Prime Partners Podcast

BDR

In this episode of the Prime Partners podcast, Oksana Vlasenko, Vice President at Recruit4Business, discuss the critical aspects of hiring in the home service industry. They explore the challenges of finding skilled labor, the importance of recognizing red flags in candidates, and the traits that indicate a strong fit for a company. Oksana shares insights on the hiring process, including the significance of assessments, interviews, and onboarding. The conversation emphasizes the need for a structured approach to hiring while balancing speed and thoroughness to ensure the right candidates are selected.

An expert in human resources (HR) and employee hiring and retention, Oksana’s extensive trade background fuels her proven success in evaluating, recognizing and placing only the best and brightest job candidates – while using cutting-edge tactics to manage and develop employees. Oksana has over 20 years of experience as a Psychometric Personality Assessment Analyst, having reviewed and analyzed over 25,000 personalities. She is one of the co-founders of Recruit4Business, which provides HR and recruiting resources in the trades industries.

Recruit4Business

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BDR’s Prime Partners Podcast host, Tyler Gunhus, is BDR’s Marketing Manager. He has over ten years of communications experience spanning print, broadcast, and product marketing. After graduating from Biola University with a Communication and Media Arts degree, Tyler joined a large media company, coordinating content creation, social media, and promotions. He joined the BDR team in 2020, helping lead the marketing strategy and execution, focusing on brand development.

In 2024, he became the host of the Prime Partners Podcast, which delivers insight into services, resources, and business practices that can help your company succeed faster.

Each episode features a BDR partner company or client who shares ways you can drive your company forward.

Want to learn more about the BDR SAI partner highlighted in this episode? Reach out to BDR’s Client Experience Coordinator, or go to: https://www.bdrco.com/partners/

The post Red Flags & Green Lights: What to Look Out for During the Hiring Process first appeared on BDR and is written by Dakota Price.

BDR

In this episode of BDR’s Prime Partners Podcast, we sit down with Nathan Keller, Chief Sales Officer at Free2Grow, to unpack how Artificial Intelligence (AI) is shaking up the home service industry (especially HVAC, plumbing, and electrical)—without losing the human touch. From debunking myths to showing how AI voice solutions can enhance branding and personalization, Nathan makes a compelling case for why contractors shouldn’t fear the bots.

The conversation explores the evolution of AI-driven call services, how they stack up against traditional models, and what it takes to implement these tools to benefit your team and customers.

Whether you’re just curious or already testing AI tools, you’ll walk away with a clear understanding of the next wave of innovation—and how to make it work for you. Tune in to discover how AI is redefining service, not replacing it. You’ll learn what’s possible today, what’s coming next, and how to take your first (or next) step forward.

Nathan Keller is the Chief Sales Officer and co-founder of Free2Grow. Founded in 2019, Nathan has worked as a sales leader for many technology companies that saw successful exits over the past decade.
Free2Grow is a cutting-edge AI-powered voice-answering solution designed to streamline and elevate your business communications.

Free2Grow

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BDR’s Prime Partners Podcast host, Tyler Gunhus, is BDR’s Marketing Manager. He has over ten years of communications experience spanning print, broadcast, and product marketing. After graduating from Biola University with a Communication and Media Arts degree, Tyler joined a large media company, coordinating content creation, social media, and promotions. He joined the BDR team in 2020, helping lead the marketing strategy and execution, focusing on brand development.

In 2024, he became the host of the Prime Partners Podcast, which delivers insight into services, resources, and business practices that can help your company succeed faster.

Each episode features a BDR partner company or client who shares ways you can drive your company forward.

Want to learn more about the BDR SAI partner highlighted in this episode? Reach out to BDR’s Client Experience Coordinator, or go to: https://www.bdrco.com/partners/

The post Practical Applications for AI in Home Service Businesses first appeared on BDR and is written by Erin Kunz.

BDR

In this episode of the Prime Partners Podcast, Ryan Fenn, CEO and founder of CHIIRP, discusses the importance of follow-up in business, particularly in the trades. Ryan shares his entrepreneurial journey, the significance of speed to lead, and how automation can enhance customer relationships. The conversation emphasizes the need for authenticity in marketing and the role of empathy in follow-up strategies. Ryan also highlights the tools and resources available through CHIIRP to help contractors improve their lead conversion rates and maximize their existing customer databases.

Listen here:

Ryan Fenn achieved seven-figure success by using text messaging and automation in his sales process, leading him to create CHIIRP to help other businesses achieve similar results. Passionate about automation’s impact on his career, he now focuses on helping service companies implement revenue-generating automation at every customer journey stage. As a husband, proud father of four, and entrepreneur, Ryan has helped over 1,000 companies of all sizes, from $100k to nine-figure businesses, implement marketing automation strategies.

CHIIRP

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[email protected]
1-801-806-4808
Time Zone: MT

BDR’s Prime Partners Podcast host, Tyler Gunhus, is BDR’s Marketing Manager. He has over ten years of communications experience spanning print, broadcast, and product marketing. After graduating from Biola University with a Communication and Media Arts degree, Tyler joined a large media company, coordinating content creation, social media, and promotions. He joined the BDR team in 2020, helping lead the marketing strategy and execution, focusing on brand development.

In 2024, he became the host of the Prime Partners Podcast, which delivers insight into services, resources, and business practices that can help your company succeed faster.

Each episode features a BDR partner company or client who shares ways you can drive your company forward.

Want to learn more about the BDR SAI partner highlighted in this episode? Reach out to BDR’s Client Experience Coordinator, or go to: https://www.bdrco.com/partners/

The post The Art of Following-Up: How Contractors Can Unlock More Revenue Through Better Lead Conversion first appeared on BDR and is written by Erin Kunz.

BDR

In the latest episode of BDR’s Prime Partners Podcast, Zene Wynkoop, Director of Client Services & Technology at BxB Media, discusses the crucial role of staying updated on Google’s changes to optimize your marketing strategy and budget.

In this episode of the Prime Partners podcast, Zene Wynkoop, Director of Client Services & Technology at BxB Media, discusses the crucial role of staying updated on Google’s changes to optimize your marketing strategy and budget.

This short conversation explores the importance of maintaining an updated Google Business Profile, the role of diverse content strategies, and the significance of measuring ROI effectively. Zene shares insights on common mistakes contractors make and offers predictions on future trends in digital marketing, emphasizing the need for adaptability and continuous learning in the industry.

Listen here:

Zene Wynkoop is the Director of Client Services & Technology at BxB Media. A seasoned paid digital advertising strategist with over 12 years of experience in the home services industry, Zene has a successful track record of helping contractors maximize their marketing ROI. During his time working with businesses, he has specialized in Google Ads, SEO, and WordPress front-end development. Now in a leadership role with BxB Media, he guides other marketing professionals in helping businesses succeed.

BxB Media

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Zene Wynkoop

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313-651-7157
Time Zone: ET

BDR’s Prime Partners Podcast host, Tyler Gunhus, is BDR’s Marketing Manager. He has over ten years of communications experience spanning print, broadcast, and product marketing. After graduating from Biola University with a Communication and Media Arts degree, Tyler joined a large media company, coordinating content creation, social media, and promotions. He joined the BDR team in 2020, helping lead the marketing strategy and execution, focusing on brand development.

In 2024, he became the host of the Prime Partners Podcast, which delivers insight into services, resources, and business practices that can help your company succeed faster.

Each episode features a BDR partner company or client who shares ways you can drive your company forward.

Want to learn more about the BDR SAI partner highlighted in this episode? Reach out to BDR’s Client Experience Coordinator, or go to: https://www.bdrco.com/partners/

The post From Clicks to Clients: How Contractors Can Navigate the Latest Google Updates to Maximize Marketing ROI first appeared on BDR and is written by Erin Kunz.

BDR

In this episode of the Prime Partners podcast, Peter Capuciati, chairman and CEO of Bluon, discusses the challenges faced by technicians in the HVAC industry and how owners and managers can provide a lifeline through innovative data access and support.

The conversation explores the evolution of technician training, the generational shift in the workforce, and the impact of Bluon’s solutions on business efficiency and technician performance.

Listen and discover how investing in technician support leads to happier customers, more technician retention, and more successful business returns.

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As chairman and CEO, Peter Capuciati is responsible for Bluon’s overall vision and business strategy. Peter’s unique “bilingual” background—as a nuclear physicist from Columbia University and a seasoned entrepreneur with decades of experience navigating over $20B in deals—gives him a truly unique perspective on fully understanding the company’s technical and business sides.

Bluon

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Peter Capuciati

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[email protected]
1-855-425-8686
Time Zone: PT

BDR’s Prime Partners Podcast host, Tyler Gunhus, is BDR’s Marketing Manager. He has over ten years of communications experience spanning print, broadcast, and product marketing. After graduating from Biola University with a Communication and Media Arts degree, Tyler joined a large media company, coordinating content creation, social media, and promotions. He joined the BDR team in 2020, helping lead the marketing strategy and execution, focusing on brand development.

In 2024, he became the host of the Prime Partners Podcast, which delivers insight into services, resources, and business practices that can help your company succeed faster.

Each episode features a BDR partner company or client who shares ways you can take your company forward.

Want to learn more about the BDR SAI partner highlighted in this episode? Reach out to BDR’s Client Experience Coordinator, Samantha Minnar, or go to: https://www.bdrco.com/partners/

Listen HERE for more podcast episodes from BDR.

The post A Lifeline to Technicians: How to Better Support Your Team in the Field first appeared on BDR and is written by Erin Kunz.

BDR

In this episode of the Prime Partners Podcast, Matthew and Jake Abbott from Abbott Family Insurance join the show to talk about insurance planning for contractors. They discuss the importance of starting early, understanding coverage options, and the challenges of navigating the insurance industry.

The Abbott brothers also emphasize the need for education, personalized solutions, and the benefits of offering comprehensive benefits to employees. They also address common barriers to change, such as paperwork and resistance. Overall, they highlight the importance of putting employees first and building a culture of trust and support.

Listen here:

Abbott Family Insurance is a family-owned and operated business that has built its reputation on delivering tailored health coverage solutions to meet the unique needs of individuals, families, and small businesses. Founded by two brothers, the agency’s mission is rooted in the values of service, dedication, and a commitment to helping others daily. The Abbott Family Insurance team specializes in providing innovative and cost-effective health insurance options, mainly through programs like Individual Group Health, which offer small businesses a flexible and affordable alternative to traditional health plans. Their approach emphasizes personalized service and hands-on support, ensuring every client feels like a part of the family. With a focus on the blue-collar sector, Abbott Family Insurance has revolutionized how small businesses approach employee benefits, making comprehensive health coverage more accessible and financially viable.

Abbott Family Insurance

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[email protected]
(727) 744-5716
Time Zone: ET

BDR’s Prime Partners Podcast host, Tyler Gunhus, is BDR’s Senior Marketing Communications Specialist. He has over ten years of communications experience spanning print, broadcast, and product marketing. After graduating from Biola University with a Communication and Media Arts degree, Tyler joined a large media company, coordinating content creation, social media, and promotions. He joined the BDR team in 2020, helping lead the marketing strategy and execution, focusing on brand development.

In 2024, he became the host of the Prime Partners Podcast, which delivers insight into services, resources, and business practices that can help your company succeed faster.

Each episode features a BDR partner company or client who shares ways you can take your company forward.

Want to learn more about the BDR SAI partner highlighted in this episode? Reach out to BDR’s Client Experience Coordinator, Samantha Minnar, or go to: https://www.bdrco.com/partners/

Listen HERE for more podcast episodes from BDR.

The post Getting a Jump Start on Your Insurance Planning for Next Year first appeared on BDR and is written by Erin Kunz.

BDR

In this episode of the Prime Partners Podcast, Paul Redman, VP of Sales at Contractor Commerce, shares how shifting consumer preferences are shaping the future of the home service industry.

The discussion focuses on the importance of e-commerce and online shopping in the industry, as well as the challenges and benefits of implementing an online store. Paul emphasizes the need for contractors to adapt to changing consumer behavior and offers insights into how Contractor Commerce helps contractors integrate e-commerce into their businesses. Discover the future of the consumer journey in the home service industry and where to start in getting a leg up in your market.

Listen here:

Paul Redman leads the sales and success team at Contractor Commerce. After a decade-long tenure working for Lennox, holding various roles in field sales, territory management, and digital marketing, Paul had the opportunity to move to North Carolina to manage a district. There, he developed a pivotal professional friendship with Will Housh, the owner of HVAC.com. This relationship led to the co-founding of Contractor Commerce in 2018, focusing on adapting HVAC sales to the rise of online shopping. Today, Paul and the team at Contractor Commerce empower contractors to engage with customers digitally, meeting the growing demand for convenient at-home shopping experiences.

Contractor Commerce

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Paul Redman

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[email protected]
(303) 217-0859
Time Zone: ET

BDR’s Prime Partners Podcast host, Tyler Gunhus, is BDR’s Senior Marketing Communications Specialist. He has over ten years of communications experience spanning print, broadcast, and product marketing. After graduating from Biola University with a Communication and Media Arts degree, Tyler joined a large media company, coordinating content creation, social media, and promotions. He joined the BDR team in 2020, helping lead the marketing strategy and execution, focusing on brand development.

In 2024, he became the host of the Prime Partners Podcast, which delivers insight into services, resources, and business practices that can help your company succeed faster.

Each episode features a BDR partner company or client who shares ways you can take your company forward.

Want to learn more about the BDR SAI partner highlighted in this episode? Reach out to BDR’s Client Experience Coordinator, Samantha Minnar, or go to: https://www.bdrco.com/partners/

Listen HERE for more podcast episodes from BDR.

The post How Shifting Consumer Preferences Are Shaping the Future of Home Service Businesses first appeared on BDR and is written by Erin Kunz.

BDR

In this episode of the Prime Partners Podcast, Jordan Cordero of Live Oak Bank shares the importance of strategic succession planning for small business owners and how leveraging business loan options can facilitate the smooth transfer of business ownership.

The conversation highlights key insights into how proper financial planning and understanding different loan structures can significantly broaden potential buyer pools, making the transition more manageable for sellers and buyers. Whether you’re currently contemplating the future sale of your business or just want to be prepared for when the day arrives, learn how staying on top of business loan options can position you to one day make a smooth exit from your business.

Jordan Cordero is a loan officer on the service contractors lending team, which dedicates itself to contractors in the HVAC, plumbing, and electrical industries. He focuses on providing business loans to these industries for acquisitions, succession plans, and commercial mortgages to help with new owners looking to acquire a business and existing owners looking to expand their business. Jordan has been with the bank since 2016 and has been a part of the service contractors team since inception.

Live Oak Bank

Jordan Cordero

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[email protected]
(910) 358-4588
Time Zone: ET

BDR’s Prime Partners Podcast host, Tyler Gunhus, is BDR’s Senior Marketing Communications Specialist. He has over ten years of communications experience spanning print, broadcast, and product marketing. After graduating from Biola University with a Communication and Media Arts degree, Tyler joined a large media company, coordinating content creation, social media, and promotions. He joined the BDR team in 2020, helping lead the marketing strategy and execution, focusing on brand development.

In 2024, he became the host of the Prime Partners Podcast, which delivers insight into services, resources, and business practices that can help your company succeed faster.

Each episode features a BDR partner company or client who shares ways you can take your company forward.

Want to learn more about the BDR SAI partner highlighted in this episode? Reach out to BDR’s Client Experience Coordinator, Samantha Minnar, or go to: https://www.bdrco.com/partners/

Listen HERE for more podcast episodes from BDR.

The post Strengthening Your Succession Plan With Knowledge of Business Loan Options first appeared on BDR and is written by Erin Kunz.

BDR

In this episode of Prime Partners Podcast, Alec Stevanovski from Homepros discusses 2024 trends in the home service industry, highlighting the impact of the economy, private equity, and technological advancements.

The discussion dives into the evolving role of private equity in the industry, noting a shift from aggressive acquisitions to more strategic investments. Alec suggests that independent contractors can still thrive by leveraging their unique value propositions and investing in marketing and community relationships.

Additionally, the conversation explores the rapid advancements in AI and automation, making sophisticated technology more accessible to small businesses. Alec underscores the potential for contractors to adopt and experiment with new technologies to stay competitive quickly.

Discover how to stay informed about industry trends and developments to adapt and thrive in a changing market.

Alec Stevanovski is the Founder and Editor of Homepros, a digital media company covering the HVAC industry. Before Homepros, he spent three years working for Payzer, a software provider for HVAC and Plumbing contractors.

Homepros

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[email protected]

BDR’s Prime Partners Podcast host, Tyler Gunhus, is BDR’s Senior Marketing Communications Specialist. He has over ten years of communications experience spanning print, broadcast, and product marketing. After graduating from Biola University with a Communication and Media Arts degree, Tyler joined a large media company, coordinating content creation, social media, and promotions. He joined the BDR team in 2020, helping lead the marketing strategy and execution, focusing on brand development.

In 2024, he became the host of the Prime Partners Podcast, which delivers insight into services, resources, and business practices that can help your company succeed faster.

Listen HERE for more podcast episodes from BDR.

The post 2024 Trends in the Home Service Industry first appeared on BDR and is written by Erin Kunz.

BDR

In this episode of the Prime Partners podcast, Daniel Burrus, a leading futurist and business strategic advisor, shares how to gain a competitive advantage by anticipating future opportunities through trends and disruptions. Daniel emphasizes the importance of being an anticipatory organization rather than a reactionary one and outlines the concept of hard trends vs. soft trends that give us insight into the future. Discover resources and insights on how your business can take advantage of opportunities in your market with an anticipatory mindset.

Daniel Burrus is considered one of the world’s leading futurists on global trends and disruptive innovation. The New York Times has referred to him as one of the top three business gurus in high demand as a speaker.

He is an innovative entrepreneur who has founded six businesses, four of which were U.S. national leaders in the first year. He is the CEO of Burrus Research, a research and consulting firm that monitors global advancements in technology-driven trends to help clients create enormous, untapped opportunities.

Daniel Burrus is the author of seven books, including the New York Times and Wall Street Journal bestseller Flash Foresight. His latest book, The Anticipatory Organization, is an Amazon No. 1 best seller.

Burrus Research

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BDR’s Prime Partners Podcast host, Tyler Gunhus, is BDR’s Senior Marketing Communications Specialist. He has over ten years of communications experience spanning print, broadcast, and product marketing. After graduating from Biola University with a Communication and Media Arts degree, Tyler joined a large media company, coordinating content creation, social media, and promotions. He joined the BDR team in 2020, helping lead the marketing strategy and execution, focusing on brand development.

In 2024, he became the host of the Prime Partners Podcast, which delivers insight into services, resources, and business practices that can help your company succeed faster.

Listen HERE for more podcast episodes from BDR.

The post How to Anticipate New Opportunities to Gain a Competitive Advantage first appeared on BDR and is written by Erin Kunz.