What makes a landscaping business truly valuable? In this episode, Amanda talks with Tom Heaviland (https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-heaviland-0609ba12/), CEO of Verde Property Services (https://verdecompanies.com/), about what buyers really look for when acquiring a company. Tom shares his journey from running a family business for 35 years to selling it to BrightView and joining their acquisition team. He explains why strong teams and loyal customers matter most, how to handle the emotional side of selling, and why technology and AI are shaping the future of the industry. Join us as we discuss:  [6:06] The differences between public and private equity acquisitions [10:40] What buyers look for in a thriving business and common misconceptions [18:56] The role of technology in valuation and operations Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast: Aspire (https://www.youraspire.com/) BrightView (https://www.brightview.com/) Boss (https://www.landscapemanagement.net/boss-lm/) LMN (https://golmn.com/) Elevate 2025 (https://www.landscapeprofessionals.org/ELEVATE/) Lawn & Landscape Technology Conference 2026 (https://www.lltechconference.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 live episode from Pantheon 2025, Mitch Boerner (https://www.linkedin.com/in/mitchboerner/?originalSubdomain=au), Director at Legendary Plumbers (https://www.legendaryplumbers.com.au/), shares his unique story of going from the music industry and professional kitchens to scaling a trades business in Victoria, Australia. Mitch discusses how he and his brother, a plumber, grew their company from a garage operation to a multi-service business by focusing on repeatable work and having the foresight to put the right processes in place early. He also shares his vision for the future, including a hub-and-spoke model and a commitment to perpetual optimism. Join us as we discuss:  [11:02] Focusing on scalable service niches and the importance of good financial housekeeping [18:13] Saying no to nonscalable work and pricing yourself for the future [23:56] Upcoming ServiceTitan Pro product offerings and how they can help your business scale Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast: Dispatch Pro (https://www.servicetitan.com/features/pro/dispatch) Field Pro (https://www.servicetitan.com/features/pro/field) Scheduling Pro (https://www.servicetitan.com/features/pro/scheduling) 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.

Jessica Short, GM of Priority Heating, Cooling, and Plumbing (https://prioritymechanical.ca/), serving the Kitchener and Waterloo, Ontario area, joins us to share her unique journey to finding her career passion in the trades. Jessica reveals how she applied empathy lessons from her time in social work to her current leadership role, helping grow her family’s business from 25 employees to a team of 84. She shares the crucial values and processes that enable her company to scale while maintaining a strong culture and a great reputation. Jessica also explains the difference between dreams and goals and how she uses this distinction to mentor and guide her team members. Join us as we discuss:  [2:55] Steady growth from 25 to 84 employees and adding a service division [8:43] Applying leadership lessons from social work and understanding your team’s real-life struggles [26:24] Building trust with your customers and working alongside family Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast: Chris Hunter: What Doesn’t Kill You Makes You Stronger (https://www.servicetitan.com/podcasts/toolbox-for-the-trades/chris-hunter-interview) 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 special bonus episode, ServiceTitan Co-founder and CEO Ara Mahdessian celebrates the monumental success of the trades in his presentation at Pantheon 2025, highlighted by customer stories of multi-million dollar revenue and major acquisitions. Ara reflects on ServiceTitan's journey, declaring the company's commitment to its customers is the bedrock of its business. He then details a critical vision for the industry's future: the necessity of embracing AI and automation to ensure continued prosperity. Ara explains that while the core work of the trades is safe from automation, the surrounding cognitive workflows are not. He outlines how new ServiceTitan products are designed to help businesses double revenue and boost profits by automating these back-office functions, ensuring the trades not only survive, but thrive in the face of rapid technological change. Join us as Ara addresses:  [1:21] Customer success stories and a promise to ServiceTitan users [20:25] Four takeaways from the inevitable disruptions that AI will cause in the trades [35:25] The exciting launch of ServiceTitan’s all-inclusive Max Program 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.

Two brothers turned a high school project into Stephens Landscaping Professionals (https://www.stephenslandscaping.com/), a $22 million business in New Hampshire’s Lakes Region. How did they scale while keeping their client relationships strong? In this episode, COO Mark Stephens (https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-stephens-8989b0260/) shares how he and his team balance cutting-edge technology with high-touch service. From data-driven job costing to custom trucks and GPS-guided excavators, Mark explains how innovation fuels efficiency. He also reveals the structures and systems that ensure every client gets a personal connection, proving that growth does not have to come at the expense of relationships. Join us as we discuss:  [6:14] Why 99% of business decisions should be data-driven [10:44] How to attract talent through technology and innovation [23:56] The toughest challenge: how to scale without losing your DNA Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast: Aspire (https://www.youraspire.com/) Trimble (https://www.trimble.com/en) 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 live episode from Pantheon, Karen Edwards (https://www.linkedin.com/in/kledwards/), COO of Roofers Coffee Shop (https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/), shares her insights on technology adoption in roofing. Karen explains the common pitfalls and success stories she's witnessed, and provides practical advice for contractors who are hesitant to embrace new tech like AI. She also discusses the growing trends in metal roofing and restoration and highlights the importance of industry communities and trusted resources like Roofers Coffee Shop for navigating change and achieving success. Join us as we discuss:  [8:57] Common pitfalls roofers can stumble into when adopting new technology [13:35] How outside experts and internal champions can help you streamline tech adoption [20:55] Bringing international roofing innovation to American contractors  Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast: Roofing Road Trips (https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/podcasts/roofing-roadtrips) MetalCast (https://www.metalcoffeeshop.com/metalcast) La Voz de los Ruferos (https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/la-voz-de-los-ruferos) RT3 Roofing Technology Think Tank (https://rt3thinktank.com/) VILPE Sense (https://www.vilpe.com/en/2024/10/09/green-roofs-meet-smart-technology-vilpe-sense-for-leak-detection-and-moisture-management/) 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, Rob Parker (https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-parker-5411308/), managing director of residential and commercial services investment banking at Piper Sandler (https://www.pipersandler.com/), shares tips for partnering with private equity. A former entrepreneur himself, Rob explains how market forces and technological advancements have made the trades an attractive investment for private equity firms. He breaks down the importance of maximizing EBITDA, shares his experience with a successful client partnership, and offers advice for owner-operators preparing to sell their businesses or take them to the next level. Join us as we discuss:  [6:56] The COVID private equity boom and how partnerships have since evolved [16:58] Why trades company IPOs may become common in the not-to-distant future [23:39] The most important metric that PE firms look at when considering a partnership [31:18] How owners can prep their team for a company merger or buyout Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast: Email Rob at Rob.Parker@PSC.com (mailto:Rob.Parker@PSC.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.

Aspire (https://www.youraspire.com/) is leveling up, and so are the landscapers who depend on it. In this episode, we explore what the platform's next chapter means for the industry’s fastest-growing businesses. General Manager Eli Zevin (https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizevin/) shares how Aspire is evolving to meet the moment, with bold plans to scale smarter, serve better, and bring cutting-edge tech to the field. We dig into how Aspire is restructuring its teams to better support businesses at every stage of growth, from scrappy up-and-comers to multimillion-dollar operations. Eli also gives us a glimpse into the not-so-distant future, where AI moves from helpful to hands-on.  Join us as we discuss:  [4:42] Aspire’s goals for industry-wide growth and scalability [12:17] Advice for businesses nervous about making the switch [16:22] How Eli’s experience as a camp director influenced his leadership style 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.

Doug Greenhaw, President and CEO, and Justin Guinnip, COO, at Summit Roofing & Restoration (https://summitroofingandrestoration.com/) in Atoka, Tennessee, share their journey of scaling a roofing business from modest beginnings to a projected $30 million this year. They dive into how they leveraged a devastating tornado in their hometown into a catalyst for growth, meticulously planning to replicate an $18 million revenue year without another natural disaster. Doug and Justin also candidly discuss their challenging but ultimately successful experience as early ServiceTitan adopters in the roofing industry, offering invaluable advice for other contractors considering significant tech investments. Join us as we discuss:  [6:49] Transitioning from whiteboards to tech and embracing outside help [17:58] Helping a community rebuild after tragedy strikes [24:19] ServiceTitan implementation for roofers and process mapping Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast: Home Service Freedom (https://homeservicefreedom.com/) Contact Center Pro (https://www.servicetitan.com/features/pro/contact-center) Pantheon 2025 (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.

How do you take a third-generation family business and triple its revenue without losing its soul? In this episode, Brad Barron (https://www.linkedin.com/in/brad-barron-p-e-a2951b4b/), CEO of Barron Heating, Air Conditioning, Electrical and Plumbing (https://www.barronheating.com/), shares how he led his team through explosive growth: from $15 million to a projected $45 million, all without private equity, mergers, or compromising on culture. Brad talks about building systems that actually scale, leading with clarity and humility, and making hard decisions when growth moves faster than process.  Join us as we discuss:  [3:01] Family business succession planning that actually works [15:32] Tripling revenue: scalable process vs tribal knowledge [26:00] Omni-channel marketing and acquiring a media company [34:23] The mistake Brad regrets most: waiting too long Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast: Pantheon 2025 (https://pantheon.servicetitan.com/event/2025/home) EGIA (https://egia.org/) 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.