preventing future hiccups [16:39] Game-changing software that’s driving efficiency   Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast: ServiceTitan (https://www.servicetitan.com/) Dispatch Pro (https://www.servicetitan.com/features/pro/dispatch) Facebook Torch Network (https://www.facebook.com/groups/torchnetwork/) Facebook ServiceTitan Masterminds (https://www.facebook.com/groups/servicetitanmastermind/) Register now for Pantheon 2025 in Anaheim, CA here (https://pantheon.servicetitan.com/event/2025/home)! 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 by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Elliot Palmer (https://www.linkedin.com/company/eco-plumbers-electricians-hvac-technicians/), Chief Technology Officer at The Eco Plumbers (https://geteco.com/) out of Columbus, OH, brings a wealth of experience from retail to the trades.  Elliot shares how data-driven decision-making is transforming the trades industry. From IT crisis management and reporting to fostering a transparent culture, he details actionable strategies that empower teams to optimize performance. Elliot also highlights the importance of preparation for emergencies and how similar metrics can drive success in both retail and trades.  Don’t miss this insightful conversation — straight from the floor of Pantheon — with a tech leader driving growth in the service sector. Join us as we discuss: [2:33] Bringing skills from outside the service industry to the trades [9:47] Taking action on data trends and the importance of transparency  [14:23] Why the service industry is ripe for IT job opportunities Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast: Register now for Pantheon 2025 in Anaheim, CA here (https://pantheon.servicetitan.com/event/2025/home)! 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 by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Matt DiBara (https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewdibara/) comes from a long line of professionals in the construction industry, taking over DiBara Masonry (https://www.dibaramasonry.com/) family business from his father. Matt identified a significant challenge a few years ago that he has turned into an opportunity with his new company The Contractor Consultants (https://thecontractorconsultants.com/) — find and retain qualified people for construction companies. He stopped by to discuss his professional and entrepreneurial journey and provided some expert tips on generating candidate demand, the hiring process, how to vet people quickly, and retaining the best talent. Join us as we discuss: [09:28] What inspired Matt to start The Contractor Consultants [12:43] Matt’s tips for hiring good and qualified people [20:49] Speed to lead - treating candidates like customers [28:37] The importance of talent retention Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast: DiBara Masonry (https://www.dibaramasonry.com/) The Contractor Consultants (https://thecontractorconsultants.com/) ServiceTitan (https://www.servicetitan.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 by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Jordan Martin (https://www.linkedin.com/in/jordan-martin-6b3a21176/) worked with his father as a young boy and gradually joined the family’s landscaping business, North By Northwest Lawns, LLC (https://www.nxnwl.com/). He eventually convinced his brother and sister to join the company as well, and they made some disruptive changes that enabled the business to experience phenomenal growth. Today, they’re one of the largest landscaping services in Austin, Texas. Jordan stopped by to discuss his professional and entrepreneurial journey, how they made the difficult yet highly profitable decision to focus on commercial work, and the importance of bringing a fresh vision of hope to families in need. Join us as we discuss: [06:29] The challenging decision to focus only on commercial work [13:34] The changes that the family had to make for the business to grow [21:28] Navigating family dynamics and charitable projects Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast: North By Northwest Lawns, LLC (https://www.nxnwl.com/) ServiceTitan (https://www.servicetitan.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 by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Cris Dutelle (https://www.linkedin.com/in/cris-dutelle-314145279/) is a fourth-generation plumber who grew up in the trades and went on to start his own plumbing business, Service Plumbing (https://www.service-plumbing.com/). When faced with incredible adversity, Cris’s perseverance and a visit to Pantheon completely changed everything for him and his business. Cris stopped by to discuss his professional and entrepreneurial journey, how he found a very lucrative niche, and the importance of continuous improvement and knowing when to ask for help. Join us as we discuss: [05:18] How Cris found his niche in the hospitals and medical gas space [11:08] How a major life event changed the way Cris viewed his business [14:29] How Pantheon helped change Cris’s perspective on work and life Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast: Service Plumbing (https://www.service-plumbing.com/) ServiceTitan (https://www.servicetitan.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 by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

In this episode, we dive into an inspiring conversation with Stephanie Allen (https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephanie-allen-6a9b699/), CEO of Airworks Solutions (https://airworkssolutions.com/), a unique player in the trades. Stephanie takes us on her journey — from law school to leading a thriving family-run business that’s redefining plumbing and HVAC. You’ll learn how Airworks’ community-first mindset, flexible workplace culture, and mom-approved branding create a lasting impact in the industry. We also spotlight Airworks’ charitable ventures, including a remarkable collaboration with ServiceTitan’s Power the Nation program, proving that giving back is at the core of their success.  This episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about a positive culture, family, and making a difference. Join us as we discuss:  [16:16] The story behind a family-run, Mom-approved brand [24:46] Why Airworks is in the people development business [27:57] The impact your business can have on community initiatives Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast: ChatGPT (https://chatgpt.com/) Masterclass on ChatGPT (https://www.masterclass.com/series/achieve-more-with-gen-ai) Toolbox for the Trades Episode 87 (https://www.servicetitan.com/podcasts/toolbox-for-the-trades/dan-antonelli-interview), featuring  Dan Antonelli ServiceTitan’s Power the Nation (https://www.servicetitan.com/power-the-nation) 4 Kids 2 Kids (https://www.servicetitan.com/blog/power-the-trades-airworks-solutions-4kids2kids) 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 by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Dan Lizette (https://www.linkedin.com/in/dan-lizette/), Director of Process Improvement at Mattioni Plumbing, Heating & Cooling (https://www.callmattioni.com/) in Downington, PA, joins us to share his strategies for scaling businesses in the trades. From rebuilding a call center team from scratch to implementing robust documentation and training systems, Dan offers actionable insights for business owners looking to optimize their operations. Learn how process improvement can drive growth, why documentation matters, and how to create career paths that motivate and retain top talent. Join us as we discuss: [8:07] Tackling the internal documentation process [18:05] Process improvements and creating a career development hierarchy [25:17] Call center KPIs and a performance bonus program Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast: Microsoft OneNote (https://www.onenote.com/?public=1&wdorigin=ondcauth2&wdorigin=ondc) Trainual (https://trainual.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 by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Gilbert Ayala, President, and Victor Ayala, GM, of Five or Free Electrical Services (https://5orfreeelectrical.com/) in Sacramento, CA, join us to share their inspirational journey of transformation and perseverance. With roots in chimney sweeping and window cleaning, the Ayala brothers built a thriving electrical business dedicated to helping others. They discuss the challenges of overcoming a tumultuous upbringing, their entrepreneurial spirit, and their commitment to giving second chances to those rebuilding their lives. Tune in to hear how family, faith, and a passion for the trades can lead to remarkable growth — both personally and professionally. Join us as we discuss: [3:39] How customer reviews impacted a service business’s branding [10:20] Breaking into the trades and redemption stories [18:52] Supporting company team members’ self-improvement [24:40] Why everyone deserves a second chance 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 by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

HVAC techs, how many times have you serviced an outdated unit with no manual to be found — anywhere? Bluon (https://www.bluon.com/) is changing that. Peter Capuciati (https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-capuciati-9625b4206/), CEO of Bluon, shares how his company built the world’s largest HVAC database to provide technicians with the technical data and support they need. From wiring diagrams to troubleshooting tips, Bluon’s platform saves time, reduces frustration, and empowers techs in the field. Discover the story behind how Bluon’s data-driven approach has transformed the HVAC service industry by helping professionals work smarter, not harder. Join us as we discuss: [2:36] How Bluon realized the need for their HVAC diagnostic platform  [9:46] Getting your team on board during serious change management [20:07] Building and supporting a massive software database 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 by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Ring in the New Year with a crossover from one of our other fantastic shows, Pest in Class. Hosted by Amanda Salvatore, even if your day to day doesn't involve squashing bugs, there's tons to be learned about running a service business from these interview. We'll be back next week with brand new chats for 2025 with business owners from across the industry, and thanks for spending a great 2024 with us. Originally Aired 12/3/2024: Aaron Curtis (https://www.linkedin.com/in/aacurtis/), CXO of Alta Pest Control (https://www.altapestcontrol.com/), has helped propel the company to remarkable growth by centering on customer experience (CX) and fostering a strong, unified company culture.  Aaron discusses Alta’s mission to create a “better experience by becoming better people” and explains how customer retention is directly influenced by employee engagement.  Whether you're looking to improve customer service or inspire company-wide accountability, Aaron shares actionable steps to make CX a driving force in your business. Join us as we discuss: [8:00] Creating value by elevating the customer experience [15:08] Why customer satisfaction is everyone’s job [20:53] The symbiotic relationship between customer and employee retention [31:21] Relieving customer friction through notification updates Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast: Top 6 Automation Hacks to Get Your Time Back (https://www.fieldroutes.com/resources/tips-and-tools/top-6-automation-hacks-to-get-your-time-back) You can find this interview and many more by subscribing to Pest in Class on Apple Podcasts (https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/field-famous/id1672665453), on Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/0xgfGTzqcCflFqwa3e1F0T?si=3727553614b145fd), or here (https://www.fieldroutes.com/resources/podcast).  Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Pest in Class in your favorite podcast player. Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.