The Kee To Growth

In this episode of the Kee to Growth podcast, host Jen McKee sits down with Matthew Abbott, cofounder of Abbott Family Insurance, to dive into the world of internal marketing in the trades and how offering employee benefits can transform recruitment, retention, and company culture. Matthew shares his unique journey from growing up in a blue-collar, trades family, serving in the military, and rising through the ranks in the home services industry before launching his family-run insurance agency focused on tradespeople. With firsthand experience in both trades operations and benefits brokering, Matthew offers insights that bridge the gap between leadership, employees, and the practical needs of today's workforce.

The conversation explores the art of marketing benefits packages internally—treating employees not just as staff but as a business's most valuable "first customer." Matthew discusses specific strategies for communicating and engaging teams around benefits, leveraging tools like Slack, text and email drips, internal meetings, and even public social media campaigns to showcase robust benefits offers for recruiting top talent. Jen and Matthew talk about the power of company leaders acting as ambassadors, and how enthusiasm and clear, ongoing communication can create buy-in and help employees appreciate the investment being made in them.

Listeners will also learn about tax strategies businesses can use to maximize value from benefits spending, creative ways to offset medical plan utilization, and the integration of technologies like telehealth, accident insurance, and even AI within the insurance space. Matthew explains how companies can transition their benefits approach with minimal disruption, regardless of their current insurance arrangements, and how measuring internal marketing KPIs—like participation rate—can help owners track effectiveness and retain skilled employees in a competitive market.

Rounding out the episode, Jen and Matthew discuss the trends shaping the future of benefits marketing in the trades, including the role of artificial intelligence, and leave listeners with practical steps to elevate their teams' experience and their company's bottom line. Whether you're a business owner, office manager, or just interested in the intersection of marketing and HR, this episode is packed with actionable advice and inspiring stories from the world of trades and insurance.

04:21 "Owner Enthusiasm Boosts Employee Benefits"

07:21 Reducing Insurance Premium Utilization

12:45 Enhancing Internal Communications Strategy

15:12 Secretive Tax Strategy Benefits

16:58 Accident Program Benefits Employees

22:58 Algorithm Predicts Teen Pregnancy

25:34 AI Integration Transforms Business Operations

26:38 Flexible Learning with Weekly Support

Meet Your Host: Jen McKee Jen McKee is the founder of Kee Hart Marketing & Events, specializing in award-winning social media strategies for trade services. With expertise in content creation and personal branding, she helps businesses forge authentic connections with their audiences. As the host of the "Kee to Growth" podcast, Jen simplifies marketing strategies and empowers businesses to thrive. Tune in for actionable insights and inspiring stories to elevate your brand! Connect with Jen on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jennifer.hartman.73/ or LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jen-mckee-72114824/

Listening on a desktop & can't see the links? Just search for Kee to Growth in your favorite podcast player.

The Kee to Growth Podcast is Powered by: Kee Hart Marketing, the social media company for the trades. Learn more at www.keehartmarketing.com

This episode was produced and brought to you by the Skilled Trades Syndicate @ServiceBusinessMasteryPodcast https://www.servicebusinessmastery.com/

In this episode of the Kee to Growth Podcast, host Jen McKee sits down with Carrie Kelsch, founder of A Plus Garage Doors, to delve into Carrie's entrepreneurial journey. As a single mother and mortgage broker, Carrie transitioned into the garage door industry by founding her own company in 2005. From the challenges of starting from scratch to the exciting growth her business has experienced, Carrie shares candid details of her path to success. This conversation is an inspiration for entrepreneurs, highlighting the importance of adaptability and innovation in any business.

Carrie discusses her initial hesitation to dive into the garage door industry and how she eventually embraced her entrepreneurial spirit to create a company that prioritizes customer satisfaction and service excellence. She shares how she gradually moved from being a mortgage broker to a full-time entrepreneur, overcoming the hurdles of managing finance, operations, and marketing. Her story emphasizes the importance of tracking marketing efforts and how transitioning from traditional phone books to embracing SEO and internet marketing was pivotal in her business's growth.

The episode also covers the significance of creating a strong brand identity and employing effective marketing strategies. Carrie explains how her company navigated various marketing channels over the years, constantly adapting to evolving technologies and consumer behaviors. She highlights the value of casting a wide net in marketing efforts to ensure business sustainability and growth, emphasizing the importance of not relying solely on one source for leads.

Towards the end of the conversation, Carrie talks about the role of company culture in business success and how she has cultivated a positive work environment that supports growth and customer satisfaction. She shares insights on the challenges and rewards of maintaining a healthy team dynamic and the importance of aligning the team with the company's vision.

00:30 Carrie's introduction and the founding of A Plus Garage Doors

01:13 Carrie's decision to enter the garage door industry

02:46 Starting the company and early challenges

05:30 Transition from mortgage broker to full-time entrepreneur

06:36 Implementation of tracking marketing efforts

09:14 Moving the business out of the home and scaling

11:05 Growth strategies and the importance of continuing education

13:57 Marketing tactics and the evolving landscape

17:48 Importance of brand identity and establishing a showroom

Meet Your Host: Jen McKee Jen McKee is the founder of Kee Hart Marketing & Events, specializing in award-winning social media strategies for trade services. With expertise in content creation and personal branding, she helps businesses forge authentic connections with their audiences. As the host of the "Kee to Growth" podcast, Jen simplifies marketing strategies and empowers businesses to thrive. Tune in for actionable insights and inspiring stories to elevate your brand!

Connect with Jen on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jennifer.hartman.73/ or LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jen-mckee-72114824/

Listening on a desktop & can't see the links? Just search for Kee to Growth in your favorite podcast player.

The Kee to Growth Podcast is Powered by: Kee Hart Marketing, the social media company for the trades. Learn more at www.keehartmarketing.com

This episode was produced and brought to you by the Skilled Trades Syndicate @ServiceBusinessMasteryPodcast

https://www.servicebusinessmastery.com/

In this exciting episode of the Kee to Growth podcast, host Jen McKee welcomes Rachel Pedersen, a renowned social media queen known for her brilliant marketing strategies. Jen dives into her personal journey with Rachel, describing how Rachel's content on TikTok became a pivotal inspiration and learning source. Rachel Pedersen, a Minnesota-based mom and wife, shares insights into her multi-million dollar business empire built majorly through organic social media, revealing the power of content creation in transforming businesses.

Jen and Rachel explore the depth of Rachel's marketing ecosystem strategies, which include focusing on both organic and backend marketing techniques, stressing the importance of nurturing leads and converting followers into customers. Rachel divulges her journey of starting on TikTok in 2018, going viral, and becoming a trusted name in the world of social media marketing. She discusses the mechanics of going from social media to sales, and the challenges involved in predicting customer behavior while maintaining consistent engagement.

Rachel shares her famed viral framework for content creation, designed to overcome the common hurdle of not knowing what to post. The discussion sheds light on essential marketing strategies for home service businesses, emphasizing the necessity of delivering valuable and consistent content. Jen and Rachel also address the fears and challenges faced by business owners in creating content, offering practical advice for overcoming insecurity and executing effective digital strategies.

From laying out the fundamental aspects of a marketing ecosystem to debunking the myths that inhibit content creation, Rachel Pedersen provides a wealth of knowledge for business owners ready to expand their digital footprint. Jen McKee complements this by simplifying the intricate ideas and steering the conversation towards practical implementation for trade service businesses. Listeners will walk away equipped with actionable insights and the motivation to create impactful content.

1:07 - Jen McKee introduces Rachel Pedersen and shares their connection

2:34 - Rachel discusses her journey with organic social media marketing

3:12 - Rachel's entry into TikTok in 2018 and her subsequent success

5:23 - How Rachel converts social media presence into sales

6:32 - Building a marketing ecosystem and its impact on service businesses

8:06 - Overcoming content creation hurdles with Rachel's viral framework

12:29 - Rachel and Jen discuss attribution and marketing efforts

14:03 - Using events and social media to nurture local business relationships

16:50 - Common challenges faced by small business owners in social media

Meet Your Host: Jen McKee

Jen McKee is the founder of Kee Hart Marketing & Events, specializing in award-winning social media strategies for trade services. With expertise in content creation and personal branding, she helps businesses forge authentic connections with their audiences. As the host of the "Kee to Growth" podcast, Jen simplifies marketing strategies and empowers businesses to thrive. Tune in for actionable insights and inspiring stories to elevate your brand! Connect with Jen on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jennifer.hartman.73/ or LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jen-mckee-72114824/

Listening on a desktop & can't see the links? Just search for Kee to Growth in your favorite podcast player.

The Kee to Growth Podcast is Powered by: Kee Hart Marketing, the social media company for the trades. Learn more at www.keehartmarketing.com

This episode was produced and brought to you by the Skilled Trades Syndicate @ServiceBusinessMasteryPodcast https://www.servicebusinessmastery.com/

In this episode of the Kee to Growth podcast, Jen McKee hosts Dennis the Apprentice, who shares his journey from owning a plumbing and heating company in Seattle to becoming a prominent figure in the trades industry through innovative marketing strategies. Dennis, with his extensive experience, discusses how he transitioned from traditional marketing methods like the Yellow Pages to embracing the power of digital marketing, particularly social media. His early adoption of Google AdWords and creative approaches, such as using campaign-style signs, illustrate his knack for standing out in the competitive trades industry.

Dennis emphasizes the importance of having fun in marketing and being willing to take risks. His unique marketing ideas, such as the "Jean Johnson for plumber" campaign, showcased his ability to draw attention and engage the community effectively. He also discusses how he leveraged social media to market his business and connect with potential recruits and clients. This episode sheds light on the significance of creativity and adaptability in marketing, especially for businesses in the trades.

Moreover, Dennis talks about the value of building a strong company culture through a focus on training and nurturing young talent. His method of integrating apprentices into the business as a key growth strategy has proven successful in retaining skilled workers and attracting top talent. Dennis shares insights into how this approach not only helped his company grow but also transformed it into a dynamic environment for both employees and customers.

The conversation wraps up with a discussion on the impact of attending trade shows and how such events are vital for networking and staying updated on industry trends. Dennis underscores the importance of saying "yes" to opportunities and the long-term benefits of building personal connections within the industry. Listen to this episode for valuable lessons on marketing innovation and business growth in the home services sector.

00:00 "Exploring Jean Johnson's Marketing Beginnings"

05:56 Campaign Signs Ordinance Dispute

08:37 Discovering Cycling Identity

11:40 Building a Personal Brand Strategy

15:06 Expansion with On-Site Training Lab

17:49 "Trade Traction: Job Prep Course"

21:00 Regulating Social Media Marketing

23:30 Trade Show Value Discussion

26:07 "Tech Expert Meets Service Team"

Meet Your Host: Jen McKee

Jen McKee is the founder of Kee Hart Marketing & Events, specializing in award-winning social media strategies for trade services. With expertise in content creation and personal branding, she helps businesses forge authentic connections with their audiences. As the host of the "Kee to Growth" podcast, Jen simplifies marketing strategies and empowers businesses to thrive. Tune in for actionable insights and inspiring stories to elevate your brand! Connect with Jen on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jennifer.hartman.73/ or LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jen-mckee-72114824/

Listening on a desktop & can't see the links? Just search for Kee to Growth in your favorite podcast player.

The Kee to Growth Podcast is Powered by: Kee Hart Marketing, the social media company for the trades. Learn more at www.keehartmarketing.com

This episode was produced and brought to you by the Skilled Trades Syndicate @ServiceBusinessMasteryPodcast https://www.servicebusinessmastery.com/

In this episode of the Kee to Growth podcast, host Jen McKee sits down with Kimberly Kean, also known as the Margin Creator. Kimberly shares her journey from owning family businesses, Jean Johnson Plumbing and Heating and a Zoom Drain franchise, to now focusing on coaching other business owners. With her extensive experience in scaling businesses to seven and eight figures, Kimberly offers valuable insights into navigating the challenges of business ownership and creating a balanced life.

Kimberly dives deep into the concept of being a Margin Creator, explaining how business owners can create financial, time, commitment, and mental margin. She emphasizes the importance of financial stability, which allows businesses to sustain marketing efforts, make informed decisions, and leverage tools like ServiceTitan to track advertising effectiveness. Kimberly shares how solid financial footing has been pivotal in her career and how it can be a game changer for others in the trades industry.

The discussion also covers the evolution of marketing strategies, from traditional methods like yellow pages to modern digital advertising. Kimberly highlights the importance of a strong online presence, including utilizing pay-per-click, SEO, and social media platforms. She shares successful strategies for building a business's reputation through customer reviews and employee engagement, an approach that has been beneficial in both her personal and family-owned businesses.

As Kimberly now builds her own coaching brand, she talks about the challenges and excitement of marketing herself and stepping into the forefront. This episode is packed with actionable insights on marketing, operations, and financial strategies that business owners can implement to drive growth and create the life they desire.

05:28 Business Evolution and Marketing Shifts

08:05 "Financial Stability Trumps Quick Wins"

11:37 Plumbing Business Success Metrics

15:19 Streamlined Credit Process for Plumbing Jobs

16:04 Financial Stability Enables Business Growth

21:44 Uniform Flexibility for Camera-Ready Crew

22:42 Rethinking Parenting Priorities

27:10 Financial Stability Drives Business Growth

28:29 Visit KimberlyKean.com

Meet Your Host: Jen McKee Jen McKee is the founder of Kee Hart Marketing & Events, specializing in award-winning social media strategies for trade services. With expertise in content creation and personal branding, she helps businesses forge authentic connections with their audiences. As the host of the "Kee to Growth" podcast, Jen simplifies marketing strategies and empowers businesses to thrive.

Tune in for actionable insights and inspiring stories to elevate your brand! Connect with Jen on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jennifer.hartman.73/ or LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jen-mckee-72114824/

Listening on a desktop & can't see the links? Just search for Kee to Growth in your favorite podcast player.

The Kee to Growth Podcast is Powered by: Kee Hart Marketing, the social media company for the trades. Learn more at www.keehartmarketing.com

This episode was produced and brought to you by the Skilled Trades Syndicate @ServiceBusinessMasteryPodcast https://www.servicebusinessmastery.com/

In this episode of the Kee to Growth podcast, host Jen McKee sits down with Josh Crouch, CEO and founder of Relentless Digital, a digital marketing company specializing in the trades, including HVAC, plumbing, and electrical services. Josh shares his journey from working in the HVAC industry to starting his own digital marketing agency, emphasizing the importance of understanding SEO and utilizing digital tools to enhance business growth. He discusses how his deep dive into improving Google presence led him to develop strategies that significantly benefit his clients.

The conversation shifts to the impact of AI and automation in marketing, with Josh explaining how these technologies can streamline processes and save time for businesses. He highlights the importance of showing up across various digital platforms and the role of AI in generating ideas, automating repetitive tasks, and optimizing SEO strategies. Josh and Jen explore practical examples, such as automating five-star reviews and using AI for data analytics, to demonstrate the potential of these technologies in enhancing marketing efforts.

Josh also touches on the challenges businesses face in recognizing what can be automated and provides insights into how automation can improve operational efficiency. He shares personal anecdotes and success stories that emphasize the value of clear processes and continuous improvement. Additionally, the episode covers strategies for creating impactful content, utilizing AI in crafting unique and engaging material, and the significance of maintaining consistent brand presence across all media.

Throughout the conversation, Jen and Josh stress the importance of education and community engagement in building a successful brand. They explore unconventional platforms like Reddit and discuss innovative approaches to leveraging AI for improved content strategies. This episode is packed with actionable insights for anyone looking to grow their business through digital marketing, AI, and automation, making it a must-listen for trade service professionals and marketers alike.

00:00:52 - Josh's Background and Start in Digital Marketing

00:01:24 - Connection Between Josh and Jen's Agencies

00:03:45 - The Power of Educational Content and Social Media

00:06:12 - Strategies for Effective Digital Marketing

00:09:44 - Leveraging Reddit for Business Engagement

00:12:34 - Networking and Building Relationships

00:15:43 - Exploring Automation in Trades

00:20:03 - AI in Marketing and Automation

00:26:24 - Creating Unique Content with AI

00:31:02 - Key to Growth in Marketing

Meet Your Host: Jen McKee

Jen McKee is the founder of Kee Hart Marketing & Events, specializing in award-winning social media strategies for trade services. With expertise in content creation and personal branding, she helps businesses forge authentic connections with their audiences. As the host of the "Kee to Growth" podcast, Jen simplifies marketing strategies and empowers businesses to thrive. Tune in for actionable insights and inspiring stories to elevate your brand! Connect with Jen on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jennifer.hartman.73/ or LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jen-mckee-72114824/

Listening on a desktop & can't see the links? Just search for Kee to Growth in your favorite podcast player.

The Kee to Growth Podcast is Powered by: Kee Hart Marketing, the social media company for the trades. Learn more at www.keehartmarketing.com

This episode was produced and brought to you by the Skilled Trades Syndicate @ServiceBusinessMasteryPodcast https://www.servicebusinessmastery.com/

In this episode of the Kee to Growth podcast, host Jen McKee sits down with Michael James Johnson, the owner of AC Man in Fayetteville, North Carolina. Michael shares his journey from serving in the United States Air Force to becoming a successful HVAC business owner. He emphasizes the importance of community involvement and explains how leveraging social media has contributed significantly to his business growth. Michael recounts his early days in business, discussing how he utilized old-school marketing tactics before transitioning to social media.

Michael dives deep into his social media strategy, sharing how he took advantage of platforms like TikTok to establish a personal brand and attract business. He differentiates the content posted on his personal and business pages, emphasizing authenticity and relatability to connect with his audience. Michael also highlights the importance of teaching through content and positioning oneself as an expert in the field to gain customer trust.

As the conversation continues, Michael reveals how he tracks and measures the success of his social media efforts using tracking numbers across different platforms. He shares insights about the challenges and triumphs of creating engaging content that resonates with homeowners, the primary audience for his business. He also discusses his foray into business coaching, where he helps other contractors grow by sharing his extensive marketing expertise.

Towards the end of the episode, Jen asks Michael about the key to growth, to which he attributes continual learning, implementing, tweaking strategies, and not quitting. Michael emphasizes the combination of grit and ever-evolving marketing strategies as the foundation for sustained business success.

Timestamps:

04:39 From Military to Family Business

08:11 Authenticity Boosts Business Connection

12:18 Consistency Over Technique for Video Success

15:50 "Growing Business via Social Media"

16:49 "Building Notice Through Repetition"

21:54 "Optimizing Client Acquisition & Tracking"

24:36 "Analyzing Revenue from Video Platforms"

27:02 "Start with Comfort in Content"

Meet Your Host: Jen McKee Jen McKee is the founder of Kee Hart Marketing & Events, specializing in award-winning social media strategies for trade services. With expertise in content creation and personal branding, she helps businesses forge authentic connections with their audiences. As the host of the "Kee to Growth" podcast, Jen simplifies marketing strategies and empowers businesses to thrive. Tune in for actionable insights and inspiring stories to elevate your brand! Connect with Jen on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jennifer.hartman.73/ or LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jen-mckee-72114824/

Listening on a desktop & can't see the links? Just search for Kee to Growth in your favorite podcast player.

The Kee to Growth Podcast is Powered by: Kee Hart Marketing, the social media company for the trades. Learn more at www.keehartmarketing.com

This episode was produced and brought to you by the Skilled Trades Syndicate @ServiceBusinessMasteryPodcast https://www.servicebusinessmastery.com/

In this episode of the Kee to Growth Podcast, host Jen McKee engages in a lively conversation with Crystal Williams, a renowned figure in the trades industry. Crystal, known for her podcast, events, and work with women in HVACR, shares her journey and passion for helping contractors build impactful brands. They delve into Crystal's background in her family's heating, air conditioning, and plumbing business, where she honed her skills in branding and community engagement. Her experiences highlight the importance of having a strong brand identity that reflects a company's story and values.

Crystal provides invaluable insights into the first steps of building a brand that resonates with target audiences. She emphasizes the significance of discovering a brand's unique narrative before focusing on the visual aspects like logos and van wraps. Crystal also discusses the importance of identifying the target market by creating ideal avatars, such as "Lufkin Linda," to tailor marketing strategies effectively. She shares her expertise in helping contractors avoid common pitfalls and stay committed to their branding efforts.

The episode also explores Crystal's passion for community engagement as a key strategy for brand building. She offers creative ideas for getting involved in local activities and events, demonstrating the impact of authentic, grassroots engagement. Crystal explains how small gestures, like participating in a local parade or supporting community sports teams, can create lasting brand recognition. Her enthusiasm for mascots as brand ambassadors is evident, highlighting their potential to make brands memorable in unique ways.

Listeners will also learn about Crystal's involvement with women in HVACR, where she champions the role of women across various segments of the industry. Her insights extend beyond marketing to include the operational aspects of running a successful business. By fostering a thriving community and leveraging the strengths of women in the trades, Crystal Williams embodies the spirit of growth and collaboration. This episode delivers a wealth of actionable ideas for businesses seeking to elevate their brand and operations. Timestamps

1:00 Crystal Williams shares her background in the trades

2:15 The evolution of Crystal's career and passion for marketing

3:33 The significance of brand identity and storytelling

6:00 Building ideal customer avatars for targeted marketing

9:30 Community engagement and its impact on brand building

12:10 Discussion on the Lemon Seed's conference and key takeaways

15:53 Women's role in the trades and Crystal's involvement with women in HVACR

18:39 Introduction to Lemon Seed Marketing and its client approach

21:00 The importance of consistent brand messaging and marketing

Meet Your Host: Jen McKee Jen McKee is the founder of Kee Hart Marketing & Events, specializing in award-winning social media strategies for trade services. With expertise in content creation and personal branding, she helps businesses forge authentic connections with their audiences. As the host of the "Kee to Growth" podcast, Jen simplifies marketing strategies and empowers businesses to thrive. Tune in for actionable insights and inspiring stories to elevate your brand! Connect with Jen on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jennifer.hartman.73/ or LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jen-mckee-72114824/

Listening on a desktop & can't see the links? Just search for Kee to Growth in your favorite podcast player.

The Kee to Growth Podcast is Powered by Kee Hart Marketing, the social media company for the trades. Learn more at www.keehartmarketing.com

This episode was produced and brought to you by the Skilled Trades Syndicate at Service Business Mastery Podcast https://www.servicebusinessmastery.com/

In this episode of the Kee to Growth Podcast, Jen McKee sits down with Derek Cormier, founder of Climate Experts, to explore the innovative strategies that have propelled his business to success. Derek shares his journey from being a police officer in South Florida to diving back into the trades, ultimately leading to the establishment of his own HVAC company. He highlights the importance of grassroots marketing strategies, community involvement, and building strong referral networks in the early stages of Climate Experts. Derek's focus on customer care and incentivizing referrals played a significant role in consistently doubling the business's revenue annually.

Derek also dives into his approach to marketing, including the decision to diversify his marketing efforts by partnering with specialized experts instead of relying on a single marketing company. He shares how this strategy allows him to hold each individual accountable and maintain a comprehensive view of marketing results. The discussion also covers Climate Experts' distinctive branding journey, featuring their unique mascot, Chili the penguin, which has become a recognized symbol in their community.

A major highlight of the episode is Derek's shift to leveraging Home Depot partnerships and expanding Climate Experts' services with additional trades such as plumbing and electrical. These decisions have helped maintain a steady flow of leads even in tightening market conditions. Recognizing the importance of employee investment, Derek shares insights into the Climate Experts Academy apprenticeship program, which focuses on training culture-fit individuals rather than experienced personnel, yielding strong team growth and satisfaction.

Finally, Derek discusses the impact of video marketing and social media on recruiting talent and engaging the community. By creating innovative and engaging content, Derek has been able to not only attract potential customers but also secure top-tier recruits for his expanding team. Jen and Derek also touch on the power of having clear goals and understanding one's customer base to drive successful marketing initiatives.

In this exciting episode of the Kee to Growth Podcast, host Jen McKee welcomes Tersh Blissett, the founder of the Service Business Mastery Podcast and a seasoned entrepreneur in the service trades industry. Jen and Tersh dive deep into Tersh's diverse journey from launching his first service company, TriStar Mechanical, to co-hosting a major podcast and spearheading multiple business ventures. Tersh shares his experiences in building successful companies like TriStar Mechanical and Service Emperor in Savannah. He discusses how he juggles multiple roles, including his involvement in Skilled Trade Syndicate and Trade Automation Pros, and the development of innovative products like PhoneTap.

As the conversation unfolds, Tersh recounts the fascinating story of how his Service Business Mastery Podcast came to be, marking its evolution and the impact of partnering with Josh Crouch. Tersh candidly speaks about the challenges and rewards of co-hosting with Josh and how they successfully tapped into new audiences across different service industries. With approximately 100 to 160 thousand downloads per month, Tersh breaks down the marketing strategies that propelled the podcast to a new level, highlighting the significance of PR, cross-industry outreach, and client engagement.

Jen and Tersh also explore the benefits of starting a podcast for your local business. Tersh provides actionable marketing insights, advising service business owners on collaborating with local business groups and leveraging podcasts to build relationships. Furthermore, Tersh reveals his unique marketing techniques for standing out in the service industry—a testament to his motto of doing the opposite of what others might expect, inspired by his friendship with Jesse Cole from the Savannah Bananas.

Throughout the episode, listeners are treated to a well-rounded discussion on the intersection of podcasting and marketing in the trades, emphasizing the importance of personal branding, networking, and fostering authentic connections. This episode is a treasure trove of inspiration for anyone in the service industry looking to broaden their horizons and capitalize on innovative marketing strategies.

Timestamps:

04:34 Podcast Co-Host Collaboration Begins

07:35 Transition to Remote Work Leadership

13:13 "Local Business Interview Strategy"

15:52 Mike's Return and New Book Plans

20:10 Savannah Bananas' Surprising Success

23:27 Local vs. National Business Focus

24:54 Local Podcasts: Networking over Numbers

27:47 Start Uniquely, Be Flexible

32:59 Embracing AI's Evolutionary Role

35:42 Video Reminders Enhance Client Experience

37:02 Streamlining Client Service with Automation

40:25 Social Media Handle Pursuit

Meet Your Host: Jen McKee Jen McKee is the founder of Kee Hart Marketing & Events, specializing in award-winning social media strategies for trade services. With expertise in content creation and personal branding, she helps businesses forge authentic connections with their audiences. As the host of the "Kee to Growth" podcast, Jen simplifies marketing strategies and empowers businesses to thrive. Tune in for actionable insights and inspiring stories to elevate your brand! Connect with Jen on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jennifer.hartman.73/ or LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jen-mckee-72114824/

Listening on a desktop & can't see the links? Just search for Kee to Growth in your favorite podcast player.

The Kee to Growth Podcast is Powered by: Kee Hart Marketing, the social media company for the trades. Learn more at www.keehartmarketing.com

This episode was produced and brought to you by the Skilled Trades Syndicate @ServiceBusinessMasteryPodcast https://www.servicebusinessmastery.com/