Rebekah Hatcher (https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebekah-hatcher-06a09933/) entered the trades with her husband after he decided to set up his own business. They faced many adversities in the beginning as they tried to grow, and they even hit a plateau. They then decided to become an Aire Serv franchisee, and with the right training, systems, processes, and a lot of hard work, they managed to scale their business successfully. As the owner of Aire Serv of Aggieland (https://www.aireserv.com/aggieland/), Rebekah strives to deliver professional HVAC repair and maintenance services to homeowners and businesses in the Brazos Valley in Texas. She stops by to share her entrepreneurial journey with us, how becoming a franchisee has positively impacted her business, and some of her most memorable marketing campaigns. Join us as we discuss: [08:57] How becoming a franchisee impacted growth [15:34] How the internal culture has changed and a key takeaway [27:10] Rebekah’s most memorable and successful marketing campaign Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast: Aire Serv of Aggieland (https://www.aireserv.com/aggieland/) MarketingProfs (https://www.marketingprofs.com/) Canva (https://www.canva.com/) ServiceTitan (https://www.servicetitan.com/?utm_campaign=toolboxforthetrades&utm_source=shownotes&utm_medium=podcast&utm_content=e167) 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.

Many family business owners eventually pass the leadership torch down to their children. Oftentimes, those transitions work out smoothly.But what about when they don’t?Mike Prencavage, Jr. (https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-prencavage-2a287618/), Owner of The Family Plumber (https://thefamilyplumber.com/), dreamed of taking the reins of the family business after college, but he had to “fight like hell” with his father to see his vision come true. Now, he’s leveraging technology and networking to elevate his family’s legacy for future generations.Mike gives us a candid look back at his tumultuous shift into his current ownership role and how he’s bringing a new-school mindset to old-school values.Join us as we discuss:[7:31] Navigating a rocky family business takeover  [23:25] How to show future generations value in trades businesses[40:10] Bridging innovation and new ideas with traditionCheck out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors Association (https://www.phccweb.org/)Nexstar Network (https://www.nexstarnetwork.com/)Interplay Learning (https://www.interplaylearning.com/)Contractor Magazine (https://www.contractormag.com/plumbing/plumbing-contractor/article/21279888/contractor-of-the-year-mike-prencavage-jrthe-genuine-article)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.

Lance Bachmann (https://www.linkedin.com/in/lancebachmann/) had a tough childhood and had to work his way up.After spending several decades in advertising, he decided to start his own full-service digital marketing agency. He learned from his past mistakes, sold the business, shifted his mindset, and seized on different opportunities as he added different companies in the trades to his growing portfolio group.Over time, he not only became a great leader but also someone who had an innate talent to help companies scale and become incredibly profitable.As the owner of LB Capital Group (https://lbachmanncapital.com/), Lance is on a mission to change the roofing industry to make it more of a demand and retail business for greater success. He stops by to share his entrepreneurial journey with us, his take on technology, and what his golden business principles are.Join us as we discuss:[06:47] The “Why me?” versus the “Why not me?” mindset[10:44] How Lance decided he was going to change the roofing industry[16:27] Lance’s take on technology[18:41] Lance’s top golden business principlesCheck out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:LB Capital Group (https://lbachmanncapital.com/)Tommy Mello (https://homeserviceexpert.com/)Ismael Valdez (https://nexgenairandplumbing.com/ismael-valdez-owner/)1SEO (https://1seo.com/)ServiceTitan Masterminds (https://www.facebook.com/groups/servicetitanmastermind/) Facebook GroupYou 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.

Many companies in the trades may view acquisitions with trepidation, but they can also provide businesses with incredible growth opportunities. To achieve that growth, you need to start by building trust and having the right plan in place. Angela Miller (https://www.linkedin.com/in/angela-miller-am/)knows that there’s always an opportunity that you don’t anticipate. Together with her team, Angela helps to ensure that transitions are smooth and “business as usual.” As the VP of Integrations at Goettl Air Conditioning & Plumbing (https://www.goettl.com/), Angela leverages her extensive experience to ensure that businesses that are acquired by her company are seamlessly integrated into their ecosystem. She stops by to share her professional journey with us, how she got into the trades, and what owners looking to sell their businesses or grow via acquisition should think about. Join us as we discuss: [08:05] Angela’s role and how her team is structured [19:14] Advice for businesses looking to grow via acquisitions [23:44] Angela’s most memorable acquisition  [34:13] Theory vs. experience: The perks of an MBA Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast: Goettl Air Conditioning & Plumbing (https://www.goettl.com/) ServiceTitan (https://www.servicetitan.com/?utm_campaign=toolboxforthetrades&utm_source=shownotes&utm_medium=podcast&utm_content=e164) 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 Kettering (https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryankettering) believes that if service businesses want to truly stand out in their market, they need to look beyond the visual aspects of their logo and website. They need to dive deeper and find something authentic to them that will resonate with their customers and employees. He helps customers achieve this by using the fractal brand identity framework, which consists of developing their core belief, brand personality archetype, and brand story. As the owner of Prolific Brand Design (https://prolificbranddesign.com), Ryan uses his experience and know-how to deliver brand design solutions to service businesses nationwide. He stops by to share his entrepreneurial journey with us, how he got into the trades, and how he helps customers create brands that are clear, authentic, and uniquely differentiated in a crowded marketplace. Join us as we discuss: [04:35] How Ryan got into graphic design and branding [08:53] What a good brand looks like [14:07] How Ryan works with clients to create a brand [25:09] How service entrepreneurs should think about branding Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast: Prolific Brand Design (https://prolificbranddesign.com) ServiceTitan (https://www.servicetitan.com/?utm_campaign=toolboxforthetrades&utm_source=shownotes&utm_medium=podcast&utm_content=e163) 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.

Jennifer Rose-Caudill (https://www.linkedin.com/in/emergencyplumbingservicejen/) really “hit the ground running” when she was asked to help out in her family’s plumbing business. Originally trained as a real estate appraiser, she proactively identified areas of improvement within the company and tried to find the right solutions.Over time, she learned from her mistakes, continuously learned about the trades, and with her two brothers, managed to grow the company and make it profitable.As the Owner of Emergency Plumbing Heating & Air (https://www.emergencyplumbingservice.com/), Jennifer leverages her experience and expertise to deliver professional HVAC and plumbing services to customers in the Greater Delaware, Ohio area. She stops by to share her adventurous entrepreneurial journey with us. Jennifer also talks about how she got into the trades and how she managed to turn her father’s company into an efficient, customer-centric operation.Join us as we discuss:[02:42] How Jennifer got into the trades[16:12] How the business started to grow [21:07] Some of the challenges that Jennifer faced along the way[24:42] Adding a new service line to the businessCheck out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:Emergency Plumbing Heating & Air (https://www.emergencyplumbingservice.com/)The E Myth HVAC Contractor by Michael E. Gerber and Ken Goodrich (https://www.amazon.ca/Myth-HVAC-Contractor-Companies-About/dp/1618350404/ref=sr_1_2?hvadid=599429854475&hvdev=c&hvlocphy=9000905&hvnetw=g&hvqmt=e&hvrand=14895146132126824512&hvtargid=kwd-306966486166&hydadcr=16931_13463044&keywords=e+myth+contractor&qid=1701210295&sr=8-2)ServiceTitan Masterminds (https://www.facebook.com/groups/servicetitanmastermind/) Facebook GroupYou 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.

Krista Landen (https://www.linkedin.com/in/krista-eubanks-landen/) knows about change all too well. She has witnessed the company she works for growing exponentially over the years, and a big part of that is linked to continuous improvement.  Over time, she has learned that embracing and adapting to change is key to being successful in the trades. To get ahead, you need to be able to learn new things as well as improve current systems and processes. As the Marketing & IT Manager at Gulfshore Air Conditioning and Heating (https://gulfshoreair.com/), Krista utilizes her experience as well as her exceptional people skills to implement the changes necessary for her organization to scale effectively. She stops by to share her professional journey with us, how she got into the trades, and provides practical advice on how companies can navigate change seamlessly. Join us as we discuss: [07:34] How Gulfshore has grown during Krista’s tenure [11:25] Some big changes that Krista went through and how she managed them [23:15] How Krista manages her colleagues and gets output from them Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast: Gulfshore Air Conditioning and Heating (https://gulfshoreair.com/) Titan Advisor (https://www.servicetitan.com/features/titan-advisor?utm_campaign=toolboxforthetrades&utm_source=shownotes&utm_medium=podcast&utm_content=e161) ServiceTitan  (https://www.servicetitan.com/?utm_campaign=toolboxforthetrades&utm_source=shownotes&utm_medium=podcast&utm_content=e161) 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.

Lance Ball (https://www.linkedin.com/in/lance-ball-85571a99/) believes that if you don’t challenge yourself, you will never grow. His professional career is a testament to how someone can persevere, reinvent themselves, and seize untapped opportunities.He likes to assure customers that he has their best interests at heart and wants to give them control over their choices.As the owner of Aspen Mountain Plumbing (https://www.aspenmtnplumbing.com/), Lance uses his solid industry knowledge and experience to deliver professional plumbing solutions to customers in rural Wyoming. During our conversation, Lance shared how he got into the trades due to a tragedy and how he worked his way up and decided to start his own plumbing business.Join us as we discuss:[01:50] How Lance got into the trades[11:48] How the desire to deliver good customer service accelerated growth[17:41] Challenges that Lance faced and how he overcame them[28:56] Key lessons for business ownersCheck out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:Aspen Mountain Plumbing (https://www.aspenmtnplumbing.com/)ServiceTitan Masterminds (https://www.facebook.com/groups/servicetitanmastermind/) Facebook GroupYou 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.

Katie Biddle (https://www.linkedin.com/in/katie-biddle-335396291/) believes that when an organization’s leadership shows that they care about their employees, they will be better motivated to provide excellent service to their customers. She proactively encourages her team to put themselves in their customer's shoes to anticipate their questions and understand their challenges or pain points.As the Head of Customer Experience at Call Dad AC & Heating (https://www.calldad.com/), Katie leverages her experience and expertise in the trades to provide professional customer service and support to homeowners across North Carolina. During our discussion, Katie talked about how she got into the trades, managed a brand rollout, and what makes her so passionate about her work.Join us as we discuss:[04:37] What makes Katie so passionate  [16:28] What virtual assistants are and how to integrate them into your workflow[27:03] What differentiates a successful company from a stagnant one[29:02] An overview of D.A.D. UniversityCheck out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:Call Dad AC & Heating (https://www.calldad.com/)D.A.D. University (https://www.calldad.com/hvac-training#:~:text=Call%20Dad%20has%20its%20own,customer%20base%20across%20the%20Carolinas.)Torch Network (https://community.servicetitan.com/t5/Torch-Network/bg-p/torch_network)ServiceTitan Masterminds (https://www.facebook.com/groups/servicetitanmastermind/) Facebook GroupYou 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.

Ismael Valdez (https://www.linkedin.com/in/ismaelvaldez/) is a “Renaissance Man” in every sense of the word. Not only has he built a successful contracting business from scratch, but he’s also about to launch another business that will be a game changer for the trades.He has a simple yet very profound approach to running his businesses: know your numbers, pay your people well, take care of them, and always be one step ahead of your competitors.As Owner and CEO of Nexgen Air Conditioning, Heating, and Plumbing (https://nexgenairandplumbing.com/), Ismael capitalizes on his experience and industry know-how to provide a comprehensive range of professional heating, cooling, and plumbing services to customers across southern California. During our discussion, Ismael talks about what business owners should do when they’re struggling, how to scale effectively, and what the key elements are to running a successful business.Join us as we discuss:[03:47] Ismael’s advice to contractors who are struggling[05:44] The importance of knowing your numbers[12:19] The BASIC plan and what it entails[20:51] How to manage your labor costsCheck out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:Nexgen Airconditioning, Heating, and Plumbing (https://nexgenairandplumbing.com/)Nuve (https://www.nuvehome.com/)Service Avengers (https://www.facebook.com/groups/2410076959107415/) Facebook GroupServiceTitan Masterminds (https://www.facebook.com/groups/servicetitanmastermind/) Facebook GroupYou 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.