The Catalyst for the Trades

AI is already transforming how businesses connect and grow. In this episode, Jennifer Bagley sits down with Remy Skerjanz, co-founder of Sales Blaster AI, for an inside look at what’s truly changing in digital marketing, lead generation, and customer experience.

Remy breaks down his partnership journey with Max, why they bet on AI voice and agentic technology, and how their tools help businesses outperform competitors in a future where AI agents do the booking, research, and heavy lifting.

From helping a major political campaign harness AI outbound calling to building scalable, performance-based solutions for clients, Remy reveals exactly where agencies and trades businesses need to adapt—and what happens to those who don’t. If you want to know what “agentic optimization” really means, or how to future-proof your company against the rapid pace of change, don’t miss this episode.

Ideal for agency owners, marketers, tech-savvy trades professionals, and any entrepreneur ready to embrace the next wave of AI-driven business.

Timestamps: 

00:00 — Introduction & Welcoming Remy Skerjanz
01:09 — Remy’s Early Entrepreneurial Journey & Meeting Max
05:18 — Building a Partnership: Philosophy & Contracts
06:27 — Turning Down a Big Money Offer to Build Their Own Path
07:06 — AI Success in Politics: Kennedy Campaign Story
09:31 — The AI Shift: When Everything Changed
10:05 — Impact of AI on Google Search and Digital Marketing
11:09 — AI Agents & the Agentic-Ready Future
12:21 — Humans vs. AI Agents: Where Businesses Struggle
13:48 — AI for Customer Support: The Case for Real Impact
16:20 — What Agentic Optimization Means for Businesses
18:43 — How Sales Blaster AI Scales & Stays Ahead of Change
22:21 — Outbound AI, Platform Agnosticism, and Performance-Based Approaches
24:23 — Jennifer’s Support & The Importance of Young Innovators
27:15 — Can You Trust AI? Guardrails, Hallucinations, and Best Practices
31:56 — Training AI vs. Training Humans
32:24 — Remy’s Framework: Purpose-Driven, Modular AI Architecture
34:04 — Human in the Loop: When to Rely on People
35:44 — Architecting Systems & Staying Agentic-Ready
37:22 — Shared Memory, Multiple Agents & What’s Next in AI Tools
39:34 — What’s Coming Next: SaaS and Opportunities with Sales Blaster AI
42:07 — Building a Podcast Fast: Lessons in Modern Content Marketing
43:05 — Final Thoughts & Advice for Trades and Agencies

Guest Details:

Remy Skerjanz
Title: Co-founder of Sales Blaster AI
Background: Remy is a serial entrepreneur and innovator in the agentic AI and outbound automation space. After a start in commercial real estate and a stint providing pre-foreclosure data—and teaching himself digital marketing—he partnered with Max, a government tech team alumnus, to build scalable AI tools. Together, they developed voice and outbound agents, scored political campaign wins, and committed to helping businesses become agentic-ready. Remy is also the co-host of The Autonomous Growth Show and an advocate for performance-driven, high-leverage AI adoption.

Relevant Links:

• Sales Blaster AI
• The Autonomous Growth Show Podcast
• Catalyst for the Trades Podcast
• CI Web Group
• The Opus & Golds Group

Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe to "The Catalyst for Trades" on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your preferred platform. Share this episode with aspiring and established leaders, and stay tuned for more insights on driving business success and personal leadership growth.

Running a successful septic company for 88 years takes more than experience — it takes innovation.
In this episode of Catalyst for the Trades, host Jennifer Bagley and strategist Vee Nettles talk with Courtney Van Delden Supplee, owner of Van Delden Wastewater Systems, about how she’s keeping her fourth-generation business thriving with AI, automation, and data-driven marketing.

Courtney shares how switching to CI Web Group’s AI-enabled website platform and adopting tools like Manus AI and Cortex helped modernize operations, boost SEO, and streamline team workflows. She opens up about transforming company culture, making bold technology decisions, and using AI to manage everything from social media to work orders.

If you’re a home service business owner, septic contractor, or trades professional, this episode will show you how to future-proof your business with AI optimization, smart automation, and digital transformation strategies built for the trades.

Timestamps 

01:00 – Intro: Meet Jennifer Bagley, Vee Nettles, and guest Courtney Van Delden Supplee

01:58 – Company History: Van Delden’s 88-year journey and Courtney’s path to ownership

03:42 – Leadership Challenges: Building a team-first culture and long-term career growth

05:17 – Partnering With CI Web Group: Why Van Delden upgraded to an AI-enabled website

07:26 – SEO Impact: Growth after migration and measurable results from digital upgrades

08:50 – Business Agility: How Courtney manages fast-paced decisions and tech adoption

15:06 – AI-Era SEO: Using customer language, blogs, and local keywords to drive calls

20:30 – AI Social Media Automation: Leveraging Manus AI and Cortex for marketing

28:02 – Workflow Optimization: Managing 40+ daily work orders with AI and automation

33:28 – Model Context Protocol: Building custom AI systems for back-office operations

39:44 – AI in Daily Ops: How automation drives performance, bonuses, and efficiency

41:05 – ChatGPT vs Multi-Agent Tools: The next phase of AI integrations for contractors

43:09 – AI Search Optimization: Why businesses must adapt beyond traditional Google search

47:32 – Final Takeaways: Courtney’s advice for trades owners—embrace AI and start now

Guest Details

Courtney Van Delden Supplee
Owner, Van Delden Wastewater Systems
Fourth-generation leader of an established Texas-based septic company. Courtney is redefining what it means to run a legacy business by embracing AI tools, automation, and data-driven marketing to enhance customer service, efficiency, and profitability.

Resources & Links

• Van Delden Wastewater Systems (vdwws.com)
• CI Web Group
• Catalyst for the Trades Podcast
• Just Start AI Community
• Manus AI

Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe to "The Catalyst for Trades" on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your preferred platform. Share this episode with aspiring and established leaders, and stay tuned for more insights on driving business success and personal leadership growth.

Ready to future-proof your trade business and increase its value? In this high-impact episode of Catalyst for the Trades, Jennifer Bagley sits down with revenue strategist Casey Eberhart—known as The Ideal Networker—for a straight-talk discussion on building lasting, profitable companies in the trades.

Drawing on decades of experience buying, selling, and advising service businesses, Casey shares why owning digital assets matters more than ever, how to leverage content and community to attract customers, and the three must-have assets every HVAC, plumbing, and home service business needs to grow—or get acquired.

You’ll hear how modern marketing, automation, and AI are changing the game for contractors, and why visibility through your website, community, and YouTube channel is key to long-term success.

Packed with real-world examples, proven strategies, and actionable tech insights, this episode is a must-listen for anyone serious about scaling a trade business in 2025 and beyond.

Timestamps:
00:00 – Intro & Meet Casey Eberhart
 03:09 – Why Commanding Attention Grows Your Bottom Line
 04:44 – Getting Uncomfortable: Why Owners Must Show Up Online
 05:22 – M&A Insights: What Investors Look For
 06:38 – Case Study: Social Content That Actually Works
 09:00 – Outsourcing Smart: Get Your Team Creating Content
 10:06 – Brand Visibility + AI = Next-Level Marketing
 13:28 – Automate Reviews for Social Proof
 14:05 – Compounding Content Assets: The Power of YouTube & Google
 15:22 – Modern Marketing Baseline vs. Fax-Machine Tactics
 20:06 – The Trifecta: Website, Community, YouTube
 25:57 – Content Strategy: Targeted Videos for Any Audience
 28:39 – Hyperlocal Visibility: Interviewing Local Businesses
 34:27 – Building Real Relationships & Permanent Assets
 36:37 – The ROI of Content vs. Buying Leads
 41:26 – Community Resource: Just Start AI
 45:04 – Major in What You Own, Minor in What You Rent
 48:39 – Speed, Focus, and Execution
 52:04 – Closing Thoughts & Where to Connect

Guest Details:
Casey Eberhart
Title: Revenue Strategist

About: Casey Eberhart—also known as The Ideal Networker—is a speaker, business coach, and entrepreneur who helps leaders and sales professionals build profitable connections through strategic networking and follow-up systems. He runs workshops such as Networking Riches and Networking Next Level, and leads the Expand The Network community. With a background spanning industries from amusement parks to film production and real estate, Casey teaches practical methods for identifying the right relationships, creating influence, and turning conversations into business growth

Relevant Links:

• Just Start AI Community
• Catalyst for the Trades Podcast
• CI Web Group

Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe to "The Catalyst for Trades" on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your preferred platform. Share this episode with aspiring and established leaders, and stay tuned for more insights on driving business success and personal leadership growth.

AI is rewriting the rules of SEO and digital marketing. In this episode, Jennifer Bagley talks with Seth Humble about how AI search is transforming how home service businesses show up, rank, and convert online.

Seth shares his journey from the oil fields of Texas to leading AI integration, SEO innovation, and Webflow adoption at one of the most forward-thinking agencies in the trades. They break down how AI-driven search, intelligent automation, and strategic platform shifts are giving contractors a real competitive edge.

Listeners will learn why visibility is changing, how to adapt fast, and what performance-focused strategies are driving growth in the AI era.

What You’ll Learn

• How AI search is changing SEO for contractors
• Why moving from WordPress to Webflow boosted performance
• The impact of AI-driven content and real-time visibility reporting
• How trades businesses can lead—not follow—as AI search evolves

Timestamps

• 00:00 — Introduction
• 04:12 — The AI Shift in SEO
• 09:43 — Evolving with AI
• 12:29 — Strategic Shifts at CI Web Group
• 22:05 — The Move to Webflow
• 28:35 — Content at Scale
• 32:53 — Changing Demand vs. Changing Discovery
• 36:06 — AI Search Visibility Reporting
• 40:39 — Outcomes Over Outputs
• 44:33 — Final Takeaways

Guest: Seth Humble

• Title: Director of Product & Production at CI Web Group
• Background: 20+ years of writing and over a decade in SEO. Seth has led AI-powered production innovation, platform migration to Webflow, and next-gen visibility reporting for home service and contractor businesses.

Resources & Links

• Catalyst for the Trades Podcast
• CI Web Group
• The Opus & Golds Group

Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe to "The Catalyst for Trades" on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your preferred platform. Share this episode with aspiring and established leaders, and stay tuned for more insights on driving business success and personal leadership growth.

Is your marketing all over the place—or all dialed in? This week, Jennifer Bagley sits down with Crystal Williams, co-founder of Lemon Seed Marketing and a lifelong contractor, for a brutally honest, high-energy look at what’s working (and what’s not) in the trades right now. Crystal shares battle-tested insights on branding, marketing strategy, personal accountability, and the crucial role of collaboration between contractors and their vendors.

From common marketing mistakes—like “buckshotting” Facebook—to actionable strategies for brand building and operational excellence, Crystal tells it straight. You’ll learn why strategy trumps tactics, what separates contractors who actually grow from those who stall out, and how embracing innovation (think: AI, automation, and new branding trends) can unlock your next level of success.

Whether you’re a small shop ready to scale or a multi-million dollar organization stuck in neutral, this episode delivers real-world advice that will help you own your market and move your business forward.

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction & Why Crystal Williams is a Standout in the Trades
01:33 - Crystal’s Journey: From Contractor’s Kid to Lemon Seed Founder
03:13 - Why Most Marketing Fails: Lack of Strategy & “Buckshot” Tactics
04:56 - The Vendor Dilemma: Social Media Myths & the Power of Owning Your Strategy
05:38 - Accountability: Why Some Contractors Win and Others Stall Out
07:43 - What Lemon Seed Looks for in a Great Client (& Why Size Isn’t Everything)
08:33 - Contractor Mindset: One-Man-Band vs. Collaborative Decision Maker
12:02 - The Real Role of Marketing Partners: Communication, Candor, and Problem-Solving
14:20 - The Shifting Landscape: AI, Google Search, and Keeping Pace
17:52 - Can Your Marketing Partner Care More Than You? (Short Answer: No)
19:19 - Perfection vs. Progress: Why Execution Matters More Than “Pretty”
23:03 - Smart Rebrands: Avoiding Pitfalls and Protecting Your Online Equity
31:26 - What Actually Drives Contractor Growth: Ops, Pricing & (Actual) Marketing
33:09 - Why Most Contractors Have No Real Strategy—and How to Fix It
34:53 - Daily Habits that Build Brand Presence Online
36:49 - How to Inspire Action, Not Excuses—And Where Crystal Says Contractors Get Stuck
37:42 - Personal Brand is the New SEO: Upcoming Webinar & Future Trends
39:11 - Connect with Crystal Williams & Lemon Seed Marketing

Guest Details:

Crystal Williams
Title: Co-Founder of Lemon Seed Marketing
Background: Crystal is a third-generation contractor and the “trade baby” behind Lemon Seed, a leading agency focused on contractor branding and strategy. With decades of real-world experience, she’s helped companies move from old-school operations to multi-million dollar, multi-trade businesses by building holistic brands, actionable marketing plans, and fostering real accountability. As a coach, speaker, and operator, Crystal is known for telling it like it is, pushing her clients (and her team) to do the hard work for profitable, sustainable growth.

Relevant Links:

• Lemon Seed Marketing
• Catalyst for the Trades Podcast
• CI Web Group
• The Opus & Golds Group

Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe to "The Catalyst for Trades" on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your preferred platform. Share this episode with aspiring and established leaders, and stay tuned for more insights on driving business success and personal leadership growth.

Ready to break away from business as usual and spark success in a challenging market? In this episode, Denise Corbin—president of Winsupply—joins Jazmin Ramirez, guest host, to discuss her game-changing HVAC Summit designed for contractors who want to thrive, not just survive.

Instead of product pitches, Denise has curated a lineup of top industry experts delivering actionable insights on AI, field management, business planning, financing, and more. With the trades industry facing economic uncertainty, this summit is all about education, community, and building resilience for 2026. 

Tune in for the details on speakers, topics, and how you can be part of this forward-thinking event, whether you’re a seasoned contractor, a student in the trades, or just looking for inspiration in home services. Perfect for contractors seeking strategy, technology, and renewed motivation in today's market.

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction
01:45 - Event Announcement: HVAC Summit
02:59 - Speaker Lineup & Topics
08:36 - Expo & Networking Partners
10:17 - Key Takeaways for Contractors
11:54 - Sponsors & Philosophy
13:46 - How to Register

Guest Details:

Denise Corbin
Title: President, Winsupply
Background: Denise Corbin is an industry leader with decades of experience in wholesale distribution. Denise’s mission is to create solutions and lasting partnerships for contractors, helping them navigate challenges with education and innovation.

Relevant Links:

• Winsupply’s HVAC Summit (Registration & Event Info)
• Winsupply
• Just Start AI 
• Catalyst for the Trades Podcast
• CI Web Group
• The Opus & Golds Group

Call to Action:

Ready to elevate your business for 2026? Register for the Winsupply HVAC Summit in Austin at winsupplyaustin.framer.website.

Subscribe to Catalyst for the Trades on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube—and share this episode with a contractor who needs that extra boost of knowledge and optimism!

Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe to "The Catalyst for Trades" on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your preferred platform. Share this episode with aspiring and established leaders, and stay tuned for more insights on driving business success and personal leadership growth.

What does it take to lead and grow in a fast-changing trades industry? In this episode of Catalyst for the Trades, Jennifer Bagley interviews Jazmin Ramirez, Senior Director of Growth at CI Web Group and one of the top 30 most influential women in HVACR.

Jazmin shares her journey from plumbing office manager to award-winning marketing leader, how she’s helping contractors scale faster with AI, and why asset ownership and speed matter more than ever.

Listeners will learn how AI-driven marketing, SEO, and transparent strategies are reshaping how HVAC, plumbing, and electrical businesses grow.

Timestamps

• 00:00 – Introduction & Guest Welcome
• 01:01 – Women in HVACR Conference Highlights
•  02:12 – Jazmin’s Journey in the Trades
• 05:11 – Growth at CI Web Group
• 08:19 – Passion & Making a Difference
• 10:49 – Navigating Rapid Technology Shifts
• 15:20 – Evolving SEO and Marketing for the AI Era
• 21:39 – AI-Driven Content, Blogging, and Local SEO
• 26:30 – Making High-Performance Marketing Affordable
• 28:29 – Real Results for Contractors
• 33:27 – Website Development & Asset Ownership
• 37:04 – AI in the Trades: Industry Readiness
• 38:46 – Final Thoughts: The Future of Trades Marketing

Guest Details

• Name: Jazmin Ramirez
• Title: Senior Director of Growth, CI Web Group

Jazmin has built her career in the trades, working across commercial plumbing, dispatch, marketing, and team leadership. She mentors contractors nationwide to grow faster with AI-driven strategies and proven marketing systems.

Relevant Links

• Women in HVACR
• Get Started with CI Web Group
• Catalyst for the Trades Podcast
• CI Web Group
• The Opus & Golds Group
  
  

Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe to "The Catalyst for Trades" on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your preferred platform. Share this episode with aspiring and established leaders, and stay tuned for more insights on driving business success and personal leadership growth.

Get an insider’s look at Texas Air Conditioning Contractors Association (TACCA) and the upcoming TACCA Live HVAC industry event in Conroe, Texas. Camille Porco, our stand-in host of this episode, sits down with Victoria Schaefer, Executive Director of TACCA, to share why this conference is a must-attend event for Texas HVAC contractors and professionals in the trades.

Discover how TACCA Live helps HVAC businesses grow, stay compliant, and stay ahead of industry changes. From marketing and pricing workshops to leadership sessions and CE credits, this event is built to give contractors practical strategies they can apply right away. Plus, get details on AI in HVAC, networking opportunities, breakout sessions, keynote speakers, and exhibitor highlights.

Timestamps

 00:00 – Introduction: Meet Victoria Schaefer and her journey in HVAC advocacy
 01:13 – What is TACCA Live? Texas’ top HVAC contractor event
 02:59 – Who can join TACCA and why it matters for HVAC businesses
 05:13 – Education and CE credit opportunities for Texas HVAC contractors
 06:32 – Workshop highlights: marketing, pricing, financials, leadership
 07:09 – Expert spotlight: Key sessions featuring Jennifer Bagley
 08:34 – The Consultant Corner: 1:1 business coaching
 10:12 – Registration options: full event and new one-day passes
 11:34 – Networking: how in-person connections drive contractor growth
 12:40 – Easy registration and hotel info
 13:09 – Keynote and guest speakers: Dr. Andy Neely, Barton James, and more
 14:53 – Breakout sessions for every role in your HVAC business
 15:27 – Who should attend: contractors, office teams, emerging leaders
 16:09 – 40+ exhibitors: products, jobs, and Texas-focused opportunities
 17:39 – Event logistics reminder and closing tips

Guest Details

Victoria Schaefer
Executive Director, Texas Air Conditioning Contractors Association (TACCA)
Victoria leads the state’s top organization for licensed HVAC contractors. With deep experience in trade association leadership, she focuses on contractor education, industry advocacy, and helping Texas HVAC businesses thrive in a rapidly evolving marketplace.

Relevant Links

• TACCA Official Website & Event Registration
• CI Web Group
• Catalyst for the Trades
• Follow TACCA on LinkedIn
• Follow TACCA on Facebook
• Follow TACCA on Instagram 

Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe to "The Catalyst for Trades" on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your preferred platform. Share this episode with aspiring and established leaders, and stay tuned for more insights on driving business success and personal leadership growth.

What does it really take to break free from flat growth and scale your contracting business into the millions? In this inspiring episode, Vince Heuser shares the raw journey from launching a garage door business in his garage after the 2008 recession to building a powerhouse home services company with over 130 employees and 85 trucks. Vince reveals the game-changing mindset shifts, systems, and sales processes that tripled his business in just 90 days—and kept growth skyrocketing year after year.

Whether you’re stuck at a revenue plateau or ready to level up, Vince’s actionable lessons and behind-the-scenes tactics offer the roadmap you’ve been searching for.

Perfect for HVAC, plumbing, electrical, and garage door business owners looking for proven strategies to scale fast and profitably.

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction to Vince Heuser and episode overview
01:35 - Vince’s start: From home building to garage doors after 2008
04:05 - Breaking the $1M plateau—the power of mentorship
06:26 - The 90-day turnaround: Tracking, sales process, and dialing in marketing
08:23 - The #1 thing keeping most owners stuck at the same revenue
13:49 - Fast wins: Checklists, sales processes, and getting “out of the truck”
16:32 - Key numbers every owner needs to track
19:35 - Hiring top talent and building culture around referrals and incentives
24:24 - Inside sales innovation: The “buddy system” that skyrocketed closing rates
34:10 - Real-world process: Tagging in sales from the office, running high-ticket calls
40:47 - Exiting, reflecting, and launching a new business even faster
43:09 - The power of learning from past mistakes
45:19 - Connect with Vince & wrap-up

Guest Details:

Vince Heuser
Title: Founder of Everdoor

Background: Vince Heuser started his first home service business in 2008, transforming a garage door startup into a multi-trade powerhouse with $22M in revenue and 130+ employees before successfully exiting. He’s recognized for pioneering inside sales systems, scaling with precise tracking and checklists, and building winning cultures through incentive pay and referrals. Now leading Everdoor in Florida, Vince helps other contractors shortcut the learning curve with proven processes for rapid, sustainable growth.

Relevant Links:

• Everdoor
• Catalyst for the Trades Podcast
• CI Web Group
• The Opus & Golds Group

Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe to "The Catalyst for Trades" on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your preferred platform. Share this episode with aspiring and established leaders, and stay tuned for more insights on driving business success and personal leadership growth.

Thinking about switching CRM platforms or struggling to get the most out of your current system? In this must-listen episode, CRM and Service Titan consultant Celia Church (Smart Service Solutions) joins hosts Jennifer Bagley and Chuck Staszkiewicz to unpack the secrets behind successful CRM and field service software adoption for contractors and home service businesses.

Celia shares a true insider’s roadmap—covering everything from data mapping and onboarding to ensuring clean data, effective team training, and the growing role of AI in automating busywork. Chuck and Jen add hard-earned lessons from their own businesses, giving listeners a no-nonsense guide to avoiding costly mistakes and setting up your CRM (and company) for scale. 

Perfect for HVAC, plumbing, electrical, and service company owners ready to stop wasting money on underused tech—and start leveraging CRM platforms for strategic, profitable growth.

Timestamps:

00:00 – Introduction & Why CRM Matters
01:41 – Meet Celia Church: Her Background and How She Became a CRM Expert
04:02 – Why “Garbage In, Garbage Out” Is the #1 Data Principle
07:52 – The Right Way to Implement a New CRM
10:00 – Step-by-Step: Data Mapping, Validation, and Change Management
12:56 – Who Should (and Shouldn’t) Attempt a CRM Migration
15:00 – Critical Non-Negotiables for Successful Implementation
17:27 – Training, Grace Periods, and Dealing with Bad Data
18:46 – Seamless Employee Onboarding & Ongoing Training
19:58 – How AI and Automation Are Changing CRM Use
24:35 – Automations, Integrations & What’s Possible Now
25:51 – Reporting Mistakes Contractors Make (and How to Fix Them)
30:51 – The Owner's Mindset and How Bad Data Derails Growth
34:19 – Why You Need Financial Clarity Before a CRM Migration
40:45 – Building Your Fractional “Dream Team” of Experts
44:45 – Measuring ROI—And the Hidden Costs of Doing It Wrong
49:51 – Final Advice, Celia’s Contact Info & Next Steps

Guest Details:

Celia Church
Title: Founder & Lead Consultant, Smart Service Solutions
Background: Celia Church is a respected CRM and field service software expert specializing in Service Titan and home services technologies. With a career spanning dispatch, call center management, and tech consulting, Celia’s consultative approach has helped hundreds of service businesses optimize their process, gain control of their data, and achieve scalable growth. She is renowned for her hands-on strategies in data integrity, staff training, and business process mapping—helping companies unlock the full value of expensive software investments.

Relevant Links:

• Smart Service Solutions
• Catalyst for the Trades Podcast
• CI Web Group
• The Opus & Golds Group

Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe to "The Catalyst for Trades" on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your preferred platform. Share this episode with aspiring and established leaders, and stay tuned for more insights on driving business success and personal leadership growth.