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

In this episode of Owned and Operated, Jack brings a business to the table that provides passive income with minimal maintenance: Hydroelectric Plants. This unique and niche business breakdown explores the challenges and benefits of owning these facilities. From regulatory hurdles to potential synergies with solar and wind energy, this type of business is definitely one that John is now keeping on his radar.


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.

John Wilson is hosting a workshop in March! Join us March 19th-21st for the Breaking $5 Million Workshop! It’s specifically crafted to help you take your home service business to the next level. Seats are limited and tickets are selling fast. You can check out the agenda and get all the details right 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, experience John and Jack's journey as they explore two unique business opportunities in the home services sector: chimney sweeping and generator service and installation. They also share some key factors like cost per click, labor acquisition, and overall business viability. Additionally, they discuss the challenges they've faced dealing with unexpected issues in their daily operations within the home services industry.


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.

John Wilson is hosting a workshop in March! Join us March 19th-21st for the Breaking $5 Million Workshop! It’s specifically crafted to help you take your home service business to the next level. Seats are limited and tickets are selling fast. You can check out the agenda and get all the details right 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.

Welcome to 'Owned and Operated' – the podcast that dives deep into the world of home service entrepreneurship.

Hosted by John Wilson, a third-generation home service entrepreneur and CEO of The Wilson Companies, this podcast was launched in 2021 to bridge the gap between industry experts and listeners.

Join us every Tuesday and Thursday for topical conversations that unlock the potential for your business growth. Covering topics from top-tier talent recruitment to mastering marketing strategies and scaling your home service business, the podcast aims to be your guide on the path to entrepreneurial success.


Episode Host:

• John Wilson: @wilsoncompanies
  
  

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.

Navigating the challenges of scaling a business beyond $3 million, John and Jack emphasize the importance of additional resources and share personal experiences. They advocate for strategic company acquisitions to streamline growth, covering topics such as debt management and the value of learning from challenges.

Curious to learn from these seasoned entrepreneurs and unlock the secrets to scaling your home services business beyond $3 million? Don't miss out – listen now and discover the keys to successful scaling! 

Discussion Highlights:

1. Scaling Struggles: Unpacking the challenges of scaling beyond $3 million, they stress the demand for increased resources.
   
   
2. Acquisition Advantage: They highlight the benefits of acquiring home services companies, enhancing resources, talent pools, and operational efficiency.
   
   
3. Smart Debt Approach: They share their strategy of utilizing SBA debt and its impact on maintaining a favorable debt-to-revenue ratio.
   
   
4. Hands-On Involvement: Emphasizing the reality of personal involvement, especially in smaller home services companies, they draw from personal experiences to emphasize the importance of direct involvement.
   
   
5. Balancing Regret and Learning: Reflecting on their journeys, they touch on the potential challenges of buying businesses under $3 million.
   
   
6. Accountability Matters: The conversation highlights the crucial role of taking responsibility and being accountable for the success of your home services business.
   
   
7. Small Business Struggles: This episode explores the challenges that small businesses encounter, such as hiring skilled talent, managing heavy workloads and navigating the intricacies of running a home services business.

Host: John Wilson: @wilsoncompanies
Host: 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.

John Wilson is hosting a workshop in March! Join us March 19th-21st for the Breaking $5 Million Workshop! It’s specifically crafted to help you take your home service business to the next level. Seats are limited and tickets are selling fast. You can check out the agenda and get all the details right here!

Don't forget to subscribe!

Youtube: @OwnedandOperatedPodcast

X: @ownedoperatedco

SPOTIFY | APPLE PODCAST

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.

Join John and Jack in this episode as they share practical strategies for thriving in the home services industry's shoulder seasons. From tech tips to customer connections, learn how to boost your business year-round with proactive and strategic marketing methods.

Ready to up your home service game? Tune in now for actionable tips to enhance your business during shoulder seasons and master strategic marketing methods!

Host: John Wilson: @wilsoncompanies
Host: 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.

John Wilson is hosting a workshop in March! Join us March 19th-21st for the Breaking $5 Million Workshop! It’s specifically crafted to help you take your home service business to the next level. Seats are limited and tickets are selling fast. You can check out the agenda and get all the details right here!

Don't forget to subscribe!

Youtube: @OwnedandOperatedPodcast

X: @ownedoperatedco

SPOTIFY | APPLE PODCAST

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, Jack and John kick off with a positive update on Jack’s flourishing plumbing department—it's doing really well, and they talk about what's been working. They also share insights on using US Census data for precise list curation in targeted marketing. Emphasizing the significance of strategic list formation, they detail how it positively impacts conversion rates. They then introduce an upcoming event at John's new headquarters designed for home service businesses aiming to break the five-million-dollar revenue mark.

Give it a listen for some real talk on the home service marketing scene, tackling challenges, and picking up strategies for business growth!

Discussion Highlights:

1. Plumbing Department Triumph: The episode digs into the success of Jack's plumbing department, discussing key achievements and the strategies that propelled its impressive performance.
   
   
2. Navigating Marketing Strategies: They share insights on navigating the competitive landscape through effective marketing strategies for home service companies.
   
   
3. Utilizing US Census Data: The discussion highlights the use of US Census data in list curation for targeted marketing and how leveraging this data provides detailed information on home age, value, and other demographics.
   
   
4. Diversified Marketing Approaches: They explore the concept of diversifying marketing approaches, combining digital strategies with traditional methods.
   
   
5. Breaking 5 Million Workshop: Listeners learn about an upcoming event at John's headquarters, targeting home service companies aiming for a five million revenue mark. 
   
   

Host: John Wilson: @wilsoncompanies
Host: 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.

John Wilson is hosting a workshop in March! Join us March 19th-21st for the Breaking $5 Million Workshop! It’s specifically crafted to help you take your home service business to the next level. Seats are limited and tickets are selling fast. You can check out the agenda and get all the details right here!


Don't forget to subscribe!

Youtube: @OwnedandOperatedPodcast

X: @ownedoperatedco

SPOTIFY | APPLE PODCAST

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 dives into the unexpected challenges faced by Jack while managing his plumbing business during an exceptionally tough week. Rather than shying away from setbacks, the episode explores how these experiences paved the way for strategic decisions, including the bold move to transition their home service business into a seven-day operation.

Listen and learn about the bold transition of John's home service business into a seven-day operation. Don't miss a beat – hit play and gain valuable insights today!

Discussion Highlights:

1. Jack's Hard-Hitting Week: They highlight the challenges Jack faced in a tough week, emphasizing the importance of resilience and adaptability in the home service industry.
   
   
2. Turning Setbacks into Strategy: Insights are shared on how the difficulties faced by Jack have contributed to the decision-making process, leading to a strategic shift in operations.
   
   
3. Revenue Boost from Seven Days: They converse about the financial considerations, projecting a substantial $9 million top-line change in the upcoming year by unlocking weekends. 
   
   
4. Operational Infrastructure: Detailed plans are outlined for restructuring the business to accommodate a seven-day schedule, including extending call center hours and adding weekend-specific roles.
   
   
5. Recruitment Challenges: The episode explores challenges in recruiting for weekend shifts, touching on the drawbacks of on-call systems and the advantages of scheduled shifts. 
   
   
6. Shift Structure and Management: They share their thoughts on implementing shifts for weekend teams, including the importance of weekend management for effective operations.
   
   
7. Strategic Messaging for Call Volume: Plans are discussed to address the drop in call volumes on Sundays through strategic messaging as the business gears up for seven-day operations.
   
   

Host: John Wilson: @wilsoncompanies
Host: 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.

Don't miss out on our workshop 'Breaking 5 Million: Scaling Your Home Service Business.' Register today!

Don't forget to subscribe!

Youtube: @OwnedandOperatedPodcast

X: @ownedoperatedco

SPOTIFY | APPLE PODCAST

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 Wilson and Jack Carr sit down with Rick Vazza as he shares his experience acquiring a second Zoom Drain franchise location. Rick sheds light on his journey, tackling challenges from leases to managing operations remotely. 

Discover the details of franchise growth, learning about the strategies and lessons alongside Rick. Tune in for a clear exploration of the ups and downs in expanding a franchise!

Discussion Highlights:

1. Lease Assumption: Rick outlines the unexpected but successful venture into franchising, sharing experiences from acquiring locations in different states.
   
   
2. Licensing Requirements: The importance of meeting licensing requirements when expanding a franchise is discussed, with Rick sharing insights on the strategies employed.
   
   
3. Franchise Support: Rick provides valuable insights into the level of support offered by the franchisor, touching on potential financial assistance during the initial phases of expansion.
   
   
4. Operational Concerns: The discussion unfolds on managing operations remotely, emphasizing the role of technology in bridging the gap and ensuring efficient communication and oversight.
   
   
5. Business Development Muscle: Rick outlines the strategies for building a robust business development infrastructure that facilitates remote expansion, offering valuable lessons for entrepreneurs in similar situations.
   
   
6. Territory Expansion: The conversation explores options for future growth, weighing the pros and cons of greenfielding new locations versus acquiring existing territories. Rick provides a comprehensive view of strategic expansion considerations.
   
   
7. Logistics Game: Practical challenges of overseeing multiple sites are discussed, focusing on effective planning and resource management.
   
   
8. Diversification: Rick suggests branching into complementary services like window cleaning for strategic expansion.
   
   

Host: John Wilson: @wilsoncompanies
Host: Jack Carr: @thehvacjack
Guest: Rick Vazza @RickVazza

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.

Don't forget to subscribe!

Youtube: @OwnedandOperatedPodcast

X: @ownedoperatedco

SPOTIFY | APPLE PODCAST

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 Wilson is joined by Rick Vazza, an owner and operator of plumbing companies in the San Diego area. Rick Vazza discusses his journey of purchasing and launching a drain franchise, Zoom Drain in San Diego, as part of his existing plumbing business. He highlights the positive impact it had on his business.

 Additionally, they look at essential growth strategies involving B2B business development and explore the potential of introducing a restoration service. Later in the episode, Jack Carr joins in, providing useful information on franchise problems, business growth considerations, and the effects on current operations.

Discussion Highlights:

1. Franchising Expansion: Rick outlines the unexpected but successful venture into franchising, sharing experiences from acquiring locations in different states. 
   
   
2. B2B Business Development: The focus on B2B, particularly in the drain industry, is highlighted as a key strategy for growth, with an emphasis on targeting restaurants, hotels, and property management.
   
   
3. Preventative Maintenance Plans: Rick discusses the implementation of preventative maintenance plans for high-end restaurants, emphasizing regular inspections and eco-friendly solutions.
   
   
4. Challenges in B2B Sales: The challenges of B2B sales, especially dealing with gatekeepers in restaurants, are acknowledged. The importance of strategic approaches, such as scheduling in-person meetings, is discussed.
   
   
5. Top of Funnel Strategies: The podcast delves into the challenges of generating leads, with Rick sharing insights into their evolving top-of-funnel strategies, including Google, digital marketing, and Local Services Ads (LSA).
   
   
6. Utilizing Google My Business (GMB): Rick explains the advantage of running two GMBs, leveraging the flexibility provided by having a plumbing company in addition to the drain business.
   
   
7. Exploring New Opportunities: The potential for synergy between plumbing and drain services is explored, along with the consideration of adding restoration services, demonstrating a diversified approach to business expansion.
   
   
8. Strategic Business Development: Rick refines business development, stressing a focused and systematic strategy with dedicated individuals targeting sectors like hotels, restaurants, and property management.
   
   

Host: John Wilson: @wilsoncompanies
Host: Jack Carr: @thehvacjack
Guest: Rick Vazza @RickVazza

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
info@owned

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 today's episode, John Wilson is joined by Aizik Zimmerman to discuss strategies for home service businesses, particularly focusing on membership programs, marketing, and reviews. They emphasize the importance of providing value to customers and owning the customer relationship. The conversation touches on various marketing approaches, including digital marketing, reviews, and guerrilla marketing.

Discussion Highlights:

1. Value-Packed Membership Program: Creating a membership program that offers a range of services, discounts, and benefits to homeowners to build long-term relationships.
   
   
2. Adding Extra Trades: Discussing the benefits of offering multi-trade protection plans within memberships to increase their value.
   
   
3. Sales Incentives: Implementing sales incentives for technicians to promote and sell membership programs, including leaderboards and prizes.
   
   
4. Frequency of Touches: Emphasizing the importance of consistent and varied communication with potential customers to increase brand visibility and trust.
   
   
5. Digital Presence and Branding: The significance of having a strong online presence, including website, branding, and Google reviews, to stand out in the market.
   
   
6. Review Generation: Strategies to incentivize technicians to ask for and generate customer reviews, highlighting the value of online reviews.
   
   
7. Location in the Digital World: Comparing digital marketing to physical location and the need to be where your customers are online.
   
   
8. Pushing the Envelope: Encouraging businesses to go beyond standard digital marketing practices and strive for excellence in customer service and marketing efforts.

Host: John Wilson: @wilsoncompanies

Guest: Aizik Zimerman @aizikzimerman

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.