In this episode of The New Flat Rate Podcast, Natalie Koop and Danielle Putnam sit down with Cameron Bishop, Partner and Managing Director at Raincatcher, to talk about what contractors need to know before selling their business. Cameron explains why 70–80% of businesses that try to sell never actually sell, the biggest valuation mistakes owners make, and how factors like owner dependency and financial structure impact a company’s value. If you're a contractor thinking about your future or building a business that can run without you, this episode shares key insights on creating a company buyers actually want.

Social Media Links:

Instagram

TNFR- ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/thenewflatrate⁠⁠

Raincatcher- https://www.instagram.com/raincatcherllc/

Facebook

TNFR- ⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/TheNewFlatRate⁠⁠

Raincatcher- https://www.facebook.com/RaincatcherLLC/mentions/

LinkedIn

TNFR- ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-new-flat-rate-inc-/posts/?feedView=all⁠⁠

Cameron Bishop- https://www.linkedin.com/in/cameron-bishop-19b6804/

YouTube

Raincatcher- https://www.youtube.com/raincatcherllc

Links and Resources:

⁠⁠thenewflatrate.com⁠⁠

https://raincatcher.com/

In this episode, Danielle Putnam, CEO of The New Flat Rate, explains why more leads won’t fix your contracting business and why customer retention is the real key to long-term growth. From simple follow-up strategies and creating a “wow” factor on every service call to building a culture of loyalty within your team, Danielle breaks down practical, affordable ways to turn one-time customers into lifelong advocates. If you want higher profits, lower marketing costs, and steady growth without constantly chasing new business, this episode will show you how to build a foundation that lasts.

Links and Resources-

Greet Card Template PDF: HERE

Email Template from Zac Garside: HERE

Set up a free strategy call TODAY: freedombuildersuniversity.com

Check out Total C: https://thenewflatrate.com/partners-integrations/total-c

Website: https://thenewflatrate.com/

Get Demo: https://thenewflatrate.com/demo?hsCtaAttrib=192034463396

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

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

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-new-flat-rate-inc-/posts/?feedView=all⁠⁠

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

Episode Show Notes:

00:00 Intro

00:34 Customer Retention: What Are You Doing to Keep Your Customer Base?

01:47 Why Customer Retention Matters

03:52 Building a Retention Strategy: The Customer Journey 

07:02 Creating a Culture of Retention 

08:53 How to Make Customers Feel Valued

10:42 The Impact of Retention on Your Bottom Line

12:02 Taking Action Today

13:00 Outro

If you’re spending money on marketing but not seeing consistent growth, this session is for you.

In Convert What You Pay For, Danny Braught breaks down how home service companies can attract the right customers, convert more inbound leads, and fix the follow-up gaps that quietly kill revenue. If you own or manage an HVAC, plumbing, electrical, or home service business, this workshop will show you how to turn marketing spend into booked jobs and real profit.

Social Media Links:

Instagram

TNFR- ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/thenewflatrate⁠⁠

LMH Marketing- https://www.instagram.com/lmh.agency/

Facebook

TNFR- ⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/TheNewFlatRate⁠⁠

LMH Marketing- https://www.facebook.com/lokalmediahouse

LinkedIn

TNFR- ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-new-flat-rate-inc-/posts/?feedView=all⁠⁠

LMH Marketing- https://www.linkedin.com/company/lmhagency/

YouTube

LMH Marketing- https://www.youtube.com/@lokalmediahouse-lmhagency

Jan Spence breaks down the financial team every contractor actually needs to increase profit, improve cash flow, and scale with confidence. From the difference between a bookkeeper and a strategic CPA to why checking your bank balance isn’t a financial strategy, Jan shares the systems and structure that separate struggling businesses from growing ones.

If you want clearer numbers, smarter decisions, and a stronger financial foundation for long-term growth, this episode is for you.

Jan's book here: https://www.amazon.com/Cheer-Your-Team-Retention-Engagement/dp/1724981323

Social Media Links:

Instagram

\TNFR- ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/thenewflatrate⁠⁠

Facebook

TNFR- ⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/TheNewFlatRate⁠⁠

Jan Spence- https://www.facebook.com/janspenceassociates/?ref=ts

LinkedIn

TNFR- ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-new-flat-rate-inc-/posts/?feedView=all⁠⁠

Jan Spence- https://www.linkedin.com/in/jan-spence/

X

Jan Spence- https://x.com/janhspence

YouTube

Jan Spence- https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCn2NjMSwHyjZ-el9aeMkKFg?app=desktop

Links and Resources:

https://thenewflatrate.com/

⁠⁠https://www.janspence.com/

https://www.amazon.com/Cheer-Your-Team-Retention-Engagement/dp/1724981323

Natalie Koop and Melody Chaney sit down with Jen McKee, founder of Kee Hart Marketing, to break down what’s actually working on social media for contractors right now. From TikTok and Facebook strategies to consistency vs. virality and the real impact of AI, Jen shares practical advice contractors can use to turn social media into real business growth—not just likes and followers.

If you want your social media to drive trust, visibility, and customers in 2026, this episode is for you.

Social Media Links:

Instagram

TNFR- ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/thenewflatrate⁠⁠

Kee Hart Marketing- https://www.instagram.com/keehartmarketing

Facebook

TNFR- ⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/TheNewFlatRate⁠⁠

Jen Mckee- https://www.facebook.com/jennifer.hartman.73/

Kee Hart Marketing- https://www.facebook.com/keehartmarketing

The Growth Experience- https://www.facebook.com/khm.thegrowth.experience/

LinkedIn

TNFR- ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-new-flat-rate-inc-/posts/?feedView=all⁠⁠

Kee Hart Marketing- https://www.linkedin.com/company/keehartmarketing/

YouTube

Kee to Growth Podcast- https://www.youtube.com/@KeetoGrowthPodcast

Kee Hart Marketing- https://www.youtube.com/@keehartmarketing/featured

Spotify

Kee to Growth Podcast- https://open.spotify.com/show/0LtDtWTp5aZTynayU1pieA

Links and Resources:

⁠⁠thenewflatrate.com⁠⁠

https://keehartmarketing.com/

https://thegrowth-experience.com/

Today we sit down with Adam to talk about what most contractors get wrong when it comes to service, numbers, and leadership—and how to fix it. From creating a customer experience that actually builds trust, to understanding the numbers that drive profitability, Adam shares the hard-earned lessons it took him years to learn (so you don’t have to). He also breaks down hiring differently, training for results, and why focusing on process over personalities is key to sustainable growth. This episode is packed with practical insights for contractors who want fewer fires, stronger teams, and a more profitable, scalable business.

Episode Show Notes:

00:00 Intro
01:01 Rapid-Fire Questions
02:25 Meet Adam & Danielle
07:50 What ThermoGrid Solves
09:34 The Elevator Pitch
10:27 How RISE Helps Contractors
19:37 TNFR x ThermoGrid
21:04 Why ThermoGrid Matters
26:34 Adam’s HVAC Background
31:33 Common Contractor Mistakes
34:44 OutroSocial Media Links:InstagramTNFR- ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/thenewflatrate⁠⁠FacebookTNFR- ⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/TheNewFlatRate⁠⁠ThermoGrid- https://www.facebook.com/ThermoGrid/LinkedInTNFR- ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-new-flat-rate-inc-/posts/?feedView=all⁠⁠Danielle Putnam- https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniellekoop/Adam Cory- https://www.linkedin.com/in/adam-cory-a270a290/YouTubeThermoGrid- https://www.youtube.com/@UChXm2gGti7GYqkgurFKZODw Links and Resources:⁠⁠https://thenewflatrate.com/https://www.gridmastertechnologies.com/Call them here- 1(800)592-3611

In this episode of The New Flat Rate Podcast, hosts Natalie Koop and Danielle Putnam sit down with James Hatfield, Chief Revenue Officer at LiveSwitch, to break down how live video, AI, and real-time communication are transforming the trades. From eliminating wasted truck rolls and speeding up estimates to improving documentation, trust, and customer experience, James shares practical, real-world examples of how contractors can use technology to work smarter, close jobs faster, and scale profitably—without overcomplicating their business. This conversation is a must-listen for contractors curious about AI but focused on results.

Social Media Links:

Instagram

TNFR- ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/thenewflatrate⁠⁠

LiveSwitch- https://www.instagram.com/liveswitchinc/?hl=en

Facebook

TNFR- ⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/TheNewFlatRate⁠⁠

LiveSwitch- https://www.facebook.com/liveswitchinc/?locale=da_DK

LinkedIn

TNFR- ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-new-flat-rate-inc-/posts/?feedView=all⁠⁠

James Hatfield- https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-hatfield/

YouTube

LiveSwitch- https://www.youtube.com/@LiveSwitchInc

Links and Resources:

⁠https://thenewflatrate.com/

https://www.liveswitch.com/

On this episode of The New Flat Rate Podcast, hosts Natalie Koop and Danielle Putnam are joined by Sarah Ghirardo, Director of Pro Content at ServiceTitan and co-host of The TradeMarke Podcast, to discuss how marketing, AI, and mindset are changing the trades. Sarah shares practical ways contractors can use AI to improve efficiency (starting with missed calls), why authentic content matters more than perfection, and how to prepare for shifting search, automation, and customer behavior. A must-listen for contractors looking to market smarter while staying human.Social Media Links:InstagramTNFR- ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/thenewflatrate⁠⁠Sarah Ghirardo- https://www.instagram.com/sarahghirardo/?hl=enFacebookTNFR- ⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/TheNewFlatRate⁠⁠Sarah Ghirardo- https://www.facebook.com/sarah.pellettghirardoLinkedInTNFR- ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-new-flat-rate-inc-/posts/?feedView=all⁠⁠Sarah Ghirardo- https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-ghirardo-%F0%9F%8E%AF-83049131/?trk=public_post_main-feed-card_reshare-textYouTubeThe TradeMarke Podcast- https://www.youtube.com/@TheTradeMarkePodcast-hl8qjLinks and Resources:⁠⁠https://thenewflatrate.com/https://www.servicetitan.com/

In this episode of The New Flat Rate Podcast, Claire breaks down her path to becoming a franchise owner in home services, including the risks, mindset shifts, and support systems that made it possible. She shares honest insight into burnout, team culture, franchising realities, and the importance of building a business where people want to work—while still striving to be the best in a competitive market.

Social Media Links:

Instagram

TNFR- ⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/thenewflatrate⁠⁠

Facebook

TNFR- https://www.facebook.com/TheNewFlatRate⁠⁠

LinkedIn

TNFR- https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-new-flat-rate-inc-/posts/?feedView=all⁠⁠

Claire Carreras- https://www.linkedin.com/in/claire-carreras/

Links and Resources:

⁠⁠https://thenewflatrate.com/

https://www.1tomplumber.com/

In this episode, Navy submarine veteran and business coach Dave Rossberg joins host Natalie Koop and co-host Danielle Putnam, CEO of The New Flat Rate, to talk about what real leadership looks like—beyond the buzzwords. From his experience leading one of the Navy’s lowest-performing submarine teams to the top 10% in the fleet, Dave shares how trust, clarity, and genuine care can transform any team. Whether you’re a business owner, manager, or aspiring leader, this episode dives deep into building stronger teams, empowering decision-making, and creating a culture where people lead because they want to, not because they have to.Social Media Links:InstagramTNFR- ⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/thenewflatrate/?hl=enDavid Rossberg- https://www.instagram.com/dave.rossberg/?hl=enFacebookTNFR- https://www.facebook.com/TheNewFlatRateDavid Rossberg- https://www.facebook.com/rossberg.daveLinkedInTNFR- https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-new-flat-rate-inc-/David Rossberg- https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidrossberg/Links and Resources:⁠⁠https://thenewflatrate.com/https://daverossberg.focalpointcoaching.com/