Welcome to a New Episode of Next Level Pros! Today, Chris Lee shares his powerful origin story. From humble beginnings in a small town to early business ventures, overcoming personal challenges, and finding his true path in entrepreneurship. Originally recorded for his first podcast, “The Founder Podcast,” this replay dives deep into Chris’s childhood, his work ethic shaped by necessity, how he found confidence through Cutco sales, and the pivotal decision to walk away from medical school and build something on his own.

Apply to be on the show:

https://forms.gle/hwDijQPFyKCEtHNs8

Highlights:"Sales is the root of every successful business. Learn it or lose.""Diabetes didn’t define me. It disciplined me.""I was making $65,000 in three months while my dad worked all year for that.""You don’t need to be the quarterback to win the championship."

Timestamps:

00:00 – Why This Episode Matters

00:38 – Meet Chris Lee: Early Retirement & Entrepreneurial Lessons

02:00 – Growing Up in Connell, Washington

05:10 – Childhood Jobs & Early Financial Discipline

08:10 – Discovering Sales Through Cutco at 18

13:00 – Lessons from Sports & Being Benched

18:00 – Diabetes Diagnosis & Life-Changing Identity Shift

21:00 – Serving a Mission & Developing Deeper Resilience

27:11 – Marriage, Fatherhood & That First $65K Summer

31:30 – Pivoting from Medicine to Entrepreneurship

Looking to scale your business? Want to learn directly from the same team that helped me sell my last business for 9 figures? Click this link below to check out how you can work with us. https://nextlevelhomepros.com/grow-home-service-vsl 

Join my community - Founder Acceleration ⁠https://www.founderacceleration.com  ⁠

Apply for our next Mastermind: h⁠ttps://www.thefoundermastermind.com ⁠ 

Golf with Chris: h⁠ttps://www.golfwithchris.com ⁠ 

Watch my latest Podcast

Apple- Next Level Pros Podcast - Apple PodcastsSpotify- ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/1e0cL2vI1JAtQrojSOA7D2 ⁠

YouTube - @christhefounder 

Welcome to a new episode of Next Level Pros! Today, we sit down with Victor Rancour, a powerhouse in the trades and HVAC industry who scaled from scratch to multi-million dollar success in just a few years. In this episode, Victor breaks down the exact moves he makes when acquiring new businesses, the systems he installs for profitability, and the sales processes that drive results. If you're an entrepreneur, business owner, or sales professional looking to dominate your market and build a real machine, this episode is for you.

Highlights:

"If you decide to do something and you put your all into it, you can have an opportunity."  

"You have to recruit the sales guy. If you want to start winning, you got to get one from that big company."  

"If you can't get customers, you're not going to attract me and Chris ain't working for you."  

"Implement AI, know your numbers. Let's go."

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction

01:06 - Breaking Into HVAC: The Craigslist Ad That Changed Everything

04:03 - Learning the Business: From Sales to General Manager

08:12 - Marketing in 2025: Hand-to-Hand Combat and Direct Mail

12:11 - The Power of Follow-Up: Building a Rehash Strategy with RP1

15:19 - Pricing Models: 65% Gross Margin and Sliding Scale Commissions

19:38 - Acquiring Businesses: The First Three Things Victor Changes

22:12 - Sales Training: Four to Five Days a Week for Consistency

28:53 - Leading with Financing: Making High-Ticket Sales Accessible

44:29 - Upcoming Event: Victor’s Sales Training in Ohio & Final Advice

Want me to teach you how to grow your business? Text me! 509-374-7554

Want access to more of my content? Click the link below for all of our latest updates and events!

https://linktr.ee/nextlevelpros

Want to be a guest on our show? Apply here!https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1YlkVBSluEKMTg4gehyUOHYvBratcxHV5rt3kiWTXNC4/viewform?edit_requested=true

Watch my latest PodcastApple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/next-level-pros/id1687030281

Spotify- https://open.spotify.com/show/1e0cL2vI1JAtQrojSOA7D2?si=95980cd4e55a437a

YouTube- https://www.youtube.com/@NextLevelPros

Welcome to a new episode of Next Level Pros! In this episode, Chris reveals three powerful strategies to 3x your revenue in the HVAC and trades industry. Whether you’re a business owner, manager, or sales leader in home services, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you scale your business, avoid common pitfalls, and close more deals with confidence.

Highlights:

“Customers do not buy products. They buy solutions.”

“Do not, I repeat, DO NOT train your technicians to go and do this work.”

“A confused buyer does not buy.”

“A no is still a decision. And a maybe, no matter how you convince yourself, is a freaking maybe.”

Timestamps:00:00 Introduction

02:25 Sales Process Separation and Technician vs. Salesperson Roles 

05:34 Limiting Sales Options and the Louis Vuitton Approach 

06:54 The Louis Vuitton Approach

09:25 Eliminating Quotes and Adopting Yes or No Decisions 

10:54 Understanding the Decisions Clients Make

Want me to teach you how to grow your business? Text me! 509-374-7554

Want access to more of my content? Click the link below for all of our latest updates and events!

https://linktr.ee/nextlevelpros

Want to be a guest on our show? Apply here!https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1YlkVBSluEKMTg4gehyUOHYvBratcxHV5rt3kiWTXNC4/viewform?edit_requested=true

Watch my latest PodcastApple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/next-level-pros/id1687030281

Spotify- https://open.spotify.com/show/1e0cL2vI1JAtQrojSOA7D2?si=95980cd4e55a437a

YouTube- https://www.youtube.com/@NextLevelPros

Welcome to a new episode of Next Level Pros! In this episode, we dive into the journey of joining a startup from humble beginnings, the power of a clear mission and vision, and how culture can shape both personal and organizational success. This episode is perfect for entrepreneurs, leaders, and anyone seeking inspiration to build or join a purpose-driven team.

Highlights:

"He who has the bigger vision will always win."

"If people come to you for money, they will leave you for money."

"Culture eats strategy for breakfast."

"Most people overestimate what they can do in one year and underestimate how much they can accomplish in five."

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction

02:01 First Impressions and Interview Experience 

05:09 Starting at the Company and Initial Challenges 

09:22 Growth and Success of the Solar Company 

11:53 Building a Five-Year Roadmap 

14:34 Adapting to Different Roles 

17:33 The Importance of Clear Communication 

18:50 Final Thoughts on Mission and Vision 

Want me to teach you how to grow your business? Text me! 509-374-7554

Want access to more of my content? Click the link below for all of our latest updates and events!

https://linktr.ee/nextlevelpros

Want to be a guest on our show? Apply here!https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1YlkVBSluEKMTg4gehyUOHYvBratcxHV5rt3kiWTXNC4/viewform?edit_requested=true

Watch my latest PodcastApple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/next-level-pros/id1687030281

Spotify- https://open.spotify.com/show/1e0cL2vI1JAtQrojSOA7D2?si=95980cd4e55a437a

YouTube- https://www.youtube.com/@NextLevelPros

Welcome to a new episode of Next Level Pros! In this episode, Chris interviews Aaron Cooper from Sameday.ai, exploring how AI is transforming customer service and sales in home service businesses. Perfect for entrepreneurs, trade business owners, and tech-curious professionals looking to understand the future of customer interactions and business efficiency.

Highlights:

"If you're not using AI to rewrite your copy now, you're missing out." 

"The AI can close at rates in the 90s for HVAC, plumbing, and electric services."

"We're training AI to be the best closer." 

"AI never has a bad day, never struggles with work ethic."

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction

02:57 AI's Impact on Marketing and Content Creation

07:44 Consumer Fears About Talking to AI

11:27 AI Voice Nuances and Realistic Interactions

14:39 Overcoming Customer Objections with AI

16:27 Replacing vs. Supplementing Human Customer Service

19:29 AI Handling Difficult Customer Interactions

21:51 Smart Dispatching and Technician Allocation

25:08 The True Cost of Underperforming Customer Service

28:07 Sameday.ai's Growth and Industry Impact

Want me to teach you how to grow your business? Text me! 509-374-7554

Want access to more of my content? Click the link below for all of our latest updates and events!

https://linktr.ee/nextlevelpros

Want to be a guest on our show? Apply here!https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1YlkVBSluEKMTg4gehyUOHYvBratcxHV5rt3kiWTXNC4/viewform?edit_requested=true

Watch my latest PodcastApple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/next-level-pros/id1687030281

Spotify- https://open.spotify.com/show/1e0cL2vI1JAtQrojSOA7D2?si=95980cd4e55a437a

YouTube- https://www.youtube.com/@NextLevelPros

Welcome to Next Level Pros! In this explosive episode, we dive deep into the public feud between Elon Musk and Donald Trump, uncovering critical lessons about leadership, ego management, and healthy communication. Whether you're a business owner, team leader, or aspiring entrepreneur, this episode will transform how you handle disagreements and build high-trust organizational cultures.

Highlights:

"Your ego is the guard dog that's been with you since you were two or three years old, and its self-appointed job is to make you feel safe."

"Check your egos at the door."

"To the degree that you are passionate about something, to that same degree you tend to be attached to it."

"Real leaders understand how to work with both strengths and weaknesses."

Timestamps:

00:00 Elon Musk and Donald Trump's Feud: Initial Context and Reactions 

02:27 Handling Disagreements in Leadership 

05:07 The Role of Ego in Leadership 

12:46 Building a Culture of Trust and Conflict Resolution 

Practical Strategies for Managing Ego and Conflict 

13:18 The Impact of Ego on Organizational Dynamics 

17:28 The Role of Passion and Attachment in Leadership 

23:11 The Importance of Preemptive Communication in Leadership 

Want me to teach you how to grow your business? Text me! 509-374-7554

Want access to more of my content? Click the link below for all of our latest updates and events!

https://linktr.ee/nextlevelpros

Want to be a guest on our show? Apply here!https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1YlkVBSluEKMTg4gehyUOHYvBratcxHV5rt3kiWTXNC4/viewform?edit_requested=true

Watch my latest PodcastApple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/next-level-pros/id1687030281

Spotify- https://open.spotify.com/show/1e0cL2vI1JAtQrojSOA7D2?si=95980cd4e55a437a

YouTube- https://www.youtube.com/@NextLevelPros

Welcome to a new episode of Next Level Pros! Today, we’re diving into how Google's new AI video platform, VEO 3, is flipping the script for small business marketing and production. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the cost or complexity of creating video content, this episode is for you. Learn how AI is making full-scale video production accessible — and how it could literally save your business millions. This one’s for small business owners, digital marketers, content creators, and anyone looking to scale using AI without a massive team or Hollywood budget.

Highlights:

“You can produce a Hollywood style commercial in a matter of what, 30 minutes?

“You’re a freaking influencer.”

“If you’re not using AI, see you later.”

“This is the gold rush of the early 2000s… now’s your time to shine, baby.”

Timestamps:

00:00 – Introduction

00:53 – Google's New Ecosystem

02:19 – Community Use Case

04:32 – Cost Comparison

08:20 – The Business Bottleneck

09:34 – AI Without Being On Camera

10:30 – Scaling with AI vs. Teams

11:53 – Strategy Over Automation

14:59 – The 1% Opportunity

18:17 – Free Resources & Next Steps

Want me to teach you how to grow your business? Text me! 509-374-7554

Want access to more of my content? Click the link below for all of our latest updates and events!

https://linktr.ee/nextlevelpros

Want to be a guest on our show? Apply here!https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1YlkVBSluEKMTg4gehyUOHYvBratcxHV5rt3kiWTXNC4/viewform?edit_requested=true

Watch my latest PodcastApple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/next-level-pros/id1687030281

Spotify- https://open.spotify.com/show/1e0cL2vI1JAtQrojSOA7D2?si=95980cd4e55a437a

YouTube- https://www.youtube.com/@NextLevelPros

Welcome to a new episode of Next Level Pros! In this episode, we dive deep into the transformative world of Artificial Intelligence and its game-changing impact on home service professionals. Whether you're a business owner, technician, or entrepreneur in the trades, this episode will reveal how AI can be your biggest opportunity or your biggest threat.

Highlight:

"AI will teach you about AI" 

"Don't be scared of AI. Utilize AI, learn AI" 

"The positions that are going to exist are people managing AI agents" 

"If you do not become an exceptional talent, you will face the need for a career change" 

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction: AI in Home Services

00:28 How AI is Changing the Game for Professionals

03:00 Practical AI Tools for Business Owners

05:49 Wearable AI and Employee Interaction Tracking

07:01 Creating an "Immortal" Digital Version of Yourself

10:01 How to Start Using ChatGPT Effectively

12:29 Voice Conversations with AI

13:25 AI Voice and Text Bots for Customer Service

14:45 Ethical Considerations of AI Job Replacement

17:13 Closing Call to Action: Embrace AI or Get Left Behind

Want me to teach you how to grow your business? Text me! 509-374-7554

Want access to more of my content? Click the link below for all of our latest updates and events!

https://linktr.ee/nextlevelpros

Want to be a guest on our show? Apply here!https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1YlkVBSluEKMTg4gehyUOHYvBratcxHV5rt3kiWTXNC4/viewform?edit_requested=true

Watch my latest PodcastApple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/next-level-pros/id1687030281

Spotify- https://open.spotify.com/show/1e0cL2vI1JAtQrojSOA7D2?si=95980cd4e55a437a

YouTube- https://www.youtube.com/@NextLevelPros

Welcome to a new episode of Next Level Pros! Today’s episode is a powerhouse roundtable featuring Ismael Valdez and Dustin Van Orman, two giants in the trades game who have each scaled service businesses to over $100 million in revenue. They join Chris and the team to talk about the real impact of private equity in the trades, the myths, the opportunities, and how the right mindset and sales driven culture can launch your business from $2M to $100M+. If you’ve been skeptical, or scared about private equity, this episode might just change your mind.

Highlights:

“AI won’t replace the trades. People still want humans in their homes.”

“The loudest voices attract the most labor.”

“We don’t have an information problem. We have an accountability problem.”

“You’re not selling out. You’re building up.”

Timestamps: 

00:00 Welcome & Introductions

03:12 From Zero to $108M: Ismael’s Growth Story

08:30 The Private Equity Boom in Trades

13:10 Tackling the Labor Shortage

19:45 California vs. Washington: Tough Markets, Big Upsides

26:30 Sales-Driven Culture: The Real Growth Lever

32:58 How to Attract Top Sales Talent

39:15 Picking the Right Coach (and Avoiding Scams)

45:00 The Power of Accountability & Coaching

51:25 What Drives These Founders Today

Want me to teach you how to grow your business? Text me! 509-374-7554

Want access to more of my content? Click the link below for all of our latest updates and events!

https://linktr.ee/nextlevelpros

Want to be a guest on our show? Apply here!https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1YlkVBSluEKMTg4gehyUOHYvBratcxHV5rt3kiWTXNC4/viewform?edit_requested=true

Watch my latest PodcastApple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/next-level-pros/id1687030281

Spotify- https://open.spotify.com/show/1e0cL2vI1JAtQrojSOA7D2?si=95980cd4e55a437a

YouTube- https://www.youtube.com/@NextLevelPros

Welcome to a new episode of Next Level Pros! In this engaging discussion, Chris Lee and Trent Lowenstein share the turnaround story of Amber's podiatry clinics in Portland, Oregon. Designed for medical practitioners struggling with profitability and business owners looking to scale efficiently, this episode provides actionable insights to transform your practice from running in the red to flourishing in the black. Learn how Amber went from a net operating income of negative $144,000 to a positive $23,000 in just a few months by joining the Next Level community, focusing on key metrics, and implementing strategic marketing initiatives. Discover the importance of staff accountability, the power of knowing and tracking key metrics, and how to effectively budget your marketing spend to fill up your practice’s calendar.

Highlights:

“Previously none of our employees knew what it meant to be successful.”

“When you can measure something, you can control it. Before, there was no visibility—now we know our break-even, our gross margin, our average revenue per visit. That’s when it gets fun.”

“It’s scary to spend money on marketing when you’ve been in desperation mode. But the opportunity cost of not spending is bigger.”

“Nobody loves your business like you do. Everyone else gets paid, and the entrepreneur goes home wondering how they’re going to make payroll. That’s why alignment and incentive structures are so important—so your team starts pushing the wagon with you.”

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction

02:25 Turning Point: Joining the Community

04:40 April's Success and Key Implementations

08:50 Clinic Capacity and Staffing Issues

14:24 Compensation Structures and Recruitment

31:38 Marketing Strategies and Cost of Acquisition

37:16 Addressing Marketing Concerns and Repeat Business

40:16 Opportunity Cost and Scaling the Business

49:44 Improving Front Desk Operations and Employee Incentives

59:06 Exploring Marketing Channels and Strategies

01:03:20 Conclusion