Waste No Day: A Home Services Motivational Podcast

In today’s show, we interview special guest Steve Alwine. Steve is an HVAC service technician with One Hour Heating and Air Conditioning in Lancaster, PA. Not growing up in the trades, Steve made the transition to HVAC well into his working career. Opening struggling through the beginning, he persevered to become a well-loved and frequently requested technician. Steve lends his expertise to the to...

In today’s show, we discuss the topic of air conditioner tune-ups. Every summer the HVAC world is plagued with bottom-dollar seeking advertisements of air conditioner tune-ups. Brian and Nate discuss the value that comes with a tune-up as well as why racing to the bottom is not the right strategy.

In today’s show, we interview special guest Mike Vavreck. Not a typical trades-person by definition, Mike pursued law and healthcare before finally landing in the home services industry. This diverse background aided greatly in his ability to learn and understand the value of communication. Translating this skill now in overseeing a home services call center, Mike’s influence doesn’t stop on the p...

In today’s show, we discuss the topic of communication and specifically how to keep confusion out of it. In the home services industry communication is almost as important as the actual trade itself. The most technically proficient plumber, electrician, or technician is only as effective as the level of communication that he/she possesses. Ultimately, a customer wants their problem resolved but th...

In today’s show, we interview special guest Jamie Mellinger. Jamie serves as an electrician and safety advisor with Mister Sparky Electric in Lancaster, PA. Returning to the podcast, Jamie dives into the power of whole home surge protection and why he has found the riches in this niche. Exploring topics from the details of whole home surge to how to share with and educate homeowners, Jamie reveals...

In today’s show, we discuss the topic of surge protection as we wrap up our riches in niches series. Surge protection is a natural topic of discussion for most homeowners since the electronics industry has pushed point of use surge protection for decades. However, not many homeowners ever consider protecting appliances that are far more expensive than a TV from surges. We jump into the topic and e...

In today’s show, we interview special guest Traci Martin. Coming from the hospitality industry working as a server taught Traci the fine skills of customer service. From there, it was an easy transition into serving customers over the phone in their moments of need. Working as a customer service representative on the phone for several years, Traci refined her skill on the phone to incorporate serv...

In today’s show, we discuss the topic of service agreements. Service agreements are a typical part of the home services industry which draws into question the qualification for being a niche. However, it is an area that few do well which is where the riches lie in this particular topic. Understanding the value of a service agreement goes beyond having an actual plan or contract. Service agreements...

In today’s show, we interview special guest Paul Francis. Paul is a sewer and drain plumber with Benjamin Franklin Plumbing in Lancaster, PA. Paul is no stranger to unique work environments. Starting his career in the food industry, he opened several restaurants and focused on catering, hospitality, and more. Developing his people skills in the demanding restaurant business, Paul learned how custo...

In today’s show, we continue our series of riches in niches as we discuss the topic of sewers and drains. Niches are usually derived from a skill or solution that no one wants to do or that no one wants to do well. In regards to sewers and drains, it is the former problem that drives the niche. Brian and and Nate break down why sewers and drains is a niche market waiting to be capitalized on and d...

In today’s show, we interview special guest Dave Landis. Dave is a field supervisor and service technician with One Hour Heating and Air Conditioning in Lancaster, PA and has man years in the field. Serving in the HVAC industry has given Dave a great technical background but it was only in recent years that indoor air quality became his specialty. Experiencing the benefits first hand with his own...

In today’s show, we discuss the topic of indoor air quality also known as IAQ. We are kicking off a series called riches in niches focusing on how specialization pays dividends. Indoor air quality has been a growing market for years and continues to show opportunity. Specializing in both products and presentation allows for capitalization in an area of primary client concern and interest. Having t...

In today’s show, we interview special guest Johnathan Jordan. Johnathan, better known as JJ, is a heating and air conditioning service technician at One Hour Heating and Air Conditioning in Lancaster, PA. Coming up through the apprentice program his years are few but his abilities are great. Adopting the concept of presenting with options early in his career, JJ refined his presentation to experie...

In today’s show, we discuss the topic of options. Everyone wants options whether you consciously think it through or not. We want the power of choice, specifically “our” choice. We want to choose a small coke or a super-sized one. We want to choose the economy room or the presidential suite at the local hotel. Options are critical to allowing a client to choose what they want and they are an effec...

In today’s show, we interview special guest Rachel Witmer. Rachel is a comfort advisor with One Hour Heating and Air Conditioning in Lancaster, PA. Coming into the industry just over a year ago, Rachel has made quick work of employing systems and strategies for the best possible customer experiences. Now serving in a sales roll for heating and air conditioning equipment, Rachel’s natural personali...

In today’s show, we discuss the topic of upfront agreements. Learning how to game plan a client meeting can be an internal fight. So often what goes “right” in our heads seems to fall apart in shoe leather. Upfront agreements are a tool of simplicity that can be used throughout a client experience to help everyone stay on the same page. The idea is to eliminate the unknown and unexpected and repla...

In today’s show, we interview special guest Ted Schnettler. Ted is currently the service manager with One Hour Heating and Air Conditioning in Lancaster, PA. Ted began his career in the trades after observing house construction as a framer. Looking for a long-term career Ted shifted gears from framing to HVAC and began learning the ins and outs of refrigerant and equipment. Growing in knowledge an...

In today’s show, we discuss the topic of technically speaking. In the home services industry, there is always a need for improvement and growth in technical skills. Not only is the industry constantly evolving with new tools and new equipment, but there is already such a wide variety of existing equipment in place that the learning never stops. On this podcast, hosts Brian and Nate examine the imp...

In today’s show, we interview special guest James Frese. James is a service HVAC technician with One Hour Heating and Air Conditioning in Lancaster, PA. Graduating from a local trade college in HVAC, James started with One Hour riding shotgun in a truck for several months. Once making the jump to his own truck he struggled with the transition. Finally determining in his own mind to learn improveme...

In today’s show, we discuss the topic of my vehicle university. There are many differences in the home services industry between plumbing, electrical and HVAC. However, one thing that they all have in common is road time. If you are in home services, you see the backside of a windshield for upwards of 20-30% of your day. The time is significant; and so is how you spend it. Brian and Nate breakdown...

In today’s show, we interview special guest James Mellinger. James is a service electrician and safety advisor for Mister Sparky Electric in Lancaster, PA. Coming out of high school, James got introduced to the trades through a family connection eventually taking apprenticeship classes and learning the skills. Originally joining One Hour Heating and Air Conditioning as an HVAC tech, he eventually...

In today’s show, we discuss the topic of transferring your enthusiasm. Selling is a baggage word that brings up all kinds of feelings in people; most of them negative. Really at the end of the day to sell something is to transfer the excitement you have for a product or service to someone who doesn’t have that product or service. This definition comes from Brian Tracy, a successful and renown sale...

In today’s show, we interview special guest Brad Hauck. Brad serves as the service coordinator and dispatcher for One Hour Heating and Air Conditioning, Benjamin Franklin Plumbing, and Mister Sparky Electric; all located in Lancaster, PA. Prior to taking his role as master of the schedule, Brad was a HVAC technician himself for many years. This unique combination of both field experience and stron...

In today's show, we discuss the topic of an efficient service day. Efficiency is something that everyone is concerned about and interested in gaining. We spend extra money for longer lasting product, for better MPG, for better energy, and the list goes on. Efficiency is certainly of consumer interest; but what about efficiency in your day. Would you pay to get one more minute? If only that was pos...

In today’s show, we interview special guest Caleb Harnish. Caleb brings a unique background to the service industry by both understanding the customer side and the technician side of the equation. Entering the trades in customer service after some time at college, Caleb started his journey in the office. Here he learned the importance of serving a customer and the types of needs that homeowners ha...