Head Heart & Boots

Head Heart & Boots

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Head Heart & Boots episodes

  • Ep 184 - "Not Trying To Get Political"

    In this episode, Brandon and I wrestle with a tough reality: what happens when disagreement turns into dehumanization, and speaking your mind no longer feels safe?

    I share how a simple Facebook post after the death of Charlie Kirk spiraled into thousands of views and increasingly vicious comments, and how it left me questioning whether reasonable people can still say what they think out loud. Brandon brings a veteran's perspective: he's been overseas, he's seen what real evil looks like, and he's watched men and women sacrifice everything for the freedom we're now dismantling in how we treat each other. This isn't about politics. It's about leadership, humanity, and protecting the freedom to have hard conversations. Because if reasonable people stay silent, the extremes get the microphone.

    -Chris

    Why You Should Listen

    • [1:09] The Facebook post: 5,000 views in 48 hours and what the comment section revealed
    • [6:30] Brandon on the boundary that got broken, and why this isn't about agreeing with anyone
    • [11:00] The cultural shift we've watched reach our workplaces: "you are responsible for my feelings"
    • [17:29] Why staying silent isn't neutral: what happens when reasonable leaders leave the conversation
    • [19:30] A veteran's view of what free speech actually cost, and who paid for it
    • [25:11] Brandon's challenge to all of us, left, right, and center
    •  

      Did you know...

      Only 30% of businesses listed for sale actually find a buyer? Even more striking, just 10% of those sell for the price their owners anticipated or higher, meaning only 3% of all business owners achieve their desired sale price. By focusing on understanding and enhancing your enterprise value, you can significantly boost your chances of joining that successful 3%.

      Business Health & Value Assessment

      Start Assessment Know Your Enterprise Value. See Your Potential Gaps.

      Complete this assessment in less than 15 minutes and receive a free assessment for your business that includes:

      • A Lite Valuation Of Your Business
      • Your Value Multiplier Per Your Industry
      • Health Assessment Per Our PYB Methodology
      • Business Value & Growth Roadmap Tailored For You
      • Value Acceleration Strategies
      • Spotlight on Floodlight: Your Secret Weapon for Sales & Scaling

        This isn’t a paid plug. It’s real talk from the front lines. If you’ve ever thought, “How do I get a VP-level sales leader or even a sales team without hiring full-time?” Floodlight has the answer.

        Fractional Sales Leadership
        • They act as your outsourced VP of Sales, taking full responsibility for training, managing, and growing your sales team. No six-figure hire needed.
        • Clients often close 20 to 50 percent more deals within six months, thanks to data-driven coaching, CRM setup, scripts, and performance reviews.
          More at floodlightgrp.com/sales
          Commercial Sales MasterCourse
          • A self-paced, video-driven B2B sales course designed specifically for restoration teams. Perfect for building commercial revenue and getting free from TPA handcuffs.
          • Covers mindset, prospecting, pipeline building, LinkedIn lead generation, and includes a $250 discount with code SALESBOOST.
            Details at floodlightgrp.com/courses
            Tailored Consulting & Coaching
            • Floodlight’s Propel Your Business methodology offers a full-circle roadmap: financials, sales, marketing, leadership, recruiting, productivity. All built for contractors.
            • These aren’t “life coaches.” They’re former restoration owners who’ve lived the chaos and know how to scale out of it.
              Explore more at floodlightgrp.com
              Live Training, Tools & Strategic Partnerships
              • Floodlight also delivers live onsite and virtual training, keynote speaking, and leadership tracks covering operations, project management, and strategic growth.
              • Bonus: They’ve vetted tools like Xcelerate, Liftify, and Sureti. Floodlight clients get access to exclusive discounts on tech that actually moves the needle.
                See all partnerships at floodlightgrp.com/partners
                Why it matters for you as a listener
                • You don’t need to figure this stuff out alone.
                • If you’re serious about sales growth, operational clarity, exit readiness, or leadership development, Floodlight is already helping folks like you scale smarter.
                • And you get it from industry insiders. People who’ve sat in your chair, survived the fires, and built systems that actually work.
                  27 min
                • Ep 183 - "TRT And Froyo"

                  In this one, Chris and I talk fitness, sleep, supplements, and how to keep your body in the game while leading in the restoration industry. Late-night emergency calls, unpredictable schedules, and high-stress jobs can wreck your health if you don’t have a plan. We share how morning training, sleep tech, diet balance, and smart supplementation keep us sharp so we can show up strong for our teams and clients. We even dig into creatine for brain energy and the truth about TRT vs. enclomiphene.

                  Thanks for listening,

                  Brandon

                  Key Takeaways
                  • [00:04:30] Morning training: 4:15 a.m. alarm = momentum and accountability.
                  • [00:06:30] Injury hacks: Train smart with machines/isolation to stay strong under stress.
                  • [00:13:50] Creatine boost: 5g for muscle, 15g supports brain energy—huge for long shifts.
                  • [00:18:30] Sleep tech: Pod covers, less caffeine/screens, smarter wake-ups for recovery.
                  • [00:26:50] Diet freedom: 1g protein/lb, meat + fruit, and guilt-free “when in Rome” meals.
                  • [00:34:20] Hormones: Low T? Get labs. Options from enclomiphene to TRT explained.
                  • [00:45:30] Energy hack: Exogenous ketones give clean focus without the crash
                    Did you know...

                    Only 30% of businesses listed for sale actually find a buyer? Even more striking, just 10% of those sell for the price their owners anticipated or higher, meaning only 3% of all business owners achieve their desired sale price. By focusing on understanding and enhancing your enterprise value, you can significantly boost your chances of joining that successful 3%.

                    Business Health & Value Assessment

                    Start Assessment Know Your Enterprise Value. See Your Potential Gaps.

                    Complete this assessment in less than 15 minutes and receive a free assessment for your business that includes:

                    • A Lite Valuation Of Your Business
                    • Your Value Multiplier Per Your Industry
                    • Health Assessment Per Our PYB Methodology
                    • Business Value & Growth Roadmap Tailored For You
                    • Value Acceleration Strategies
                    • Spotlight on Floodlight: Your Secret Weapon for Sales & Scaling

                      This isn’t a paid plug. It’s real talk from the front lines. If you’ve ever thought, “How do I get a VP-level sales leader or even a sales team without hiring full-time?” Floodlight has the answer.

                      Fractional Sales Leadership
                      • They act as your outsourced VP of Sales, taking full responsibility for training, managing, and growing your sales team. No six-figure hire needed.
                      • Clients often close 20 to 50 percent more deals within six months, thanks to data-driven coaching, CRM setup, scripts, and performance reviews.
                        More at floodlightgrp.com/sales
                        Commercial Sales MasterCourse
                        • A self-paced, video-driven B2B sales course designed specifically for restoration teams. Perfect for building commercial revenue and getting free from TPA handcuffs.
                        • Covers mindset, prospecting, pipeline building, LinkedIn lead generation, and includes a $250 discount with code SALESBOOST.
                          Details at floodlightgrp.com/courses
                          Tailored Consulting & Coaching
                          • Floodlight’s Propel Your Business methodology offers a full-circle roadmap: financials, sales, marketing, leadership, recruiting, productivity. All built for contractors.
                          • These aren’t “life coaches.” They’re former restoration owners who’ve lived the chaos and know how to scale out of it.
                            Explore more at floodlightgrp.com
                            Live Training, Tools & Strategic Partnerships
                            • Floodlight also delivers live onsite and virtual training, keynote speaking, and leadership tracks covering operations, project management, and strategic growth.
                            • Bonus: They’ve vetted tools like Xcelerate, Liftify, and Sureti. Floodlight clients get access to exclusive discounts on tech that actually moves the needle.
                              See all partnerships at floodlightgrp.com/partners
                              Why it matters for you as a listener
                              • You don’t need to figure this stuff out alone.
                              • If you’re serious about sales growth, operational clarity, exit readiness, or leadership development, Floodlight is already helping folks like you scale smarter.
                              • And you get it from industry insiders. People who’ve sat in your chair, survived the fires, and built systems that actually work.
                                49 min
                              • Ep 182 - "Creating Results"

                                Brandon and I get real about extreme ownership in leadership - not theory, but the daily behaviors that drive results. We cover how to move a struggling team member without micromanaging, why cadence beats intention, and how sales management tools like PDI and golden hours create momentum. If you lead in restoration, construction, or home services, this is your playbook for execution.

                                WHY YOU SHOULD LISTEN:
                                • [00:01:52] Extreme ownership - own outcomes, not just standards
                                • [00:04:44] Check-ins that work - midweek nudges and fast feedback loops
                                • [00:07:15] What you walk past - quick correction prevents drift
                                • [00:10:23] Cadence - EOS rhythms plus mid-cycle verification
                                • [00:12:26] Sales example - coach golden hours and first-rep awkwardness
                                • [00:16:58] PDI - daily interaction builds momentum and confidence
                                • [00:21:09] Force multipliers - promote leaders and give bandwidth to lead

                                  hope you enjoy, Chris

                                  Did you know...

                                  Only 30% of businesses listed for sale actually find a buyer? Even more striking, just 10% of those sell for the price their owners anticipated or higher, meaning only 3% of all business owners achieve their desired sale price. By focusing on understanding and enhancing your enterprise value, you can significantly boost your chances of joining that successful 3%.

                                  Business Health & Value Assessment

                                  Start Assessment Know Your Enterprise Value. See Your Potential Gaps.

                                  Complete this assessment in less than 15 minutes and receive a free assessment for your business that includes:

                                  • A Lite Valuation Of Your Business
                                  • Your Value Multiplier Per Your Industry
                                  • Health Assessment Per Our PYB Methodology
                                  • Business Value & Growth Roadmap Tailored For You
                                  • Value Acceleration Strategies
                                  • Spotlight on Floodlight: Your Secret Weapon for Sales & Scaling

                                    This isn’t a paid plug. It’s real talk from the front lines. If you’ve ever thought, “How do I get a VP-level sales leader or even a sales team without hiring full-time?” Floodlight has the answer.

                                    Fractional Sales Leadership
                                    • They act as your outsourced VP of Sales, taking full responsibility for training, managing, and growing your sales team. No six-figure hire needed.
                                    • Clients often close 20 to 50 percent more deals within six months, thanks to data-driven coaching, CRM setup, scripts, and performance reviews.
                                      More at floodlightgrp.com/sales
                                      Commercial Sales MasterCourse
                                      • A self-paced, video-driven B2B sales course designed specifically for restoration teams. Perfect for building commercial revenue and getting free from TPA handcuffs.
                                      • Covers mindset, prospecting, pipeline building, LinkedIn lead generation, and includes a $250 discount with code SALESBOOST.
                                        Details at floodlightgrp.com/courses
                                        Tailored Consulting & Coaching
                                        • Floodlight’s Propel Your Business methodology offers a full-circle roadmap: financials, sales, marketing, leadership, recruiting, productivity. All built for contractors.
                                        • These aren’t “life coaches.” They’re former restoration owners who’ve lived the chaos and know how to scale out of it.
                                          Explore more at floodlightgrp.com
                                          Live Training, Tools & Strategic Partnerships
                                          • Floodlight also delivers live onsite and virtual training, keynote speaking, and leadership tracks covering operations, project management, and strategic growth.
                                          • Bonus: They’ve vetted tools like Xcelerate, Liftify, and Sureti. Floodlight clients get access to exclusive discounts on tech that actually moves the needle.
                                            See all partnerships at floodlightgrp.com/partners
                                            Why it matters for you as a listener
                                            • You don’t need to figure this stuff out alone.
                                            • If you’re serious about sales growth, operational clarity, exit readiness, or leadership development, Floodlight is already helping folks like you scale smarter.
                                            • And you get it from industry insiders. People who’ve sat in your chair, survived the fires, and built systems that actually work.
                                              43 min
                                            • Ep 181 - "Printing the Future: 3D Homes, Restoration, and What’s Coming Next"

                                              What’s up, friends! This week Brandon and I are coming to you from our brand-new HHB studio: vaulted ceilings, windows to the world, and a backdrop so good it deserves a tattoo. And for our first show in this space, we went big.

                                              We sat down with David Gonzalez and Mark Mushlitz from K4K Construction, guys who are pioneering 3D printed concrete homes. Yes, literally printing houses.

                                              This isn’t sci-fi anymore. It’s happening now, and it has massive implications for construction, restoration, and how we think about the homes we live in.

                                              Thanks for listening, Chris

                                              Why You Should Listen:

                                              [00:04:41] 3D Printed Homes Explained – How concrete is layered to build faster, stronger walls.

                                              [00:06:56] Early Adoption – Texas leads the way with hundreds of 3D printed homes.

                                              [00:09:03] Economics – High upfront costs, but major labor and waste savings.

                                              [00:13:10] Speed – Walls in days, not months.

                                              [00:15:01] Commercial Use – Walmart already testing large-scale builds.

                                              [00:20:08] Design Freedom – Curves, arcs, and finishes beyond square boxes.

                                              [00:23:44] Durability – Fire, water, and pest resistance with better insulation.

                                              [00:32:04] Restoration Impact – Resilient rebuilds that ease client trauma.

                                              [00:39:16] AI + 3D Printing – Smarter programming, faster adoption.

                                              [00:43:36] Next Generation – Why trades and future builders should pay attention now.

                                               

                                              Did you know...

                                              Only 30% of businesses listed for sale actually find a buyer? Even more striking, just 10% of those sell for the price their owners anticipated or higher, meaning only 3% of all business owners achieve their desired sale price. By focusing on understanding and enhancing your enterprise value, you can significantly boost your chances of joining that successful 3%.

                                              Business Health & Value Assessment

                                              Start Assessment Know Your Enterprise Value. See Your Potential Gaps.

                                              Complete this assessment in less than 15 minutes and receive a free assessment for your business that includes:

                                              • A Lite Valuation Of Your Business
                                              • Your Value Multiplier Per Your Industry
                                              • Health Assessment Per Our PYB Methodology
                                              • Business Value & Growth Roadmap Tailored For You
                                              • Value Acceleration Strategies
                                              • Spotlight on Floodlight: Your Secret Weapon for Sales & Scaling

                                                This isn’t a paid plug. It’s real talk from the front lines. If you’ve ever thought, “How do I get a VP-level sales leader or even a sales team without hiring full-time?” Floodlight has the answer.

                                                Fractional Sales Leadership
                                                • They act as your outsourced VP of Sales, taking full responsibility for training, managing, and growing your sales team. No six-figure hire needed.
                                                • Clients often close 20 to 50 percent more deals within six months, thanks to data-driven coaching, CRM setup, scripts, and performance reviews.
                                                  More at floodlightgrp.com/sales
                                                  Commercial Sales MasterCourse
                                                  • A self-paced, video-driven B2B sales course designed specifically for restoration teams. Perfect for building commercial revenue and getting free from TPA handcuffs.
                                                  • Covers mindset, prospecting, pipeline building, LinkedIn lead generation, and includes a $250 discount with code SALESBOOST.
                                                    Details at floodlightgrp.com/courses
                                                    Tailored Consulting & Coaching
                                                    • Floodlight’s Propel Your Business methodology offers a full-circle roadmap: financials, sales, marketing, leadership, recruiting, productivity. All built for contractors.
                                                    • These aren’t “life coaches.” They’re former restoration owners who’ve lived the chaos and know how to scale out of it.
                                                      Explore more at floodlightgrp.com
                                                      Live Training, Tools & Strategic Partnerships
                                                      • Floodlight also delivers live onsite and virtual training, keynote speaking, and leadership tracks covering operations, project management, and strategic growth.
                                                      • Bonus: They’ve vetted tools like Xcelerate, Liftify, and Sureti. Floodlight clients get access to exclusive discounts on tech that actually moves the needle.
                                                        See all partnerships at floodlightgrp.com/partners
                                                        Why it matters for you as a listener
                                                        • You don’t need to figure this stuff out alone.
                                                        • If you’re serious about sales growth, operational clarity, exit readiness, or leadership development, Floodlight is already helping folks like you scale smarter.
                                                        • And you get it from industry insiders. People who’ve sat in your chair, survived the fires, and built systems that actually work.
                                                          46 min
                                                        • Ep 180 - "Growing Revenue, With AI With Nick D'Urbano"

                                                          AI isn’t just hype, it’s already changing how service companies capture leads, close deals, and keep customers happy. In this episode, Chris and Brandon dive into the most practical, boots-on-the-ground conversation we’ve ever had about AI for the trades.

                                                          Our guest, Nick D’Urbano, CRO and co-founder of Distance, brings a wild career path, from Deloitte M&A to running growth for Victoria’s Secret overseas, to his mission of helping restoration, plumbing, and HVAC companies stop letting revenue slip through the cracks

                                                          Why you should listen:

                                                           

                                                          • [00:03:37] Nick’s career path and how e-commerce growth strategies translate perfectly into service industries.
                                                          • [00:10:19] Why your call intake process is probably leaking revenue—and how to fix it before spending more on marketing.
                                                          • [00:16:30] The cost of missed calls, after-hours gaps, and the “storm surge” scenario where AI can save six-figure jobs.
                                                          • [00:23:35] Offensive vs. defensive AI strategies—when to focus on lead capture vs. protecting the leads you’ve already paid for.
                                                          • [00:33:37] How far AI voice has come—and why it’s no longer the clunky, robotic call bot you’re picturing.
                                                          • [00:44:21] Using AI across different channels (voice, SMS, chat) to meet customers where they’re at—in real time.
                                                          • [00:50:51] The opportunity to use AI for proactive customer check-ins to prevent small frustrations from turning into slow-pay invoices.
                                                          • [01:01:47] The three main ways Distance helps companies capture more leads and book more jobs.

                                                             

                                                            Did you know...

                                                            Only 30% of businesses listed for sale actually find a buyer? Even more striking, just 10% of those sell for the price their owners anticipated or higher, meaning only 3% of all business owners achieve their desired sale price. By focusing on understanding and enhancing your enterprise value, you can significantly boost your chances of joining that successful 3%.

                                                            Business Health & Value Assessment

                                                            Start Assessment Know Your Enterprise Value. See Your Potential Gaps.

                                                            Complete this assessment in less than 15 minutes and receive a free assessment for your business that includes:

                                                            • A Lite Valuation Of Your Business
                                                            • Your Value Multiplier Per Your Industry
                                                            • Health Assessment Per Our PYB Methodology
                                                            • Business Value & Growth Roadmap Tailored For You
                                                            • Value Acceleration Strategies
                                                            • Spotlight on Floodlight: Your Secret Weapon for Sales & Scaling

                                                              This isn’t a paid plug. It’s real talk from the front lines. If you’ve ever thought, “How do I get a VP-level sales leader or even a sales team without hiring full-time?” Floodlight has the answer.

                                                              Fractional Sales Leadership
                                                              • They act as your outsourced VP of Sales, taking full responsibility for training, managing, and growing your sales team. No six-figure hire needed.
                                                              • Clients often close 20 to 50 percent more deals within six months, thanks to data-driven coaching, CRM setup, scripts, and performance reviews.
                                                                More at floodlightgrp.com/sales
                                                                Commercial Sales MasterCourse
                                                                • A self-paced, video-driven B2B sales course designed specifically for restoration teams. Perfect for building commercial revenue and getting free from TPA handcuffs.
                                                                • Covers mindset, prospecting, pipeline building, LinkedIn lead generation, and includes a $250 discount with code SALESBOOST.
                                                                  Details at floodlightgrp.com/courses
                                                                  Tailored Consulting & Coaching
                                                                  • Floodlight’s Propel Your Business methodology offers a full-circle roadmap: financials, sales, marketing, leadership, recruiting, productivity. All built for contractors.
                                                                  • These aren’t “life coaches.” They’re former restoration owners who’ve lived the chaos and know how to scale out of it.
                                                                    Explore more at floodlightgrp.com
                                                                    Live Training, Tools & Strategic Partnerships
                                                                    • Floodlight also delivers live onsite and virtual training, keynote speaking, and leadership tracks covering operations, project management, and strategic growth.
                                                                    • Bonus: They’ve vetted tools like Xcelerate, Liftify, and Sureti. Floodlight clients get access to exclusive discounts on tech that actually moves the needle.
                                                                      See all partnerships at floodlightgrp.com/partners
                                                                      Why it matters for you as a listener
                                                                      • You don’t need to figure this stuff out alone.
                                                                      • If you’re serious about sales growth, operational clarity, exit readiness, or leadership development, Floodlight is already helping folks like you scale smarter.
                                                                      • And you get it from industry insiders. People who’ve sat in your chair, survived the fires, and built systems that actually work.
                                                                        1 hr 4 min
                                                                      • Ep 179 - "The Second Half"

                                                                        If you're mid-career and wondering why the grind feels heavier, or you're trying to make peace with a shift in your role - this one’s for you.

                                                                        • I finally understood what was really happening in my brain. That realization gave me clarity, and confidence. [00:05:27]
                                                                        • Crystallized vs. fluid intelligence: Once you know which one you’re operating from, you stop competing with 25-year-olds. [00:07:02]
                                                                        • The “definition of done” lens changed how I lead younger, faster thinkers, and freed up my bandwidth. [00:11:27]
                                                                        • John Eldredge’s 6 stages of manhood helped me figure out what stage I skipped... and how I went back to reclaim it. [00:22:05]
                                                                        • I no longer need the applause. That’s when I realized it’s time to share the stage, not dominate it. [00:44:18]

                                                                          -Thanks for listening, Chris and Brandon

                                                                           

                                                                          Did you know...

                                                                          Only 30% of businesses listed for sale actually find a buyer? Even more striking, just 10% of those sell for the price their owners anticipated or higher, meaning only 3% of all business owners achieve their desired sale price. By focusing on understanding and enhancing your enterprise value, you can significantly boost your chances of joining that successful 3%.

                                                                          Business Health & Value Assessment

                                                                          Start Assessment Know Your Enterprise Value. See Your Potential Gaps.

                                                                          Complete this assessment in less than 15 minutes and receive a free assessment for your business that includes:

                                                                          • A Lite Valuation Of Your Business
                                                                          • Your Value Multiplier Per Your Industry
                                                                          • Health Assessment Per Our PYB Methodology
                                                                          • Business Value & Growth Roadmap Tailored For You
                                                                          • Value Acceleration Strategies
                                                                          • Spotlight on Floodlight: Your Secret Weapon for Sales & Scaling

                                                                            This isn’t a paid plug. It’s real talk from the front lines. If you’ve ever thought, “How do I get a VP-level sales leader or even a sales team without hiring full-time?” Floodlight has the answer.

                                                                            Fractional Sales Leadership
                                                                            • They act as your outsourced VP of Sales, taking full responsibility for training, managing, and growing your sales team. No six-figure hire needed.
                                                                            • Clients often close 20 to 50 percent more deals within six months, thanks to data-driven coaching, CRM setup, scripts, and performance reviews.
                                                                              More at floodlightgrp.com/sales
                                                                              Commercial Sales MasterCourse
                                                                              • A self-paced, video-driven B2B sales course designed specifically for restoration teams. Perfect for building commercial revenue and getting free from TPA handcuffs.
                                                                              • Covers mindset, prospecting, pipeline building, LinkedIn lead generation, and includes a $250 discount with code SALESBOOST.
                                                                                Details at floodlightgrp.com/courses
                                                                                Tailored Consulting & Coaching
                                                                                • Floodlight’s Propel Your Business methodology offers a full-circle roadmap: financials, sales, marketing, leadership, recruiting, productivity. All built for contractors.
                                                                                • These aren’t “life coaches.” They’re former restoration owners who’ve lived the chaos and know how to scale out of it.
                                                                                  Explore more at floodlightgrp.com
                                                                                  Live Training, Tools & Strategic Partnerships
                                                                                  • Floodlight also delivers live onsite and virtual training, keynote speaking, and leadership tracks covering operations, project management, and strategic growth.
                                                                                  • Bonus: They’ve vetted tools like Xcelerate, Liftify, and Sureti. Floodlight clients get access to exclusive discounts on tech that actually moves the needle.
                                                                                    See all partnerships at floodlightgrp.com/partners
                                                                                    Why it matters for you as a listener
                                                                                    • You don’t need to figure this stuff out alone.
                                                                                    • If you’re serious about sales growth, operational clarity, exit readiness, or leadership development, Floodlight is already helping folks like you scale smarter.
                                                                                    • And you get it from industry insiders. People who’ve sat in your chair, survived the fires, and built systems that actually work.
                                                                                      48 min
                                                                                    • Ep 178 - "Wisdom from a Run of Acquisitions, with Jeff Moore"

                                                                                      Ever wonder what it really takes to build an M&A machine inside the restoration world? This week, we sit down with Jeff Moore, the guy leading the charge at ATI Restoration, to get into the weeds on what he’s learned after buying 40+ companies in five short years.

                                                                                      We dig into:

                                                                                      • Why culture eats EBITDA for breakfast 44:00
                                                                                      • The million-dollar HR screwup that still makes Jeff cringe 08:25
                                                                                      • Why earnouts suck (his words, not ours) 10:55
                                                                                      • How misjudging people can cost you a hell of a lot more than money 33:41
                                                                                      • What most folks misunderstand about ATI (and big players in general) 49:18
                                                                                      • Why PE-backed rollups fail—and what separates a win from a write-off 40:52

                                                                                        It’s not just M&A talk—this is about identity, reputation, trust, and straight-up hard-won leadership scars.

                                                                                        thanks for listening, Chris and Brandon

                                                                                        Did you know...

                                                                                        Only 30% of businesses listed for sale actually find a buyer? Even more striking, just 10% of those sell for the price their owners anticipated or higher, meaning only 3% of all business owners achieve their desired sale price. By focusing on understanding and enhancing your enterprise value, you can significantly boost your chances of joining that successful 3%.

                                                                                        Business Health & Value Assessment

                                                                                        Start Assessment Know Your Enterprise Value. See Your Potential Gaps.

                                                                                        Complete this assessment in less than 15 minutes and receive a free assessment for your business that includes:

                                                                                        • A Lite Valuation Of Your Business
                                                                                        • Your Value Multiplier Per Your Industry
                                                                                        • Health Assessment Per Our PYB Methodology
                                                                                        • Business Value & Growth Roadmap Tailored For You
                                                                                        • Value Acceleration Strategies
                                                                                        • Spotlight on Floodlight: Your Secret Weapon for Sales & Scaling

                                                                                          This isn’t a paid plug. It’s real talk from the front lines. If you’ve ever thought, “How do I get a VP-level sales leader or even a sales team without hiring full-time?” Floodlight has the answer.

                                                                                          Fractional Sales Leadership
                                                                                          • They act as your outsourced VP of Sales, taking full responsibility for training, managing, and growing your sales team. No six-figure hire needed.
                                                                                          • Clients often close 20 to 50 percent more deals within six months, thanks to data-driven coaching, CRM setup, scripts, and performance reviews.
                                                                                            More at floodlightgrp.com/sales
                                                                                            Commercial Sales MasterCourse
                                                                                            • A self-paced, video-driven B2B sales course designed specifically for restoration teams. Perfect for building commercial revenue and getting free from TPA handcuffs.
                                                                                            • Covers mindset, prospecting, pipeline building, LinkedIn lead generation, and includes a $250 discount with code SALESBOOST.
                                                                                              Details at floodlightgrp.com/courses
                                                                                              Tailored Consulting & Coaching
                                                                                              • Floodlight’s Propel Your Business methodology offers a full-circle roadmap: financials, sales, marketing, leadership, recruiting, productivity. All built for contractors.
                                                                                              • These aren’t “life coaches.” They’re former restoration owners who’ve lived the chaos and know how to scale out of it.
                                                                                                Explore more at floodlightgrp.com
                                                                                                Live Training, Tools & Strategic Partnerships
                                                                                                • Floodlight also delivers live onsite and virtual training, keynote speaking, and leadership tracks covering operations, project management, and strategic growth.
                                                                                                • Bonus: They’ve vetted tools like Xcelerate, Liftify, and Sureti. Floodlight clients get access to exclusive discounts on tech that actually moves the needle.
                                                                                                  See all partnerships at floodlightgrp.com/partners
                                                                                                  Why it matters for you as a listener
                                                                                                  • You don’t need to figure this stuff out alone.
                                                                                                  • If you’re serious about sales growth, operational clarity, exit readiness, or leadership development, Floodlight is already helping folks like you scale smarter.
                                                                                                  • And you get it from industry insiders. People who’ve sat in your chair, survived the fires, and built systems that actually work.
                                                                                                    1 hr 3 min
                                                                                                  • Ep 177 - "Revenue Is Down? With Aaron Brunko and David Obert"

                                                                                                    In this episode, we get into the weeds with David Obert and Aaron Brunko to figure out what’s actually driving the dip in claim volume, and what it means for us on the ground.

                                                                                                    Spoiler: It’s not just the weather.

                                                                                                    We break down six key contributors, from deductible creep to increased competition, and dig into how AI, estimating, and people power are reshaping the game.

                                                                                                    Check it out:
                                                                                                    [00:08:00] Why claim volume feels low, and what the data really says
                                                                                                    [00:14:00] The impact of at-home workforces and tech-driven loss prevention
                                                                                                    [00:19:30] New players, new pressure: PE-backed firms and claim share
                                                                                                    [00:31:00] How centralized estimating is shifting the role of the estimator
                                                                                                    [00:49:00] AI, automation, and the next 18-36 months in scope writing
                                                                                                    [01:02:00] What contractors should focus on right now (hint: people)

                                                                                                    Big takeaway:
                                                                                                    This isn’t a time to coast, it’s a time to compete. How we make clients feel matters more than ever. Invest in your people. Dial in your process. Use tech to amplify, not replace.

                                                                                                    thanks for listening,

                                                                                                    Brandon and Chris

                                                                                                    Thank you sponsors!

                                                                                                    Liftify is for restorers who are looking to accelerate their online reviews. Consistent and fresh Google Reviews are critical to growing your online presence and establishing trust with your brand. Don’t leave it to chance; partner with Liftify and let them capture the feedback your team has earned. 

                                                                                                    https://www.liftify.com/floodlight 

                                                                                                    AnswerForce transforms the restoration industry by providing round-the-clock answering solutions.  Their skilled team ensures no call goes unanswered, capturing and qualifying leads, scheduling appointments, and enhancing customer satisfaction. Benefit from industry expertise, scalability, and customized scripting while saving costs compared to in-house solutions. With AnswerForce, your business growth potential becomes limitless.

                                                                                                    https://www.answerforce.com/floodlight

                                                                                                    C&R Magazine is the industry’s oldest and longest-running media outlet. The team brings restorers all the current news, developments, education and resources that impact our business and the teams we lead. From print media to podcasts, C&R ensures the industry news you need is accessible from anywhere. 

                                                                                                    https://candrmagazine.com 

                                                                                                    Actionable Insights. The Actionable Xactimate Profile by Actionable Insights offers live guidance for more accurate and complete estimates in Xactimate, preventing costly errors and improving your team's workflow. It's an essential upgrade for enhanced estimating accuracy and efficiency.

                                                                                                    https://getinsights.org/floodlight 

                                                                                                    Did you know...

                                                                                                    Only 30% of businesses listed for sale actually find a buyer? Even more striking, just 10% of those sell for the price their owners anticipated or higher, meaning only 3% of all business owners achieve their desired sale price. By focusing on understanding and enhancing your enterprise value, you can significantly boost your chances of joining that successful 3%.

                                                                                                    Business Health & Value Assessment

                                                                                                    Start Assessment Know Your Enterprise Value. See Your Potential Gaps.

                                                                                                    Complete this assessment in less than 15 minutes and receive a free assessment for your business that includes:

                                                                                                    • A Lite Valuation Of Your Business
                                                                                                    • Your Value Multiplier Per Your Industry
                                                                                                    • Health Assessment Per Our PYB Methodology
                                                                                                    • Business Value & Growth Roadmap Tailored For You
                                                                                                    • Value Acceleration Strategies
                                                                                                    • 1 hr 9 min
                                                                                                    • Ep 176 - "Start With The Future In Mind, With Sadiq Isu"

                                                                                                      Some people build their businesses one fire at a time. Sadiq Isu builds with the end in mind, and it shows.

                                                                                                      Brandon and I sat down with Sadiq to talk about what it looks like to lead with clarity. He’s an immigrant who bought, built, and sold restoration companies, and did it on purpose. No scramble, no guesswork. Just steady, strategic growth with people and legacy at the core.

                                                                                                      This isn’t theory. It’s what happens when you trade short-term wins for long-term impact.

                                                                                                      Why You Should Listen:

                                                                                                      • [08:22] From night shift to ownership, Sadiq’s first few years in the U.S.
                                                                                                      • [16:41] Why he builds every company from the exit backward
                                                                                                      • [24:12] How he 2–3x’d his company’s value before selling
                                                                                                      • [26:00] The one trait that makes a partnership work
                                                                                                      • [33:44] Faith, family, and values, not just talk, but operational strategy
                                                                                                      • [40:35] What restoration leaders are missing, and how to course-correct
                                                                                                      • [49:01] How to build a company that reflects who you are, not just what you do

                                                                                                        If you're building something to last, this one’s worth a listen.

                                                                                                        -Chris

                                                                                                         

                                                                                                        Thank you sponsors!

                                                                                                        Liftify is for restorers who are looking to accelerate their online reviews. Consistent and fresh Google Reviews are critical to growing your online presence and establishing trust with your brand. Don’t leave it to chance; partner with Liftify and let them capture the feedback your team has earned. 

                                                                                                        https://www.liftify.com/floodlight 

                                                                                                        AnswerForce transforms the restoration industry by providing round-the-clock answering solutions.  Their skilled team ensures no call goes unanswered, capturing and qualifying leads, scheduling appointments, and enhancing customer satisfaction. Benefit from industry expertise, scalability, and customized scripting while saving costs compared to in-house solutions. With AnswerForce, your business growth potential becomes limitless.

                                                                                                        https://www.answerforce.com/floodlight

                                                                                                        C&R Magazine is the industry’s oldest and longest-running media outlet. The team brings restorers all the current news, developments, education and resources that impact our business and the teams we lead. From print media to podcasts, C&R ensures the industry news you need is accessible from anywhere. 

                                                                                                        https://candrmagazine.com 

                                                                                                        Actionable Insights. The Actionable Xactimate Profile by Actionable Insights offers live guidance for more accurate and complete estimates in Xactimate, preventing costly errors and improving your team's workflow. It's an essential upgrade for enhanced estimating accuracy and efficiency.

                                                                                                        https://getinsights.org/floodlight 

                                                                                                        Did you know...

                                                                                                        Only 30% of businesses listed for sale actually find a buyer? Even more striking, just 10% of those sell for the price their owners anticipated or higher, meaning only 3% of all business owners achieve their desired sale price. By focusing on understanding and enhancing your enterprise value, you can significantly boost your chances of joining that successful 3%.

                                                                                                        Business Health & Value Assessment

                                                                                                        Start Assessment Know Your Enterprise Value. See Your Potential Gaps.

                                                                                                        Complete this assessment in less than 15 minutes and receive a free assessment for your business that includes:

                                                                                                        • A Lite Valuation Of Your Business
                                                                                                        • Your Value Multiplier Per Your Industry
                                                                                                        • Health Assessment Per Our PYB Methodology
                                                                                                        • Business Value & Growth Roadmap Tailored For You
                                                                                                        • Value Acceleration Strategies
                                                                                                        • 1 hr 26 min
                                                                                                        • Ep 175 - "Post Father's Day Reflections"

                                                                                                          The Father, the Builder, the Balance - This one's personal. Chris and I sat down to talk about the real stuff behind building a business, being husbands, dads, friends—while staying ambitious. If you're in that tension too, you'll feel seen in this one.

                                                                                                          Why You Should Listen:

                                                                                                          • [04:47] Building can cost more than you think, especially at home.
                                                                                                          • [06:10] Chris opens up about losing his dad and the emotional wreckage that followed.
                                                                                                          • [16:32] What does it mean to live like a Renaissance man?
                                                                                                          • [35:57] You don’t have to carry the whole business to win big.
                                                                                                          • [44:44] “Are you ready to not matter to your business?” The exit nobody prepares for.
                                                                                                          • [54:13] If you’re a dad or a son, this is your call to lean in.

                                                                                                            No business strategy here, just two guys wrestling with what really matters.

                                                                                                            -Brandon

                                                                                                            Thank you sponsors!

                                                                                                            Liftify is for restorers who are looking to accelerate their online reviews. Consistent and fresh Google Reviews are critical to growing your online presence and establishing trust with your brand. Don’t leave it to chance; partner with Liftify and let them capture the feedback your team has earned. 

                                                                                                            https://www.liftify.com/floodlight 

                                                                                                            AnswerForce transforms the restoration industry by providing round-the-clock answering solutions.  Their skilled team ensures no call goes unanswered, capturing and qualifying leads, scheduling appointments, and enhancing customer satisfaction. Benefit from industry expertise, scalability, and customized scripting while saving costs compared to in-house solutions. With AnswerForce, your business growth potential becomes limitless.

                                                                                                            https://www.answerforce.com/floodlight

                                                                                                            C&R Magazine is the industry’s oldest and longest-running media outlet. The team brings restorers all the current news, developments, education and resources that impact our business and the teams we lead. From print media to podcasts, C&R ensures the industry news you need is accessible from anywhere. 

                                                                                                            https://candrmagazine.com 

                                                                                                            Actionable Insights. The Actionable Xactimate Profile by Actionable Insights offers live guidance for more accurate and complete estimates in Xactimate, preventing costly errors and improving your team's workflow. It's an essential upgrade for enhanced estimating accuracy and efficiency.

                                                                                                            https://getinsights.org/floodlight 

                                                                                                            Did you know...

                                                                                                            Only 30% of businesses listed for sale actually find a buyer? Even more striking, just 10% of those sell for the price their owners anticipated or higher, meaning only 3% of all business owners achieve their desired sale price. By focusing on understanding and enhancing your enterprise value, you can significantly boost your chances of joining that successful 3%.

                                                                                                            Business Health & Value Assessment

                                                                                                            Start AssessmentKnow Your Enterprise Value. See Your Potential Gaps.

                                                                                                            Complete this assessment in less than 15 minutes and receive a free assessment for your business that includes:

                                                                                                            • A Lite Valuation Of Your Business
                                                                                                            • Your Value Multiplier Per Your Industry
                                                                                                            • Health Assessment Per Our PYB Methodology
                                                                                                            • Business Value & Growth Roadmap Tailored For You
                                                                                                            • Value Acceleration Strategies
                                                                                                            • 57 min

                                                                                                            About Head Heart & Boots

                                                                                                            From the publisher's feed

                                                                                                            If you build it, fix it, or maintain it, the Head Heart & Boots podcast is for you. Restoration, roofing, HVAC, plumbing, landscaping, and every blue-collar trade in between. If you own a service business and you have ever felt the weight of leading it, this show is for you.

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