The water treatment industry is booming in the home services market. Just like with HVAC or plumbing, the competition can be fierce. So how do Jonathan Brewster (https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathanbrewster/), VP of Business Development at Aqua Clear Water Systems (https://aquaclearws.com/), and his family stay ahead of the pack? They look outside their industry to find new perspectives so they can set themselves apart from the crowd. Jonathan spills the secret sauce on his water treatment company’s dynamic marketing tactics and how they build client relationships for life. Join us as we discuss: - (4:08) Being part of a father-son tag team in the trades - (8:45) Standing out with the Nightingale Principle - (14:19) Breaking down a dynamic sales presentation - (18:56) A golden opportunity for plumbing businesses Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast: - Jonathan Brewster (https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathanbrewster/) - Aqua Clear Water Systems (https://aquaclearws.com/) You can find this interview and many more by subscribing to Toolbox of 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 of the Trades in your favorite podcast player.   Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

When a client approached Stephanie Postell (https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephaniepostell/) with a job offer in HVAC marketing during her time as a personal trainer, she had no idea where this journey would take her. Today, about ten years later, she and her husband own and operate Anchor Heating and Air (https://anchorheatingandair.com/) in Charleston, South Carolina. The road to get there wasn’t easy, but the former kindergarten teacher stuck to a principle that she’s paying forward to other prospective business owners — be stubborn. Stephanie shares how she planned for Anchor’s success from day one by creating foundational procedures, pricing appropriately, and keeping a teaching mentality. Join us as we discuss: - (6:26) Pivoting a teaching background into technician training  - (15:20) Pricing, appearance, and leaving a lasting impression - (22:48) Why you need to plan for success from day one - (28:29) Owning mistakes and empowering a teambuilding culture Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast: - Stephanie Postell (https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephaniepostell/) - Anchor Heating and Air (https://anchorheatingandair.com/) - Nexstar Network (https://www.nexstarnetwork.com/) - Torch Network (https://www.servicetitan.com/torchnetwork?utm_campaign=toolboxforthetrades&utm_source=shownotes&utm_medium=podcast&utm_content=e122) You can find this interview and many more by subscribing to Toolbox of 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 of the Trades in your favorite podcast player.   Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

When are lessons learned and reputations made? When we get hit with the tough stuff. We celebrate our Season 8 kickoff with the return of Ellen Rohr (https://www.linkedin.com/in/ellen-rohr-5052101/), President of Zoom Drain (https://www.zoomdrain.com/) in Norristown, Pennsylvania. Since we last spoke with Ellen, Zoom Drain has expanded from 15 to 40 locations coast to coast. And they’ve done it by leaning into the problem and doing right by everyone. Ellen spills the secret sauce on how the folks at Zoom Drain plan, execute, and measure results as they power their brand forward through 2023 and beyond. Join us as we discuss: - (13:21) Building strategic relationships through referral marketing - (21:48) ServiceTitan’s upcoming Pantheon 2023 trades conference - (32:02) Connecting back to your “why” during big changes Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast: - ServiceTitan Pantheon 2023 (https://pantheon.servicetitan.com/event/d47d39f7-1081-4d5e-82f0-3a79a61ef6f7/summary) - Zoom Drain (https://www.zoomdrain.com/) - Ellen Rohr (https://www.linkedin.com/in/ellen-rohr-5052101/) You can find this interview and many more by subscribing to Toolbox of 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 of the Trades in your favorite podcast player.   Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

When Mack Shwert first got his invitation to the inaugural ServiceTitan HVAC Championship, he was shocked. He thought there was no way he could handle a live competition under the bright lights. But after getting some encouragement from his family, the HomeServe, USA (https://www.homeserve.com/en-us/) technician packed his bags and made the trip to Tampa. A few days later, he was crowned the ServiceTitan HVAC Championship winner. Mack shares his experience in the competition and gives his boots-on-the-ground perspective on apprenticeships and employee retainment. Join us as we discuss: - (3:02) The ServiceTitan HVAC Championship 2022 experience - (15:14) Hiring customer-focused technicians and training - (19:19) Best and worst boss experiences - (25:18) Technician salaries and good retention practices Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast: - ServiceTitan HVAC National Championship 2022 (https://www.servicetitan.com/blog/elite-trades-hvac-national-championship-finals) - HomeServe, USA (https://www.homeserve.com/en-us/) - HVAC Technician Salaries in 2022 (https://www.servicetitan.com/blog/hvac-technician-salary) You can find this interview and many more by subscribing to Toolbox of 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 of the Trades in your favorite podcast player.   Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

What if every home service contractor had immediate access to real-time HVAC maintenance data at the push of a button? By integrating user-friendly sensors with forward-thinking software, the folks at SmartAC.com (https://www.smartac.com/) are changing the game in the home service business. Josh Teekell (https://www.linkedin.com/in/jateekell/), SmartAC.com’s founder and CEO, tells us how contractors can use measurable data to build trust with consumers and open up new possibilities in service agreements. Join us as we discuss: - (2:58) How performance data feedback reinforces customer relationships - (10:11) Why proactive maintenance equals more conversions - (22:39) Reinforcing traditional strategies with data tools Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast: - Josh Teekell (https://www.linkedin.com/in/jateekell/) - SmartAC.com (https://www.smartac.com/) You can find this interview and many more by subscribing to Toolbox of 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 of the Trades in your favorite podcast player.   Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

When husband-wife team Kylon Gienger (https://www.linkedin.com/in/kylongienger/) and Teliah Gienger (https://www.linkedin.com/in/teliah-gienger-850b89106/) began their entrepreneurial journey, they had a pretty good idea of what they were getting themselves into. But they’ve learned some valuable lessons about strategic small business acquisitions along the way. Having purchased Hurliman Heating and Air (https://www.hurlimanheating.com/) and Plumb- tech Heating and Cooling (http://www.plumbtechplumbingandheating.com)  in the Pacific Northwest last year, they share valuable insight on how they’ve successfully purchased and operated multiple small businesses in the trades.    Join us as we discuss: - (4:05) Lessons learned from multiple small business acquisitions  - (15:11) Finding the right people for your entrepreneurial vision  - (25:58) Advice for people considering a trades acquisition Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast: - Kylon Gienger (https://www.linkedin.com/in/kylongienger/) - Teliah Gienger (https://www.linkedin.com/in/teliah-gienger-850b89106/) You can find this interview and many more by subscribing to Toolbox of 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 of the Trades in your favorite podcast player.   Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

A diverse leadership team in the trades is about more than checking off a culture reform box. By bringing in people with unique experiences from outside the trades, you can empower your employees to see opportunities from every angle. Jason Brady (https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-brady-029b0185/), Owner and CEO of Above and Beyond LLC (https://pinkvantechs.com/), shares how his approach to bringing men and women from different walks of life into his business has paved the way for exponential growth. Join us as we discuss: -(5:17) Why failure is vital to sustainable growth - (11:27) Personality types and their role in leadership - (22:15) Hiring leaders from outside the trades - (28:44) How diverse leadership empowers employees Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast: - Jason Brady (https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-brady-029b0185/) - Above and Beyond LLC (https://pinkvantechs.com/) You can find this interview and many more by subscribing to Toolbox of 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 of the Trades in your favorite podcast player.   Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

When Laura Thornton (https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurahthornton/) and her husband, Ronnie, founded their plumbing business, TNT Home Services (https://tnthomeservicesco.com/), they could not have imagined what lay in store for their family. During an incredible six-year stretch of growth, they knew only dynamic decision-making would give their employees and clients the best experiences possible. Laura shares how commitment to community and real-time adjustments are a winning formula for dynamic, sustainable growth.   Join us as we discuss: - (8:50) Taking a dynamic approach to incredibly fast growth  - (15:15) Making real-time adjustments with different technology tools  - (21:22) Opportunities for women in the trade - (31:37) High school and community recruiting partnerships Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast: - Laura Thornton (https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurahthornton/) - TNT Home Services (https://tnthomeservicesco.com/) You can find this interview and many more by subscribing to Toolbox of 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 of the Trades in your favorite podcast player.   Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Tommy Mello (https://www.linkedin.com/in/tommymello/) is a titan in the trades industry. But in 2012, the owner of A1 Garage Door Services (https://a1garage.com/) and author of Home Service Millionaire (https://homeservicemillionaire.com/) hit the lowest point of his career. Facing payroll issues, internal theft, and maximum burnout, Tommy took a step back to reevaluate the “why” behind the outcomes of his actions. Tommy shares how he shifted his focus back to investing in people and how fellow contractors can avoid leading their company to the brink. Join us as we discuss - (6:01) Leaving a legacy of caring for and investing in people - (12:48) Acknowledging your weaknesses in a leadership position - (20:49) Surrounding yourself with people who make you better - (34:18) Addressing the victim mentality of struggling contractors Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast: - Tommy Mello (https://www.linkedin.com/in/tommymello/) - A1 Garage Door Services (https://a1garage.com/) - Home Service Millionaire (https://homeservicemillionaire.com/) - Elevate: Build a Business Where Everybody Wins (https://book.elevateandwin.com/order1665131650563) You can find this interview and many more by subscribing to Toolbox of 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 of the Trades in your favorite podcast player.   Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

After 10 years in the travel industry, Ashley Gulevich (https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashley-gulevich-a130252b/) was ready for a change. After joining her family at a trades boot camp that could help level up her parents’ business, Coastal Heat Pumps (https://coastalheatpumps.com/), she knew she was in it for the long haul. Now the General Manager at Coastal, Ashley has applied the skills she acquired from her previous career to help scale the family business. And she shares what else she’s learned about listening and systems management during her five years at Coastal. Join us as we discuss: (5:40) Why listening is a skill that instills action and growth (12:12) How she translated her travel industry experience to the trades (24:57) The importance of self-care for working professionals (35:23) Dealing with misconceptions as a woman in the trades Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast: - Ashley Gulevich (https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashley-gulevich-a130252b/) - Coastal Heat Pumps (https://coastalheatpumps.com/) You can find this interview and many more by subscribing to Toolbox of 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 of the Trades in your favorite podcast player.   Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.