The Standby Generator Podcast - With Jim Swetman

In this episode of the Standby Generator Podcast, host Jim Swetman sits down with Jason Reeves , founder of 1-800-POWER , to discuss how standby generator dealers can increase lead volume, book more estimates, and close more installs using digital marketing. If you’re a Generac dealer, Kohler dealer, or Briggs & Stratton generator installer struggling to make the phone ring, this episode break...

In this special episode of the Stand By Generator Podcast, host Jim Swetman announces the launch of the first-ever Home Standby Generator Tales from the Field contest — and he wants to hear from you. If you’ve spent any time in the standby power industry, you know the stories. The unbelievable service calls. The wild installation days. The customers you’ll never forget. The trench you dug that hit...

Heading to the Kohler Dealer Conference or the RELCO Summit in Orlando? This episode of the Standby Generator Podcast is your strategic game plan. Industry veteran Jim Swetman shares how generator dealers can get real ROI from dealer conferences — not by collecting swag, but by making the shift from generator installer to energy company . Jim breaks down: The growing shift toward the home energy e...

Fresh off the 2026 Generac Dealer Conference , Jim Swetman breaks down what Generac’s leadership message really means for standby generator dealers , installers, and home energy pros on the ground. In this episode of the Standby Generator Podcast , Jim translates the big-picture corporate strategy into real-world actions for dealers navigating shifting demand, tighter competition, and major growth...

In this episode of the Stand By Generator podcast, host Jim Swetman shares valuable insights on maximizing ROI from the upcoming 2026 Generac Dealer Conference. Drawing from over 20 years of experience attending these conferences, Jim emphasizes the importance of approaching the event not just as a consumer but as a connector. He discusses the evolution of the conference from informal local gather...

In this episode of The Standby Generator Podcast , host Jim Swetman flips the script — answering a series of AI-generated and dealer-submitted questions about business growth, scaling, leadership, and strategy in the standby generator industry. Drawing from over 20 years of experience owning and scaling a generator dealership in Upstate New York, Jim shares hard-earned lessons about growing too fa...

In this episode of the Standby Generator podcast, host Jim Swetman interviews Keith Williams, a former standby generator technician. They discuss Keith's journey in the industry, the importance of maintenance visits, customer relationships, and the need for continuous education for technicians. Keith shares insights on identifying generator issues, efficient pricing strategies, and the signifi...

In this episode of The Standby Generator Podcast, host Jim Swetman discusses the challenges of hiring generator technicians, emphasizing the lack of available candidates and the importance of training. He outlines the process of defining roles, sourcing candidates, effective interviewing techniques, and the significance of offering competitive compensation and growth opportunities. Additionally, h...

In this episode of the Standby Generator Podcast , host Jim Swetman dives into one of the most overlooked challenges for dealers: losing a customer. It’s not always about price—often, the reasons are tied to communication gaps, poor follow-up, technician performance, or lack of proactive agreements. Jim unpacks the true lifetime value of a customer —from yearly maintenance contracts to eventual ge...

Summary In this episode of the Standby Generator podcast, host Jim Swetman discusses the critical aspects of hiring technicians in the standby generator business. He shares benchmarks for hiring, the importance of maintenance visits, and strategies for new installations. Jim emphasizes the need for a structured technician team, the significance of sales expectations, and the importance of creating...

In this episode of The Standby Generator Podcast , host Jim Swetman sits down with Grant Winston, owner of Current Power Technologies in San Antonio, Austin, and Houston, Texas. Grant shares how the devastating Winter Storm Uri inspired his journey into the standby generator industry, and how his company has grown into a leader in backup power solutions, electrical services, and EV charger install...

In this episode of The Standby Generator Podcast , host Jim Swetman shares practical strategies to help business owners, leaders, and trades professionals stay motivated through the highs and lows of running a company. Drawing on his 20+ years of experience owning and operating a successful standby power business in Upstate New York, Jim explains how to reconnect with your core purpose, set achiev...

The U.S. power grid was once the world’s strongest system of energy delivery. Today, it’s fragile, vulnerable, and stretched beyond its limits. In this episode of The Standby Generator Podcast , host Jim Swetman breaks down: The three pillars of the grid — physical infrastructure, policy, and politics. How historical events like the 1973 Oil Embargo , 1992 Deregulation , and the Enron collapse des...

In this episode of The Standby Generator Podcast, host Jim Swetman sits down with veteran radio sales and production expert Mike Whittmore to explore how radio advertising can help standby generator dealers grow sales, build trust, and dominate their local market. With over 45 years in broadcasting, Mike shares proven strategies for creating high-impact radio ads, leveraging local personalities, a...

In this episode of The Standby Generator Podcast, host Jim Swetman sits down with Scott Forte, owner of Upstate Power Systems in Rochester, NY. Scott shares his 20-year journey in the generator industry—starting as a technician, moving into sales and management, and ultimately building his own successful dealership. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: How small generator dealers can successfully co...

In this episode of the Standby Generator Podcast, host Jim Swetman breaks down what it really takes to build a profitable and scalable standby generator business. Whether you’re just starting out with a few installations or looking to take your dealership to the next level, this episode gives you practical strategies and real-world insights to set a strong foundation for growth. With over 20 years...

In this episode of the Standby Generator Podcast , host Jim Swetman dives into a question many standby power professionals are asking: Should I expand into commercial generators? With 20+ years of firsthand experience in the backup power industry, Jim breaks down exactly what you need to know before jumping into the commercial market. Whether you’re a residential generator dealer, an electrical co...

In this episode of the Standby Generator Podcast, Jim Swetman discusses the significant growth and market position of Generac in the standby power industry. He emphasizes the importance for dealers to stay informed about Generac's strategies and market trends. The conversation covers Generac's impressive sales growth, the current penetration rate of standby generators in the U.S., and the...

In this power-packed episode of the Standby Generator Podcast , Jim Swetman dives deep into the operational realities that every contractor, dealer, and trades business owner should master. Whether you’re running a standby generator business, electrical contracting firm, HVAC company, or plumbing service, this episode covers the core principles of code compliance, inventory control, customer refer...

In this episode of The Standby Generator Podcast , host Jim Swetman—30-year veteran of the standby power industry—dives deep into what really drives employee satisfaction, retention, and growth in skilled trades businesses. Whether you run a generator division, electrical contracting business, HVAC team, or any other trade-focused operation, this episode lays out timeless and universal truths abou...

Is your standby generator business ready for hurricane season—or any natural disaster? In this essential episode of The Standby Generator Podcast , host Jim Swetman delivers a comprehensive, boots-on-the-ground strategy for generator dealers and business owners across the U.S.—from the Gulf Coast to the Northeast—on how to prepare for hurricanes, snowstorms, wind events, and more. We cover: Operat...

Join host Jim Swetman as he chats with Jesse Rack, CEO of Rack Electric, Rack Energy, and Rack Solar, on T he Standby Generator Podcast. Based in Boca Raton, Florida, Jesse discusses the incredible growth and achievements of their family-owned businesses, from expanding their services across Florida to becoming the largest independent Generac dealer in the state. Discover the unique company cultur...

Join Jim Swetman in this weeks episode of The Standby Generator Podcast episode where he shares invaluable lessons learned from his telecom business failure in the mid-90s. Jim discusses the pitfalls of growing too big too fast, the importance of trust and partnerships, and the journey of starting a successful standby generator company. He also delves into effective stress management strategies fo...

On this episode of The Standby Generator Podcast, host Jim Swetman, addresses key questions from standby power dealers in the U.S. He elaborates on common mistakes when scaling operations, emphasizing the importance of profitability, efficiency, and strategic growth. Jim discusses competition challenges and underscores the need for consistency, proper training, and detailed processes. He highlight...

In this episode of the Standby Generator Podcast, host Jim Swetman delves into the essential aspects of leadership tailored specifically for owners of standby power dealerships. Drawing from over 40 years of experience in the power business, Jim shares his insights on leading various departments within a company, including operations, sales, and back office. He emphasizes the importance of patienc...