From Two to 300 Staff Members in 9 Years

Guest: John Akhoian, founder and owner of Rooter Hero

 

Success, in any field, can sometimes be quite polarizing. Achieving that gold medal—that reward, that end goal—can sometimes stop you from seeing the path and stepping stones that you went through to get from A to B to your goal. The common notion people have when looking at successful business owners is that it was a quick, effortless overnight success for them. But that is rarely the case.

In today's episode, we will break down some of the fundamental blocks and stepping stones that helped our guest get to where he is today. We're joined today by John Akhoian, founder and CEO who has grown his plumbing business, Rooter Hero, from having two staff members to 300 in nine years. 

If you think that your business will never grow because of XYZ, this is the podcast you need to tune into, because as you will learn, it is very achievable.

For other business success stories, you may check these episodes:

• TSS191 – Become A Home Service Millionaire – [LINK]
• TSS211 – You’re Never Too Old to Learn Something New – [LINK]
• TSS219 – Zero to a Million in Four Years – [LINK]

 

About this podcast, ‘From 2 Staff to 300 In Nine Years’

Podcast Highlights:

• 05:23 – Getting into the plumbing trade
• 09:23 – Investing in and implementing a franchise business structure to a plumbing business
• 10:31 – Learning to read numbers and financial statements through franchising
• 13:21 – The importance of networking within franchising groups
• 14:42 – Reading the right books for success
• 17:52 – Meeting and creating a network with the right people
• 20:53 – How internal training programs help build and empower staff in the field
• 26:12 – Organizational chart, mindset shi

Enjoyed the podcast? Take your trade business to the next level by incorporating AI! Don’t get left behind—explore Tradie Hub at tradiehub.net. Discover game-changing AI solutions designed to boost efficiency and growth for trade businesses worldwide. Check it out today! 

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Part Three – Selling Your Trade Business

Series: How To Sell Your Trade Business

Guest: Brandon Jacob from Contractors Financial Opportunity

 

In the last episode of this series, Brandon shares the actual process involved in selling and buying a business. This process requires professionals who specialize in business valuations and transactions. If you want to sell or buy a business, you need to get in touch with attorneys, marketers, and consultants for due diligence and a proper and legitimate process.

 

If you are interested in selling and business deals, check out these other episodes:

• TSS158 – Structuring Your Financial Deals – [LINK]
• TSS205 – How to sell your value and maintain a solid sales process – [LINK]

 

About this podcast, ‘Actual Process of Selling Your Business’

Podcast Highlights:

• 04:55 – The value of small businesses
• 07:30 – Pre letter of intent
• 10:40 – Importance of legal counsel
• 16:55 – Pros and cons of being approached by a buyer
• 19:34 – Seeking professional help
• 25:23 – Non-disclosure agreements
• 33:05 – Varying timeframes
• 38:04 – Negotiations
• 39:19 – Post letter of intent
• 46:24 – Different variables included in due diligence
• 49:52 – Difference between stock purchase and asset purchase
• 58:45 – Employment agreement

Brandon identified two phases of buying and selling a business. The first step is the pre-letter of intent, and the second stage is the post-letter of intent. The first phase signals how serious a buyer is to acquire a business. This pre-LOI phase has an expiration date. Thus, the buyer is required to decide within the given timeframe.

After the potential buyer and the seller signed the LOI, the prospective buy

Enjoyed the podcast? Take your trade business to the next level by incorporating AI! Don’t get left behind—explore Tradie Hub at tradiehub.net. Discover game-changing AI solutions designed to boost efficiency and growth for trade businesses worldwide. Check it out today! 

🧰 Want Access To Tools & Training from Industry Leaders?

Join Tradie Academy, our free community packed with templates, checklists, and resources shared by podcast guests, coaches, and successful tradies.

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• Instagram: @thesiteshed
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Part Two – Preparing Your Trade Business For Sale

Series: How To Sell Your Trade Business

Guest: Brandon Jacob from Contractors Financial Opportunity

 

After evaluating your business, the second step is to prepare it for selling. This preparation is challenging, but it’ll be easier with the help of the right professionals and the right mindset.

 

In this episode, Brandon shared a list of things you will need to prepare your business for sale. The first on the list is to have a service and replacement residential work mix. The second is to have proper management in place. The third on the list is about updating your assets. He also noted that service agreements and warranties are essential aspects.

 

If you are interested in selling your business and other topics related to what we discussed today, check out these episodes:

• TSS205 – How to sell your value and maintain a solid sales process – [LINK]
• TSS008 – Job Management with TradiePad – [LINK]

 

About this podcast, ‘Preparing Your Trade Business For Sale’

Podcast Highlights:

• 6:01 – Other considerations regarding a business’ earnings
• 11:38 – Looking over financial records, forecasts
• 16:10 – Tax management
• 21:37 – Possible misuse of company funds
• 23:29 – Non-reoccurring expense
• 27:03 – Replenishing assets
• 29:22 – Book reviewing
• 31:14 – Other things that make a business more attractive
• 36:00 – Having proper management in place
• 40:06 – Detailed processes as an advantage
• 41:45 – Well-branded business with a good reputation
• 43:41 – Updating assets
• 46:26 – Risk exposure
• 50:15 – Handing over the balance sheet

Enjoyed the podcast? Take your trade business to the next level by incorporating AI! Don’t get left behind—explore Tradie Hub at tradiehub.net. Discover game-changing AI solutions designed to boost efficiency and growth for trade businesses worldwide. Check it out today! 

🧰 Want Access To Tools & Training from Industry Leaders?

Join Tradie Academy, our free community packed with templates, checklists, and resources shared by podcast guests, coaches, and successful tradies.

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• Instagram: @thesiteshed
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Part One – Valuing Your Trade Business - What You Need to Understand

Series: How To Sell Your Trade Business

Guest: Brandon Jacob from Contractors Financial Opportunity

 

Twenty years ago, entrepreneurs believed they could not sell their businesses. Today, people are opting to sell their businesses, primarily if the company can be sold on fair market value. 

 

Buying or selling a business has its processes. A company’s financial status is not the sole factor in valuing a business. Its’ goodwill or its intangible assets are also taken into consideration.

 

In this episode, Brandon shares his knowledge of the processes involved in selling a business, and also shares insights on how to increase your company’s value.

 

If you are interested in increasing the value of and selling your business, check out  these episodes too:

 

• TSS205 – How to sell your value and maintain a solid sales process – [LINK]
• TSS198 – Maximising Gross Profit in Your Business – [LINK]

 

About this podcast, ‘Valuing Your Trade Business - What You Need to Understand’

 

Podcast Highlights:

• 03:43 – Business valuation
• 09:24 – Fair market value
• 10:18 – Compulsive buying
• 14:27 – Looking at financial records
• 20:17 – Market approach
• 22:30 – Valuation of a stagnant business
• 24:36 – The earnings approach
• 26:40 – Perfecting your model
• 29:15 – The definition of goodwill
• 32:30 – Value drivers
• 35:18 – The actual process of evaluating a company
• 45:04 – The importance of service agreement

 

Brandon shared the three approaches to assessing a business. First is the market approach. The second approach is used to evaluate a stagnant industry, and the la

Enjoyed the podcast? Take your trade business to the next level by incorporating AI! Don’t get left behind—explore Tradie Hub at tradiehub.net. Discover game-changing AI solutions designed to boost efficiency and growth for trade businesses worldwide. Check it out today! 

🧰 Want Access To Tools & Training from Industry Leaders?

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• Instagram: @thesiteshed
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• Website: thesiteshed.com
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Zero to a Million in Four Years

Guest: Jason Spaull, Director of Coastal Asbestos Removal

 

If you think building a business that can earn a million dollars within four years is impossible, then we just might prove you wrong. We’re not saying it’s easy! But with the right mindset, planning, and implementing changes within yourself and your organization, you can turn that dream into a reality.

 

You also need to make sure you’re armed with the proper help from the proper people. And in this episode, we’re joined once again by Jason Spaull of Coastal Asbestos Removal. Whether you’re up to the task of establishing a million-dollar company or simply want to pick up some useful tips to improve your business, you’ll surely love this episode.

 

If you want to learn more about how to tackle your business goals, give these episodes a listen:

• TSS129 – From A-B with Stephen Scoggins – [LINK]
• TSS191 – Become A Home Service Millionaire – [LINK]
• TSS171 – Building Won’t Make You a Million Bucks, Marketing Will – [LINK]

 

About this podcast, ‘Zero To A Million In Four Years’

Podcast Highlights:

• 09:36 – How Jason started his business
• 11:53 – Having a business mindset
• 15:22 – Bringing together a million-dollar team
• 19:39 – Being a good leader
• 20:47 – Focusing on procedures
• 25:18 – Running a business without you
• 28:01 – Not losing your direction
• 30:14 – Finding your rhythm
• 32:59 – Reading and learning
• 35:34 – “Building the machine”
• 40:42 – Learning from others
• 42:37 – Jason’s future plans

We discussed the different aspects involved in giving life to a million-dollar

Enjoyed the podcast? Take your trade business to the next level by incorporating AI! Don’t get left behind—explore Tradie Hub at tradiehub.net. Discover game-changing AI solutions designed to boost efficiency and growth for trade businesses worldwide. Check it out today! 

🧰 Want Access To Tools & Training from Industry Leaders?

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• Instagram: @thesiteshed
• LinkedIn: The Site Shed
• Website: thesiteshed.com
• Join a global community of 6000+ trade professionals https://www.facebook.com/groups/TheSiteShed

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Part Three – Using Data to Create an Amazing Customer Experience

Series: Getting Paid On-Site and On Time

Guest: Marcel Donnelly from Flat Rate NOW

 

Data has become a significant asset for businesses. We can even say that it has become more valuable than oil. How does this massive statement hold? As data-capturing technologies advance, so do businesses’ opportunities to draw more comprehensive insights from it. Every click and every like leave traces around the Internet. These, in turn, make up an algorithm that companies can analyze.

Data capture and analysis enhances business operations and decision-making. Data collection business is vital in coming up with a segmented list of information and customer data acquisition. Customer data allows companies to track consumer behavior to come up with predictive analytics. 

In the last installment of Getting Paid On-Site and On Time series, we’re back with Marcel to discuss the importance of data in business. Furthermore, we also talk about how to use data to create an amazing customer experience.

If you are interested in collecting data, building a database, you may check these episodes:

• TSS013 – Building a database with Bollo Empire – [LINK]
• TSS045 – Building your database – [LINK]
• TSS148 – Stop Working For Free, Time Is Money – [LINK]

 

About this podcast, ‘Using Data to Create an Amazing Customer Experience’

Podcast Highlights:

• 04:21 – The importance and impact of data in business
• 06:54 – Connecting the dots to leverage data
• 08:01 – The paradigm of digital marketing
• 10:43 – Data can steer the ship in the right direction
• 11:30 – Different income streams
• 12:18 – The importance of building your asset and database
• 13:27 – Understanding your costs

Enjoyed the podcast? Take your trade business to the next level by incorporating AI! Don’t get left behind—explore Tradie Hub at tradiehub.net. Discover game-changing AI solutions designed to boost efficiency and growth for trade businesses worldwide. Check it out today! 

🧰 Want Access To Tools & Training from Industry Leaders?

Join Tradie Academy, our free community packed with templates, checklists, and resources shared by podcast guests, coaches, and successful tradies.

👉 Join free and grab your next growth tool.

📲 Stay Connected:

• Facebook: The Site Shed
• Instagram: @thesiteshed
• LinkedIn: The Site Shed
• Website: thesiteshed.com
• Join a global community of 6000+ trade professionals https://www.facebook.com/groups/TheSiteShed

⭐ Enjoyed This Episode? Leave us a review here!

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Part Two – Technology That Removes Friction and Improves Efficiency

Series: Getting Paid On-Site and On Time

Guest: Marcel Donnelly from Flat Rate NOW

 

The advancements in technology have undoubtedly made human lives more comfortable and more convenient. Thus, it is not surprising that businesses make use of technology to avoid human errors and improve efficiency.

 

In the second part of this series, Marcel shares valuable insights to help businesses streamline their operations using technological applications and devices. It is not technology’s goal to completely replace human contribution. Its purpose is to help business owners with primary concerns like product delivery and communicating with clients.

 

If you are interested in discussions about technology, you may check these episodes:

• TSS007 – The Cloud with TradiePad – [LINK]
• TSS034 – Why quality hosting is so important – [LINK]
• TSS052 – Capturing and Recording OH&S Documentation – [LINK]

 

About this podcast, ‘Technology That Removes Friction and Improves Efficiency’

Podcast Highlights:

• 02:47 – Importance of technology in the industry
• 07:11 – Recap of the first episode
• 09:48 – Proper devices and applications to use
• 18:27 – Technological adjustments in the workplace
• 19:49 – Frictions that technology can remove
• 26:02 – Efficiency improvement in the space of double entry
• 28:46 – Upfront pricing and managing objections
• 30:49 – Low fly mode
• 32:35 – Additional applications and tools
• 34:17 – Importance of data in today’s world

 

This episode encourages company owners to use t

Enjoyed the podcast? Take your trade business to the next level by incorporating AI! Don’t get left behind—explore Tradie Hub at tradiehub.net. Discover game-changing AI solutions designed to boost efficiency and growth for trade businesses worldwide. Check it out today! 

🧰 Want Access To Tools & Training from Industry Leaders?

Join Tradie Academy, our free community packed with templates, checklists, and resources shared by podcast guests, coaches, and successful tradies.

👉 Join free and grab your next growth tool.

📲 Stay Connected:

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• Instagram: @thesiteshed
• LinkedIn: The Site Shed
• Website: thesiteshed.com
• Join a global community of 6000+ trade professionals https://www.facebook.com/groups/TheSiteShed

⭐ Enjoyed This Episode? Leave us a review here!

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Part One – Upfront Pricing Isn't Magic, It's Science and Consistency

Series: Getting Paid On Time and On-Site

Guest: Marcel Donnelly from Flat Rate NOW

 

Tradespeople should receive payment for their hard work on time and on-site, just like every other job. Sometimes, work is contractual, and money is distributed over a specified period. However, essentially, you should be getting paid once your work is done. It’s that simple.

 

In this series, Marcel dives into the fundamentals of getting paid. For our first episode, it’s all about upfront pricing—it’s science and consistency. How should you set up your company, so you never have to worry about chasing bills? With upfront pricing, you can reduce huge overheads in expenses and chasing debts and, at the same time, cut all your personal, business, and financial stress.

 

If you are interested in pricing and getting paid for your time and work, you may also like these episodes:

• TSS087 – Getting paid for bids, quotes, and proposals – [LINK]
• TSS095 – Does your business suit flat-rate pricing? – [LINK]
• TSS172 – Stop Working For Free, Time Is Money – [LINK]

 

About this podcast, ‘Upfront Pricing Isn't Magic, It's Science and Consistency’

Podcast Highlights:

• 01:58 – The issue of pricing for tradespeople
• 06:04 – No cash flow: receiving payments at the end of the job is not ideal
• 07:35 – Getting paid for quotations, proposals, and estimates
• 10:20 – Importance of letting people understand the actual costs and building a price that encompasses all expenses
• 13:13 – Finding the technology and having the right conversations with the right people
• 17:20 – Reducing labour and overtime
• 18:25 – Money and stress; Leveraging your resources for pricing

Enjoyed the podcast? Take your trade business to the next level by incorporating AI! Don’t get left behind—explore Tradie Hub at tradiehub.net. Discover game-changing AI solutions designed to boost efficiency and growth for trade businesses worldwide. Check it out today! 

🧰 Want Access To Tools & Training from Industry Leaders?

Join Tradie Academy, our free community packed with templates, checklists, and resources shared by podcast guests, coaches, and successful tradies.

👉 Join free and grab your next growth tool.

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• Facebook: The Site Shed
• Instagram: @thesiteshed
• LinkedIn: The Site Shed
• Website: thesiteshed.com
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How Darren 4-X’d His Electrical Business in 7 Months

Guest: Darren Hiscock from Hiscocks Electrical

 

It is challenging to grow and scale a business if you are not knowledgeable about the strategies and techniques necessary to achieve your goals. Thus, it is crucial to educate yourself with helpful business tools and principles.

In this episode, Darren shares his transition from being an electrician to a business owner. He emphasizes the importance of seeking the help of a business coach who can guide you to grow your business, just like he did with Hiscocks Electrical. He also sought other guides such as business books to help him change his perspective about business.

If you are interested in growing your business, you may want to check out these episodes:

• TSS088 – Using innovation to grow your business – [LINK]
• TSS178 – Zero to $850,000 in 2 years – [LINK]
• TSS198 – Maximising Gross Profit in Your Business – [LINK]

 

About this podcast, ‘How Darren 4-X’d His Electrical Business in 7 Months’

Podcast Highlights:

• 07:44 – The effect of business on his personal life
• 10:39 – Fundamental shifts in his growing business
• 12:32 – Shifts in delivering perspective
• 15:02 – Importance of personality profiling
• 21:21 – Transition with his leadership
• 23:24 – New challenges associated with a growing business
• 26:33 – Positive effects of business on his lifestyle
• 28:34 – Goals for the company
• 38:54 – Other positive influences for the business
• 41:45 – Short term goals
• 42:49 – Importance of organizational structure
• 50:02 – Importance of a business coach

Enjoyed the podcast? Take your trade business to the next level by incorporating AI! Don’t get left behind—explore Tradie Hub at tradiehub.net. Discover game-changing AI solutions designed to boost efficiency and growth for trade businesses worldwide. Check it out today! 

🧰 Want Access To Tools & Training from Industry Leaders?

Join Tradie Academy, our free community packed with templates, checklists, and resources shared by podcast guests, coaches, and successful tradies.

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📲 Stay Connected:

• Facebook: The Site Shed
• Instagram: @thesiteshed
• LinkedIn: The Site Shed
• Website: thesiteshed.com
• Join a global community of 6000+ trade professionals https://www.facebook.com/groups/TheSiteShed

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Part Three – Achieving “Contractor Nirvana” by Building a High Performing Sales Team

Series: How To Grow Your Business 30% Year Over Year With Predictability

Guest: Ryan Groth from Sales Transformation Group 

Everyone wants to improve, but not everyone knows the tips and tricks for rapid, sustained growth.

Many of us want to learn, so we go to training sessions from self-professed gurus, but most of the time we leave empty-handed. We end up wondering how some entrepreneurs can maintain growth for years while everyone else gets left in the dust.

In this last installment of this series, Ryan teaches us how to nurture a high-performance sales team. Your sales team is your primary business driver, so you need to build them up to make your business more productive.

To know more about productivity hacks and leveraging people, you should listen to these episodes:

• TSS196 – Structuring Your Company for Maximum Productivity – [LINK]
• TSS182 – 2019 Productivity Framework – [LINK]
• TSS180 – Performance. Leverage through effective people power – [LINK]

 

About this podcast, ‘Achieving “Contractor Nirvana” By Building A High Performing Sales Team'

Podcast Highlights:

• 05:41 – What is Contractor Nirvana?
• 07:15 – KPIs and gamification
• 09:05 – Celebrating milestones
• 12:10 – Recognizing and honoring people
• 16:46 – Setting goals with your team
• 19:29 – Holding discussions with your team
• 23:04 – Considering what your team wants
• 23:44 – Stewarding human beings
• 28:17 – Holding weekly meetings with the team

 

Concluding the “How To Grow 30% Year Over Year With Predictability” series, this episode focuses on something that entrepreneurs forget to

Enjoyed the podcast? Take your trade business to the next level by incorporating AI! Don’t get left behind—explore Tradie Hub at tradiehub.net. Discover game-changing AI solutions designed to boost efficiency and growth for trade businesses worldwide. Check it out today! 

🧰 Want Access To Tools & Training from Industry Leaders?

Join Tradie Academy, our free community packed with templates, checklists, and resources shared by podcast guests, coaches, and successful tradies.

👉 Join free and grab your next growth tool.

📲 Stay Connected:

• Facebook: The Site Shed
• Instagram: @thesiteshed
• LinkedIn: The Site Shed
• Website: thesiteshed.com
• Join a global community of 6000+ trade professionals https://www.facebook.com/groups/TheSiteShed

⭐ Enjoyed This Episode? Leave us a review here!

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