Brothers David (https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-katz-999319b5/) and Michael Katz (https://www.linkedin.com/in/miki-katz-20b751109/) came to America in 2015 with only a killer work ethic and a dream. In July 2021, they figured they would try their hands at HVAC. Their hard work certainly paid off. In 2023, their business, TRIO Heating and Air Conditioning (https://trioheatingandair.com/), will clear $10 million in revenue. David and Michael spared some of their time at Pantheon 2023 to talk about what they’ve learned about implementing new business processes, employee relations, and why environmental care is a staple of their brand. Join us as we discuss: - (6:24) Unpacking and implementing new practices from Pantheon  - (16:10) How an internal survey spurred a dramatic rebrand - (23:27) Why shop tours are worth every second of your time Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast: Home Service Millionaire (https://homeservicemillionaire.com/) by Tommy Mello 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.

Everyone in the trades knows we’ve needed a spotlight on the need to grow the next generation of technicians, plumbers, and other vital services. That’s why Scott Caron is proud to be an analyst and technical advisor for the 7th Annual Elite Trades Championship Series (https://www.tradesnation.com/us/en/etcs.html). He thinks a nationally televised competition like the ETCS, where the finest in their fields compete for clout and cash, is just the shot in the arm our industries need.     In the second half of our conversation with Scott, we chatted about attracting younger workers into the trades through “edutainment,” school partnerships… and, of course, the 7th ETCS, which begins airing Fridays on CBS Sports starting December 8th.    Join us as we discuss: - (2:46) Designing balanced competitions with impartial outcomes  - (17:34) Why “edutainment” is vital to attracting new talent to the trades - (35:25) Educating people about niche trade opportunities - (51:22) Setting the table for Round One of the ETCS Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast: - Elite Trades Championship Series (https://www.tradesnation.com/us/en/etcs.html) - Scott Caron (https://twitter.com/ScottCaronTOH) - When Hard Work Pays Off: The ServiceTitan HVAC National Championship 2022 (https://www.servicetitan.com/podcasts/toolbox-for-the-trades/mack-shwert-interview?utm_campaign=toolboxforthetrades&utm_source=shownotes&utm_medium=podcast&utm_content=e146) with Mack Shwert 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.

As a New England native, Scott Caron (https://twitter.com/ScottCaronTOH), Owner of Caron Electric in Lexington, Massachusetts, grew up a fan of the local home improvement TV show This Old House. So when his sister called him about an opportunity with its spinoff, Ask This Old House (https://www.thisoldhouse.com/ask-this-old-house), he jumped at the chance. Little did he know his on-air talents would take him to the 2023 Elite Trades Championship Series (https://www.tradesnation.com/us/en/etcs.html), airing on CBS Sports this December! In our exclusive interview, Scott tells us how his childhood fascination with tinkering grew into a media career in multiple trades-focused productions, including color commentator for the ETCS.    Join us as we discuss: - (3:18) How a love for hands-on projects blossomed into a trades career - (17:56) Mentorship and what to look for in good tech candidates - (28:53) Pivoting from fan to cast member on Ask This Old House - (40:03) Why it’s important to show up authentically, on and off-camera Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast: - Elite Trades Championship Series (https://www.tradesnation.com/us/en/etcs.html)  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.

When Spencer Tippetts (https://www.linkedin.com/in/spencertippetts/), Director of Business Development at Rainforest Plumbing & Air (https://rainforestplumbingandair.com/), joined the family business in 2019 to help expand their residential unit, he knew they had opportunities for improvement. Employee turnover, mismanagement, and outdated processes were all pain points that were impacting their bottom line… not to mention the company’s culture. So Spencer got to work on helping his dad and brother turn things around with some tricks he learned from his corporate days. Spencer gives the inside scoop on bringing commercial and residential services together in a family business by building them around the customers they serve.   Join us as we discuss: - (6:58) Encouraging dissenting opinions during family “rumbles” - (12:46) The cashflow advantage to operating multiple services - (21:01) Scaling a new division with universal business practices - (27:32) The cultural impact of giving your employees a voice Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast: - Let’s Rumble (https://brenebrown.com/articles/2019/05/01/lets-rumble/#:~:text=A%20rumble%20is%20a%20discussion,parts%2C%20and%2C%20as%20psychologist%20Harriet) by Brene Brown  - Tony Robbins Results Coaching (https://tr.tonyrobbins.com/coaching-optin?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=coaching-tony-robbins-general&gc_id=20125490622&h_ad_id=658463256691&gclid=Cj0KCQjwuNemBhCBARIsADp74QRuaOP7fADEXyUJq-iJCGACGss5sCkQgbCCe7SPeE4W_-tVP_15Dv4aAomLEALw_wcB) 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 across the country continue to struggle with putting technicians in their trucks. But Ryan Englin (https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanenglin/), CEO of Core Matters (https://corematters.com/), believes those entrepreneurs don’t have a hiring problem. They have a retention problem. And it’s because too many employers focus on showmanship over substance in job postings and interviews. Drop in to hear Ryan dish out some hard-hitting truth about why owner-operators need to be more authentic in their recruitment processes if they want to hire better people faster. Join us as we discuss: - (5:07) The marketing issue behind recruitment and retention  - (10:31) How authenticity can make or break working relationships - (19:14) Intangibles you actually should be looking for in new candidates - (30:45) Proof of concept mistakes to avoid during interviews Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast: - Talent Tackle Box (https://corematters.com/podcasts/)  - PDP Global ProScan (https://www.pdpglobal.com/performance-retention) 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.

If you couldn’t make it to the incredible Pantheon 2023 conference in Orlando, then don’t worry — we’re bringing the party to your ears! We sat down with over a half dozen incredible men and women in the trades, who each gave us a little taste of their experience at this year’s event. From networking tips to new tech teasers, you won’t want to miss these insights from some of the finest minds in the industry. Join us as we sit down with: - (1:35) Mary Anglen (https://www.linkedin.com/in/mary-anglen-94926585/), Executive Director at Lightfoot Mechanical Services (https://lightfootmechanical.com/)  - (9:51) Rick Vines (https://www.linkedin.com/in/rick-vines-0b6507195/), Master Plumber at Vines Plumbing and Water Restoration (https://www.vineswaterexperts.com/)  - (16:44) Lincoln Walpole (https://www.linkedin.com/in/lincolnwalpole/), Chief Financial Officer and Vice President of Office Operations at Any Hour Services (https://anyhourservices.com/)  - (23:41) Justin Tarr (https://www.linkedin.com/in/justintarr/), President of Daffy Ducts (https://daffyducts.com/)  - (33:08) Aizik Zimmerman (https://www.linkedin.com/in/aizik-zimerman-7a758963/), CEO of J. Blanton Plumbing (https://jblantonplumbing.com/)  - (41:18) David Brewster (https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-brewster-5688b714/), Owner of Aqua Clear Water Systems (https://aquaclearws.com/), and Lydia Brewster (https://www.linkedin.com/in/lydia-brewster-79728b146/), Warehouse and Marketing Manager at Aqua Clear Water Systems   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.

It takes hard work and resolve to succeed in the trades. That’s why the theme for this year’s Pantheon conference is “Journey to the Top.” And to help celebrate this sold-out extravaganza, we’re bringing on some of the top-tier talent at this year’s event!     To kick us off, Brianna Skiffington (https://www.linkedin.com/in/briskiffi/), Chief Product Officer of Ad Leverage (https://adleverage.com/), and Amanda Triolo (https://www.linkedin.com/in/amanda-triolo-8989b851/), CEO of Grasshopper Heating & Cooling (https://gograsshopper.com/), join the show in sunny Orlando, Florida. We talk about the challenges with pivoting to residential services, ChatGPT, and we give a sneak peek into ServiceTitan’s new ad optimization platform. Join us as we discuss: - Pivoting from commercial services and financial hurdles (1:45) - The secret to a well-oiled trades and marketing marriage (10:51)  - Taking in the full Pantheon 2023 experience (15:28) Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast: - CXC.ai (https://www.cxc.ai/) - Marketing Pro Ads Optimizer (https://community.servicetitan.com/t5/Marketing-Pro/Marketing-Pro-Ads-Optimizer-Now-in-BETA/ta-p/32611) - Craig Groschel Leadership Podcast (https://www.life.church/leadershippodcast/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=cglp_account_acquisition-ad_yes-dept_reach&utm_campaign=CGLP+-+Power+of+Emotions+Leadership&utm_term=leadership%20podcasts&utm_medium=ppc&utm_source=adwords&hsa_kw=leadership%20podcasts&hsa_mt=b&hsa_grp=122753294585&hsa_tgt=kwd-362623153437&hsa_net=adwords&hsa_cam=13443521494&hsa_ver=3&hsa_acc=2727137968&hsa_src=g&hsa_ad=526579740866&gclid=Cj0KCQjwmICoBhDxARIsABXkXlIKwBc-XBhphIJP-4azl7Nu7WKnQCHhH_w17-1ojiKOXxLM5kat7iYaAsI7EALw_wcB) - Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals (https://www.amazon.com/Four-Thousand-Weeks-Management-Mortals/dp/0374159122) by Oliver Burkeman 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.

“Is There a Killer in Your Basement?” A lot’s changed since Bill Heffernan (https://www.linkedin.com/in/bill-heffernan-87b60631/), President of Master Chimney Sweepers (https://www.masterchimneysweepers.com/), led one of his customer mailers with that dubious line in the 1990s. But his passion for educating customers on the dangers of neglecting their fireplace chimneys and other vents has never wavered. Bill and his son and Sales Director, Tom Heffernan (https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomasheffernan1/), give us a peek into the modern-day chimney sweep industry and how much it’s evolved since Bill founded his business in 1977.    Join us as we discuss: - (3:42) How the ‘70s energy crisis influenced the chimney sweep industry - (16:36) Incorporating outside industry tactics into your sales strategy  - (23:47) Why direct mail is still a bona fide marketing tactic - (31:55) The power of collaboration in a small family business 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.

It’s time for contractors to face a harsh reality. The trades thrived during Covid while many people were trapped in their homes, but now the free ride is over. And home service providers everywhere are starting to feel the impact on their bottom lines. But Tommy Mello, Owner of A1 Garage Door Service (https://a1garage.com/), and Al Levi, Founder of The 7-Power Contractor (https://7powercontractor.com/), think this is a chance for owner-operators to grab growth by the horns. Tommy and Al hold nothing back as they explain why now is the time for contractors to improve efficiencies, double down on marketing, and explore acquisition opportunities.      Join us as we discuss: - (2:49) Building on internal processes during the slow times - (7:41) Making tough choices and a common pricing mistake  - (23:17) The keys to smart marketing and branding - (36:21) Why many contractors don’t consider acquisitions Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast: - The Home Service Millionaire (https://homeservicemillionaire.com/) - Elevate: Build a Business Where Everybody Wins (https://www.amazon.com/Elevate-Build-Business-Where-Everybody/dp/B0BWSNBQZV) - The Home Service Expert (https://homeserviceexpert.com/category/podcast/) Podcast - The 7-Power Contractor: Run Your Contracting Business With Less Stress and More Success (https://7powercontractor.com/the-7pc-book/) - Freedom 2023 (https://www.freedomevent.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.

Adam Fuseman (https://www.linkedin.com/in/ruslan-khusniyarov-47361674/), CFO of Fuse Service (https://www.fuseservice.com/) in San Jose, California, left Russia for America in 2017 with the hope of becoming an IT professional. But that all changed after a friend convinced Adam to join his appliance repair business. That experience spurred Adam to start his own home and commercial service company, which has exploded into a $40 million 25-location franchise. Adam and Fuse’s CEO, Stan Pakarin, join us to tell their incredible stories of how two Russian immigrants came together to share an American dream. Join us as we discuss: - (9:51) Immigration roadblocks to starting a new business  - (16:41) How a YouTube channel brought the two partners together - (26:43) Expanding and optimizing new service lines and processes - (34:48) Learning to trust people so you can delegate with confidence Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast: - Praxis (https://discoverpraxis.com/)  - Adam FUSEMAN (https://www.youtube.com/@adamfuseman775)  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.