Owned and Operated - A Plumbing, Electrical, and HVAC Growth Podcast

In this episode of 'Owned and Operated', hosts John Wilson and Jack Carr dive into the critical topic of developing leadership within home service businesses. Sharing insights from their experiences in residential plumbing, HVAC, and electric services, they discuss the importance of evolving as a leader to meet the needs of a growing business. They highlight the challenges of instilling core values and accountability throughout the organizational structure, from executives to lower-level managers. The episode emphasizes the significance of peer groups and mentorship for both technical and emotional support in the business journey. Additionally, they talk about their newsletter 'Weekly Insights' and the engagement in their newly launched Facebook group aimed at connecting home service entrepreneurs. CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction to Owned and Operated 00:30 Weekly Insights Newsletter Promo 01:27 Developing Leadership in Home Service Businesses 02:55 Challenges of Rapid Business Growth and Leadership 04:23 The Importance of Accountability in Leadership 05:34 Promotional Offer from Service Scalers 06:00 Deep Dive into Leadership and Accountability 21:27 The Emotional and Mental Aspects of Running a Business 25:58 Closing Thoughts and Invitation to Engage Episode Host: 🎤 John Wilson: @WilsonCompanies on Twitter Jack Carr: @TheHVACJack on Twitter Special thanks to our sponsor: Service Scalers: 📈 Looking to scale your home service business? Service Scalers is a digital marketing agency that drives success in PPC and LSA. Discover more growth strategies by visiting Service Scalers: https://www.servicescalers.com/ Check out Owned and Operated Weekly Insights: a newsletter that’s jam-packed with actionable growth strategies to level up your home service business. Subscribe Here: http://tinyurl.com/ownedopnews Don't forget to subscribe! 🙏 Youtube: @OwnedandOperatedPodcast X: @ownedoperatedco SPOTIFY: https://open.spotify.com/show/10mwKIq35xzVz5qHcju3Kb?si=a2eb1f177053402d&nd=1 APPLE PODCAST: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/owned-and-operated/id1560999545 www.ownedandoperated.com Contact us: info@ownedandoperated.com

In this episode of Owned and Operated, John and Jack explores the intricacies of running a home service business, focusing particularly on residential plumbing, HVAC, and electric services. The episode kicks off with a nod to Service Scalers for their exemplary assistance in managing digital advertising for home service companies. The discussion delves into the challenges and triumphs faced by entrepreneurs in the home service industry, highlighting the importance of adapting business strategies to different platforms, like LinkedIn, for growth and engagement. A significant portion of the episode is devoted to an in-depth discussion on the use of scorecards - a tool for evaluating employee performance based on key success metrics. The dialogue covers the implementation, benefits, and potential pitfalls of scorecarding, emphasizing its role in fostering accountability and improvement within teams. This practical conversation is aimed at offering insights and strategies to other home service business owners looking to optimize their operations and steer their businesses towards greater success. 🎥🎥🎥 00:00 Introduction to Owned and Operated 00:26 Sponsor Spotlight: Service Scalers 01:02 Casual Conversations and Business Updates 01:54 Exploring LinkedIn for Business Growth 03:03 Navigating Business Challenges and Successes 04:45 Deep Dive into Scorecards for Business Management 09:33 Exploring the Impact of Seasonality on Business Metrics 13:34 The Art of Scorecarding in Business 19:02 Closing Thoughts and Workshop Announcement 19:44 Farewell and Podcast Outro Episode Host: 🎤 John Wilson: @WilsonCompanies on Twitter Jack Carr: @TheHVACJack on Twitter Special thanks to our sponsor: Service Scalers: 📈 Looking to scale your home service business? Service Scalers is a digital marketing agency that drives success in PPC and LSA. Discover more growth strategies by visiting Service Scalers: https://www.servicescalers.com/ Check out Owned and Operated Weekly Insights: a newsletter that’s jam-packed with actionable growth strategies to level up your home service business. Subscribe Here: http://tinyurl.com/ownedopnews Don't forget to subscribe! 🙏 Youtube: @OwnedandOperatedPodcast X: @ownedoperatedco SPOTIFY: https://open.spotify.com/show/10mwKIq35xzVz5qHcju3Kb?si=a2eb1f177053402d&nd=1 APPLE PODCAST: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/owned-and-operated/id1560999545 www.ownedandoperated.com Contact us: info@ownedandoperated.com

In this episode of Owned and Operated, John and Jack explore the intricacies of running a home service business, focusing particularly on residential plumbing, HVAC, and electric services. The episode kicks off with a nod to Service Scalers for their exemplary assistance in managing digital advertising for home service companies. The discussion delves into the challenges and triumphs faced by entrepreneurs in the home service industry, highlighting the importance of adapting business strategies to different platforms, like LinkedIn, for growth and engagement. A significant portion of the episode is devoted to an in-depth discussion on the use of scorecards - a tool for evaluating employee performance based on key success metrics. Do you want to grow or start your plumbing, HVAC, or electrical business like these podcast pros? Then take your business tips and advice from the best and learn today what being 'Owned and Operated' is all about! 00:00 Introduction to Owned and Operated 00:26 Sponsor Spotlight: Service Scalers 01:02 Casual Conversations and Business Updates 01:54 Exploring LinkedIn for Business Growth 03:03 Navigating Business Challenges and Successes 04:45 Deep Dive into Scorecards for Business Management 09:33 Exploring the Impact of Seasonality on Business Metrics 13:34 The Art of Scorecarding in Business 19:02 Closing Thoughts and Workshop Announcement 19:44 Farewell and Podcast Outro Episode Hosts: John Wilson: @WilsonCompanies on Twitter Jack Carr: @thehvacjack on Twitter Special thanks to our sponsor: Service Scalers: Looking to scale your home service business? Service Scalers is a digital marketing agency that drives success in PPC and LSA. Discover more growth strategies by visiting Service Scalers: https://www.servicescalers.com/ Check out Owned and Operated Weekly Insights: a newsletter that’s jam-packed with actionable growth strategies to level up your home service business. Subscribe Here: http://tinyurl.com/ownedopnews Don't forget to subscribe! Youtube: @OwnedandOperatedPodcast X: @ownedoperatedco SPOTIFY: https://open.spotify.com/show/10mwKIq35xzVz5qHcju3Kb?si=a2eb1f177053402d&nd=1 APPLE PODCAST: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/owned-and-operated/id1560999545 www.ownedandoperated.com Contact us: info@ownedandoperated.com

Today on the Owned and Operated podcast, the boys interview entrepreneur Johannes Hock, the Owner of an artificial turf company who lives in Austin, Texas. They discuss Johannes's background, how he got into the turf industry, the business model of turf companies, expansion plans, challenges of scaling, and the factors influencing the choice of new locations. If you’re looking to learn more about the world of self-funded search and small business acquisitions then your favorite electrical, HVAC, and plumbing growth podcast has exactly what you need. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Owned and Operated 00:34 AD - Transforming PPC Despair into Success 01:08 Deep Dive with Johannes Haack: From Track to Turf 02:54 Choosing Artificial Turf in Home Services 05:33 Exploring the Business Model of Turf Installation 07:57 Marketing Strategies and Customer Acquisition in Turf Industry 12:03 Scaling Up: Processes and Expansion Strategies 15:33 Vision for the Future: Aiming for a National Brand 19:11 The Operational Blueprint: Systems, Processes, and People 26:52 Expansion Strategy and Market Selection 30:40 Final Thoughts and Where to Find Johannes Episode Host: Jack Carr: @thehvacjack on Twitter Guest Johannes Hock: @HockJohannes on Twitter Special thanks to our sponsor: Service Scalers: Looking to scale your home service business? Service Scalers is a digital marketing agency that drives success in PPC and LSA. Discover more growth strategies by visiting Service Scalers: https://www.servicescalers.com/ Check out Owned and Operated Weekly Insights: a newsletter that’s jam-packed with actionable growth strategies to level up your home service business. Subscribe Here: http://tinyurl.com/ownedopnews Don't forget to subscribe! Youtube: @OwnedandOperatedPodcast X: @ownedoperatedco SPOTIFY: https://open.spotify.com/show/10mwKIq35xzVz5qHcju3Kb?si=a2eb1f177053402d&nd=1 APPLE PODCAST: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/owned-and-operated/id1560999545 www.ownedandoperated.com Contact us: info@ownedandoperated.com

In this episode, John and Jack discuss their strategies for enhancing customer satisfaction through the implementation of the Net Promoter Score (NPS) system. They detail the comprehensive process of gathering feedback across every customer touchpoint, from marketing to accounting, aiming to turn customers into promoters. They also cover the practical changes they’ve implemented in their business, such as improving call center operations and post-service cleaning protocols, to ensure a remarkable customer experience. Episode Hosts: John Wilson: @WilsonCompaniesJack Carr: @thehvacjack Special thanks to our sponsor: Service Scalers: Looking to scale your home service business? Service Scalers is a digital marketing agency that drives success in PPC and LSA. Discover more growth strategies by visiting Service Scalers. Check out Owned and Operated Weekly Insights: a newsletter where John discusses topics ranging from recruiting and marketing to the growth of your home service business. Subscribe to the newsletter here. Contact us: Youtube: @OwnedandOperatedPodcast X: @ownedoperatedco www.ownedandoperated.com info@ownedandoperated.com

Join John and Jack as they delve into the topic of business fraud within small companies, focusing on home service industries. Discover how to identify and prevent fraud in this insightful podcast episode. Learn from John's firsthand encounters with external and internal fraud attempts, such as a shocking incident involving attempted blackmail via Google reviews. Jack also shares his experiences, including subcontractor misconduct and service theft. Gain valuable insights and practical strategies to protect your business from fraud. Tune in to the top HVAC, plumbing, and electrical growth podcast for essential tips on safeguarding your small business against potential threats. Episode Hosts: John Wilson: @WilsonCompaniesJack Carr: @thehvacjack Special thanks to our sponsor: Service Scalers: Looking to scale your home service business? Service Scalers is a digital marketing agency that drives success in PPC and LSA. Discover more growth strategies by visiting Service Scalers. Check out Owned and Operated Weekly Insights: a newsletter where John discusses topics ranging from recruiting and marketing to the growth of your home service business. Subscribe to the newsletter here. Contact us: Youtube: @OwnedandOperatedPodcast X: @ownedoperatedco www.ownedandoperated.com info@ownedandoperated.com

John and Jack highlight the importance and benefits of focusing on just one main service in a home service business to boost growth and success. John points to Leaf Filter as a standout example of a company that thrived by focusing exclusively on a specific service, implying that adopting a similar model of specialization and distribution could greatly benefit their business. Throughout their conversation, they contemplate how simplification could potentially accelerate their progress toward achieving significant revenue goals. Episode Hosts: John Wilson: @WilsonCompaniesJack Carr: @thehvacjack Special thanks to our sponsor: Service Scalers: Looking to scale your home service business? Service Scalers is a digital marketing agency that drives success in PPC and LSA. Discover more growth strategies by visiting Service Scalers. Check out Owned and Operated Weekly Insights: a newsletter where John discusses topics ranging from recruiting and marketing to the growth of your home service business. Subscribe to the newsletter here. Contact us: Youtube: @OwnedandOperatedPodcast X: @ownedoperatedco www.ownedandoperated.com info@ownedandoperated.com

In this episode, John and Jack discuss the merits of buying versus building a business from their new studios. They emphasize the importance of reinvesting in the business rather than prioritizing personal expenses, and how such decisions impact growth and stability. They also explore the differing skill sets required for each approach and examine the concept of 'personal drag,' illustrating how personal lifestyle demands can affect business growth and strategy. Episode Hosts: John Wilson: @WilsonCompaniesJack Carr: @thehvacjack Special thanks to our sponsor: Service Scalers: Looking to scale your home service business? Service Scalers is a digital marketing agency that drives success in PPC and LSA. Discover more growth strategies by visiting Service Scalers. Check out Owned and Operated Weekly Insights: a newsletter where John discusses topics ranging from recruiting and marketing to the growth of your home service business. Subscribe to the newsletter here. Contact us: Youtube: @OwnedandOperatedPodcast X: @ownedoperatedco www.ownedandoperated.com info@ownedandoperated.com

John and Jack share their top three business mistakes, emphasizing lessons learned from these expensive errors. John highlights missteps like adopting a cost-saving-first philosophy by relocating the entire call center operations to the Philippines, expanding to multiple locations prematurely, and appointing the wrong person for crucial accounting roles. Meanwhile, Jack discusses his mistakes, including inadequate due diligence in acquisitions, underestimating the value of customer lists, and flaws in hiring practices. Both hosts explore how these mistakes, often driven by short-term cost-saving measures, resulted in significant financial losses and operational challenges. Join the Owned and Operated podcast for the best in electrical, plumbing, and HVAC growth information! Episode Hosts: John Wilson: @WilsonCompaniesJack Carr: @thehvacjack Special thanks to our sponsor: Service Scalers: Looking to scale your home service business? Service Scalers is a digital marketing agency that drives success in PPC and LSA. Discover more growth strategies by visiting Service Scalers. Check out Owned and Operated Weekly Insights: a newsletter where John discusses topics ranging from recruiting and marketing to the growth of your home service business. Subscribe to the newsletter here. Contact us: Youtube: @OwnedandOperatedPodcast X: @ownedoperatedco www.ownedandoperated.com info@ownedandoperated.com

John and Jack engage in an in-depth conversation about scaling home service businesses, aiming for the $100 million goal. They discuss the importance of strategic hires, transitioning from generalists to specialists and experts, and the impact of proper staffing on business growth. They also share their experiences with a workshop they hosted, sharing success stories, and the challenges they face, including maintaining revenue during tough quarters, the significance of cultural fits in hiring, and long-term goals for their businesses. Episode Hosts: John Wilson: @WilsonCompaniesJack Carr: @thehvacjack Special thanks to our sponsor: Service Scalers: Looking to scale your home service business? Service Scalers is a digital marketing agency that drives success in PPC and LSA. Discover more growth strategies by visiting Service Scalers. Check out Owned and Operated Weekly Insights: a newsletter where John discusses topics ranging from recruiting and marketing to the growth of your home service business. Subscribe to the newsletter here. Contact us: Youtube: @OwnedandOperatedPodcast X: @ownedoperatedco www.ownedandoperated.com info@ownedandoperated.com

In this re-kick episode, Cassie Niekamp recounts her transition from the startup world to purchasing and running Bowden Fence Company. Cassie discusses the growth of the company, including revenue details, employee expansion, and system improvements. With a strong background in sales and recruiting for startups, Cassie provides valuable perspectives on business acquisition, scaling strategies, and effective management practices. Episode Host: John Wilson: @WilsonCompaniesEpisode Guest: Cassi Niekamp: @cassiniekamp Special thanks to our sponsor: Service Scalers: Looking to scale your home service business? Service Scalers is a digital marketing agency that drives success in PPC and LSA. Discover more growth strategies by visiting Service Scalers. Check out Owned and Operated Weekly Insights: a newsletter where John discusses topics ranging from recruiting and marketing to the growth of your home service business. Subscribe to the newsletter here. Contact us: Youtube: @OwnedandOperatedPodcast X: @ownedoperatedco www.ownedandoperated.com info@ownedandoperated.com

In this re-kick episode, we revisit a timeless conversation with entrepreneur Rich Jordan who has impressively scaled Garon T Pumbing from $800,000 to a projected $17 million in revenue over three years. Starting with no industry experience, Rich's military background as a Marine infantry officer played a significant role in his success. This episode covers Rich's initial plunge into the business world through real estate before purchasing Garon T Plumbing in New Jersey. Rich shares the operational challenges he faced, such as scaling the team, systematizing operations, dealing with parking logistics, and the nuances of purchasing and growing a small business. Episode Host: John Wilson: @WilsonCompaniesBrandon Niro: @BrandonNiroEpisode Guest: Rich Jordan: @StrongpointRich Special thanks to our sponsor: Service Scalers: Looking to scale your home service business? Service Scalers is a digital marketing agency that drives success in PPC and LSA. Discover more growth strategies by visiting Service Scalers. Check out Owned and Operated Weekly Insights: a newsletter where John discusses topics ranging from recruiting and marketing to the growth of your home service business. Subscribe to the newsletter here. Contact us: Youtube: @OwnedandOperatedPodcast X: @ownedoperatedco www.ownedandoperated.com info@ownedandoperated.com

John and Jack explore the strategies fueling success in sales and warehouse management in this episode. They emphasize the role of sales folders in informing customers effectively and facilitating sales, as well as the concept of "Packout Kits” for enhancing job efficiency and speeding up installations. Moreover, John stresses the importance of selecting the right vendors and building strong relationships with them, and how this can affect business growth and service quality. Don't forget to watch John's warehouse video walkthrough here to get a visual glimpse of its operations. Episode Hosts: John Wilson: @WilsonCompaniesJack Carr: @thehvacjack Special thanks to our sponsor: Service Scalers: Looking to scale your home service business? Service Scalers is a digital marketing agency that drives success in PPC and LSA. Discover more growth strategies by visiting Service Scalers. Check out Owned and Operated Weekly Insights: a newsletter where John discusses topics ranging from recruiting and marketing to the growth of your home service business. Subscribe to the newsletter here. Contact us: Youtube: @OwnedandOperatedPodcast X: @ownedoperatedco www.ownedandoperated.com info@ownedandoperated.com

Expanding a business can be both exciting and challenging, with new opportunities and complexities to consider. In this episode, John and Jack explored the nuances of blending two businesses together and the key strategies involved in managing the transition effectively. Jack also discusses his recent plumbing business acquisition, detailing his initial successes and challenges within just one week. They explore the complexities of integrating purchase order systems and optimizing QuickBooks to manage income and expenses efficiently as Jack introduces new departments. Furthermore, they tackle the practical strategies for overseeing departmental finances, stressing the importance of simplicity in bookkeeping and operations. Episode Hosts: John Wilson: @WilsonCompaniesJack Carr: @thehvacjack Special thanks to our sponsor: Service Scalers: Looking to scale your home service business? Service Scalers is a digital marketing agency that drives success in PPC and LSA. Discover more growth strategies by visiting Service Scalers. Check out Owned and Operated Weekly Insights: a newsletter where John discusses topics ranging from recruiting and marketing to the growth of your home service business. Subscribe to the newsletter here. Contact us: Youtube: @OwnedandOperatedPodcast X: @ownedoperatedco www.ownedandoperated.com info@ownedandoperated.com

In this episode, John and Jack interview Neel Parekh, the founder of MaidThis Franchise, a remote cleaning business. Neel shares his journey from leaving a 9-to-5 job in private equity to starting a cleaning company after being inspired by a Reddit post. With a passion for travel, Neel optimized his business for remote operations, allowing him to explore 50 countries over seven years. MaidThis Franchise has now expanded into the first and only Airbnb cleaning franchise, with about 23 locations across the U.S. Discover more about Neel by tuning in to his podcast, The Freedom Formula. On the show, he engages in conversations with individuals who have achieved Time, Location, or Financial Freedom, exploring their stories in depth. Episode Hosts: John Wilson: @WilsonCompaniesJack Carr: @thehvacjack Episode Guest: Neel Parekh: @NeelBParekh Special thanks to our sponsor: Service Scalers: Looking to scale your home service business? Service Scalers is a digital marketing agency that drives success in PPC and LSA. Discover more growth strategies by visiting Service Scalers. Check out Owned and Operated Weekly Insights: a newsletter where John discusses topics ranging from recruiting and marketing to the growth of your home service business. Subscribe to the newsletter here. Contact us: Youtube: @OwnedandOperatedPodcast X: @ownedoperatedco www.ownedandoperated.com info@ownedandoperated.com

In this episode, John and Jack address the marketing challenges faced by home service businesses. John shares insights from a marketing planning workshop, emphasizing a common issue businesses encounter: reaching spending limits on demand channels such as LSA (Local Services Ads), regardless of their size. Jack also expresses his excitement about a recent plumbing deal, detailing the integration and communication strategies needed for merging businesses. Episode Hosts: John Wilson: @WilsonCompaniesJack Carr: @thehvacjack Special thanks to our sponsor: Service Scalers: Looking to scale your home service business? Service Scalers is a digital marketing agency that drives success in PPC and LSA. Discover more growth strategies by visiting Service Scalers. Check out Owned and Operated Weekly Insights: a newsletter where John discusses topics ranging from recruiting and marketing to the growth of your home service business. Subscribe to the newsletter here. Contact us: Youtube: @OwnedandOperatedPodcast X: @ownedoperatedco www.ownedandoperated.com info@ownedandoperated.com

In the competitive world of home service businesses, it can often feel daunting for smaller companies to go up against industry giants with massive budgets and resources. But in this episode, John and Jack share that there are strategic approaches that small businesses can take to not only compete but thrive in the market. By embracing community engagement and employing creative marketing strategies like guerrilla marketing, small home service businesses have the chance to compete against industry giants and stand out. Episode Hosts: John Wilson: @WilsonCompaniesJack Carr: @thehvacjack Special thanks to our sponsor: Service Scalers: Looking to scale your home service business? Service Scalers is a digital marketing agency that drives success in PPC and LSA. Discover more growth strategies by visiting Service Scalers. Check out Owned and Operated Weekly Insights: a newsletter where John discusses topics ranging from recruiting and marketing to the growth of your home service business. Subscribe to the newsletter here. Contact us: Youtube: @OwnedandOperatedPodcast X: @ownedoperatedco www.ownedandoperated.com info@ownedandoperated.com

John and Jack outline their ideal businesses. John is interested in asset-heavy ventures like HVAC, electric, landscaping, tree removal, and driveway replacements, while Jack favors commercial endeavors such as bank equipment maintenance, telephone pole replacement, animal removal, and hydroelectric plants. Episode Hosts: John Wilson: @WilsonCompaniesJack Carr: @thehvacjack Special thanks to our sponsor: Service Scalers: Looking to scale your home service business? Service Scalers is a digital marketing agency that drives success in PPC and LSA. Discover more growth strategies by visiting Service Scalers. Check out Owned and Operated Weekly Insights: a newsletter where John discusses topics ranging from recruiting and marketing to the growth of your home service business. Subscribe to the newsletter here. Contact us: Youtube: @OwnedandOperatedPodcast X: @ownedoperatedco www.ownedandoperated.com info@ownedandoperated.com

In this episode, John and Jack exchange views on integrating Artificial Intelligence into their home service business. John elaborates on their utilization of AI for various tasks such as data analysis, marketing, communication, and improving written estimates for customers. They both share experiences with AI, emphasizing its role as an enhancer rather than a complete solution. Episode Hosts: John Wilson: @WilsonCompaniesJack Carr: @thehvacjack Special thanks to our sponsor: Service Scalers: Looking to scale your home service business? Service Scalers is a digital marketing agency that drives success in PPC and LSA. Discover more growth strategies by visiting Service Scalers. Check out Owned and Operated Weekly Insights: a newsletter where John discusses topics ranging from recruiting and marketing to the growth of your home service business. Subscribe to the newsletter here. Contact us: Youtube: @OwnedandOperatedPodcast X: @ownedoperatedco www.ownedandoperated.com info@ownedandoperated.com

Today, John and Jack are diving into the crucial role communication plays as businesses grow. They're sharing practical strategies to boost team collaboration and alignment, covering everything from one-on-one meetings to huddles, L10s, and skip-level meetings. John stresses the ongoing challenge of sharpening communication within his team, highlighting its pivotal role in the year ahead. Together, they're dishing out valuable insights on how to foster effective communication and build a strong organizational culture. Episode Hosts: John Wilson: @WilsonCompaniesJack Carr: @thehvacjack Special thanks to our sponsor: Service Scalers: Looking to scale your home service business? Service Scalers is a digital marketing agency that drives success in PPC and LSA. Discover more growth strategies by visiting Service Scalers. Check out Owned and Operated Weekly Insights: a newsletter where John discusses topics ranging from recruiting and marketing to the growth of your home service business. Subscribe to the newsletter here. Contact us: Youtube: @OwnedandOperatedPodcast X: @ownedoperatedco www.ownedandoperated.com info@ownedandoperated.com