Toolbox for the Trades

In this live episode from Pantheon, Karen Edwards, COO of Roofers Coffee Shop, shares her insights on technology adoption in roofing. Karen explains the common pitfalls and success stories she's witnessed, and provides practical advice for contractors who are hesitant to embrace new tech like AI. She also discusses the growing trends in metal roofing and restoration and highlights the importance of industry communities and trusted resources like Roofers Coffee Shop for navigating change and achieving success.Join us as we discuss: [8:57] Common pitfalls roofers can stumble into when adopting new technology[13:35] How outside experts and internal champions can help you streamline tech adoption[20:55] Bringing international roofing innovation to American contractors Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:Roofing Road TripsMetalCastLa Voz de los RuferosRT3 Roofing Technology Think TankVILPE SenseYou can find this interview and many more by subscribing to Toolbox for the Trades on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, or here.Know a business that could use a bit of muscle from ServiceTitan? Refer them here!Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Toolbox for the Trades in your favorite podcast player.Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

In this episode, Rob Parker, managing director of residential and commercial services investment banking at Piper Sandler, shares tips for partnering with private equity. A former entrepreneur himself, Rob explains how market forces and technological advancements have made the trades an attractive investment for private equity firms. He breaks down the importance of maximizing EBITDA, shares his experience with a successful client partnership, and offers advice for owner-operators preparing to sell their businesses or take them to the next level.Join us as we discuss: [6:56] The COVID private equity boom and how partnerships have since evolved[16:58] Why trades company IPOs may become common in the not-to-distant future[23:39] The most important metric that PE firms look at when considering a partnership[31:18] How owners can prep their team for a company merger or buyoutCheck out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:Email Rob at Rob.Parker@PSC.comYou can find this interview and many more by subscribing to Toolbox for the Trades on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, or here.Know a business that could use a bit of muscle from ServiceTitan? Refer them here!Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Toolbox for the Trades in your favorite podcast player.Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Aspire is leveling up, and so are the landscapers who depend on it. In this episode, we explore what the platform's next chapter means for the industry’s fastest-growing businesses. General Manager Eli Zevin shares how Aspire is evolving to meet the moment, with bold plans to scale smarter, serve better, and bring cutting-edge tech to the field. We dig into how Aspire is restructuring its teams to better support businesses at every stage of growth, from scrappy up-and-comers to multimillion-dollar operations. Eli also gives us a glimpse into the not-so-distant future, where AI moves from helpful to hands-on. Join us as we discuss: [4:42] Aspire’s goals for industry-wide growth and scalability[12:17] Advice for businesses nervous about making the switch[16:22] How Eli’s experience as a camp director influenced his leadership styleYou can find this interview and many more by subscribing to Toolbox for the Trades on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, or here. Know a business that could use a bit of muscle from ServiceTitan? Refer them here!Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Toolbox for the Trades in your favorite podcast player.Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Doug Greenhaw, President and CEO, and Justin Guinnip, COO, at Summit Roofing & Restoration in Atoka, Tennessee, share their journey of scaling a roofing business from modest beginnings to a projected $30 million this year. They dive into how they leveraged a devastating tornado in their hometown into a catalyst for growth, meticulously planning to replicate an $18 million revenue year without another natural disaster. Doug and Justin also candidly discuss their challenging but ultimately successful experience as early ServiceTitan adopters in the roofing industry, offering invaluable advice for other contractors considering significant tech investments.Join us as we discuss: [6:49] Transitioning from whiteboards to tech and embracing outside help[17:58] Helping a community rebuild after tragedy strikes[24:19] ServiceTitan implementation for roofers and process mappingCheck out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:Home Service FreedomContact Center ProPantheon 2025You can find this interview and many more by subscribing to Toolbox for the Trades on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, or here. Know a business that could use a bit of muscle from ServiceTitan? Refer them here!Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Toolbox for the Trades in your favorite podcast player.Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

How do you take a third-generation family business and triple its revenue without losing its soul? In this episode, Brad Barron, CEO of Barron Heating, Air Conditioning, Electrical and Plumbing, shares how he led his team through explosive growth: from $15 million to a projected $45 million, all without private equity, mergers, or compromising on culture. Brad talks about building systems that actually scale, leading with clarity and humility, and making hard decisions when growth moves faster than process. Join us as we discuss: [3:01] Family business succession planning that actually works[15:32] Tripling revenue: scalable process vs tribal knowledge[26:00] Omni-channel marketing and acquiring a media company[34:23] The mistake Brad regrets most: waiting too longCheck out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:Pantheon 2025EGIAYou can find this interview and many more by subscribing to Toolbox for the Trades on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, or here. Know a business that could use a bit of muscle from ServiceTitan? Refer them here!Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Toolbox for the Trades in your favorite podcast player.Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Predictive analytics isn't just for data nerds. Robert Clinkenbeard, CEO at Wilson360 and host of the Commercial Landscaper Podcast, explains how landscaping businesses can leverage predictive analytics to streamline operations, optimize talent, and enhance efficiency. Drawing from his experience scaling his landscaping business from zero to $20 million, Robert shares insights on how owners can effectively utilize data to navigate rapid growth. He emphasizes the importance of embracing AI, recruiting proactively, and constantly adapting strategies to stay ahead in the industry.Join us as we discuss: [4:18] Why companies shouldn’t overrely on legacy practices and recruiting from outside the industry[12:53] How predictive analytics and AI tools can help you scale efficiently[16:12] The future of landscaping technology and effectively leveraging your teamCheck out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:The Commercial LandscaperYou can find this interview and many more by subscribing to Toolbox for the Trades on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, or here. Register for Pantheon 2025 - see you in Anaheim!Prometheus Award NominationsKnow a business that could use a bit of muscle from ServiceTitan? Refer them here!Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Toolbox for the Trades in your favorite podcast player.Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

In her first year running True Pros in Layton, Utah, Katy Higgins turned her sales skills into a multimillion-dollar HVAC business. Along the way, she faced tough lessons, unexpected challenges, and learned how to celebrate wins no matter what came her way. Katy shares what it takes to lead through chaos, embrace new tools like Sales Pro, and create a workplace where victories are celebrated and challenges are met head-on. She also explains how she kept her team motivated during setbacks, why recording sales calls transformed her approach, and how a simple bell in the hallway became a symbol of resilience and progress.Join us as we discuss: [8:07] Why contractors need to focus on solving problems, not push products[13:29] How True Pros went from garage startup to $6M in the first year[19:43] Scrapbooks, celebrations, and staying focused on the positives[30:22] Falling in love with Sales Pro and quadrupling closure ratesCheck out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:Pantheon 2025Sales ProService Nation Lennox Premier You can find this interview and many more by subscribing to Toolbox for the Trades on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, or here. Know a business that could use a bit of muscle from ServiceTitan? Refer them here!Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Toolbox for the Trades in your favorite podcast player.Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

What’s really holding your commercial service department back? In this episode, Jennifer Shooshanian, Senior Service Coach at Business Development Resources (BDR), reveals how she transformed an underperforming team into a profitable, high-performing commercial service operation. She also shares the hard-won strategies and lessons she’s learned from over 20 years of managing and coaching teams so you can build your own foundation for sustainable growth. Join us as we discuss: [2:48] Why documenting your organization’s processes is crucial[16:01] How to build a strong commercial service department[20:14] Fix sales first: Why pricing comes before everything else[29:29] The power of commercial maintenance agreementsCheck out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:Pantheon 2025You can find this interview and many more by subscribing to Toolbox for the Trades on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, or here. Know a business that could use a bit of muscle from ServiceTitan? Refer them here!Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Toolbox for the Trades in your favorite podcast player.Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

In this episode of Toolbox for the Trades, we sit down with Mike Lowrance, IT Director at LMC Landscape Partners, to explore what it really takes to bring technology into a boots-on-the-ground industry. Starting his career in horticulture and now leading tech strategy across multiple landscape companies, Mike offers a rare insider perspective on how to make digital tools actually work in the trades. We unpack some hard truths of tech adoption: why even the best systems fail without clear goals, thoughtful training, and real buy-in. Join us as we discuss: [7:12] How to build internal tech leadership with super users[12:54] How to create buy-in and deal with tech resistance[18:43] What sets Aspire apart from other landscaping CRMsCheck out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:AspireIgniteYou can find this interview and many more by subscribing to Toolbox for the Trades on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, or here.Register for Pantheon 2025 - see you in Anaheim!Prometheus Award NominationsKnow a business that could use a bit of muscle from ServiceTitan? Refer them here!Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Toolbox for the Trades in your favorite podcast player.Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Vertical integration can transform your business without expanding geographically. Branden Dickey, CEO at LocalRoofs and Owner of Conejo Heating, Air, Plumbing, and Electrical, mastered strategic growth by identifying multiple opportunities in every home serviced. From rebranding interior fixtures as household billboards to carefully choosing integration pathways, Branden boosted Conejo's revenue from $1.2 million to a projected $40 million within a 30-mile radius. In this episode, he discusses maintaining efficiency at scale, leveraging community trust, and why precise measurement drives exceptional growth and profitability.Join us as we discuss: [10:08] How every new vertical in your business acts as an “interior billboard” in your customers’ homes[18:33] Bringing a new level of professionalism to the roofing industry[28:13] Why contractors need to adopt an efficiency mindset and measure everything[39:28] How ServiceTitan streamlines workflows in multiple business verticalsYou can find this interview and many more by subscribing to Toolbox for the Trades on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, or here. Register for Pantheon 2025 - see you in Anaheim!Prometheus Award NominationsKnow a business that could use a bit of muscle from ServiceTitan? Refer them here!Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Toolbox for the Trades in your favorite podcast player.Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Many customers who call residential service companies balk at out-of-reach, upfront prices because they don’t know that financing is an option. Erica Leonor, Director of Business Development at Goodleap, joins us to explore the powerful role customer service representatives play in getting this information to potential buyers. Erica shares her strategy for CSRs to talk about financing with confidence and compassion, turning a potentially awkward conversation into one that earns customer trust. Join us as we discuss: [9:33] When customers should be notified about financing options[15:24] How CSRs can earn your customers’ confidence[20:44] How to train employees to approach customers with financingCheck out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:AmziThe CSR AcademyYou can find this interview and many more by subscribing to Toolbox for the Trades on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, or here. Register for Pantheon 2025 - see you in Anaheim!Prometheus Award NominationsKnow a business that could use a bit of muscle from ServiceTitan? Refer them here!Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Toolbox for the Trades in your favorite podcast player.Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Are your job applicants ghosting you? Can anything be done to stop it? In this episode, we talk with Carlos del Pozo, Co-founder of Team Engine, about what is really holding companies back from building strong, reliable teams in the trades. Drawing on his experience as both an Army officer and entrepreneur, Carlos shares practical strategies to streamline the recruiting process, reduce turnover, and build a more competitive workforce. Join us as we discuss: [5:39] The #1 hiring bottleneck of failing to follow up fast[13:01] Why your job description is a marketing tool[20:25] The future of recruiting and hiring in the age of AIYou can find this interview and many more by subscribing to Toolbox for the Trades on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, or here. Register for Pantheon 2025 - see you in Anaheim!Prometheus Award NominationsKnow a business that could use a bit of muscle from ServiceTitan? Refer them here!Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Toolbox for the Trades in your favorite podcast player.Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Strategic partnerships can make the difference between stagnation and explosive growth. Joe Delaney, Jordan Dubin, and Sean Slazyk, Cofounders of Guild Garage Group and Galaxy Service Partners, join us to reveal how collaboration and strategic alignment transformed their residential and commercial garage door businesses. Learn how data transparency, shared best practices, and clearly defined roles empower local businesses to reach new heights. Discover how partnerships provide not just short-term wins but lasting generational wealth, deep industry expertise, and robust support systems that sustain continuous growth.Join us as we discuss: [3:14] Why industry diversity in the trades is so attractive to outside partners[18:22] The integration process in a strategic partnership and operational responsibilities[35:00] Standardizing CRMs for data tracking and KPI benchmarking[43:02] How the Guild and Guardian partnership model helps owners build generational wealthYou can find this interview and many more by subscribing to Toolbox for the Trades on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, or here. Register for Pantheon 2025 - see you in Anaheim!Prometheus Award NominationsKnow a business that could use a bit of muscle from ServiceTitan? Refer them here!Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Toolbox for the Trades in your favorite podcast player.Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Are you staying ahead of the trends shaping the trades? In this episode, we talk with Alec Stevanovski, Editor at Homepros, the digital media outlet bringing sharp, real-time reporting to home services professionals. We dig into rising equipment costs, supply chain pressures, and how 2025’s tariff landscape is hitting the contractor’s bottom line. Plus, Alec offers a refreshingly grounded take on private equity in the industry and explains why so many contractors are tuning out the noise and doubling down on the fundamentals.Join us as we discuss: [6:38] The economy: HVAC price hikes, tariffs, and refrigerant costs[11:47] Rising material costs and the data behind consumer sentiment[17:46] Private equity in the trades: trends, timelines, and what’s nextCheck out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:ServiceTitan Pantheon 2025You can find this interview and many more by subscribing to Toolbox for the Trades on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, or here. Know a business that could use a bit of muscle from ServiceTitan? Refer them here!Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Toolbox for the Trades in your favorite podcast player.Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Operational excellence is a key focus for Steven Harper, President and CEO at Spectrum Building Services of America. It's a philosophy that fuels his leadership style, his approach to customer service, and his strategic vision for long-term business success. Steven joins us for our final Green and Clean episode to share how lessons from powerhouse brands like Disney and FedEx shaped his leadership journey, why building a people-first company culture is non-negotiable, and why cash flow management is the true lifeline for any service business.Join us as we discuss: [3:25] How 25-plus years of experience have influenced Steven’s customer service philosophy[10:53] Cash management strategies for struggling business owners[15:50] Culture building and scaling within the commercial cleaning industryCheck out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:AspireCEO Life LessonsYou can find this interview and many more by subscribing to Toolbox for the Trades on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, or here. Register for Pantheon 2025 - see you in Anaheim!Prometheus Award NominationsKnow a business that could use a bit of muscle from ServiceTitan? Refer them here!Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Toolbox for the Trades in your favorite podcast player.Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Family business transformation takes on a whole new meaning when Tiffany Martin Peters joins us for another episode of our Green and Clean series. As President at North by Northwest Lawns in Austin, Texas, Tiffany walks us through her unexpected path into the family landscaping company, starting with a rocky internship and a firm "no" to working with family — but life had other plans. When Tiffany returned in 2014, she found herself building office operations from scratch, armed with only a QuickBooks tutorial from her dad and her own determination. She shares the uphill journey of implementing software, overcoming a steep learning curve, and evolving the business beyond Excel spreadsheets and paper files.Join us as we discuss: [5:33] Transitioning the office from old-school paper to modern processes[8:26] Navigating family dynamics while implementing new procedures[13:56] Adopting new software during the peak seasonal monthsCheck out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:AspireTiffany’s Aspire JourneyYou can find this interview and many more by subscribing to Toolbox for the Trades on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, or here. Register for Pantheon 2025 - see you in Anaheim!Prometheus Award NominationsKnow a business that could use a bit of muscle from ServiceTitan? Refer them here!Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Toolbox for the Trades in your favorite podcast player.Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Process improvement is more than a buzzword to Andrew Craft — it’s a growth engine. In this second episode of our special series, Green and Clean, the CFO at Site Landscape Development in the Dallas-Fort Worth area shares how his team doubled revenue by investing in efficient systems, adopting Aspire, and implementing the EOS framework. Andrew brings his tech-forward thinking and financial discipline to the landscaping space, showing how automation, data, and scalable tools can transform operations. From building a high-functioning scheduling system to upgrading AP workflows with AI, he reveals how efficiency isn’t just about saving time — it’s about preparing for serious growth.Join us as we discuss: [1:49] Why process improvements are critical for scaling your small business[6:21] How a CRM and EOS implementations helped Site double their revenue[15:31] Advice to small business owners trying to hurdle their scaling challengesCheck out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:AspireEOSYou can find this interview and many more by subscribing to Toolbox for the Trades on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, or here. Know a business that could use a bit of muscle from ServiceTitan? Refer them here!Register for Pantheon 2025 - see you in Anaheim!Prometheus Award NominationsListening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Toolbox for the Trades in your favorite podcast player.Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Mentorship in the trades can drive lasting impact across careers, teams, and entire industries. In the first episode of our Green and Clean series, Jon Gohl, Director of Client Experience at Aspire Software, shares how early lessons in leadership and the mentorship of industry icons like Kevin Kehoe shaped his career trajectory. From recruiting international teammates to advancing software adoption in the field, Jon reflects on how empathy, trust, and bold action have fueled Aspire’s mission — and his own. This conversation explores the powerful ripple effect of mentorship and what it takes to inspire the next generation of trades professionals.Join us as we discuss: [11:21] Leadership lessons Jon took from some of the industry’s legends[17:46] Bringing technology to schools for the next generation of landscapers[24:30] Framing software platforms as an approachable toolCheck out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:Aspireacademy.youraspire.comYou can find this interview and many more by subscribing to Toolbox for the Trades on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, or here. Know a business that could use a bit of muscle from ServiceTitan? Refer them here!Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Toolbox for the Trades in your favorite podcast player.Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Join hosts Jackie Aubel and Amanda Salvatore as they talk to top service professionals to find out the best tips, tricks, and tactics to succeed in the home services industry.Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

In this episode, we sit down with Jeff Sample, longtime construction technologist and host of The ConTech Crew podcast, to talk about the challenges construction professionals face when adopting new tech. From the disconnect between flashy software and field usability, to the power of data-driven decision-making, Jeff shares hard-earned insights from a career spent bridging the gap between jobsite and back office. You’ll learn why "show me, don’t tell me" should be your mantra when evaluating tech, how to map processes before buying tools, and why trust in technology starts with solving real problems, not chasing the next shiny object. Join us as we discuss: [3:29] Why early construction software failed in the field[19:18] How to vet software: “Show me, don’t tell me”[23:24] Why IT leaders need to learn to “speak business”[31:47] Building tech with field outcomes in mindCheck out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:Pantheon 2025You can find this interview and many more by subscribing to Toolbox for the Trades on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, or here. Know a business that could use a bit of muscle from ServiceTitan? Refer them here!Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Toolbox for the Trades in your favorite podcast player.Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.