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

Cassie Niekamp returns for round two! The owner of a fencing business in Columbus, she and Jack Carr discuss the unique challenges and opportunities in the fencing industry, especially in relation to the economy and market diversification. They’ll also look into business models, B2B marketing strategies, operational efficiencies, and the significance of customer service.

What are the risks and rewards of government contracts, the utility of digital tools for improving sales processes, and the vital role of subcontractors in managing workloads? The Owned and Operated podcast has got your answers, so stick around for more information in the world of HVAC, electrical, plumbing, and fencing growth!

00:00 Introduction to Owned and Operated
00:26 Transforming PPC Despair into Success
01:03 Deep Dive with Cassie Niekamp on Fencing Business Dynamics
03:57 Exploring B2B Marketing Strategies and Challenges
05:56 Navigating Business Growth and Operational Challenges
16:33 Leveraging Technology for Efficiency in Sales
20:13 Subcontracting Dynamics and Quality Control in Business
22:58 Empowering Women in the Trades and Customer Communication
25:35 Closing Remarks and Invitation to Breaking 5 Million Camp"

Episode Host: 🎤
John Wilson: @WilsonCompanies on Twitter
Jack Carr: @TheHVACJack on Twitter
Cassi Niekamp: @cassiniekamp on Twitter

Special thanks to our sponsor: Service Scalers: 📈
Looking to scale your home service business? Service Scalers is a digital marketing agency that drives success in PPC and LSA. Discover more growth strategies by visiting Service Scalers: https://www.servicescalers.com/

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, John and Jack  welcome back Cassi Niekamp to the show, a home service entrepreneur who has significantly grown her business in the fencing business. Cassi shares her experience acquiring a 39-year-old home service business in Columbus, Ohio, and transforming it from a small-scale operation with outdated practices into a successful company with a revenue of 3 million and aiming for 5 million.

Cassi details the pivotal changes that propelled her growth, including hiring an operations manager, incorporating software tools, and focusing on commercial over residential services for better margins and scalability. The crew also discusses challenges like customer segmentation, hiring, and managing cash flow for growth projects, all while navigating the complexities of small business ownership and personal milestones, such as having a baby.

00:00 Introduction to Owned and Operated
00:42 Cassi's Business Journey: From Acquisition to Growth
02:25 Operational Changes and Team Expansion
04:35 The Impact of Personal Milestones on Business Growth
04:47 Strategic Pivots and Key Business Decisions
09:41 The Role of an Ops Manager in Scaling the Business
13:09 Navigating Business Challenges and Opportunities
13:45 Embracing Legal Marijuana: A Business Perspective
14:33 Certifications and Business Operations Insights
15:02 Promo: Engaging with Weekly Business Insights
15:25 The Power of Internal Promotion and Department Success
16:23 Strategic Customer Segmentation and Market Expansion
18:19 Navigating Commercial Projects and Financial Strategies
23:09 The Excitement of Large-Scale Projects and Company Growth
26:55 Exploring New Markets and the Challenges of Government Bids
27:46 Personal Reflections on Business Strategy and Culture
30:33 Closing Remarks and Invitation for Engagement

Episode Host: 🎤
John Wilson: @WilsonCompanies on Twitter
Jack Carr: @TheHVACJack on Twitter
Cassi Niekamp: @cassiniekamp on Twitter

Special thanks to our sponsor: Service Scalers: 📈
Looking to scale your home service business? Service Scalers is a digital marketing agency that drives success in PPC and LSA. Discover more growth strategies by visiting Service Scalers: https://www.servicescalers.com/

Check out Owned and Operated Weekly Insights: a newsletter that’s jam-packed with actionable growth strategies to level up your home service business. Subscribe Here: http://tinyurl.com/ownedopnews

Don't forget to subscribe! 🙏
Youtube: @OwnedandOperatedPodcast
X: @ownedoperatedco

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,' host John Wilson and guest Rich Jordan discuss the intricacies of running a home service business, focusing on the residential plumbing, HVAC, and electric sectors. 

They delve into the challenges of maintaining profitability in the HVAC installation sector, exploring the unpredictability of business demands, material cost fluctuations, and the impact of seasonal changes. The conversation highlights the importance of precise job costing, optimizing gross margins, and strategic planning to stabilize and grow the business. 

They touch upon the dynamics of partnerships, acquisitions, and the decision-making process between being a big fish in a small pond or a small fish in a big pond within the competitive landscape of home service businesses.

00:00 Introduction to Owned and Operated
00:30 Weekly Insights Newsletter Promo
01:05 Special Guest: Rich Jordan's Second Appearance
01:24 Navigating the HVAC Business Landscape
03:32 The Unpredictability of HVAC Install Business
05:14 Strategies for Smoothing Out Seasonal Variations
07:13 Leveraging Technology for Business Efficiency
10:06 Exploring Gross Margin Challenges in HVAC
14:48 The Journey of Business Expansion and Acquisitions
16:55 Shared Services: A Double-Edged Sword
20:05 The Power of a Strong Business Partnership
23:20 Future Plans and Organic Growth Strategies
25:53 Big Fish in a Small Pond vs. Small Fish in a Big Pond
29:54 Closing Thoughts and Workshop Announcement

Episode Host: 🎤
John Wilson: @WilsonCompanies on Twitter
Jack Carr: @TheHVACJack on Twitter
Rich Jordan: @StrongPointRich on Twitter

Special thanks to our sponsor: Service Scalers: 📈
Looking to scale your home service business? Service Scalers is a digital marketing agency that drives success in PPC and LSA. Discover more growth strategies by visiting Service Scalers: https://www.servicescalers.com/

Check out Owned and Operated Weekly Insights: a newsletter that’s jam-packed with actionable growth strategies to level up your home service business. Subscribe Here: http://tinyurl.com/ownedopnews

Don't forget to subscribe! 🙏
Youtube: @OwnedandOperatedPodcast
X: @ownedoperatedco
SPOTIFY: https://open.spotify.com/show/10mwKIq35xzVz5qHcju3Kb?si=a2eb1f177053402d&nd=1
APPLE PODCAST: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/owned-and-operated/id1560999545
www.ownedandoperated.com

Contact us: [email protected]

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,' host John Wilson and special guest Rich Jordan look into the specific challenges and strategies for home service businesses and HVAC, to navigate and thrive during the shoulder seasons.

They explore Rich Jordan's journey from operating a business with $800,000 in sales to achieving nearly $20 million through strategic acquisitions and effective scaling techniques. His tips include the importance of memberships, the concept of proactive buyers, and tactics for managing the off-peak, mild weather seasons that typically see a decline in HVAC system sales and installations.

00:00 Introduction to Owned and Operated
00:28 Exclusive Service Scalers Promo
00:50 Catching Up with Rich Jordan: Growth and Acquisitions
04:46 Navigating Shoulder Season in HVAC
07:14 Leveraging Memberships for Business Growth
16:43 Strategies for HVAC Sales and Proactive Buyers
27:25 Concluding Thoughts and Future Directions

Episode Host: 🎤
John Wilson: @WilsonCompanies on Twitter
Jack Carr: @TheHVACJack on Twitter
Rich Jordan: @StrongPointRich on Twitter

Special thanks to our sponsor: Service Scalers: 📈
Looking to scale your home service business? Service Scalers is a digital marketing agency that drives success in PPC and LSA. Discover more growth strategies by visiting Service Scalers: https://www.servicescalers.com/

Check out Owned and Operated Weekly Insights: a newsletter that’s jam-packed with actionable growth strategies to level up your home service business. Subscribe Here: http://tinyurl.com/ownedopnews

Don't forget to subscribe! 🙏
Youtube: @OwnedandOperatedPodcast
X: @ownedoperatedco
SPOTIFY: https://open.spotify.com/show/10mwKIq35xzVz5qHcju3Kb?si=a2eb1f177053402d&nd=1
APPLE PODCAST: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/owned-and-operated/id1560999545
www.ownedandoperated.com

Contact us: [email protected]

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 dive into the critical topic of developing leadership within home service businesses. Sharing insights from their experiences in residential plumbing, HVAC, and electric services, they discuss the importance of evolving as a leader to meet the needs of a growing business. They highlight the challenges of instilling core values and accountability throughout the organizational structure, from executives to lower-level managers. The episode emphasizes the significance of peer groups and mentorship for both technical and emotional support in the business journey. Additionally, they talk about their newsletter 'Weekly Insights' and the engagement in their newly launched Facebook group aimed at connecting home service entrepreneurs.

CHAPTERS
00:00 Introduction to Owned and Operated
00:30 Weekly Insights Newsletter Promo
01:27 Developing Leadership in Home Service Businesses
02:55 Challenges of Rapid Business Growth and Leadership
04:23 The Importance of Accountability in Leadership
05:34 Promotional Offer from Service Scalers
06:00 Deep Dive into Leadership and Accountability
21:27 The Emotional and Mental Aspects of Running a Business
25:58 Closing Thoughts and Invitation to Engage

Episode Host: 🎤
John Wilson: @WilsonCompanies on Twitter
Jack Carr: @TheHVACJack on Twitter

Special thanks to our sponsor: Service Scalers: Looking to scale your home service business? Service Scalers is a digital marketing agency that drives success in PPC and LSA. Discover more growth strategies by visiting Service Scalers.

Check out Owned and Operated Weekly Insights: a newsletter where John discusses topics ranging from recruiting and marketing to the growth of your home service business.  Subscribe to the newsletter here.

Contact us:

Youtube: @OwnedandOperatedPodcast

X: @ownedoperatedco

www.ownedandoperated.com

[email protected]

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 and Jack explores the intricacies of running a home service business, focusing particularly on residential plumbing, HVAC, and electric services. The episode kicks off with a nod to Service Scalers for their exemplary assistance in managing digital advertising for home service companies. The discussion delves into the challenges and triumphs faced by entrepreneurs in the home service industry, highlighting the importance of adapting business strategies to different platforms, like LinkedIn, for growth and engagement. A significant portion of the episode is devoted to an in-depth discussion on the use of scorecards - a tool for evaluating employee performance based on key success metrics. The dialogue covers the implementation, benefits, and potential pitfalls of scorecarding, emphasizing its role in fostering accountability and improvement within teams. This practical conversation is aimed at offering insights and strategies to other home service business owners looking to optimize their operations and steer their businesses towards greater success.

🎥🎥🎥
00:00 Introduction to Owned and Operated
00:26 Sponsor Spotlight: Service Scalers
01:02 Casual Conversations and Business Updates
01:54 Exploring LinkedIn for Business Growth
03:03 Navigating Business Challenges and Successes
04:45 Deep Dive into Scorecards for Business Management
09:33 Exploring the Impact of Seasonality on Business Metrics
13:34 The Art of Scorecarding in Business
19:02 Closing Thoughts and Workshop Announcement
19:44 Farewell and Podcast Outro

Episode Host: 🎤
John Wilson: @WilsonCompanies on Twitter
Jack Carr: @TheHVACJack on Twitter

Special thanks to our sponsor: Service Scalers: 📈
Looking to scale your home service business? Service Scalers is a digital marketing agency that drives success in PPC and LSA. Discover more growth strategies by visiting Service Scalers: https://www.servicescalers.com/

Check out Owned and Operated Weekly Insights: a newsletter that’s jam-packed with actionable growth strategies to level up your home service business. Subscribe Here: http://tinyurl.com/ownedopnews

Don't forget to subscribe! 🙏
Youtube: @OwnedandOperatedPodcast
X: @ownedoperatedco
SPOTIFY: https://open.spotify.com/show/10mwKIq35xzVz5qHcju3Kb?si=a2eb1f177053402d&nd=1
APPLE PODCAST: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/owned-and-operated/id1560999545
www.ownedandoperated.com

Contact us: [email protected]

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 and Jack explore the intricacies of running a home service business, focusing particularly on residential plumbing, HVAC, and electric services. The episode kicks off with a nod to Service Scalers for their exemplary assistance in managing digital advertising for home service companies. The discussion delves into the challenges and triumphs faced by entrepreneurs in the home service industry, highlighting the importance of adapting business strategies to different platforms, like LinkedIn, for growth and engagement. A significant portion of the episode is devoted to an in-depth discussion on the use of scorecards - a tool for evaluating employee performance based on key success metrics. Do you want to grow or start your plumbing, HVAC, or electrical business like these podcast pros? Then take your business tips and advice from the best and learn today what being 'Owned and Operated' is all about!

00:00 Introduction to Owned and Operated

00:26 Sponsor Spotlight: Service Scalers

01:02 Casual Conversations and Business Updates

01:54 Exploring LinkedIn for Business Growth

03:03 Navigating Business Challenges and Successes

04:45 Deep Dive into Scorecards for Business Management

09:33 Exploring the Impact of Seasonality on Business Metrics

13:34 The Art of Scorecarding in Business

19:02 Closing Thoughts and Workshop Announcement

19:44 Farewell and Podcast Outro

Episode Hosts:
John Wilson: @WilsonCompanies on Twitter
Jack Carr: @thehvacjack on Twitter


Special thanks to our sponsor: Service Scalers:
Looking to scale your home service business? Service Scalers is a digital marketing agency that drives success in PPC and LSA. Discover more growth strategies by visiting Service Scalers: https://www.servicescalers.com/

Check out Owned and Operated Weekly Insights:
a newsletter that’s jam-packed with actionable growth strategies to level up your home service business. Subscribe Here: http://tinyurl.com/ownedopnews

Don't forget to subscribe!
Youtube: @OwnedandOperatedPodcast
X: @ownedoperatedco
SPOTIFY: https://open.spotify.com/show/10mwKIq35xzVz5qHcju3Kb?si=a2eb1f177053402d&nd=1
APPLE PODCAST: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/owned-and-operated/id1560999545
www.ownedandoperated.com

Contact us: [email protected]

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.

Today on the Owned and Operated podcast, the boys interview entrepreneur Johannes Hock, the Owner of an artificial turf company who lives in Austin, Texas. They discuss Johannes's background, how he got into the turf industry, the business model of turf companies, expansion plans, challenges of scaling, and the factors influencing the choice of new locations. If you’re looking to learn more about the world of self-funded search and small business acquisitions then your favorite electrical, HVAC, and plumbing growth podcast has exactly what you need.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Owned and Operated
00:34 AD - Transforming PPC Despair into Success
01:08 Deep Dive with Johannes Haack: From Track to Turf
02:54 Choosing Artificial Turf in Home Services
05:33 Exploring the Business Model of Turf Installation
07:57 Marketing Strategies and Customer Acquisition in Turf Industry
12:03 Scaling Up: Processes and Expansion Strategies
15:33 Vision for the Future: Aiming for a National Brand
19:11 The Operational Blueprint: Systems, Processes, and People
26:52 Expansion Strategy and Market Selection
30:40 Final Thoughts and Where to Find Johannes

Episode Host:
Jack Carr: @thehvacjack on Twitter
Guest Johannes Hock: @HockJohannes on Twitter

Special thanks to our sponsor: Service Scalers:
Looking to scale your home service business? Service Scalers is a digital marketing agency that drives success in PPC and LSA. Discover more growth strategies by visiting Service Scalers: https://www.servicescalers.com/

Check out Owned and Operated Weekly Insights: a newsletter that’s jam-packed with actionable growth strategies to level up your home service business. Subscribe Here: http://tinyurl.com/ownedopnews

Don't forget to subscribe!
Youtube: @OwnedandOperatedPodcast
X: @ownedoperatedco
SPOTIFY: https://open.spotify.com/show/10mwKIq35xzVz5qHcju3Kb?si=a2eb1f177053402d&nd=1
APPLE PODCAST: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/owned-and-operated/id1560999545
www.ownedandoperated.com

Contact us: [email protected]

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 their strategies for enhancing customer satisfaction through the implementation of the Net Promoter Score (NPS) system. They detail the comprehensive process of gathering feedback across every customer touchpoint, from marketing to accounting, aiming to turn customers into promoters. They also cover the practical changes they’ve implemented in their business, such as improving call center operations and post-service cleaning protocols, to ensure a remarkable customer experience.


Episode Hosts:

• John Wilson: @WilsonCompanies
• Jack Carr: @thehvacjack 

Special thanks to our sponsor: Service Scalers: Looking to scale your home service business? Service Scalers is a digital marketing agency that drives success in PPC and LSA. Discover more growth strategies by visiting Service Scalers.

Check out Owned and Operated Weekly Insights: a newsletter where John discusses topics ranging from recruiting and marketing to the growth of your home service business.  Subscribe to the newsletter here.

Contact us:

Youtube: @OwnedandOperatedPodcast

X: @ownedoperatedco

www.ownedandoperated.com

[email protected]

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 and Jack as they delve into the topic of business fraud within small companies, focusing on home service industries. Discover how to identify and prevent fraud in this insightful podcast episode. Learn from John's firsthand encounters with external and internal fraud attempts, such as a shocking incident involving attempted blackmail via Google reviews. Jack also shares his experiences, including subcontractor misconduct and service theft. Gain valuable insights and practical strategies to protect your business from fraud. Tune in to the top HVAC, plumbing, and electrical growth podcast for essential tips on safeguarding your small business against potential threats.


Episode Hosts:

• John Wilson: @WilsonCompanies
• Jack Carr: @thehvacjack 

Special thanks to our sponsor: Service Scalers: Looking to scale your home service business? Service Scalers is a digital marketing agency that drives success in PPC and LSA. Discover more growth strategies by visiting Service Scalers.

Check out Owned and Operated Weekly Insights: a newsletter where John discusses topics ranging from recruiting and marketing to the growth of your home service business.  Subscribe to the newsletter here.

Contact us:

Youtube: @OwnedandOperatedPodcast

X: @ownedoperatedco

www.ownedandoperated.com

[email protected]

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.