Profitable Home Services Podcast

You work too hard to let your customers forget you. Every time a past customer calls someone else, Sneaky Leaky wins. That's trust (and potential money) you already earned slipping away. Turning each job into a lifetime customer is one of the simplest ways to grow your profits without spending another dime on ads. I've seen too many businesses pour time and cash into new leads while neglecting the gold mine sitting right in their customer list. In this episode, I'm sharing practical ways to keep your customers connected, loyal, and eager to call you back year after year.   What You'll Learn… Why a lifetime customer is worth five times more than a new lead How small personal touches can plug the retention profit leak The easiest follow-up habit that keeps you top of mind Why newsletters and handwritten cards are profit tools, not niceties How to build a customer club that creates steady recurring revenue The one mistake that turns a satisfied client into a lost sale Simple systems that grow loyalty and make every job a lifetime customer opportunity   📋Plus look for the FREE Customer Retention Checklist in the show notes    🎧 Listen to all episodes at https://profitablehomeservices.com/ 🤝 Connect with Diane at https://www.profitcoach4you.com   ACCESS SOME FREE RESOURCES TO BOOST YOUR PROFITS 💵 Want to know just how much profit you have each month? Get my Free 'Break Even Breakthrough' Worksheet here:  https://taxcoach4you.com/monthlynut/ 💸 There are many "hidden" ways your profits could be leaking out, and I've compiled 15 common leaks into this FREE report for you. Download this Free report & checklist here https://profitcoach4you.com/profitleaks

You log into your bank to process payroll….and your heart stops. Where did all the money go!!?? Money disappears fast in a home service business when the truck repairs, payroll, and job materials all come calling on your bank account at once. Having a clear business finance plan isn't optional; it's mandatory for survival.  Robb Conlon joins me to share how the Profit First system turned his finances from chaos to calm. Profit First saved his business six times! Together, we dig into the simple steps that can save your business, stop Sneaky Leaky from draining your profits, and finally give you peace of mind with your money.   What You'll Learn… Why a business finance plan gives you freedom instead of restrictions How Profit First helps you see your money clearly without fancy spreadsheets The biggest money mistake home service owners make when they start growing What to track weekly so you can stop guessing where the money went How to stay calm during slow seasons with a plan that works year-round Why separating bank accounts keeps Sneaky Leaky out of your profits How a strong business finance plan lets you grow with confidence   🎧 Listen to all episodes at https://profitablehomeservices.com/ 🤝 Connect with Robb at westportstudiosllc.com ACCESS SOME FREE RESOURCES TO BOOST YOUR PROFITS 💵 Want to know just how much profit you have each month? Get my Free 'Break Even Breakthrough' Worksheet here:  https://taxcoach4you.com/monthlynut/ 💸 There are many "hidden" ways your profits could be leaking out, and I've compiled 15 common leaks into this FREE report for you. Download this Free report & checklist here https://profitcoach4you.com/profitleaks

You get a say in how much tax you pay. Did you know that? Overpaying taxes is one of Sneaky Leaky's favorite hiding spots, because most owners don't even realize it's a profit leak they can plug. I've seen HVAC owners, builders, and contractors lose tens of thousands each year by leaving deductions unclaimed or operating with the wrong entity setup. With good tax planning, that money can stay in your business instead of padding the government's pocket. In this episode, I'll show you how to stop tipping the IRS and start keeping more of what you've worked so hard to earn.   What You'll Learn: Why overpaying taxes is one of the sneakiest profit leaks in your business How clean books make the difference between saving and losing thousands The one mindset shift that helps owners stop leaving the IRS a tip About the HVAC owner who saved $45,000 in one year through planning How the right entity choice keeps you from overpaying taxes unnecessarily Why timing expenses matters more than buying equipment at year end The one system that turns tax season stress into "no big deal"   🎧 Listen to all episodes at https://profitablehomeservices.com/ 🤝 Connect with Diane at https://www.profitcoach4you.com   ACCESS SOME FREE RESOURCES TO BOOST YOUR PROFITS 💵 Want to know just how much profit you have each month? Get my Free 'Break Even Breakthrough' Worksheet here:  https://taxcoach4you.com/monthlynut/ 💸 There are many "hidden" ways your profits could be leaking out, and I've compiled 15 common leaks into this FREE report for you. Download this Free report & checklist here https://profitcoach4you.com/profitleaks  

Busy days do not always equal healthy profits, and most owners feel chained to their business from morning until night. That is why this episode focuses on creating businesses that run themselves, giving you time back without losing money.  My guest, Dr. Ruth Mannschreck, shares how a family crisis forced her to shrink her practice hours in half, yet her systems carried the workload and revenue stayed strong. That lesson showed her that freedom comes from building clear processes, strong communication, and high performing teams. We also expose the profit leaks that Sneaky Leaky loves to hide in, like wasted time and rework, and share practical fixes to stop him in his tracks.   What You'll Learn… Why businesses that run themselves begin with robust operating systems How the customer journey system saves time and increases profits The one mindset shift that moves you from bottleneck to coach Why turning core values into behaviors makes training easier How built-in communication removes friction without adding more meetings Why businesses that run themselves depend on high performing teams The leadership move that gets your crew to own their work   🎧 Listen to all episodes at https://profitablehomeservices.com/ 🤝 Connect with Ruth at https://www.ShorelineStrategies.com   ACCESS SOME FREE RESOURCES TO BOOST YOUR PROFITS 💵 Want to know just how much profit you have each month? Get my Free 'Break Even Breakthrough' Worksheet here:  https://taxcoach4you.com/monthlynut/ 💸 There are many "hidden" ways your profits could be leaking out, and I've compiled 15 common leaks into this FREE report for you. Download this Free report & checklist here https://profitcoach4you.com/profitleaks

Running a business shouldn't feel like you're just fighting fires every day. When it comes to small business finances, too many owners think the answer is to just work harder and sell more. That's exactly where Sneaky Leaky slips in, draining your profits through hidden leaks you don't even see.  In this episode, I share Jake's story of an HVAC company owner who looked successful on the outside but was drowning on the inside — and how a simple shift helped him breathe again. We'll talk about what the Profit First system really looks like in your business and why it's the key to paying yourself first, running stress-free payroll, and finally keeping more of the money you're already earning.   What You'll Learn… Why "work harder and sell more" won't fix your small business finances The one mindset shift that makes paying yourself possible every month How to spot Sneaky Leaky draining profits from your team, pricing, or systems The practical way to use multiple bank accounts for cash flow clarity Why your company might look healthy outside but be struggling inside How Profit First turns financial stress into small business finances you can trust What a 90-day profit plan can do for your confidence as an owner   🎧 Listen to all episodes at https://profitablehomeservices.com/ 🤝 Connect with Diane at https://profitcoach4you.com/   ACCESS SOME FREE RESOURCES TO BOOST YOUR PROFITS 💵 Want to know just how much profit you have each month? Get my Free 'Break Even Breakthrough' Worksheet here:  https://taxcoach4you.com/monthlynut/ 💸 There are many "hidden" ways your profits could be leaking out, and I've compiled 15 common leaks into this FREE report for you. Download this Free report & checklist here https://profitcoach4you.com/profitleaks  

Stress and cash flow headaches don't have to be part of running your business. In this episode, I'm joined by Brad Herda from Vision Forward Business Solutions to talk about real-world profit strategies that keep money in your pocket and build a sustainable business. Brad and I swapped stories about growing up stretching every nickel and how those same principles apply when you're running a company today.  We even dug into surprising leaks, like misclassified worker's comp policies that quietly drain thousands — the exact kind of spot where Sneaky Leaky loves to hide. You'll also hear how fresh ideas from younger employees can drive smarter systems and real savings. Tune in for practical takeaways you can use right away to strengthen your business and your paycheck.   What You'll Learn… Why the envelope system still works for business cash flow today The one simple change that can save thousands on workman's comp How profit strategies protect you when the unexpected happens Why paying yourself first is key to a sustainable business How to practice payroll before you hire a new team member The surprising cost of a mis-hire and how to avoid it Leveraging youth and technology to build a stronger profit strategy   🎧 Listen to all episodes at https://profitablehomeservices.com/ 🤝 Connect with Brad at www.vfbsolutions.com ACCESS SOME FREE RESOURCES TO BOOST YOUR PROFITS 💵 Want to know just how much profit you have each month? Get my Free 'Break Even Breakthrough' Worksheet here:  https://taxcoach4you.com/monthlynut/ 💸 There are many "hidden" ways your profits could be leaking out, and I've compiled 15 common leaks into this FREE report for you. Download this Free report & checklist here https://profitcoach4you.com/profitleaks  

Running a business shouldn't feel like running a marathon on a hamster wheel. When you're overworked, it's easy to slip into reaction mode—constantly chasing calls, juggling payroll, and missing family moments. I've seen owners like Jake, an HVAC pro, who looked successful from the outside but was secretly drowning inside his business. In this episode, I'll share simple but powerful steps that help you move from being an overworked owner to a confident CEO who's in charge of both the business and your life.   What You'll Learn… Why being an overworked owner costs you more than just profits How to start your mornings with a CEO check-in routine The one pause that keeps impulse spending from draining profits Why delegation is the key to getting off the hamster wheel How an overworked schedule hides profit leaks you don't even notice The real value of digging into your credit card statements How Jake went from stressed technician to present family man   If your trucks are busy and your phone won't stop ringing… but your bank account tells a different story—this training is for you.  YOUR PROFIT BLUEPRINT: Plug the Leaks. Keep the Cash. Build Predictable Profit with Less Stress Tuesday, Sept 23 | 8am PT / 11am ET  Learn More & Register Here https://taxcoach4you.com/masterclass/   —----------------- 🎧 Listen to all episodes at https://profitablehomeservices.com/ 🤝 Connect with Diane at https://profitcoach4you.com/   ACCESS SOME FREE RESOURCES TO BOOST YOUR PROFITS 💵 Want to know just how much profit you have each month? Get my Free 'Break Even Breakthrough' Worksheet here:  https://taxcoach4you.com/monthlynut/ 💸 There are many "hidden" ways your profits could be leaking out, and I've compiled 15 common leaks into this FREE report for you. Download this Free report & checklist here https://profitcoach4you.com/profitleaks  

Growth without profit is like running on a treadmill—you're moving fast but getting nowhere. Jake, an HVAC owner, learned this the hard way when his $5 million sales milestone left him exhausted and almost broke. The truth is, more jobs often multiply your profit leaks instead of fixing them. That's where Sneaky Leaky (our new mascot who points out profit leaks) slips in—through wasted time, underpricing, and overhead creep. In this episode, I'll share real steps you can take to increase profit without working harder, so you can finally keep more of what you earn.   What You'll Learn… Why you can't outsell Sneaky Leaky when profits are dripping away How to increase profit by focusing on job margins instead of chasing sales The one mindset shift that stops you from "growing broke" How tiny price adjustments can protect your business from cost creep Why overhead creep quietly strangles your bottom line if you ignore it How wasted time can cost six figures and what to do about it The profit system that helps increase profit and reduce your daily stress   Join the Profit Blueprint Masterclass on Tuesday, Sept 23 | 8am PT / 11am ET https://taxcoach4you.com/blueprint/ 🎧 Listen to all episodes at https://profitablehomeservices.com/ 🤝 Connect with Diane at https://profitcoach4you.com/   ACCESS SOME FREE RESOURCES TO BOOST YOUR PROFITS 💵 Want to know just how much profit you have each month? Get my Free 'Break Even Breakthrough' Worksheet here:  https://taxcoach4you.com/monthlynut/ 💸 There are many "hidden" ways your profits could be leaking out, and I've compiled 15 common leaks into this FREE report for you. Download this Free report & checklist here https://profitcoach4you.com/profitleaks  

Networking doesn't have to feel like a root canal. For introverts especially, the thought of walking into a crowded room can be downright paralyzing. I know, because I've been that wallflower. The truth is, networking is often where doors open—new referrals, stronger partnerships, and even lifelong friendships are made. I've dreaded plenty of events myself, but I also know the opportunities I would have missed if I hadn't pushed through the discomfort. In this episode, I sat down with Donnie Boivin, a networking specialist who shows how introverts and extroverts alike can make networking manageable and even worthwhile. He shared practical tips in networking that turn awkward moments into real connections that can grow your business. **What You'll Learn…** 👥Why the best tips in networking start with breaking the ice honestly 👥How introverts can use simple phrases to start conversations with ease 👥The one trick that turns every business card into an opportunity 👥How to set realistic goals at events so you don't burn out 👥Why the loudest person in the room usually isn't the most successful 👥Tips in networking to tell if joining a group is really worth your time and money 👥The one mindset shift that makes networking feel less awkward **Key Moments…** 0:00 Intro 2:15 Why most business owners secretly dread networking 6:40 Tips in networking that help introverts break the ice 13:10 How to set goals that make events less overwhelming 20:45 The difference between introductions and referrals 29:20 Turning business cards into meaningful introductions 38:50 Why networking without ROI is a profit leak 46:05 Tips in networking virtually that build relationships online **Resources:** Amy Cuddy's TED Talk on Power Poses (mentioned by Donnie). Donnie's Networking Checklist: https://taxcoach4you.com/network  🎧 Listen to all episodes at https://profitablehomeservices.com/ 🤝 Connect with Donnie at https://successchampionnetworking.com/ ACCESS SOME FREE RESOURCES TO BOOST YOUR PROFITS 💵 Want to know just how much profit you have each month? Get my Free 'Break Even Breakthrough' Worksheet here:  https://taxcoach4you.com/monthlynut/ 💸 There are many "hidden" ways your profits could be leaking out, and I've compiled 15 common leaks into this FREE report for you. Download this Free report & checklist here https://profitcoach4you.com/profitleaks  

Your best employee just gave their two weeks notice. It's like a sucker punch to the gut, and your bank account. Losing employees is expensive. I learned this the hard way when I lost a key employee and watched the ripple effect across my business. Higher-paid team members were pulled into the wrong work, productivity slowed, and customer service took a hit.  This episode dives into the hidden costs involved in the turnover of employees and what you can do to stop the bleeding. You'll hear real strategies from my guest, Rhamy Alejeal, on how to hire faster, ramp up productivity sooner, and keep great people longer.   What You'll Learn… Why turnover of employees quietly drains both revenue and leadership focus How to cut your time-to-hire so vacancies don't stall your business growth How most businesses miss the one thing your job ad must do  Why your communication about benefits can make or break employee loyalty How to calculate the true cost of an unfilled position caused by turnover of employees What every home service business can do to keep their top performers longer How small shifts in hiring systems can prevent costly profit leaks   🎧 Listen to all episodes at https://profitablehomeservices.com/ 🤝 Connect with Rhamy at www.peopleprocesses.com ACCESS SOME FREE RESOURCES TO BOOST YOUR PROFITS 💵 Want to know just how much profit you have each month? Get my Free 'Break Even Breakthrough' Worksheet here:  https://taxcoach4you.com/monthlynut/ 💸 There are many "hidden" ways your profits could be leaking out, and I've compiled 15 common leaks into this FREE report for you. Download this Free report & checklist here https://profitcoach4you.com/profitleaks  

What was the name of that waitress that did such a great job the last time you went out to eat? Oh wait…. You don't remember? It's the same with your customers. In the home service world, good work gets you in the door—but staying in touch is what keeps you there. That's where a company newsletter comes in and Cathy Minz joins me to share her expertise. A newsletter is not about flooding inboxes with offers—it's about showing up consistently with helpful, relevant information. I once had a plumber do excellent work at my old office, but when I needed help again, I couldn't remember his name. If he'd had a newsletter he could've turned that one-time job into having me as a customer for life. Cathy knows how to craft the perfect newsletter to build those lifetime customers for your business.    What You'll Learn… The easiest way to stay top of mind without spending thousands on ads Why your customer list is a goldmine—and how most businesses are wasting it How a company newsletter builds the trust that leads to repeat business Why newsletters are perfect for slow seasons and forgotten follow-ups How a company newsletter can increase your customer's lifetime value What makes a newsletter worth reading (hint: it's not a sale) 🎧 Listen to all episodes at https://profitablehomeservices.com/ 🤝 Connect with Cathy at https://elowynpress.com/ ACCESS SOME FREE RESOURCES TO BOOST YOUR PROFITS 💵 Want to know just how much profit you have each month? Get my Free 'Break Even Breakthrough' Worksheet here:  https://taxcoach4you.com/monthlynut/ 💸 There are many "hidden" ways your profits could be leaking out, and I've compiled 15 common leaks into this FREE report for you. Download this Free report & checklist here https://profitcoach4you.com/profitleaks  

Reports. Spreadsheets. Statements. Intimidating right? Your business numbers don't have to feel like a foreign language. They should be accessible and valuable pieces of information. When you are making data-driven decisions you're building a business that works smarter, not harder. I remember one client who had the Customer Relation Management (CRM) system ServiceTitan but barely touched the reports because it felt overwhelming. Once we narrowed the focus to just one or two key numbers, everything changed. In this episode, Jack Tompkins from Pineapple Consulting shows us how to make data visual, simple, and even a little fun—so your team actually uses it, and better decisions for your business get made. You'll Learn… How data-driven decisions help you boost profits without adding expenses Why the prettiest dashboards are often the most useful One thing that will actually make your team want to track KPIs About the difference between using data and being guided by data-driven decisions The friendly competition tactic that improved CSR conversions Why your data strategy needs to look good and be easy to update How to avoid drowning in data with one simple mindset shift   🎧 Listen to all episodes at https://profitablehomeservices.com/ 🤝 Connect with Jack Tompkins at https://www.pineapplecf.com/   ACCESS SOME FREE RESOURCES TO BOOST YOUR PROFITS 💵 Want to know just how much profit you have each month? Get my Free 'Break Even Breakthrough' Worksheet here:  https://taxcoach4you.com/monthlynut/ 💸 There are many "hidden" ways your profits could be leaking out, and I've compiled 15 common leaks into this FREE report for you. Download this Free report & checklist here https://profitcoach4you.com/profitleaks  

An earthquake had just ripped through my town in California. I watched everything fall apart. My business, my finances, and the deal I thought was going to launch me to the next level. I sold my practice in desperation and ended up getting completely taken advantage of. That moment taught me more lessons in business than any textbook ever could.  Over the next 30 years, I collected dozens more of these real-life business lessons—some encouraging, some expensive, all useful. In this episode, I'm sharing the ones that shaped me most, in the hope that they'll help you make smarter, more confident decisions for your business. What You'll Learn… What 30 years worth of lessons in business really looks like Why core values matter more than you think when selling a business How one book helped me shift my mindset and rebuild after a recession The one change that transformed how I manage my time and calendar Team alignment and culture lessons in business I wish I knew earlier How to find the hidden profit leaks that are costing you thousands Why mindset shifts are as critical as financial ones in scaling your business   🎧 Listen to all episodes at https://profitablehomeservices.com/ 🤝 Connect with Diane at https://profitcoach4you.com/   ACCESS SOME FREE RESOURCES TO BOOST YOUR PROFITS 💵 Want to know just how much profit you have each month? Get my Free 'Break Even Breakthrough' Worksheet here:  https://taxcoach4you.com/monthlynut/ 💸 There are many "hidden" ways your profits could be leaking out, and I've compiled 15 common leaks into this FREE report for you. Download this Free report & checklist here https://profitcoach4you.com/profitleaks

Construction business accounting isn't just about spreadsheets—it's about survival. In this episode, Wade Carpenter joins me to break down real-world ways contractors can take control of their cash flow and stop bleeding money on every job, especially from things like "zombie rentals". Wade shares stories from the field, including a contractor who discovered his paycheck was getting eaten alive by bad math and worse systems. It's time to stop working harder and earning less. You'll Learn… Why zombie rentals are sneaky profit killers you might be ignoring The one thing your chart of accounts must show to be useful for real decisions How construction business accounting helps you bid smarter and protect profit What Job X is and why it matters more than traditional job costing The difference between markup and margin (and why most contractors get it wrong) How to use correct construction business accounting to take home a real paycheck   🎧 Listen to all episodes at https://profitablehomeservices.com/ 🤝 Connect with Wade at https://carpentercpas.com/ ACCESS SOME FREE RESOURCES TO BOOST YOUR PROFITS 💵 Want to know just how much profit you have each month? Get my Free 'Break Even Breakthrough' Worksheet here:  https://taxcoach4you.com/monthlynut/ 💸 There are many "hidden" ways your profits could be leaking out, and I've compiled 15 common leaks into this FREE report for you. Download this Free report & checklist here https://profitcoach4you.com/profitleaks

When you're trying to lead a profitable team, clarity and focus are vital. Without clear company mission statements, your business ends up spinning its wheels—especially when you're not in the room. I remember sitting in my own office, frustrated that things were slipping through the cracks until I realized we were out of alignment with one of our core values. That one shift—getting our mission, vision, and values on paper—helped everyone know where we were headed and why it mattered. In this episode, I'm walking you through how company mission statements can stop the chaos and plug those profit leaks.   What You'll Learn… Why company mission statements do more than sit in a binder The one thing every successful team has in common How outdated values create confusion and cost you money About the "three-legged stool" you need for team accountability Why excellence and integrity aren't just words—they're standards The role company mission statements play in performance reviews How to refresh your company mission statements for today's goals   🎧 Listen to all episodes at https://profitablehomeservices.com/ 🤝 Connect with Diane at https://profitcoach4you.com/   ACCESS SOME FREE RESOURCES TO BOOST YOUR PROFITS 💵 Want to know just how much profit you have each month? Get my Free 'Break Even Breakthrough' Worksheet here:  https://taxcoach4you.com/monthlynut/ 💸 There are many "hidden" ways your profits could be leaking out, and I've compiled 15 common leaks into this FREE report for you. Download this Free report & checklist here https://profitcoach4you.com/profitleaks