The Kee To Growth

In this episode of the Kee to Growth Podcast, host Jen McKee talks with Katy Higgins, the mastermind behind True Pros, a burgeoning HVAC service business. The conversation delves deep into Katy's unique journey, which began unexpectedly in a garage and evolved into a multi-million dollar company with a solid customer base in less than two years. Katy shares her insights about navigating the challenges of starting a business without a plan and how her experience in heating and air prepared her for the entrepreneurial world. Katy provides valuable takeaways for other entrepreneurs, emphasizing the importance of surrounding oneself with the right people and the willingness to learn from every opportunity. She highlights the strength of community support and shares anecdotes about how her neighbors and connections have played a crucial role in her company's growth. The duo also explores the significance of being teachable and hiring employees who align with company values and can represent True Pros effectively in the field. This episode also ventures into the power of social media as a marketing tool. Katy and Jen discuss strategies for gaining visibility and establishing credibility through platforms like Instagram and Facebook. Katy candidly shares her experiences of utilizing social media to generate leads and attract new customers. The conversation underscores the necessity of embracing new ideas and the impact of maintaining a professional presence in a competitive industry. Moreover, Katy opens up about the challenges and triumphs of being a woman in the trades, making her tale not just one of business success but also of breaking barriers and setting precedents for future generations. The episode is packed with actionable insights, making it a must-listen for anyone looking to advance in the fast-paced world of home services marketing. 03:14 Startup Success: From Uncertainty to Growth 06:23 Fearless Inquiry and Action 10:43 Unexpected Challenges in Business Ownership 14:52 Balancing Fast vs. Slow Growth 18:19 Promote Good Work Positively 21:28 Women in HVAC: Opportunities & Representation 24:40 "Lenox Live Prize Surprise" 29:06 Embrace Imperfection in Social Media 29:57 True Pros Contact Information 🔧 Want to learn more about Katy Higgins and True Pros? Visit truepros.com/about to discover how Katy and her team are building a trusted HVAC business rooted in professionalism, clear communication, and service excellence across Utah. 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 is joined by Dan Antonelli, a leader in branding for the trades and service industry. Dan, owner of a successful branding agency in New Jersey, shares his journey from hand painting signs in his youth to creating impactful brands for home service companies today. With 40 employees, Dan is dedicated to helping home service companies stand out with unique and memorable branding. He discusses how his passion for lettering and typography has evolved into a thriving business that integrates branding across various touchpoints like vehicle wraps, collateral, and email marketing.

The conversation dives deep into the importance of branding for business growth, exploring how a strong brand identity can significantly affect marketing success and customer perception. Dan highlights the key factors that make a brand memorable and effective, such as emotional connection and distinct visual identity. Throughout the episode, Jen and Dan explore the impact of branding on business culture and employee motivation, with Dan sharing insights and real-life examples of brands he has transformed. Listeners will gain valuable knowledge on when to consider rebranding and how it can lead to increased customer engagement and growth.

Additionally, Dan shares lessons learned from his personal experiences with rebranding his own company, offering unique perspectives on the challenges and benefits involved. The discussion emphasizes the psychological aspects of branding and how it influences both consumers and the internal mindset of a business. Dan provides actionable advice for businesses considering a rebrand, stressing the importance of evaluating current brand alignment with business goals and community engagement. Jen and Dan also discuss the competitive landscape in the trades industry and how branding can help businesses remain relevant and accessible in changing markets.

Whether you are a new business owner or managing a legacy brand, this episode offers insights into leveraging branding to meet your growth goals. Dan encourages businesses to be bold in their branding choices and to embrace change as a catalyst for success. His wealth of experience and passion for branding make this episode an invaluable resource for anyone looking to enhance their business's brand identity.

Timestamps:

04:04 "Pride in Craft and Legacy"

08:36 Sharing Insights for Better Decisions

10:08 "Design Feedback and Career Path"

15:01 Proud Self-Reflection and Rebranding Impact

19:44 "Rediscovering Brand Visibility Basics"

21:01 Impactful Branding Stands Out

24:26 Market-Driven Branding Colors

28:24 "KickCharge Experience: Energizing Rebrand"

32:44 Building Brand Presence & Recognition

34:46 Perceived Value Justifies Premium Pricing

37:59 Brand Advice and Feedback

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 engaging episode of the Kee to Growth podcast, host Jen McKee welcomes guests Stephanie Allen and Bridget from AirWorks Solutions. Together, they dive into the world of home services marketing, unveiling the strategies that have propelled AirWorks to success over the past fifteen years. Stephanie, the CEO of AirWorks Solutions, shares the company's journey from its humble beginnings to becoming a recognized family-run, mom-approved business in Southern California. With an emphasis on collaboration and transparency, Stephanie reveals her goal of leveling the playing field for legacy brands, offering insights and secrets to competing effectively in the market. Bridget discusses her pivotal role in driving the marketing efforts at AirWorks, highlighting the importance of community engagement and customer-centric initiatives. The conversation explores the innovative approaches that AirWorks has adopted, such as branding centered around family values and the unique touch of delivering cookies with each service call. These initiatives not only differentiate AirWorks from competitors but also create memorable experiences for customers. The discussion further delves into AirWorks' community-centric strategies, including sponsorships, local events, and the impactful AirWorks Cares initiative. Stephanie and Bridget emphasize the significance of being an active presence in the community, fostering genuine connections with customers, and leveraging these efforts to enhance brand visibility and trust. The AirWorks Cares initiative, which gained notable recognition, is discussed as an exemplary model of giving back and creating a positive impact. Additionally, the episode provides valuable insights into the effective use of ServiceTitan's Marketing Pro, detailing how data-driven decisions have significantly contributed to AirWorks' success. Bridget offers practical tips for leveraging the full potential of the platform, reinforcing the importance of aligning marketing strategies with well-organized data inputs. This episode is a treasure trove of actionable tips and inspiring stories for marketers and business owners aiming to achieve sustainable growth. Timestamps: 04:02 AirWorks Solutions: A Humble Beginning 06:52 Rebranding Success through Consistency 10:53 Cookie Delivery Project Pause 13:44 Community Engagement Through Events 17:17 Partnering for Comfort in Foster Home 21:51 Beyond Email: Marketing Pro Features 24:59 Explaining "Why" for Team Engagement 28:04 Gamifying Employee Content Sharing 29:55 Camera-Shy Team Finds TikTok Solution 33:51 Connect with Stephanie Allen Online 🔗 Learn More About AirWorks Solutions Discover more about AirWorks Solutions and their journey in the HVAC and plumbing industry: https://airworkssolutions.com/about/ 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 Key to Growth Podcast, host Jen McKee welcomes Josue and Kathryn from Lee's Air to discuss the successful marketing strategies behind their flourishing home services business. Josue, the marketing manager with six years of experience at Lee's, shares his journey from operations manager to leading the marketing department. He emphasizes the importance of data in driving marketing decisions, ensuring campaigns are effectively monitored and adjusted for maximum impact. Kathryn, the guest with a background in mergers and acquisitions, highlights how Lee's strategic approach to marketing has significantly increased the company's valuation and impact.

Throughout their conversation, the guests shed light on the value of knowing your numbers and tracking every aspect of marketing spend to optimize growth. Kathryn talks about her role in expanding Lee's Air through strategic mergers and acquisitions while maintaining the core values of the company. They discuss the intricacies of creating a cohesive brand image across new markets, ensuring all locations follow the Lee's standard in operations and marketing. Josue further explains how they leverage service technologies and data analytics to enhance customer experience effectively.

The episode also highlights the significance of personal branding in the home services industry. Kathryn discusses her journey in developing a personal brand that aligns with Lee's mission, advocating for diversity and inclusion in the trades. Her strong online presence not only amplifies her influence but also sets an example for aspiring individuals in the industry. Jen draws attention to actionable insights derived from the episode, urging businesses to continue learning and adapting in the ever-evolving marketing landscape.

Listeners will gain valuable insights into building a successful marketing strategy in the trades through practical advice shared by Josue and Kathryn. From understanding the importance of a dedicated marketing team to leveraging personal branding for business growth, this episode unlocks the secrets to thriving in a competitive market. Tune in to discover the fundamental keys to marketing success in the trades.

Timestamped Overview:05:06 COVID Impact on Billboard Contracts 08:38 Creative Marketing for Optimal ROI 10:36 "Impact of Personal Branding and Content Creation" 16:08 Building Prosperity through Trade Marketing 17:18 Year of Growth and Impact 20:31 Pathway to Prosperity Through Sharing 26:25 API Integration for Lead Capture 27:31 Rebranding Acquired Businesses as Leads

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! About Lee's Air For over 40 years, Lee's Air has been providing expert home services across Central and Northern California. What started in 1980 as a small business has grown into a trusted name in the industry, thanks to a team of dedicated professionals committed to excellence. Learn more about Lee's Air and their services: https://leesair.com/ 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 Ellen Rohr, the owner and founder of Zoom Drain Franchising, and a brand ambassador for ServiceTitan. Ellen shares her unique journey from founding a franchise to becoming a pivotal part of ServiceTitan's ambassador program. The conversation highlights the importance of effective marketing strategies and explores Ellen's natural marketing acumen, even though she is best known for her expertise in finance and simplifying business operations.

Ellen discusses how marketing played a crucial role in her success, despite not being her primary focus. She shares insights into how community engagement and leveraging local events can be powerful marketing tools. Ellen emphasizes the significance of visibility, mentioning how she used creative methods to market her business in a small town by actively participating in community events and turning them into marketing opportunities.

The episode also delves into two time-tested marketing strategies that Ellen believes will always work if executed properly. She discusses how creating genuine community connections and leveraging personal customer stories can drive business growth. Ellen shares anecdotes from her own experiences in the trades industry, illustrating the impact of personalized marketing on brand reputation and customer trust.

As the conversation unfolds, Ellen reveals her latest endeavor, World of Titans, an initiative by ServiceTitan aimed at supporting tradespeople globally, starting with an event in Australia. She highlights the importance of collaboration and community in expanding business reach. Throughout the episode, Jen and Ellen explore how different facets of marketing intertwine, offering a treasure trove of insights for listeners looking to elevate their marketing game.

00:00 Ellen's Surprising Marketing Impact

03:43 Yellow Pages Nostalgia and Marketing Insights

06:30 Reinventing Relevance at ServiceTitan

11:49 Effective Low-Cost Marketing Strategies

13:54 Focus Areas for Business Maturity

16:28 Community Appreciation Through Social Good

20:09 Marketing Visibility and Authenticity Insight

22:34 Networking Beyond Social Media

25:41 Creative Customer Engagement Idea

29:07 Low-Budget Solutions for Success

33:39 Collaborative Marketing Partnership Brilliance

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!

👉 Join Ellen at ServiceTitan's Australia Edition! She will be leading the Budgeting & Planning Workshop alongside Tom Howard. Learn more and register here: https://bit.ly/WorldofTitansAU

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 Angie Snow and Laura to explore the journey and success of Western Heating and Air. Angie Snow, a previous owner of Western Heating and Air, shares the evolution of the company from its inception to its growth under her leadership. Angie and her husband took over the company in 2007 when it was primarily relying on word-of-mouth and yellow page listings. Over time, they transitioned to a more modern approach with the help of an online marketing coach who helped enhance their online presence and social media strategy. Angie describes the importance of having a matching URL with their company name, which was a pivotal moment in aligning their brand identity.

Laura, the mastermind behind Western Heating and Air's social media presence, shares her insights on building a robust community online. She discusses her transition from Main Street Heating and Cooling to Western and how she navigated maintaining her audience during the rebranding. Laura emphasizes the role of authenticity in connecting with her audience and the impacts of sharing her genuine passion for the industry. Her unique approach included engaging with the local community and promoting local businesses, which helped build a strong following. The episode showcases the significant benefits of leveraging social media for building business relationships and community ties.

Jen highlights the importance of building a genuine relationship with customers and how it can differentiate your brand from competitors. Both Angie and Laura emphasize the power of personal branding and the advantages it provides when customers already know, like, and trust the business. The episode offers valuable insights into crafting a successful marketing strategy that incorporates social media engagement, community involvement, and personal connection. Listeners will come away with actionable techniques for enhancing their business's presence online and offline.

Join them as they uncover the strategies and challenges faced in the journey of turning Western Heating and Air into a successful business, including the significance of community engagement and how personalization is key to growth. This episode is packed with inspiring stories and practical advice for anyone looking to enhance their trades business marketing strategy.

Time Stamps: 00:00 Mismatched Branding Strategy Struggles

05:15 Learning Business Through Experience

08:10 Supporting The Emily Effect Initiative

11:28 Company Merger Based on Shared Values

15:57 Overcoming Imposter Syndrome in Content Creation

16:34 "Relatable Homeowner Humor"

20:01 Local Audience Over Viral Reach

24:45 Overcoming Imposter Syndrome on Camera

26:46 Branding Challenges and Measurement Limits

31:00 Building Authentic Relationships Marketing

32:38 "Share Your Social Handles"

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 Khadija J Head, the Chief Leadership Officer of Georgia's oldest and most experienced black-owned plumbing company. Khadija shares her incredible journey from being a Division 1 women's basketball coach to joining her family's business in Southwest Atlanta. She details how her past experiences in sports have influenced her leadership style and her approach to marketing within the trade industry. Khadija's story highlights the value of pivoting and leveraging diverse skill sets to drive business success. The conversation dives into the marketing strategies that have propelled Khadija's company, Heads Plumbing, forward. Jen and Khadija discuss the evolution from traditional marketing like Yellow Pages to embracing digital platforms to create strong community connections. Khadija emphasizes the importance of branding and representation, sharing the significance of their company's rebrand to proudly showcase their heritage and leadership within the industry. She also reflects on the impact of social media in telling their story and positioning plumbing as a modern and technologically advanced trade. Khadija and Jen also discuss the vital role of community involvement and relationship-building in marketing. By strategically creating partnerships and leveraging audiences, Khadija has been able to expand her company's reach and bring in new customers. She provides insights into targeting the right market segments and the importance of being seen in the right spaces to grow their business. Throughout the episode, Khadija offers invaluable advice for businesses looking to define their market narrative and build a strong brand reputation. She shares her vision for the future of Heads Plumbing and how other trade service companies can achieve similar growth by staying true to their identity while embracing innovative marketing techniques.

Timestamps: 00:30 - Welcome and introduction of Khadija J Head

00:52 - Khadija's background and introduction to Heads Plumbing

03:09 - Khadija's journey from basketball to plumbing

04:45 - Initial marketing strategies of Heads Plumbing

06:46 - Branding and the significance of the logo rebrand

10:14 - Raising awareness about diversity in the trades

12:44 - Social media tactics and the trade's modern face

16:03 - Impact of partnerships and leveraging audiences

18:47 - Strategies for targeting market segments

22:23 - Community involvement and upcoming initiatives

26:15 - The key to marketing success

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: / jennifer.hartman.73 or LinkedIn: / 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 engaging episode of the Kee to Growth podcast, host Jen McKee is joined by guests Cassie Pound and Kailee McCrary from Quality Heating, Cooling, Plumbing and Electric in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The conversation kicks off with introductions and sets the stage for an insightful discussion about how to grow a trades business beyond the conventional approaches. Cassie expands on her journey from managing marketing herself to recognizing the need for Kailee's expertise in driving their marketing efforts. They top it off with the importance of finding the right talent to address marketing bottlenecks for business growth.

Delving deeper into their dynamics, Cassie and Kailee share the innovative strategies that have catapulted their company into success. From starting a billboard campaign that celebrated local milestones by putting people's faces on billboards to embracing a disruptive radio campaign that featured their beloved shop dogs, the duo walks us through their ideas for creating a cohesive brand across various marketing platforms. These marketing initiatives serve as excellent examples of out-of-the-box thinking that resonate with their community and elevate their company's visibility.

As the conversation unfolds, Kailee discusses the key aspects of her role as a Director of Marketing and reflects on her favorite project: fostering vibrant social media engagement with their team and community. Her dedication is clearly visible in the polished execution of the brand's vision. Cassie emphasizes the significance of mentorship and timing in scaling their marketing operations, crediting her collaboration with Kailee as a cornerstone of their company's brand success. They both highlight the crucial elements of trust and culture in promoting an environment that encourages creativity and forward-thinking.

The episode wraps up with a glimpse into their podcast initiative aimed at connecting and supporting local business owners in Tulsa. Cassie and Kailee's enthusiasm and commitment to community engagement extend to their podcast, offering valuable insights and collaboration opportunities for other small business owners. Jen acknowledges the impactful journey of both guests and invites listeners to explore more resources through various social media connections and podcasts.

Timestamps:

[00:00:00] Introduction by Jen McKee

[00:00:49] Guest introductions and marketing roles

[00:02:08] Recognizing bottlenecks and hiring Kailee

[00:03:11] Community engagement and marketing consistency

[00:05:57] Balancing work with community events

[00:08:54] Innovative billboard campaign success

[00:12:46] Unique radio campaign featuring shop dogs

[00:18:28] Favorite projects and achievements in marketing

[00:23:03] Creating the Tulsa Talks Business podcast

[00:24:47] Implementing out-of-the-box marketing strategies

[00:27:07] Exploring additional marketing insights

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 engaging episode of the Kee to Growth podcast, host Jen McKee welcomes guests Texas Medley and Ryan Vandenberg to explore the dynamic world of marketing and business strategy. This episode offers a deep dive into the shift from traditional high production value content to more casual, smartphone-recorded videos for social media. Ryan Vandenberg shares insights on how producing content with immediate value to viewers, without elaborate scripts or setups, has proven to be a better return on investment. As the team continues to test various formats, they are looking forward to releasing new content upon concluding their current "medley hunt" campaign.

Texas Medley shares his authentic and personal approach to business and marketing, emphasizing transparency and the importance of fostering a brand that clients can truly connect with. Although not focused on becoming an influencer, Medley's vision is supported by his company's culture and alignment, indirectly benefiting the business. The episode further explores the contrasting yet complementary dynamics between Medley's creative spontaneity and Vandenberg's strategic methodology.

Together, they discuss strategies like focusing on high-end production for TV spots and landing pages, which help differentiate their brand. This approach not only elevates perceived quality but also serves long-term growth objectives, with the goal being steady progress rather than rapid expansion to a $50 million business by 2025. The conversation touches on the importance of content that is both shareable and memorable and how intentionality plays a crucial role in their content creation.

One notable example is the effective use of a simple concept video about a $39 service, as opposed to ineffective methods like stock footage and photos. Meanwhile, Ryan highlights their pivot towards niche marketing strategies, particularly focusing on engaging specific communities like disc golf to build brand loyalty. The hosts close the episode by reflecting on the authenticity required in marketing and how essential it is to offer genuine value rather than chasing superficial trends or quick wins.

Time Stamps:

00:00 Introduction to the Kee to Growth podcast and guests Texas Medley and Ryan Vandenberg

02:20 Discussing the shift from high production value content to casual social media videos

06:45 Texas Medley's approach to transparency and personal branding

12:30 Strategies for releasing content post "medley hunt" campaign

15:50 The complementary dynamics between Medley's creativity and Vandenberg's strategy

20:10 Importance of high-end production for TV and landing page differentiation

24:00 Creating memorable and shareable content with intentionality

28:40 Effective use of simple concept videos over stock footage

32:50 Niche marketing strategies and exploring community engagement

36:15 The role of authenticity in successful marketing strategies

40:00 Closing remarks with insights on future marketing plans

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/

Learn more about our guests:

Texas Medley & Medley Heating & Air Conditioning

Website: www.callmedley.com

Find them on social media: Medley Heating And Air Conditioning Plumbing Rive Media Website: www.rivemedia.com

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 Amber McKee to unpack the secrets to creating a successful marketing plan for home service businesses. With a wealth of experience in trades marketing, Amber shares her journey from starting at Goettl, a company she helped grow from $10 million to $240 million in revenue, to founding Amber's Marketing Group, where she now assists companies in strategizing and implementing effective marketing operations.

Amber delves into her strategies for setting achievable business goals and backing them into detailed plans for operational and marketing success. She emphasizes the importance of aligning operational capabilities with marketing efforts, highlighting the integration of goals and marketing strategies with call centers and business managers. Throughout the discussion, Amber provides actionable insights on crafting plans that match the capacity to run calls, market size, and ZIP code targeting for maximum return on investment.

Jen and Amber explore the impact of social media and branding in trades marketing, emphasizing the significance of both organic and paid strategies. Amber elucidates the differences between organic, boosted, and paid social media tactics, advising companies on how to utilize these platforms effectively without overspending on inefficacious marketing methods. They discuss the role of social media in recruitment, brand positioning, and customer acquisition, and how to determine the right mix of digital and traditional marketing strategies based on a company's specific goals and market conditions.

As they dive into topics like budgeting, ROI measurement, and seasonal trends, Amber stresses the importance of dynamic marketing plans that allow for frequent pivoting based on data and outcomes. The conversation also shines a light on the critical role of maintaining a healthy marketing budget percentage and leveraging emerging channels like YouTube and OTT for targeted reach. Amber closes with her philosophy of marrying a business's "why" with market demands and ensuring consistent work through planned marketing, affecting positive employee and community outcomes.

Timestamps:

0:00 Introduction by Announcer and Jen McKee

0:30 Jen McKee welcomes guest Amber McKee

0:59 Amber's background and journey in marketing

2:36 The silver bullet for Goettl's success

4:00 Key strategies for trade companies in competitive markets

5:12 Importance of alignment between marketing and operations

6:16 Determining the right mix of traditional and digital marketing

8:35 Targeting local markets through social media

11:09 Building a marketing plan and timeline discussions

13:06 Importance of leads and new customer acquisition

16:41 Crafting a business's 'why' and its importance in marketing

18:26 Amber talks about budget percentages in marketing

20:31 Handling seasons and marketing adjustments

23:33 New marketing trends and areas of focus

25:30 The responsibility of marketers in trades

27:09 Wrap-up and ways to reach Amber's Marketing Group

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

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