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

Latest Episodes:

#226 HVAC Owner Makes $4M/Month (Here’s How) Jul 22, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of Owned and Operated, John sits down with Brian from TR Miller to unpack how they’ve built an HVAC powerhouse generating over $4 million in monthly revenue—and the operational systems that keep it humming.

From tackling seasonality and streamlining dispatch, to building out plumbing, sewer, and electrical services—this isn’t just a story of growth. It’s a playbook. Brian shares the lessons learned from scaling, the hiring and retention strategies that keep their field team strong, and how they’ve shaped technician career paths that drive loyalty and performance.

Whether you're running a $1M shop or breaking into the eight-figure range, this episode is loaded with practical insights to level up your operations, sales strategy, and team management.

🔹 In This Episode, We Cover:

How TR Miller scaled to $4M/month across HVAC, plumbing, and electrical
Managing seasonality and staying profitable year-round
The real power of membership plans and recurring revenue
Optimizing technician dispatching and scheduling during high demand
Sales models that boost conversion rates and customer satisfaction
Retention strategies and career ladders for field professionals
Strategic hiring to build a growth-ready service team

🎧 More Episodes + Resources

👤 Hosted by:
John Wilson – https://x.com/wilsoncompanies
🎙️ Guest :
Brian Sloan, TR Miller - https://www.linkedin.com/in/bsloan25/

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John Wilson, CEO of Wilson Companies
Jack Carr, CEO of Rapid HVAC
📌 Disclaimer: Some links may include UTM parameters or affiliate relationships, meaning we may earn a commission if you make a purchase. Episodes may feature sponsors, but all opinions expressed are our own.

BONUS EPISODE - Where is JackQuisitions?? Jul 18, 2025

Show notes

🎉 Bonus drop!

Jack’s got something new cooking—JackQuisitions is live.

If you’re into business buying, deep dives, and Jack’s take on the acquisition world, head over to the new channel now to listen and watch.

👉 JackQuisitions Youtube

👉 JackQuisitions Spotify

👉 JackQuisitions Apple Music

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#224 Top Cash Flow Mistakes in Home Services and How to Fix Them Jul 17, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of Owned and Operated, John and Jack break down the most underrated—and often misunderstood—pillar of business success: cash flow.

They dive deep into what cash flow actually means (hint: it’s not EBITDA or net profit) and why failing to understand it almost tanked their companies. From sharing near-miss horror stories to the practical systems they've built—like automatic savings transfers and cash forecasting—this episode is a must-watch for any operator who wants to build a sustainable, growth-ready business.

Whether you're just starting out or scaling past $10M, John and Jack unpack how better cash flow habits can protect your company from financial landmines and unlock new levels of financial control.

🔹 In This Episode, We Cover:
The real difference between cash flow and profit
Why strong EBITDA doesn’t mean you’re in the clear
How bad cash habits nearly killed the business
Tactical tips for cash flow forecasting and savings
Best practices for managing debt and capital expenditures
The role of a controller in small business finance
Timing large financial decisions to avoid cash crunches
Creating team alignment around cash discipline

🎧 Listen to more episodes & resources:
👉 https://www.ownedandoperated.com

👤 Hosted by:
John Wilson – https://x.com/wilsoncompanies
Jack Carr – https://x.com/thehvacjack

💼 Special Thanks to Service Scalers!

We’ve been partnering with Service Scalers to maximize our Local Service Ads (LSAs) and optimize our Google My Business profiles, and the results have been incredible. With hundreds of thousands in sales and 900+ calls in a single week, GMBs are now our top-performing organic lead channel.

Want to learn how Service Scalers can do the same for you?

🔗Check Them Out Here

🚀 Huge Shoutout to SupplyHouse!

When it comes to fast turnaround times, SupplyHouse has our back! With 250,000+ SKUs covering plumbing, HVAC, and electrical, they make sure we get the right materials—fast and hassle-free.

💡Their Trademaster program offers free shipping, returns, and discounts, all with no membership fee. Use promo code SH5 for five percent off your first order— Code is valid through 9/30/2025.

🔗 Check them out & level up your supply game here

🚀 Check Out Our Newsletter
We break down how 7- and 8-figure home service businesses scale, hire, and grow. No fluff—just real insights from real operators.

Find it Here

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#223 Can These WEIRD Ideas Turn Into Million-Dollar Businesses? Jul 15, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of Owned and Operated, John and Jack explore the wild and unconventional world of lifestyle businesses—where personal passion meets profit.

From running an online Magic: The Gathering store to launching a ski wax brand, buying a marina, or even farming ants and mushrooms, the duo dives into how niche interests can evolve into sustainable, revenue-generating ventures. They discuss the lifestyle advantages of owning passion-driven businesses, the economics of niche markets, and how to balance multiple income streams while having fun doing it.

Whether you're curious about collectibles, concierge services, or the idea of turning hobbies into scalable side hustles, this episode is packed with insight, laughter, and unexpected ideas.

🔹 In This Episode, We Cover:

Building a business around Magic: The Gathering
Running a niche eCommerce store
Monetizing hobbies like ant farming and mushroom cultivation
Exploring the economics of ski wax and seasonal products
What it takes to own and operate a marina
Concierge services for high-end travel
Revisiting Bitcoin mining and its business model
How to align business with your lifestyle goals

🎧 Listen to more episodes & resources:
👉 Owned and Operated

👤 Hosted by:
John Wilson – https://x.com/wilsoncompanies
Jack Carr – https://x.com/thehvacjack

💼 Sponsored by Volca
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👉 Get 10% off all contracts—exclusive for Owned and Operated listeners.
📅 Book a time with the team

💼 Shoutout to Avoca AI!

Looking to train your call center and improve technician performance? Avoca AI helps teams identify issues, improve call quality, and drive results from start to finish.

🔗 Schedule a demo here

💸 Sponsored by CFO Made Easy

Built a strong trades business? Let’s take it to $10M and beyond. CFO Made Easy offers part-time CFO services for home and trade service businesses—helping you boost cash flow, maximize profit per tech, and make clear growth decisions.

📈 Free Offer: Book a 45-min Financial Insight Session to uncover growth blockers.

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#222 Leaving Finance to Build a Legacy in HVAC Jul 11, 2025

Show notes

Buying a service business with the idea of passive income? In this episode of Jack Acquisitions, host Jack interviews Thomas Beebe, a financial advisor who stepped into ownership of his family’s HVAC company. What started as a hands-off investment quickly turned into a hands-on leadership journey.
From remote team management to turning around a messy acquisition, Thomas shares the tactical decisions, operational missteps, and growth strategies that shaped his perspective on what it really takes to own and run a trades business. This episode is packed with real-world insight—whether you're planning to buy, scale, or just survive in the world of home services.
⚡ What you’ll learn
Why Thomas initially underestimated the involvement required—and how he course-corrected
The operational systems needed for remote management (and where they fail)
How to set up accountability when you’re not on-site every day
Insights from a turnaround: A case study of a friend’s messy HVAC acquisition
The critical questions Thomas asks in due diligence after seeing both sides
When to diversify into adjacent verticals like plumbing—and when not to
How to build a business that’s both profitable and people-first
If you’re buying a local service business or building one to scale, this episode will challenge your assumptions and give you frameworks for sustainable growth—even when you’re managing from a distance.
💼 Special Thanks to First Internet Bank!
Looking to buy or expand a business? First Internet Bank is a National Preferred SBA lender specializing in acquisitions for the skilled trades. Their SBA loan program offers up to 90% financing for business acquisitions, partner buyouts, and commercial real estate—plus optional lines of credit to fuel future growth. Unlike traditional lenders, they take a “how can we” approach, making deals happen for both first-time buyers and experienced operators.
👉 Special Offer: Mention Owned and Operated for a reduced good faith deposit and a complimentary deal review + buyside prequalification.
Connect with Alan Peterson from First Internet Bank here to get started [https://alanfib.com/]
💼Buying businesses?
Jackquisitions is the must-read newsletter for operators, acquirers, and deal junkies. It’s packed with real acquisition breakdowns, seller red flags, and proven strategies from the trenches.
📬 Join and get smarter on small biz M&A every week.
👉 Subscribe at [jackquisitions.com]
[https://www.jackquisitions.com/]
👤 Hosted by:
Jack Carr
👤 Episode Guest
Thomas Beebe

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#221 No More Tech Turnover: How to Hire and Keep the Best Jul 10, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of Owned and Operated, John and Jack break down the full playbook for hiring HVAC and plumbing technicians—from sourcing to retention. They dive into the real-world challenges of technician recruitment and share the strategies they use to keep a steady pipeline of high-quality candidates. From building a branded hiring engine to managing seasonal swings, this episode delivers tactical advice and real SOPs that help home service businesses grow their field teams with intention.

They cover why recruiting never stops, how to build a budget that supports year-round hiring, and why onboarding and retention matter just as much as the job offer. Whether you’re scaling a team or trying to fix your hiring funnel, this episode is packed with practical frameworks and firsthand experience.

🔹 In This Episode, We Cover:
Building a technician recruitment process from scratch
Why continuous recruiting beats reactive hiring
How to structure compensation to stay competitive
The role of onboarding in long-term retention
Using recruiters and internal plans to scale hiring
Planning budgets around seasonal employment needs
Leveraging branding and sales tactics in hiring
SOPs and examples that drive real technician results
💡 Special Thanks to Modernize!

We've been using Modernize for our water quality leads, and it's been a game-changer. If you’re serious about growing your business with better water quality leads, HVAC leads, or home improvement leads, check them out:

🔗 Get Quality Leads Here: (https://modernize.com/pros/leads/wilson)
💼 Shoutout to Quick Staffers LLC

Need trained HVAC & plumbing CSRs at a fraction of the cost? Quick Staffers LLC specializes in placing top-tier global talent with the best SOPs and scripts.

🔥 Get $1,000 off your first placement here: [https://www.quickstaffers.com/]
💡 Shoutout to Avoca AI!

Avoca is helping home service companies level up with 24/7 AI call handling, performance insights, and targeted coaching.

🔗 Book a demo: [https://www.getavoca.ai/partners/oao]

🌐 More resources: [https://www.ownedandoperated.com]
👤 Hosted by:

John Wilson

Jack Carr

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#220 Buy vs. Build: Start or Acquire Your First Business? Jul 08, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of Owned and Operated, John and Jack dive into one of the most common questions in home services: Should you buy a business or build one from scratch? Focusing on HVAC and plumbing companies, they break down the pros and cons of each path—sharing real-world insights on risk management, startup challenges, and acquisition strategy. Whether you're eyeing your first location or expanding your footprint, this episode helps frame the decision around your skills, experience, and resources.
They cover everything from interest rates and international contracting to the realities of marketing and cultural fit in small business ownership. While John and Jack don’t always agree, they align on this: success in HVAC and plumbing comes from understanding your strengths, knowing your limits, and being in the game. This is a must-listen for anyone serious about growing in the trades.
💼 Shoutout to Quick Staffers LLC
Need trained HVAC & plumbing CSRs at a fraction of the cost? Quick Staffers LLC specializes in placing top-tier global talent with the best SOPs and scripts.
🔥 Get $1,000 off your first placement here

💼 Special Thanks to Service Scalers!

💸Sponsored by CFO Made Easy
Built a strong trades business? Let’s take it to $10M and beyond. CFO Made Easy offers part-time CFO services for home and trade service businesses—helping you boost cash flow, maximize profit per tech, and make clear growth decisions.
📈 Free Offer: Book a 45-min Financial Insight Session to uncover growth blockers.

👤 Hosted by:
John Wilson

Jack Carr

Send Us Mail!

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Leave a Review

#219 What It Really Takes to Buy a Local Service Business in 2025 Jul 04, 2025

Show notes

Buying a small business? In this episode of Jackquisitions, we follow Chris Barr’s journey to acquiring a pressure washing company using smart financing—combining cash, earnouts, and trusted advisors. From submitting the LOI to executing deep-dive due diligence, Chris shares what it really takes to close a successful acquisition.

You’ll learn how to build the right team, evaluate financials and legal risks, and structure a deal that fits your vision. Whether you're just exploring acquisitions or in the weeds of a deal, this episode offers an insider’s look at getting a service business acquisition across the finish line.

⚡ What you’ll learn

What Chris looked for in an ideal pressure washing business—and how he sourced it
The creative structure behind his LOI and financing approach
Why specialization matters: How Chris leveraged his real estate pros for M&A success
The step-by-step due diligence checklist across financial, legal, and operational domains
How to avoid major pitfalls in banking and legal negotiations
The must-have advisors you need on speed dial when buying a business
How to evaluate seller-provided info and spot red flags before it’s too late

If you’re buying a local service business or scaling your portfolio, this episode gives you a framework to approach acquisitions confidently—with the right strategy and team in place.

👤 Hosted by:

Jack Carr

👤Episode Guest:

Chris Barr

💼 Shoutout to Appletree Business Services

HVAC and plumbing pros—ditch tax surprises and unresponsive accountants. Appletree handles your books, taxes, payroll, and acquisitions, and they know tools like ServiceTitan cold.

🎁 Get a free tax & financial review or 10% off a QOE report.

👉 Book a call here — tell Patrick Jack sent you.

💼 Special Thanks to First Internet Bank!

Looking to buy or expand a business? First Internet Bank is a National Preferred SBA lender specializing in acquisitions for the skilled trades. Their SBA loan program offers up to 90% financing for business acquisitions, partner buyouts, and commercial real estate—plus optional lines of credit to fuel future growth. Unlike traditional lenders, they take a “how can we” approach, making deals happen for both first-time buyers and experienced operators.

👉 Special Offer: Mention Owned and Operated for a reduced good faith deposit and a complimentary deal review + buyside prequalification.

Connect with Alan Peterson from First Internet Bank here to get started

Send Us Mail!

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Leave a Review

#218 Why $20M Doesn’t Mean You’ve Made It Jul 03, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of Owned and Operated, John and Jack unpack what leadership looks like inside a $20–40 million home service business—and why that size still feels small. They explore how companies in this range often remain personality-driven, even with impressive revenue, and what it really takes to level up. From forming HR and marketing departments to structuring a true senior leadership team, they dig into the growing pains and leadership gaps most businesses face on the way to maturity.

The conversation dives deep into leadership development, internal promotions, and when to hire key external roles like controllers. John and Jack share why the sophistication of a business doesn’t always match the revenue—and how building the right team early creates long-term stability and growth. If you're scaling past $10 million and thinking about what’s next, this episode lays out a real-world playbook for building a well-rounded, leadership-driven operation.

🔹 In This Episode, We Cover:
What leadership looks like at $20–40M in revenue
Why revenue doesn’t always equal business sophistication
The challenges of building a senior leadership team
Promoting internally vs. hiring externally
When to build HR, marketing, and finance departments
How leadership development programs drive retention and growth
Creating a stable, mature business beyond personality-driven leadership

🌐 More resources
💼 Shoutout to Quick Staffers LLC

Need trained HVAC & plumbing CSRs at a fraction of the cost? Quick Staffers LLC specializes in placing top-tier global talent with the best SOPs and scripts.

🔥 Get $1,000 off your first placement here
👤 Hosted by:
John Wilson

Jack Carr

Send Us Mail!

More Ways To Connect with OAO

Leave a Review

#217 We Hit $1M Profit — Here’s Exactly How We Did It Jul 01, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of Owned and Operated, John and Jack return to the studio to tackle the real-world challenges of running a successful HVAC business during peak summer heat. They dive into how weather-related service demand, infrastructure upgrades, and a mature home service team contribute to record-breaking weekly revenues and improved operational efficiency.

Discover how HVAC businesses can scale profitably by investing in technician retention, labor-saving automations, and strategic overseas staffing. John and Jack break down the processes that drive high performance—from sales training to data-driven decisions—all on the path to hitting their first $1 million in EBITDA and a $10 million annual revenue goal.

🔹 In This Episode, We Cover:
How scorching weather exposes weak HVAC infrastructure
Building mature teams and repeatable procedures for scale
Tracking metrics weekly to hit revenue and EBITDA milestones
Streamlining sales processes & technician training for efficiency
Leveraging data, automations, and overseas staff to cut costs
Creating an environment that keeps top technicians around
The roadmap to $10 million in revenue—next-year outlook

🌐 More resources

💼 Special Thanks to Service Scalers!

Want to learn how Service Scalers can do the same for you?

🔗Check Them Out Here

💡 Special Thanks to Modernize!

🔗 Get Quality Leads Here
👤 Hosts:
John Wilson
Jack Carr

Send Us Mail!

More Ways To Connect with OAO

Leave a Review