OWNR OPS Podcast

💰Learn Google Business, Facebook Ads, and Automation tips for your Blue Collar Business ➡️ https://skool.com/ownropsHow do you hire employees who actually stick around?Austin Gray sits down with Patrick Murphy, founder of Cascade Home Cleaning, to unpack why recruiting is the single biggest bottleneck in service businesses—and how to fix it.Patrick reveals:Why every great hire adds $130K in annual revenueHis proven recruiting funnel modeled after sales & marketingHow to use Indeed, automation, and strong copy to attract better candidatesThe secret to disqualifying bad fits early (and saving yourself months of headaches)His full multi-step hiring process: applications → screening → test clean → offerThis isn’t theory—it’s the exact framework Patrick uses to manage 20+ employees in a highly competitive, high-turnover industry.If you own a cleaning service, landscaping company, snow removal business, or any local service operation—this is a must-listen playbook for scaling with the right team.🔥 Services We Use 🔥📞 QUO- Business Phone System That Scales With You: Get 20% off your first 3 months. https://www.quo.com/ownropsWe use Jobber to manage our quoting, scheduling, & invoicing➡️ Get 20% off your first 6 months here: https://go.getjobber.com/ownerops-spotify🚀 Get ranked #1 On Google With Stryker SEO: https://stryker-digital.com/?el=ooWant to learn more about starting and scaling your own service-based business?📩 Sign up for the OWNR OPS Newsletter: → https://ownrops.com/newsletterDon’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes with blue collar entrepreneurs sharing their best insights and growth tips!

💰 Join our Free OWNR OPS Skool Community to grow your local service biz: ➡️ https://skool.com/ownropsWhat does it take to buy a 103-year-old business and scale it in today’s competitive home services market?In this episode, Austin Gray talks with Hardy Farrow, entrepreneur and owner of Longacre Company, a full-service plumbing, HVAC, electrical, and remodeling business. Hardy previously built and exited multiple companies—and now applies those lessons to operating and growing a multi-division service company.Hardy shares:Why perfection is the enemy of growth (and why 85% is enough)Recruiting strategies that actually work (and why “motor” matters most)Sequencing problems and prioritization for scalingHow to balance specialists vs. generalists on your teamMarketing lessons from B2C funnels, reviews, and Thumbtack adsWhy location and zip code targeting are underrated growth leversHard-won lessons from cutting new construction and doubling down on residentialWhether you’re running a service business, building a local brand, or just love hearing how real operators think, Hardy’s insights will help you think differently about growth, hiring, and execution.👉 Tune in and learn how Hardy scaled a 103-year-old business while staying focused on people, process, and profitability.🔥 Mentioned in This Episode We use Jobber to manage our quoting, scheduling, & invoicing➡️ Get 20% off your first 6 months here: https://go.getjobber.com/ownrops-spotify🚀 Get ranked #1 On Google With Stryker Digital⁠ SEO: https://stryker-digital.com/?el=oo📚 Bookkeeping: Get 50% off bookkeeping for 3 months with the Home Service Bookkeeping Pros: https://dialedinbookkeeping.com/ownropsWant to learn more about starting and scaling your own service-based business?📰 Sign up for the OWNR OPS Newsletter: → ownrops.com/newsletterDon’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes with entrepreneurs sharing their best insights and success stories!

📈Access my free Blue Collar Growth Training: https://start.ownrops.com🎓 Join OWNR OPS Skool Group: skool.com/ownropsIn this episode of the OWNR OPS Podcast, I’m sharing an important decision we just made inside Bear Claw Land Services that I believe will change the future of our business.Over the past three years, we’ve said “yes” to a lot of different work—trees, dirt, foundations, driveways. But after tracking the numbers, analyzing the systems, and watching what’s actually working, we finally made the call to focus on one service and dominate our local market.If you’re a home service business owner, contractor, or operator who’s trying to grow past that first $100K–$500K in revenue, you’ll want to hear this. I break down:Why focus beats being a jack-of-all-trades in the service business.Lessons I learned from interviewing 7- and 8-figure contractors on this podcast.How systems like Jobber and Go High Level help track leads, quotes, and average job size so you can make smarter business decisions.Why optimizing your Google Business Profile and running simple Facebook Ads are the best top-of-funnel strategies for local services.What “fire mitigation” is, why we’re focusing on it, and how specialization gives clarity to your marketing, sales, and operations.The 80/20 rule in action: how 20% of services usually drive 80% of profits.👉 If you’re early in business, my advice is simple: pick one service, become known for it, and pour gas on that fire.

💰 Join our Free OWNR OPS Skool Community to grow your local service biz: ➡️ https://skool.com/ownropsHow a residential cleaning company hit a $1M+ run rate with production pay.Owner David Loria (Squeakies Cleaning) explains the exact changes that unlocked growth: moving from 2-person crews to solo cleaners, adopting production pay, targeting 35–40% labor on each job, and pricing toward ~$60/hr effective. He also walks through the Made Central stack (and why ~$1,000/mo is a steal) plus the community advantages that come with it.You’ll learn:What convinced David to adopt production pay (and how employees ended up earning more).How soloing doubled jobs and halved time on standard cleans.The real-world math: example job at $309/4 weeks dropping from ~8 hrs to ~4.Tooling & ops: Made Central for payroll, price increases, compliance, and reporting.Scale & next plays: about $85K/month run rate, hiring plans, and a new SaaS with 11 paying customers.If you’re growing a service business or optimizing a home-services podcast pipeline, this episode is a masterclass in incentives, pricing, and process.🔗 Connect with David 🔥 Mentioned in This Episode 🔥We use Jobber to manage our quoting, scheduling, & invoicing.➡️ Get 20% off your first 6 months here: https://go.getjobber.com/ownrops-youtube📚 Bookkeeping: Get 50% off bookkeeping for 3 months with the Home Service Bookkeeping Pros: https://dialedinbookkeeping.com/ownrops🚀 Get ranked #1 On Google With Stryker Digital⁠ SEO: https://stryker-digital.com/?el=ooWant to learn more about starting and scaling your own service-based business?📰 Sign up for the OWNR OPS Newsletter: → ownrops.com/newsletterDon’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes with entrepreneurs sharing their best insights and success stories!

💰 Join our Free OWNR OPS Skool Community to grow your local service biz: ➡️ https://skool.com/ownropsAI is revolutionizing sales, customer service, and business operations. In this episode, Austin Gray talks with Nikolas Hulewsky about the latest advancements and how he’s implementing AI in his businesses. From automating sales follow-up with AI chatbots to optimizing lead qualification with CRM tools like Go High Level, Nik reveals how small businesses can use AI to save time and increase efficiency.In this episode, you’ll learn:The future of AI-powered sales and customer serviceHow AI tools like Claude and GPT are transforming how we organize and leverage dataNick's journey in applying AI to his healthcare acceleratorTips for automating lead capture and follow-up to scale your business🔗 Follow Nikolas on Spotify: Nikonomics🔥 Mentioned in This Episode 🔥We use Jobber to manage our quoting, scheduling, & invoicing➡️ Get 20% off your first 6 months here: https://go.getjobber.com/ownrops📞 Business Phone System That Scales With You: Get 20% off your first 3 months: https://www.openphone.com/ownrops🚀 Get ranked #1 On Google With Stryker Digital⁠ SEO: https://stryker-digital.com/?el=ooWant to learn more about starting and scaling your own service-based business?📰 Sign up for the OWNR OPS Newsletter: → ownrops.com/newsletterDon’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes with entrepreneurs sharing their best insights and success stories!

What’s holding you back from scaling your service business? In this episode of the OWNR OPS Podcast, Austin Gray interviews Steven Nash—private equity operator and partner to dozens of HVAC businesses. Steven shares how he helps business owners go from $800K to $100M+ by solving one bottleneck at a time.You’ll learn:Why small businesses stay small—and how to break throughHow to calculate your exact growth targets using simple mathThe difference between working on vs. in your businessHow systems, SOPs, and hiring checklists unlock freedomWhat founders need to understand about finance and cash flowThe visionary vs. executor framework: when to pick your laneIf you’re a service-based business owner ready to scale with intention and accountability, this is the episode you’ve been waiting for.🔥 Mentioned in This Episode 🔥We use Jobber to manage our quoting, scheduling, & invoicing➡️ Get 20% off your first 6 months here: https://go.getjobber.com/ownrops📚 Bookkeeping: Get 50% off bookkeeping for 3 months with the Home Service Bookkeeping Pros:https://dialedinbookkeeping.com/ownrops🚀 Get ranked #1 On Google With Stryker Digital⁠ SEO: https://stryker-digital.com/?el=ooWant to learn more about starting and scaling your own service-based business?📰 Sign up for the OWNR OPS Newsletter: → ownrops.com/newsletterDon’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes with entrepreneurs sharing their best insights and success stories!

What happens when a college dropout takes massive action—twice a year?In this episode, Austin Gray talks with Andrew Rampulla, the founder of two seasonal service businesses: a softwash company in New York and a Christmas lights company in Florida.Andrew shares:How he got his first client from a Facebook postWhy he alternates between NY and FL to maximize revenueHow he hires and builds systems for repeatable successHis content & review strategy to attract local leadsThe key mindset shifts that helped him cross 6 figuresThis episode is a must-listen for anyone building or scaling a local service business—especially if you’re tired of 9-to-5 and want to take control of your calendar.Listen now and learn how to stack seasons, scale smart, and simplify your hustle.🔗Follow Andrew on X: @rampulla_andrew🔥 Mentioned in This Episode 🔥We use Jobber to manage our quoting, scheduling, & invoicing➡️ Get 20% off your first 6 months here: https://go.getjobber.com/ownerops-spotify📚 Bookkeeping: Get 50% off bookkeeping for 3 months with the Home Service Bookkeeping Pros: https://dialedinbookkeeping.com/ownrops🚀 Get ranked #1 On Google With Stryker Digital⁠ SEO: https://stryker-digital.com/?el=ooWant to learn more about starting and scaling your own service-based business?📰 Sign up for the OWNR OPS Newsletter: → ownrops.com/newsletterDon’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes with entrepreneurs sharing their best insights and success stories!

💰 Join our Free OWNR OPS Skool Community to grow your local service biz: ➡️ https://skool.com/ownropsIn this episode of the OWNR OPS Podcast, I sit down with Spencer Claeys, an exterior home service business owner and YouTube creator with over 264,000 subscribers and viral TikTok success. Spencer shares his journey from starting a roof washing business in Washington to building a loyal online following, all while staying true to what excites him most. We dive deep into content creation, entrepreneurship, and how to avoid being trapped by fear or low-ticket thinking. This conversation isn’t just about business—it’s about life. We explore the power of flow state, why bigger-ticket services can be a game changer, and how faith and spirituality shape how we work, create, and live.Inside the episode:The moment Spencer quit sales to go all-in on contentHow one viral tweet thread changed everythingHis 4-part content flywheel (and how you can steal it)SOPs, editing, and why he still does it all soloHow to build trust faster than attentionThe creator mindset that makes content sustainableWhether you’re a home service business owner, a content creator, or just looking for inspiration to live life on your terms, this episode will challenge you to think bigger, move with purpose, and create from your unique voice.🎙️ Tap in and take notes — Spencer doesn’t hold back.🔗 Follow Spencer Clay on: X: https://x.com/spencerclaeysIG: https://www.instagram.com/spencerclaeys/Get a copy of his book: The Official Roof and Gutter Cleaning Business Blueprint 🔥 Mentioned in This Episode 🔥We use Jobber to manage our quoting, scheduling, & invoicing➡️ Get 20% off your first 6 months here: https://go.getjobber.com/ownerops-spotify📚 Bookkeeping: Get 50% off bookkeeping for 3 months with the Home Service Bookkeeping Pros: https://dialedinbookkeeping.com/ownrops🚀 Get ranked #1 On Google With Stryker Digital⁠ SEO: https://stryker-digital.com/?el=ooWant to learn more about starting and scaling your own service-based business?📰 Sign up for the OWNR OPS Newsletter: → ownrops.com/newsletterDon’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes with entrepreneurs sharing their best insights and success stories!

💰 Join our Free OWNR OPS Skool Community to grow your local service biz: ➡️ https://skool.com/ownropsAustin Gray speaks with Hector Resendez, the mastermind behind Trade School Secrets, a unique platform that helps businesses solve their staffing problems by leveraging trade schools.Hector reveals how virtual reality is revolutionizing the traditional trade school model, making it faster and more accessible for people to gain certifications.Hector discusses:The benefits of building a virtual trade school in today’s workforceHow to use the WIOA grant to fund your trade school tuitionThe financial model behind scaling a successful trade school businessWhy trade schools are a game changer for businesses struggling to find skilled talentHow to position your trade school for an exit and add value to your businessThis episode is a must-listen for entrepreneurs, operators, and those interested in the future of education in skilled trades.Listen in and discover how you can scale a 7-figure trade school business that not only trains but provides long-term career opportunities.🔥 Mentioned in This Episode🔥We use Jobber to manage our quoting, scheduling, & invoicing➡️ Get 20% off your first 6 months: https://go.getjobber.com/ownerops-spotify📚 Bookkeeping: Get 50% off bookkeeping for 3 months with the Home Service Bookkeeping Pros: https://dialedinbookkeeping.com/ownrops🚀 Get ranked #1 On Google With Stryker Digital⁠ SEO: https://stryker-digital.com/?el=ooWant to learn more about starting and scaling your own service-based business?📰 Sign up for the OWNR OPS Newsletter: → ownrops.com/newsletterDon’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes with entrepreneurs sharing their best insights and success stories!

💰 Join our Free OWNR OPS Skool Community to grow your local service biz: ➡️ https://skool.com/ownropsWhat happens when a $30M company replaces consultants with AI chatbots? Or when a snow plow business owner uses GoPros, Descript, and ChatGPT to build scalable SOPs?In this no-theory, boots-on-the-ground episode of the OWNR OPS Podcast, Nik of Nikonomics walks through:Real-world AI use cases in manufacturing, sales, and onboardingHow to document your processes and train AI like an employeeUsing ChatGPT to create SOPs, hire an assistant, and even outline job descriptionsThe importance of learning AI before the inflection point hitsTools like Limitless, OpenPhone, Descript, and custom GPTsIf you're a small business owner looking to scale or streamline your ops with AI, this episode is your playbook.🔥 Mentioned in This Episode 🔥We use Jobber to manage our quoting, scheduling, & invoicing➡️ Get 20% off your first 6 months here: https://go.getjobber.com/ownrops📚 Bookkeeping: Get 50% off bookkeeping for 3 months with the Home Service Bookkeeping Pros: https://dialedinbookkeeping.com/ownrops🚀 Get ranked #1 On Google With Stryker Digital⁠ SEO: https://stryker-digital.com/?el=ooWant to learn more about starting and scaling your own service-based business?📰 Sign up for the OWNR OPS Newsletter: → ownrops.com/newsletter.Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes with entrepreneurs sharing their best insights and success stories!

💰 Join our Free OWNR OPS Skool Community to grow your local service biz: ➡️ https://skool.com/ownropsCan you really scale a handyman business to $1M in under 12 months? Tim Leary did—and he breaks down exactly how.Tim shares how he transitioned from real estate to handyman services and turned a few small jobs into a thriving local business in Salt Lake City. From TV mounting and fencing to automated follow-ups, learn how he used Google LSA, a VA, and simple SOPs to unlock scale.You’ll hear:Why TV mounting might be the easiest $300/hour service todayHis conversion-boosting strategy: from 25% to 55%How one full-time estimator cut lead spend by 75%The tech stack powering his business (Go High Level, Housecall Pro, more)The truth about pricing, branding, and customer experienceWhy he’s open-sourcing his playbook and building niche softwareWhether you're a solo operator or building your first crew, this episode gives you tactical advice you can apply today. And if you’ve ever said, “I just want a business I can start this week,”—this is your sign.🔥 Mentioned in This Episode 🔥We use Jobber to manage our quoting, scheduling, & invoicing➡️ Get 20% off your first 6 months here: https://go.getjobber.com/ownrops📚 Bookkeeping: Get 50% off bookkeeping for 3 months with the Home Service Bookkeeping Pros: https://dialedinbookkeeping.com/ownrops🚀 Get ranked #1 On Google With Stryker Digital⁠ SEO: https://stryker-digital.com/?el=ooWant to learn more about starting and scaling your own service-based business?📰 Sign up for the OWNR OPS Newsletter: → ownrops.com/newsletterDon’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes with entrepreneurs sharing their best insights and success stories!

💰 Join our Free OWNR OPS Skool Community to grow your local service biz: ➡️ https://skool.com/ownropsHow do you turn one viral auction post into a thriving $5 mastermind, multiple digital products, and high-ticket coaching? Shannon Jean—serial entrepreneur and liquidation pro—breaks down his entire Whistle → Workhorse → Whale system:The “auction whistle” that rocketed him from 500 → 39K followersCrafting a simple PDF lead magnet that captured 1,000+ emailsPricing (& repurposing) digital products on Gumroad and KajabiBuilding a global team and using Content OS to 10× content outputCreating the $5 Mastermind community as a low-friction funnelWhen to raise prices on coaching and manage client demandDelegation tips: freeing yourself from sales & ops to chase bigger playsIf you’re ready to transform attention into scalable revenue—whether through newsletters, courses, or community—this episode is your playbook.Links & Resources• Follow Shannon on X: @ShannonJean •OWNR OPS Newsletter & tools: ownerops.comRate ★★★★★ and follow the show to never miss a founder’s firsthand growth story!🔥 Mentioned in This Episode 🔥We use Jobber to manage our quoting, scheduling, & invoicing➡️ Get 20% off your first 6 months here: https://go.getjobber.com/ownrops📚 Bookkeeping: Get 50% off bookkeeping for 3 months with the Home Service Bookkeeping Pros: https://dialedinbookkeeping.com/ownrops🚀 Get ranked #1 On Google With Stryker Digital⁠ SEO: https://stryker-digital.com/?el=ooWant to learn more about starting and scaling your own service-based business?📰 Sign up for the OWNR OPS Newsletter: → ownrops.com/newsletterDon’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes with entrepreneurs sharing their best insights and success stories!

💰 Join our Free OWNR OPS Skool Community to grow your local service biz: ➡️ https://skool.com/ownropsTrades businesses often believe branding is just a logo or a truck wrap—but what if your brand could become your biggest growth driver?Austin Gray interviews Brian Sooy, a certified brand architect, StoryBrand consultant, and 30-year branding veteran who has helped hundreds of blue-collar businesses build brands that stand out, scale, and sell. Together, they explore:The biggest branding mistakes service companies makeWhy your brand starts with messaging—not visualsHow to reposition your brand without starting from scratchThe power of storytelling, emotional hooks, and customer-driven messagingBrian’s CARE framework: Clarity, Alignment, Relevance, ExperienceHow Bear Claw is evolving from “land services” to “land beautification”Why branding is the foundation for premium pricing and team attractionWhether you're just getting started or refining your message after years, this episode is packed with branding clarity and practical direction for the trades. Ready to make your brand famous? Tune in now.🔗 Follow Brian Sooy:X (Twitter): https://x.com/briansooyLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/briansooy🎁 Free Resources from Brian:✅ Blue Collar Branding Checklist + Ella: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1veFd4KPXgltFxFnvS4y3L-6KX140H6YF/view?usp=sharing📘 Brian Sooy’s book Blue Collar Branding drops July 22 — a clear guide to help blue-collar businesses stand out.🚀Try Ella AI for free for 14 days: https://www.atomicelevator.com/bluecollarbranding🚀 Try StoryBrand AI – 7-Day FreeTrial: https://go.aespire.com/sbai/🔗 Follow Austin Gray:X (Twitter): https://x.com/theowneropHave a business question? Text 970-585-OWNR and we'll answer in live Q&A in a future episode! 🔥 Mentioned in This Episode 🔥We use Jobber to manage our quoting, scheduling, & invoicing➡️ Get 20% off your first 6 months here: https://go.getjobber.com/ownrops📚 Bookkeeping: Get 50% off bookkeeping for 3 months with the Home Service Bookkeeping Pros: https://dialedinbookkeeping.com/ownrops🚀 Get ranked #1 On Google With Stryker Digital⁠ SEO: https://stryker-digital.com/?el=ooWant to learn more about starting and scaling your own service-based business?📰 Sign up for the OWNR OPS Newsletter: → ownrops.com/newsletterDon’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes with entrepreneurs sharing their best insights and success stories!

💰 Join our Free OWNR OPS Skool Community to grow your local service biz: ➡️ https://skool.com/ownropsIn this episode of OWNR OPS Podcast, Austin Gray sits down with Asa Hunt, the founder of Big Horn Painting, who transformed a layoff from his tech sales job into a thriving local business. From growing his revenue to over $300K in his first year to scaling with a mix of Facebook Ads, networking, and smart referrals, Asa opens up about the early struggles and key strategies that led to success.Key Takeaways:The importance of building referral relationships with roofers and property managersAsa’s approach to Facebook Ads and why simple videos workHow to scale smarter with commercial jobsTips for creating high-converting email drip campaigns to nurture leadsOvercoming the fear of failure and finding success in entrepreneurshipIf you’re a local business owner or thinking of starting your own service-based business, don’t miss Asa’s actionable insights into building a business from scratch. This episode is packed with real-world advice and inspiration for any entrepreneur aiming to make the leap to six figures—and beyond.Have a business question? Text 970-585-OWNR and we'll answer in live Q&A in a future episode! 📚 Recommended Watch: Want to dive deeper into understanding Lifetime Value vs. Customer Acquisition Cost? Watch this breakdown by Alex Hormozi 👉 https://youtu.be/jzKpAtzKQ54?si=uyw4jDxiRA2UlWZa🔥 Mentioned in This Episode 🔥We use Jobber to manage our quoting, scheduling, & invoicing➡️ Get 20% off your first 6 months here: https://go.getjobber.com/ownrops📞 We moved our phone line to OpenPhone so that we can record calls, summarize & tag customers with AI, and integrate with Jobber. ➡️ Get 20% off OpenPhone here: https://get.openphone.com/ownr-ops🚀 Get ranked #1 on Google with Stryker Digital SEO: ⁠https://stryker-digital.com/?el=oo⁠Want to learn more about starting and scaling your own service-based business?📰 Sign up for the OWNR OPS Newsletter: → ownrops.com/newsletterDon’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes with entrepreneurs sharing their best insights and success stories!

In this episode of the OWNR OPS Podcast, Austin Gray talks with Tanner Mullen—a founder who helped build and sell a business for a jaw-dropping 9-figure exit. Now on his next mission, Tanner is building a startup in public and sharing everything he’s learned about hiring, delegation, scaling, and letting go of ego.This episode is packed with real-world founder lessons—from how Tanner built culture at scale, to why he let people quit, to the questions he asks in every final interview.Whether you’re just starting out or hiring your 20th employee, you’ll want to hear this.HIGHLIGHTS:00:00 – Intro: 9-figure exit and what’s next02:15 – Tanner’s biggest regret: Not slowing down after the sale03:40 – How ego held him back as a founder05:10 – Letting go: “People should quit if it’s not a fit”08:20 – Scaling culture while scaling teams11:30 – Why he stopped chasing growth for growth’s sake14:00 – The one question he asks in every final interview17:15 – Tanner’s next chapter: Building in public20:00 – Hiring advice: What he looks for in operators22:45 – Coaching, mental health, and founder identity26:00 – Advice for founders who feel stuck or lonely29:10 – How much freedom do you really want?—🔗 Connect with Tanner Mullen on Twitter: https://x.com/tannerdripjobs🔥 Mentioned in This Episode 🔥We use Jobber to manage our quoting, scheduling, & invoicing➡️ Get 20% off your first 6 months here: https://go.getjobber.com/ownrops📚 Bookkeeping: Get 50% off bookkeeping for 3 months with the Home Service Bookkeeping Pros: https://dialedinbookkeeping.com/ownrops🚀 Get ranked #1 On Google With Stryker Digital⁠ SEO: https://stryker-digital.com/?el=ooWant to learn more about starting and scaling your own service-based business?📰 Sign up for the OWNR OPS Newsletter: → ownrops.com/newsletter💰 Join our Free OWNR OPS Skool Community to grow your local service biz: ➡️ https://skool.com/ownrops

In this episode of the OWNR OPS Podcast, Austin Gray sits down with Tyler Griffin, founder of Swift Pro, a service-based business specializing in HVAC and plumbing. Tyler shares his journey of launching Swift Pro after a successful exit from another business, offering insights on business strategy, values, and the hard work behind entrepreneurship in a competitive market. If you’re starting or scaling a blue-collar business, this episode is packed with tactical tips and personal lessons.HIGHLIGHTS: 01:10 – The importance of professional presentation in business 05:00 – How Tyler built and exited his first business in the home services industry 08:30 – Pivoting from solar to HVAC and plumbing 11:50 – Key lessons learned from the previous business venture 15:00 – Why mission and values alignment matter in building a strong team 20:00 – The importance of reviews & leveraging brand legitimacy 23:15 – Building a solid marketing & sales engine from day one 28:00 – Recruiting the right people for your business growth 32:00 – The role of finance and operations in scaling 35:00 – What it’s like to transition from an owner/operator to CEO 40:00 – The struggles and rewards of being "all-in" on your business 45:00 – Tyler's vision for Swift Pro’s future and growth plans🔗 Connect with Tyler GriffinTwitter (X): @_scrappystartup LinkedIn: Tyler Griffin Mentioned in This Episode🔥 We use Jobber to manage our quoting, scheduling, & invoicing➡️ Get 20% off your first 6 months here: https://go.getjobber.com/ownrops📖 Bookkeeping: Get 50% off bookkeeping for 3 months with the Home Service Bookkeeping Pros🚀 Get ranked #1 On Google With Stryker Digital⁠ SEO Want to learn more about starting and scaling your own service-based business?📰 Sign up for the OWNR OPS Newsletter 💰Join our Free OWNR OPS Skool Community to grow your local service bizDon't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes with entrepreneurs sharing their best insights and success stories!

In this episode of the OWNR OPS Podcast, Mike Compton of SWVA Stump Co. joins Austin Gray to discuss the journey of starting a stump grinding business from scratch. Mike shares how he transitioned from a W2 job to becoming an owner-operator, his approach to pricing jobs, and the ups and downs he encountered in his first five weeks of business. They also talk about the importance of taking fast action, learning from mistakes, and building credibility in a local market.Mike’s journey is a perfect example of how entrepreneurs can start small, make mistakes, and grow through persistence and hard work. If you're thinking about starting a service-based business or just want some motivation, this episode is for you. Tune in for insights into equipment purchasing, marketing strategies, and overcoming challenges as a new business owner.Text us your questions about starting your business at 970-585-OWNR!This episode is brought to you by: 🔥 We use Jobber to manage our quoting, scheduling, & invoicing➡️ Get 20% off your first 6 months here: https://go.getjobber.com/ownrops📖 Bookkeeping: Get 50% off bookkeeping for 3 months with the Home Service Bookkeeping Pros: https://dialedinbookkeeping.com/ownrops🚀 Get ranked #1 On Google With Stryker Digital⁠ SEO: https://stryker-digital.com/?el=ooWant to learn more about starting and scaling your own service-based business?📰 Sign up for the OWNR OPS Newsletter: → https://www.ownrops.com/newsletter💰Join our Free OWNR OPS Skool Community to grow your local service biz:➡ https://skool.com/ownropsThanks for listening to the OWNR OPS Podcast, where we help entrepreneurs start and grow local service businesses. Join us every Friday for new episodes!

In this solo episode of the OWNR OPS Podcast, I’m sharing some powerful insights I’ve been learning about how to scale a service-based business the right way. From mastering paid ads to building systems that actually work for growth, I break down the key strategies I’m using to grow my business, Bearclaw, and how you can apply them to your own local service business.Whether you’re just getting started or looking to optimize what you’ve already got, these actionable tips will help you level up and push your business forward.For those who don’t know me, I’m Austin Gray — owner of Bearclaw Land Services, specializing in land clearing, forestry, and snowplowing. I’m also the host of OWNR OPS, where I share my journey and learn from other seven-figure service business owners so we can all grow together.In this episode, you’ll learn:The importance of building strong systems before scaling.How paid advertising and sales funnels are critical to growth.Why tracking and analyzing leads through tools like Google Tag Manager is essential.How tagging customers in your CRM can increase long-term customer value.Austin’s top tips for generating better leads and optimizing marketing efforts.Tune in and learn from Austin’s journey to growing a successful service business!🔥 We use Jobber to manage our quoting, scheduling, & invoicing➡️ Get 20% off your first 6 months here: https://go.getjobber.com/ownrops-spotify🔥 Get 50% off bookkeeping for 3 months with the Home Service Bookkeeping Pros: https://dialedinbookkeeping.com/ownrops🔥 Get ranked #1 On Google With Stryker Digital⁠ SEO: https://stryker-digital.com/?el=ooWant to learn more about starting and scaling your own service-based business?📰 Sign up for the OWNR OPS Newsletter: → [ownrops.com/newsletter](http://ownrops.com/newsletter)💰Join our Free OWNR OPS Skool Community to grow your local service biz:➡ https://skool.com/ownropsDon't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes with entrepreneurs sharing their best insights and success stories!

This week on the OWNR OPS Podcast, Austin Gray speaks with Marlena, the co-founder of G&M Outdoor Services, who has played a crucial role in scaling the business to $6M in revenue. Marlena and her brothers provide year-round services, including snow removal, excavation, and landscaping, and they’ve perfected how to manage seasonal challenges and business overhead.💰Join our Free OWNR OPS Skool Community to grow your local service biz In this episode, Marlena shares:How to navigate employee retention during the off-seasonThe secrets behind snow plowing contracts and how to win bidsManaging heavy equipment and seasonal expensesHow Jobber has been a game-changer in reducing administrative time and improving customer serviceFinancing options for clients and the role of technology in making business operations more efficientWhether you’re in the outdoor services business or running a similar service-based company, Marlena’s insights are invaluable for overcoming seasonal hurdles, managing client relationships, and scaling your business efficiently.🔥This episode is brought to you by: 🚀 Jobber – Streamlining your service-based business💼 Stryker Digital – Helping service businesses grow online 📞 OpenPhone – Simplify communication and help team support customers with easeTune in to learn how Marlena’s hustle and strategy have fueled growth—and how you can apply these lessons to your own business. 🎧 Subscribe for more actionable business tips from the OWNR OPS Podcast.📰 Join the OWNR OPS NewsletterFollow us on social media for updates and more business insights! Instagram: @OwnerOps Twitter: @OwnerOps

How do you build a $50M+ portfolio without VC money or a tech background? Nick Huber—founder of Sweaty Startup—did just that. In this episode, Nick shares how he went from scraping sidewalks and hiring Walmart employees to raising $52M for real estate and growing a remote team of 325+.We cover:His “Sweaty Startup” mindset (and why he avoids the tech trap) The first hire every service business should makeHow to delegate, hire, and fire with confidenceWhy decision-making and selling are the two most critical skillsA full playbook for going from $0 to $1M and beyondWhether you're just starting your service business or trying to scale without stress, this episode is your blueprint for high-output, no-fluff growth.💰 Join our Free OW⁠NR OPS Skool Community to grow your local service biz Nick's Free Resources!🔗 Explore 200+ business ideas: sweatystartup.com/ideas🔗 Hire amazing talent at: somewhere.com🔗 Follow Nick: @sweatystartup🔗 Get the book: “The Sweaty Startup” on AmazonMentioned in this episode!We use Jobber to manage our quoting, scheduling, & invoicing:➡️ Get 20% off your first 6 months here: ⁠https://go.getjobber.com/ownrops📞 We moved our phone line to OpenPhone so that we can record calls, summarize & tag customers with AI, and integrate with Jobber. ➡️ Get 20% off OpenPhone here: https://get.openphone.com/ownr-ops🚀 Get ranked #1 on Google with Stryker Digital SEO: ⁠https://stryker-digital.com/?el=oo⁠Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes with entrepreneurs sharing their best insights and success stories!