The Catalyst for the Trades

Ready to future-proof your contracting business? AI is transforming everything from lead conversion to customer service and financial management in the trades. In this episode, Lynn Wise, founder of Contractor in Charge and One Path AI, joins host Jennifer Bagley to break down how artificial intelligence is accelerating change for home service companies.

Learn what’s driving tighter margins, why AI-powered call centers and agentic agents are game-changers, and how contractors can level up to attract more leads, streamline operations, and boost profitability. Lynn and Jennifer share firsthand insights, practical adoption tips, and a behind-the-scenes look at innovative tools like the One Path AI CRM. This is a must-listen for anyone serious about thriving amid rapid tech transformation in HVAC, plumbing, or electrical.

Timestamps: 

00:00 - Welcoming Lynn Wise & The Urgency of AI in the Trades
03:07 - Lynn’s Unique Vantage Point: Financials and Call Centers
05:59 - Industry Trends: Margins, Overhead, and Post-COVID “Normal”
07:53 - AI’s Real Impact: Call Centers, Lead Velocity & Staffing
10:12 - The Consumer-Driven Shift to AI Tools and Agentic Agents
14:25 - How Business Owners Are Adopting Tech Slower Than Consumers
16:04 - The Freedom Outsourcing & AI Brings Contractors
18:57 - Early Adopters in the Trades: Real Stories and Use Cases
19:36 - Introducing One Path: The AI-First Operations Platform
21:16 - Why “Human in the Loop” Still Matters
23:43 - Letting Consumers Choose Their Experience
25:11 - Built for AI: Booking Systems, Agentic Agents & Efficiency
29:54 - Rethinking Customer Experience vs. Job Management
31:08 - SEO and Marketing in the Age of AI
35:23 - Lifetime Value, Lead Scoring & Automated Nurture
36:43 - Attribution, Reporting & Closing the AI Data Gap
38:41 - What’s Next: Releases, Parties & Staying Ahead
40:25 - Meet the AI-First Contractor: Case Studies
43:37 - Get Connected: How to Reach Lynn Wise & Jennifer Bagley

Guest Details:

Lynn Wise
Title: Founder of Contractor in Charge & Co-Founder of One Path AI

Background:
Lynn Wise is a pioneer in AI-driven solutions for the home services sector, with decades of expertise spanning financial management, call center operations, and tech innovation for contractors. Through Contractor in Charge and the new One Path AI platform, Lynn is empowering companies to leverage advanced tools that maximize margins, enhance customer service, and streamline day-to-day operations, making businesses more resilient, profitable, and ready for the future.

Relevant Links:

• Contractor in Charge
• 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.

In this episode of Catalyst for the Trades, we sit down with Stephanie Allen, CEO of Airworks Solutions, to talk about what it takes to lead and thrive in today’s fast-changing trades industry. From her journey leading a top HVAC business while balancing life as a mother of four, to her real-world strategies for using AI to accelerate processes and smash through old excuses, Stephanie shares what’s actually working right now for contractors and business owners.

Hosts Jennifer Bagley and Chuck Staszkiewicz dive deep with Stephanie on bold leadership, overcoming resistance to technology, leveraging ChatGPT for everything from operations to growth, and building a company culture that’s both agile and resilient. Hear how Stephanie’s approach to team development, innovation, and authenticity is helping her business and others stay ahead, and get practical tips you can put to work today.

If you’re determined to cut through the noise, embrace change, and lead your team to new heights, this episode is a must-listen.

Timestamps:

00:00 – Meet Stephanie Allen & Podcast Icebreakers
02:36 – Stephanie’s Origin Story: Leadership, Partnership, and Purpose
04:37 – Driving Transformative Leadership: The BOLD Experience
10:21 – Excuses vs. Execution: How Stephanie Does More With Less
12:39 – Five Ways Stephanie Uses AI/ChatGPT in Her Trades Business
16:21 – The Power of Asking Better Questions (and Training AI)
19:27 – Empowering Teams: Bots, Automation, and Company Culture
23:27 – Winning Team Buy-In for Tech & Change
26:44 – Leadership Lessons: Vulnerability, Vision, and Empowerment
29:52 – Community Over Competition: Growth Mindset in the Trades
31:07 – Rapid Innovation, Mindset, and Getting on the AI “Ark”
34:34 – Why Human Touch Still Matters (And How to Scale It)
40:57 – Overcoming AI Skepticism: Training, Strategy, and Mindset
46:51 – The Stakes for Advisors: Why It’s Time to Lead or Get Out of the Way
49:02 – Final Words: Just Start—Building a Community for Change

Guest Details:

Stephanie Allen
Title: CEO, Airworks Solutions

Background: As the CEO of Airworks Solutions, Stephanie Allen leads from the trenches, balancing family, business growth, and the constant evolution of the trades. Known for her practical leadership, embrace of innovation (especially AI and automation in the trades), and relentless focus on team empowerment, Stephanie is a sought-after mentor, speaker, and industry advocate. She’s passionate about helping contractors unlock their potential, drive real performance, and build cultures that win.

Relevant Links:

• AirWorks Solutions
• BOLD Leadership Program – Driven Leadership
• Catalyst for the Trades Podcast
• The Opus & Golds Group
• 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.

What does it really take to thrive as a new HVAC business in a crowded market? Jason Walker, founder of HVAC Masters of the Hustle, pulls back the curtain on his own journey from law enforcement to leading high-performing HVAC teams—and building a company that stands out against $100M+ competitors. In this high-energy episode, hosts Jennifer Bagley and Chuck Staszkiewicz dig into real-world strategies: launching with limited resources, executing guerrilla marketing, building a brand that commands attention, and relentlessly investing in people and process.

Listen for hard-won advice on company culture, neighborhood marketing, goal setting, and giving back to the community—even while running on a startup budget. Whether you’re a one-truck operation with big dreams or a seasoned owner looking to reignite your hustle, this episode delivers practical insight to make this your best summer ever.

Timestamps:

00:00 – Show Intro & Episode Banter
01:56 – Why Summer Is “Money Season” in HVAC
02:53 – Jason’s Startup Story: From Trainer to Owner
05:40 – Lessons Learned Riding with the “Big Dogs”
06:43 – Adapting to Technology in the Trades
08:45 – Setting Up Shop: Branding, Systems & Core Values
11:08 – Neighborhood Domination & Guerrilla Marketing
13:05 – Door Knocking, Opportunity, and the Hustle Mindset
17:47 – Competing in a Big Market with Limited Resources
20:23 – Out-of-the-Box Community Marketing Ideas
23:05 – Mac Attack Foundation: Giving Back through Adoption & HVAC for Foster Homes
25:55 – Keys to Success: “Do What Others Aren’t Willing to Do”
27:14 – Two Things Every Shop Should Do Before Summer
29:29 – Building Processes That Drive Revenue and Culture
34:02 – Creating Team Culture Through Fun & Recognition
37:14 – The Non-Negotiable: Weekly Huddles and Owner Engagement
39:20 – Core Values: Make Them Real, Make Them Memorable
43:07 – Take Care of Your People (Installers, Lunch, and Beyond)
45:12 – Standout Installations: Turning Work Into Art
47:46 – Final Words: Dream Big, Outwork Your Excuses

Guest Details:

Jason Walker
Title: Founder, HVAC Masters of the Hustle

Background: Known for his “master of the hustle” approach, Jason Walker built his business from the ground up by applying street-smart marketing, relentless process focus, and an unwavering commitment to people and community impact. He is also the founder of the Mac Attack Foundation, which delivers essentials to newborns in need and sponsors adoption fees for families.

Relevant Links:

• HVAC Masters of the Hustle
• Royalty Heating & Air
• Catalyst for the Trades Podcast
• The Opus & Golds Group
• 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.

Ready for a real-world success story that proves the trades are wide open for ambitious go-getters? On this episode of Catalyst, hosts Jennifer Bagley and Chuck Staszkiewicz welcome Darren Dixon, an HVAC industry legend, and his son, Tyler Dixon, who swapped college plans for a fast-track sales career in home services. Tyler shares his path from general manager of a fitness club to high-performing comfort advisor at DND Air, breaking six-figure income before age 22—all thanks to tech-forward processes, strong mentorship, and a relentless drive to connect with customers.

Discover practical hiring, onboarding, and training insights, hear how new technology like “Perfect Match” empowers younger sales stars, and get actionable advice for owners and aspiring salespeople who want to level up. Perfect for business owners, comfort advisors, tech-savvy recruits, or anyone wondering if the trades are the new American Dream.

Timestamps:

00:00 – Meet the Hosts & Guests
01:30 – Tyler’s Journey: From Fitness GM to Trades Newbie
06:03 – Facing Fears and Making the Leap
12:24 – Why HVAC Sales Is a Winning Career
16:05 – Onboarding: Tyler’s Three-Week Sales Training Breakdown
17:56 – Leveraging Technology: Perfect Match and Customer Experience
22:47 – Building Value, Trust, and Higher Ticket Sales
25:10 – The Power of Communication Over Technical Jargon
27:21 – The Critical Installer-Sales Relationship
29:18 – Marketing with Integrity: Transparent Sales vs. Tune-Up Flips
31:07 – Generational Opportunity: The Future of Trades Careers
34:11 – Tyler’s Pre-Call Prep & Building Relationships
36:44 – Learning and Self-Development on the Road
43:22 – The Power of Process: Metrics, Mindset, and Detaching from Outcomes
49:10 – Debriefing Calls: Learning from Every Experience
51:12 – Final Thoughts & The Importance of Community

Guest Details:

Darren Dixon
Title: Founder & CEO, fyxify
Background: With 30 years in the trades, Darren's career spans from a comfort advisor to franchise development in one-hour heating and air conditioning. Now at fyxify, he focuses on merging technology with consumer-centric services.

Tyler Dixon
Title: Home Comfort Specialist at D&D Air Conditioning
Background: Former top-performing fitness general manager. In his first year in HVAC, Tyler’s on track for $3 million in sales using cutting-edge tools and process-driven training.

Relevant Links:

• Fyxify
• Catalyst for the Trades Podcast
• Opus and Golds
• 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.

Is your contracting business ready for the next wave of technology? In this forward-thinking episode, Jennifer Bagley and Chuck Staszkiewicz sit down with Paul Redman, CEO of Contractor Commerce, to talk about what it really takes to stay competitive in a rapidly evolving market. They dive into the impact of AI, automation, and e-commerce, how lean, tech-centric companies are reshaping home services, and why a customer-first mindset is more critical than ever.

From practical ways to leverage AI—no matter your company size—to rethinking memberships, avoiding “growth debt,” and creating standout customer experiences, this episode is packed with insights for contractors who want to win today and tomorrow.

Whether you’re just starting out or leading a multimillion-dollar operation, you’ll get actionable advice and real-world examples to help you adapt, thrive, and build a future-ready business.

Timestamps:

00:00 – Introductions and laughs: Why getting the details right matters
02:18 – Paul Redman’s journey from field sales to Contractor Commerce
07:21 – Spotting trends: Seeing the future in HVAC and home services
10:56 – The technology revolution: AI adoption, contractor mindsets, and industry shifts
14:33 – Native AI everywhere: How device updates will transform how consumers find you
19:16 – The evolving sales process: Preempting customer questions and leveraging automation
22:34 – Transparency, trust, and the rise of recorded customer interactions
26:24 – Removing excuses: Why efficiency is easier than ever with today’s AI tools
30:38 – Breaking down barriers: Closed-loop systems vs. AI’s demand for open integration
32:42 – Memberships for contractors: What works, what falls flat, and what customers actually want
35:24 – The big question: Will lean, tech-driven contractors outcompete industry giants?
39:04 – People vs. profit: How to build margin and deliver exceptional experiences
43:49 – Risk, reward, and pricing: The new business model for contractors
47:11 – Omnichannel, DTC, and the future of HVAC manufacturers
51:04 – High-leverage activities: Human connection as your best competitive edge
52:52 – Wrap-up and takeaways

Guest Details:

Paul Redman
Title: CEO of Contractor Commerce

Background: Paul Redman is a leader in digital transformation for the trades, with extensive experience in HVAC, sales, and tech. From his start in field sales straight out of college to founding Contractor Commerce, Paul’s passion is making e-commerce and modern customer experiences accessible to contractors of all sizes. He’s a champion for contractor success—and for keeping the human touch alive in a tech-driven world.

Relevant Links:

• Contractor Commerce
• Catalyst for the Trades Podcast
• CI Web Group
• Opus and 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.

Motivation means nothing if you can’t execute. In this episode, Sam Wakefield, creator of Close It Now and catalyst of transformative sales events like “Relentless: The Ultimate Sales Transformation”, pulls back the curtain on what actually drives success in the trades: clarity, consistent follow-up, and evolving beyond “lead baby” mentality. Hosts Jennifer Bagley and Chuck Staszkiewicz dig in with Sam on how to deliver events (and training) that don’t just pump you up for a day, but change your business for years.

This episode is a powerhouse for any home service pro ready to create real, measurable growth. It covers tactical follow-up frameworks that'll instantly boost close rates and actionable strategies for door-to-door prospecting, personal development, and setting higher sales standards.

Don't miss this conversation if you want to boost your revenue, hold your team accountable, and build a business ready for tomorrow’s customers.

Timestamps:

00:00 - Welcome & Introductions: Meet Sam Wakefield and recap of Sam’s recent “Relentless” sales transformation event
04:24 - Motivation vs. Execution: Why so many industry events fail to drive results
08:50 - The Power of Clarity & Focus: How to get your team to execute (not just attend)
16:58 - Inside the Relentless Event: Personal transformation and tactical sales breakthroughs
22:07 - The Fortune in the Follow-Up: Sam’s new 12+ touch follow-up system (and why most contractors leave money on the table)
29:00 - Prospecting Beyond Digital: Why door-knocking and neighbor outreach outsell even the best online ads
34:23 - Future-Proofing Your Trades Business: Blending grassroots, digital, and accountability for unstoppable growth
40:00 - Raising the Standards: Why the trades need a cultural shift—and how federal regulation could change everything
43:14 - Book Clubs, Masterminds, and Sam’s Commitment to Industry-Wide Change
44:24 - How to Connect with Sam & Next Steps

Guest Details:

Sam Wakefield
Title: Founder, Close It Now; National Sales Trainer; Event Host

Background: Sam Wakefield is the founder of Close It Now, a premier sales training company for HVAC, plumbing, electrical, and home service businesses. With a proven track record of helping teams boost average ticket prices, increase closing rates, and implement robust follow-up systems, Sam is a sought-after speaker and event leader for those serious about accelerating growth. He’s at the forefront of future-proofing the trades, with a sharp focus on blending personal development and tactical, actionable sales processes.

Relevant Links:

• Close It Now (Website)
• Close It Now Facebook Group
• Connect with Sam on Instagram
• Catalyst of the Trades Podcast
• CI Web Group
• The Opus and 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.

What does it take to build a thriving, people-first business in the home services industry—and keep it growing for nearly 40 years? In this candid episode, Raul Rodriguez (Founder & President of Power Pro Plumbing) joins hosts Jennifer Bagley and Chuck Staszkiewicz to share hard-won lessons on leadership, growth, and adapting to new technology in the trades.

Raul’s journey, from his rough start in 1987 to leading one of the most respected plumbing companies with over 28,000 positive reviews, is packed with insights. The conversation covers why trust and service always beat chasing dollars, how AI and automation are reshaping opportunity for contractors, and why hiring for personality and passion trumps experience. The trio also dive into practical advice for adopting technology the right way, building teams that last, and creating a company culture that attracts top talent, even in today’s competitive market. Essential listening for contractors, business owners, and anyone ready to lead with purpose in the trades.

Timestamps:

00:00 – Welcome and Introductions
02:21 – Raul’s Journey: Nearly 40 Years in the Trades
05:41 – Why Trades Are Recession-Proof & Still Growing
08:00 – The Power of Service: From Sales to Connection
10:25 – Building Through Downturns: Power Pro’s Big 2008 Growth
13:36 – Why Trust Is the Core of Trades Success
15:33 – Private Equity & The New Opportunity in Trades
16:23 – How AI & Automation Free Up Time for What Matters
18:56 – Rethinking Hiring: Why Personality Beats Experience in 2024
20:36 – The Right Way to Implement Technology in Your Company
23:20 – Training, Culture, and Meeting the Next Generation’s Needs
27:32 – Combatting Misleading “Easy Money” Narratives in the Trades
28:17 – Building a Team That Loves What They Do
31:03 – Leadership, Reviews, and Why Employees Are Your #1 Customers
38:19 – Accountability, Communication, and Creating Security for Teams
44:54 – The Three Pillars: Trade, People, and Business
45:21 – Power Pro’s New AI-Enabled Booking Platform & Rebrand
47:21 – Final Thoughts: Progress Over Perfection & The Power of Humility

Guest Details:

Raul Rodriguez
Title: Founder & President, Power Pro Plumbing

Background: Raul Rodriguez has dedicated nearly four decades to the home services industry, starting as a tradesman in 1987 and growing Power Pro into one of Southern California’s leading plumbing companies. With over 28,000 positive reviews and a reputation for genuine service, Raul is known for his people-first approach to leadership, a passion for mentoring new talent, and a willingness to evolve with technology and times.

Relevant Links:

• Power Pro Plumbing
• Catalyst for the Trades Podcast
• CI Web Group
• The Opus and 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.

What does it take to scale a family-owned trades business from $12M to $20M in just three years? In this episode, Dana Staszkiewicz, co-founder of Opus and Gold, joins host Jennifer Bagley to share what really happens behind the scenes of explosive growth in the home services industry. Dana gets candid about her journey transitioning from global retail brands to running a legacy trades company with her brother. Discover high-leverage moves—budgeting, process-building, and accountability—that transformed their business. Dana also reveals why job descriptions, SOPs, and KPIs aren’t just “corporate red tape,” but the secret sauce that separates thriving teams from those just getting by.

Plus, hear about Dana’s passion project, the Audara Collective—a supportive space for women leaders in the trades—and how podcasting, networking, and continuous learning power lasting success. If you’re a home service entrepreneur navigating family dynamics, thinking about leveling up with outside expertise, or simply wanting a blueprint for financial discipline and real leadership, this episode is packed with actionable takeaways.

Timestamps:

00:00 - Welcome & Introductions
00:33 - How Dana and Jennifer Met: Women in Home Services
02:00 - Building & Growing a Legacy Trades Business (from $12M to $20M)
04:18 - Why Budgeting & Numbers Matter More Than You Think
06:36 - Bringing Retail Mindset to Trades: Business by the Numbers
10:12 - Establishing Accountability, SOPs & Culture
13:04 - Family Dynamics: Coming into the Business & Earning Credibility
16:04 - Legacy Teams vs. Newcomers—Managing the Transition
18:21 - What Makes a Great Company Culture (and How to Spot Its Loss)
20:34 - When to Seek Help & Set Next-Level Goals
22:19 - What Opus and Gold Does for Trades Businesses
25:16 - Family in the Business: Holding Loved Ones Accountable
27:57 - Adapting to Technology, Automation, and Lean Teams
29:18 - The Audara Collective: Elevating Women in Home Services
35:30 - CEO “Warp Zones” and Balancing Family & Business
39:07 - Dana’s Podcast: The Trades Accelerator
41:21 - How Dana’s Projects and Podcasts Complement Each Other
42:15 - Keys to True Change: Consistency, Repetition, and Community
44:03 - Dana’s Final Advice: Leverage Your Minutes for Growth
45:21 - Connect with Dana & Opus and Gold

Guest Details:

Dana Staszkiewicz
Co-founder, Opus and Gold
Founder, Audara Collective | Host, The Trades Accelerator Podcast

Background: Dana Staszkiewicz transitioned from a career in global retail and supply chain to help grow her family’s home services business to $20M. Now, through Opus and Gold, she helps other trades businesses scale with strong financial systems, accountability, and leadership. She also founded the Audara Collective to support women in home service leadership.

Relevant Links:

• Opus and Gold
• The Trades Accelerator Podcast
• Audara Collective
• CI Web Group
• Catalyst for the Trades Podcast

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.

In this episode of Catalyst for the Trades, Jennifer Bagley sits down with Danielle Putnam, President of The New Flat Rate, to talk strategy, pricing, and how contractors can stop giving away their profits. Danielle breaks down why it’s time to retire the word “just” from your team’s vocabulary, how the right pricing menu changes everything, and how to train techs to maximize every opportunity without compromising trust. They also explore how AI is reshaping customer behavior, technician education, and even onsite communication with language translation.

Timestamps:
 00:00 – Intro & Industry Respect
 : Jennifer and Danielle reflect on years of collaboration and impact in the trades.

04:20 – Market Optimism & Homeowner Behavior
 : Contractors are cautiously optimistic—and homeowners are still spending.

10:40 – The Problem with “Just”
 : Why throwing in freebies is costing your business more than you think.

17:25 – The Purpose of Profit
 : A powerful framework for explaining profit to your team and why it matters.

24:10 – How AI is Shifting the Sales Process
 : Educated consumers, faster comparisons, and new tech tools like live translation glasses.

31:55 – The Power of Pricing Options
 : How a clear, flexible pricing menu leads to bigger tickets and happier customers.

38:45 – Dynamic Pricing in Real Time
 : Why pricing shouldn’t be static—and how to raise rates strategically.

44:10 – What's Coming Next from The New Flat Rate
 : Sneak peek at their upcoming AI-powered dynamic pricing platform.

52:40 – Shop Tours Instead of Conferences
 : Danielle’s team shifts from annual events to quarterly, real-world learning visits.

58:00 – Picking the Right Events for You
 : How to choose events that align with your company’s values (and avoid the hype).

1:03:15 – CEO Insights
 : Why identifying constraints and focusing on high-leverage activities matters more than ever.

1:09:10 – Final Thoughts & Next Steps
 : Danielle shares encouragement, pricing advice, and how to get help from her team.

Guest Details:
Danielle Putnam
Title: President, The New Flat Rate
Background: A pioneer in menu pricing and profitability strategies, Danielle helps contractors stop leaving money on the table and start pricing for the future.

Relevant Links:

• The New Flat Rate
• 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.

Social media doesn’t have to be overwhelming—or a waste of time. In this episode, Jen McKee, founder of Kee Hart Marketing, shares what actually works for contractors trying to grow online. From personal branding and content ideas to time-saving tools and automation, Jen breaks down real strategies that help HVAC, plumbing, and electrical businesses show up, stand out, and scale.

Whether you're just starting or trying to take your brand to the next level, this episode gives you practical tips you can use right now.

Perfect for contractors ready to grow their online presence the smart way.

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction
 Meet Jen McKee and learn why this conversation is a much-needed shift from recent heavy topics.

05:10 - Jen’s Background
 A quick look at Jen’s journey from traditional marketing to dominating social media in the trades.

10:42 - What Actually Works on Social
 Why most contractors are overthinking it—and what to post instead.

16:18 - The Power of Personal Branding
 How your personal story sets you apart—and builds real trust.

21:50 - Tools, AI, and Automation
 Jen and Jennifer talk tools that save time, boost output, and help you stay consistent.

28:07 - How to Balance Authenticity and Efficiency
 You don’t have to choose between being real and being strategic.

34:15 - Common Mistakes to Avoid
 From ghosting your followers to chasing every trend—what to stop doing now.

40:45 - Social Media That Scales With You
 How to build a system that grows your presence, without you being online 24/7.

47:20 - Final Advice for Contractors
 Jen shares her go-to recommendations for anyone serious about winning on social.

Guest Details:

Jen McKee
Title: Founder of Kee Hart Marketing

Background: Jen McKee is a social media strategist and the founder of Kee Hart Marketing, a 5x award-winning agency specializing in social media content for home service businesses. As a 2024 40 Under 40 honoree, she helps businesses grow their brand and attract top talent through her proven Show Up, Stand Out, Scale framework. Jen is also the host of The Kee to Growth Podcast, an industry speaker, and a mentor to trades professionals looking to make an impact online.

Relevant Links:

• Kee Hart Marketing
• CI Web Group
• Catalyst for the Trades Podcast
  
  

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.