Description
Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.
Description
Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.
278 episodes


Join us as we chat with some of the “Titans of the Trades” at Pantheon 2024! For companies in the trades to be successful and grow, it’s important to have good leadership in place that leads the charge. They need to lead by example, push themselves out of their comfort zones, and do things that are scary in order to scale their business. It starts by having the right mindset, having the right people, instilling a winning culture amongst team members, and getting everyone on board with your vision. Our guests stop by the ServiceTitan booth to chat with us about what keeps them coming back to Pantheon and how they help lead the charge in their businesses. Join us as we discuss: [3:46] A first-time presenter’s experience at Pantheon [12:32] Implementing ServiceTitan in recently acquired companies [25:12] Why personal growth is as important as scaling your business [33:57] Why you should always have an exit strategy for your company Connect with our guests: James Perry Beyer (https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-beyer-2bbb9935/), President at Beyer Plumbing (https://beyerplumbing.com/) Kristy Druding (https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristy-d-630015154/), Director of IT Services & Operations at Ace Home Services (https://www.acehardwarehomeservices.com/) Michelle Myers (https://www.linkedin.com/in/michellelmyers/), Founder of Pink Callers (https://www.pinkcallers.com/) Gary Lightfoot (https://www.linkedin.com/in/gary-lightfoot-33aa4087/), Owner of Copilot Coaching (http://www.copilot-coaching.com/) Mike Agugliaro (https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikeagugliaro/), CEO & Founder of FuDog Group LLC (https://fudoggroup.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.
49min | Published on October 8, 2024


Hunter Ballew (https://www.linkedin.com/in/hunterballew/), the founder of Roofing.com (http://Roofing.com), RoofCon (https://roofcon.com/), and the Revolt Mastermind Group (https://www.therevolt.com/), joins us to share his incredible journey from firefighter and US Marine to building a multi-million dollar business empire in the roofing industry. Hunter breaks down his 8-Figure Checklist, a step-by-step process for growing a successful company, and why leadership and culture are crucial for scaling any business. Whether you’re looking to build for legacy, exit, or cash flow, Hunter’s insights offer a roadmap for business owners aiming for long-term success. Join us as we discuss: [10:44] Hunter’s Eight-Figure Checklist for business success [20:29] Why you should be able to answer “What do you stand for?” [27:05] Profitability and overcoming the fear of numbers [24:57] Transparent recruiting and a training blueprint Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast: Reserve your tickets for RoofCon here (https://roofcon.com/) (October 23 - 25, 2024) Make It Count: Ensuring When Life Expires Your Legacy Lives On (https://www.amazon.com/Make-Count-Ensuring-Expires-Legacy/dp/1954759770) by Hunter Ballew Click Funnels (https://www.clickfunnels.com/) 16Personalities (https://www.16personalities.com/) Krutr (https://krutr.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.
49min | Published on October 1, 2024


Jeff Plant (https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-plant-2a145035/) has built a successful career across different facets of the trades while working his way up to key managerial positions. It was here where he realized an untapped potential and opportunity to equip leaders and their teams with the necessary skills needed to grow. Identifying this opportunity motivated Jeff to get into coaching to help businesses implement procedures to build empowered teams. The team leader and trainer at Business Development Resources (https://www.bdrco.com/) (BDR) stops by to talk about his professional journey, how he got into coaching, and shares some of the key components that leaders and their teams need to succeed. Join us as we discuss: [08:15] The five levels of successful leadership [13:05] Giving teams permission to make mistakes [22:54] The eight core connectors Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast: Business Development Resources (https://www.bdrco.com/) ServiceTitan (https://www.servicetitan.com/?utm_campaign=toolboxforthetrades&utm_source=shownotes&utm_medium=podcast&utm_content=e194) 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.
41min | Published on September 24, 2024


Nathan Shafer (https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathan-shafer-04b763176/) reached a point in his professional journey years ago where he knew that change was needed in order to grow. This change had to come through implementing new systems and processes and building up a team to help scale the business effectively. He also had to get out of the business to work on it, and this motivated him to go down the business coaching path. The owner of Shafer Heating and Cooling (https://www.shaferhvac.us/) stops by to talk about how the barriers he had to overcome to grow his business, what new skills he had to master, and some of the core lessons he imparts to his coaching clients. Join us as we discuss: [04:03] When Nathan hit a breaking point and what he did to change things [07:36] Barriers that Nathan had to overcome to make changes [18:13] Core lessons that Nathan imparts to coaching clients Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast: Shafer Heating and Cooling (https://www.shaferhvac.us/) Phenomenal Business Coaching by Howard Partridge (https://howardpartridge.com/phenomenal-business-coaching/) ServiceTitan (https://www.servicetitan.com/?utm_campaign=toolboxforthetrades&utm_source=shownotes&utm_medium=podcast&utm_content=e193) 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.
35min | Published on September 17, 2024


When it comes to building a legacy brand in the trades, Tucker Yarbrough (https://www.linkedin.com/in/tucker-yarbrough-841179120/) truly believes that success comes through steady and consistent growth. This growth is achieved through the trust and collaboration between team members and the community built around the business. In his role, he endeavors to take the family business to new levels of growth, to experiment with new ways of building awareness in the market, and to get the team involved in scaling the business. The CFO at Yarbrough & Sons (https://yarbroughandsons.com/) stops by to talk about how they kickstarted their marketing through social media, how they share success with the team, and how they implement what they learn to ensure consistent growth. Join us as we discuss: [11:06] How Yarbrough & Sons kickstarted their marketing on social media [21:14] How success is shared with the rest of the team [28:21] How Tucker and family implement what they learned to ensure consistent growth Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast: Yarbrough & Sons (https://yarbroughandsons.com/) Blue Collar Broughs Podcast (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3AfTvmoiyp6kdWC9B_hP3A) ServiceTitan (https://www.servicetitan.com/?utm_campaign=toolboxforthetrades&utm_source=shownotes&utm_medium=podcast&utm_content=e192) 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.
45min | Published on September 10, 2024


Zack Kays (https://www.linkedin.com/in/zachary-kays-a1a7a165/) has a wealth of technical knowledge that enabled him to improve internal systems and processes within his organization. He also has extensive customer service experience, which allowed him to excel in his other role as an emergency call dispatcher. In this role, he must ensure that the relationship between the client and the technicians is seamless and that everything is treated with a sense of urgency. For things to run smoothly, open communication and crisis management skills are paramount. As the Software Administrator at Intelligent Design Air Conditioning, Plumbing, Solar, & Electric (https://idesignac.com/), Zack and his team deliver professional home services to homeowners in the Tucson area. He stops by to talk about how to prepare dispatchers for emergency calls, how he supports technicians, and why he feels it’s important to treat them like clients. Join us as we discuss: [8:22] Maintaining the technician and on-call dispatcher relationship [17:53] Preparing CSRs and dispatchers for emergency calls [24:47] Why techs should be treated like clients Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast: Intelligent Design Air Conditioning, Plumbing, Solar, & Electric (https://idesignac.com/) Mastering ServiceTitan (https://www.servicetitan.com/podcasts/mastering-servicetitan?utm_campaign=toolboxforthetrades&utm_source=shownotes&utm_medium=podcast&utm_content=e191) ServiceTitan (https://www.servicetitan.com/?utm_campaign=toolboxforthetrades&utm_source=shownotes&utm_medium=podcast&utm_content=e191) 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.
36min | Published on September 3, 2024


Lydia Brewster (https://www.linkedin.com/in/lydia-brewster-79728b146/) works in her family business, but she’ll also be the first one to tell you that they don’t operate as a family, but rather as a team. This mindset has served her well and motivated her to come up with some unconventional yet extremely effective strategies for hiring and retaining some of the top technicians in the country. Her success lies in her very pragmatic and “no nonsense” approach to vetting qualified candidates and her unwavering commitment to help her team to continuously improve their skills through regular training. As the General Manager at Aqua Clear Water Systems (https://aquaclearws.com/), Lydia and her team work hard to deliver fresh, clean water to homeowners in Tennessee. She stops by to chat with us about her professional experience and how she interviews and onboards candidates for her company. Join us as we discuss: [4:56] The challenges of hiring the right people [8:40] Lydia’s successful interview process [29:04] The importance of having a good training and onboarding process Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast: Aqua Clear Water Systems (https://aquaclearws.com/) ServiceTitan (https://www.servicetitan.com/?utm_campaign=toolboxforthetrades&utm_source=shownotes&utm_medium=podcast&utm_content=e190) 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.
46min | Published on August 27, 2024


Customer satisfaction is typically a top priority for inbound service calls, but what about after the technician has left the premises? Chelle Allen (https://www.linkedin.com/in/chelleallen/), the owner of iconnectu (https://iconnectu.info/), joins us to discuss the concept of “happy calls” — customer experience follow-ups made after a service is performed. Chelle explains how these calls not only offer gratitude but also collect valuable feedback to improve services. Tune in to hear how happy calls help identify minor issues like technician behavior, create opportunities for additional sales, and strengthen customer loyalty. Join us as we discuss: [3:33] The importance of following up on the little things [10:50] Following miscommunication crumbs [19:17] Eliminating in-house bias by outsourcing calls [29:21] Using “happy calls” for cross-promotional sales Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast: ServiceTitan Thank You Report Guide (https://help.servicetitan.com/how-to/thank-you) 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.
43min | Published on August 20, 2024


CSRs are the frontline employees of most home service businesses. That’s why Ralph Johnson (https://www.linkedin.com/in/ralph-johnson-8900a058/), VP of Client Solutions at CallPoint (https://callpointusa.com/), believes that owner-operators should make a concerted effort to give them the tools they need to succeed. You’re already spending marketing dollars to bring in calls — shouldn’t you equip and train your people to handle them? Tune in as Ralph shares his thoughts on must-need tech in modern call centers, why you should incentivize your CSRs, and how to scale your CSR team with company growth. Join us as we discuss: [8:00] Implementing new tech for inbound calls [12:33] Training, tracking, and incentivizing CSRs [22:07] Scaling your call center with your company [27:28] Telltale signs of an underperforming call center Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast: ServiceTitan Phones Pro (https://www.servicetitan.com/features/pro/phones?utm_campaign=toolboxforthetrades&utm_source=shownotes&utm_medium=podcast&utm_content=e188) 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.
38min | Published on August 13, 2024


In this episode of Toolbox for the Trades, we speak with Darrell Whiteaker (https://www.linkedin.com/in/darrell-whiteaker/) and Lindsay Ramsey, the dynamic founders of Inception Plumbing (https://inceptionplumbing.com/) in Kansas City, Missouri.Together, the couple explore the transformative journey of shifting from a reactive to a proactive business strategy and the power of crafting a "Vivid Vision" for their company’s future.Tune in to discover valuable insights on organizing your thoughts, setting clear objectives, and striking the perfect balance between managing daily operations and pursuing long-term visionary goals.Join us as we discuss:[10:40] The concept of “Vivid Vision”[26:43] Balancing day-to-day operations with a long-term vision[33:51] Challenges and dynamics of running a business as a coupleCheck out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:Inception Plumbing’s Vivid Vision (https://inceptionplumbing.com/vivid-vision/)The E-Myth (https://www.amazon.com/Myth-Revisited-Small-Businesses-About/dp/0887307280/) by Michael E. GerberVivid Vision (https://www.amazon.com/Vivid-Vision-Remarkable-Aligning-Business/dp/1544508123/) by Cameron Herold The Infinite Game (https://www.amazon.com/Infinite-Game-Simon-Sinek/dp/0241385636) by Simon SinekFix This Next (https://www.amazon.com/Fix-This-Next-Change-Business/dp/0593084411/) by Mike MichalowiczEOS rocks (https://www.eosworldwide.com/blog/tips-writing-smart-rocks)Audible (https://www.audible.com/)The Second in Command (https://www.amazon.com/Second-Command-Unleash-Power-Your/dp/1544537603/) by Cameron HeroldGet a Grip (https://www.amazon.com/Get-Grip-Everything-Entrepreneurial-Business/dp/1939529824) by Mike Paton and Gino WickmanYou 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.
44min | Published on August 6, 2024
Description
Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.
278 episodes


Join us as we chat with some of the “Titans of the Trades” at Pantheon 2024! For companies in the trades to be successful and grow, it’s important to have good leadership in place that leads the charge. They need to lead by example, push themselves out of their comfort zones, and do things that are scary in order to scale their business. It starts by having the right mindset, having the right people, instilling a winning culture amongst team members, and getting everyone on board with your vision. Our guests stop by the ServiceTitan booth to chat with us about what keeps them coming back to Pantheon and how they help lead the charge in their businesses. Join us as we discuss: [3:46] A first-time presenter’s experience at Pantheon [12:32] Implementing ServiceTitan in recently acquired companies [25:12] Why personal growth is as important as scaling your business [33:57] Why you should always have an exit strategy for your company Connect with our guests: James Perry Beyer (https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-beyer-2bbb9935/), President at Beyer Plumbing (https://beyerplumbing.com/) Kristy Druding (https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristy-d-630015154/), Director of IT Services & Operations at Ace Home Services (https://www.acehardwarehomeservices.com/) Michelle Myers (https://www.linkedin.com/in/michellelmyers/), Founder of Pink Callers (https://www.pinkcallers.com/) Gary Lightfoot (https://www.linkedin.com/in/gary-lightfoot-33aa4087/), Owner of Copilot Coaching (http://www.copilot-coaching.com/) Mike Agugliaro (https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikeagugliaro/), CEO & Founder of FuDog Group LLC (https://fudoggroup.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.
49min | Published on October 8, 2024


Hunter Ballew (https://www.linkedin.com/in/hunterballew/), the founder of Roofing.com (http://Roofing.com), RoofCon (https://roofcon.com/), and the Revolt Mastermind Group (https://www.therevolt.com/), joins us to share his incredible journey from firefighter and US Marine to building a multi-million dollar business empire in the roofing industry. Hunter breaks down his 8-Figure Checklist, a step-by-step process for growing a successful company, and why leadership and culture are crucial for scaling any business. Whether you’re looking to build for legacy, exit, or cash flow, Hunter’s insights offer a roadmap for business owners aiming for long-term success. Join us as we discuss: [10:44] Hunter’s Eight-Figure Checklist for business success [20:29] Why you should be able to answer “What do you stand for?” [27:05] Profitability and overcoming the fear of numbers [24:57] Transparent recruiting and a training blueprint Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast: Reserve your tickets for RoofCon here (https://roofcon.com/) (October 23 - 25, 2024) Make It Count: Ensuring When Life Expires Your Legacy Lives On (https://www.amazon.com/Make-Count-Ensuring-Expires-Legacy/dp/1954759770) by Hunter Ballew Click Funnels (https://www.clickfunnels.com/) 16Personalities (https://www.16personalities.com/) Krutr (https://krutr.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.
49min | Published on October 1, 2024


Jeff Plant (https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-plant-2a145035/) has built a successful career across different facets of the trades while working his way up to key managerial positions. It was here where he realized an untapped potential and opportunity to equip leaders and their teams with the necessary skills needed to grow. Identifying this opportunity motivated Jeff to get into coaching to help businesses implement procedures to build empowered teams. The team leader and trainer at Business Development Resources (https://www.bdrco.com/) (BDR) stops by to talk about his professional journey, how he got into coaching, and shares some of the key components that leaders and their teams need to succeed. Join us as we discuss: [08:15] The five levels of successful leadership [13:05] Giving teams permission to make mistakes [22:54] The eight core connectors Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast: Business Development Resources (https://www.bdrco.com/) ServiceTitan (https://www.servicetitan.com/?utm_campaign=toolboxforthetrades&utm_source=shownotes&utm_medium=podcast&utm_content=e194) 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.
41min | Published on September 24, 2024


Nathan Shafer (https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathan-shafer-04b763176/) reached a point in his professional journey years ago where he knew that change was needed in order to grow. This change had to come through implementing new systems and processes and building up a team to help scale the business effectively. He also had to get out of the business to work on it, and this motivated him to go down the business coaching path. The owner of Shafer Heating and Cooling (https://www.shaferhvac.us/) stops by to talk about how the barriers he had to overcome to grow his business, what new skills he had to master, and some of the core lessons he imparts to his coaching clients. Join us as we discuss: [04:03] When Nathan hit a breaking point and what he did to change things [07:36] Barriers that Nathan had to overcome to make changes [18:13] Core lessons that Nathan imparts to coaching clients Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast: Shafer Heating and Cooling (https://www.shaferhvac.us/) Phenomenal Business Coaching by Howard Partridge (https://howardpartridge.com/phenomenal-business-coaching/) ServiceTitan (https://www.servicetitan.com/?utm_campaign=toolboxforthetrades&utm_source=shownotes&utm_medium=podcast&utm_content=e193) 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.
35min | Published on September 17, 2024


When it comes to building a legacy brand in the trades, Tucker Yarbrough (https://www.linkedin.com/in/tucker-yarbrough-841179120/) truly believes that success comes through steady and consistent growth. This growth is achieved through the trust and collaboration between team members and the community built around the business. In his role, he endeavors to take the family business to new levels of growth, to experiment with new ways of building awareness in the market, and to get the team involved in scaling the business. The CFO at Yarbrough & Sons (https://yarbroughandsons.com/) stops by to talk about how they kickstarted their marketing through social media, how they share success with the team, and how they implement what they learn to ensure consistent growth. Join us as we discuss: [11:06] How Yarbrough & Sons kickstarted their marketing on social media [21:14] How success is shared with the rest of the team [28:21] How Tucker and family implement what they learned to ensure consistent growth Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast: Yarbrough & Sons (https://yarbroughandsons.com/) Blue Collar Broughs Podcast (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3AfTvmoiyp6kdWC9B_hP3A) ServiceTitan (https://www.servicetitan.com/?utm_campaign=toolboxforthetrades&utm_source=shownotes&utm_medium=podcast&utm_content=e192) 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.
45min | Published on September 10, 2024


Zack Kays (https://www.linkedin.com/in/zachary-kays-a1a7a165/) has a wealth of technical knowledge that enabled him to improve internal systems and processes within his organization. He also has extensive customer service experience, which allowed him to excel in his other role as an emergency call dispatcher. In this role, he must ensure that the relationship between the client and the technicians is seamless and that everything is treated with a sense of urgency. For things to run smoothly, open communication and crisis management skills are paramount. As the Software Administrator at Intelligent Design Air Conditioning, Plumbing, Solar, & Electric (https://idesignac.com/), Zack and his team deliver professional home services to homeowners in the Tucson area. He stops by to talk about how to prepare dispatchers for emergency calls, how he supports technicians, and why he feels it’s important to treat them like clients. Join us as we discuss: [8:22] Maintaining the technician and on-call dispatcher relationship [17:53] Preparing CSRs and dispatchers for emergency calls [24:47] Why techs should be treated like clients Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast: Intelligent Design Air Conditioning, Plumbing, Solar, & Electric (https://idesignac.com/) Mastering ServiceTitan (https://www.servicetitan.com/podcasts/mastering-servicetitan?utm_campaign=toolboxforthetrades&utm_source=shownotes&utm_medium=podcast&utm_content=e191) ServiceTitan (https://www.servicetitan.com/?utm_campaign=toolboxforthetrades&utm_source=shownotes&utm_medium=podcast&utm_content=e191) 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.
36min | Published on September 3, 2024


Lydia Brewster (https://www.linkedin.com/in/lydia-brewster-79728b146/) works in her family business, but she’ll also be the first one to tell you that they don’t operate as a family, but rather as a team. This mindset has served her well and motivated her to come up with some unconventional yet extremely effective strategies for hiring and retaining some of the top technicians in the country. Her success lies in her very pragmatic and “no nonsense” approach to vetting qualified candidates and her unwavering commitment to help her team to continuously improve their skills through regular training. As the General Manager at Aqua Clear Water Systems (https://aquaclearws.com/), Lydia and her team work hard to deliver fresh, clean water to homeowners in Tennessee. She stops by to chat with us about her professional experience and how she interviews and onboards candidates for her company. Join us as we discuss: [4:56] The challenges of hiring the right people [8:40] Lydia’s successful interview process [29:04] The importance of having a good training and onboarding process Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast: Aqua Clear Water Systems (https://aquaclearws.com/) ServiceTitan (https://www.servicetitan.com/?utm_campaign=toolboxforthetrades&utm_source=shownotes&utm_medium=podcast&utm_content=e190) 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.
46min | Published on August 27, 2024


Customer satisfaction is typically a top priority for inbound service calls, but what about after the technician has left the premises? Chelle Allen (https://www.linkedin.com/in/chelleallen/), the owner of iconnectu (https://iconnectu.info/), joins us to discuss the concept of “happy calls” — customer experience follow-ups made after a service is performed. Chelle explains how these calls not only offer gratitude but also collect valuable feedback to improve services. Tune in to hear how happy calls help identify minor issues like technician behavior, create opportunities for additional sales, and strengthen customer loyalty. Join us as we discuss: [3:33] The importance of following up on the little things [10:50] Following miscommunication crumbs [19:17] Eliminating in-house bias by outsourcing calls [29:21] Using “happy calls” for cross-promotional sales Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast: ServiceTitan Thank You Report Guide (https://help.servicetitan.com/how-to/thank-you) 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.
43min | Published on August 20, 2024


CSRs are the frontline employees of most home service businesses. That’s why Ralph Johnson (https://www.linkedin.com/in/ralph-johnson-8900a058/), VP of Client Solutions at CallPoint (https://callpointusa.com/), believes that owner-operators should make a concerted effort to give them the tools they need to succeed. You’re already spending marketing dollars to bring in calls — shouldn’t you equip and train your people to handle them? Tune in as Ralph shares his thoughts on must-need tech in modern call centers, why you should incentivize your CSRs, and how to scale your CSR team with company growth. Join us as we discuss: [8:00] Implementing new tech for inbound calls [12:33] Training, tracking, and incentivizing CSRs [22:07] Scaling your call center with your company [27:28] Telltale signs of an underperforming call center Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast: ServiceTitan Phones Pro (https://www.servicetitan.com/features/pro/phones?utm_campaign=toolboxforthetrades&utm_source=shownotes&utm_medium=podcast&utm_content=e188) 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.
38min | Published on August 13, 2024


In this episode of Toolbox for the Trades, we speak with Darrell Whiteaker (https://www.linkedin.com/in/darrell-whiteaker/) and Lindsay Ramsey, the dynamic founders of Inception Plumbing (https://inceptionplumbing.com/) in Kansas City, Missouri.Together, the couple explore the transformative journey of shifting from a reactive to a proactive business strategy and the power of crafting a "Vivid Vision" for their company’s future.Tune in to discover valuable insights on organizing your thoughts, setting clear objectives, and striking the perfect balance between managing daily operations and pursuing long-term visionary goals.Join us as we discuss:[10:40] The concept of “Vivid Vision”[26:43] Balancing day-to-day operations with a long-term vision[33:51] Challenges and dynamics of running a business as a coupleCheck out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:Inception Plumbing’s Vivid Vision (https://inceptionplumbing.com/vivid-vision/)The E-Myth (https://www.amazon.com/Myth-Revisited-Small-Businesses-About/dp/0887307280/) by Michael E. GerberVivid Vision (https://www.amazon.com/Vivid-Vision-Remarkable-Aligning-Business/dp/1544508123/) by Cameron Herold The Infinite Game (https://www.amazon.com/Infinite-Game-Simon-Sinek/dp/0241385636) by Simon SinekFix This Next (https://www.amazon.com/Fix-This-Next-Change-Business/dp/0593084411/) by Mike MichalowiczEOS rocks (https://www.eosworldwide.com/blog/tips-writing-smart-rocks)Audible (https://www.audible.com/)The Second in Command (https://www.amazon.com/Second-Command-Unleash-Power-Your/dp/1544537603/) by Cameron HeroldGet a Grip (https://www.amazon.com/Get-Grip-Everything-Entrepreneurial-Business/dp/1939529824) by Mike Paton and Gino WickmanYou 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.
44min | Published on August 6, 2024