Advertise on podcast: The Successful Contractor Podcast

Book a free Discovery Call to see how we can help you hit your goals and beyond: https://bit.ly/3TvGiNW or call us at: (214)-453-1591  🔗 Grab our FREE resource: The Foundation Series, Real strategies to build a business that runs (and grows) without chaos: https://bit.ly/3Yqzow5    At 33, Luke Soderling was running plumbing calls when his mom noticed a lump on his neck. Three days later, a doctor’s voicemail changed everything: stage 3 thyroid cancer.  What happened next? Luke didn’t just survive—he went on to win a Discovery Channel survival show, buy his family’s plumbing business, and grow Approve Home Services by 600% in just four years.  In this episode of The Successful Contractor, Luke Soderling of Proof Home Services in northern Minnesota shares one of the most remarkable stories we’ve ever featured. From eating caiman in the Amazon to building a thriving plumbing and electrical company an hour south of Canada, to becoming an acclaimed professional speaker, Luke’s journey proves that the mindset you build in crisis becomes the foundation for business success.  What You’ll Learn in This Episode:  • How surviving cancer at 33 reshaped Luke’s approach to life and business—and why he refuses to complain now  • Why he competed on The Wheel (Discovery Channel) and survived 60 days alone in South America after beating cancer  • The exact steps he took after buying his family business—and how CertainPath helped him hit 600% growth in 4 years  • Why “simply answering the phone” beat every competitor in his small market  • How his 14-year-old son with flyers generated $100K in leads (guerrilla marketing that actually works)  • The painful truth he avoided—“I didn’t look at the numbers because I didn’t want to know”—and how facing it fixed his electrical margins  • Why Culture Index and clear core values (“faith, family, fantastic service”) transformed his hiring  • Why he added electrical to his plumbing business—and the $100K wake-up call that proved it was the right move  • What he’s learned from Brandon Marshall’s The Lion’s Pride mentorship program  • His new BHAG: $10 million in five years  Luke’s story is part survival tale, part business masterclass, and 100% proof that with the right mindset, mentors, and systems, any contractor can build something extraordinary.  🎧 Watch now on YouTube or listen on your favorite podcast platform. And don’t forget to subscribe to The Successful Contractor for more interviews that move the needle.  Chapters:  00:00 – Stage 3 Cancer at 33: Luke’s Life-Changing Diagnosis  06:37 – How Cancer Changed His Perspective on Life  07:32 – The Wheel: Surviving 60 Days Alone in South America  10:43 – The Hardest Part of Survival (It Wasn’t the Hunger)  12:36 – From Technician to Business Owner: Buying the Family Business  15:04 – $204K to 600% Growth: The CertainPath Turnaround  17:40 – “We Had No Competitors” – The Power of Answering the Phone  19:24 – Hiring in a Small Market: Culture Index & Core Values  23:21 – Weekly Training: Meet “Gladys” the Role-Play Customer  26:07 – The Numbers Wake-Up Call: 47% Material Costs  28:27 – Cross-Selling Plumbing & Electrical with Club Memberships  31:02 – Marketing That Works: Billboards, Geo-Targeting & Flyer Walks  34:25 – Why He Added Electrical (And How It’s Going)  37:30 – Leadership Lessons: From 1 Employee to 9  41:40 – Lion’s Pride: What Mentorship With Brandon Marshall Looks Like  43:38 – The Next BHAG: $10 Million in 5 Years  Show Notes  The Successful Contractor Podcast is a part of the CertainPath family. CertainPath builds successful home service businesses—and has for 25 years. We do it by providing contractors with a proven path to success, professional coaching, software solutions, and a member community of 1,200+ strong. Doubling your sales, with a 20% net profit, and an inspiring company culture is ALL possible. Let us show you the way. With CertainPath, Success is Made Certain. Visit www.mycertainpath.com for more information.  FOLLOW CERTAINPATH:  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CertainPath  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/certainpath  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/certainpath/  About the Guest:  Luke Soderling is the owner of Approve Home Services, a plumbing and electrical company in northern Minnesota. A cancer survivor, Discovery Channel survival show winner, and professional speaker, Luke has grown his business from $204K to over $1M in four years. He’s a three-time Crown Champion and member of Brandon Marshall’s Lion’s Pride program.  Connect with Luke:  Approve Home Services: https://approvehomeservices.com/  Luke’s YouTube Page: https://www.youtube.com/@LukeSoderling  Luke’s Professional Speakers Page: https://lukesoderling.com/     

Book a free strategy call to see how we can help you hit your goals and beyond: https://bit.ly/3TvGiNW or call us at: (214)-453-1591    Grab our FREE resource: The Foundation Series, Real strategies to build a business that runs (and grows) without chaos: https://bit.ly/3Yqzow5    --------------------------------------------------------------------------------    What if the refrigerant decision you make today determines whether you're ahead of the curve—or scrambling to catch up five years from now?    Ben Middleton, National Sales Training Manager for Goodman, Amana, and Daikin, has spent nine years helping contractors navigate the biggest shifts in HVAC. In this episode of The Successful Contractor, Ben breaks down why Daikin chose R-32 over 454B, what that means for your business, and why the contractors who embrace change now will dominate their markets.    But this conversation goes far beyond refrigerants. Ben shares how Daikin is revolutionizing HVAC training with virtual reality—yes, actual VR headsets that eliminate distractions and boost retention. He reveals a game-changing rebate tool that finds all 2,000+ utility programs and files the paperwork for you. And he delivers a powerful message about thriving in what he calls the era of 'perma-uncertainty.'    What You'll Learn in This Episode:    •   Why Daikin chose R-32 over 454B—and the real-world benefits contractors are seeing (smaller units, lower cost, proven since 2012)    •   How to use Daikin's free VR training to get new techs job-ready faster    •   The Daikin Energy Rebate Center—a tool that finds all available rebates and files the paperwork for homeowners    •   Why the $2,000 IRA heat pump rebate is going away—and how to use that urgency to close more sales NOW    •   The financing shift: why 15-year loans are now beating 0% interest (and what it means about affordability)    •   Ben's 'perma-uncertainty' framework—why NOW is the time to innovate, test, and push the envelope    •   Why Ben says 'the days of the cube-style unit are numbered'—and how to position yourself as the innovator in your market    •   Critical advice: have 3-6 months of operating capital in the bank    Ben also hosts his own podcast, Accelerated HVAC Success, where he brings in vendors, contractors, and product managers to share what's working right now. Check it out on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AcceleratedHVACSuccess    Resources Mentioned:  •   R32Reasons.com - Learn why Daikin chose R-32  •   HVAC Learning Campus - Free on-demand training and VR simulations  •   Daikin Energy Rebate Center - Find and file utility rebates automatically    Whether you're evaluating refrigerant options, looking for better training tools, or trying to figure out how to close more sales in a tight economy—this episode delivers actionable insights you can use today.    Watch now on YouTube or listen on your favorite podcast platform. And don't forget to subscribe to The Successful Contractor for more interviews that move the needle.    Chapters:    00:00 - Meet Ben Middleton, National Sales Training Manager at Daikin  02:15 - Time Is the Biggest Barrier to Training  06:28 - Ben's Journey: From Aeronautical Engineering to HVAC Training  09:45 - The Ripple Effect of Great Training  11:41 - Accelerated HVAC Success Podcast  14:36 - Why Daikin Chose R-32 Over 454B  18:30 - R-32 Is Proven Since 2012  19:00 - Market Response to R-32  21:55 - The Financing Shift: 15-Year Loans vs 0% Interest  23:26 - Daikin's Core Value: Absolute Credibility  26:37 - The Days of the Cube-Style Unit Are Numbered  27:50 - Daikin's Training Resources & HVAC Learning Campus  30:50 - The Daikin Energy Rebate Center  31:20 - The $2,000 Heat Pump Rebate Is Going Away  33:49 - VR Training: The Magic School Bus for HVAC  37:15 - Why Retention Is Higher in VR  40:13 - Perma-Uncertainty = Innovation Opportunity    Show Notes    The Successful Contractor Podcast is a part of the CertainPath family. CertainPath builds successful home service businesses—and has for 25 years. We do it by providing contractors with a proven path to success, professional coaching, software solutions, and a member community of 1,200+ strong. Doubling your sales, with a 20% net profit, and an inspiring company culture is ALL possible. Let us show you the way. With CertainPath, Success is Made Certain. Visit www.mycertainpath.com for more information.    FOLLOW CERTAINPATH:    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CertainPath  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/certainpath  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/certainpath/ 

Book a free Discovery Call to see how we can help you hit your goals and beyond: https://bit.ly/3TvGiNW or call us at: (214)-453-1591     🔗 Grab our FREE resource: The Foundation Series, Real strategies to build a business that runs (and grows) without chaos: https://bit.ly/3Yqzow5     -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------    Brandon Marshall knows leadership in the trades isn’t just about KPIs and schedules — it’s about people. And people bring stress, purpose, and pressure with them every day.    As the Transformational Leadership Mentor with CertainPath, Brandon has worked with countless contractors to help them grow not just as professionals, but as human beings. In this conversation, he shares how leaders in home services can learn to manage stress, lead with purpose, and build lasting cultures that truly pour into others.    • Why most contractor stress doesn’t come from the job • How to build “mini leaders” who multiply your culture • Why accountability without leadership never works • How to create a team culture that runs deeper than systems • What Brandon learned about leadership from the pulpit to the trades • Why Lion’s Pride was built — and what it’s doing for service leaders    If you’re a contractor who feels the weight of leadership, this conversation will speak directly to you.    What You’ll Learn in This Episode:  • How to identify the real source of stress on your team • What it means to “pour into” people as a home service leader • Why culture is like a river — and how to shape its flow • The power of mentoring vs. managing • Why Brandon believes leadership is a calling, not a role    Want More Support Growing Your Business?  When you join CertainPath, you’re not just getting coaching and training. You’re getting access to our Partner Network—120 vendor partners, including solutions like Reins, offering exclusive discounts and rebates on the tools and services you’re already using.  Last year alone, our members earned back over $10 MILLION in rebates.  That’s more cash in your business—and more partners helping you grow, profit, and scale.  Book your free Discovery Call to learn how we can help you level up: https://bit.ly/3TvGiNW or call us at: (214)-453-1591     Chapters  TBD    Show Notes  The Successful Contractor Podcast is a part of the CertainPath family.  CertainPath builds successful home service businesses—and has for 25 years.  We do it by providing contractors with a proven path to success, professional coaching, software solutions, and a member community of 1,200+ strong. Doubling your sales, with a 20% net profit, and an inspiring company culture is ALL possible.  Let us show you the way. With CertainPath, Success is Made Certain. Visit www.mycertainpath.com for more information.     FOLLOW CERTAINPATH:  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CertainPath  Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/certainpath  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/certainpath/ 

Book a free Discovery Call to see how we can help you hit your goals and beyond: https://bit.ly/3TvGiNW or call us at: (214)-453-1591     🔗 Grab our FREE resource: The Foundation Series, Real strategies to build a business that runs (and grows) without chaos: https://bit.ly/3Yqzow5     -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------    Kelson Carter built an $11M plumbing company — without ever offering HVAC or taking on debt. And he’s done it while only 35 years old.    As a third-generation plumber and owner of Carter’s My Plumber in Indianapolis, Kelson has taken bold, focused action to grow fast and profitably. In this episode, he shares how he:  Grew a plumbing-only company to $11M, completely debt-free Branded his business around water heaters and a $500 guarantee Closes 60% of water heater sales over the phone Trains every week and manages his team daily with KPIs Promotes future leaders, not just top-performing techs Uses specific systems to scale with structure and confidence   If you're a plumbing contractor ready to grow without chaos — this one's for you.    What You’ll Learn in This Episode:  The water heater sales strategy that changed Kelson’s business Why “guys with bills” are his best hires How to create team-wide accountability through leadership The value of weekly training and daily coaching Why CertainPath has been key to staying consistent while scaling fast   Want More Support Growing Your Business?  When you join CertainPath, you’re not just getting coaching and training. You’re getting access to our Partner Network—120 vendor partners, including solutions like Reins, offering exclusive discounts and rebates on the tools and services you’re already using.  Last year alone, our members earned back over $10 MILLION in rebates.  That’s more cash in your business—and more partners helping you grow, profit, and scale.  Book your free Discovery Call to learn how we can help you level up: https://bit.ly/3TvGiNW or call us at: (214)-453-1591     Chapters  TBD    Show Notes  The Successful Contractor Podcast is a part of the CertainPath family.  CertainPath builds successful home service businesses—and has for 25 years.  We do it by providing contractors with a proven path to success, professional coaching, software solutions, and a member community of 1,200+ strong. Doubling your sales, with a 20% net profit, and an inspiring company culture is ALL possible.  Let us show you the way. With CertainPath, Success is Made Certain. Visit www.mycertainpath.com for more information.     FOLLOW CERTAINPATH:  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CertainPath  Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/certainpath  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/certainpath/ 

Book a free Discovery Call to see how we can help you hit your goals and beyond: https://bit.ly/3TvGiNW or call us at: (214)-453-1591     🔗 Grab our FREE resource: The Foundation Series, Real strategies to build a business that runs (and grows) without chaos: https://bit.ly/3Yqzow5     -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------    How do you grow a home services company to $21 million in revenue—and still stay true to your values?    In this episode, Bob Houchin sat down with Brett Hadley, president of Mountain Home Services in Ogden, Utah. Brett shares how he:  Navigated a major company merger Rebuilt his team’s culture from the ground up Built a high-performing business by hiring for character, not just skill   You’ll hear how he overcame marketing breakdowns, aligned two companies into one mission, and scaled sustainably—all while developing leaders and “great humans” along the way.    This is a must-listen for any contractor who wants to grow without losing what matters most.    What You’ll Learn in This Episode:  How Brett helped scale Mountain Home to $21M in revenue His strategy for merging companies while protecting team culture Why “humble, hungry, and smart” beats any resume How to lead through marketing chaos and operational setbacks Systems and leadership habits that make scaling sustainable What’s next for Brett and Mountain Home Services   Want More Support Growing Your Business?  When you join CertainPath, you’re not just getting coaching and training. You’re getting access to our Partner Network—120 vendor partners, including solutions like Reins, offering exclusive discounts and rebates on the tools and services you’re already using.  Last year alone, our members earned back over $10 MILLION in rebates.  That’s more cash in your business—and more partners helping you grow, profit, and scale.  Book your free Discovery Call to learn how we can help you level up: https://bit.ly/3TvGiNW or call us at: (214)-453-1591     Chapters  TBD    Show Notes  The Successful Contractor Podcast is a part of the CertainPath family.  CertainPath builds successful home service businesses—and has for 25 years.  We do it by providing contractors with a proven path to success, professional coaching, software solutions, and a member community of 1,200+ strong. Doubling your sales, with a 20% net profit, and an inspiring company culture is ALL possible.  Let us show you the way. With CertainPath, Success is Made Certain. Visit www.mycertainpath.com for more information.     FOLLOW CERTAINPATH:  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CertainPath  Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/certainpath  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/certainpath/ 

Book a free Discovery Call to see how we can help you hit your goals and beyond: https://bit.ly/3TvGiNW or call us at: (214)-453-1591     🔗 Grab our FREE resource: The Foundation Series, Real strategies to build a business that runs (and grows) without chaos: https://bit.ly/3Yqzow5     -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------    What if you could retain 94% of your key employees—without giving up a single share of equity?    In this episode, we sit down with Chris Buttenham, Co-Founder of Reins, a game-changing platform that helps home service contractors create performance-based incentives like phantom equity and profit sharing—without the complexity, confusion, or legal risk.    Reins makes it dramatically easier to set up and manage profit-sharing plans—giving you a powerful way to reward performance without getting buried in spreadsheets or back-end admin. Whether it’s short- or long-term incentives, Reins handles the heavy lifting so you can focus on running your business.    Chris shares how growing up in a contractor household inspired him to tackle one of the industry’s toughest challenges: employee retention. You’ll learn how the most forward-thinking contractors are locking in their top techs and leaders—while keeping full control of their businesses.    🔑 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:  Why traditional equity doesn’t work for most contractors How phantom stock creates buy-in without ownership Why profit sharing is powerful—and how Reins makes it easy The incentive system behind 94% employee retention How to align your team without giving up equity Real-world examples of contractors using this strategy today   💼 Want More Support Growing Your Business?  When you join CertainPath, you’re not just getting coaching and training. You’re getting access to our Partner Network—120 vendor partners, including solutions like Reins, offering exclusive discounts and rebates on the tools and services you’re already using.  Last year alone, our members earned back over $10 MILLION in rebates.  That’s more cash in your business—and more partners helping you grow, profit, and scale.  Book your free Discovery Call to learn how we can help you level up: https://bit.ly/3TvGiNW or call us at: (214)-453-1591     Show Notes  The Successful Contractor Podcast is a part of the CertainPath family.  CertainPath builds successful home service businesses—and has for 25 years.  We do it by providing contractors with a proven path to success, professional coaching, software solutions, and a member community of 1,200+ strong. Doubling your sales, with a 20% net profit, and an inspiring company culture is ALL possible.  Let us show you the way. With CertainPath, Success is Made Certain. Visit www.mycertainpath.com for more information.     FOLLOW CERTAINPATH:  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CertainPath  Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/certainpath  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/certainpath/ 

Book a free Discovery Call to see how we can help you hit your goals and beyond: https://bit.ly/3TvGiNW or call us at: (214)-453-1591     🔗 Grab our FREE resource: The Foundation Series, Real strategies to build a business that runs (and grows) without chaos: https://bit.ly/3Yqzow5     -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------    What does it take to grow a home service business to $40 million—without chasing headcount or cutting corners?    In this episode, Nick Hartman, CGO at Ongaro & Sons, shares how a relentless focus on leadership, training, and accountability helped the company scale across HVAC, plumbing, and electrical. From record-breaking margins to life-changing employee outcomes, this is a playbook for contractors who want to grow the right way.    Whether you're leading a $2M shop or managing multiple trades, you’ll walk away with clear, proven strategies to elevate your team, improve operations, and build a people-powered company that lasts.    🚀 What You’ll Learn in This Episode: • How Ongaro & Sons grew to $40M by developing leaders at every level • The systems behind 25% net profit and $1.7M+ months in HVAC • Why growing your people can unlock exponential company growth • The impact of growth plans—from new homes to reunited families • How to lead managers so they lead their teams • What it looks like to scale HVAC success into plumbing & electrical • The role of trust, training, and communication in high-performing teams • How culture drives results—and breaks sales records    💡 This is how you scale with intention. This is how you build something that lasts.  💡 Want insider strategies from operators like Nick Hartman?   CertainPath members get access to leaders like Nick at our twice-annual Expos—where contractors come to learn, level up, and lead.    Chapters  TBD    Show Notes  The Successful Contractor Podcast is a part of the CertainPath family.  CertainPath builds successful home service businesses—and has for 25 years.  We do it by providing contractors with a proven path to success, professional coaching, software solutions, and a member community of 1,200+ strong. Doubling your sales, with a 20% net profit, and an inspiring company culture is ALL possible.  Let us show you the way. With CertainPath, Success is Made Certain. Visit www.mycertainpath.com for more information.     FOLLOW CERTAINPATH:  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CertainPath  Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/certainpath  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/certainpath/ 

Book a free Discovery Call to see how we can help you hit your goals and beyond: https://bit.ly/3TvGiNW or call us at: (214)-453-1591     🔗 Grab our FREE resource: The Foundation Series, Real strategies to build a business that runs (and grows) without chaos: https://bit.ly/3Yqzow5     -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------    What do you do when your business is on the brink—and you’re out of options? If you’re Marcus Sheridan, you lean all the way into your buyer, start answering the tough questions no one else will touch, and transform your company into a national brand.    Marcus is the author of They Ask, You Answer and Endless Customers, a globally recognized speaker, and a partner in multiple companies. But his journey began in the trenches—saving a struggling pool company in the wake of the 2008 crash by becoming radically transparent and customer-obsessed.    In this no-fluff interview, Marcus shares exactly how home service contractors can grow faster, gain trust, and dominate their market using content, video, and AI. Whether you're a one-truck operation or a $100M business, these insights will help you level up—fast.    🚀 What You’ll Learn in This Episode: • How Marcus saved his pool business from bankruptcy with content • Why most contractors still don’t talk pricing—and how it’s costing them • What the “Big 5” questions are—and why you must answer them • The easiest way to start creating high-impact content TODAY • Why “communion, not charisma” is the key to winning over homeowners • How to use video and AI tools to scale trust and authority • The mindset shift that separates great contractors from good ones • Why training your team to think like buyers changes everything • How to make complex services simple—and close more work   

How do you take an electrical company from a basement startup to $2 million in revenue, earn 15% net profit, and do it all completely debt-free — in just two years?  Meet Mory and Clarissa Belle, founders of Doctor Electric in Lexington, Kentucky, and CertainPath members who did just that.    In this episode of The Successful Contractor, the Belles share how they went from burned out and overwhelmed to thriving business owners with a clear plan, powerful systems, and a rock-solid partnership — thanks to CertainPath. You’ll learn how they scaled quickly, made key strategic changes, and built a company that reflects their values and vision.    Whether you’re in HVAC, plumbing, electrical, or roofing, this story will inspire you and show you how fast success can happen when you follow a proven path.    🚀 What You’ll Learn in This Episode: • How Doctor Electric scaled from $600K to $2M in just 2 years • Why 15% net profit was the non-negotiable benchmark • How they launched debt-free (and why that mattered) • Why they left new construction for residential service • The CertainPath tools that gave them clarity and confidence • How they added a service fee—and saw conversion rates rise • Why SOPs and training allowed them to scale without chaos • How Profit Day changed their business perspective • The power of community—and what it meant to “not be alone”    💡 Ready to grow your contracting company with confidence? Watch now to discover how Doctor Electric did it—and how CertainPath helped make it possible. 

Book a free Discovery Call to see how we can help you hit your goals and beyond: https://bit.ly/3TvGiNW or call us at: (214)-453-1591     🔗 Grab our FREE resource: The Foundation Series, Real strategies to build a business that runs (and grows) without chaos: https://bit.ly/3Yqzow5     -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------    What does it take to grow a home service company from $1.5 million to $58 million — and keep customers happy every step of the way? It all starts in the call center. Meet Missy Jones, senior coach at CertainPath, and one of the nation’s top experts in call center operations, culture, and leadership.    In this episode of The Successful Contractor, Missy reveals the call center secrets that scale home service businesses in HVAC, plumbing, electrical, and roofing. From coaching call center reps to building the right culture, to tracking KPIs and avoiding costly dispatch mistakes — Missy shares what she’s learned helping thousands of contractors transform their businesses.    Missy’s story and strategies are packed with insights every contractor, service manager, and home service business owner can use right now…    🚀 What You’ll Learn in This Episode: • Why the customer relationship starts in the call center, not in the field. • The biggest mistakes contractors make in call centers (and how they cost millions). • How to properly train and coach call center reps — and why consistency matters more than scripts. • The overlooked step that can dramatically increase customer satisfaction and prevent bad reviews. • Why being booked two weeks out isn’t a good thing — and how dispatching mistakes destroy profits. • The KPIs that make or break a call center, and how to track them effectively. • How outbounding (done right) fills the board and keeps techs busy year-round. • Why AI alone fails in call centers, and how to balance technology with people. • Leadership lessons: from granting your team the permission to fail to building a culture of accountability and growth. • How consistency in coaching and culture creates multi-million-dollar contracting success.    Whether you’re an HVAC contractor, plumber, electrician, or roofer, Missy’s insights will help you stop losing calls, boost customer satisfaction, and scale your business with confidence.    📈 Ready to learn how to transform your call center into a profit center — and grow your contracting business? Watch now and discover the systems, strategies, and leadership lessons that take home service companies from struggling to thriving. 

Book a free Discovery Call to see how we can help you hit your goals and beyond: https://bit.ly/3TvGiNW or call us at: (214)-453-1591     🔗 Grab our FREE resource: The Foundation Series, Real strategies to build a business that runs (and grows) without chaos: https://bit.ly/3Yqzow5     -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------    What does it take to sell and install over $1 million in plumbing work in just one year… with zero callbacks? Meet Henry Glasset, senior technician and plumbing supervisor at Apollo Plumbing in Marysville, WA. In this episode of The Successful Contractor, Henry shares his journey from fast food jobs to becoming a million-dollar plumber known for flawless work, exceptional customer service, and mentoring the next generation of techs.  Henry’s story is packed with insights every plumber, service technician, and home services business owner can learn from:    🚀 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:  How Henry transitioned from construction plumbing to service plumbing — and why he never looked back. The sales process that helped him sell & install $1M in plumbing jobs while maintaining perfect quality. Why “no pressure sales” and educating customers builds long-term trust (and bigger tickets). The role of plumbing inspections in uncovering hidden problems — and creating win-win solutions. How one small service call turned into a $25,000 job through awareness, not upselling. The keys to building confidence so customers see you as the expert they can trust. Why training, role-playing, and self-education are essential to becoming a top-earning plumber. Henry’s philosophy on mentoring other plumbers and creating a culture of shared success. How Apollo Plumbing’s positive, growth-focused culture helps techs succeed.   Whether you’re in plumbing sales, home service management, or just starting in the trades, Henry’s story will inspire you to set higher goals, serve customers with integrity, and build a reputation that lasts.    📈 Ready to learn how to grow your plumbing career or company? Watch now and discover how to combine sales skill, service excellence, and a customer-first mindset to achieve million-dollar results.    Chapters  TBD    Show Notes  The Successful Contractor Podcast is a part of the CertainPath family.  CertainPath builds successful home service businesses—and has for 25 years.  We do it by providing contractors with a proven path to success, professional coaching, software solutions, and a member community of 1,200+ strong. Doubling your sales, with a 20% net profit, and an inspiring company culture is ALL possible.  Let us show you the way. With CertainPath, Success is Made Certain. Visit www.mycertainpath.com for more information.     FOLLOW CERTAINPATH:  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CertainPath  Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/certainpath  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/certainpath/ 

Book a free Discovery Call to see how we can help you hit your goals and beyond: https://go.mycertainpath.com/meetings/certainpath/mkt?uuid=bbda8bca-e3ab-4abf-9b23-3a13526dcb77 or call us at: (214)-453-1591     🔗 Grab our FREE resource: The Foundation Series, Real strategies to build a business that runs (and grows) without chaos: https://bit.ly/3Yqzow5  

Book a free strategy call to see how we can help you hit your goals and beyond: https://bit.ly/3TvGiNW or call us at: (214)-453-1591     🔗 Grab our FREE resource: The Foundation Series, Real strategies to build a business that runs (and grows) without chaos: https://bit.ly/3Yqzow5     -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------    Transforming a $300 ceiling fan call into a $10,000+ project doesn’t happen by accident — it takes skill, strategy, and a deep commitment to educating homeowners. Tim D’Entremont, a three-time Crown Champion and service electrician at Dawson’s Electric & Air in Fuquay-Varina, NC, has mastered that art. In this episode of The Successful Contractor, host Bob Houchin dives deep into Tim’s approach to diagnosing, educating, and guiding customers toward meaningful electrical upgrades — all without the hard sell.    Tim shares how his journey from Boston’s high-rises to North Carolina homes shaped his understanding of value, trust, and communication. More importantly, he unpacks his step-by-step process for running service calls that consistently close big projects while keeping customers happy and loyal.    In this conversation, you’ll discover:  How to prepare mentally and strategically for every service call. The importance of earning the right to discuss upgrades beyond the initial call reason. How Tim uses open-ended questions to uncover customer needs and priorities. His approach to building value before presenting diagnostic fees or large project options. Why “planting seeds” throughout the call leads to smoother, higher-ticket closes. Tim’s soft selling strategy that keeps customers engaged without feeling pressured. How he handles price objections and reframes them into opportunities. The role of trial closes and roadmap selling for large, multi-phase projects. Insights on training and coaching electricians to deliver exceptional service. How Tim leverages call-by-call management and real-time coaching to grow his team’s success.   Whether you’re a business owner, a service electrician, or simply looking to improve your sales approach, Tim’s insights will help you turn everyday service calls into profitable, trust-building opportunities.    Show Notes  The Successful Contractor Podcast is a part of the CertainPath family.  CertainPath builds successful home service businesses—and has for 25 years.  We do it by providing contractors with a proven path to success, professional coaching, software solutions, and a member community of 1,200+ strong. Doubling your sales, with a 20% net profit, and an inspiring company culture is ALL possible.  Let us show you the way. With CertainPath, Success is Made Certain. Visit www.mycertainpath.com for more information.     FOLLOW CERTAINPATH:  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CertainPath  Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/certainpath  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/certainpath/ 

TJ Romans didn’t just sell $800,000 in plumbing work last year—he installed it, too.  That kind of performance doesn’t come from pressure tactics or slick sales lines. It comes from trust, education, and a clear process that empowers homeowners to say yes with confidence.    In this episode, TJ breaks down exactly how he earns that trust—and consistently turns routine calls into big-ticket installs.    You’ll learn how he:  Sold and installed $800K in plumbing by keeping it simple and putting the homeowner first Navigates high-risk stoppage calls with a single sentence that protects both him and the company Uses inspections as an educational moment—not a scare tactic—and builds options around what homeowners care about Handles objections with empathy, especially on calls involving remodeled bathrooms or builder-grade fixtures Structures his calls by focusing first on what the customer noticed—then smoothly introduces additional value Builds urgency the right way—backed by visuals, facts, and clear explanations Avoids chasing every potential upgrade and instead controls the call with purpose   TJ also shares how he mentally resets after tough calls, stays consistent with his approach, and trains newer techs to focus on the long game—not the quick close.    This isn’t a high-pressure sales training—it’s a real conversation with a high-performing technician who genuinely wants to help people. And that mindset? It sells.  If you're in plumbing sales—or manage people who are—this is the kind of episode that can change your approach for the better.    🎧 Watch now on YouTube or listen on your favorite podcast platform. And don’t forget to subscribe to The Successful Contractor for more interviews that move the needle.    Show Notes  The Successful Contractor Podcast is a part of the CertainPath family.  CertainPath builds successful home service businesses—and has for 25 years.  We do it by providing contractors with a proven path to success, professional coaching, software solutions, and a member community of 1,200+ strong. Doubling your sales, with a 20% net profit, and an inspiring company culture is ALL possible.  Let us show you the way. With CertainPath, Success is Made Certain. Visit www.mycertainpath.com for more information.     FOLLOW CERTAINPATH:  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CertainPath  Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/certainpath  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/certainpath/ 

Boost revenue. Build loyalty. Increase what your business is worth.    That’s exactly what Kevin Thornton of JB Warranties unpacks in this can’t-miss episode of The Successful Contractor.    Host Bob Houchin sits down with Kevin—VP of Dealer Business Services—for a high-impact conversation full of strategic insights for contractors who want to scale smarter. Kevin explains why warranties aren’t just an upsell—they’re a business tool that drives profitability, deepens customer relationships, and increases valuation when it’s time to sell.    🎯 In this episode, you’ll learn:  How warranties can increase closing rates and average tickets Why self-insuring could actually be hurting your business The legal and financial risks contractors face when not using third-party coverage What private equity firms look for in a buyout—and how warranties fit into that How offering warranties leads to lifetime customer value and referrals What the JB360 platform is doing to simplify claims and boost contractor margins The importance of training and onboarding in making warranties profitable Real-world examples of contractors who earned 7-figure exits thanks to strategic warranty use   Kevin also opens up about his personal mission to serve the trades—how his father’s legacy and his own SaaS background led him to build tools and programs that help contractors not just survive, but thrive.    Whether you’re looking to grow, stabilize, or position your business for a future sale, this episode will show you how warranties are more than just protection—they’re power.    📈 Don’t miss this powerful conversation. Watch now and learn how to put your business on a certain path to success.    Show Notes  The Successful Contractor Podcast is a part of the CertainPath family.  CertainPath builds successful home service businesses—and has for 25 years.  We do it by providing contractors with a proven path to success, professional coaching, software solutions, and a member community of 1,200+ strong. Doubling your sales, with a 20% net profit, and an inspiring company culture is ALL possible.  Let us show you the way. With CertainPath, Success is Made Certain. Visit www.mycertainpath.com for more information.     FOLLOW CERTAINPATH:  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CertainPath  Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/certainpath  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/certainpath/