Alright trade pros, buckle up for a no-fluff episode packed with gold. Today on Born For The Trades, your host Mandeep sits down with one of the most respected voices in garage door marketing, Robb Leishman. Robb is the Founder and Co-Owner of Legit5 Garage Door Marketing, the brains behind some of the most recognizable garage door brands out there. He’s a sales expert with a deep understanding of what actually converts in the real world. If you’ve ever wondered why some leads close fast and others fizzle out, this is the conversation you need to hear.

 Robb brings his years of experience and hard-earned insights to the mic as we dive into a topic that’s become a battleground for many in the trades — Google leads versus social media leads. These two sources are not created equal, and Robb makes it clear why understanding the mindset behind each one is critical if you want to scale your business. You’ll learn how intent plays a massive role in the customer journey, and why chasing likes won’t always turn into dollars.

Mandeep asks the tough questions. What’s the real difference between these two lead types? How should your team respond differently to a Google searcher versus someone who clicked a Facebook ad? Robb breaks it down with examples, calling out the biggest mistakes home service companies make when they treat all leads the same. From messaging and follow-up timing to which platform deserves your focus first, this episode gives you the tools to finally stop wasting money and start closing more jobs.

You’ll also get a peek into Robb’s bestselling book Garage Door Gameplan and hear one tactic that applies directly to navigating the two very different lead mindsets. Whether you’re a new business owner or a seasoned pro trying to fine-tune your marketing strategy, Robb lays out a clear path forward that balances quick wins with long-term growth.

 This isn’t just another marketing episode. It’s a wake-up call for anyone in the trades who’s tired of chasing leads that don’t convert. Robb’s insights apply beyond garage doors and can help any home service entrepreneur get smarter about where they spend their money and how they handle their prospects.

Press play and get ready to look at your leads in a whole new way.

Support the show

In this episode of Born For The Trades, host Mandeep sits down with a true force in the home service industry: Aaron Gaynor, CEO and Founder of The Eco Plumbers, Electricians, and HVAC Technicians, which is a $94 million and growing business empire rooted in Ohio. But don’t let the success fool you…Aaron’s journey is built on failure, grit, and an unstoppable mindset.

Aaron’s story is one of total reinvention. After losing everything during the 2007 crash, he rebuilt from scratch, and not just his business, but himself. From embracing high-level personal development (yes, he literally ran with the bulls) to building a powerhouse team culture, Aaron shares how purpose, not profit, became the driving force behind his comeback.

In this candid and powerful conversation, Aaron explains how ECO University is creating real change in the trades by helping team members chase their goals, not just punch the clock. He dives deep into how giving employees personal purpose translates into unstoppable company culture and scalable growth. If you’re trying to push past that $2M or $5M ceiling in your business, his advice is real, raw, and actionable.

Aaron also unpacks how entrepreneurial systems like EOS have helped him bring structure and clarity to a fast-scaling business, and why more home service companies should start thinking like CEOs, not just operators. From mindset to mechanics, this is a masterclass in what it takes to build something bigger than yourself.

And of course, we dig into how AI is shifting the landscape of the trades, and what business owners need to do right now to stay ahead of the curve.

Whether you’re just getting started or trying to scale to the next level, this episode will leave you inspired, challenged, and ready to rethink what’s truly possible. Aaron doesn’t hold back, and after listening, you’ll understand why he was born for the trades.

Support the show

In this latest episode of Born for the Trades, I had the absolute pleasure of sitting down with my good friend and fellow marketing powerhouse, April Edwards — founder of Deck Builder Marketers. April is a digital marketing expert with over 15 years of experience, and she’s made a name for herself by helping deck builders grow with clarity, strategy, and serious results. We’re both part of an incredible community that supports each other in business and beyond, and I’ve always admired her no-BS approach to marketing and her passion for helping tradespeople build freedom-driven businesses.

We kicked things off by diving into her journey — how she transitioned from general digital marketing into carving out a niche focused exclusively on deck builders. April shared how she saw a gap in the market, recognized the opportunity to create real impact in a visual and in-demand trade, and went all in. That move led her to develop the Deck Builder Marketing System — a structured, proven formula that helps contractors dominate locally, boost their profits, and reclaim their time.

One of the most insightful parts of our conversation was around the concept of "operational freedom." April broke down what that means for a deck builder — the ability to work on the business instead of being stuck in it — and how strategic marketing can be the key to unlocking that freedom.

We also covered the common marketing mistakes she sees all the time in the home services space — like relying too much on word of mouth or not having a real strategy — and how contractors can fix these fast with just a few focused steps.

Of course, I had to ask her to unpack her Deck Builder Marketing System in detail. She explained how it goes beyond just ads or SEO — it’s about building a full ecosystem that works together to attract, convert, and retain ideal clients.

Since deck building is such a visual trade, we discussed the power of photos, videos, and content marketing. April shared real examples of how deck builders can leverage before-and-afters, project walk-throughs, and customer testimonials to instantly boost their credibility and stand out in a crowded market.

We also talked about what the journey looks like when a business goes from “we need leads” to “we’re fully booked and building a brand.” April laid out how she helps contractors grow step by step, without getting overwhelmed by shiny new marketing trends.

Finally, April shared a gold nugget for listeners — if you’re a deck builder (or in any trade, honestly) and you want to take your marketing seriously, start today. Pick one thing — update your website, claim your Google profile, post a project — just take action.

This episode was packed with insight, stories, and real-world takeaways. April is a rockstar in the home service marketing space, and I’m grateful to call her a friend and peer.

Tune in now, and don’t forget to share this with someone in the trades who needs to hear it!

Support the show

What if the secret to scaling your home service business isn't more trucks or more tools—but showing up online with purpose? In this episode of Born For The Trades, host Mandeep sits down with Jen McKee, the sharp and savvy founder of Kee Hart Marketing, to explore why social media isn't just marketing—it's a business growth engine.

Jen is no stranger to the spotlight. She’s a 5x award-winning marketer, a 2024 40 Under 40 honoree, and the creator of the Show Up, Stand Out, Scale framework that’s turning heads across the trades industry. From HVAC pros to electricians and landscapers, Jen has helped countless contractors transform their online presence into a lead-generating, talent-attracting machine.

In this episode, she shares powerful insights on what makes social content pop in today’s crowded feeds—and how service professionals can take control of their brand voice. Mandeep asks all the right questions: Why is social media such a game-changer for the trades? How can small companies stay consistent without burning out? And what should you be filming today if you want to start making video content that actually moves the needle?

Jen doesn’t hold back. She reveals the biggest mistakes she sees in contractor content, shares practical tips for turning culture into a recruiting magnet, and even gives listeners one simple action step they can take immediately after the episode to start improving their social presence.

Whether you’re a business owner trying to scale or a marketer looking for smarter strategies, this episode will leave you inspired—and ready to show up and stand out.

Support the show

In this episode of Born For The Trades, Mandeep sits down with Brent Swift, the founder of SwiftCo, a company that has become a cornerstone of Norman, Oklahoma's roofing, construction, and real estate industries. With over 25 years of experience, Brent’s journey is a testament to dedication and craftsmanship. His story began with a simple but ambitious venture: Deckworks. From there, his passion for quality construction and design blossomed into SwiftCo, a business that now serves a diverse range of clients, from homeowners to commercial property owners, all while focusing on precision and lasting value.

Brent takes us through the twists and turns of his career, highlighting what sets SwiftCo apart from others in a highly competitive market. “We don’t just build structures,” Brent explains, “we build relationships.” This philosophy has been a guiding principle in every project the company undertakes, whether it's installing a new roof to protect a home or meticulously renovating a historic building to preserve its charm.

One of the most rewarding yet challenging aspects of Brent’s work is his ability to breathe new life into older homes. As Mandeep dives into the world of historic home renovations, Brent shares the unique challenges these projects present, especially when trying to maintain the original character of a building while updating it to meet modern standards. It’s a delicate balance, but one Brent has mastered through years of experience and a deep respect for architecture.

As the conversation moves into roofing, Brent offers invaluable advice on how homeowners can stay ahead of potential issues. Regular roof maintenance, he stresses, is essential for preventing major problems. He walks through the key signs homeowners should look out for to ensure their roof remains in top condition, providing peace of mind year-round.

The discussion also touches on real estate in Norman, where Brent’s expertise shines. With the local market ever-evolving, he gives listeners tips on how to approach buying and selling properties, especially in today’s fast-moving environment. For those in the area, his advice is nothing short of priceless, especially for anyone seeking to make informed decisions that will help them thrive.

Looking to the future, Brent shares his insights on where he believes the roofing and construction industries are heading. With new technologies emerging and an increasing demand for sustainable practices, SwiftCo remains at the forefront, continuously adapting and innovating to meet the changing needs of its clients.

Brent’s commitment to customer satisfaction and maintaining strong relationships with clients is clear. He explains how ensuring the highest quality in every project, no matter the scale, has been integral to SwiftCo’s success. It’s this combination of experience, innovation, and integrity that has made SwiftCo a leader in Norman’s competitive landscape, shaping not just buildings, but the future of the community.

Support the show

In this episode of Born For The Trades, host Shreya dives deep with Sandy Papavero, a Master and Growth Advisor at CEO Warrior. With a career spanning sales consulting for industry giants like Tony Robbins and Chet Holmes, and expertise in neuro-linguistic programming (NLP), Sandy has made it her mission to help home service professionals shatter limiting beliefs and reach new heights in business and life.

Sandy shares her journey—how she transitioned into CEO Warrior and what drives her passion for coaching. She breaks down the common thought patterns found in the most successful people, revealing whether these traits are innate or something that can be learned. Spoiler alert: the right mindset isn’t just for the lucky few—it can be cultivated, and she knows how to help leaders do just that.

The conversation takes an honest turn toward mental health in the trades industry, a topic that’s often brushed under the rug. Sandy discusses why emotional resilience is just as critical as technical skills and how addressing mental well-being can lead to stronger leadership, higher retention, and ultimately, a more successful business.

A major challenge in any company is the disconnect between employees and management. How do you ensure that leaders—especially those who aren’t owners—operate at the highest possible level? Sandy explains how to bridge this gap, ensuring that training and growth don’t just create temporary shifts but lead to lasting transformation. When employees struggle to communicate effectively with their managers, it’s usually a short-term issue. But how do you make improvements stick? Sandy shares her insights on implementing strategies that go beyond quick fixes and create lasting impact.

For those who recognize a need for coaching—whether it’s improving leadership, fixing communication gaps, or shifting mindsets—Sandy walks us through the process of transforming problems into solutions. From the moment someone reaches out to her, she focuses on identifying the root causes, breaking through barriers, and equipping leaders with the tools they need to drive real change.

If you’re wondering whether coaching is right for you or your business, Sandy describes her ideal client—someone ready to take action, open to change, and committed to long-term success. She also shares the best way to get in touch for a strategy session through CEO Warrior.

This episode is packed with game-changing insights for anyone in the trades industry looking to break through limitations and achieve their highest potential. Whether you’re an owner, manager, or frontline worker with leadership ambitions, Sandy’s expertise is a must-hear!

Click here to watch the full episode:

https://www.grownearby.com/podcast/episode-71-breaking-barriers-how-mindset-and-coaching-elevate-trades-professionals-to-the-next-level/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wEcdfU44iSs

Support the show

Sales isn’t just about the words you say—it’s about how you say them, how you move, and what your customers unconsciously pick up from you. In this episode of Born For The Trades, host Shreya sits down with sales expert Allan Langer to uncover the game-changing secrets that most sales reps overlook. Allan, the author of The 7 Secrets to Selling More by Selling Less, shares why traditional high-pressure tactics are outdated and how understanding psychology, trust, and nonverbal communication can transform your sales approach.

With the latest Rilla update, sales teams can now analyze body language and tonality during recorded conversations—offering a whole new perspective on why some deals close effortlessly while others fall apart. Allan and Shreya dive into the shocking truth about communication: a huge percentage of what influences a sale isn’t based on words at all. So, if you’re only focusing on what you’re saying, you might be missing the real signals your clients are giving you.

Too many sales reps are so locked into their scripts and quotas that they don’t notice the subtle but powerful signs from their clients. Are they engaged? Are they hesitant? Is their body language saying “yes” while their words say “maybe”? Understanding these subconscious cues can mean the difference between another lost lead and a loyal customer. Allan breaks down simple but highly effective gestures, tonality shifts, and actionable steps that anyone—whether seasoned or brand new to sales—can implement immediately to build trust and close more deals.

Does this change everything sales reps have been taught, or does it simply enhance what they already know? Allan shares his insights on how this knowledge can seamlessly fit into any sales process, giving professionals an unfair advantage in an increasingly competitive market. If you’ve ever wondered why some salespeople seem to effortlessly connect with clients while others struggle, this episode reveals the hidden skills that make all the difference.

Support the show

Support the show

Welcome back to another exciting episode of Born for the Trades! Today, we’re diving into the world of HVAC with a special guest, Axel Romero. Since stepping into the HVAC industry in 2017, Axel’s journey has been nothing short of remarkable. What began as a focus on installations quickly evolved into a deeper passion for the inner workings of HVAC systems, and by 2019, Axel found his calling at Crossway Mechanical. But his story doesn’t stop there. In just a year, he transitioned into specialized inspections, and in 2020, he broadened his expertise into home forensics. This move allowed him to directly assist homeowners, giving them the tools and knowledge they need to understand and protect their HVAC systems.

With nearly a thousand homeowners helped, Axel has witnessed firsthand the long-term impact HVAC issues can have on a home’s comfort, efficiency, and safety. His passion for the industry is more than just about fixing systems—he’s on a mission to educate homeowners, ensuring they make informed decisions and avoid the common pitfalls of installation malpractice.

Axel’s career has also led him to the national stage, where he was featured in Shemane Nugent’s 2024 documentary, Killer House. In this groundbreaking film, Axel sheds light on the importance of high-quality HVAC installations and their far-reaching impact on the well-being of homeowners. The documentary highlights Axel’s unique ability to break down complex HVAC problems into clear, understandable terms, making a lasting difference for those seeking answers.

In today’s episode, we discuss Axel’s incredible career trajectory, the common mistakes contractors and homeowners make, and how he’s empowering homeowners to defend themselves against poor HVAC practices. We also hear about his thoughts on the future of HVAC and what changes he hopes to see in the industry to improve transparency and best practices. His story is a testament to how one person’s passion can reshape an entire industry—making homes safer, more efficient, and more comfortable.

Tune in for a conversation packed with valuable insights and practical advice you won’t want to miss!

Support the show

On this episode of Born for the Trades, Mandeep chats with Lynn Wise, co-founder of Contractor In Charge, a revolutionary service designed to help home service businesses—plumbers, electricians, HVAC professionals, and more—streamline their operations. With a background in both the trades and tech, Lynn’s journey is a fascinating blend of hands-on experience and cutting-edge solutions.

Lynn’s path to entrepreneurship started when she saw a significant gap in the home services industry: contractors were drowning in administrative tasks that kept them from focusing on what really mattered—serving customers and growing their business. Having co-owned a plumbing business and worked at tech giants like IBM and Yellow Pages, Lynn realized that the right blend of technology and personal care could provide contractors with a solution that scaled. That’s when Contractor In Charge was born—an outsourced service designed to handle customer service, real-time bookkeeping, and more, all while maintaining that personal touch.

One of the key moments in Lynn’s career came when she recognized that many contractors made the mistake of neglecting customer service in favor of technical work. While great service is the backbone of any business, many contractors focus too much on their craft and not enough on building long-lasting customer relationships. Lynn emphasizes that leveraging technology to enhance customer service—like real-time booking, follow-ups, and tailored communication—can set a business apart in a competitive market.

However, she’s clear about one thing: tech should never replace the human connection. “It’s not about removing the contractor from the equation—it’s about giving them the tools to succeed while keeping that personal touch”. Contractor In Charge blends the best of both worlds: cutting-edge technology to streamline processes and personalized customer care that builds loyalty and trust.

Lynn also shares a success story about a small contractor who used her service to scale his business. By outsourcing administrative tasks like customer service and bookkeeping, he was able to focus more on his craft and take on more clients. Over time, this helped increase his revenue and reduce stress, ultimately transforming his business into a more efficient operation.

We also wanted to give a big shoutout to our sponsors—Rilla, an AI-powered sales tool that provides call-by-call feedback to help your team close more deals, and Grow Reviews, a platform that makes it easy to capture customer testimonials through text and video. These tools are designed to help you improve your customer experience and grow your business with ease.

If you're a contractor looking for practical insights or someone curious about how tech is changing the home services industry, this episode is a must-listen. Tune in for actionable advice and inspiration on how to grow your business without sacrificing what makes it special.

Support the show