Advertise on podcast: Service Business Mastery for Skilled Trades: HVAC, Plumbing & Electrical Home Service

Most business owners think they only have two options when they want to scale: Pay expensive consultants… or give up equity to investors. But what if there was a third option? In this episode of Service Business Mastery, Tersh Blissett and Joshua Crouch sit down with Mike Michalowicz and Greg Eckler from The Prosper Group to break down a completely different approach to scaling service businesses. Instead of charging fees or taking ownership, their model focuses on partnering with business owners, executing alongside them, and only getting paid when the business becomes more profitable. What You Will Learn in This Episode • Why most consulting models fail to deliver real results • The downside of giving up equity to investors • How a no-fee, no-equity partnership model works • Why alignment of incentives is critical for growth • The biggest red flags in struggling businesses • How debt structure impacts your ability to scale • What "return on payroll" means and why it matters • Why overstaffing is killing many businesses • The difference between A, B, and C players • Why titles can hurt performance inside organizations • How to match tasks to talent instead of titles • Why most businesses are doing too much unnecessary work Timestamps 00:00 Importance of hiring A players 05:33 Formation of The Prosper Group 08:24 Making the business sellable 11:50 Northcote Parkinson's observation 14:27 Focusing on essential tasks 18:10 Staying true to coaching values 20:50 What they look for in companies 25:12 Evaluating employee fit and performance 28:05 Aligning roles and maximizing talent 31:42 Appreciating small businesses 32:27 Small businesses and workforce impact 35:33 Managing cash flow challenges 39:50 Talking with potential clients 41:52 Understanding the balance sheet basics Follow the Host and Guest Tersh Blissett: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tershblissett/ Joshua Crouch: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josh-crouch/ Mike Michalowicz: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikemichalowicz/ Greg Eckler: https://www.linkedin.com/in/greg-eckler-68b79630/ Connect with Us LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/service-business-mastery TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@servicebusinessmastery Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/servicebusinessmasterypodcast Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/servicebusinessmasterypodcast This episode is kindly powered by: UpFrog: upfrog.com MarketStorm is an AI-powered advertising platform. Results vary by market, budget, and campaign configuration: https://marketstorm.ai/ Get Your 14-Day Free Trial with CallRail!: https://www.callrail.com/sbmpod CompanyCam: https://companycam.com/ Breezy: https://getbreezyapp.com/ Your calls hold the key to growing your business. PhoneTAP gives you instant AI analysis, real customer lifetime value, and tools to coach your team. Learn more: phonetap.ai/demo 

Most home service business owners start as technicians. But scaling a business requires a completely different skill set. In this episode of Service Business Mastery, Tersh Blissett sits down with Elise Radawitz, President and Owner of Velocity Leader, to break down the leadership skills contractors need if they want to grow their business. They discuss why promoting your best technician into a management role often fails, how leadership is a learned skill, and what it actually takes to lead people effectively. Elise shares practical insights on developing leaders inside your company, managing the transition from field to office, and building a culture where people want to follow you, not just comply. They also dive into burnout, self-awareness, communication challenges, and the internal mindset shifts that separate struggling managers from effective leaders. If you're trying to grow your team, step out of the field, and lead at a higher level, this episode will give you a real-world perspective on what it actually takes. What You Will Learn in This Episode • Why great technicians don't automatically become great leaders • The biggest mistake contractors make when promoting employees • How to transition from technician to business owner • Why leadership is a learned skill, not a natural trait • How to earn respect without being in the field • The importance of self-awareness in leadership • How your internal mindset impacts your team • Why burnout happens and how it affects leaders • How to lead without micromanaging • The importance of consistent one-on-one meetings • How to communicate more effectively with your team • Why culture starts with how you show up as a leader Timestamps 00:00 Supporting team performance goals  05:25 Unexpected management promotions 09:01 Leading by example at Velocity Leader 12:46 Addressing self-limiting beliefs 16:59 Doing research and writing papers 20:19 The importance of regular manager check-ins 24:50 Stream of consciousness discussion 29:09 Active listening and communication skills 29:40 Practicing curiosity over judgment 33:01 Helping the sales team succeed 39:15 Using trampolines to improve mindset 39:39 Using music to uplift mood 44:42 Episode conclusion and next steps Follow the Host and Guest Tersh Blissett: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tershblissett/ Elise Radawitz: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eliseradawitz/ Velocity Leader: https://www.linkedin.com/company/velocity-leader/ Connect with Us LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/service-business-mastery TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@servicebusinessmastery Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/servicebusinessmasterypodcast Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/servicebusinessmasterypodcast Register for NHPC26 in Columbus, OH (April 13-16) and save $270! Use code MASTERY for the $825 rate: nhpc26.org/svc-mastery | Registration deadline: April 9 This episode is kindly powered by: UpFrog: upfrog.com MarketStorm is an AI-powered advertising platform. Results vary by market, budget, and campaign configuration: https://marketstorm.ai/ Get Your 14-Day Free Trial with CallRail!: https://www.callrail.com/sbmpod CompanyCam: https://companycam.com/ Breezy: https://getbreezyapp.com/ Your calls hold the key to growing your business. PhoneTAP gives you instant AI analysis, real customer lifetime value, and tools to coach your team. Learn more: phonetap.ai/demo   

Most home service businesses are posting content… but not getting results. Why? Because they're missing the most important piece: connection. In this episode of Service Business Mastery, Tersh Blissett sits down with Jen McKee, founder of Kee Hart Marketing, to break down what actually works when it comes to building a brand in the trades. They dive into why personal branding matters, how social media really drives business growth, and why most contractors are overthinking their content strategy. Jen explains why "boring" everyday work is actually powerful content, how authenticity beats AI-generated posts, and what it really takes to stand out in a crowded market. They also cover how to use AI the right way without losing your voice, the balance between business brand and personal brand, and how to create content that actually converts. If you want to build a brand that attracts customers, builds trust, and drives real results, this episode gives you a practical roadmap. What You Will Learn in This Episode • Why personal branding matters in the trades • How authentic content outperforms polished content • Why "boring" work is actually great content • How to use your existing network to generate business • The difference between visibility and conversion • Why AI-generated content struggles to connect • How to use AI to support your content without replacing you • The 3 types of content every contractor should create • Why most contractors struggle with consistency • How to stand out in your local market • When to focus on personal brand vs business brand • Why connection is the key to social media success Timestamps   00:00 Why personal branding matters in the trades 02:00 Jen McKee's background and Kee Hart Marketing 04:30 The impact of personal brands in HVAC 07:00 Why "boring" content is actually engaging 10:00 Should business owners build a personal brand? 13:00 Using your network to generate more business 16:00 The balance between personal and business branding 19:00 The right way to use AI in social media 22:00 Why AI-generated content doesn't perform 25:00 How to create content that actually connects 27:30 The 3-part content framework (Show, Sell, Scale) 30:00 Why attention comes before conversion 32:00 How to fix low engagement on social media Follow the Host and Guest Tersh Blissett: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tershblissett/ Jen McKee: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jen-mckee-72114824/ Kee Hart Marketing: https://www.linkedin.com/company/keehartmarketing/ Connect with Us LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/service-business-mastery TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@servicebusinessmastery Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/servicebusinessmasterypodcast Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/servicebusinessmasterypodcast Register for NHPC26 in Columbus, OH (April 13-16) and save $270! Use code MASTERY for the $825 rate: nhpc26.org/svc-mastery | Registration deadline: April 9 This episode is kindly powered by: UpFrog: upfrog.com MarketStorm is an AI-powered advertising platform. Results vary by market, budget, and campaign configuration: https://marketstorm.ai/ Get Your 14-Day Free Trial with CallRail!: https://www.callrail.com/sbmpod CompanyCam: https://companycam.com/ Breezy: https://getbreezyapp.com/ Your calls hold the key to growing your business. PhoneTAP gives you instant AI analysis, real customer lifetime value, and tools to coach your team. Learn more: phonetap.ai/demo   

AI is everywhere right now. But most contractors don't actually understand how it works. In this episode of Service Business Mastery, Tersh Blissett and Joshua Crouch sit down with Jeff Torello, founder of Sinjun AI, to break down what AI really is, how it works under the hood, and why so much of the industry is getting it wrong. Jeff explains that AI isn't some all-knowing system. It's a probability engine that predicts the next word, with no real memory and no true understanding of context. If you've been confused, overwhelmed, or skeptical about AI, this episode will give you a grounded, practical understanding of what's real and what's hype. What You Will Learn in This Episode • How AI actually works behind the scenes • Why AI is a probability engine, not a thinking system • Why AI does not truly "remember" conversations • Why responses change every time you ask the same question • How context windows impact AI performance • Why long AI conversations lose accuracy over time • The biggest misconception about AI in the trades • Why you should focus on solving problems, not buying tools • How to identify real AI solutions vs marketing hype • How AI will change jobs instead of eliminating them • What "human-in-the-loop" AI systems look like • How AI agents will evolve into task-based execution systems Timestamps 00:00 What AI actually is (roulette analogy) 03:20 Jeff Torello's background and Sinjun AI 05:00 AI hype vs reality in the trades 07:10 Why you should start with problems, not tools 10:20 Why AI responses change every time 13:00 Why AI has no real memory 15:30 Context windows and why AI "forgets" 17:20 Why AI is only ~80% accurate 19:30 The emotional impact of AI on the workforce 22:00 Will AI replace jobs or create new ones? 24:00 The rise of human-in-the-loop systems 26:00 How AI agents will work in the future 30:00 The Gartner hype cycle explained 35:00 Why we're still early in AI adoption 38:00 Don't believe the hype Follow the Host and Guest Tersh Blissett: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tershblissett/ Joshua Crouch: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josh-crouch/ Jeff Torello: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jtorello/ Sinjun AI: https://sinjun.ai Connect with Us LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/service-business-mastery TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@servicebusinessmastery Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/servicebusinessmasterypodcast Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/servicebusinessmasterypodcast Register for NHPC26 in Columbus, OH (April 13-16) and save $270! Use code MASTERY for the $825 rate: nhpc26.org/svc-mastery | Registration deadline: April 9 This episode is kindly powered by: UpFrog: upfrog.com MarketStorm is an AI-powered advertising platform. Results vary by market, budget, and campaign configuration: https://marketstorm.ai/ Get Your 14-Day Free Trial with CallRail!: https://www.callrail.com/sbmpod CompanyCam: https://companycam.com/ Breezy: https://getbreezyapp.com/ Your calls hold the key to growing your business. PhoneTAP gives you instant AI analysis, real customer lifetime value, and tools to coach your team. Learn more: phonetap.ai/demo

Most contractors are still hiding their prices. But customers are already finding that information somewhere else. In this episode of Service Business Mastery, Tersh Blissett and Joshua Crouch sit down with Paul Redman, President of Contractor Commerce, to break down the real impact of transparent pricing in home service businesses. They discuss why pricing transparency is no longer optional, how AI search and Google are already surfacing pricing data, and why contractors who don't adapt risk losing control of the customer conversation. Paul shares how online pricing tools, conversational AI, and e-commerce experiences are changing the way homeowners shop for HVAC and plumbing services. They also dive into the biggest fears contractors have around showing pricing and why most of those fears are outdated. If you're wondering whether putting pricing on your website will hurt or help your business, this episode will completely change how you think about it. What You Will Learn in This Episode • Why customers ask about price before anything else • The real reason homeowners want pricing transparency • Why hiding your prices doesn't protect you anymore • How AI search and Google are already exposing pricing data • The difference between showing exact pricing and guiding expectations • How online pricing tools increase conversions and reduce friction • Why competitors already know your pricing • How transparent pricing reduces objections and builds trust • The role of financing in pricing presentation • How contractors can use pricing to capture leads earlier in the buying journey • Why owning the conversation is critical in modern marketing Timestamps 00:00 "AI E-Commerce for Contractors" 04:35 "Building Roots, Launching Dreams" 07:28 "Conversational Search and HVAC Insights" 11:09 "AI Transforming Buying Process" 15:17 Google's AC Estimate Feature 17:11 "Fear of Reviews Stalling Growth" 21:54 "Car Pricing and Consumer Reasoning" 23:45 "Conversational Commerce Second Opinion Tool" 27:53 "Answering Customer Price Questions" 30:26 "Call Tracking Maximizes Marketing" 34:25 "Legacy Version and Migration Options" 37:45 "Infuse: Streamlining Buyer Journey" 40:43 "Craigslist Goat Prank Unveiled" 44:02 "Balancing AI and Human Touch" 48:33 "Connect with Contractor Commerce" Follow the Host and Guest Tersh Blissett: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tershblissett/ Joshua Crouch: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josh-crouch/ Paul Redman: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-redman/ Contractor Commerce: https://www.linkedin.com/company/contractor-commerce/ Connect with Us LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/service-business-mastery TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@servicebusinessmastery Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/servicebusinessmasterypodcast Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/servicebusinessmasterypodcast Register for NHPC26 in Columbus, OH (April 13-16) and save $270! Use code MASTERY for the $825 rate: nhpc26.org/svc-mastery | Registration deadline: April 9 This episode is kindly powered by: UpFrog: upfrog.com MarketStorm is an AI-powered advertising platform. Results vary by market, budget, and campaign configuration: https://marketstorm.ai/ Get Your 14-Day Free Trial with CallRail!: https://www.callrail.com/sbmpod CompanyCam: https://companycam.com/ Breezy: https://getbreezyapp.com/ Your calls hold the key to growing your business. PhoneTAP gives you instant AI analysis, real customer lifetime value, and tools to coach your team. Learn more: phonetap.ai/demo 

AI is no longer just automation or chatbots. It's becoming a real employee for service businesses. In this episode of Service Business Mastery, recorded live at AHR Expo 2026, Tersh Blissett sits down with Dennis Steele, co-founder of Podium, to talk about the rise of AI agents and how they're transforming HVAC and plumbing companies. From answering calls and booking jobs to handling angry customers and following up on estimates, AI agents are beginning to perform real work that previously required multiple team members. Dennis shares how Podium started by helping contractors get more Google reviews, how the platform evolved into a full communication system for trades, and why the new generation of AI agents can now handle complex tasks across phone calls, text messages, scheduling, and CRM data. They also discuss real-world examples of AI agents turning angry drivers into paying customers, managing after-hours calls, and helping companies scale without burning out their staff. If you're wondering whether AI will replace people or simply help service businesses run smarter and more efficiently, this episode breaks down what's actually happening right now. What You Will Learn in This Episode • What AI agents actually are and how they differ from chatbots • Why AI agents can now perform real human-level tasks • How AI employees can answer calls, texts, and book appointments • How AI agents help service businesses avoid missed calls and lost leads • A real story of an angry driver becoming a booked service call • How AI helps companies scale customer support without hiring more CSRs • Why consumer expectations are shifting because of AI • How AI agents can analyze business data to generate new jobs • How outbound AI will help fill service calendars automatically • Why AI employees need onboarding just like human employees • How companies can customize AI behavior with playbooks • What service business owners should know about AI security and voice cloning Timestamps 00:00 Introduction from AHR Expo 01:43 The origin story of Podium 03:00 What AI agents actually are 04:02 The shift from AI assistance to AI employees 06:05 How AI is changing customer expectations 07:13 Why human interaction still matters 08:15 Customers building relationships with AI agents 09:17 The angry driver story that turned into a booked job 10:16 How AI handles unlimited calls and scaling 11:28 Why after-hours calls are the biggest opportunity 12:11 AI outbound calling and membership follow-ups 13:17 Using data to generate new service opportunities 15:12 Customizing AI conversations with playbooks 18:37 When AI goes off script (opera singing story) 20:05 The origin of Podium's review platform 22:21 Building the communication platform for trades 24:10 The future of AI for service businesses 25:54 Onboarding and training your AI employee 28:47 Building strong company culture at scale 31:46 How to learn more about Podium 32:29 AI safety and voice cloning concerns Follow the Host and Guest Tersh Blissett: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tershblissett/ Josh Crouch: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josh-crouch/ Dennis Steele: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steeledennis/ Podium: https://www.podium.com/ Connect with Us • LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/service-business-mastery • TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@servicebusinessmastery • Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/servicebusinessmasterypodcast • Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/servicebusinessmasterypodcast

Marketing for home service businesses is evolving faster than ever. Rising lead costs, private equity competition, new AI-driven ad platforms, and changing consumer behavior are forcing contractors to rethink how they attract customers. In this episode of Service Business Mastery, Tersh Blissett sits down with Justin Riley, founder of UpFrog, to talk about what the future of marketing really looks like for HVAC, plumbing, and other home service companies. If you want to understand where marketing for home service businesses is heading and how to stay competitive in the years ahead, this episode is packed with practical insights. What You Will Learn in This Episode • Why lead generation alone is no longer enough for home service companies • The difference between lead generation and demand generation • How organic content impacts paid advertising performance • Why social media algorithms now reward brand engagement • How contractors can compete with private equity-backed companies • Why online pricing tools generate higher-value customers • The role giveaways and tune-up offers play in customer acquisition • Why brand awareness before equipment failure leads to better conversions • How AI tools are influencing marketing automation • The growing importance of marketing compliance and data management Timestamps 00:00 "Podcast Reunion and New Program" 09:46 "Algorithms Driving Content and Ads" 12:38 Prevention-Based HVAC Marketing Strategy 17:44 "Improving Sales Success Process" 21:51 Rethinking Business Profit Expectations 28:32 "Accelerating Business Growth Opportunities" 33:21 "Opti: Compliance Tool for Messaging" 38:00 TCPA Compliance and Risk Awareness 46:12 Scaling Through Demand Generation 48:52 "Creative Local Giveaway Ideas" 53:24 Cost Efficiency of Tune-Up Pricing 01:00:12 Marketing Costs and Growth Strategy 01:05:31 Economic Cycles and Industry Trends 01:08:26 "Uncertainty and Building Challenges" 01:17:10 "Opti: ServiceTitan-GoHighLevel Integration" 01:18:48 "Steps to Business Success"   Follow the Host and Guest Tersh Blissett: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tershblissett/ Justin Riley: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justintriley/ UpFrog: https://www.linkedin.com/company/upfrog/ Connect with Us • LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/service-business-mastery • TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@servicebusinessmastery • Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/servicebusinessmasterypodcast • Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/servicebusinessmasterypodcast Register for NHPC26 in Columbus, OH (April 13-16) and save $270! Use code MASTERY for the $825 rate: nhpc26.org/svc-mastery | Registration deadline: April 9 This episode is kindly powered by: UpFrog: upfrog.com MarketStorm is an AI-powered advertising platform. Results vary by market, budget, and campaign configuration: https://marketstorm.ai/ Get Your 14-Day Free Trial with CallRail!: https://www.callrail.com/sbmpod CompanyCam: https://companycam.com/ Breezy: https://getbreezyapp.com/ Your calls hold the key to growing your business. PhoneTAP gives you instant AI analysis, real customer lifetime value, and tools to coach your team. Learn more: phonetap.ai/demo 

Electrification is accelerating across North America. Rebates are expanding. Regulations are tightening. And HVAC contractors are being asked to deliver higher efficiency, lower emissions, and better comfort all at the same time. So where does dual fuel fit in? In this episode of Service Business Mastery, recorded live at AHR Expo, Tersh Blissett sits down with Matt Schlegel and Charles Hurd to break down how dual fuel heat pumps are becoming a powerful solution for commercial and residential contractors. If you're trying to navigate electrification, cold climate performance, rebate programs, and evolving control requirements, this episode gives you clarity and strategy. What You Will Learn in This Episode • What dual fuel heat pumps are and how they operate • The difference between single heat operation and simultaneous heating • Why electrification incentives are driving commercial demand • How dual fuel helps avoid expensive electrical upgrades • Why gas can outperform electric strip heat in extreme cold • How adjustable changeover temperatures impact comfort and cost • How to calculate annual operating costs and emissions impact • How Controls Verification Protocol affects inverter systems • The growing push toward communicating equipment • What AHRI 1380 demand response compliance means for contractors • How manufacturers are using AI to improve troubleshooting and service Timestamps 00:00 Adjustable changeover temperature explained 05:23 What dual fuel solves in commercial applications 08:12 Gas vs electric strip heat in extreme cold 12:24 Utility cost and emissions comparison tool 16:02 How thermostats and changeover logic work 23:39 Brand loyalty after COVID shortages 28:24 Refrigerant transition challenges 33:01 CVP and communicating systems 35:31 Future of proprietary thermostats 40:49 AI in HVAC troubleshooting 44:09 Automation vs AI hype 48:15 How to become a dealer How to become a YORK dealer  https://www.york.com/dealers/become-a-contractor  Follow the Host and Guest Tersh Blissett: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tershblissett/ Josh Crouch: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josh-crouch/ Matt Schlegel: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-schlegel/ Charles Hurd: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlesrhurd/  Bosch: https://www.linkedin.com/company/boschhomecomfortgroup/ Connect with Us • LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/service-business-mastery • TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@servicebusinessmastery • Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/servicebusinessmasterypodcast • Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/servicebusinessmasterypodcast 👉 Enroll Today - https://bit.ly/3CZTDte 🚀 Get Your 14-Day Free Trial with CallRail! 👉 Visit: https://www.callrail.com/sbmpod 

Most HVAC contractors focus on equipment upgrades, but one of the biggest opportunities for better installs and higher profit is hiding in the ductwork. In this episode of Service Business Mastery, recorded live at AHR 2026 in Las Vegas, Tersh Blissett sits down with Jarrod Scott from Aeroseal to explain how duct sealing from the inside works, why it is different from traditional mastic and tape, and how contractors can use it to improve comfort, increase system efficiency, reduce callbacks, and create a real competitive advantage. They also discuss commercial and multifamily applications, how to think about static pressure, and why tighter buildings must still breathe through controlled mechanical ventilation. What You Will Learn in This Episode • How internal duct sealing works using physics and pressure • The difference between duct sealing and duct encapsulation • How precise sealing improves airflow and energy efficiency • How much leakage the system can realistically seal • Whether sealing ducts raises static pressure • Why responsible contractors think holistically before sealing • How tight buildings must be paired with mechanical ventilation • The ROI case for apartment complexes and commercial buildings • How duct sealing reduces callbacks and boosts customer satisfaction • How to turn efficiency upgrades into a competitive advantage Timestamps 00:00 How sealing ducts from the inside works 01:14 The physics behind internal duct sealing 04:22 How large of a leak can be sealed 06:08 Static pressure concerns and responsible installation 08:47 Why buildings must breathe mechanically 10:05 ROI for sealing apartment and commercial HVAC 12:28 Cure time and odor concerns 13:58 Water-based sealant and fire safety 16:03 Reducing callbacks and increasing customer satisfaction 17:29 Turning duct sealing into a competitive advantage Follow the Host and Guest Tersh Blissett: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tershblissett/ Josh Crouch: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josh-crouch/ Jarrod Scott: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jarrod-scott-06573835/ Aeroseal: https://www.aeroseal.com Connect with Us • LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/service-business-mastery • TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@servicebusinessmastery • Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/servicebusinessmasterypodcast • Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/servicebusinessmasterypodcast 👉 Enroll Today - https://bit.ly/3CZTDte 🚀 Get Your 14-Day Free Trial with CallRail! 👉 Visit: https://www.callrail.com/sbmpod This episode is kindly powered by: UpFrog: https://upfrog.com MarketStorm: https://marketstorm.ai/ CallRail: https://www.callrail.com/ CompanyCam: https://companycam.com/   

AI is moving faster than most service businesses can keep up with. Voice agents. Text automation. Follow-up systems. AI sales emails. Predictive messaging. But here's the real question: How do you use AI to convert more leads without losing the human touch? In this episode of Service Business Mastery, Tersh Blissett and Joshua Crouch sit down with Ryan Fenn, CEO at CHIIRP, to break down what's actually working in AI-driven lead conversion right now. They dive into: Why speed to lead still wins (and why seconds matter) How one word in your follow-up could be killing 90 percent of your conversions Why most contractors misuse AI for sales emails How to "download your brain" into systems using AI Why tools are becoming commodities and experience is becoming king How AI agents are replacing static drip campaigns If you're a service business owner trying to figure out how to adopt AI without sounding robotic, this episode will give you clarity, strategy, and practical application. What You Will Learn in This Episode • Why speed to lead still dramatically impacts booking rates • The difference between static drip campaigns and dynamic AI follow-up • How AI can analyze hundreds of millions of messages to improve conversion • Why empathy in messaging increases response rates • How to use AI as an editor instead of a ghostwriter • How to turn 20 years of experience into systems and training using AI • Why the future of software is outcome-based, not tool-based • How to evaluate tech partners based on deployment experience, not features • Why humans will still matter even if AI becomes indistinguishable Timestamps 00:00 The AI arms race and what's changed 03:00 Why speed to lead still dominates 08:00 The future of AI in sales and follow-up 12:20 Why humans will still matter in the age of AI 21:20 Download your brain using AI 22:11 How to use AI to write better sales emails 27:24 Why experience matters more than software features 33:02 The single word that could be killing your sales 36:00 Is there such thing as responding too fast? 40:57 AI agents replacing static drip campaigns 49:00 What contractors should stop doing immediately Follow the Host and Guest Tersh Blissett: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tershblissett/ Josh Crouch: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josh-crouch/ Ryan Fenn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-fenn-76568b165/ CHIIRP: https://www.linkedin.com/company/chiirp/  Connect with Us • LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/service-business-mastery • TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@servicebusinessmastery • Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/servicebusinessmasterypodcast • Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/servicebusinessmasterypodcast   👉 Enroll Today - https://bit.ly/3CZTDte 🚀 Get Your 14-Day Free Trial with CallRail! 👉 Visit: https://www.callrail.com/sbmpod This episode is kindly powered by: UpFrog: upfrog.com MarketStorm: https://marketstorm.ai/ CallRail: https://www.callrail.com/ CompanyCam: https://companycam.com/   

Scaling a home service business is not just about running more ads or getting more leads. It is about building a real company with the right marketing strategy, the right people, and a presence that customers trust. In this episode of Service Business Mastery, Tersh Blissett sits down with Jen McKee, founder of Kee Hart Marketing, to break down what it really takes to grow and scale in today's market. Jen shares why video is now one of the most overlooked opportunities in home services, how Google is indexing videos across platforms, and why contractors must stop treating social media like an afterthought. They also dive into what makes a business scalable long-term, including profitability, building an asset (not a job), and why the right rooms and relationships are often the fastest path to growth. If you are serious about scaling your business, this episode will give you both the mindset and the marketing strategy you need. What You Will Learn in This Episode • Why video is one of the biggest marketing advantages in home services right now • How Google is indexing videos from Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube • The simple checklist that helps your videos show up in search • Why your social media bio must clearly say what you do and where you do it • How to scale with profits, not just revenue • Why every owner should be building a business asset, not just a job • The real value of conferences, networking, and being vulnerable in the right rooms • Why you should seek advice from contractors who have actually done the thing • How to build your presence as a leader, brand, and business in your market Timestamps 00:00 Google is indexing all your videos now 03:10 Who Jen McKee is and what Kee Hart Marketing does 04:03 The Growth Experience conference (profits, people, presence) 10:55 Why great conferences avoid sales pitches 15:53 Why contractors should learn marketing from contractors 24:05 The mindset of continuous growth and not settling 25:17 Build an asset, not a job 26:34 The real value of conferences is your network 30:36 Stop having imposter syndrome (everyone has value) 36:16 Should contractors use AI for content? 43:18 How to get your videos indexed by Google right now 48:22 The Growth Experience details and how to get tickets Follow the Host and Guest Tersh Blissett: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tershblissett/ Josh Crouch: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josh-crouch/ Jen McKee: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jen-mckee-72114824/ Kee Hart Marketing: https://keehartmarketing.com/ Kee to Growth Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@KeetoGrowthPodcast  Connect with Us • LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/service-business-mastery • TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@servicebusinessmastery • Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/servicebusinessmasterypodcast • Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/servicebusinessmasterypodcast 👉 Enroll Today - https://bit.ly/3CZTDte 🚀 Get Your 14-Day Free Trial with CallRail! 👉 Visit: https://www.callrail.com/sbmpod This episode is kindly powered by: UpFrog: upfrog.com MarketStorm: https://marketstorm.ai/ CallRail: https://www.callrail.com/ CompanyCam: https://companycam.com/ 

AI is transforming home services. It is changing dispatching, marketing, scheduling, follow-ups, and even customer communication. But there is one thing AI still cannot do. Build a real team. In this episode of Service Business Mastery, Tersh Blissett and Joshua Crouch sit down with Scott Stolze, from GrwX Labs, to break down the human side of leadership and communication. These are the skills that separate average service businesses from elite ones. You'll learn why authenticity is becoming the new competitive advantage, why leaders must create psychological safety, why quiet technicians need "energetic permission" to speak up, and why asking better questions builds trust faster than any script or automation. If you are using AI in your business, this conversation will help you use it the right way, without losing the human connection that actually builds culture. What You Will Learn in This Episode • Why communication is becoming more important as AI grows • What AI still can't replicate in leadership and team culture • How to get quiet techs and staff to speak up in meetings • The leadership framework Scott calls "energetic permission" • How better questions improve trust, learning, and likability • Why people crave authenticity in a world of AI-generated content • How prompting AI correctly makes you a better communicator (and delegator) • What GrowX Labs does and how they help businesses solve bottlenecks Timestamps 00:00 Communication that AI can't replace 03:33 Why authenticity matters more than ever 08:39 The "3 wins" of asking better questions 11:14 Better questions that build real connection 13:38 Why people stay silent in groups (and how to fix it) 16:26 How asking "stupid questions" accelerates learning 19:58 Energetic permission: the leadership skill that builds teams 25:38 AI is training you to be a better communicator 32:00 What GrowX Labs is and who it helps 37:03 How to connect with Scott 38:45 Final lesson: help people succeed through connection Follow the Host and Guest Tersh Blissett: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tershblissett/ Josh Crouch: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josh-crouch/ Scott Stolze: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-stolze/  Connect with Us • LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/service-business-mastery • TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@servicebusinessmastery • Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/servicebusinessmasterypodcast • Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/servicebusinessmasterypodcast Sponsors This episode is kindly sponsored by: UpFrog MarketStorm CallRail CompanyCam Learn how to automate tasks, save time, and increase your profit. No coding required! 👉 Enroll Today - https://bit.ly/3CZTDte Get Your 14-Day Free Trial with CallRail! 👉 Visit: https://www.callrail.com/sbmpod Subscribe now to stay updated with Service Business Mastery on YouTube!  

Contractors who do not own their customer list will lose. As AI, search, and digital platforms continue to change, relying on Google, ads, or third party platforms puts your business at risk. In this episode of Service Business Mastery, we break down why owning your customer list is no longer optional for contractors and service business owners who want to survive and scale in the next decade. Joshua Crouch and Tersh Blissett sit down with Peter Murphy Lewis, founder of Strategic Pete, to explain how contractors can protect their business by building direct relationships with their audience, increasing client loyalty, and using AI driven systems without giving control to platforms they do not own. Search is changing. Ads are getting more expensive. Algorithms decide who wins and who disappears. If you do not own your audience, you are renting your business. This conversation explains exactly why owning your list matters more than ever and how contractors can start taking control now. What you will learn in this episode • Why contractors who rely only on ads and search are at risk • How AI is accelerating changes in customer acquisition • Why owning your customer list creates long term stability • How client loyalty protects your business during market shifts • The difference between renting attention and owning relationships • How to use content and systems to stay in front of your audience • Practical ways contractors can start building their list today This episode is for contractors and service business owners who want predictable growth, lower marketing risk, and long term control over their business. Timestamps 00:00 Why owning your customer list matters now 02:10 How AI is changing search and digital marketing 05:30 Why contractors lose when they rent attention 09:40 Client loyalty and long term business survival 14:30 Fractional leadership and strategic marketing explained 19:45 Why content builds ownership not dependence 25:20 Using systems to stay in front of your audience 31:40 How contractors can start owning their list 38:00 LinkedIn, partnerships, and direct relationships 43:10 Final lessons for contractors Follow the Host and Guest: Tersh Blissett: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tershblissett/ Josh Crouch: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josh-crouch/ Peter Murphy Lewis: https://www.linkedin.com/in/petermurphylewis/ Strategic Pete: https://www.linkedin.com/company/strategic-pete/   Connect with us on: • LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/service-business-mastery • TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@servicebusinessmastery • Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/groups/servicebusinessmasterypodcast • Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/servicebusinessmasterypodcast This episode is kindly sponsored by: UpFrog CallRail CompanyCam Visit CompanyCam and use code SBM for a free 2-week trial, 1:1 training and account setup, and 50% off your first two months! MarketStorm priceguide   Learn how to automate tasks, save time, and increase your profit. No coding required! 👉 Enroll Today - https://bit.ly/3CZTDte Get Your 14-Day Free Trial with CallRail! 👉 Visit: https://www.callrail.com/sbmpod Subscribe now to stay updated with Service Business Mastery on YouTube!  

In this episode of the Service Business Mastery Podcast, host Tersh Blissett sits down with Ari Meisel, Founder of Less Doing and creator of the Optimize, Automate, Outsource framework. Ari is a globally recognized expert in business automation, productivity systems, and operational efficiency, with deep hands-on experience in the construction and skilled trades. Ari shares how extreme burnout and a Crohn's disease diagnosis forced him to redesign how he worked, leading to a system that allowed him to reclaim time, reduce stress, and build a business that runs without constant owner involvement. This conversation dives deep into automation for service businesses, decision-making systems, and what it really means to become a replaceable founder. In this episode, you'll learn: How to identify automation opportunities in your service business Why automating decisions is more powerful than automating tasks The "Replaceable Founder" mindset every business owner needs How automation reduces stress and increases scalability Real-world systems for reclaiming time without sacrificing growth If you're an HVAC, plumbing, electrical, or home service business owner feeling stuck in daily operations, this episode breaks down practical automation strategies, how to identify repetitive work, and how small system changes compound into massive time freedom. Timestamps ⏰ [00:00] "Ari's Impact on Email Automation" [06:15] "Masonry, Hardship, and Health Struggles" [07:25] "Optimize, Automate, Outsource Strategies" [12:32] Building Sustainable Generational Businesses [15:45] "Optimize, Automate, Outsource Effectively" [19:43] "Prioritizing Revenue in Business" [22:24] "Automation Enhances the Human Element" [25:52] "Asynchronous Communication Explained" [29:20] "Benefits of Solo Voice Recording" [30:46] "Creativity Comes with Movement" [36:38] Flexible Work Beyond Boundaries [39:12] iPhone Screenshot Automation Exploration [41:32] "Apps I've Used for Years" [46:54] Building Apps and Voice AI [47:38] "Switching to MEM AI Tools" [52:05] "Retirement via Automation Skills" [54:53] "Connect with Ari for Insights" Follow the Host and Guest: Tersh Blissett: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tershblissett/ Josh Crouch: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josh-crouch/ Ari Meisel: https://www.linkedin.com/in/productivity-coach-entrepreneur/   Connect with us on: • LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/service-business-mastery • TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@servicebusinessmastery • Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/groups/servicebusinessmasterypodcast • Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/servicebusinessmasterypodcast This episode is kindly sponsored by: UpFrog CallRail CompanyCam Visit CompanyCam and use code SBM for a free 2-week trial, 1:1 training and account setup, and 50% off your first two months! MarketStorm priceguide Learn how to automate tasks, save time, and increase your profit. No coding required! 👉 Enroll Today - https://bit.ly/3CZTDte Get Your 14-Day Free Trial with CallRail! 👉 Visit: https://www.callrail.com/sbmpod Subscribe now to stay updated with Service Business Mastery on YouTube!  

If you're in the skilled trades like HVAC, plumbing, electrical, or any service where the phone rings with "Hey, my system isn't working," this episode of SBM, "What Homeowners Actually Want" with Zachary Dearing, co-founder of Mantel, breaks down real homeowner insights pulled directly from Mantel's survey data. The conversation translates the findings of the Mantel's survey "Homeowner Shopping Attitudes Report 2025" (https://www.usemantel.com/survey) into practical takeaways, making it a cheat sheet into how homeowners think, choose, and spend. Here's why you should listen, especially if you: Want to make more from every visit (yes, without feeling like a pushy home comfort advisor). Are stuck trying to grow your business, because you keep hearing "You're too expensive" or "Let me think about it." Need clarity on what ACTUALLY matters to modern homeowners. Spoiler: it's not just the dollar amount. Are tired of home comfort "gurus" who can't back up their advice with hard data. If you want real, actionable ways to improve your process before, during, and after the visit grab the report the team discusses at usemantel.com/survey. It's built on actual fieldwork, not fantasy. Timestamps ⏰ [00:00] "Service Business Growth Strategies" [04:52] "Self-Discovery in Decision-Making" [08:57] "Persistence and Overcoming Dyslexia" [10:48] "Overcoming Fears Through Automation" [16:22] "Customer Obsession and User Focus" [18:52] "Research-Driven Innovation and Giving Back" [24:00] "Homeowner Priorities vs. Contractors" [27:24] "Homeowners' HVAC Knowledge Gap" [30:18] "Call Tracking for Smarter Marketing" [31:30] "How Homeowners Find Contractors" [36:00] "Trust and Reviews Drive Choices" [40:52] "Home Recording Insights & Sales" [43:26] "Homeowners Struggle to Find Clarity" [47:46] "AI, Trends, and Future Insights" [49:52] "Empowering Contractors to Boost Sales" [51:55] Empowering Homeowners Through Visibility [57:29] "Embrace Change and Adaptation" [58:30] "Service Business Mastery Insights" Tersh Blissett: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tershblissett/ Josh Crouch: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josh-crouch/ Zac Dearing: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zachary-dearing-b761b825/  Connect with us on: • LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/service-business-mastery • TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@servicebusinessmastery • Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/groups/servicebusinessmasterypodcast • Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/servicebusinessmasterypodcast • Mantel Website - www.usemantel.com Homeowner Shopping Attitudes Report 2025: • Full Survey - https://www.usemantel.com/survey This episode is kindly sponsored by: UpFrog CallRail CompanyCam Visit CompanyCam and use code SBM for a free 2-week trial, 1:1 training and account setup, and 50% off your first two months! MarketStorm priceguide Learn how to automate tasks, save time, and increase your profit. No coding required! 👉 Enroll Today - https://bit.ly/3CZTDte Get Your 14-Day Free Trial with CallRail! 👉 Visit: https://www.callrail.com/sbmpod Subscribe now to stay updated with Service Business Mastery on YouTube!