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

John Wilson and Jack Carr interview Alec Stevanovski, founder of Homepros, a niche-focused B2B media business. His newsletter goes out once a week and you can check out the HVAC industry news here . Stevanovski discusses his journey into the industry, highlighting his background in technology startups and his pivot to focusing on HVAC industry news. He elaborates on his strategies for audience bui...

In this episode, John and Jack discuss well drilling and do a business breakdown. Jack reveals that his friend earned $8.4 million last year from drilling wells. They underscore the significant financial investment, specific licensing requirements, and mechanical expertise needed to establish a well drilling company. Despite these obstacles, they remain optimistic about the potential for future bu...

John and Jack tackle a listener-submitted question addressing the five crucial aspects every business must master to scale successfully: the importance of daily reporting, tech transparency, job costing, lead attribution, and the monitoring of phone call interactions. Whether you're a Service Titan user or not, these principles are essential for any company looking to achieve sustainable grow...

Our discussion with Johnny Robinson aka SqueegeeGod continues in this episode as he talks about his experiences launching a new business, selling his previous venture, and switching to an information-based enterprise. We learn the difficulties of running a program-style company, addressing problems such as growing advertising expenses and putting in place an accelerator program to increase custome...

In this episode of Owned and Operated, we bring back Johnny Robinson aka SqueegeeGod as a guest, who shares updates detailing his start-up journey from window cleaning to launching several businesses and generating impressive revenue.  Johnny also shares insights into hiring, marketing, and sales within the cleaning business, painting a vivid picture of the industry's challenges and opportuni...

In the home service industry, extreme weather can significantly impact business. In this episode, John and Jack dive into the challenges posed by freezing temperatures and discuss effective strategies to manage the increased demand that accompanies such weather events.  They cover the high demand for HVAC services during cold weather, the benefits of offering whole-home memberships, and the growth...

In this episode, we welcome Danny Peavey, who has a long family history in the trades. He is the owner of Home Service Engine, a B2B consultancy that helps home service companies maximize their investment in Service Titan software. Danny shares his background in the trades and tech, explaining how he helps clients with data analysis, onboarding, and performance management. Episode Hosts: John Wils...

In this episode, John and Jack address two listener questions. The first question comes from an HVAC business owner facing weeks of fully booked schedules. Jack recommends expanding the team, while John proposes a strategic increase in prices. The second question revolves around valuing a plumbing company and the potential risks associated with acquiring a new construction business.  Have a questi...

When you work in a weather-enhanced business, there are tons of opportunities when you’re prepared. John and Jack share their game places to make sure operations run smoothly. The extreme temperatures and cold, wet, and windy weather encompass all facets of John's 5 trades: Cold impacts HVAC, wet affects plumbing, drains, and remediation, and wind plays a crucial role in power-related electri...

Tim Ryan is back to talk more about running a pool care service business. He shares useful tips for newbies, the tricky parts of taking care of pools, and why having a mentor is so important. If you liked the first episode with Tim, you won't want to miss this insightful part two! Episode Hosts: John Wilson: @WilsonCompanies Jack Carr: @thehvacjack   Episode Guest: Tim Ryan: @KenziesPoolBoy S...

A few weeks back John and Jack did a business breakdown on pool service. Tim Ryan caught us on X, did a review and said “ It wasn't too bad for two outsiders looking in. Pool care is strangely complicated .” So we asked him to come on and tell us what exactly we got right and what we got wrong. Tim breaks down all the essentials in this episode including navigating competition, building genui...

In this special flashback episode of the Owned and Operated HVAC, electrical, and plumbing growth podcast, we're revisiting a chat with Johnny SqueegeeGod from 2021.  Why the throwback? Well, following a recent discussion with Aaron Harper about power washing, it seemed like the perfect time to go back to Johnny's episode. He talks about running Orange Window Cleaning and reflects on how...

Tune in again to Mike Botkin's incredible journey! Back when this episode first aired, he was just starting out, acquiring various businesses. Fast forward to 2023, and guess what? Mike sold his business! It's a fun episode to listen to, seeing how he went from figuring things out in the early days to turning his business into a Goliath landscaping company in just a couple of years and e...

In this episode, John shares his strategy for scaling your home service business to reach the $5 million mark. Picture this: an exceptional team, a steady lead flow, and a business rhythm that just clicks. John gets straight to the point, offering practical advice like keeping a close eye on personal spending to reinvest in your business. But hitting the $5 million mark is more than just a number...

Ready to explore more about franchises? If you didn't catch the last episode, Aaron Harper of Rolling Suds gave a peek into his world of franchises, and now he gets into the details. He generously shares all his knowledge about the challenges and victories of starting a power washing business, the importance of selecting the right franchisees, and the potential for growth within the industry....

Ever wondered how power washing can turn into a booming business? Join Aaron Harper from Rolling Suds as he reveals the secrets behind turning power washing into a thriving business in this episode. Believe it or not, most of their customers are actually other businesses! Aaron walks us through his journey, from his beginnings to jumping into various franchises. Learn about the power washing indus...

In this episode, John shares his advice when it comes to acquiring a service company. From plumbing to HVAC, John's got the playbook on what to scout, where to scout it, and how to make it yours. His advice? Start small, focus on residential, and prioritize service-oriented businesses for the win. And before you think about uprooting your life for that business dream, John suggests staying ro...

In this episode, John and Jack are exchanging ideas about building and keeping a thriving company culture. They stress how the leader's actions and choices shape the vibe for the whole organization. It's not just about rules; it's more about the day-to-day attitudes and behaviors of everyone. They share their own experiences in creating a culture that's all about accountability...

Join John and Jack in this episode as they discuss the essential core of any business: support staff. They talk about the evolution of your accounting team as your revenue grows from 3 to 20 million. Prepare to learn about smart hiring in accounting and why it's not just about filling seats but finding the perfect fit for your growing venture. From proactive recruitment strategies to the real...

In this episode, John discusses the four pillars of dominating search for your home service business—from the competitive LSAs and the comeback of PPC to the lasting benefits of SEO and the vital impact of your GMB location and reviews. If you're a home service entrepreneur looking to boost your online presence, this episode is your guide. Tune in, follow, and level up your home service busin...

Uncover the principles of a successful compensation model on this episode with John and Jack. They dive into the structures they’re using for all roles on the team including: managers, technicians, and philosophy. Learn how to set goals, use bonuses wisely, and consider flat-rate incentives to boost productivity. Whether you run a business or are leading a  team, get practical tips on tailoring co...

In this episode, John and Jack discuss how home service businesses handle their capacity. As a service, you are selling the time and expertise of your techs. The job is to fill capacity, and you should think about filling capacity like this: if you have a tech for eight hours, you want them to be working hands on the tools as much of those eight hours as possible. Strategic zoning, targeting marke...

Talking about recruitment for home services, John Wilson breaks it down in this Owned and Operated episode. He says focus on what you need, set clear expectations, and make the pay enticing. Skip the long task lists; have real conversations in interviews about how your business runs. He also highlights the significance of a strong onboarding process, emphasizing its role in preventing new hires fr...

In this episode, John and Jack immerse themselves into the world of pool service businesses. They discuss the appeal of hyper-focused route-based services, the potential for upselling in the industry, and the challenges of scaling in different regions. Tune in for a detailed exploration of customer acquisition strategies, seasonal considerations, and the overall dynamics of acquiring, or starting,...

In this episode, John and Jack interview Damon Chlarson, an entrepreneur who shares his experiences in the construction industry. Damon openly discusses the financial challenges, industry fluctuations, and even instances of fraud he encountered. His story provides valuable real-world lessons for aspiring business owners, especially those considering the construction sector. Episode Hosts: John Wil...