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

In this episode of Owned and Operated, we shift focus to a critical yet often overlooked pillar of business success: leadership development and management training. With insights from Amir of Snowball Industries, we dig into how identifying and nurturing potential leaders is foundational to scaling tier two and tier three service businesses.

The discussion explores the evolution from technical expertise to soft skills as the driving force behind effective leadership. We unpack the core values that matter most—empathy, urgency, financial intelligence, and humility—and how they shape team culture, performance, and long-term growth. John and Amir also examine structured training programs, peer learning opportunities, and practical management tools that enable owners and operators to build sustainable, high-performance teams.

For anyone acquiring or operating in remote and niche sectors like HVAC or turf installation, this conversation delivers actionable insight into creating a leadership framework that fuels operational excellence and employee retention.

🚨 In This Episode, We Cover:
 🔹 How to Spot and Grow Future Leaders
 🔹 The Shift from Technical to Soft Skills in Management
 🔹 Core Leadership Values: Empathy, Urgency, Financial IQ, Humility
 🔹 Tools for Structured Leadership Development
 🔹 The Power of Peer Teaching and Peer Learning
 🔹 Leading Remote Teams with Empathy and Intent

🌐 ownedandoperated.com
🎙️ Hosts:
🗣️ John Wilson
🗣️ Amir Haboosheh

💼 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

🚀 Huge Shoutout to SupplyHouse!
When it comes to fast turnaround times, SupplyHouse has our back! With 250,000+ SKUs covering plumbing, HVAC, and electrical, they make sure we get the right materials—fast and hassle-free.

💡Their Trademaster program offers free shipping, returns, and discounts, all with no membership fee. Use promo code SH5 for five percent off your first order— Code is valid through 9/30/2025.

🔗 Check them out & level up your supply game here

Send Us Mail!

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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 Jackcquisitions, we explore profitable small business acquisition strategies with Peter De Baptiste, owner of Joe Cole Plumbing in Florida. Peter shares his entrepreneurial journey—starting in banking, then leading a delivery service startup, and ultimately acquiring a plumbing company. Now, he's setting his sights on HVAC and turf installation businesses, uncovering high-potential, under-the-radar sectors in the home services industry.

We break down the unique appeal of tier two and tier three service businesses, such as synthetic turf installation and residential HVAC. Peter and Jack discuss the financial performance, operational demands, and long-term scalability of these niche industries. Whether you're an investor or operator, this episode offers practical insight into identifying and evaluating service businesses with real growth potential.

If you’re looking to buy a service business or expand your portfolio in home services, this conversation delivers a wealth of real-world advice. Learn how to navigate smaller markets, understand what makes niche businesses attractive, and discover the lifestyle implications of owning versus operating in competitive sectors.

🚨 In This Episode, We Cover:
 🔹 Peter’s Journey from Banking to Plumbing
 🔹 Why He’s Targeting HVAC and Turf Businesses
 🔹 Understanding Tier Two and Tier Three Opportunities
 🔹 Operational Challenges in Niche Home Services
 🔹 Scaling Potential vs. Lifestyle Fit
 🔹 How to Evaluate Smaller, Less Competitive Businesses

🌐 ownedandoperated.com


💼 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 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.

🎙️ Hosts:
 🗣️ Jack Carr
🗣️ Peter Debaptiste 

📢 Enjoyed the episode?

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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 how the team is leveraging Contractor Commerce to bring e-commerce to the trades. From selling water heaters online to experimenting with lead conversion strategies, the hosts explore what it looks like to run an online storefront for big-ticket home service items like HVAC systems and home generators.

They break down the full journey—from initial impressions and setup to real-world implementation—and share the ups and downs of paid ad campaigns, membership features, and online payments. Plus, they speculate on how consumers may shift toward buying home services online and what they’re doing to stay ahead of the curve.

Whether you're curious about tech integrations or looking to streamline your sales funnel, this episode is full of firsthand insight into launching an e-commerce experience in the home services space.

🚨 In This Episode, We Cover:

🔹 Implementing E-Commerce for Trades: Lessons Learned

 🔹 Online Sales of HVAC Systems and Generators

 🔹 How Contractor Commerce Converts Web Traffic

 🔹 Paid Ad Campaign Outcomes and Adjustments

 🔹 Using Online Payments and Membership Tools

 🔹 Future Testing and Strategy Optimization

🌐 ownedandoperated.com 

🎙️ Hosts:

🗣️ John Wilson 

🗣️ Jesse Reyes

🧰 Contractor Commerce

Contractors: Ready to sell online without the tech headaches?

Contractor Commerce lets you turn your existing website into a real online store—no coding, no inventory, no hassle. From filters to full system installs, your customers can shop 24/7, right from your site.

✅ You stay in control: set your own pricing, choose what you sell, and fulfill orders yourself

✅ Engage more new customers and serve existing ones better

✅ Build a scalable, year-round revenue stream—auto-shipping filters, booking installs, and more

🚨 Special Offer: Get your first 60 days FREE

👉 Start here

Thousands of contractors are already doing it. Don’t get left behind.

Send Us Mail!

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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 AJ and Noah—the powerhouse founders behind Premier Home Pros—to reveal how they scaled their home services business from $0 to a projected $174 million in just three years.

Launched from a dining room table in 2022, AJ and Noah built a home improvement juggernaut using proven sales systems, smart team building, and bold marketing strategies that fueled rapid growth. But their journey wasn’t without hurdles. From expensive ad failures to tough people problems, they open up about what it really takes to scale at lightning speed.

Whether you're aiming to grow your home services company, lead a larger team, or implement repeatable growth systems, this episode is packed with actionable insights, operator-tested frameworks, and real-world strategy breakdowns.

🚨 In This Episode, We Cover:
 🔹 The $15M Year-One Playbook
 🔹 How to Build a $174M Trajectory with Smart Systems
 🔹 Hiring Mistakes and How They Course-Corrected
 🔹 Why Product Differentiation Drove Explosive Sales
 🔹 The Power of Data in Scaling Fast
 🔹 Repeatable Sales + Marketing = Exponential Growth

🎙️ Hosts:

 🗣️ John Wilson

🎙️ Episode Guests

🧠 AJ & Noah, Founders of Premier Home Pros 

🚀 Huge Shoutout to SupplyHouse!

When it comes to fast turnaround times, SupplyHouse has our back! With 250,000+ SKUs covering plumbing, HVAC, and electrical, they make sure we get the right materials—fast and hassle-free.

💡Their Trademaster program offers free shipping, returns, and discounts, all with no membership fee. Use promo code SH5 for five percent off your first order— Code is valid through 9/30/2025.

🔗 Check them out & level up your supply game 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

📢 Enjoyed the episode?
 ✅ Like, Comment & Subscribe for no-fluff breakdowns on building in the trades.

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.

Don’t Fall for the Buyer’s Trap: Why No-Marketing Businesses Aren’t Easy Wins
 In this episode of Jackquisitions, we dive into a common pitfall many first-time buyers fall for—the belief that a business with little or no marketing is a “goldmine” just waiting to be unlocked. Spoiler: it’s not that simple. Using the tongue-in-cheek example of an underwater basket weaving business, we break down the real costs of building out a marketing engine from scratch.

Jack unpacks the "buyer’s trap": the dangerous assumption that adding marketing will instantly generate revenue. In reality, successful marketing requires time, capital, and deep strategic focus—and that investment often erodes the profit margins buyers were initially excited about. Instead of chasing fixer-uppers, Jack recommends targeting businesses with established marketing systems already in place. It’s about buying stability, not a project.

Whether you're just starting your acquisition journey or knee-deep in LOIs, this episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to grow through home service business acquisitions without overextending financially.

🚨 In This Episode, We Cover:

🔹 Why “just add marketing” is a flawed growth plan
 🔹 The hidden costs of launching marketing from zero
 🔹 Avoiding the buyer’s trap and protecting your upside
 🔹 How to evaluate marketing systems before buying
 🔹 Real-world examples (including underwater basket weaving)
 🔹 Jack’s criteria for choosing scalable, stable businesses

🎙️ Episode Host
 🗣️ Jack [@theHVACJack]

💼 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 

📢 Enjoyed the episode?
 ✅ Like, Comment & Subscribe for unfiltered insights on building in the blue-collar space.

📌 Disclaimer:

Some links may include UTM parameters for tracking. Episodes may feature paid sponsors, but all opinions are our own. Always do your own research before making business decisions.

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.

John teams up with Sam Preston, CEO of Service Scalers, to break down the exact marketing strategies that move the needle for home service businesses. Whether you’re HVAC, plumbing, or any trades business, you'll learn how to prioritize channels that capture demand today—before wasting money on ones that might (or might not) pay off later.

Struggling to turn marketing dollars into real leads? This episode is your blueprint.

From real-world wins to costly missteps, John and Sam unpack where most businesses go wrong—like blowing budgets on flashy billboards while ignoring Google Ads, LSAs, and SEO. This isn’t theory; it’s a tactical deep dive grounded in what’s actually working right now.

🚨 What You'll Learn:
 • The difference between demand capture vs. demand creation
 • Why Google Ads, GMB, LSAs, and SEO are non-negotiable
 • How to time your investment in traditional media like mailers and billboards
 • The dangers of hiring an internal marketing manager too soon
 • How to hold your marketing agency accountable—and what to expect from them
 • Real marketing systems that fuel actual growth in the trades

💼 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

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:

🎙️ Hosts:
 🗣️ John Wilson
🎙️ Guest:
🗣️ Sam Preston 

📢 Enjoyed the episode?
 👍 Like, Comment & Subscribe for weekly tactical advice on scaling blue-collar businesses.

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 find great technicians or keep your best employees around? This episode is your playbook.

We break down battle-tested recruiting strategies that helped scale real home service businesses—from plumbing and HVAC to general trades. You'll learn how to treat recruitment like a sales pipeline, maintain momentum year-round, and create a company culture that people want to be part of.
This episode goes beyond theory. From incentive trips and performance bonuses to sharp branding, upgraded vehicles, and custom dashboards, you'll hear exactly how to build an environment that attracts and retains top-tier talent.

🚨 What You'll Learn:
 • Why recruitment should be treated like sales
 • How to build a continuous, always-on hiring funnel
 • Using CRMs and dashboards to track applicants and team performance
 • Incentives that actually work: Trips, bonuses, and peer recognition
 • How infrastructure—like trucks, tools, and facilities—sells your company
 • Real-world examples of what actually works in blue-collar culture building

🚨 This episode is sponsored by

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

💼 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

🎙️ Hosts:
🗣️John Wilson 
🗣️Jack Carr

📢 Enjoyed the episode?
👍 Like, Comment & Subscribe for weekly tactical advice on scaling blue-collar businesses.

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.

Looking to break into the home service industry through business acquisitions? In this episode of Jackquisitions, we sit down with Elias Yusef, a 24-year-old entrepreneur who’s quickly making a name for himself by acquiring and scaling blue-collar service businesses. Based in Denver, Colorado, Elias shares how he transitioned from selling appliances to owning a fast-growing plumbing company, using creative deal structures and relentless outreach to land his first acquisition. His story offers a blueprint for aspiring entrepreneurs who want to grow through home service business acquisitions and enter the trades without large upfront capital.

Elias walks us through how he sourced deals through cold calling, built a team of experienced operators, and executed a management services agreement (MSA)—a unique acquisition model that minimizes financial risk while maximizing upside. With ambitious plans to hit a $10 million revenue run rate by the end of the year and scale to $27 million, Elias reveals his playbook for growth through acquisitions, operational excellence, and mentorship from seasoned industry professionals.

🎙️ Episode Host:
 🗣️ Jack Carr
🎙️ Guest: Elias Youssef


🚨 This episode is sponsored by

💼 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 

📢 Enjoyed the episode?
 ✅ Like, Comment & Subscribe for real-world stories on building in the blue-collar space.

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.

Curious how AI is transforming the way home service businesses handle customer calls and convert leads? In this episode of Owned and Operated, John sits down with Rafi, from Avoca—an innovative voice AI platform purpose-built for the trades. Together, they dive deep into how AI is reshaping call center operations, reducing reliance on human CSRs, and boosting conversion rates across the board.

From 24/7 call answering to real-time customer interaction, Avoca is helping businesses from $2M to $100M scale more efficiently while cutting costs and minimizing lost leads. Rafi shares the strategy behind successful AI implementation, stressing the importance of starting small, refining workflows, and scaling with confidence.

Plus, we explore other high-impact AI tools for home service businesses, like in-field technician coaching and automated dispatching—offering a glimpse into the future of operational excellence in the trades.

🚨 In This Episode, We Cover:
 🔹 How voice AI is revolutionizing call center operations
 🔹 Reducing lead loss and driving better conversion rates
 🔹 Real-world success stories from $20M–$100M businesses using Avoca
 🔹 Tactics for starting small and scaling AI across your org
 🔹 Other AI innovations in coaching, dispatch, and more
 🔹 Why now is the time to adopt AI in the home service industry

🎙️ Episode Host:
 🗣️ John Wilson
🎙️ Guest:
🗣️ Rafi from Avoca AI 

🚨 This episode is sponsored by

💡 Shoutout to Avoca AI!
 Avoca is helping home service companies level up with 24/7 AI call handling, performance insights, and targeted coaching.
 🔗 Book a demo

📢 Enjoyed the episode?
 ✅ Like, Comment & Subscribe for weekly insights on scaling your service business with cutting-edge operations, marketing, and technology

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.

Want to grow and scale your plumbing business with proven strategies for sales, operations, and fulfillment? In this episode of Owned and Operated, we break down exactly how to build a successful plumbing company—from optimizing pricing structures and boosting conversion rates to training teams and improving customer experience. Hosts John Wilson and Jack Carr share their real-world experiences growing a profitable plumbing business, revealing hard-won lessons and key tactics that drive sustainable growth in the home service industry.

Whether you’re a plumbing business owner, contractor, or service entrepreneur, this episode is your go-to guide for mastering plumbing sales, improving operational efficiency, and setting up systems for long-term success. We cover essential topics like lead generation, sales funnels, service fulfillment, and the importance of dedicated sales and installation roles. Plus, we take you behind the scenes of our own journey—building a professional studio and reflecting on the realities of growing both a service business and a brand.

🚨 In This Episode, We Cover:

🔹 The core pillars of growth: leads, sales, and fulfillment
 🔹 How to tighten your pricing structure and boost profitability
 🔹 Strategies for training teams to increase efficiency and service quality
 🔹 Why dedicated sales and installation roles drive better performance
 🔹 Operational gaps to watch for—and how to close them fast
 🔹 The personal side of building a business and a podcast studio
‍

🚨 This episode is sponsored by

💼 Shoutout to Avoca AI!
 Avoca AI is helping us level up call center training and tech performance. They analyze calls, provide targeted coaching, and help drive better results across the board.
🔗 Book a demo!

💼 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

🎙️ Episode Hosts:
🗣️ John Wilson – [x.com/wilsoncompanies]
🗣️ Jack Carr - [x.com/thehvacjack]

📢 Enjoyed the episode?
 ✅ Like, Comment & Subscribe for weekly content on scaling home service businesses, marketing tactics, operations, and more!

‍

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.