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.

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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.

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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

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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.

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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!

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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.

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In this episode of Born For The Trades, Mandeep and Shreya sit down with Bill Kean, the President of NEXGEN Air, Heat, and Plumbing, a leading force in Southern California's home services industry. With over 15 years of experience, Bill’s journey from a second-generation contractor to a successful entrepreneur is nothing short of inspiring. He shares the mindset shifts that helped him navigate pivotal moments—like founding Dynamic Air Services in 2008 and growing it into a $6 million company—before transitioning to NEXGEN, where he rose through the ranks to lead the company as president.

Bill's story is one of perseverance, growth, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. He discusses the crucial steps he took while scaling his first business and offers invaluable advice for entrepreneurs looking to take their companies to the next level. With his deep understanding of the home services industry, he highlights what truly sets NEXGEN apart, from their industry-leading processes to the exceptional company culture that’s garnered them recognition as a household name.

What really makes Bill's leadership stand out, however, is his passion for making a positive impact—not just in business but in the lives of his team members and the communities they serve. He introduces us to Project X, a philanthropic initiative that’s making a difference in the lives of families in need. Bill explains how giving back has become an integral part of NEXGEN’s company culture and how it strengthens their relationships with clients and employees alike.

In a heartfelt discussion, Bill shares his thoughts on what it truly means to lead a company with integrity and purpose. He believes success isn't only measured by financial growth but by the lives you touch along the way. Tune in to hear how a commitment to people, culture, and community can create a business that’s not only successful but meaningful.

As Bill reflects on his career and leadership journey, he leaves us with a final thought: the most underrated best practice in home services is often the simplest. It’s a reminder that in a world filled with complexities, staying focused on what truly matters can be the key to long-term success.

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In this episode, host Mandeep Bhalla talks with James Hatfield, Chief Revenue Officer at LiveSwitch, a leading platform transforming how businesses use video to scale. With years of leadership experience in both startups and Fortune 500 companies, James shares his insights on technology, leadership, and the future of communication.

James has been instrumental in LiveSwitch’s success, playing a key role in customer experience and overseeing all revenue-generating processes. Before joining LiveSwitch, he led the creation of the Customer Buying Experience at IQVIA and served as President of Sales at Sageworks. LiveSwitch’s platform is now used by businesses ranging from entrepreneurs to global enterprises, helping them connect with customers and document work in real-time.

A major focus of this episode is the future of video communication. James shares his thoughts on how video technology will evolve in the coming years, particularly in industries like home services, and how it will reshape the way businesses build relationships and streamline operations.

James also reflects on key leadership lessons he's learned throughout his career, including the importance of creating efficient processes and staying agile in a fast-changing tech landscape. He discusses the differences in how startups and large enterprises approach innovation, and offers insights into the challenges and opportunities each faces.

One standout moment in his career was a decision at LiveSwitch that significantly impacted the company’s growth. James shares how data-driven choices and customer feedback played a crucial role in shaping the company’s strategies.

Finally, James addresses the biggest challenges facing tech leaders today, particularly in managing rapid innovation and diverse teams. He emphasizes the need for clear vision and adaptability to lead successfully in today’s fast-paced world.

This episode is a must-listen for entrepreneurs, business owners, and leaders in the home service industry who want to harness technology to grow and innovate. Tune in to hear James Hatfield’s expert insights and valuable leadership lessons!

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In this episode of Born For The Trades, our host, Mandeep, talks with Brad, the co-founder and Chief Marketing Officer of ZyraTalk, a leader in AI and automation solutions for the home service industry. For over a decade, ZyraTalk has been transforming how businesses handle customer interactions by automating phone conversations, helping businesses avoid missed calls, and converting them into booked jobs and revenue.

Brad explains that businesses often miss a significant percentage of phone calls, sometimes up to 30-40%, due to factors like staff limitations or after-hours inquiries. ZyraTalk solves this problem by automating these missed interactions, ensuring that no opportunity slips through the cracks. This automation drives revenue and enhances customer service by handling routine inquiries and allowing human teams to focus on more complex issues.

Rather than replacing customer service teams, ZyraTalk enhances their efficiency. The AI takes care of repetitive tasks, ensuring that human CSRs can focus on high-priority conversations. This balance of AI and human interaction is key to ZyraTalk’s success.

Brad also walks us through the company’s smooth onboarding process. With an average of 50 new clients each week, ZyraTalk makes it easy for businesses to integrate their AI voice and chat products into existing workflows. The setup is quick, and businesses can see immediate benefits in their customer engagement.

While the AI technology is highly effective, Brad acknowledges that not every conversation is flawless. ZyraTalk continuously refines its systems to improve the accuracy and natural flow of interactions. Some challenges arise from industry-specific jargon or unique client needs, but ZyraTalk adapts and improves over time to address these nuances.

ZyraTalk’s rapid growth is largely driven by the positive impact their solutions have on clients. Businesses are seeing immediate results, and word-of-mouth referrals have played a significant role in attracting new customers. Brad reveals that the company is onboarding new clients at an impressive rate, and the success stories continue to build momentum.

Looking ahead, Brad shares that ZyraTalk has exciting updates in the works. They are continuously improving their products to make them even more intuitive and powerful, helping businesses stay ahead of the curve in customer service automation.

This episode provides an inside look into how ZyraTalk is reshaping the home service industry with AI, delivering real results, and empowering businesses to grow faster and smarter.

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