Owned and Operated - A Plumbing, Electrical, and HVAC Business Growth Podcast

In this episode of Owned and Operated, we’re diving into innovative lead generation strategies that are reshaping how home service companies attract local customers. From niche local newsletters to AI-powered tools, we cover real-world tactics that are working right now.

We explore how hyperlocal publications in places like Annapolis, Maryland and suburban New York are driving leads for services like power washing and home inspections—and why owning your communication channels (email lists, Facebook groups) is a game-changer.

Whether you're just starting or scaling up, this episode will give you actionable insights on using community engagement, AI tools like Avoca, and Facebook group sponsorships to fill your pipeline and take control of your local market.

🔹 In This Episode, We Cover:

• Real examples of local newsletters driving leads for home services
• Why owning your audience (email + groups) beats renting attention
• How AI tools like Avoca help manage leads and customer service
• Facebook groups as high-conversion lead generation platforms
• Community sponsorships as a brand-building strategy
• An upcoming workshop for local lead domination

🌐 More resources here

👤 Hosted by:
 Jack Carr
John Wilson

💼 Shoutout to Avoca AI!

 Looking to train your call center and improve technician performance? Avoca AI helps teams identify issues, improve call quality, and drive results from start to finish.

 🔗 Schedule a demo here!

💼 Shoutout to Quick Staffers LLC

 Need trained HVAC & plumbing CSRs at a fraction of the cost? Quick Staffers LLC specializes in placing top-tier global talent with the best SOPs and scripts.

 🔥 Get $1,000 off your first placement here 

Send Us Mail!

More Ways To Connect with OAO

• Start Here
• Owned and Operated Newsletter 
• Bonus Videos From John

Leave a Review

John Wilson, CEO of Wilson Companies
Jack Carr, CEO of Rapid HVAC

📌 Disclaimer: Some links may include UTM parameters or affiliate relationships, meaning we may earn a commission if you make a purchase. Episodes may feature sponsors, but all opinions expressed are our own.

In this episode of Owned and Operated, HVAC business experts Jack Carr and John Wilson break down the sales strategies that drive revenue growth at every stage of a home service company’s journey. Whether you're running a $1M shop or scaling past $50M, understanding how to structure your HVAC sales team is critical—and it starts with knowing the difference between marketed leads and technician-generated leads.

Jack and John explore why top HVAC companies like Four Seasons, Logan Services, and Peterman Brothers separate their sales teams based on lead source, and how that impacts close rates, efficiency, and scalability. From peer groups and sales training to seasonal lead flow and process refinement, this episode delivers real-world strategies for owners looking to increase HVAC revenue, optimize sales performance, and build scalable systems that actually work.

🔹 In This Episode, We Cover:

• The difference between marketed leads vs. tech-generated leads
  
  
• Why large HVAC companies often split sales teams
  
  
• Seasonal weather’s impact on lead flow and performance
  
  
• Peer groups as a catalyst for refining sales strategy
  
  
• Challenges in scaling marketing-led sales for smaller operators
  
  
• Sales process breakdowns from Four Seasons, Logan, and Peterman
  
  
• The role of efficiency and closing rates in mature orgs
  
  
• Strategies for training techs to sell in the field
  
  
  

🌐 More resources: ownedandoperated.com


👤 Hosted by:

 Jack Carr 

 John Wilson 

📣 This episode is sponsored by Owned and Operated Pro 

The private, vetted community for serious home service business owners. Inside OAO Pro, you’ll get matched with a small peer group of operators facing the same challenges, access behind-the-scenes content from top businesses, and tap into exclusive events and vendor deals.

It’s not just a community—it’s a growth engine.

 👉 Learn more here


💼 Special Thanks to Service Scalers!

We’ve been partnering with Service Scalers to maximize our Local Service Ads (LSAs) and optimize our Google My Business profiles, and the results have been incredible. With hundreds of thousands in sales and 900+ calls in a single week, GMBs are now our top-performing organic lead channel.

 Want to learn how Service Scalers can do the same for you?

 🔗Check Them Out Here 

Send Us Mail!

More Ways To Connect with OAO

• Start Here
• Owned and Operated Newsletter 
• Bonus Videos From John

Leave a Review

John Wilson, CEO of Wilson Companies
Jack Carr, CEO of Rapid HVAC

📌 Disclaimer: Some links may include UTM parameters or affiliate relationships, meaning we may earn a commission if you make a purchase. Episodes may feature sponsors, but all opinions expressed are our own.

 In this episode we’re back with part two of the Chris Barr series on Jackquisitions. Chris is three months into his journey to acquire a business in Florida, and he’s bringing real updates from the trenches. From opportunity cost and deal dynamics to cold outreach and broker networks, this episode is packed with hard-won insights from an active business searcher.

 We dive into the pros and cons of a pool service business he’s evaluating, the realities of navigating employee classification, and how acquisition imperfections are often just part of the game. Chris breaks down the lessons learned so far—from generating leads to refining search strategies—and why growth, not just debt repayment, should be the north star in any acquisition strategy.

If you're in the search phase or thinking about acquiring a service business, this is a front-row seat to the messy, insightful, and exciting reality of buying a company.

🔹 In This Episode, We Cover:

• Navigating the first 90 days of a business search
• Why opportunity cost is a real consideration in search
• Behind-the-scenes of evaluating a pool service business
• Key pros and cons of industry-specific acquisitions
• How Chris is using cold outreach and networking to source deals
• The tradeoffs between growth and early debt repayment
• Why no acquisition deal is ever perfect—and that’s okay
• Refreshing broker pipelines and learning from every interaction
• Lessons in lead generation and seller conversations
  
  

🌐 More resources

👤 Hosted by:
Jack Carr

👤Episode Guest
Chris Barr 

💼 Shoutout to Appletree Business Services

 HVAC and plumbing pros—ditch tax surprises and unresponsive accountants. Appletree handles your books, taxes, payroll, and acquisitions, and they know tools like ServiceTitan cold.

🎁 Get a free tax & financial review or 10% off a QOE report.

 👉 Book a call at Appletreebusiness.com — tell Patrick Jack sent you.

💼 Special Thanks to First Internet Bank!

 Looking to buy or expand a business? First Internet Bank is a National Preferred SBA lender specializing in acquisitions for the skilled trades. Their SBA loan program offers up to 90% financing for business acquisitions, partner buyouts, and commercial real estate—plus optional lines of credit to fuel future growth. Unlike traditional lenders, they take a “how can we” approach, making deals happen for both first-time buyers and experienced operators.

👉 Special Offer: Mention Owned and Operated for a reduced good faith deposit and a complimentary deal review + buyside prequalification.

Connect with Alan Peterson from First Internet Bank here to get started 

Send Us Mail!

More Ways To Connect with OAO

• Start Here
• Owned and Operated Newsletter 
• Bonus Videos From John

Leave a Review

John Wilson, CEO of Wilson Companies
Jack Carr, CEO of Rapid HVAC

📌 Disclaimer: Some links may include UTM parameters or affiliate relationships, meaning we may earn a commission if you make a purchase. Episodes may feature sponsors, but all opinions expressed are our own.

What does it really take to scale a home service business to $100 million in revenue? In this episode of Owned and Operated, we dive deep into the business growth strategies, leadership transitions, and operational upgrades needed to build a high-performing trades company. Whether you're in HVAC, plumbing, or another skilled trade, this conversation reveals the mindset shifts and systems that power sustainable service business growth.

We break down why your original team may not be equipped to scale with you, how leadership development drives long-term success, and the pivotal role our podcast has played in accelerating team performance and industry insight. You'll hear real-world examples from the field, including how our Jackquisitions segment has influenced both strategy and execution in our journey to $100M.

If you're leading a service business through a growth phase—or preparing to—this episode will give you real-world lessons on building smarter, scaling faster, and staying focused on what matters most.

🌐 More resources

👤 Hosted by:

 John Wilson

Jack Carr 

💼 Shoutout to Quick Staffers LLC

 Need trained HVAC & plumbing CSRs at a fraction of the cost? Quick Staffers LLC specializes in placing top-tier global talent with the best SOPs and scripts.

 🔥 Get $1,000 off your first placement here  

🚀 Shout Out to FieldPulse

 FieldPulse is an incredible Field Service Management platform that helps you save hours each week while keeping your operations running smoothly. If you're looking to streamline your processes, stay competitive, and focus on what truly matters, FieldPulse is a game-changer!

 📅 Book your demo

Send Us Mail!

More Ways To Connect with OAO

• Start Here
• Owned and Operated Newsletter 
• Bonus Videos From John

Leave a Review

John Wilson, CEO of Wilson Companies
Jack Carr, CEO of Rapid HVAC

📌 Disclaimer: Some links may include UTM parameters or affiliate relationships, meaning we may earn a commission if you make a purchase. Episodes may feature sponsors, but all opinions expressed are our own.

What happens when business meets conviction? In this episode of Owned and Operated, we explore how faith, intentionality, and grit shaped one plumbing entrepreneur’s journey from early struggle to long-term success.

Dalton Hatch, founder of DH Plumbing in San Antonio, opens up about the mindset and personal transformation that fueled his growth. From rejecting aggressive sales tactics in favor of real customer care, to learning the hard lessons of money, mentorship, and marketing—Dalton lays it all out.

If you're a trades entrepreneur, service business operator, or just getting started, this episode will shift how you think about scaling, culture, and staying true to your values in business.

🌐 More resources: https://www.ownedandoperated.com

👤 Hosted by:

John Wilson

🎧 Guest:

Dalton Hatch 

🚀 Shout Out to FieldPulse

FieldPulse is an incredible Field Service Management platform that helps you save hours each week while keeping your operations running smoothly. If you're looking to streamline your processes, stay competitive, and focus on what truly matters, FieldPulse is a game-changer!

 📅 Book your demo

💸Sponsored by CFO Made Easy

Built a strong trades business? Let’s take it to $10M and beyond. CFO Made Easy offers part-time CFO services for home and trade service businesses—helping you boost cash flow, maximize profit per tech, and make clear growth decisions.

📈 Free Offer: Book a 45-min Financial Insight Session to uncover growth blockers.

👉 Claim Here!

Send Us Mail!

More Ways To Connect with OAO

• Start Here
• Owned and Operated Newsletter 
• Bonus Videos From John

Leave a Review

John Wilson, CEO of Wilson Companies
Jack Carr, CEO of Rapid HVAC

📌 Disclaimer: Some links may include UTM parameters or affiliate relationships, meaning we may earn a commission if you make a purchase. Episodes may feature sponsors, but all opinions expressed are our own.

Thinking about buying a home service business with an SBA loan? This episode is your go-to guide. Jackquisitions sits down with Alan Peterson—who closed over $70 million in SBA acquisition financing last year—to break down how to structure high-leverage deals, navigate the latest SBA loan rule changes, and avoid the costly mistakes many first-time buyers make.

If you're serious about acquiring a home service business and want a financing strategy that actually works, this episode is a must-listen.

🔹 In This Episode, We Cover:

• How to use SBA loans to buy your first home service business
• The $70M+ playbook Alan used in 2024 for acquisition funding
• Why having the right deal team is critical (and what to avoid)
• The latest changes to SBA rules (including seller note restrictions)
• Multi-step acquisitions: what just got harder and why
• Pro tips for working capital, due diligence, and pre-LOI strategy
• How early-stage buyers can stand out and get taken seriously
• Why personalized financial statements are a game changer
• How Alan helps operators with pre-qual letters and deal reviews
  
  
  

🌐 More resources: https://www.ownedandoperated.com

👤 Hosted by:

Jack Carr

🎧 Guest:
Alan Peterson 

💼 Special Thanks to First Internet Bank!

 Looking to buy or expand a business? First Internet Bank is a National Preferred SBA lender specializing in acquisitions for the skilled trades. Their SBA loan program offers up to 90% financing for business acquisitions, partner buyouts, and commercial real estate—plus optional lines of credit to fuel future growth. Unlike traditional lenders, they take a “how can we” approach, making deals happen for both first-time buyers and experienced operators.

👉 Special Offer: Mention Owned and Operated for a reduced good faith deposit and a complimentary deal review + buyside prequalification.

Connect with Alan Peterson from First Internet Bank here to get started 

💼 Shoutout to Appletree Business Services

 HVAC and plumbing pros—ditch tax surprises and unresponsive accountants. Appletree handles your books, taxes, payroll, and acquisitions, and they know tools like ServiceTitan cold.

🎁 Get a free tax & financial review or 10% off a QOE report.

👉 Book a call at appletreebusiness.com — tell Patrick Jack sent you.

Send Us Mail!

More Ways To Connect with OAO

• Start Here
• Owned and Operated Newsletter 
• Bonus Videos From John

Leave a Review

John Wilson, CEO of Wilson Companies
Jack Carr, CEO of Rapid HVAC

📌 Disclaimer: Some links may include UTM parameters or affiliate relationships, meaning we may earn a commission if you make a purchase. Episodes may feature sponsors, but all opinions expressed are our own.

Struggling to manage a remote team spread across time zones? This episode dives into the real challenges and solutions of leading from a distance, with a focus on trust,communication, and culture.

Laurie, our Director of Operations, shares how she builds high-performing remote teams without micromanaging. From setting clear expectations to fostering real connection across borders, you'll hear how strong leadership can drive accountability and loyalty—even when your team is never in the same room.

If you're running a remote or hybrid team and want to strengthen performance without sacrificing culture, this conversation offers the insight you need.

🔹 In This Episode, We Cover:

• Daily check-ins via Slack and Google Meet
• Mixing personal chats with work for better results
• Remote team tips for time zones and holidays
• Setting clear KPIs and expectations remotely
• Building a respectful remote work culture
• Global team communication and retention tips
• Emotional intelligence in remote leadership
• Hiring and onboarding international talent

🌐 More resources: Ownedandoperated.com

👤 Hosted by:
 John Wilson

🎧 Guest:
 Laurie Metz


Shout Out to FieldPulse 🚀

FieldPulse is an incredible Field Service Management platform that helps you save hours each week while keeping your operations running smoothly. If you're looking to streamline your processes, stay competitive, and focus on what truly matters, FieldPulse is a game-changer!

📅 Book your demo

📣 This episode is sponsored by Owned and Operated Pro 

The private, vetted community for serious home service business owners. Inside OAO Pro, you’ll get matched with a small peer group of operators facing the same challenges, access behind-the-scenes content from top businesses, and tap into exclusive events and vendor deals.

It’s not just a community—it’s a growth engine.
 👉 Learn more here

Send Us Mail!

More Ways To Connect with OAO

• Start Here
• Owned and Operated Newsletter 
• Bonus Videos From John

Leave a Review

John Wilson, CEO of Wilson Companies
Jack Carr, CEO of Rapid HVAC

📌 Disclaimer: Some links may include UTM parameters or affiliate relationships, meaning we may earn a commission if you make a purchase. Episodes may feature sponsors, but all opinions expressed are our own.

In this episode of Owned and Operated, we dive into a powerhouse conversation with top sales leaders—AJ and Noah from Premier Home Pros—as they unpack how to scale a home service business rapidly and sustainably. Whether you're hiring your first rep or leading a high-velocity sales team, this episode delivers practical strategies for fast growth without losing control.

From building a magnetic company culture to overcoming supply chain roadblocks, we explore what it really takes to run a top-tier sales operation at scale. If you're aiming to grow your team, tighten your sales systems, or simply perform better—this one’s for you.

🚨 In This Episode, We Cover:
 🔹 Hiring and Training for Rapid Sales Growth
 🔹 How Culture Impacts Sales Team Performance
 🔹 Marketing Strategies That Actually Drive Revenue
 🔹 Navigating Supply Chain and Operational Hurdles
 🔹 Why Metrics & KPIs Are Your Best Friend
 🔹 Running Sales Training via Zoom (and Making It Stick)
 🔹 Building a Scalable Sales Leadership Framework
 🔹 Retention: Keeping Top Talent in a Competitive Market
 🔹 Their Massive Growth Goals—And How They’ll Get There

🌐 [ownedandoperated.com] 

🎙️ Host: 

 🗣️ John Wilson

🎙️ Episode Guests:

 🧠 AJ & Noah, Founders of Premier Home Pros 

💼 Special Thanks to Service Scalers!

We’ve been partnering with Service Scalers to maximize our Local Service Ads (LSAs) and optimize our Google My Business profiles, and the results have been incredible. With hundreds of thousands in sales and 900+ calls in a single week, GMBs are now our top-performing organic lead channel.

 Want to learn how Service Scalers can do the same for you?

 🔗Check Them Out Here 

💼 Shoutout to Quick Staffers LLC

 Need trained HVAC & plumbing CSRs at a fraction of the cost? Quick Staffers LLC specializes in placing top-tier global talent with the best SOPs and scripts.

 🔥 Get $1,000 off your first placement here 

Send Us Mail!

More Ways To Connect with OAO

• Start Here
• Owned and Operated Newsletter 
• Bonus Videos From John

Leave a Review

John Wilson, CEO of Wilson Companies
Jack Carr, CEO of Rapid HVAC

📌 Disclaimer: Some links may include UTM parameters or affiliate relationships, meaning we may earn a commission if you make a purchase. Episodes may feature sponsors, but all opinions expressed are our own.

In this episode of Jackquisitions, we break down the essential expert team every acquisition entrepreneur must build before buying a business. Whether you’re acquiring your first HVAC company or scaling into multiple service businesses, assembling the right support system can make or break your deal.

From legal frameworks to SBA loan processing, we cover the professionals who will help you move quickly, avoid costly mistakes, and access high-quality deals. Plus, we spotlight post-acquisition roles that keep your operations tight—like a skilled bookkeeper and a rock-solid insurance broker.

If you're planning to buy a business in 2025, this is your checklist.

🚨 In This Episode, We Cover:

🔹 Why Every Buyer Needs an M&A Attorney

🔹 Using a CPA to Vet Financials and Forecast Performance

🔹 Finding the Right SBA Lender to Get Funded Fast

🔹 How Valuation Experts Can Protect You from Overpaying

🔹 Post-Close Must-Haves: Bookkeeping, Insurance, and Staff

🔹 Bonus: Outsourcing Your Customer Service with Quick Staffers

🌐 ownedandoperated.com

🎙️ Host:

🗣️ Jack Carr 

💼 Shoutout to Quick Staffers LLC

Need trained HVAC & plumbing CSRs at a fraction of the cost? Quick Staffers LLC specializes in placing top-tier global talent with the best SOPs and scripts.

🔥 Get $1,000 off your first placement here

Send Us Mail!

More Ways To Connect with OAO

• Start Here
• Owned and Operated Newsletter 
• Bonus Videos From John

Leave a Review

John Wilson, CEO of Wilson Companies
Jack Carr, CEO of Rapid HVAC

📌 Disclaimer: Some links may include UTM parameters or affiliate relationships, meaning we may earn a commission if you make a purchase. Episodes may feature sponsors, but all opinions expressed are our own.

In this episode of Owned and Operated, we sit down with Brandon Schlicter—better known as Investment Joy—to uncover how a small-town Ohio entrepreneur built a multimillion-dollar business portfolio by mastering real estate, laundromats, car washes, and commercial roofing.

Brandon shares how his upbringing on a farm and early family struggles forged his hustle mentality. After getting his start in logistics and real estate, a single viral laundromat video catapulted his online presence, opening doors to massive business opportunities. Now, with a powerful social media brand and diversified service operations, he reveals how to scale a business empire while staying grounded in family and personal values.

This conversation explores Brandon’s tactical acquisitions, mindset for growth, and how he’s building a team and culture that supports big ambitions. He also offers candid advice for entrepreneurs navigating the early grind and looking to align business models with long-term vision.

🚨 In This Episode, We Cover:
 🔹 How Social Media Launched a Service Empire
 🔹 Turning Viral Views into Real-World Revenue
 🔹 Strategic Acquisitions: Roofing, Laundromats, and More
 🔹 Building Complementary Partnerships for Scale
 🔹 Balancing Business Growth with Family and Life
 🔹 Advice for Entrepreneurs from a Rural Hustler

🌐 [ownedandoperated.com]

🎙️ Host:
🗣️ John Wilson
🎙️ Guest:
🗣️ Brandon Schlicter (Investment Joy) 

💼 Special Thanks to Service Scalers!

We’ve been partnering with Service Scalers to maximize our Local Service Ads (LSAs) and optimize our Google My Business profiles, and the results have been incredible. With hundreds of thousands in sales and 900+ calls in a single week, GMBs are now our top-performing organic lead channel.

 Want to learn how Service Scalers can do the same for you?

 🔗Check Them Out Here

💼 Shoutout to Quick Staffers LLC
Need trained HVAC & plumbing CSRs at a fraction of the cost? Quick Staffers LLC specializes in placing top-tier global talent with the best SOPs and scripts.
🔥 Get $1,000 off your first placement here

Send Us Mail!

More Ways To Connect with OAO

• Start Here
• Owned and Operated Newsletter 
• Bonus Videos From John

Leave a Review

John Wilson, CEO of Wilson Companies
Jack Carr, CEO of Rapid HVAC

📌 Disclaimer: Some links may include UTM parameters or affiliate relationships, meaning we may earn a commission if you make a purchase. Episodes may feature sponsors, but all opinions expressed are our own.