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

In a world where customer expectations are higher than ever, the success of your HVAC or plumbing business hinges on one thing: a well-trained team. Jack and John are here to show you how to make it happen.

Drawing on their experience and dynamic insights, they reveal the secrets to creating training programs that don’t just do the job — but transform how you do business. From onboarding new hires to advanced technical and sales tips, they break down the steps to building high-performance teams.

Special Thanks to Avoca

Looking to train your call center and improve technician performance? Avoca AI is here to help your team identify existing issues, improve call quality, and drive results from start to finish.
 
Click here to schedule your demo today.

Special Thanks to Hatch

Turn communication into conversion with Hatch and its AI Agents, ready to handle follow-ups, reminders, email blasts, and more for your home service business. Save employee hours and book more leads with the power of Hatch.

Learn more about Hatch here

Episode Hosts: 🎤
John Wilson: @WilsonCompanies on X
Jack Carr: @TheHVACJack on X

Send Us Mail!

More Ways To Connect with OAO

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

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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, Jack & John sit down together to discuss the strategies and significance of finding the right partners for growth in the home service sector. 

The conversation touches on the pros and cons of minority vs. majority ownership, the challenges of trust, and the potential benefits of co-investment partnerships vs private equity. We also explore real-world examples and share insights on how these strategies can lead to substantial growth and operational improvements within the trades.

A SPECIAL THANKS TO HATCH

Turn communication into conversion with Hatch and its AI Agents, ready to handle follow-ups, reminders, email blasts, and more for your home service business. Save employee hours and book more leads with the power of Hatch.
Learn More About Hatch Here: https://www.usehatchapp.com

A SPECIAL THANKS TO MODERNIZE

We’ve been using Modernize them for our water quality leads, and it’s been smooth sailing from day one. Onboarding was quick and now every lead goes straight into our call center. If you’re serious about boosting your leads, definitely check them out.

Episode Hosts: 🎤
John Wilson: @WilsonCompanies on X
Jack Carr: @TheHVACJack on X

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, John and Jack discuss how they redefined their business over the past year, sharing the big wins and game-changing shifts that took them to the next level.

From revamping call centers and rethinking compensation to building a powerhouse inside sales team and unlocking the hidden potential of weekend shifts, they’ll show you how you can turn everyday decisions into massive growth opportunities. This comprehensive discussion is filled with actionable insights for businesses aiming to scale and achieve higher efficiency in their operations.

Shout out to Service Scalers

In a year where many in the industry faced challenges, we’re thrilled to have hit the low 20s, outperforming expectations and driving serious growth. A huge part of that success is thanks to Service Scalers.

For the past couple of years, Sam Preston and his team have been invaluable partners, helping us achieve:

✅ Best-in-class SEO

✅ Top-tier PPC campaigns

✅ Dominance in LSA and GMB marketing

If you’re in the trades and ready to level up your marketing, do yourself a favor and check out ServiceScalers.com. Sam and his team are killing it right now.

Special Thanks To FieldPulse

FieldPulse is a really awesome Field Service Management (FSM) platform, that helps you save hours every week and keep operations running smoothly. With features like scheduling, dispatching, invoicing, and reporting, it takes the headache out of managing the day-to-day.

If you're looking to streamline your ops, stay ahead of the competition, and focus on what really matters (growth) FieldPulse is a game-changer.

👉 Book a Demo with FieldPulse to get 15% off the annual plan when you mention Owned and Operated.

Episode Hosts: 🎤
John Wilson: @WilsonCompanies on X
Jack Carr: @TheHVACJack on X

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.

How do you boost your business with AI?

In this episode, we chat with Sebastian from Rilla about how AI is shaking up the home improvement industry. Rilla's virtual ride-along software helps sales and service teams get better by recording and analyzing conversations using AI. 

Sebastian shares tips on how to best use Rilla in your business, including success stories and practical advice for getting quick returns. Find out why now is an exciting time to be in the trades with AI changing everything from customer chats to managing projects. 

Special Thanks To FieldPulse

FieldPulse is a really awesome Field Service Management (FSM) platform, that helps you save hours every week and keep operations running smoothly. With features like scheduling, dispatching, invoicing, and reporting, it takes the headache out of managing the day-to-day.

Businesses using FieldPulse see an average of 78% annual growth and are saving 5-10 hours a week on administrative tasks—HUGE!

If you're looking to streamline your ops, stay ahead of the competition, and focus on what really matters (growth) FieldPulse is a game-changer.

👉 Book a Demo with FieldPulse to get 15% off the annual plan when you mention Owned and Operated.

Episode Guest:
Sebastian Jimenez: On LinkedIn

Send Us Mail!

More Ways To Connect with OAO

• Start Here
• Owned and Operated Newsletter 
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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.

Join John and Jack as they break down the do’s and don’ts of strategic pricing and why gross profit matters more than gross margin. They’ll also chat about handling discounts, boosting inside sales, and training your team to hit those numbers. Plus, hear about their crazy year-over-year growth and their open book management style. Tune in for some real talk on making your service business thrive!

Wilson Companies just wrapped up the year in the low $20M range, and they couldn’t be more pumped. Most of the industry didn’t see the same level of success this year, so it’s an incredible achievement.

A SPECIAL THANKS TO SERVICE SCALERS

When you think about who helped make it happen, Service Scalers is right at the top of the list. Wilson has been working with them for a couple of years now, and they’ve delivered best-in-class SEO, PPC, and dominated LSA and GMB marketing for the company. Service Scalers has been a critical partner in driving Wilson’s impressive 46% year-over-year growth.

Looking ahead to next year, Wilson is aiming for the low $30M range. Service Scalers will remain one of their most strategic partners, helping them stay ahead of AI trends, keeping their SEO sharp, and ensuring they stay at the top—exactly where they want to be.

Huge thanks to Sam and his team at Service Scalers. If you’re looking to level up, check out ServiceScalers.com

A SPECIAL THANKS TO HATCH

Turn communication into conversion with Hatch and its AI Agents, ready to handle follow-ups, reminders, email blasts, and more for your home service business. Save employee hours and book more leads with the power of Hatch.

Learn More About Hatch 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 live Q&A session, we dive into some of the most pressing topics for home service business owners. From crafting competitive compensation packages and building impactful training programs to exploring how AI can transform call center operations.

We also discuss strategies for managing seasoned teams, creating scalable HVAC business models, and attracting top talent with strong benefits. Plus, we touch on simplifying processes to pave the way for smoother growth.

For more in-depth discussions, tune in to our exclusive FB group and don’t miss out on future live sessions.

HUGE SHOUT OUT:

In a year where many in the industry faced challenges, we’re thrilled to have hit the low 20s, outperforming expectations and driving serious growth. A huge part of that success is thanks to Service Scalers.

For the past couple of years, Sam Preston and his team have been invaluable partners, helping us achieve:
✅ Best-in-class SEO
✅ Top-tier PPC campaigns
✅ Dominance in LSA and GMB marketing

Because of their support, we’re celebrating 46% year-over-year growth—a milestone we’re incredibly proud of. As we set our sights on the low 30s for next year, we know Service Scalers will continue to be a strategic partner, keeping us ahead of AI trends, optimizing our SEO, and helping us stay at the top where we belong.

If you’re in the trades and ready to level up your marketing, do yourself a favor and check out ServiceScalers.com. Sam and his team are nothing short of killers.

Special Thanks to Avoca AI Coaching and Training

Looking to train your call center and technicians back on their calls? Get better performance today with the power of Avoca AI, as your staff learns their pain points and improves end-to-end. We have a special promo code available if you schedule now: ‘OWNED’.

Click here to schedule your demo today.

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.

This week on the Owned and Operated Legends series we sit down with the unstoppable powerhouse of HVAC Ismael Valdez, founder of Nexgen. From starting in the trades at 18 to building an empire in just four years, Ismael shares his journey to revolutionizing the contracting industry.

Special Thanks to Avoca AI Coaching and Training
Looking to train your call center and technicians back on their calls? Get better performance today with the power of Avoca AI, as your staff learns their pain points and improves end-to-end. We have a special promo code available if you schedule now: ‘OWNED’.
Click here to schedule your demo today.

Episode Hosts: 🎤
John Wilson: @WilsonCompanies on X
Jack Carr: @TheHVACJack on X

Episode Guest:
Ismael Valdez: On LinkedIn

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," hosts John Wilson and Jack Carr are joined by guest Nathan Lenahan, co-owner of Bart's Heating and Air. Nathan shares his journey of rapidly scaling his HVAC business through strategic home service acquisitions, growing from a $1 million revenue company to over $10 million.

He discusses the challenges and considerations involved in merging companies, including integrating cultures, compensation structures, and deciding whether to rebrand under a larger, more recognized name. They’ll also get into the importance of people management, maintaining company values, and the shift from acquisition-led growth to focusing more on organic expansion.

Thanks to Our Sponsor Supply House
Need parts fast? Supply House Dot Com is fast, reliable, offers easy returns, and has a huge inventory of parts and supplies so that you're waiting less.
Take a look at their TradeMaster program and start getting perks now!
(https://www.supplyhouse.com/)

Learn More About Service Scalers
Get your own home services business website, and dominate the SEO and Google Ads game, then check out Service Scalers today.
(https://www.servicescalers.com)

Episode Hosts: 🎤
John Wilson: @WilsonCompanies on X
Jack Carr: @TheHVACJack on X

Episode Guest:
Nathan Lenahan: (https://x.com/n8lenahan)
Bart's Heating and Cooling: (https://x.com/Bartsheatingair)

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, John Wilson welcomes Luke Weiden from Deljo Heating and Cooling. They discuss the importance of profitability in business sustainability and strategies for operating more efficiently. Luke shares his experience in partnering with Heartland Home Services, his approach to cost management, and the significance of leadership development. They’ll talk about field efficiency, head count reduction, and optimizing service calls. They also explore how improving financials can support growth while driving high revenue per employee.

LEARN MORE ABOUT SERVICE SCALERS
Get your own home services business website, and dominate the SEO and Google Ads game, then check them out today.

Episode Hosts: 🎤
John Wilson: @WilsonCompanies on X
Jack Carr: @TheHVACJack on X

Episode Guest:
Luke Weiden: On LinkedIn
Learn More About Deljo Heating and Cooling

A SPECIAL THANKS TO HATCH
Turn communication into conversion with Hatch and its AI Agents, ready to handle follow-ups, reminders, email blasts, and more for your home service business. Save employee hours and book more leads with the power of Hatch.
Learn More About Hatch 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.

Join John Wilson in this special episode of Owned and Operated, with guest Chris Bache, CEO of Hatch, sharing insights on how Hatch software has transformed AI in customer service and the power of the SMS campaign.

He explains how AI can streamline customer follow-ups and improve response rates by automating initial contacts. Chris also discusses the evolution of Hatch, starting as a small company to becoming a major player in the industry, helping over 2000 businesses optimize their sales processes.

A SPECIAL THANKS TO HATCH
Turn communication into conversion with Hatch and its AI Agents, ready to handle follow-ups, reminders, email blasts, and more for your home service business. Save employee hours and book more leads with the power of Hatch.
Learn More About Hatch Here

00:00 Introduction
01:14 Guest Introduction: Chris Bache from Hatch
01:44 The Evolution of Hatch
04:16 Defining Rehash and Best Practices
05:11 Implementing a Rehash Program
07:36 Success Stories and Real-World Applications
13:15 Optimizing Messaging and Compliance
17:53 AI in Customer Interaction
19:59 Future of AI and Business Logic
20:24 Leveraging AI for Business Growth
24:09 Final Thoughts and Contact Information

Episode Hosts: 🎤
John Wilson: @WilsonCompanies on X
Jack Carr: @TheHVACJack on X

Episode Guest:
Chris Bache: On LinkedIn

Learn more about Sagan Passport and what it can do for your business hiring needs

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.