In this special episode of To The Point Home Services Podcast, Chris, Chad, and their good friend Aaron Gaynor (Eco Plumbers, Drains, Heating, & Cooling) dive deep into the pivotal turning points that shaped their businesses and personal journeys. From the early grind of starting out, to breakthroughs with Nexstar, writing down big goals, creating a Vivid Vision, and learning from both wins and failures—this conversation is full of raw, unfiltered insights every contractor and home service leader can relate to.You’ll hear about: The exact moments when each of them realized they had “a real business”Why writing down goals and building a strategy changed everythingHow to stay aligned with your vision during tough timesThe role of self-talk, affirmations, and personal growth in business successHard lessons learned from making the wrong hires (and how to fix it)Why culture, leadership, and energy transfer matter more than you thinkAnd of course—some dad jokes to keep things light.Whether you’re at $1M, $10M, or scaling toward $100M, this episode is packed with practical takeaways on leadership, growth, and resilience in the trades. ⏱️ Timecodes:00:00 – Intro & catching up with Aaron01:27 – The Turning Point: defining moments in business08:00 – Realizing you’re running a successful business12:00 – Writing down goals & building a long-term vision20:00 – Vivid Vision & EOS: how to align your team24:00 – Daily affirmations & self-talk for leaders30:00 – Handling challenges & negative chapters in business32:30 – Lessons from bad hires and how to avoid them40:00 – Sales leadership: coaching vs. cutting ties50:00 – Final takeaways on growth & leadership 📌 Resources & Mentions:Vivid Vision by Cameron HeroldDouble Double by Cameron HeroldEOS (Entrepreneurial Operating System) frameworkEarl Nightingale – The Strangest Secret👉 Connect with us:🎧 Listen to more episodes: To The Point Home Services Podcast📲 Follow us on social media for updates, clips, and insights. 👍 If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to:✔️ Subscribe to the channel✔️ Drop a comment with your biggest takeaway✔️ Share this video with another contractor or business owner who needs to hear it
This week on To The Point Home Services Podcast, Chris is joined by the full LSD crew (minus Hoffmann, who bailed!) for an unfiltered, high-energy conversation about business, personal growth, and what’s next in the trades.From hunting trips to industry conferences, the guys cover everything from the future of the market, AI’s role in profitability, and whether door knocking can really work in HVAC and other home services. They also get real about personal development, therapy, emotional intelligence, and the importance of surrounding yourself with the right people. 👉 If you’re a contractor or home service leader looking for insights, laughs, and some hard truths, this episode is for you. 🔑 Key Topics Covered:Market optimism for 2025–2026 and deal flow in the trades (08:00)Door knocking: can roofing & solar strategies work in HVAC? (15:45)Personal development: fitness, therapy, and emotional intelligence (28:00)How to increase profit without adding headcount (planned but derailed 😉)RYNOx 2026 sneak peek + upcoming industry events🗓️ Events Mentioned:Nuve Network Event – October 17 at ServiceTitan HQ (VIP sold out; limited GA tickets left)Pantheon 2025 – September 17RYNOx 2026 Theme Reveal – Early rollout in September⏱️ Timecodes:00:00 – Welcome & the missing Hoffmann01:00 – Upcoming events: Nuve Network, Pantheon, RYNOx 202602:00 – Hunting trip recap04:45 – Topics rundown: market, personal growth, AI, pricing tactics06:00 – First Amendment chat & Cracker Barrel branding08:00 – Market outlook for 2025–202615:45 – Door knocking in roofing & HVAC: opportunity or risk?28:00 – Personal development: fitness, books, therapy, accountability40:00 – Emotional intelligence & therapy in leadership44:00 – Learning to be alone & building mental resilience47:00 – Surrounding yourself with the right people(Conversation runs long and wild from here—classic LSD crew!) 📌 Resources & Links:Nuve Network Event InfoServiceTitanTo The Point Home Services Podcast ⭐️ Thank you to our Sponsors! Rilla: https://www.rilla.com/tothepointChiirp: https://chiirp.com/Contractor Commerce: https://www.contractorcommerce.com/ryno/Bluon: https://www.bluon.com/get-demo?referral_code=ToThePointAvoca.ai: https://avoca.ai/r/tothepoint 👍 If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, comment, and share with other contractors and home service leaders. Let us know in the comments: Have you tried door knocking in your business? Did it work?
In this episode of To The Point Home Services Podcast, we dive into why some contractors hit a growth ceiling while others continue to scale. Hitting $5M, $10M, or even higher in revenue can feel like a huge win—but what happens when growth stalls? We break down the common pitfalls, mindset shifts, and operational strategies that separate the businesses that get stuck from those that keep scaling. 🎙️ Key Points Covered:The most common reasons home service businesses plateauThe role leadership and culture play in breaking through growth ceilingsWhy some owners unintentionally limit their company’s potentialLessons learned from contractors who scaled past $50MPractical steps you can take today to reignite growth📌 Resources & Links Mentioned in This Episode:To The Point Home Services Podcast Website: https://rynoss.com/podcast/Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/to-the-point-home-services/Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/to_the_point_podcast/⏱️ Timecodes:00:00 – Intro02:15 – Why businesses stall at certain revenue milestones08:40 – The leadership factor: bottlenecks and breakthroughs15:20 – Building the right team culture for growth21:55 – Real-world examples: companies that broke through ceilings29:45 – Steps you can take to get unstuck36:10 – Final thoughts & key takeaways ⭐️ Thank you to our Sponsors! Rilla: https://www.rilla.com/tothepointChiirp: https://chiirp.com/Contractor Commerce: https://www.contractorcommerce.com/ryno/Bluon: https://www.bluon.com/get-demo?referral_code=ToThePointAvoca.ai: https://avoca.ai/r/tothepoint 👍 If you found value in this episode, don’t forget to:Subscribe to the channel for more insightsLike this video to help others find itComment below with your biggest takeaway or question—we’d love to hear from you!Share this episode with a fellow contractor who needs to hear it
In this episode of To The Point Home Services Podcast, we sit down with Paul Kelly, former CEO of Parker & Sons and creator of the Raising Goats Program. Paul shares his journey of building one of the largest home service companies in the nation and why he’s now passionate about teaching contractors how to develop their people, leadership, and systems for long-term success. We dive deep into the philosophy behind “raising goats”—developing strong, capable leaders who can help your business thrive without being overly dependent on you as the owner. Paul discusses the turning points in his career, how to build a winning culture, and why true leadership is about serving and empowering others. 🔗 Resources & Links Mentioned:Learn more about Raising Goats: https://raisinggoats.com/Connect with EGIA Contractor University: https://egia.org/Listen to more episodes of To The Point Home Services Podcast: https://rynoss.com/podcast⏱ Timestamps:00:00 – Intro & welcome02:15 – Paul’s early journey in the trades07:40 – Growing Parker & Sons into an industry leader14:05 – The philosophy behind “Raising Goats”20:30 – Why leadership starts with developing people28:45 – Creating a winning culture in your business35:10 – Lessons learned from scaling past challenges42:25 – How Raising Goats is helping contractors today48:55 – Final thoughts & where to learn more ⭐️ Thank you to our Sponsors! Rilla: https://www.rilla.com/tothepointChiirp: https://chiirp.com/Contractor Commerce: https://www.contractorcommerce.com/ryno/Bluon: https://www.bluon.com/get-demo?referral_code=ToThePointAvoca.ai: https://avoca.ai/r/tothepoint 💬 If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to:👍 Like the video🔔 Subscribe to the channel for more contractor growth insights💬 Drop a comment below with your biggest takeaway from Paul’s story📢 Share this episode with a fellow contractor who needs to hear it!
In this powerful and deeply personal episode of To The Point Home Services, Chris sits down with one of his closest friends, Charles “Charlie” Sanders, for a conversation unlike anything we’ve ever recorded. From humble beginnings in the Arizona desert to building a $30M+ company from the ground up, Charlie’s story is one of grit, hard work, and resilience. But this episode isn’t just about business—it’s about life’s highest highs and most devastating lows. Charlie opens up about:Growing up in Morristown, AZ with limited resources and a challenging home life.The mental toughness forged through early struggles and how it shaped his success.Starting Arizona Trench Company with his wife, Kelly, and scaling it to an industry leader before selling to Fortune 500 powerhouse Quanta.Leadership lessons on culture, caring for your team, and building strong client relationships.The unimaginable tragedy of losing his daughter, Hope, to suicide, how it impacted his family and business, and why it’s so important to talk openly about mental health.This is a raw, emotional, and inspiring conversation about perseverance, perspective, and what really matters. Whether you’re a business owner, leader, or simply someone navigating life’s challenges, Charlie’s journey will leave you with lessons you won’t forget. Resources & Links Mentioned:Learn more about To The Point Home Services Podcast: https://rynoss.com/podcast/Quanta Services: https://quantaservices.com/Suicide Prevention Resources: If you or someone you know is struggling, call or text 988 in the U.S. for free, confidential support 24/7.Timecodes:00:00 – Chris introduces the special bourbon bar setting for this episode02:00 – Growing up in the Arizona desert and overcoming adversity08:00 – Early lessons in responsibility and resilience14:00 – Meeting Kelly and finding the perfect business partnership16:45 – Starting Arizona Trench Company in 201320:00 – Scaling to $30M and selling to Quanta25:00 – Choosing the right partner over the highest offer30:00 – Maintaining culture and leadership through growth31:00 – The hardest chapter: losing Hope36:00 – Coping, leadership, and finding purpose after tragedy45:00 – Why caring for people is the foundation of lasting success ⭐️ Thank you to our Sponsors! Rilla: https://www.rilla.com/tothepointChiirp: https://chiirp.com/Contractor Commerce: https://www.contractorcommerce.com/ryno/Bluon: https://www.bluon.com/get-demo?referral_code=ToThePointAvoca.ai: https://avoca.ai/r/tothepoint 🔗 Connect with CharlieWebsite: https://arizonatrenchcompany.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arizona_trench_company/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Arizona-Trench-Company-688918797807381/?fref=tsLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charles-sanders-ba1559124/ If this episode moved you, please:👍 Like the video💬 Share your thoughts in the comments🔔 Subscribe to To The Point Home Services for more real, unfiltered conversations📢 Share this with someone who needs to hear it
In this jaw-dropping episode of To The Point Home Services, we welcome Michael Franzese the former top-ranking member of the Colombo crime family who ran one of the most lucrative Mafia rackets in U.S. history. Today, a reformed businessman and motivational speaker, Michael recounts for us his astounding tale—of growing up under the guidance of a storied mob kingpin, of stealing from the government to the tune of billions of dollars, and, ultimately, of quitting the life and building a legitimate empire. 🎙️ No matter contractor, business executive, or just interested in high-stakes stories of redemption and leadership, this episode offers hard-won lessons on how to build a team, motivate people, and take advantage of opportunity—short of being in the underworld. 🎯 KEY TAKEAWAYS: Michael's history: underboss son in the Mafia, pre-med student turned made man How the gas tax rip-off swindled the government out of millions per week Racketeers or gangsters: how Michael built a business empire by hiring the bestStreet-smart lessons in leadership: how to inspire without fear, delegate to succeedWhy he defected from the Mafia—and what he paid in returnFaith, redemption, and becoming a global speakerBusiness advice that actually works for home service entrepreneurs ⏱️ TIMECODES:00:00 – Welcome & intro00:45 – Growing up in the shadow of organized crime03:20 – Authenticity vs. posers: Who's really “connected”?05:00 – How Michael got pulled into the Mafia10:30 – The rise of the billion-dollar gas scam15:00 – Negotiating with oil companies and staying under the radar20:15 – Managing people: mafia-style27:00 – Racketeers vs gangsters in business33:00 – The power of planning and delegation38:00 – Walking away from the life: the cost of redemption41:00 – Faith, family, and finding purpose43:00 – Final thoughts + meet & greet info 🔗 MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: • Michael Franzese YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@MichaelFranzese • Michael’s Book: https://store.michaelfranzese.com/ 💥 CALL TO ACTIONIf you found inspiration, insight, or just got entertained by this wild ride, stop what you’re doing and hit that SUBSCRIBE button!💬 Drop a comment with your favorite quote or takeaway.🔁 Share this episode with someone who could use a powerful story of transformation.👉 Leave us a review and let us know how this podcast is helping you grow in business and in life.📩 Subscribe to our newsletter for weekly tools and tactics: https://rynoss.com/podcast/🔨 No. Zero. Days.
What happens when a serial entrepreneur takes over one of the biggest conferences in the roofing and storm restoration industry? You get massive vision, real leadership, and tactical sales growth. 💥In this episode of To The Point, hosts Chris Yano and Chad Peterman sit down with Josey Parks, the dynamic CEO and new owner of SVG and the Win The Storm Conference. Josey unpacks what it takes to scale a sales team from 34 to 300 reps, how to create a culture of action and accountability, and why he’s passionate about mentoring the next generation of industry leaders.This is a must-watch (or listen!) for any contractor looking to scale with purpose, build high-performing teams, and lead from the front. 🔑 Key Takeaways:How Josey built a 300-person sales team: The systems, leadership strategies, and mindset that made it possible.Why being an “Actioneer” matters: Learn the importance of engineering your future by taking bold, measurable steps.Sales recruiting secrets: Why hiring rookies with “prey drive” often beats experienced reps with baggage.Tech + training = results: The role of canvassing, pattern interrupts, and tech tools like Rilla and data matching in sales growth.Win The Storm Conference: Why Josey bought SVG and his mission to restore professionalism and unity in the storm restoration industry.Next-gen masterminds: How Josey’s helping young contractors scale responsibly and become transformational leaders. ⏱️ Timecodes:00:00 - Chris surprises Chad with a long-lost RYNOx award01:18 - Meet Josey Parks: Serial entrepreneur, sales leader, and new SVG owner03:00 - Building a massive sales org: From 34 to 300+ reps06:01 - How to find and develop million-dollar reps08:07 - Actioneer mindset: Thoughts lead to action, action creates results12:00 - Canvassing strategies that still work in HVAC/plumbing15:00 - Using AI & data to dominate your zip code20:10 - Overcoming fear of door-knocking and boosting trust24:00 - Roleplaying, Rilla, and coaching without ride-alongs26:30 - Why the right tech-to-call match is a game changer33:00 - Personality matching: Sending the right rep to the right neighborhood35:00 - Masterminds & leadership development for young roofers42:00 - Investing in the right mentor vs. online “gurus”45:00 - Why Josey bought Win The Storm – and his vision for restoration industry unity49:00 - Restoring professionalism in storm restoration and bridging gaps with carriers52:00 - Closing: What’s next for Win The Storm and Josey Parks ⭐️ Thank you to our Sponsors! Rilla: https://www.rilla.com/tothepointChiirp: https://chiirp.com/Contractor Commerce: https://www.contractorcommerce.com/ryno/Bluon: https://www.bluon.com/get-demo?referral_code=ToThePointAvoca.ai: https://avoca.ai/r/tothepoint 🔗 Resources & Mentions:💼 SVG / Win The Storm: https://www.winthestorm.com/📊 Rilla: https://www.rilla.com/tothepoint📢 Follow Josey Parks: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joseyparks/ 📣 Call to Action:If you’re a contractor serious about growth, leadership, and creating an elite sales culture, this episode is for you. 👉 Drop a comment with your biggest takeaway👍 Like this video if you learned something new🔔 Subscribe for more episodes every week📲 Share this with a fellow home service pro 🚀 No. Zero. Days. #ToThePointPodcast #JoseyParks #WinTheStorm #SalesLeadership #ContractorGrowth #SVG #HomeServices #HVACSales #RoofingBusiness #HomeServiceMarketing #RYNO #Actioneer #ThinkUnlimited #CanvassingTips #SalesTeamGrowth
In this powerhouse episode, Chris Yano sits down with Ismael Valdez, former CEO of NexGen, founder of Nuve, and straight-talking industry disruptor, to break down the REAL issues plaguing contractors today—and what it actually takes to grow and lead a successful home services business in 2025 and beyond. This isn't just another podcast episode. It's a masterclass in leadership, accountability, AI, branding, and the future of the trades. From calling out fake mentors and lazy operators to talking billion-dollar visions, robotic labor, and how personal branding is becoming a business necessity—this is the episode you didn't know you needed. 🔥 KEY TAKEAWAYS:Why most contractors operate like employees, not CEOs—and how to fix itThe accountability gap killing growth in small to mid-sized businessesWhy contractors are losing leads due to poor online reviewsThe rise of AI and robotics in trades: what’s coming and what to do about itThe future of branding (both personal and company) in an AI-dominated worldWhat separates real mentors from the frauds in the home services spaceHow Nuve is changing the game by listening to contractor feedback in real time ⏱️ TIMECODES:00:00 - Intro & Ishmael’s return00:51 - The economy, interest rates, and the outlook for 202602:05 - The real impact of immigration policies on the trades04:49 - Why Ishmael is still grinding after a big exit06:17 - Nuve’s mission and learning from contractor feedback08:00 - Yelp, Google, and the brutal truth about reviews10:01 - Every contractor messes up—what matters is how you respond14:45 - Most “CEOs” still think like employees17:08 - The rise of fake mentors & predatory coaches in the industry21:00 - Nobody is coming to save you—do the work24:14 - AI and the future of CSR & dispatch26:09 - Robotics in trades: the change is coming faster than you think31:06 - Brand is everything: company + personal brand strategy36:11 - Why you MUST get on camera (or find someone who will)42:05 - Why most contractors suck at social media—and how to fix it44:52 - The metric that matters most in social: SHARES47:30 - Final thoughts & actions to take now 🔗 MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:Nuve: https://www.nuvehome.com/Prolific Brand Design: https://prolificbranddesign.com/ Thank you to our Sponsors! Rilla: https://www.rilla.com/tothepointChiirp: https://chiirp.com/Contractor Commerce: https://www.contractorcommerce.com/ryno/Bluon: https://www.bluon.com/get-demo?referral_code=ToThePointAvoca.ai: https://avoca.ai/r/tothepoint 🙌 CALL TO ACTION:Found this episode valuable? Then stop what you're doing and:✅ Subscribe to the podcast💬 Drop a comment below with your biggest takeaway🔁 Share this episode with a contractor who needs to hear it Let’s keep building—together. No. Zero. Days.
🚀 In this power-packed episode of To The Point Home Services Podcast, Chris, Chad and Mike sit down with long-time friend and automation pioneer Tersh Blissett to unpack the real-world impact of AI and automation for contractors. From building a remote HVAC company before it was trendy, to launching multiple businesses focused on solving pain points with automation, Tersh shares practical insights every service business owner should hear. You’ll learn the difference between AI and automation, what tools actually work, and how you can start streamlining your operations today. 🔧 Whether you're a contractor trying to cut down on repetitive tasks, looking to empower your CSRs, or curious about AI agents and how they’re reshaping the trades—this one’s for you. 🔑 Key Topics Covered:Why Tersh built his companies without traditional infrastructure (storage units as warehouses?!)The origins of his obsession with automationThe difference between AI vs. Automation and why contractors confuse themHow to turn monotonous work into automated processesTools Tersh uses daily (ChatGPT, Trello, Slack, Manas.io, and more)How AI agents (like swarm agents) can do the work of a full content teamTraining and empowering employees—not replacing them—with AIHow to evaluate your P&L using AIUsing Slack GPTs and wearable tech like Limitless.ai & Plod for real-time productivity boostsWhy em dashes are the telltale sign of AI-generated content 😅And of course... dad jokes 🤣 ⏱️ Timecodes:00:00 – Intro + Tersh’s return since 202001:35 – Chris gets real about his “proportionate” face 😆07:00 – Dad jokes segment (you don’t want to miss “a reptile dysfunction”)09:55 – Tersh’s journey into trades & automation13:10 – The “Optimize > Automate > Delegate” framework17:40 – Explaining AI vs. Automation22:00 – Real-life examples of automations in ServiceTitan & Slack28:00 – Should AI replace employees? (Spoiler: no, but it’ll make them better)34:20 – Most common automations Tersh installs in businesses37:10 – Zapier explained for contractors39:00 – Using ChatGPT to manage email42:00 – AI + relationships: how it helps Tersh communicate better with his wife 😂44:00 – Tersh’s favorite AI tools: Manas.io, ChatGPT, Perplexity, Claude47:00 – Custom GPTs for social media, HR policies, & business analysis50:00 – AI-generated business valuations & financial reviews51:08 – Final thoughts on using AI to work smarter, not harder 🔗 Resources Mentioned:Tersh’s Podcast: Service Business Mastery – https://www.servicebusinessmastery.comTersh’s Company: Trade Automation Pros – https://tradeautomationpros.com 👊 Connect with Us:👉 Don’t forget to LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE for more no-BS conversations that actually help you grow your business.💬 Drop your thoughts or questions in the comments — we read them all.🔔 Hit the bell so you never miss an episode.📩 Want more tools & tips like this delivered to your inbox? Subscribe to our newsletter. 🛠️ No. Zero. Days. Let’s go! #HomeServices #ContractorPodcast #AIforContractors #Automation #TershBlissett #ServiceTitan #ToThePoint #HVACbusiness #AItools #Zapier #HomeServicePros #TradeAutomationPros #DadJokes #Entrepreneurship
🔧 Built for Olympians. Adapted for Guys Who Move the World.If your back’s stiff, your shoulder clicks, or your knees feel older than you are—this episode’s a wake-up call.Former U.S. National Gymnastics Coach Christopher Sommer spent decades building Olympians. Now he’s training the hardest-working men and women in America—trades pros, service techs, and business owners who can’t afford to break down.You show up for the job. You carry the load at work, lead your team, and still go home with enough left to be there for your family.But when your back tightens up, your shoulder goes out, or your energy fades, everything suffers—your business, your people, your peace of mind.This isn’t about getting fit. It’s about getting free. Staying strong enough to keep showing up where it matters most—without pain holding you back. 🔑 Key Takeaways:The power of playing the long game: thinking in 3–5 year blocks, not 3–5 months"No brain, no gain": why smart training beats “no pain, no gain” every timeWhy talent alone isn’t enough — and why most naturally gifted athletes failHow elite-level discipline and systems translate to business leadershipHow to hire, coach, and lead high-performers (and why most people aren't built to be entrepreneurs)Building character, not just champions — why the long game is always about people 🕒 Timecodes:00:00 – Intro & how Chris met Coach Sommer02:00 – Coach Sommer’s background: 40 years of gymnastics excellence05:15 – From athletes to business: mindset shifts that matter09:00 – The problem with 3–5 month thinking12:30 – What makes an elite performer: talent vs. grit17:30 – GymnasticBodies: building strength for everyone20:00 – How Coach helped SEAL Team 6 and NFL/NHL pros recover24:00 – “No brain, no gain” — redefining performance30:00 – Lessons in leadership & managing high-level talent35:00 – Steve Jobs, Saban, and high-achiever psychology42:00 – The truth about scaling, mediocrity, and maintaining excellence49:00 – Premium pricing for premium service — no shortcuts53:00 – Coaches need coaches: how to stay accountable58:00 – Final thoughts & lessons for business owners 🔗 Resources & Mentions:GymnasticBodies: https://www.gymnasticbodies.comCoach Sommer on Tim Ferriss Podcast (200+ million downloads) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yRFEb8KJC2ISports Illustrated profile on Coach Sommer - https://www.si.com/everyday-athlete/stories/the-brutal-truth-about-building-elite-athletes-lessons-from-gymnastics-coach-chris-sommer-01jtdv06te4d 📢 CALL TO ACTION✅ Try the 7-day Premium Trial of GymnasticBodies for free✅ Restore mobility, eliminate joint pain, and feel younger—no gym needed✅ Same system that rebuilt broken-down athletes—now built for you ⭐️ Thank you to our Sponsors! Rilla: https://www.rilla.com/tothepointChiirp: https://chiirp.com/Contractor Commerce: https://www.contractorcommerce.com/ryno/Bluon: https://www.bluon.com/get-demo?referral_code=ToThePointAvoca.ai: https://www.getavoca.ai/partners/ryno?utm_source=partner&utm_campaign=ryno&utm_medium=podcast Thanks for tuning in — and as always, No. Zero. Days. #Gymnastics #HomeServices #Leadership #Podcast #ChrisSommer #ToThePointPodcast #BusinessDiscipline #Entrepreneurship #HighPerformance #ChrisYano
In this high-impact episode, Chris Yano and Chad Peterman sit down with Chris Crew, President of Blue Collar Success Group, for a masterclass in operational excellence, scalable leadership, and real-world sales strategy in the trades. With over two decades of experience—from quitting school in 10th grade to building and selling a $30M electrical service company—Chris shares battle-tested lessons that every contractor, coach, and operator can learn from. ✅ Whether you're running one truck or pushing $30M+ in revenue, Chris’s advice is practical, scalable, and immediately applicable. 🧠 WHAT YOU’LL LEARN:How Chris Crew scaled his electrical company from $3M to $30M in under 4 years 📈Why operational breakdowns—not external factors—are usually what stall growth 🔧The importance of pricing correctly (and how most businesses get this wrong) 💰Why sales and operations need to be best friends, not bitter rivals 🤝How to segment training for maximum team development 📚Why “shiny object syndrome” kills momentum and how to implement tools like Rilla and PeakZ the right way 🛠️The truth about year-round training—especially during the busy season 🔄 ⏱️ TIMECODES:00:01:35 – Introductions & Blue Collar roots00:07:15 – Chris’s journey: from dropping out to $30M electrical business00:14:06 – Sales + ops: why Chris combines both and how it creates synergy00:15:29 – What contractors are getting wrong right now00:18:07 – Coaching tiers: why BCSG isn’t “one-size-fits-all”00:19:11 – Most common problems contractors don’t know they have00:25:16 – “Small hinges swing large doors”: operational accountability00:27:04 – Growth timeline: $3M to $30M in under 4 years00:31:09 – Year-round training: why summer is the BEST time to train00:35:11 – Roleplaying, segmented training, and building elite teams00:42:14 – How AI tools fail without full adoption00:45:13 – Tech overload: how to avoid half-baked integrations00:49:50 – Training managers on new tech: the missing step 📬 STAY CONNECTED:💌 Sign up for our [Newsletter] (Insert Link)📲 Follow us on social: [@ToThePointPodcast]🎙️ More episodes: https://www.tothepointpodcast.com ⭐️ Thank you to our Sponsors!Rilla: https://www.rilla.com/tothepointChiirp: https://chiirp.com/Contractor Commerce: https://www.contractorcommerce.com/ryno/Bluon: https://www.bluon.com/get-demo?referral_code=ToThePoint Avoca.ai: https://www.getavoca.ai/partners/ryno?utm_source=partner&utm_campaign=ryno&utm_medium=podcast 📣 CALL TO ACTIONEnjoyed this episode? Stop what you're doing and hit that Subscribe button! Drop a comment with your biggest takeaway, and don't forget to share this episode with a contractor who needs to hear it. No. Zero. Days. #ChrisCrew #BlueCollarSuccess #HVACPodcast #HomeServices #ContractorTraining #SalesAndOperations #ToThePointPodcast
In this engaging podcast episode, NFL legend Terry Bradshaw shares captivating stories and insights from his illustrious career and life beyond football. He delves into his philosophy on resilience, recounting how he overcame setbacks from his early days in the NFL to personal challenges. Bradshaw also touches upon his unique experiences as a car salesman and fishing guide during his off-seasons in the NFL, revealing his sales approach and the significant differences in player salaries and endorsements then versus now.A significant portion of the discussion revolves around his tumultuous relationship with his Steelers coach, Chuck Noll, and how their clashing personalities ultimately shaped him. He emphasizes the importance of teamwork built on love and understanding, even with diverse personalities and egos, drawing parallels between his championship Steelers teams and business environments. Bradshaw shares his "process" for his horse business, prioritizing employee well-being and a positive work atmosphere. He also offers his perspective on the ongoing debate of talent versus process in team management, referencing Nick Saban's coaching philosophy and Jimmy Johnson's approach to superstars. The episode concludes with Bradshaw discussing current NFL topics, including Jerry Jones's role as Cowboys general manager and his thoughts on various NFL coaches.Timecodes:00:00 - 07:37 Introduction & Personal Anecdotes 07:38 - 13:52 Defining Resilience 13:53 - 22:13 The 1974 Benching & Coach Noll 22:14 - 26:40 Team Dynamics & Leadership26:40 - 31:19 Early NFL Earnings & Off-Season Jobs31:19 - 36:39 Sales Philosophy 36:39 - 44:58 Talent vs. Process in Management 44:58 - 47:28 Employee Relations & Values 48:07 - 51:59 Dallas Cowboys & Jerry Jones 52:00 - 57:22 Favorite Coaches & Final Thoughts Thank you to our Sponsors!Rilla: https://www.rilla.com/tothepointChiirp: https://chiirp.com/Contractor Commerce: https://www.contractorcommerce.com/ryno/Bluon: https://www.bluon.com/get-demo?referral_code=ToThePoint
In this episode of To The Point Home Services, we sit down with Daryl Bingham, President of Parker & Sons, to unpack the transformative power of trust, accountability, and people development in the trades. With decades of leadership experience, Daryl shares how intentional culture-building leads to higher-performing teams and sustainable growth. 🔑 Key Takeaways:Why trust is the foundation of a high-performing culture.The three leadership buckets: visionary, relational, and operational—and how great leaders leverage all three.Why accountability isn’t punitive, but a form of support.How to develop your people through coaching, feedback, and belief.Daryl’s career journey from technician to VP, and the mentors that shaped his path.Actionable strategies for training field leaders, creating safe environments, and multiplying leadership capacity. ⏱️ Timecodes:00:00 – Intro to Daryl Bingham02:45 – Daryl's early career and lessons from the field06:20 – Defining accountability as support09:50 – The three leadership buckets explained13:15 – Why people don't do what they're supposed to16:40 – Culture-building at Service Champions20:30 – Training field leaders effectively25:10 – Creating psychological safety29:45 – The cost of poor leadership33:00 – From technician to organizational leader37:20 – How to grow people through belief and coaching41:50 – Final thoughts and leadership wisdom 📚 Resources & Mentions:The Path Less Traveled Newsletter: https://thepathlesstraveled.beehiiv.comBook mentioned: The Speed of Trust by Stephen M. R. CoveyConnect with Daryl Bingham on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daryl-bingham-0b44aa36/ ⭐️ A Special Thank You to Our SponsorsRilla: https://www.rilla.com/tothepointChiirp: https://chiirp.com/Contractor Commerce: https://www.contractorcommerce.com/ryno/Bluon: https://www.bluon.com/get-demo?referral_code=ToThePoint 📣 Enjoyed the episode?Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations with top leaders in the home services industry. Got a takeaway or question? Drop it in the comments—we’d love to hear from you!
In this episode, we sit down with Keegan Hodges, co-founder of Best Home Services and now Chairman of Garage Door Partners. Keegan shares his incredible journey from working in his family’s electrical company to building one of the largest residential garage door businesses in the country. He dives into the risks he took, lessons learned from mentors like Jamie DiDominico, and how he’s transitioned skills from HVAC to the garage space. It’s a must-listen for anyone scaling a home services company. 🔥 What You’ll Learn:• The origin story of Best Home Services (and how credit cards helped start it!)• How mentorship shaped Keegan’s business strategies• Private equity partnerships: risks, rewards, and lessons• Why “implementation” trumps information• The mindset behind greenfield vs acquisition growth strategies• What Keegan would do differently in sales culture and customer experience• The power of delayed gratification and execution speed 📚 Resources & Mentions:• Nexstar Network: https://www.nexstarnetwork.com/• CEO Warrior (Mike Agugliaro): https://ceowarrior.com/• Tommy Mello & A1 Garage: https://a1garage.com/• RYNOx Events: https://rynoss.com/ 📍 Timecodes:00:00 – Intro banter + dad jokes04:00 – Meet Keegan Hodges + Best Home Services background10:00 – How marketing and risk propelled growth17:00 – Traits of successful entrepreneurs22:00 – Implementation vs Perfection29:00 – Sales culture & putting the customer first33:00 – Lessons from private equity and transitioning to Garage Door Partners36:00 – Building a business for longevity, not the quick win40:00 – Acquisition vs Greenfield45:00 – What Keegan looks for in a tuck-in acquisition50:00 – Old-school operations and what still works58:00 – Final takeaways & wrap-up ⭐️ Thank you to our Sponsors! Rilla: https://www.rilla.com/tothepointChiirp: https://chiirp.com/Contractor Commerce: https://www.contractorcommerce.com/ryno/Bluon: https://www.bluon.com/get-demo?referral_code=ToThePoint 🙌 Enjoyed the Episode?Help us spread the word!✅ Like✅ Comment – Tell us your favorite takeaway!✅ Subscribe for weekly episodes with industry leaders✅ Share with fellow home service pros 🔔 Don’t forget to hit the bell so you never miss an episode. 🎙️ Listen to more episodes: https://tothepointpodcast.com/
In this inspiring episode of To The Point Home Services, hosts Chris and Chad welcome a true powerhouse in franchising, leadership, and entrepreneurial grit—Jeff Dudan. From humble beginnings as a student-athlete to founding a nationwide restoration business and leading HomeFront Brands, Jeff shares a journey that’s as tactical as it is motivating. Learn how Jeff went from coaching youth sports to mentoring business owners, all while balancing purpose, people, and performance. Whether you’re in franchising, home services, or simply passionate about building something meaningful, Jeff drops decades worth of actionable insight. 💬 Key Topics Discussed:Jeff's journey from athlete to franchise mogulBuilding and exiting AdvantaCleanWhy he started HomeFront Brands and his mission to empower franchiseesWhat makes or breaks a franchise modelThe importance of discernment, discipline, and doing the workReal stories of transformation, tragedy, and triumph in businessThe Undercover Boss experience and its lasting impactTraining leaders and franchisees for long-term success 📚 Resources & Mentions:Jeff’s book “Discernment: The Business Athlete's Regimen for a Great Life through Better Decisions” → https://tr.ee/Once7GJeff’s podcast → On the Homefront with Jeff DudanLearn more about Homefront Brands - https://homefrontbrands.com/Connect with Jeff on LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffdudan/I Am Leader Book set - https://tr.ee/0LBrXB 🕒 Timecodes:00:00 – Welcome + Dad Jokes03:00 – Introducing Jeff Dudan: The Best Intro Ever08:00 – From Athlete to Entrepreneur12:00 – The Power of Grit and Rebuilding After Disaster18:30 – Why Jeff Started HomeFront Brands21:00 – What Makes a Franchise Work (or Fail)26:00 – Servant Leadership & Supporting Franchisees30:00 – Balancing Risk, Scale & Passion Projects37:00 – Coaching Kids vs. Coaching Entrepreneurs42:00 – Lessons from Undercover Boss46:00 – Handling Tragedy and Real Life in Business50:00 – Creating Systems for Growth54:00 – Chris & Chad’s Reflections + Final Thoughts 💡 Want more like this?✅ Subscribe for more no-BS conversations with the best in home services.👍 Like if Jeff's story inspired you.💬 Drop a comment sharing your biggest takeaway or franchise lesson.🔗 Share this episode with a business partner or future franchise owner. ⭐️ Special thanks to our SponsorsRilla: https://www.rilla.com/tothepointChiirp: https://chiirp.com/Contractor Commerce: https://www.contractorcommerce.com/ryno/Bluon: https://www.bluon.com/get-demo?referral_code=ToThePoint Follow Us on Social:Instagram: @to_the_point_podcastFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/ToThePointHomeServicesPodcast #Franchising #Entrepreneurship #HomeServices #Leadership #ToThePoint #JeffDudan #HomeFrontBrands #Podcast
Welcome back to To The Point Home Services Podcast! In this powerful episode, we sit down with Chris Hoffmann, CEO of Hoffmann Brothers, for a deep dive into what it really takes to scale a home services empire—without losing your mind or your mission. We cover everything from military leadership lessons to price book strategies that actually make sense. Plus, Chris Yano shares major news from RYNO Strategic Solutions, including a new president (and it’s someone you already know!). 🔥 What You'll Learn in This Episode:The mindset behind Hoffmann Brothers’ explosive growthThe 2x2 matrix Chris uses to prioritize change after acquisitionsHow to prepare operationally for the summer busy seasonBuilding and running training academies post-COVIDVeteran leadership skills that translate into business successDynamic pricing and perceived value in electrical/HVAC service calls 💡 Key Takeaways:Growth isn’t about a secret sauce—it’s about discipline, clarity, and strategic market expansion.Prioritize change using impact vs. effort to avoid overwhelming teams.Use seasonal lulls to invest in training and build “flex crews” to scale up fast.Fair pricing is about what customers perceive as valuable—bundle smart and bill wisely. 📌 Timecodes:00:00 – Intro and major news from RYNO02:00 – Chris Hoffmann joins the show07:00 – Military background and leadership takeaways13:00 – The secret to sustained growth in tough markets17:00 – Breaking down operational excellence post-acquisition22:00 – Building trust through better compensation models28:00 – Price book strategy: high vs. low perceived value35:00 – Flex crews and busy season tactics42:00 – The power of next-day install guarantees46:00 – Training and staffing in shoulder seasons50:00 – Final thoughts and humor to close things out 🔗 Resources & Mentions:Hoffmann BrothersRYNO Strategic SolutionsProlific Brand DesignBlue Collar Success GroupMentioned book: Extreme Ownership by Jocko Willink (for leadership insights) ⭐️ A Special Thank You To Our SponsorsRilla: https://www.rilla.com/tothepointChiirp: https://chiirp.com/Contractor Commerce: https://www.contractorcommerce.com/ryno/Bluon: https://www.bluon.com/get-demo?referral_code=ToThePoint 💬 Join the Conversation!What part of Chris Hoffmann’s growth strategy did you find most valuable? Drop a comment below—we’d love to hear how you're prepping for your own busy season! 👍 Enjoyed this episode?Give us a like!Don’t forget to subscribe for more weekly episodes with top leaders in the home services space.Share this episode with someone scaling their home services business! 📲 Follow us on social:Instagram: @ToThePointPodcastLinkedIn: To The Point Podcast #HomeServices #Leadership #HVAC #Electrical #Podcast #ChrisHoffmann #ToThePointPodcast #BusinessGrowth #RYNO #BlueCollarSuccess
Struggling to find skilled HVAC technicians or plumbers? Facing the home services labor shortage head-on? In this episode of the To The Point Home Services Podcast, Kevin Comerford (Founder of Service Champions) and Jonathan Bancroft (President of Morris-Jenkins) reveal how building internal training academies and technical trade universities helped them overcome the skilled labor gap, scale operations, and build a leadership pipeline within their companies.🔧 Whether you’re in HVAC, plumbing, electrical, or any home service business, this episode is a masterclass on workforce development and scaling through in-house training and manager development systems.⏱️ Timestamps: 00:00 – Why create a home services university? 00:02:28 – "Sweat in peacetime" mantra & its impact 00:04:34 – Building Champions University: Solving the HVAC tech shortage 00:06:14 – Training curriculum: What worked and what didn’t 00:07:29 – The real reason Morris-Jenkins started their university 00:10:04 – Turning plumbers and HVAC techs into managers 00:12:15 – Solving organizational conflict with real training 00:14:52 – Jiffy Lube vs Bob's Auto Shop: The scalable model 00:18:32 – How to start small with leadership development 00:21:15 – Overcoming the "ceiling of complexity" 00:24:23 – Monthly bonus structures that drive growth 00:26:22 – KPIs, team incentives & positive reinforcement 00:27:18 – Are your leaders reward-driven or responsibility-driven? 00:28:09 – Weekly accountability meetings: Structure & success 00:30:09 – Why your business might lack urgency and accountability 00:31:21 – Real-world financial meeting frameworks for trades 00:35:11 – Grants for company training programs (and the red tape) 00:37:01 – Final thoughts on scaling home services companies📚 Resources Mentioned:First, Break All the Rules – Marcus Buckingham - https://shorturl.at/YgSqlWhen Goliaths Clash – Howard M. Guttman - https://shorturl.at/tvyGmBringing Out the Best in People – Aubrey C. Daniels - https://shorturl.at/XwcpBThe Motive & Five Dysfunctions of a Team – Patrick Lencioni - https://shorturl.at/kIx6z💬 Got questions or building your own HVAC or plumbing training academy? Drop a comment below. 👇 We’d love to hear about your journey and answer your questions.⭐️ Thank you to our Sponsors!Rilla: https://www.rilla.com/tothepointChiirp: https://chiirp.com/🔔 If you found value in this episode, make sure to: ✅ Like this video ✅ Subscribe for more leadership and business growth insights ✅ Share with fellow HVAC, plumbing, or home service pros ✅ Hit the bell for notifications on future episodes
Welcome back to To The Point Home Services! In this powerhouse episode, Chris and Chad sit down with Sammy Ayoub, the founder of Apex Pros in Columbus, Ohio. Sammy went from running the nation’s largest Boost Mobile retail chain to launching a home services juggernaut—growing from 3 vans to 135 and pushing $50M in under 4 years. You’ll hear the full story—from humble beginnings and an unexpected pandemic pivot to building a people-first culture, bold branding, and aggressive marketing that turned Apex into a household name in record time. 🚨 First-time podcast guest. First-class growth story. Don't miss this one. ⏱ Timestamps00:00 – Intro & Birthday Banter 🎉02:24 – Meet Sammy Ayoub of Apex Pros03:40 – Launching Apex Pros in 202104:44 – From 3 Vans to 135 🚐06:00 – Building Culture + A Giant Koi Pond 🐟08:08 – From Boost Mobile to HVAC/Plumbing/Electrical11:00 – Exiting Wireless After 28 Years14:00 – Transitioning Into Trades During the Pandemic17:00 – Recruiting First 110 Employees Himself20:00 – Culture & Weekly Tech Meetings22:10 – No Signing Bonuses. Just Real Culture.26:15 – Rapid Education: Podcasts, Facebook Groups & DMs28:05 – Why Marketing % Rules Are BS30:00 – TV, Radio, and the Columbus Blue Jackets Partnership35:00 – Alex the Mascot & Alex Cares Program ❤️38:46 – Growth Trajectory: 4M → 16M → 33M → 50M41:00 – Market Competition & Scaling Against Giants44:00 – Advice: $5M is Great. $50M Ain’t for Everyone46:30 – Wrapping Up & Growth Mindset Takeaways 🔗 Resources & MentionsApex Pros Website - https://apexpros.com/Dan Antonelli / KickCharge Branding - https://www.kickcharge.com/ServiceTitan - https://www.servicetitan.com/Nexstar Network - https://www.nexstarnetwork.com/Clover Marketing - https://www.growwithclover.com/ 💬 Liked this episode? Here's how to support us:✅ Subscribe for more unfiltered insights from top operators👍 Like the video if you learned something new💬 Drop your thoughts or questions for Sammy in the comments📢 Share this episode with a friend or your team!
In this episode of To The Point Home Services, hosts Chris and Chad welcome Michael Brewner, co-owner of Iceberg Home Services, for a powerhouse conversation packed with wisdom on leadership, scaling, and staying grounded while building an HVAC and plumbing empire in Florida.Mike shares his journey from professional poker player at 22 to HVAC sales, and ultimately to co-founding a thriving home services company that reached $47M in revenue last year — and is on track for $65M this year. He dives deep into the mindset shifts, team-building strategies, and personal growth required to scale without private equity, while maintaining a strong family and team culture. Whether you're an aspiring business owner or seasoned entrepreneur, this candid conversation is full of golden insights, hard-earned lessons, and a few epic dad jokes. 🔗 Links & Resources:Iceberg Home Services: https://icebergcooling.com/Rocket Fuel (book discussed): https://www.amazon.com/Rocket-Fuel-Essential-Combination-Business/dp/1941631150RYNO Strategic Solutions: https://www.rynoss.com 🕒 Timecodes:00:00 – Intro & Stagecoach Recap02:00 – Celebrating RYNO’s 17-Year Anniversary06:45 – Dad Jokes & Laughs09:00 – Meet Michael Brewner & His Business Journey14:00 – From Poker Pro to HVAC Business Owner20:00 – Growing Iceberg Home Services from $5M to $65M22:30 – Building a Winning Team & Getting Out of the Way26:00 – Rocket Fuel & Visionary/Integrator Roles30:00 – Outgrowing Team Members and Having Hard Conversations34:00 – Letting Go of Family in the Business38:30 – Partnership Dynamics with Chad and His Brother41:30 – Mike’s Personal Growth & Health Journey44:00 – Mentorship, Learning, and Staying Humble47:00 – Final Thoughts and Advice for Scaling Up 💥 Enjoying the Podcast? Help Us Grow! 👍 Like this video💬 Drop your favorite takeaway in the comments🔔 Subscribe for more leadership and business growth stories📢 Share this with someone who needs to hear it! #ToThePointPodcast #HomeServices #HVACBusiness #Leadership #Entrepreneurship #MichaelBrewner #BusinessGrowth #RocketFuel #HVAC #Plumbing #ScaleUp #Mentorship
In this powerhouse episode of To The Point Home Services, Chris and Chad Peterman welcome John Bowman, President of F.F. Hitchcock — a multi-generational Connecticut-based service business that has evolved from a general store in 1870 to a $20M+ home services juggernaut. 💥We dive deep into how John helped transform a legacy company through bold branding, exceptional leadership, and a strong service-first mindset. From scaling residential services to creative marketing and navigating the family business dynamic, this episode is packed with gold. 🎯 Key Takeaways:How F.F. Hitchcock went from construction-focused to residential successCreative marketing that builds brand personality (hello, prank calls & upside-down booths!)Transitioning leadership in a multi-generational businessUsing humor and authenticity to attract talent and customersLeveraging tools like ServiceTitan and online shops for growthThe impact of industry events like RYNOx on mindset and momentum ⏱️ Timecodes:00:00 - Intro & Purdue vs UConn rivalry03:00 - John’s early days and RYNOx connection07:00 - Company origin: 1870 to present10:00 - Pivoting during the 2008 crash13:00 - Working with family & leadership transition20:00 - Residential vs. Commercial: The strategy shift26:00 - Key lessons from RYNOx and the power of relationships33:00 - Marketing wins: Pranks, social media, and upside-down booths42:00 - Adding e-commerce to the HVAC experience47:00 - Building internal leaders and delegating for scale52:00 - Final thoughts and Chad's takeaways Connect With John!Website: https://ffhitchcock.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ffhitchcock/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hitchcockoil/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/f-f-hitchcock-co-inc-/https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnpatrickbowman/ 📣 Like what you hear? ✅ Subscribe to the channel💬 Drop your favorite takeaway in the comments🔗 Share this episode with someone in the trades🔔 Hit the bell to get notified of future episodes!
Riley Johnson
Hey Nick Riley here. Do you have any tips on getting leads for a new residential HVAC business? I could really use some help. I started my company in June 2024 and have had eight leads, closing seven of them—surprisingly, six were installations to keep me afloat. I'm in Western Washington state and have tried everything I can think of, from BNI groups and realtors to SEO. I spent $2,000 on Facebook ads with zero leads from that. Any help would be much appreciated. Thanks in advance.