Business

Service Business Mastery for Skilled Trades: HVAC, Plumbing & Electrical Home Service

Ready to revolutionize your home service business? Tune into the Service Business Mastery Podcast! We dive deep into automation and AI, including swarm agents, AI chatbots, and AI voice agents, to help you streamline and optimize your operations. Whether you’re in HVAC, plumbing, electrical, or any other home service trade, we cover leadership, marketing, finance, pricing, and HR to give you the edge you need. Click here to transform your business and embrace the future today!

Latest Episodes:

How to Sell Your HVAC Business for Maximum Profit with Joe Strittmatter & Brian Cohen Mar 19, 2025

Show notes

Learn how to automate tasks, save time, and increase your profit. No coding required! 👉 Enroll Today- https://bit.ly/3CZTDte -------------------------------------------------

Welcome to the Service Business Mastery Podcast!

Visit our website for more episodes and insights! www.servicebusinessmastery.com

In this episode, recorded live at the Service World Expo 2024 in Orlando, Florida, hosts Tersh Blissett and Joshua Crouch engage with Joe Strittmatter, Former Owner, Strittmatter A/C, Heating & Plumbing, Former Regional President at Granite Comfort LP, and Brian Cohen, a business strategist specializing in HVAC transactions at SF&P Advisors. They delve into the challenges of selling a service business, covering everything from the emotional aspects to strategic planning. Joe and Brian provide valuable insights on navigating business negotiations, effective succession planning, and preparing for life after the sale.

This discussion emphasizes crucial aspects such as business valuations and ensuring long-term success for both the seller and the company.

Timestamps ⏰

00:00:00 - Episode Recap 00:03:57 - Episode Intro and Joe Strittmatter Talks About His Business Journey 00:06:19 - Meeting Brian and learning from a failed business deal. 00:08:05 - Brian Introduces His Role and Experience 00:11:30 - Talking About Planning for a Business Owner's Future 00:14:14 - Managing and protecting assets after selling a business and legal insights from Service Nation. 00:23:32 - Market Trends with Hot Topics and Economic Predictions 00:26:12 - Discussing Call Volume and Business Efficiency 00:33:22 - The Role of AI in Business Efficiency 00:41:40 - Discussing Dispatch Software and Technician Revenue 00:44:41 - EBITDA's Impact on Business Operations and Marketing Decisions 00:57:23 - The Importance of Understanding Break-Even Points in Business 01:01:38 - Closing remarks on Investment Trends and the Impact on Business Multiples

In this episode, here's what you can expect to learn:

Planning for Business Sale Success: Learn how careful planning improves the success of selling businesses and makes operations better.
Handling Important Roles: Find out how Joe Strittmatter and Brian Cohen manage important team members and keep everyone informed during business changes.
Using Emotions and Smarts in Talks: Discover how using feelings and smart planning helps in business talks.
Mixing Knowledge with Plans for Better Results: See how using deep knowledge and careful planning leads to better business outcomes.
Growing Service Companies Well: Learn strategies for growing service businesses well, increasing their value, and making stakeholders happier with insights from Joe Strittmatter and Brian Cohen.

If you enjoy the episode, please don't hesitate to leave us a review (5 stars preferably 😉)

Links & References:

LinkedIn:

Website:

This episode is kindly sponsored by:

Sera
UpFrog
CallRail
CompanyCam Visit CompanyCam and use code SBM for a free 2-week trial, 1:1 training and account setup, and 50% off your first two months!
MarketStorm
Rilla
Lace.ai
Autobot.ai
Avoca.ai

Connect with us!

Tersh Blissett
Josh Crouch
Join the Service Business Mastery Facebook group for more updates!
Visit our website: www.servicebusinessmastery.com

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From Donut Shop to $80M Brand Growth with No Capital and CEO Profit Coaching with Luke Peters Mar 12, 2025

Show notes

Learn how to automate tasks, save time, and increase your profit. No Coding required! 👉 Enroll Today - https://bit.ly/3CZTDte

🚀 Get Your 14-Day Free Trial with CallRail!

👉 Visit: https://www.callrail.com/sbmpod

__________________________________________

Welcome to the Service Business Mastery Podcast!

Visit our website for more episodes and insights! https://www.servicebusinessmastery.com

In this episode of the Service Business Mastery podcast, Tersh Blissett talks with Luke Peters, Founder & CEO of Apex CEO Business Turnarounds, Former CEO of Newair and Host of The 8-Figure Product CEO Podcast. He shares how he grew a home appliance brand from a garage startup to over $600 million in sales without outside funding. He explains how focusing on margins, pricing, and team alignment helps business owners grow with less stress. Luke also discusses how to lead with purpose, hold people accountable, and use AI as a tool to boost productivity. Learn how small changes in leadership and strategy can lead to big business results.

In this episode, here's what you can expect to learn:

How Luke built Newair into a top brand with no outside funding.
Why raising prices and tracking margins can boost business profits.
The importance of team alignment and holding leaders accountable.
How to spot and fix weak points in your operations and sales process.
Ways AI can support business tasks while still needing human input.

Timestamps ⏰

[00:00] - Recap

[02:45] - Episode Introduction & Meeting Luke Peters

[04:30] - Luke's Journey: From Pool Service to CEO

[06:52] - Finding a "Blue Ocean" with Niche Products

[09:19] - The Business Framework: Alignment & Margins

[11:52] - Should You Share Company Finances with Employees?

[20:02] - Why Raising Prices is Your Best Lever

[25:06] - How to Track Margins Effectively

[27:25] - The Real-World Impact of AI on Business

[32:23] - Empowering Teams and Building Company Culture

If you found this conversation with Luke Peters helpful, please leave us a review (5 stars would be greatly appreciated 😉). Links & References:

LinkedIn:

Website:

This episode is kindly sponsored by:

Sera
UpFrog
CallRail
CompanyCam Visit CompanyCam and use code SBM for a free 2-week trial, 1:1 training and account setup, and 50% off your first two months!
MarketStorm
Lace.ai
priceguide

Connect with us!

Tersh Blissett
Josh Crouch
Join the Service Business Mastery Facebook group for more updates!
Visit our website: www.servicebusinessmastery.com

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How Private Equity Destroys Businesses After Acquisition with Matt Michel and Brandon Jacob Mar 12, 2025

Show notes

Learn how to automate tasks, save time, and increase your profit. No coding required! 👉 Enroll Today- https://bit.ly/3CZTDte

—-----------------------------------------------------

Welcome to the Service Business Mastery Podcast!

Visit our website for more episodes and insights! www.servicebusinessmastery.com

In this episode, recorded live at the Business Uncensored event in Chattanooga, Tennessee, hosts Tersh Blissett and Joshua Crouch talk with Matt Michel, a speaker, writer, and rancher at Ranchlands of Texas LLC, and Brandon Jacob, the Principal of Contractors Financial Opportunity LLC. They explore the challenges of selling a service business, from emotional struggles to strategic decisions. Matt and Brandon share valuable insights on business negotiations, succession planning, and preparing for life after the sale.

This discussion highlights key factors like business valuations and long-term success for both the seller and the company.

Timestamps ⏰

00:00 - Meet Matt Michel & Brandon Jacob: Insights into Their Expertise 04:05 - The Brief Overview and Journey of Selling a Business 09:38 - Talking About the Day We Sold the Business 13:10 - Discussing Backgrounds with Industry Evolution Investment Trends 16:50 - How Private Equity Changes Company Culture 23:37 - Discussing Pay Structures and Employee Reactions 29:42 - Talking About How to Deal with Brokers and Lawyers 43:05 - Family Business and Future Generations: A Strategic Perspective 50:24 - Closing the Conversation: A Peek into Brandon's Published Works

In this episode, here's what you can expect to learn:

Discover how strategic planning enhances business sale success and operational efficiency.
Learn about managing stakeholder communications and key employee roles with Matt Michel and Brandon Jacob to optimize transition processes.
Explore the integration of emotional intelligence and strategic insights in business negotiations.
Understand how combining expert knowledge with strategic foresight leads to superior outcomes in business sales.
Uncover strategies for service companies to scale effectively, maximize sale value, and improve stakeholder satisfaction with insights from Matt Michel and Brandon Jacob.

If you enjoy the episode, please don't hesitate to leave us a review (5 stars preferably 😉)

Links & References:

LinkedIn:

Website:

Learn more and Reach out to Brandon Jacob: +1 713 443 8311

Order the Books of Matt Michel and Brandon Jacob on Amazon Now:

This episode is kindly sponsored by:

Sera
UpFrog
CallRail
CompanyCam Visit CompanyCam and use code SBM for a free 2-week trial, 1:1 training and account setup, and 50% off your first two months!
MarketStorm
Rilla
Lace.ai
Autobot.ai
Avoca.ai

Connect with us!

Tersh Blissett
Josh Crouch
Join the Service Business Mastery Facebook group for more updates!
Visit our website: www.servicebusinessmastery.com

Affiliate links:

How College Debt is Trapping Students While Trade Jobs Create Millionaires with Kate Cinnamo Mar 05, 2025

Show notes

Learn how to automate tasks, save time, and increase your profit. No coding required! 👉Enroll Today - https://bit.ly/3CZTDte

-----------------------------------------------------------

Welcome to the Service Business Mastery Podcast!

Visit our website for more episodes and insights! www.servicebusinessmastery.com

In this engaging episode, recorded at the Nexstar Event in Orlando, Florida, hosts Tersh Blissett and Joshua Crouch sit down with Kate Cinnamo, the Executive Director of Explore The Trades. Kate shares her expertise on the critical role of education and partnerships in the trades industry. They discuss the importance of addressing the technical talent gap, the utilization of educational resources to support industry growth, and personal stories that underscore the impact of strategic educational initiatives on professional and industry development.

Kate also emphasizes the role of Explore The Trades, an organization that facilitates connections between the education sector and the trades industry, promoting collaboration, learning, and ongoing development in a dynamic environment.

In this episode, here's what you can expect to learn:

The importance of educational partnerships in closing the technical talent gap.
Ways contractors can support and engage with educational programs in their communities.
Practical approaches for using educational resources to address labor shortages in the trades.
How fostering understanding of trades in early education can influence career choices and industry health.

If you enjoy the episode, please don't hesitate to leave us a review (5 stars preferably 😉)

Timestamps ⏰

03:43 Introduction of Kate Cinnamo as the Executive Director of Explore the Trades.

05:43 Understanding the Role of Contractors in Education Partnerships.

07:02 Conversations on Career Choices for Kids and Self-Growth

17:54 Pandemic Lessons: The Growing Appeal of Hands-On Training

20:02 Personal stories on the impact of education in the trades industry.

24:06 How Contractors Contribute to Education and Community Growth

31:53 Connecting with Explore the Trades to Help Contractors Support Trade Education and Local Initiatives.

Links & References:

LinkedIn:

Website:

Explore The Trades

This episode is kindly sponsored by:

Sera
UpFrog
CallRail
CompanyCam Visit CompanyCam and use code SBM for a free 2-week trial, 1:1 training and account setup, and 50% off your first two months!
MarketStorm
Rilla
Lace.ai
Autobot.ai
Avoca.ai

Connect with us!

Tersh Blissett
Josh Crouch
Join the Service Business Mastery Facebook group for more updates!
Visit our website: www.servicebusinessmastery.com

Affiliate links:

How Email Became the Secret Weapon for 8-Figure Trades Businesses with Zac Garside Feb 26, 2025

Show notes

Welcome to the Service Business Mastery Podcast!

Visit our website for more episodes and insights! www.servicebusinessmastery.com

In this episode, recorded live at Business Uncensored Event in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Hosts Tersh Blissett and Joshua Crouch are joined by Zac Garside, Founder of "Done-For-You Email Marketing." They explore the evolving landscape of email marketing within the Service Industry, addressing current trends, challenges, and the critical role of adapting email strategies to Market Changes. 📈🛠

Zac Garside shares expert insights on Improving operational efficiency through tailored email campaigns and the advantages of using AI to enhance customer engagement. This conversation offers valuable tips for service businesses looking to excel in a competitive market by optimizing their email marketing tactics.

Timestamps ⏰

00:00 - Meet Zac Garside: A Glimpse into His Expertise

02:48 - How Education Shapes Email Marketing Trends

09:08 - Debunking Myths in Email Marketing with Zac Garside

13:24 - How AI Enhances Email Marketing Techniques

15:48 - Tackling Email Challenges: Sender Reputation and Shared Ips

20:59 - Top Reasons Why Email Campaigns Fail

31:04 - How Storytelling Transforms Audience Engagement in Email Marketing

36:48 - Zac Demonstrates Live: Crafting Engaging Content

41:18 - Mastering Storytelling in Email Marketing

47:40 - From Emails to Social Media: Creative Content Strategies

49:54 - Navigating Google Ads and Spam Bots: A Digital Dilemma

Learn how to automate tasks, save time, and increase your profit. No coding required! Enroll Today - https://bit.ly/3CZTDte

In this episode, here's what you can expect to learn:

Discover how tools like Avoca enhance booking rates and operational efficiency.
Learn about automating call handling and customer interactions with Zac Garside to save time and resources.
Explore the integration of new technologies with a personal touch in customer service.
Understand how merging technology with expert knowledge leads to superior outcomes.
Uncover strategies for service companies to scale effectively, reduce costs, and improve customer satisfaction with insights from Zac Garside.

If you enjoy the episode, please don't hesitate to leave us a review (5 stars preferably 😉)

Links & References:

LinkedIn:

Website:

Done-For-You Email Marketing

This episode is kindly sponsored by:

Sera
UpFrog
CallRail
CompanyCam Visit CompanyCam and use code SBM for a free 2-week trial, 1:1 training and account setup, and 50% off your first two months!
MarketStorm
Rilla
Lace.ai
Autobot.ai
Avoca.ai

Connect with us!

Tersh Blissett
Josh Crouch
Join the Service Business Mastery Facebook group for more updates!
Visit our website: www.servicebusinessmastery.com

Affiliate links:

How Time Management & Delegation Transform Contracting Businesses in 2025 | Danielle & Suzanne Feb 19, 2025

Show notes

Welcome to the Service Business Mastery Podcast!

Visit our website for more episodes and insights! www.servicebusinessmastery.com

In this episode, Recorded live at Business Uncensored 2024, hosts Tersh Blissett and Joshua Crouch sit down with Danielle Putnam and Suzanne Wedeven from The New Flat Rate team. They discuss industry trends, challenges, and the importance of pricing strategy adjustments to cope with market shifts. 📈🛠

Danielle and Suzanne share insights on enhancing operational efficiency through strategic price book updates and the benefits of coaching in navigating these changes. This conversation is filled with practical tips for service businesses aiming to thrive in dynamic conditions.

Timestamps ⏰

03:38 - Introduction to the Episode Along with Guests Danielle Putnam and Suzanne Wedeven. 04:22 - Industry Trends: Sales Decline, Call Volume Impact & Pricing Inflation. 05:51 - Box Replacements vs. Repairs: Pricing Challenges & Automation Solutions 09:25 - Optimizing Business Processes & Time Management Before Automation 13:09 - Boosting Efficiency: Delegation, Virtual Assistants & Performance-Based Pay Considerations. 18:03 - Maximizing Industry Events: The Power of Networking & Effective Strategies 23:14 - Breaking Into Industry Circles: Networking, Planning & Engagement at Events 26:43 - Adapting to Industry Changes: Tech Trends, Experience & Consumer Education 30:53 - Closing Remarks and Appreciation for Event Participation.

In this Episode, here's what you can expect to learn:

Exploring how tools like Avoca boost booking rates and operational efficiency.
Automating call handling and customer interactions to save time and resources.
Integrating new technologies while retaining a personal touch in customer service.
Merging technology with expert knowledge for superior outcomes.
Strategies for service companies to scale effectively and reduce costs while improving customer satisfaction.

If you enjoy the episode, please don't hesitate to leave us a review (5 stars preferably 😉)

Links & References:

LinkedIn:

Website:

The New Flat Rate Inc

This episode is kindly sponsored by:

Sera
UpFrog
CallRail
CompanyCam Visit CompanyCam and use code SBM for a free 2-week trial, 1:1 training and account setup, and 50% off your first two months!
MarketStorm
Rilla
Lace.ai
Autobot.ai
Avoca.ai

Connect with us!

Tersh Blissett
Josh Crouch
Join the Service Business Mastery Facebook group for more updates!
Visit our website: www.servicebusinessmastery.com

Affiliate links:

Leadership Hacks for Service Professionals to Drive Growth Through Accountability with Leah Paige Feb 12, 2025

Show notes

Welcome to the Service Business Mastery Podcast!

Visit our website for more episodes and insights! www.servicebusinessmastery.com

In this insightful episode, recorded at the Nexstar Event in Orlando, Florida, hosts Tersh Blissett and Joshua Crouch engage with Leah Paige, a customer experience coach with Nexstar. Leah shares her expertise on leadership and coaching within the service industry. They explore the significant impact of embracing failures and learning from them, the integration of AI and automation into service business practices, and the personal anecdotes that highlight the transformative power of personal development on professional success.

Leah also highlights the role of NexTeams by Nexstar, a platform that connects coaches and members, fostering collaboration, learning, and continuous growth in a dynamic environment.

In this episode, here's what you can expect to learn:

The crucial role of personalized coaching and embracing failures in leadership development.
Strategies for integrating AI and automation to enhance customer and employee experiences
How personal growth directly influences professional performance and service delivery.

If you enjoy the episode, please don't hesitate to leave us a review (5 stars preferably 😉)

Timestamps ⏰ 03:28 Introduction of Leah Paige as the Customer Experience Manager & Real Estate Advisor. 04:29 The challenges and strategies in coaching for service business 06:04 The importance of personality types in coaching 14:55 Practical coaching strategies for service managers 17:57 How attire influences professional performance 20:06 Guest anecdotes on personal and professional growth 28:36 Importance of CSR Coach and Leadership on Service Business 35:43 The role of authenticity and vulnerability in leadership 41:24 Closing thoughts and the importance of continuous learning.

Links & References:

LinkedIn:

Website:

Seacostrealty

This episode is kindly sponsored by:

Sera
UpFrog
CallRail
CompanyCam Visit CompanyCam and use code SBM for a free 2-week trial, 1:1 training and account setup, and 50% off your first two months!
MarketStorm
Rilla
Lace.ai
Autobot.ai
Avoca.ai

Connect with us!

Tersh Blissett
Josh Crouch
Join the Service Business Mastery Facebook group for more updates!
Visit our website: www.servicebusinessmastery.com

Affiliate links:

AI Tools for Service Business Owners to Maximize Profits and Efficiency with Mark Paup Feb 05, 2025

Show notes

Welcome to the Service Business Mastery Podcast!

Visit our website for more episodes and insights! www.servicebusinessmastery.com

In this episode, recorded at the Nexstar Super Meeting in Orlando, Florida, hosts Tersh Blissett and Joshua Crouch chat with Mark Paup, owner of Golden Rule Plumbing, Heating, Cooling, and Electrical. They explore how AI and automation are revolutionizing the trades industry. ⚙️💡

Mark dives into the cutting-edge tools his company uses to optimize dispatching, streamline business operations, and boost customer engagement. From enhancing scheduling efficiency to overcoming resistance to new technology, this conversation is packed with actionable strategies to help your business grow and stay ahead of the competition. 🚀📈

In this episode, here's what you can expect to learn:

How AI-driven tools like Buck are making dispatching smarter and more efficient.
Ways to automate operations without losing the human touch in customer service.
Strategies to introduce new technology in your business without overwhelming your team.
How combining AI with human expertise can boost productivity and customer satisfaction.
Practical tips for scaling your service business while keeping costs under control.

If you enjoy the episode, please don't hesitate to leave us a review (5 stars preferably 😉)

Links & References:

LinkedIn:

Mark Paup
Golden Rule Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electrical
Email: mpaup@goldenrulephc.com

Website:

Golden Rule Plumbing

This episode is kindly sponsored by:

Sera
UpFrog
CallRail
CompanyCam Visit CompanyCam and use code SBM for a free 2-week trial, 1:1 training and account setup, and 50% off your first two months!
MarketStorm
Rilla
Lace.ai
Autobot.ai
Avoca.ai

Connect with us!

Tersh Blissett
Josh Crouch
Join the Service Business Mastery Facebook group for more updates!
Visit our website: www.servicebusinessmastery.com

Affiliate links:

How AI Automation is Transforming Customer Service for HVAC and Plumbing Companies with Tyson Chen Jan 29, 2025

Show notes

Welcome to the Service Business Mastery Podcast!

Visit our website for more episodes and insights! www.servicebusinessmastery.com

In this episode, hosts Tersh Blissett and Joshua Crouch are joined by Tyson Chen, Co-Founder of Avoca AI, to discuss how technology is transforming the service industry. 📞💡

Tyson dives into the innovative tools Avoca offers, helping businesses improve booking rates, streamline operations, and deliver exceptional customer service. From automating everyday tasks to reducing call center overhead, this conversation is packed with actionable strategies to enhance efficiency and drive growth in your business. 🚀📈

In this episode, here's what you can expect to learn: - How modern tools like Avoca are helping businesses increase booking rates and improve efficiency. - The benefits of automating call handling and customer interactions to save time and resources. - Strategies for introducing new technologies into your business while maintaining a personal touch. - Insights into combining technology and human expertise to deliver better results. - How service companies are scaling and cutting costs while enhancing customer satisfaction.

If you enjoy the episode, please don't hesitate to leave us a review (5 stars preferably 😉)

Links & References:

LinkedIn:

Tyson Chen
Avoca
Email: tyson@avoca.ai

Website:

Avoca

This episode is kindly sponsored by:

Sera
UpFrog
CallRail
CompanyCam Visit CompanyCam and use code SBM for a free 2-week trial, 1:1 training and account setup, and 50% off your first two months!
MarketStorm
Rilla
Lace.ai
Autobot.ai
Avoca.ai

Connect with us!

Tersh Blissett
Josh Crouch
Join the Service Business Mastery Facebook group for more updates!
Visit our website: www.servicebusinessmastery.com

Affiliate links:

Redefining Customer Service with AI Tools for Call Centers & Operators | Boris Valkov & Dave Schmidt Jan 22, 2025

Show notes

Welcome to the Service Business Mastery Podcast!

Visit our website for more episodes and insights! www.servicebusinessmastery.com

In this episode, host Tersh Blissett is joined by Boris Valkov, CEO of Lace, and Dave Schmidt, Director of Operations at Frederick Air, to explore the transformative impact of AI in the service industry. 🤖📞

Boris shares cutting-edge insights into how Lace's AI-driven platform uncovers lost revenue and optimizes call center performance, while Dave reveals real-world results from implementing these tools in his HVAC business. From boosting booking rates to creating a data-driven culture, this conversation is a goldmine of strategies for service business leaders aiming to scale and innovate. 💡📈

In this episode, here's what you can expect to learn:

How AI-driven tools like Lace are uncovering lost revenue opportunities in call centers.
The role of actionable data in improving booking rates and making smarter decisions.
Strategies to create a technology-friendly culture that drives business success.
Insights into hybrid operations with AI agents for better customer experiences.
A deep dive into how Frederick Air boosted booking rates from 75% to 98%.

If you enjoy the episode, please don't hesitate to leave us a review (5 stars preferably 😉)

Links & References:

LinkedIn:

Website:

This episode is kindly sponsored by:

Sera
UpFrog
CallRail
CompanyCam Visit CompanyCam and use code SBM for a free 2-week trial, 1:1 training and account setup, and 50% off your first two months!
MarketStorm
Rilla
Lace.ai
Autobot.ai
Avoca.ai

Connect with us!

Tersh Blissett
Josh Crouch
Join the Service Business Mastery Facebook group for more updates!
Visit our website: www.servicebusinessmastery.com

Affiliate links:

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