Ready to future-proof your trade business and increase its value? In this high-impact episode of Catalyst for the Trades, Jennifer Bagley sits down with revenue strategist Casey Eberhart—known as The Ideal Networker—for a straight-talk discussion on building lasting, profitable companies in the trades.

Drawing on decades of experience buying, selling, and advising service businesses, Casey shares why owning digital assets matters more than ever, how to leverage content and community to attract customers, and the three must-have assets every HVAC, plumbing, and home service business needs to grow—or get acquired.

You’ll hear how modern marketing, automation, and AI are changing the game for contractors, and why visibility through your website, community, and YouTube channel is key to long-term success.

Packed with real-world examples, proven strategies, and actionable tech insights, this episode is a must-listen for anyone serious about scaling a trade business in 2025 and beyond.

Timestamps:
00:00 – Intro & Meet Casey Eberhart
 03:09 – Why Commanding Attention Grows Your Bottom Line
 04:44 – Getting Uncomfortable: Why Owners Must Show Up Online
 05:22 – M&A Insights: What Investors Look For
 06:38 – Case Study: Social Content That Actually Works
 09:00 – Outsourcing Smart: Get Your Team Creating Content
 10:06 – Brand Visibility + AI = Next-Level Marketing
 13:28 – Automate Reviews for Social Proof
 14:05 – Compounding Content Assets: The Power of YouTube & Google
 15:22 – Modern Marketing Baseline vs. Fax-Machine Tactics
 20:06 – The Trifecta: Website, Community, YouTube
 25:57 – Content Strategy: Targeted Videos for Any Audience
 28:39 – Hyperlocal Visibility: Interviewing Local Businesses
 34:27 – Building Real Relationships & Permanent Assets
 36:37 – The ROI of Content vs. Buying Leads
 41:26 – Community Resource: Just Start AI
 45:04 – Major in What You Own, Minor in What You Rent
 48:39 – Speed, Focus, and Execution
 52:04 – Closing Thoughts & Where to Connect

Guest Details:
Casey Eberhart
Title: Revenue Strategist

About: Casey Eberhart—also known as The Ideal Networker—is a speaker, business coach, and entrepreneur who helps leaders and sales professionals build profitable connections through strategic networking and follow-up systems. He runs workshops such as Networking Riches and Networking Next Level, and leads the Expand The Network community. With a background spanning industries from amusement parks to film production and real estate, Casey teaches practical methods for identifying the right relationships, creating influence, and turning conversations into business growth

Relevant Links:

• Just Start AI Community
• Catalyst for the Trades Podcast
• CI Web Group

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