The Boost

In this week’s episode, we chat with Tom Lucas, Service Manager and Part Owner of Dayco Systems, live at CAAG in Savannah.  

In our conversation, we explore Tom's journey to becoming a part owner of Dayco Systems and the ongoing negotiations to acquire full ownership from the company's founder, Dean.

Key Takeaways:

• Listen how Tom's decision to get the right type of license and speaking Portuguese with his wife in a buffet changed his life

-----

Additional Resources

➡️ Schedule a FREE Marketing Assessment today: https://lokalhq.com/marketing-assessment/

-----

👉 Connect with Tom Lucas

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-lucas-a62257174/

Website: https://daycosystems.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dayco_systems/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/daycosystems/

LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/dayco_systems

-----

The Boost, a podcast for home service contractors.

Join CMO of Lokal, Zach Wilson, as he explores leaders & innovators in home services, their personal journeys, thoughts and experiences with growth, marketing, and succession.

Lokal digital marketing works exclusively with contractors specializing in HVAC, roofing, plumbing, and garage door companies to conquer their local turf and grow exponentially.

All Aboard the Longship! Powered by Vikings™.

For marketing tips, follow Zach Wilson on Instagram, TikTok, or Facebook.

In this week’s episode, we chat with Jacob Krauss, Content Creator, Koolin’ with Kraus, HVAC Knights Co-Host, and Co-Owner, Bizzy Air.

Jacob discusses the unconventional path to business ownership, the challenges of rebranding and revitalizing a longstanding company, strategies for growth, and ways to engage with the community. 

In our conversation, we uncover the ins and outs of acquiring and transforming a longstanding HVAC business into a modern, customer-focused business. 

Key Takeaways:

• The transition from B&G Air Specialists to Bizzy Air, and the vision behind the rebranding.

-----

Additional Resources

➡️ Schedule a FREE Marketing Assessment today: https://lokalhq.com/marketing-assessment/

-----

👉 Connect with Jacob Krauss

Website: https://bizzyac.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/koolinwithkrauss_hvac/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCam5-STAaS2ddkKEYF9w8RA

-----

The Boost, a podcast for home service contractors.

Join CMO of Lokal, Zach Wilson, as he explores leaders & innovators in home services, their personal journeys, thoughts and experiences with growth, marketing, and succession.

Lokal digital marketing works exclusively with contractors specializing in HVAC, roofing, plumbing, and garage door companies to conquer their local turf and grow exponentially.

All Aboard the Longship! Powered by Vikings™.

For marketing tips, follow Zach Wilson on Instagram, TikTok, or Facebook.

In this week’s episode, we chat with Adrian Garcia, HVAC content creator, podcaster, owner and partner at Reliable Kitchen Services.

Adrian discusses the challenges and rewards of running a family business and how his father, a skilled electrician, inspired him to enter the world of commercial HVAC and refrigeration in the food service industry. Adrian offers a unique perspective on various subjects like branding, strategies for year-round profitability, the value of HVAC techs, and why quality and expertise are worth every penny.

Key Takeaways:

• Adrian’s initial reluctance to take on a leadership role and how his perspective evolved over time.

-----

Additional Resources

➡️ Schedule a FREE Marketing Assessment today: http://lokalhq.com/marketing-assessment/

-----

👉 Connect with Adrian Garcia

Website: https://www.reliablekitchenservices.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ReliableHVACR/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ReliableHVACR1/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/reliablehvacr/

-----

The Boost, a podcast for home service contractors.

Join CMO of Lokal, Zach Wilson, as he explores leaders & innovators in home services, their personal journeys, thoughts and experiences with growth, marketing, and succession.

Lokal digital marketing works exclusively with contractors specializing in HVAC, roofing, plumbing, and garage door companies to conquer their local turf and grow exponentially.

All Aboard the Longship! Powered by Vikings™.

For marketing tips, follow Zach Wilson on Instagram, TikTok, or Facebook.

This week, we dive into a conversation with Loren Garder from Bergen Plumbing, Heating, & Cooling, exploring his journey as an educator in the trades. 

Loren's early collaboration with his brother at Bergen led him to discover his passion for training aspiring tradesmen. 

Under his guidance, Bergen's apprenticeship program evolved into the cornerstone of their culture, eventually expanding into the independent Blackhawk School of Apprenticeship, a crucial step for anyone joining Bergen.

The turning point came when Loren’s brother began transitioning the company into an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), enabling employees to own a part of Bergen. 

This move not only cultivated a sense of ownership among the staff but also significantly enhanced the company culture, fostering a deep-rooted commitment to excellence in service, customer satisfaction, and mastery of their trade.

Tune in to hear Loren discuss how these initiatives transformed Bergen, creating a unified passion and dedication that resonates throughout the company.

A few key takeaways:

• Empowerment through Education: Loren Garder's initiative to develop a comprehensive training and education program underscores the importance of continuous learning and skill development in professional growth and organizational success.

-----

Additional Resources

➡️ Schedule a FREE Marketing Assessment today: https://lokalhq.com/marketing-assessment/

-----

👉 Connect with Loren Gardner

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lorendgardner/

Website: https://apprenticeshipworks.trade

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/apprenticeship_works/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61553685544705

Bergen Plumbing, Heating, & Cooling: https://noworrycomfort.com

-----

The Boost, a podcast for home service contractors.

Join CMO of Lokal, Zach Wilson, as he explores leaders & innovators in home services, their personal journeys, thoughts and experiences with growth, marketing, and succession.

Lokal digital marketing works exclusively with contractors specializing in HVAC, roofing, plumbing, and garage door companies to conquer their local turf and grow exponentially.

All Aboard the Longship! Powered by Vikings™.

For marketing tips, follow Zach Wilson on Instagram, TikTok, or Facebook.

This week on our podcast, we recorded live at ACCA 2024 in Orlando. Our captivating conversation with Tersh Blissett, a vanguard in service innovation and co-host of the Service Business Mastery Podcast. 

Tersh discusses his early curiosity that led him from tinkering to studying engineering at Georgia Tech, eventually finding his true calling in the trades.

He became co-owner at Tri-Star Heating, Air, and Plumbing before launching his own high-end HVAC company, Service Emperor, in 2019.

Distinct from Tri-Star’s high-volume approach, Service Emperor prides itself on meticulous attention to detail—ensuring technicians are not only skilled but also exceptionally respectful and mindful of the clients' homes, a necessity given the upscale Savannah residences they service.

Tersh began a podcast to highlight his journey starting and operating a new HVAC company.  Podcasting about Service Emperor marked a pivotal moment for Tersh, igniting a passion that ultimately led him to focus full-time on the Service Business Mastery Podcast.

To maintain his businesses while dedicating himself to podcasting, Tersh enlisted trusted partners, offering equity to ensure both ventures thrived without his constant oversight. Emphasizing the mantra “Where you focus is where you grow,” Tersh has successfully expanded his podcasting career, now boasting over 200,000 monthly downloads.

A few key takeaways:

• Passion and Purpose: Tersh’s journey from a kid with a curiosity to tinkerer, led to a very successful life as an entrepreneur in the trades.

Additional Resources

➡️ Schedule a FREE Marketing Assessment today: https://lokalhq.com/marketing-assessment/

-----

👉 Connect with Tersh Blissett

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tersh_blissett

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tersh_blissett

Service Emperor: https://serviceemperor.com/

TriStar Heating, Cooling, Plumbing, and Electrical: https://tristarsavannah.com/

Service Business Mastery Podcast: https://servicebusinessmasterypodcast.com

-----

The Boost, a podcast for home service contractors.

Join CMO of Lokal, Zach Wilson, as he explores leaders & innovators in home services, their personal journeys, thoughts and experiences with growth, marketing, and succession.

Lokal digital marketing works exclusively with contractors specializing in HVAC, roofing, plumbing, and garage door companies to conquer their local turf and grow exponentially.

All Aboard the Longship! Powered by Vikings™.

For marketing tips, follow Zach Wilson on Instagram, TikTok, or Facebook.

Join us this week as we talk to Nicholas Matos, owner of Reliable Heating and Cooling in Indian Trail, NC. Nick's path led him from Miami and the Marines to the world of HVAC business ownership. After learning finance at J.P. Morgan, he used his valuation skills to transform a struggling HVAC shop into a seven-figure success within his first year.

Nick closed his first small business deal quickly – and right in the middle of peak season! He skillfully negotiated favorable terms without external financing, recognizing the limited buyer pool and leveraging that to his advantage.

Nick shares insights on the challenges of valuing small businesses. He emphasizes both the importance of the buyer's vision for growth and the difficulty of reliable valuation due to inconsistent data.

Reliable's initial focus is on optimizing operations, streamlining pricing, organizing their CRM, and building a strong digital marketing presence.

Listen to our discussion for much, much more!

-----

Additional Resources

➡️ Schedule a FREE Marketing Assessment today: https://lokalhq.com/marketing-assessment/

-----

👉 Connect with Nicholas Matos

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nick-matos/

Website: https://relhvac.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reliablehvac_clt/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/relhvac

-----

The Boost, a podcast for home service contractors.

Join CMO of Lokal, Zach Wilson, as he explores leaders & innovators in home services, their personal journeys, thoughts and experiences with growth, marketing, and succession.

Lokal digital marketing works exclusively with contractors specializing in HVAC, roofing, plumbing, and garage door companies to conquer their local turf and grow exponentially.

All Aboard the Longship! Powered by Vikings™.

For marketing tips, follow Zach Wilson on Instagram, TikTok, or Facebook.

Ever wondered how a small HVAC company can scale up for big success? This week's guest, Mike Mueller, Head of Product Development, Integrator, and Coach at RocketX, shares the inside secrets.

Mike and Zach discuss lessons learned during COVID, Mike's journey from Absolute Airflow to Delightful Duck, and his comprehensive plan to take the company to the next level.

The Delightful Duck team is revamping their brand, boosting call center efficiency, and implementing strategic growth initiatives.

Want to hear Mike's complete growth strategy? Tune in to the full episode!

Three Key Takeaways:

• Success isn't just about headcount: Healthy organizations focus on EBITDA and gross margins, not simply the number of employees. This focus allows for sustainable growth.

-----

Additional Resources

➡️ Schedule a FREE Marketing Assessment today: https://lokalhq.com/marketing-assessment/

-----

👉 Connect with Mike Mueller

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-mueller-a49780245/

Website: https://www.callprofitrocket.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mike_mueller_pr/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NavyLax32

-----

The Boost, a podcast for home service contractors.

Join CMO of Lokal, Zach Wilson, as he explores leaders & innovators in home services, their personal journeys, thoughts and experiences with growth, marketing, and succession.

Lokal digital marketing works exclusively with contractors specializing in HVAC, roofing, plumbing, and garage door companies to conquer their local turf and grow exponentially.

All Aboard the Longship! Powered by Vikings™.

For marketing tips, follow Zach Wilson on Instagram, TikTok, or Facebook.

In this episode, Kevin Lesage and Zach explore Channel Attribution and how to solve it in your digital marketing channels for home service contractors.

Searchlight Digital connects digital marketing channels to existing customer revenue, allowing easier channel measurement and aiming to improve marketing through successful campaigns.

Kevin and Zach go into details about the relationship between Agencies and Contractors. They discuss how to effectively get marketing channels dialed in with the Searchlight platform and how the platform can find leaks in marketing channels and dial-in spend.

With a last-click attribution model, Kevin tells us how their platform builds stories around user’s and wraps those stories for each potential customer into money out and money in, resulting in more effective spend across digital.

Kevin takes us on his journey from the son of a plumber who liked to help his Dad and Brother find more leads to today where he and his team are taking to the streets to help the rest of the contractors figure out where to effectively spend their dollars to grow their businesses.

Kevin shares that all of this is very simple roll-up math once you have the breadcrumb.

Key Takeaways:

• Contractors and Marketers can benefit from Searchlight

-----

Additional Resources

➡️ Schedule a FREE Marketing Assessment today: https://lokalhq.com/marketing-assessment/

-----

👉 Connect with Kevin Lesage

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-lesage-a4b75a25/

Website: https://www.searchlightdigital.io

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SearchLight.io

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/searchlightdigital/

-----

The Boost, a podcast for home service contractors.

Join CMO of Lokal, Zach Wilson, as he explores leaders & innovators in home services, their personal journeys, thoughts and experiences with growth, marketing, and succession.

Lokal digital marketing works exclusively with contractors specializing in HVAC, roofing, plumbing, and garage door companies to conquer their local turf and grow exponentially.

All Aboard the Longship! Powered by Vikings™.

For marketing tips, follow Zach Wilson on Instagram, TikTok, or Facebook.

In this episode, JG Van Graan and Zach explore Smart Dispatching, Inventory Management, and marketing for HVAC contractors. 

ThermoGrid’s a field management software helps contractors with smart dispatching and inventory management. 

We discuss how Smart Dispatching can help contractors by analyzing technician’s schedules, skills, locations, and performance to make the best suggestion and automatically send the right technician to every job.

JG talks about his 25 years in the HVAC industry and shares some memories of his installer days all the way through his current role as the Director of Sales at ThermoGrid. 

Dan tells us it’s important to  think about our customers daily.

Key Takeaways:

• Traditional advertising and its effectiveness

Additional Resources

➡️ Schedule a FREE Marketing Assessment today: https://lokalhq.com/marketing-assessment/

-----

👉 Connect with JG Van Graan

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jg-van-graan-67a0a417a/

Website: https://www.ecisolutions.com/products/thermogrid-contractor-dispatching-software/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThermoGrid

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/eci-thermogrid/

-----

The Boost, a podcast for home service contractors.

Join CMO of Lokal, Zach Wilson, as he explores leaders & innovators in home services, their personal journeys, thoughts and experiences with growth, marketing, and succession.

Lokal digital marketing works exclusively with contractors specializing in HVAC, roofing, plumbing, and garage door companies to conquer their local turf and grow exponentially.

All Aboard the Longship! Powered by Vikings™.

For marketing tips, follow Zach Wilson on Instagram, TikTok, or Facebook.

In this episode, we talk with Jordan Winar, Owner of Zion Outdoors. Jordan started Zion Outdoors after 10 years as Chief Growth Officer at Allied Outdoor Solutions.

Zach and Jordan drift into the days of yore, both former endurance athletes. Jordan was an Xterra guy and Zach an Ironman triathlete, both who ascended to their respective World Championship races and are now business owners.

Jordan talks about his victories and failures, on the bike and in the workplace.

Jordan shares a growth story from his days at Allied, where scaling didn’t work and the details mattered. His team tried to copy and paste strategies from one market to another market more than 1,000 miles away….and it didn’t work.

Jordan reflects on his favorite quote from Tony Robbins, “Where you focus goes, your energy flows…”.

Key Takeaways:

• Don’t try and be everything to everyone

-----

Additional Resources

➡️ Schedule a FREE Marketing Assessment today: https://lokalhq.com/marketing-assessment/

-----

👉 Connect with Jordan Winar

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jordanwinar/

Website: https://zionoutdoors.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zionoutdoors.official

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/zionoutdoors.official

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ZionOutdoors

-----

The Boost, a podcast for home service contractors.

Join CMO of Lokal, Zach Wilson, as he explores leaders & innovators in home services, their personal journeys, thoughts and experiences with growth, marketing, and succession.

Lokal digital marketing works exclusively with contractors specializing in HVAC, roofing, plumbing, and garage door companies to conquer their local turf and grow exponentially.

All Aboard the Longship! Powered by Vikings™.

For marketing tips, follow Zach Wilson on Instagram, TikTok, or Facebook.