Sebastian Jimenez (https://www.linkedin.com/in/sebastian-jimenez-690149149/) started out as a stand-up comedian. This experience armed him with the resilience and unconventional thinking that helped him co-found a startup company that is now at the forefront of the trades. Much of this success can be attributed to technology and artificial intelligence that enables companies to analyze data faster and better than ever before. As the Founder & CEO at Rilla (https://www.rilla.com/), Sebastian and his team are on a mission to help companies in the trades coach their sales reps with virtual ridealongs to increase their sales. He stops by to talk to us about his entrepreneurial journey, what prompted him to start his own business, and why he believes AI will positively disrupt the trades. Join us as we discuss: [05:58] The correlation between stand-up comedy and tech products [11:58] The market opportunities Sebastian saw that inspired him to co-found Rilla [28:57] How AI is creating opportunities for companies in the trades Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast: Rilla (https://www.rilla.com/) Rilla Reports (http://rilla.com/reports) NVIDIA (https://www.nvidia.com/en-us/) ServiceTitan (https://www.servicetitan.com/?utm_campaign=toolboxforthetrades&utm_source=shownotes&utm_medium=podcast&utm_content=e186) 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) Register for Pantheon 2025 - see you in Anaheim! (https://pantheon.servicetitan.com/E1qa8V?rt=VaEbMI8SokmIjX6QgMESMQ&RefId=Podcast) Prometheus Award Nominations (https://www.servicetitan.com/company/titans-for-change?UTM_medium=earned&utm_source=podcast) 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.

Hey Toolbox listeners, today we're adding a bonus episode to your feed from our newest show on the ServiceTitan Podcast Network — Mastering ServiceTitan. This new show airs on Thursdays and we're bringing it to you here to put more great information about running your business in your ears. In this episode of Mastering Service Titan, we talk with Steve Cossette (https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-cossette-51340227/?locale=en_US), the Head of IT at NICE Home Services (https://www.linkedin.com/company/nice-home-services/) and a prominent figure in the ServiceTitan Masterminds Facebook group.  Dive into the nitty-gritty of inventory management as Steve explains why he’s passionate about the topic and the critical role it plays in business operations. Learn how proper inventory management can lead to a better knowledge of your business and, ultimately, a more profitable one.  Steve provides practical tips for both small and large companies, emphasizing the importance of tracking materials and the human factor in inventory management. Whether you’re a seasoned ServiceTitan user or just getting started, this episode offers valuable insights into enhancing your business efficiency.  Join us as we discuss:   [1:48] What exactly is inventory management? [10:22] Why inventory counts are like haircuts [23:34] If it’s not 100% accurate, what’s the point? Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast: My HVAC Tools (https://www.myhvactools.com/) You can find this interview and many more by subscribing to Mastering ServiceTitan on Apple Podcasts (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mastering-servicetitan/id1756584904), on Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/20Ixfbny473CVB2PizMIir?si=e148f7ac2b7d4c02), or our website, or search for Mastering ServiceTitan in your favorite podcast player. Register for Pantheon 2025 - see you in Anaheim! (https://pantheon.servicetitan.com/E1qa8V?rt=VaEbMI8SokmIjX6QgMESMQ&RefId=Podcast) Prometheus Award Nominations (https://www.servicetitan.com/company/titans-for-change?UTM_medium=earned&utm_source=podcast) Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Ellen Rohr (https://www.linkedin.com/in/ellen-rohr-5052101/) is definitely not your typical financial planner. Besides presenting on stage at industry events like Pantheon, she has another incredible superpower that she loves to share with everyone in the trades: the power of networking with intent. Her success in networking lies in her ability to build relationships with people, her aptitude for making meaningful connections, and her strategic approach to getting the most out of conferences. As the Brand & Marketing Industry Lead at ServiceTitan (https://www.servicetitan.com/), Ellen and her team are on a mission to help people in the trades to connect, be inspired, and learn from each other. To prepare for ServiceTitan’s annual conference, Pantheon, she stops by to chat with us about her secrets to networking success and to discuss the importance of asking good questions. Ellen also shares some best practices for Pantheon and explains why you need a follow-up plan once your time at the event ends. Join us as we discuss: [12:32] Why it’s important to bring your team to a conference like Pantheon [22:16] The secrets to networking success at a Pantheon [38:05] How to successfully implement what you’ve learned at conferences Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast: Zoom Drain (https://www.zoomdrain.com/) Pantheon 2024 (https://pantheon.servicetitan.com/event/8149467f-2239-4516-9759-c02d3a1fde87/summary) ServiceTitan (https://www.servicetitan.com/?utm_campaign=toolboxforthetrades&utm_source=shownotes&utm_medium=podcast&utm_content=e185) 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) Register for Pantheon 2025 - see you in Anaheim! (https://pantheon.servicetitan.com/E1qa8V?rt=VaEbMI8SokmIjX6QgMESMQ&RefId=Podcast) Prometheus Award Nominations (https://www.servicetitan.com/company/titans-for-change?UTM_medium=earned&utm_source=podcast) 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.

Brian Ruffner (https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianruffner/) and Charlie Warren (https://www.linkedin.com/in/chwarren/) are on a mission to help companies in the trades realize their full potential and scale effectively. They do this through a combination of systems, processes, technology, and the right talent. They believe success boils down to having a growth mindset and the right internal culture that encourages growth, accountability, and collaboration. This helps to set the stage for teams to succeed beyond expectations. They both stopped by to share their professional journeys with us and to discuss how companies can grow their commercial contracting division. During our conversation, they discussed the common barriers contractors must overcome, how to find the right talent, and how a growth culture can be implemented successfully. Join us as we discuss:   [10:20] Common barriers that contractors must overcome to scale their commercial division [14:25] How to find the right talent to build your commercial division [26:42] How a growth culture can be successfully implemented to keep your team engaged and exceeding expectations Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast: No Limit Performance (https://nolimitperformance.biz/) Convex (https://www.convex.com/) ServiceTitan (https://www.servicetitan.com/?utm_campaign=toolboxforthetrades&utm_source=shownotes&utm_medium=podcast&utm_content=e184) 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) Register for Pantheon 2025 - see you in Anaheim! (https://pantheon.servicetitan.com/E1qa8V?rt=VaEbMI8SokmIjX6QgMESMQ&RefId=Podcast) Prometheus Award Nominations (https://www.servicetitan.com/company/titans-for-change?UTM_medium=earned&utm_source=podcast) 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.

Christian Rattin (https://www.linkedin.com/in/christian-rattin-b457b7125/) not only believes that using creative methods like gamification can increase employee performance and engagement, but he also believes in giving back. He knows that many people in long-term recovery have the ability and talent to pursue a profession in the trades. It comes down to having the right systems and processes in place and a program that supports and provides these individuals with an opportunity to learn and go on to build a career. As the CEO of Five Star Home Services (https://www.myfivestarhomeservices.com/), Christian is on a mission to deliver professional heating, cooling, plumbing, and electrical services to homeowners in Ohio. He stops by to talk to us about how he got into the trades, how he increased employee engagement, and why he believes in the power of giving back and giving people a second chance. Join us as we discuss:   [08:01] How gamification can improve performance and engagement [18:54] How Profit on Purpose gives back [22:36] The importance of second-chance employment Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast: Five Star Home Services (https://www.myfivestarhomeservices.com/) Profit on Purpose Podcast (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/profit-on-purpose/id1725153265) ServiceTitan (https://www.servicetitan.com/?utm_campaign=toolboxforthetrades&utm_source=shownotes&utm_medium=podcast&utm_content=e183) 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) Register for Pantheon 2025 - see you in Anaheim! (https://pantheon.servicetitan.com/E1qa8V?rt=VaEbMI8SokmIjX6QgMESMQ&RefId=Podcast) Prometheus Award Nominations (https://www.servicetitan.com/company/titans-for-change?UTM_medium=earned&utm_source=podcast) 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.

Jamie Adams (https://www.linkedin.com/in/jdadams/) is on a mission to take the guesswork out of digital marketing for businesses in the trades. He encourages customers to move away from outdated advertising methods to online channels and helps them maximize their marketing dollars with technology. As the Chief Revenue Officer at Scorpion (https://www.scorpion.co/), Jamie and his team endeavor to help local service businesses drive more clients, revenue, and profit. He stops by to talk to us about how he got into marketing for the trades, explains how to maximize your marketing ROI, and elaborates on what makes a good marketing plan. Join us as we discuss: [06:33] Tips to ensure that you’re getting the most out of your marketing budget [18:58] What makes a good marketing plan [26:03] How to make incremental changes to your marketing funnel Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast: Scorpion (https://www.scorpion.co/servicetitan/?utm_source=ServiceTitan&utm_medium=partner-direct-referral&utm_cid=701Rj000005HK64IAG) ServiceTitan Marketing Pro Tool (https://www.servicetitan.com/features/pro/marketing?utm_campaign=toolboxforthetrades&utm_source=shownotes&utm_medium=podcast&utm_content=e182) The Franchise Edge Podcast (https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLkhsCgEWCr_Hm1GkAa-mXirAedUL-XoDv) ServiceTitan (https://www.servicetitan.com/?utm_campaign=toolboxforthetrades&utm_source=shownotes&utm_medium=podcast&utm_content=e182) 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) Register for Pantheon 2025 - see you in Anaheim! (https://pantheon.servicetitan.com/E1qa8V?rt=VaEbMI8SokmIjX6QgMESMQ&RefId=Podcast) Prometheus Award Nominations (https://www.servicetitan.com/company/titans-for-change?UTM_medium=earned&utm_source=podcast) 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.

After spending over 25 years working with industry legends like Jim Abrams and Leyland Smith of Service Champions, Lawrence Castillo (https://www.linkedin.com/in/lacastillo/) felt he was ready for his next challenge. So in 2020, he accepted the role of president at Brody Pennell Heating & Air Conditioning (https://brodypennell.com/), which has been proudly serving the greater Los Angeles area since 1945. Since taking the reins, Lawrence has helped supercharge their business strategy, seeing revenue growth from $7 million to $40 million in just three years. We’ll learn the steps Lawrence took to strengthen the Brody Pennell brand into a 5-star-rated business, start an HVAC school, and prioritize world-class customer service. Join us as we discuss:   [18:32] What to do when you get pushback from the old guard [22:44] The first thing to do to help your business grow [30:41] How building an HVAC school leads to a winning talent pipeline [37:44] How to create your own urgency Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast: Service Champions (https://www.servicechampions.net/) 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) Register for Pantheon 2025 - see you in Anaheim! (https://pantheon.servicetitan.com/E1qa8V?rt=VaEbMI8SokmIjX6QgMESMQ&RefId=Podcast) Prometheus Award Nominations (https://www.servicetitan.com/company/titans-for-change?UTM_medium=earned&utm_source=podcast) 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.

Brigham Dickinson (https://www.linkedin.com/in/brigham-dickinson/) is on a mission to help trades companies with low conversion rates, poor customer experience, and a lack of team alignment. He knows that if companies can tackle these problems, they can book more jobs and generate more referred customers for their businesses. It all comes down to having the right mindset and creating an environment of safety, comfort, and fun for the customer. This ultimately helps to create a buying environment where customers can make informed decisions.   As the President and Founder of Power Selling Pros (https://powersellingpros.com/), Brigham and his team strive to help companies in the trades increase their bookings and customer service excellence. He stops by to talk to us about how he got into the trades, his entrepreneurial journey, and what it takes for CSRs to book more jobs. Join us as we discuss:   [17:01] How companies can increase their call conversions [27:01] How CSRs can master the pattern of excellence [35:36] Why technicians need to have soft skills training Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast: Power Selling Pros (https://powersellingpros.com/) Dispatch Pro (https://www.servicetitan.com/features/pro/dispatch?utm_campaign=toolboxforthetrades&utm_source=shownotes&utm_medium=podcast&utm_content=e180) Second Chance Leads (https://help.servicetitan.com/landing-page/second-chance-leads) ServiceTitan (https://www.servicetitan.com/?utm_campaign=toolboxforthetrades&utm_source=shownotes&utm_medium=podcast&utm_content=e180) 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) Register for Pantheon 2025 - see you in Anaheim! (https://pantheon.servicetitan.com/E1qa8V?rt=VaEbMI8SokmIjX6QgMESMQ&RefId=Podcast) Prometheus Award Nominations (https://www.servicetitan.com/company/titans-for-change?UTM_medium=earned&utm_source=podcast) 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.

As the costs of goods and materials continue to rise, consumer confidence is low, inflation is high, and business expenses are increasing. So what’s an HVAC business owner to do? Today we’re talking to two experts in the industry — ServiceTitan’s Chris Hunter (https://www.linkedin.com/in/hunterhvac/), Director of Customer Relations, and Deanna Kawasaki (https://www.linkedin.com/in/deanna-kawasaki/), Senior Director of Product Management. We discuss ways to keep your HVAC customers happy, offer more financing options, and keep profits rolling in. We talk about benchmarks and how to know if you’re doing well. Plus — tools and technology you can use to maximize your business. Summer is coming. Are you ready? Join us as we discuss: [18:33] The Consumer Confidence Index and what it means for you [25:15] Why financing is an advantage for homeowners and businesses [37:53] Being ready to profit during the first heat wave of the summer Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast: Look up your state’s energy office (https://www.naseo.org/members-states) How Do You Stack Up When Compared to Other Service Businesses Like Yours?  (https://www.servicetitan.com/blog/webinar-recap-benchmark-report?utm_campaign=toolboxforthetrades&utm_source=shownotes&utm_medium=podcast&utm_content=e179) ServiceTitan blog (https://www.servicetitan.com/blog?utm_campaign=toolboxforthetrades&utm_source=shownotes&utm_medium=podcast&utm_content=e179) 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) Register for Pantheon 2025 - see you in Anaheim! (https://pantheon.servicetitan.com/E1qa8V?rt=VaEbMI8SokmIjX6QgMESMQ&RefId=Podcast) Prometheus Award Nominations (https://www.servicetitan.com/company/titans-for-change?UTM_medium=earned&utm_source=podcast) 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.

Juan Lopez (https://www.linkedin.com/in/juan-lopez-6585a313/) has always embraced change and views it as an opportunity for growth and continuous improvement. His professional journey is a testament to how you can achieve anything you put your mind to. Everyone in the trades constantly looks to improve and find ways to grow more efficiently and effectively. With the introduction of new technologies, automation, and enhanced workflows, you can turn inconvenient and time-consuming situations and tasks into more manageable experiences both internally and externally. As a Business Analyst at Franklin Electric (https://www.franklinwater.com/), Juan is on a mission to scale the company’s operations and support his team through technology. Juan stops by to share his professional experiences with us and highlight the importance of leveraging technology to help a company run better and faster and provide massive value at scale. Join us as we discuss:   [05:56] Juan’s best pieces of sales advice [15:13] How Juan optimized technology to support his team [24:25] The most critical workflows for business success Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast: Franklin Electric (https://www.franklinwater.com/) ServiceTitan (https://www.servicetitan.com/?utm_campaign=toolboxforthetrades&utm_source=shownotes&utm_medium=podcast&utm_content=e178) 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) Register for Pantheon 2025 - see you in Anaheim! (https://pantheon.servicetitan.com/E1qa8V?rt=VaEbMI8SokmIjX6QgMESMQ&RefId=Podcast) Prometheus Award Nominations (https://www.servicetitan.com/company/titans-for-change?UTM_medium=earned&utm_source=podcast) 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.