Book a free Discovery Call to see how we can help you hit your goals and beyond: https://bit.ly/3TvGiNW or call us at: (214)-453-1591  

🔗 Grab our FREE resource: The Foundation Series, Real strategies to build a business that runs (and grows) without chaos: https://bit.ly/3Yqzow5  

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What if you could retain 94% of your key employees—without giving up a single share of equity? 

In this episode, we sit down with Chris Buttenham, Co-Founder of Reins, a game-changing platform that helps home service contractors create performance-based incentives like phantom equity and profit sharing—without the complexity, confusion, or legal risk. 

Reins makes it dramatically easier to set up and manage profit-sharing plans—giving you a powerful way to reward performance without getting buried in spreadsheets or back-end admin. Whether it’s short- or long-term incentives, Reins handles the heavy lifting so you can focus on running your business. 

Chris shares how growing up in a contractor household inspired him to tackle one of the industry’s toughest challenges: employee retention. You’ll learn how the most forward-thinking contractors are locking in their top techs and leaders—while keeping full control of their businesses. 

🔑 What You’ll Learn in This Episode: 

• Why traditional equity doesn’t work for most contractors 
• How phantom stock creates buy-in without ownership 
• Why profit sharing is powerful—and how Reins makes it easy 
• The incentive system behind 94% employee retention 
• How to align your team without giving up equity 
• Real-world examples of contractors using this strategy today 

💼 Want More Support Growing Your Business? 

When you join CertainPath, you’re not just getting coaching and training. You’re getting access to our Partner Network—120 vendor partners, including solutions like Reins, offering exclusive discounts and rebates on the tools and services you’re already using. 

Last year alone, our members earned back over $10 MILLION in rebates. 

That’s more cash in your business—and more partners helping you grow, profit, and scale. 

Book your free Discovery Call to learn how we can help you level up: https://bit.ly/3TvGiNW or call us at: (214)-453-1591  

Show Notes 

The Successful Contractor Podcast is a part of the CertainPath family.  CertainPath builds successful home service businesses—and has for 25 years.  We do it by providing contractors with a proven path to success, professional coaching, software solutions, and a member community of 1,200+ strong. Doubling your sales, with a 20% net profit, and an inspiring company culture is ALL possible.  Let us show you the way. With CertainPath, Success is Made Certain. Visit www.mycertainpath.com for more information.  

FOLLOW CERTAINPATH: 

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

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/certainpath 

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

Book a free Discovery Call to see how we can help you hit your goals and beyond: https://bit.ly/3TvGiNW or call us at: (214)-453-1591  

🔗 Grab our FREE resource: The Foundation Series, Real strategies to build a business that runs (and grows) without chaos: https://bit.ly/3Yqzow5  

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What does it take to grow a home service business to $40 million—without chasing headcount or cutting corners? 

In this episode, Nick Hartman, CGO at Ongaro & Sons, shares how a relentless focus on leadership, training, and accountability helped the company scale across HVAC, plumbing, and electrical. From record-breaking margins to life-changing employee outcomes, this is a playbook for contractors who want to grow the right way. 

Whether you're leading a $2M shop or managing multiple trades, you’ll walk away with clear, proven strategies to elevate your team, improve operations, and build a people-powered company that lasts. 

🚀 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
• How Ongaro & Sons grew to $40M by developing leaders at every level 
• The systems behind 25% net profit and $1.7M+ months in HVAC 
• Why growing your people can unlock exponential company growth 
• The impact of growth plans—from new homes to reunited families 
• How to lead managers so they lead their teams 
• What it looks like to scale HVAC success into plumbing & electrical 
• The role of trust, training, and communication in high-performing teams 
• How culture drives results—and breaks sales records 

💡 This is how you scale with intention. This is how you build something that lasts. 

💡 Want insider strategies from operators like Nick Hartman? 

 
CertainPath members get access to leaders like Nick at our twice-annual Expos—where contractors come to learn, level up, and lead. 

Chapters 

TBD 

Show Notes 

The Successful Contractor Podcast is a part of the CertainPath family.  CertainPath builds successful home service businesses—and has for 25 years.  We do it by providing contractors with a proven path to success, professional coaching, software solutions, and a member community of 1,200+ strong. Doubling your sales, with a 20% net profit, and an inspiring company culture is ALL possible.  Let us show you the way. With CertainPath, Success is Made Certain. Visit www.mycertainpath.com for more information.  

FOLLOW CERTAINPATH: 

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

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/certainpath 

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

Book a free Discovery Call to see how we can help you hit your goals and beyond: https://bit.ly/3TvGiNW or call us at: (214)-453-1591  

🔗 Grab our FREE resource: The Foundation Series, Real strategies to build a business that runs (and grows) without chaos: https://bit.ly/3Yqzow5  

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What do you do when your business is on the brink—and you’re out of options? If you’re Marcus Sheridan, you lean all the way into your buyer, start answering the tough questions no one else will touch, and transform your company into a national brand. 

Marcus is the author of They Ask, You Answer and Endless Customers, a globally recognized speaker, and a partner in multiple companies. But his journey began in the trenches—saving a struggling pool company in the wake of the 2008 crash by becoming radically transparent and customer-obsessed. 

In this no-fluff interview, Marcus shares exactly how home service contractors can grow faster, gain trust, and dominate their market using content, video, and AI. Whether you're a one-truck operation or a $100M business, these insights will help you level up—fast. 

🚀 What You’ll Learn in This Episode: 
• How Marcus saved his pool business from bankruptcy with content 
• Why most contractors still don’t talk pricing—and how it’s costing them 
• What the “Big 5” questions are—and why you must answer them 
• The easiest way to start creating high-impact content TODAY 
• Why “communion, not charisma” is the key to winning over homeowners 
• How to use video and AI tools to scale trust and authority 
• The mindset shift that separates great contractors from good ones 
• Why training your team to think like buyers changes everything 
• How to make complex services simple—and close more work 

How do you take an electrical company from a basement startup to $2 million in revenue, earn 15% net profit, and do it all completely debt-free — in just two years? 

Meet Mory and Clarissa Belle, founders of Doctor Electric in Lexington, Kentucky, and CertainPath members who did just that. 

In this episode of The Successful Contractor, the Belles share how they went from burned out and overwhelmed to thriving business owners with a clear plan, powerful systems, and a rock-solid partnership — thanks to CertainPath. You’ll learn how they scaled quickly, made key strategic changes, and built a company that reflects their values and vision. 

Whether you’re in HVAC, plumbing, electrical, or roofing, this story will inspire you and show you how fast success can happen when you follow a proven path. 

🚀 What You’ll Learn in This Episode: 
• How Doctor Electric scaled from $600K to $2M in just 2 years 
• Why 15% net profit was the non-negotiable benchmark 
• How they launched debt-free (and why that mattered) 
• Why they left new construction for residential service 
• The CertainPath tools that gave them clarity and confidence 
• How they added a service fee—and saw conversion rates rise 
• Why SOPs and training allowed them to scale without chaos 
• How Profit Day changed their business perspective 
• The power of community—and what it meant to “not be alone” 

💡 Ready to grow your contracting company with confidence?
Watch now to discover how Doctor Electric did it—and how CertainPath helped make it possible. 

Book a free Discovery Call to see how we can help you hit your goals and beyond: https://bit.ly/3TvGiNW or call us at: (214)-453-1591  

🔗 Grab our FREE resource: The Foundation Series, Real strategies to build a business that runs (and grows) without chaos: https://bit.ly/3Yqzow5  

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What does it take to grow a home service company from $1.5 million to $58 million — and keep customers happy every step of the way? It all starts in the call center. Meet Missy Jones, senior coach at CertainPath, and one of the nation’s top experts in call center operations, culture, and leadership. 

In this episode of The Successful Contractor, Missy reveals the call center secrets that scale home service businesses in HVAC, plumbing, electrical, and roofing. From coaching call center reps to building the right culture, to tracking KPIs and avoiding costly dispatch mistakes — Missy shares what she’s learned helping thousands of contractors transform their businesses. 

Missy’s story and strategies are packed with insights every contractor, service manager, and home service business owner can use right now… 

🚀 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
• Why the customer relationship starts in the call center, not in the field.
• The biggest mistakes contractors make in call centers (and how they cost millions).
• How to properly train and coach call center reps — and why consistency matters more than scripts.
• The overlooked step that can dramatically increase customer satisfaction and prevent bad reviews.
• Why being booked two weeks out isn’t a good thing — and how dispatching mistakes destroy profits.
• The KPIs that make or break a call center, and how to track them effectively.
• How outbounding (done right) fills the board and keeps techs busy year-round.
• Why AI alone fails in call centers, and how to balance technology with people.
• Leadership lessons: from granting your team the permission to fail to building a culture of accountability and growth.
• How consistency in coaching and culture creates multi-million-dollar contracting success. 

Whether you’re an HVAC contractor, plumber, electrician, or roofer, Missy’s insights will help you stop losing calls, boost customer satisfaction, and scale your business with confidence. 

📈 Ready to learn how to transform your call center into a profit center — and grow your contracting business? Watch now and discover the systems, strategies, and leadership lessons that take home service companies from struggling to thriving. 

Book a free Discovery Call to see how we can help you hit your goals and beyond: https://bit.ly/3TvGiNW or call us at: (214)-453-1591  

🔗 Grab our FREE resource: The Foundation Series, Real strategies to build a business that runs (and grows) without chaos: https://bit.ly/3Yqzow5  

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What does it take to sell and install over $1 million in plumbing work in just one year… with zero callbacks? Meet Henry Glasset, senior technician and plumbing supervisor at Apollo Plumbing in Marysville, WA. In this episode of The Successful Contractor, Henry shares his journey from fast food jobs to becoming a million-dollar plumber known for flawless work, exceptional customer service, and mentoring the next generation of techs. 

Henry’s story is packed with insights every plumber, service technician, and home services business owner can learn from: 

🚀 What You’ll Learn in This Episode: 

• How Henry transitioned from construction plumbing to service plumbing — and why he never looked back. 
• The sales process that helped him sell & install $1M in plumbing jobs while maintaining perfect quality. 
• Why “no pressure sales” and educating customers builds long-term trust (and bigger tickets). 
• The role of plumbing inspections in uncovering hidden problems — and creating win-win solutions. 
• How one small service call turned into a $25,000 job through awareness, not upselling. 
• The keys to building confidence so customers see you as the expert they can trust. 
• Why training, role-playing, and self-education are essential to becoming a top-earning plumber. 
• Henry’s philosophy on mentoring other plumbers and creating a culture of shared success. 
• How Apollo Plumbing’s positive, growth-focused culture helps techs succeed. 

Whether you’re in plumbing sales, home service management, or just starting in the trades, Henry’s story will inspire you to set higher goals, serve customers with integrity, and build a reputation that lasts. 

📈 Ready to learn how to grow your plumbing career or company? Watch now and discover how to combine sales skill, service excellence, and a customer-first mindset to achieve million-dollar results. 

Chapters 

TBD 

Show Notes 

The Successful Contractor Podcast is a part of the CertainPath family.  CertainPath builds successful home service businesses—and has for 25 years.  We do it by providing contractors with a proven path to success, professional coaching, software solutions, and a member community of 1,200+ strong. Doubling your sales, with a 20% net profit, and an inspiring company culture is ALL possible.  Let us show you the way. With CertainPath, Success is Made Certain. Visit www.mycertainpath.com for more information.  

FOLLOW CERTAINPATH: 

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

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/certainpath 

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

Book a free Discovery Call to see how we can help you hit your goals and beyond: https://go.mycertainpath.com/meetings/certainpath/mkt?uuid=bbda8bca-e3ab-4abf-9b23-3a13526dcb77 or call us at: (214)-453-1591  

🔗 Grab our FREE resource: The Foundation Series, Real strategies to build a business that runs (and grows) without chaos: https://bit.ly/3Yqzow5  

Book a free strategy call to see how we can help you hit your goals and beyond: https://bit.ly/3TvGiNW or call us at: (214)-453-1591  

🔗 Grab our FREE resource: The Foundation Series, Real strategies to build a business that runs (and grows) without chaos: https://bit.ly/3Yqzow5  

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Transforming a $300 ceiling fan call into a $10,000+ project doesn’t happen by accident — it takes skill, strategy, and a deep commitment to educating homeowners. Tim D’Entremont, a three-time Crown Champion and service electrician at Dawson’s Electric & Air in Fuquay-Varina, NC, has mastered that art. In this episode of The Successful Contractor, host Bob Houchin dives deep into Tim’s approach to diagnosing, educating, and guiding customers toward meaningful electrical upgrades — all without the hard sell. 

Tim shares how his journey from Boston’s high-rises to North Carolina homes shaped his understanding of value, trust, and communication. More importantly, he unpacks his step-by-step process for running service calls that consistently close big projects while keeping customers happy and loyal. 

In this conversation, you’ll discover: 

• How to prepare mentally and strategically for every service call. 
• The importance of earning the right to discuss upgrades beyond the initial call reason. 
• How Tim uses open-ended questions to uncover customer needs and priorities. 
• His approach to building value before presenting diagnostic fees or large project options. 
• Why “planting seeds” throughout the call leads to smoother, higher-ticket closes. 
• Tim’s soft selling strategy that keeps customers engaged without feeling pressured. 
• How he handles price objections and reframes them into opportunities. 
• The role of trial closes and roadmap selling for large, multi-phase projects. 
• Insights on training and coaching electricians to deliver exceptional service. 
• How Tim leverages call-by-call management and real-time coaching to grow his team’s success. 

Whether you’re a business owner, a service electrician, or simply looking to improve your sales approach, Tim’s insights will help you turn everyday service calls into profitable, trust-building opportunities. 

Show Notes 

The Successful Contractor Podcast is a part of the CertainPath family.  CertainPath builds successful home service businesses—and has for 25 years.  We do it by providing contractors with a proven path to success, professional coaching, software solutions, and a member community of 1,200+ strong. Doubling your sales, with a 20% net profit, and an inspiring company culture is ALL possible.  Let us show you the way. With CertainPath, Success is Made Certain. Visit www.mycertainpath.com for more information.  

FOLLOW CERTAINPATH: 

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

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/certainpath 

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

TJ Romans didn’t just sell $800,000 in plumbing work last year—he installed it, too. 

That kind of performance doesn’t come from pressure tactics or slick sales lines. It comes from trust, education, and a clear process that empowers homeowners to say yes with confidence. 

In this episode, TJ breaks down exactly how he earns that trust—and consistently turns routine calls into big-ticket installs. 

You’ll learn how he: 

• Sold and installed $800K in plumbing by keeping it simple and putting the homeowner first 
• Navigates high-risk stoppage calls with a single sentence that protects both him and the company 
• Uses inspections as an educational moment—not a scare tactic—and builds options around what homeowners care about 
• Handles objections with empathy, especially on calls involving remodeled bathrooms or builder-grade fixtures 
• Structures his calls by focusing first on what the customer noticed—then smoothly introduces additional value 
• Builds urgency the right way—backed by visuals, facts, and clear explanations 
• Avoids chasing every potential upgrade and instead controls the call with purpose 

TJ also shares how he mentally resets after tough calls, stays consistent with his approach, and trains newer techs to focus on the long game—not the quick close. 

This isn’t a high-pressure sales training—it’s a real conversation with a high-performing technician who genuinely wants to help people. And that mindset? It sells. 

If you're in plumbing sales—or manage people who are—this is the kind of episode that can change your approach for the better. 

🎧 Watch now on YouTube or listen on your favorite podcast platform. And don’t forget to subscribe to The Successful Contractor for more interviews that move the needle. 

Show Notes 

The Successful Contractor Podcast is a part of the CertainPath family.  CertainPath builds successful home service businesses—and has for 25 years.  We do it by providing contractors with a proven path to success, professional coaching, software solutions, and a member community of 1,200+ strong. Doubling your sales, with a 20% net profit, and an inspiring company culture is ALL possible.  Let us show you the way. With CertainPath, Success is Made Certain. Visit www.mycertainpath.com for more information.  

FOLLOW CERTAINPATH: 

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

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/certainpath 

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

Boost revenue. Build loyalty. Increase what your business is worth. 

That’s exactly what Kevin Thornton of JB Warranties unpacks in this can’t-miss episode of The Successful Contractor. 

Host Bob Houchin sits down with Kevin—VP of Dealer Business Services—for a high-impact conversation full of strategic insights for contractors who want to scale smarter. Kevin explains why warranties aren’t just an upsell—they’re a business tool that drives profitability, deepens customer relationships, and increases valuation when it’s time to sell. 

🎯 In this episode, you’ll learn: 

• How warranties can increase closing rates and average tickets 
• Why self-insuring could actually be hurting your business 
• The legal and financial risks contractors face when not using third-party coverage 
• What private equity firms look for in a buyout—and how warranties fit into that 
• How offering warranties leads to lifetime customer value and referrals 
• What the JB360 platform is doing to simplify claims and boost contractor margins 
• The importance of training and onboarding in making warranties profitable 
• Real-world examples of contractors who earned 7-figure exits thanks to strategic warranty use 

Kevin also opens up about his personal mission to serve the trades—how his father’s legacy and his own SaaS background led him to build tools and programs that help contractors not just survive, but thrive. 

Whether you’re looking to grow, stabilize, or position your business for a future sale, this episode will show you how warranties are more than just protection—they’re power. 

📈 Don’t miss this powerful conversation. Watch now and learn how to put your business on a certain path to success. 

Show Notes 

The Successful Contractor Podcast is a part of the CertainPath family.  CertainPath builds successful home service businesses—and has for 25 years.  We do it by providing contractors with a proven path to success, professional coaching, software solutions, and a member community of 1,200+ strong. Doubling your sales, with a 20% net profit, and an inspiring company culture is ALL possible.  Let us show you the way. With CertainPath, Success is Made Certain. Visit www.mycertainpath.com for more information.  

FOLLOW CERTAINPATH: 

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

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/certainpath 

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