What does it really take to succeed in the trades? In this episode of The Tradepreneur Show, Patrick Somers and Tanya Priest sit down with Francisco Rodriguez, co-owner of General Air Conditioning and Plumbing, for a raw, behind-the-scenes look at building a business from the ground up.

Francisco shares the lessons he wishes he knew starting out, the mindset shift from technician to owner, and how he hit $5 million in sales, even while battling COVID. This is the honest truth about leadership, follow-up, and the real cost of growth. Whether you're just starting or scaling fast, this one’s for you.

Tune in to this episode as we explore:

(06:02) Supportive decision-making in hospitals

(09:31) Empathy in service decisions

(13:03) Office to field: an eye-opener

(14:33) Success through self-education and process

(19:05) Reflecting on career timing

(20:47) Reflecting on life's opportunities

(23:51) Father-son trucking dreams

(27:02) Taking initiative during COVID

Links mentioned in this episode:

EP06 – From $4.25 an Hour to $5M in Sales | Francisco Rodriguez’s HVAC Come-Up

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Want to break into the top 1% in sales? It starts with data, and the follow-up.

Patrick Somers and Tanya Priest pull back the curtain on what truly drives sales success in service-based industries like HVAC, plumbing, and beyond. Backed by powerful data and real-world experience, they break down why most deals are lost after the first conversation – and how a strategic, service-first follow-up can be your greatest competitive edge.

Tune in to this episode as we explore:

(04:21) Customer appreciation call strategy

(06:48) Handwritten cards as a 1% strategy

(09:34) Importance of follow-up in sales

(15:10) Morning surprise: donuts and deals

(19:06) HVAC customer engagement study

(20:15) Why a positive sales attitude matters

(26:06) Crafting an effective follow-up strategy

(26:58) Podcast milestone and a moment of gratitude

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Patrick Somers and Tanya Priest unpack one of the biggest missed opportunities in sales: the follow-up.

If you’re quoting jobs but not hearing back or struggling to close deals, this is for you. Patrick and Tanya explain how smart, consistent follow-up can boost conversions, increase income, and leave your competitors in the dust.

With real-world tips and sharp insights, you’ll learn how to turn “just checking in” into a real sales tool. Want to win more work without chasing cold leads? Don’t miss this one.

Tune in to this episode as we explore:

(05:47) The "speed delete" strategy in sales

(06:26) Creating urgency when responding to leads

(12:45) Sales talk vs real action

(13:57) Why success can lead to sales complacency

(17:12) How to build a simple follow-up system

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In this episode, Patrick Somers and co-host Tanya Priest dive deep into the all-important topic of the “handoff” – what it means, why it matters, and how getting it right can transform the customer experience (and your close rates!) in the trades world. Tune in as they unpack actionable tips for keeping communication clear, ensuring everyone is on the same page, and underscore the power of giving the customer real choices (including the all-important right to say “no”).

Tune in to this episode as we explore:

(03:47) Technician sales strategies and options

(07:47) Consider upgrading the system now

(10:46) Optimizing technician-client interaction

(15:22) HVAC repair options explained

(16:34) Repair or replace: Tanya’s options

(22:23) Timely decisions impact repairs

(25:56) Old HVAC systems: replace or repair?

(28:55) Motor cleaning vs. replacement

(31:07) Empowering homeowners for success

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Patrick and Tanya break down why giving customers clear, tailored options is critical, drawing on real-world analogies and personal experience to show how too many choices, disconnected solutions, or technical jargon can easily confuse customers or create hesitation. They also share practical strategies for communicating options effectively, ensuring your customers not only understand their choices but feel comfortable and empowered to make decisions that fit their needs

Tune in to this episode as we explore:

(04:57) Effective options presentation tips

(09:10) Presenting repair options effectively

(11:07) Proactive home maintenance planning

(14:36) Upgrade filtration for protection

(18:07) Motor and capacitor replacement advice

(20:38) System replacement options summary

(25:02) Optimizing option presentation

👥 Connect with Us: Follow The Tradepreneur Show on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube

📩 Got feedback or episode ideas? Hit us up at [email protected]

👉 If this episode helped, leave a review and share it with your crew — we’re building something real here.

Most technicians show up to fix something. That’s it. But the ones who stand out show up with more. They listen deeply. They ask better questions. They are trusted advisors. Because when you step into that role, everything changes. You're no longer replaceable. You're essential. This episode is about that shift – what it takes to move from transactional work to transformational service, and how that mindset unlocks the next level in your career.

Tune in to this episode as we explore:

(05:03) Trade opportunities vs. college paths

(09:32) Navigating first impressions

(11:25) Seven-second first impressions

(15:30) First impressions in business visits

(17:15) Importance of listening skills

(21:54) From technician to trusted advisor

(24:22) Identifying home temperature imbalances

👥 Connect with Us: Follow The Tradepreneur Show on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube

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Patrick Somers and Tanya Priest welcome “Andrew OG” – the OG plumbing! From digging trenches to running a thriving plumbing business, Andrew’s story is one of grit, hustle, and hard-earned wisdom. In this episode, he opens up about his journey from roofing and landscaping to business ownership, sharing raw lessons on leadership, mindset, and resilience in the trades.

Tune in to this episode as we explore:

(03:37) Driven by challenge

(07:57) Empowerment and trust in leadership

(11:14) Building team culture through accountability

(15:18) Success requires enduring many failures

(16:10) The challenges of scaling a business

(20:51) Business growth is a perpetual cycle

(24:21) Escape the clock puncher mentality

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Patrick Somers and Tanya Priest return to explore how AI is showing up in real life – from fixing restaurant equipment to creating images on the fly. Patrick shares how ChatGPT helped him solve a hands-on problem, proving these tools aren’t just hype – they’re practical.

They also dig into AI platforms like Grok and ChatGPT, share beginner tips, and discuss how AI is changing the way we work. Whether you’re new to AI or already experimenting, this episode is full of insights you can use right away.

Tune in to this episode as we explore:

(00:39) AI tools and trade prompts

(05:21) Grok: Future robot intelligence?

(06:21) AI in shipbuilding and workforce attitudes

(12:17) Everyday day AI applications in workplaces

(15:31) Understanding user needs for better assistance

(16:59) AI usage – free live tutorial

Links mentioned in this episode:

AI: Tool or Takeover? The Tradepreneur Truth

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If you thought managing incoming calls and technician schedules was just about filling spots on a board, think again. Patrick and Tanya break down the art and science behind dispatch – why it’s one of the most underrated and challenging roles, how to effectively triage calls when things get hectic, and the real-world strategies that keep both customer satisfaction and team morale high.

You’ll hear behind-the-scenes insights on handling those tough, overbooked days when everyone wants service “right now,” including practical tips on staggered shifts, the “float tech” system, and how call center reps can smooth things over with understanding (and sometimes a little extra).

Tune in to this episode as we explore:

(03:57) CSR's role: book incoming calls

(08:47) Effective client rescheduling tips

(10:51) Triage and resource management

(14:03) Technician scheduling efficiency

(19:34) Managing customer expectations

(23:23) Technicians' challenges and realities

👥 Connect with Us: Follow The Tradepreneur Show on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube

📩 Got feedback or episode ideas? Hit us up at [email protected]

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🎙 Episode 18 – Surviving the Summer Slam

Avoid Burnout, Beat Callbacks, and Own Every Call

Summer’s here and the calls are non-stop — but that’s no excuse to rush, cut corners, or lose focus. In this episode, Patrick and Tanya Priest break down how technicians can stay sharp during peak season by sticking to the process, managing burnout, and handling every call with intention.

If you’re feeling the heat (literally and mentally), this episode is your mid-season reset.

⏱️ Timestamps

00:00 – Summer hits hard: What’s coming and how to prepare 02:40 – Don’t get sloppy: Stick to your process under pressure 05:15 – One-call-at-a-time mindset: Slow down to win 08:30 – Spotting burnout early before it costs you 11:45 – Tanya’s reset routine for techs between calls 14:10 – Why callbacks crush profitability (and how to avoid them) 17:00 – Consistency > hustle: Play the long game 19:30 – Final thoughts: Be the tech that finishes strong

💡 Key Takeaways

• Take one call at a time — your energy follows your focus.
• Rushing kills trust, tickets, and long-term results.
• The best techs aren’t the fastest — they’re the most consistent.
• Burnout is real. Short resets between calls can make or break your day.
• Your process is your protection in the heat of summer.

👥 Connect with Us

Follow The Tradepreneur Show on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube 📩 Got feedback or episode ideas? Hit us up at [email protected]

👉 If this episode helped, leave a review and share it with your crew — we’re building something real here.