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

As a service business owner, you must understand your numbers, like being able to read and interpret financial statements, knowing your breakeven point, and having a good handle on cash flow.    When you know your numbers, you can make informed, strategic decisions about where to allocate resources and which products or services are most profitable. Good number-crunching skills will help you run your business more efficiently and effectively. Though, it's too stressful to keep all those numbers organized in your head, so you need tools and software to manage that for you.   Meet Garrett Baird, CEO of The Neat Company, a software company that provides financial management tools to small businesses. He started the company in order to help entrepreneurs who are struggling with organization and management. The goal was always to make life easier for business owners so they could focus on what they're passionate about. Now, businesses worldwide rely on Neat's software to keep things organized - it's no wonder Garrett is seen as a visionary in this space!   Join us as we talk with Garrett about simplifying the organization and management of your financial documents.   In this episode, we discuss: Problems small businesses face with financial management How Neat's software benefits small business owners Neat's pricing, customer service, integration capabilities, and more!   Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast: This episode is kindly sponsored by Sera (https://sera.tech/go/service-business-mastery/), Podium (visit their website), CompanyCam (visit www.companycam.com/SBM for 14 day trial and 50% off your first two months). Learn more about Neat Join the Service Business Mastery Facebook group   Meet the Hosts: Tersh Blissett is a serial entrepreneur who has created and scaled multiple profitable home service businesses in his small-town market. He's dedicated to giving back to the industry that has provided so much for him and his family. Connect with him on LinkedIn.   Joshua Crouch has been in the home services industry, specifically HVAC, for 8+ years as an Operations Manager, Branch Manager, Territory Sales Manager, and Director of Marketing. He's also the Founder of Relentless Digital, where his focus is on dominating your local market online. Connect with him on LinkedIn.   Meet the Guest: Garrett Baird is President and CEO of The Neat Company (Neat). He joined the company in 2020 to lead its entrance into the digital accounting space, helping small business owners spend more time growing their businesses while transforming mundane bookkeeping into actionable insights.   Prior to Neat, Garrett was the Founder & CEO of Walletron, the mobile wallet platform company managing enterprise clients' presence in mobile wallets like Apple Wallet and Google Pay. Walletron was the first platform of its kind to deliver bills via the mobile wallet, and Garrett was granted two US patents for mobile wallet bill presentments in 2017 and 2019. The business was acquired by Western Union and subsequently by ACI Worldwide in 2019.   Before joining Walletron, Garrett led channel sales and product management for Collections Marketing Center (CMC) and held roles in sales, product management, and web development for venture-backed startup firms, including Lumeta (spun off from Bell Labs), Incurrent Solutions (now part of ACI Worldwide) and IPO.com.   Links to content here:  Follow Neat on Twitter Connect with Neat on Facebook Connect with Neat on LinkedIn   Tune in to hear the latest and greatest in business services trends on Service Business Mastery on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and our website.     Listening on a desktop & can't see the links? Just search for Service Business Mastery in your favorite podcast player.

If you want to WIN in ductless sales in 2023 and beyond, you need a marketing strategy that's competitive. But how do you differentiate your service business from the competition and dominate your customers' search engines? This week's guest is going to tell you just how to do that in any market, regardless of the size.   Meet Michelle LaFrance, aka "The Ductless Marketing Gal". Michelle is President and CEO of Smarty Pants Web, a digital marketing and web design firm, as well as Founder of The Ductless Directory, a comprehensive resource for consumers, contractors, and manufacturers. The Ductless Directory is a powerful tool that will give your website a boost in rankings AND double or even triple your visibility.   Join us as we talk with Michelle about this one-of-a-kind marketing solution that's boosting contractors to the top of search results. Plus, she shares what you need to do to be recognized as 'the ductless guy' in your area!   In this episode we discuss: Marketing tips and strategies that will help you generate ductless leads online How to easily increase traffic to your service business's website The many benefits of getting featured in The Ductless Directory (and how to get featured!)   Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast: This episode is kindly sponsored by Sera (visit their website), Podium (visit their website), CompanyCam (visit www.companycam.com/SBM for 14 day trial and 50% off your first two months). Sign up at The Ductless Guy for 70% off! (limited time only) The Ductless Directory Articles by Michelle LaFrance on ACHR News Join the Service Business Mastery Facebook group   Meet the Hosts: Tersh Blissett is a serial entrepreneur who has created and scaled multiple profitable home service businesses in his small town market. He's dedicated to giving back to the industry that has provided so much for him and his family. Connect with him on LinkedIn.   Joshua Crouch has been in the home services industry, specifically HVAC, for 8+ years as an Operations Manager, Branch Manager, Territory Sales Manager and Director of Marketing. He's also the Founder of Relentless Digital, where their focus is dominating your local market online. Connect with him on LinkedIn.   Meet the Guest: Michelle LaFrance, aka "The Ductless Marketing Gal", is an HVAC consultant, ductless marketing expert, digital marketing strategist, content creation expert, author, and speaker. Michelle is President and CEO of Smarty Pants Web, a digital marketing and web design firm, as well as Founder of The Ductless Directory, a comprehensive resource for consumers, contractors, and manufacturers.   Links to content here:  Connect with her on LinkedIn Connect with The Ductless Guy on Facebook   Tune in to hear the latest and greatest in business services trends on Service Business Mastery on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and our website.     Listening on a desktop & can't see the links? Just search for Service Business Mastery in your favorite podcast player.  

On today's episode, we talk with Jeff Revlett of EGIA.org about the Lead2022 event.  https://lead2022event.com/#agenda-bar  https://mycontractoruniversity.com/membership/join/?referrer=LEAD2022_site  In business, as in life, success is often about surrounding yourself with the right people and learning from those who are already successful.  Jeff Revlett has spent 27 years in the HVAC industry and, during that time, has become a leader in his field by following this approach. He has surrounded himself with quality people, soaked up information like a sponge, and learned from the best in the business.  This has allowed him to perfect his craft and think outside the box when it comes to inspiring his team and removing obstacles. Jeff is always looking to improve, both in his personal development and in business. He knows that as a leader, it's important to set clear expectations and inspire others to reach their personal dreams. He also understands that failures are inevitable but can be used as learning experiences.  It's this kind of thinking that allowed Jeff to create Contractor University. It's a program you can now use to gain a comprehensive blend of powerful classroom instruction and convenient online training systems that deliver proven roadmaps to success from the most accomplished team of educators, consultants, and trainers ever assembled in the industry.  From pricing and sales to operations and marketing – and everything in between – Contractor University is here to help your business thrive so that you can enjoy the life you've dreamed of. This mindset has helped him succeed in his career, and he hopes to continue passing on this knowledge to help others reach their full potential.    Tune in to this episode of Service Business Mastery to learn more!  ~~This episode is kindly sponsored by the following: = Sera https://sera.tech/go/service-business... - Request a demo through Service Business Mastery for a discounted Onboarding and Per Tech Fee. = Upfrog https://www.upfrog.io/ = CompanyCam https://www.companycam.com/SBM/ for a 14-day trial and 50% off your first two months)

TODAY'S EPISODE KEY TOPICS & SUBTOPICS How to optimize your communication with customers Tips and strategies for improving communication channels and customer relationship management Focusing on the customer experience Overcoming the marketing challenges you face as a small business How to meet customers where they're at Adding channels of communication to your contracting business, like a text line and website chat Generating and managing leads with an automated CRM system  Driving ROI through customer communication and external services  The benefits of using Signpost's live answering and reputation management services Strong communication, especially with customers, is critical for small, local businesses to thrive in their communities. So, what strategies can you use to optimize your communication and manage your customer relationships?    Meet Laura Nelson, VP of Marketing at Signpost, a technology company that develops CRM and marketing automation software for local businesses and contractors to build relationships with new and existing customers.    Join us as we talk with Laura about how to better communicate with your customers and create a strong reputation in your industry and community.   In this episode, we discuss: Overcoming the marketing challenges you face as a small business How to optimize your communication with customers Driving ROI through customer communication and external CRM services    Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast: Learn more about Signpost Join the Service Business Mastery Facebook group   Meet the Hosts: Tersh Blissett is a serial entrepreneur who has created and scaled multiple profitable home service businesses in his small town market. He's dedicated to giving back to the industry that has provided so much for him and his family. Connect with him on LinkedIn.   Joshua Crouch has been in the home services industry, specifically HVAC, for 8+ years as an Operations Manager, Branch Manager, Territory Sales Manager, and Director of Marketing. He's also the Founder of Relentless Digital, where his focus is on dominating your local market online. Connect with him on LinkedIn.   Meet the Guest: Laura Nelson is the VP of Marketing at Signpost. Laura is skilled entrepreneurial manager with experience in a variety of roles, including marketing, business management, and editorial functions. Strategic mindset, effective communications abilities, and a strong sense of storytelling. Experience with marketing SaaS and consumer platforms on strong growth trajectories and collaborating with strategic partners to create scalable programs.   Links to content here:  www.linkedin.com/in/lauraliznelson www.facebook.com/Signpostcom  www.twitter.com/Signpost  Lnelson@signpost.com   Tune in to hear the latest and greatest in business services trends on Service Business Mastery on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and our website.     Listening on a desktop & can't see the links? Just search for Service Business Mastery in your favorite podcast player.

For your service business to be profitable and highly-rated, you need to have great technicians… But to have great technicians who will leave a legacy for generations to come, you need to put some systems into place!    Meet Al Levi (LinkedIn), a Business Consultant (website), Contracting Business Expert, and Author of The 7-Power Contractor (buy the book). With over 25 years of experience as a contractor and business owner, Al was able to implement systems in his business that enabled him to sell his share of the family business and retire before 50.   Join us as we talk with Al about how to create and implement systems in your business so you can finally have all the great technicians you've ever wanted!   In this episode we discuss: Strategies for hiring and training apprentices into skilled technicians The true power of implementing systems in your contracting business Lessons learned from 25+ years as a contractor   Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast: Buy The 7-Power Contractor Learn more about Al's Signature Staffing System Join the Service Business Mastery Facebook group   Meet the Hosts: Tersh Blissett is a serial entrepreneur who has created and scaled multiple profitable home service businesses in his small town market. He's dedicated to giving back to the industry that has provided so much for him and his family. Connect with him on LinkedIn.   Joshua Crouch has been in the home services industry, specifically HVAC, for 8+ years as an Operations Manager, Branch Manager, Territory Sales Manager and Director of Marketing. He's also the Founder of Relentless Digital, where their focus is dominating your local market online. Connect with him on LinkedIn.   Al Levi is president of The 7-Power Contractor® (formerly Appleseed Business), a business consulting and training firm that has helped hundreds of service and installation-based contracting businesses run better since 2002. He also is a columnist for Plumbing & Mechanical (PM) magazine and Reeves Journal and the author of "The 7-Power Contractor®: Run Your Contracting Business With Less Stress and More Success," which lays out seven simple business powers that hundreds of owners have implemented successfully, often transforming their businesses.    A former contractor who worked for 25 years in every aspect of his family's HVAC/plumbing business, Al put systems into place which enabled him to sell his share of the business to his brothers and retire from his family's business before he was 50. Al now helps other contractors learn to run their businesses with less stress and more success through consultations, workshops, webinars, his long-running column in PM magazine, and his new book, The 7-Power Contractor®.   Link to content here:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/7powercontractor/ https://7powercontractor.com/ https://7powercontractor.com/product/7-power-contractor-paperback/   Tune in to hear the latest and greatest in business services trends on Service Business Mastery on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and our website.     Listening on a desktop & can't see the links? Just search for Service Business Mastery in your favorite podcast player.

Service Business Mastery Podcast www.ServiceBusinessMastery.com

Today's episode we talk with Ken Midgett about the growth of the trades and what he is doing to get lady's to join the trades. We also talk about ways we can continue to market to clients, and how to think outside of the box.    Learn more about the CRM Tersh is using by clicking here! Service Business Mastery Podcast

Tersh talks with Stephen Christopher from Wit Digital about his website, and the things Wit Digital has done with it so far to fix the issues related to what the previous company did when building the website.  Connect with Stephen https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephenchristopher/ https://witdelivers.com/ Tersh https://www.linkedin.com/in/tershblissett/ @tershblissett on almost every social platform   ~Our podcast sponsor is ThermoGRID click the link to check it out!  ~How about we are listed as one of the top business podcasts in the world! Check it out in this link!!! 

Tersh talks with Rick Cesari about so many interesting topics surrounding video content and how it can help your small business grow to the next level and beyond! They talk about why video is so important, along with a ton of stats surrounding video content on the internet. The main points to take away from this episode are the 4 keys to making any video perform better and may you more money! Structure - start with the end in mind Avatar - know who you are talking to Testimonials - let others tell people how great you are CTA - don't forget your Call To Action! Learn more about Rick at www.RickCesari.com You can also pick up a copy of his Ebook there on his website. Snag a copy of his latest book Video Persuasion: Everything You Need To Know on Amazon.     Read everything that I am reading! https://kit.com/Tersh/reading-for-success  And follow me on Social...just search @tershblissett and I should pop up most everywhere! 

After working to support his family as a struggling artist, Derek Stone chose to reevaluate his life and his way of thinking, and in three short years grew a small one-man show into a million-dollar company. This amazing transformation came about through a decision to forgive his father. Derek left the path of blame and began traveling down a path of forgiveness which led him to start living his best life. He is now on a mission to help empower others to make the same transformation by helping them take charge of their own lives.   [00:01 - 08:30] Opening Segment Introducing Derek to the show Background and career Derek's book, "Why Should I Forgive?" The Seven Decisions by Andy Andrews   [08:31 - 11:34] Staying On Top There is no shortcut to getting rich Taking responsibility for your life Humans will not change unless they're challenged Sometimes adversity is necessary for change to happen   [11:35 - 29:39] Why Should I Forgive? The book comes from a place of discontent and anger Step 1: Wanting to have a better life Step 2: Going with your gut Step 3: Open heart surgery Making an informed decision Taking responsibility for your own life Step 3: Surrendering the outcome Step 4: Gratitude   [29:40 - 30:40] Closing Segment See the links below to connect with Derek Final words Quotes:   "When you take responsibility for your life, your life no longer becomes an excuse. It becomes a statement." - Derek Stone   "Humans will not change unless they're challenged." - Derek Stone   "You can't love other people without loving yourself. And when you forgive yourself, it allows you to forgive others as well." - Derek Stone   Connect with Derek by visiting www.DerekStone.Online and www.StonesRepairandRemodel.com.

Today we are joined by resident expert Ben Golden of Golden Tax Relief to help us navigate through the three most feared letters in the alphabet with ease–the IRS. Ben has years of experience working with service businesses and understands exactly what these businesses go through when it comes to dealing with the IRS. He talks about why it's important for service businesses to file their taxes as soon as possible, what consequences you might face if you don't do so, and what steps you can take to increase your chances of a successful outcome should you receive an audit letter from the IRS. This episode is perfect for service business owners or technicians who are thinking about starting their own business- it'll give you everything you need to know in order to protect yourself and maximize your chances of a positive outcome!   [00:01 - 06:14] Opening Segment Introducing Ben to the show Past experiences and expertise The Three different people you can hire to represent you before the IRS  A CPA-certified public accountant  An enrolled agent  An attorney   [07:18 - 16:42] How to Deal with the IRS Whenever you get a letter from the IRS, it's important to know the problem and figure out a plan of action to fix it The benefit of filing an extension is that it allows taxpayers more time to pay their taxes If you are the owner of a business, you may be responsible for paying payroll taxes that are due   [16:43 - 21:42] How to Avoid an IRS Audit The IRS can audit you for any year, even if you've already paid taxes on that year If you under report your income, you'll get an audit for that year and possibly additional years If you don't file your taxes, you'll get a letter of audit The red flag program or the DIF program in the IRS   [21:43 - 25:28] Closing Segment Final words See the links below to connect with Ben   Quotes:   "When you go to a job site, you have to know the scope of the work you're trying to do. The same way with the IRS when you get that letter, you have to figure out the scope of work to mitigate that problem." - Ben Golden   "You can't know anything. You need an attorney, an insurance person, an accountant…you need all these people in your team that are going to be moving towards the same goal for you to make a profit." - Ben Golden   "I don't ever suggest talking with the IRS by yourself because you never know what they're trying to get from you." - Ben Golden   Connect with Ben by visiting www.GoldenTaxRelief.com.  

In this episode of the Service Business Mastery Podcast, host Tersh Blissett sits down with Ari Meisel, Founder of Less Doing and creator of the Optimize, Automate, Outsource framework. Ari is a globally recognized expert in business automation, productivity systems, and operational efficiency, with deep hands-on experience in the construction and skilled trades. Ari shares how extreme burnout and a Crohn's disease diagnosis forced him to redesign how he worked, leading to a system that allowed him to reclaim time, reduce stress, and build a business that runs without constant owner involvement. This conversation dives deep into automation for service businesses, decision-making systems, and what it really means to become a replaceable founder. In this episode, you'll learn: How to identify automation opportunities in your service business Why automating decisions is more powerful than automating tasks The "Replaceable Founder" mindset every business owner needs How automation reduces stress and increases scalability Real-world systems for reclaiming time without sacrificing growth If you're an HVAC, plumbing, electrical, or home service business owner feeling stuck in daily operations, this episode breaks down practical automation strategies, how to identify repetitive work, and how small system changes compound into massive time freedom. Timestamps ⏰ [00:00] "Ari's Impact on Email Automation" [06:15] "Masonry, Hardship, and Health Struggles" [07:25] "Optimize, Automate, Outsource Strategies" [12:32] Building Sustainable Generational Businesses [15:45] "Optimize, Automate, Outsource Effectively" [19:43] "Prioritizing Revenue in Business" [22:24] "Automation Enhances the Human Element" [25:52] "Asynchronous Communication Explained" [29:20] "Benefits of Solo Voice Recording" [30:46] "Creativity Comes with Movement" [36:38] Flexible Work Beyond Boundaries [39:12] iPhone Screenshot Automation Exploration [41:32] "Apps I've Used for Years" [46:54] Building Apps and Voice AI [47:38] "Switching to MEM AI Tools" [52:05] "Retirement via Automation Skills" [54:53] "Connect with Ari for Insights" Follow the Host and Guest: Tersh Blissett: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tershblissett/ Josh Crouch: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josh-crouch/ Ari Meisel: https://www.linkedin.com/in/productivity-coach-entrepreneur/   Connect with us on: • LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/service-business-mastery • TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@servicebusinessmastery • Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/groups/servicebusinessmasterypodcast • Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/servicebusinessmasterypodcast This episode is kindly sponsored by: 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 priceguide 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 Subscribe now to stay updated with Service Business Mastery on YouTube!  

If you're in the skilled trades like HVAC, plumbing, electrical, or any service where the phone rings with "Hey, my system isn't working," this episode of SBM, "What Homeowners Actually Want" with Zachary Dearing, co-founder of Mantel, breaks down real homeowner insights pulled directly from Mantel's survey data. The conversation translates the findings of the Mantel's survey "Homeowner Shopping Attitudes Report 2025" (https://www.usemantel.com/survey) into practical takeaways, making it a cheat sheet into how homeowners think, choose, and spend. Here's why you should listen, especially if you: Want to make more from every visit (yes, without feeling like a pushy home comfort advisor). Are stuck trying to grow your business, because you keep hearing "You're too expensive" or "Let me think about it." Need clarity on what ACTUALLY matters to modern homeowners. Spoiler: it's not just the dollar amount. Are tired of home comfort "gurus" who can't back up their advice with hard data. If you want real, actionable ways to improve your process before, during, and after the visit grab the report the team discusses at usemantel.com/survey. It's built on actual fieldwork, not fantasy. Timestamps ⏰ [00:00] "Service Business Growth Strategies" [04:52] "Self-Discovery in Decision-Making" [08:57] "Persistence and Overcoming Dyslexia" [10:48] "Overcoming Fears Through Automation" [16:22] "Customer Obsession and User Focus" [18:52] "Research-Driven Innovation and Giving Back" [24:00] "Homeowner Priorities vs. Contractors" [27:24] "Homeowners' HVAC Knowledge Gap" [30:18] "Call Tracking for Smarter Marketing" [31:30] "How Homeowners Find Contractors" [36:00] "Trust and Reviews Drive Choices" [40:52] "Home Recording Insights & Sales" [43:26] "Homeowners Struggle to Find Clarity" [47:46] "AI, Trends, and Future Insights" [49:52] "Empowering Contractors to Boost Sales" [51:55] Empowering Homeowners Through Visibility [57:29] "Embrace Change and Adaptation" [58:30] "Service Business Mastery Insights" Tersh Blissett: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tershblissett/ Josh Crouch: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josh-crouch/ Zac Dearing: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zachary-dearing-b761b825/  Connect with us on: • LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/service-business-mastery • TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@servicebusinessmastery • Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/groups/servicebusinessmasterypodcast • Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/servicebusinessmasterypodcast • Mantel Website - www.usemantel.com Homeowner Shopping Attitudes Report 2025: • Full Survey - https://www.usemantel.com/survey This episode is kindly sponsored by: 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 priceguide Learn how to automate tasks, save time, and increase your profit. No coding required! 👉 Enroll Today - https://bit.ly/3CZTDteGet Your 14-Day Free Trial with CallRail! 👉 Visit: https://www.callrail.com/sbmpod Subscribe now to stay updated with Service Business Mastery on YouTube!

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 In this episode of the Service Business Mastery Podcast, we sat down for an insightful discussion with Justin Deese, host of the Freedom Blueprint podcast and creator of the Service Manager Academy. We talked about how to turn top technicians into effective service managers. Here's what we cover in this episode: Common mistakes we see when promoting technicians to managers How to set boundaries with coworkers, friends, and even spouses Leadership and communication tactics that actually work in the trades Essential tools and systems for running a high performing service team Creating a culture of accountability without micromanaging If you run a home service business like HVAC, plumbing, or electrical, this episode is packed with practical strategies and insights to help your managers succeed and your business grow. Timestamps ⏰(Video) 00:00 Leadership, Delegation, and Growth 04:06 Veteran in Home Service Industry 06:27 Life's Many Conversations on Walks 12:00 Boundaries Between Work and Life 14:18 Date Night Struggles 19:04 Leadership and Business Growth 19:51 Service Manager Academy Creation 25:13 Promoting Top Talent Pitfalls 28:47 From Chaos to Leadership 31:28 Encouraging Problem-Solving Independently 35:18 Streamlined One-to-One Accountability 36:32 Addressing Persistent Performance Issues 39:32 Exceptional Communication Drives Success 42:46 Service Business Mastery Advice This episode is kindly sponsored by: 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 priceguide 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: Castmagic StreamYard IfTTT Zyra Talk

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 and Josh Crouch talk with Darren Shaw. He is the founder of Whitespark, a company specializing in local SEO software and services, and a recognized local SEO educator with more than 45,000 newsletter subscribers, 10,000+ YouTube subscribers and 3,000+ email course sign-ups. He leads the annual Local Search Ranking Factors Survey, one of the most frequently cited resources in local SEO, and regularly speaks at local search conferences worldwide while contributing to leading SEO publications. With 27 years of experience in web development and SEO, his career began well before Google existed.   In this episode, here's what you can expect to learn:  How Darren helped businesses improve local search rankings through reviews and content. Why customer reviews and video content are essential for standing out online. How AI tools are transforming local SEO and saving time on content creation. Why backlinks are becoming less important and reviews are gaining more focus. Practical tips for using smart marketing strategies to boost your business's growth.   Timestamps ⏰ [00:00] - Recap [02:11] - Episode Introduction & Meeting Darren Shaw [03:02] - Darren Shaw's Background and 25+ Years in Local SEO [06:79] - Importance of Review Recency in Local SEO [09:69] - The Decline of Backlinks in Local SEO [10:71] - Review Diversification and Google's Role in Reviews [18:10] - The Future of Search: Google vs. AI-driven Tools [20:47] - Content Relevance in the Age of AI and Google AI Integration [22:61] - The Role of YouTube in Local Search and Content Strategy [27:42] - Using Content, AI, and Videos for Effective Local SEO [35:67] - The Role of Email Marketing and Lead Magnets in Local SEO [46:20] - The Future of Local Search and Google's AI Integration If you found this conversation with Darren Shaw helpful, please leave us a review (5 stars would be greatly appreciated 😉). Links & References: LinkedIn:  Darren Shaw Whitespark   Website:  Whitespark   Youtube:  Whitespark   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 priceguide 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: Castmagic StreamYard IfTTT Zyra Talk

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, Co-Founder & Chief Experience Officer at Trade Automation Pros, CEO of Service Emperor, Co-Host & Founder of Service Business Mastery Podcast, and Josh Crouch, Founder of Relentless Digital Marketing Solutions & Co-Host of Service Business Mastery Podcast, talk about the key strategies that can drive success for home service businesses. They share how pricing transparency, strong community connections, and effective marketing help businesses stand out and grow. They also discuss the role of AI tools in improving operations, saving time, and creating more content. Tune in to learn how to simplify your business focus and make smarter decisions for long-term growth. In this episode, here's what you can expect to learn:  Why pricing transparency and clear estimates can drive more leads and build trust. How community involvement and networking help businesses grow. The importance of focusing on one thing and avoiding distractions for success. Why AI tools and automation are key to saving time and improving operations. How simplifying your marketing strategy can lead to better results.   Timestamps ⏰ [00:00] - Recap [02:36] - Episode Introduction [05:48] - Building Strong Customer Relationships [06:29] - Avoiding Information Overload & Staying Focused [10:08] - 20+ Events, Hosting Their Own, and Keynote Training [11:47] - Standout Events: BDR Spark, Branding & Differentiation [13:49] - AI Trend Fatigue & Contractor Skepticism [17:26] - Wearable AI 'External Brain' & Personal Productivity [20:25] - First Major Keynote: Nerves, Preparation & Delivery [23:01] - Speaking on Stage vs. Breakouts & Audience Dynamics [26:55] - Biggest Interview Surprises & Data from Homeowner Surveys [30:04] - Recommended Starting Episode for New Listeners [34:11] - Industry Challenges: Tariffs, Regulations & Consumer Shifts [37:34] - Embarrassing Moments On-Air & On Stage [40:11] - Favourite Podcast Moments & Listener Reflections [42:45] - Looking Ahead to 2026 & New AI Product Direction [46:18] - What Topics Should We Cover in 2026? [48:09] - Your 2026 Business Changes? Scaling Up or Down If you found this conversation helpful, please leave us a review (5 stars would be greatly appreciated 😉). Links & References: LinkedIn:  Tersh Blissett Josh Crouch Trade Automation Pros Service Emperor Service Business Mastery Podcast Relentless Digital Marketing Solutions   Website:  Trade Automation Pros Service Emperor Service Business Mastery Podcast Relentless Digital Marketing Solutions   Youtube:  Service Business Mastery Podcast 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 Affiliate links: Castmagic StreamYard IfTTT Zyra Talk

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 and Josh Crouch talk with Crystal Williams at AHR Expo 2025. She is the Co-Founder of Lemon Seed Marketing, Marketing Strategist at McWilliams Heating, Cooling, and Plumbing & Co-Host of From The Yellow Chair Podcast. Crystal shares how she helped grow her family's HVAC business from a small operation into a $10 million company across three locations. She explains why strong branding, clear messaging, and solid operations must work together for long-term success. Crystal also talks about the power of local marketing, smart content strategies, and using AI tools to save time. Learn how to build a brand that stands out and keeps your business growing.   In this episode, here's what you can expect to learn:  How Crystal helped grow a rural HVAC business to $10 million in sales. Why answering the phone and improving operations helps marketing work better. The value of branding with purpose and telling your company's story clearly. Tips for using local events, teams, and content to build strong community ties. How AI tools can help create content faster without losing your voice.   Timestamps ⏰ [00:00] - Recap [03:12] - Episode Introduction & Meeting Crystal Williams [06:01] - What Lemon Seed Does for Contractors [08:08] - Crystal's Background in HVAC and Business Growth [12:52] - Stop Blaming Your Digital Marketing Agency [17:35] - Repurposing Content with AI for More Reach [22:23] - From the Yellow Chair: Crystal's Own Podcast [26:36] - How to Avoid Losing Clients During a Rebrand [31:12] - Protecting Your Brand Reputation in the Field [35:50] - What to Expect in ROI from Branding [39:50] - Best ROI for Community Involvement If you found this conversation with Crystal Williams helpful, please leave us a review (5 stars would be greatly appreciated 😉). Links & References: LinkedIn:  Crystal Williams Lemon Seed Marketing McWilliams Heating, Cooling, and Plumbing From the Yellow Chair   Website:  Lemon Seed Marketing McWilliams Heating, Cooling, and Plumbing From The Yellow Chair Podcast   Youtube:  From The Yellow Chair Podcast 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 Affiliate links: Castmagic StreamYard IfTTT Zyra Talk  

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! https://www.servicebusinessmastery.com   In this episode of the Service Business Mastery podcast, Tersh Blissett & Josh Crouch chat with Danica Patrick, Race Car Driver, Host of the Pretty Intense Podcast, an Entrepreneur, and Motivational Speaker at Service World Expo. She shares how she transitioned from a successful racing career to building her own business ventures. Danica explains how passion, vision, and strong teams are key to long-term success. She also discusses the importance of goal setting, staying true to your vision, and how to overcome challenges in both racing and business. Learn how belief in your goals and dedication can drive growth and fulfillment in your career.   In this episode, here's what you can expect to learn:  How Danica transitioned from a racing career to entrepreneurship. Why having a clear vision and staying dedicated is key to success. The importance of building strong teams and staying true to your goals. How to overcome challenges in both business and racing. Ways belief in your vision can lead to long-term growth and fulfillment.   Timestamps ⏰ [00:00] – Recap [01:08] – Episode Introduction & Meeting Danica Patrick [01:30] – The Road to Racing & Breaking Barriers [02:17] – Finding Success in Racing [03:56] – The Role of Timing and Luck in Success [06:58] – Transitioning to NASCAR [09:05] – Podcasting and Trade Show Conversations [09:54] – The Business Transition from Racing to Entrepreneurship [12:13] – Building a Team and Trust in Business [13:27] – The Struggles of Capital and Decision Making in Startups [15:19] – Black Mirror and Technology's Growing Influence If you found this conversation with Danica Patrick helpful, please leave us a review (5 stars would be greatly appreciated 😉). Links & References:   LinkedIn:  Danica Patrick   Website:  Danica Patrick Pretty Intense Podcast 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: Castmagic StreamYard IfTTT Zyra Talk  

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 & Josh Crouch talk with Jen McKee at Epic 2025 in Orlando Florida. Jen is the owner of Kee Hart Marketing, a social media agency focused on helping home service businesses grow. Jen shares her journey from starting her own agency to becoming a leader in social media marketing for the trades industry. She explains how passion, consistency, and understanding the platform are crucial to success. Jen also discusses the importance of building a strong personal brand, adapting to different markets, and overcoming challenges in business. Learn how dedication and creativity can lead to long-term growth and fulfillment in your business.   In this episode, here's what you can expect to learn:  How Jen transitioned from running a social media agency to helping home service businesses grow. Why passion, consistency, and understanding your platform are key to success. The importance of building a personal brand and adapting to different markets. How to overcome challenges in social media marketing and business. Ways creativity and perseverance can lead to long-term growth and fulfillment in your business.   Timestamps ⏰ [00:00] - Recap [02:05] - Jen's Social Media Agency & Trade Focus [03:25] - Early TikTok Success with a Client [04:52] - Algorithm Changes & User Control [08:26] - Why Native Content Beats Ads on TikTok [10:28] - TikTok Shop & Influencer Marketing [12:42] - Key Social Media Metrics to Track [13:50] - Building an Email List from Social Media [16:50] - The Critical Importance of Video Hooks [20:15] - Case Study: A Viral TikTok Video [21:08] - Handling Trolls & Negative Comments [23:28] - Engagement is the #1 Metric [26:14] - Recovering from Poor Content Performance [31:12] - Derek's Viral HVAC Content Strategy [34:48] - The Journey to Consistent Content Success [38:34] - Recommended Tools & Batch Creation [39:50] - Scheduling vs. Native Posting Strategy [45:45] - Personal vs. Business Branding Online [50:35] - How Personal Content Builds Connection [56:08] - How to Connect with Jen McKee If you found this conversation with Jen McKee helpful, please leave us a review (5 stars would be greatly appreciated 😉). Links & References:   LinkedIn: Jen McKee Website: Kee Hart Marketing Facebook: Jen McKee Instagram: keehartmarketing TikTok: Marketing4PlumbersHVAC Youtube: The Kee to Growth Podcast   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 Affiliate links: Castmagic StreamYard IfTTT Zyra Talk  

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:  Luke Peters Apex CEO Business Turnarounds Newair The 8-Figure Product CEO   Website:  Apex CEO Strategic Coaching Newair The 8-Figure Product CEO   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   Affiliate links: Castmagic StreamYard IfTTT Zyra Talk