Titan Talks

In this episode of Titan Talks, host Jonathan Stern interviews Donald Gilbert, owner of 4 in the Fire Fencing, a successful fencing company based in Darlington, South Carolina. Gilbert discusses the origins of his company name, which reflects a biblical reference and the initial partnership with his two sons and a close silent partner friend, Steve. He shares the challenges and learning experiences encountered when starting the business, as well as the growth of the company, which now employs seven people with plans for further expansion. Donald emphasizes the importance of professionalism, customer service, and the significant boost that a professional website through Topline Pro has given his business in acquiring new customers. Lastly, he reflects on the pride he feels for his sons' growth and contribution to the business, his engagement with the local community, and his optimistic outlook for the company's future.

(0:30) - Introduction

(2:45) - The Origin of 4 in the Fire Fencing

(5:30) - Biblical Reference and Business Name Origin

(7:20) - Juggling Pastoral Duties and Fencing Business

(10:40) - The Start of the Fencing Journey

(15:50) - Collaboration over Competition

(18:05) - Early Business Mistakes and Learning Curves

(20:30) - Expansion and Employee Growth

(22:45) - Choosing the Right Team Members

(24:40) - Marketing and Customer Acquisition

(27:10) - Decision to Get a Website

(31:20) - Rapid Fire Round: Future Plans, Handling Negative Feedback, and Surprising Aspects of Business Ownership, Proudest Moment

In this podcast episode, host Jonathan Stern interviews Adam Kruer, the Director of Operations and Sales at Lamb's Lawn & Landscaping in Floyd's Knobs, Indiana. Adam shares his journey into the landscaping industry, starting from cutting grass during college to eventually joining Lamb's Lawn, where he managed to expand from handling 40 yards on his own to overseeing 400 yards as part of Lamb's Lawn. Adam touches on how the company is preparing for the upcoming spring season, and shares insights into the company’s adoption of new technology, such as CompanyCam, for improving job record-keeping and crew accountability. Lastly, Adam expresses his vision for the future growth of Lamb's Lawn & Landscaping, emphasizing maintaining a 'small town company' feel despite expansion and the importance of family-like company culture.

(00:00) - Introduction to Adam Kruer and Lamb's Lawn & Landscaping

(01:15) - Adam's Path to Landscaping and Starting His Own Business

(05:00) - Decision to Join Lamb's Lawn & Role Evolution

(08:45) - The Transition from Doer to Manager

(12:00) - Preparing for the Spring Season and Business Operations

(15:30) - Current Business Scale and Staffing

(18:45) - Top Challenges and Implementing CompanyCam

(22:00) - Balancing Cost Control and Quality Service

(24:15) - Rapid Fire Round

In this episode of Titan Talks, host Jonathan Stern interviews Josh Wagner, owner of Wagner’s Lift and Dock Shop, a leading boat lift and dock installation company in Southwest Michigan. Josh shares his journey from working for extra cash in 2008 to eventually taking over a business dealing with boat lifts and docks with his brothers. Despite early challenges, such as working in cold Michigan waters and handling heavy equipment, Josh’s determination and entrepreneurial spirit led him to grow and scale the business. Josh also highlights the role of a strong online presence, facilitated by Topline Pro, in expanding their customer reach and business operations. Josh envisions further growth while maintaining the commitment to excellence that has marked their journey so far.

(00:00) - Introduction to Titan Talks with Josh Wagner

(02:25) - Origin Story of Wagner’s Lift and Dock Shop

(05:40) - Transitioning to Business Ownership

(07:22) - Building the Wagner Team and Business Challenges

(11:45) - Entrepreneurial Drive and Business Expansion

(14:32) - The Impact of Equipment on Business Operations

(17:08) - Learning and Growing through Mentorship

(21:55) - Current Business Overview and Future Plans

(25:07) - Embracing Digital Presence with Topline Pro

(28:28) - Pricing Strategy and Business Growth

(31:40) - Rapid Fire Round: Personal and Business Reflections

In this episode of Titan Talks, Jonathan Stern interviews Jack McLiver, owner of Lake Huron Lawns. Jack discusses his transition from employee to entrepreneur, highlighting that the desire to have more family time and provide for them drove his decision. He began his landscaping and snow removal business part-time during the COVID-19 pandemic, inspired by a lawn maintenance YouTube channel and growing it amidst job scarcity from the recession. Jack shares the importance of using technology and software tools, focusing on customer service, and faster response times to inquiries. Lastly, he mentions the challenges of balancing time and the cost of equipment but takes pride in his company's growth and the personal development of his employees.

(00:00) - Introduction to Titan Talks podcast and guest Jack McLiver

(02:58) - Jack's early experience in landscaping and path to entrepreneurship

(06:18) - Transition from the Boy Scouts to starting Lake Huron Lawns

(09:35) - Growth of Lake Huron Lawns and focusing on sales over fieldwork

(12:26) - The importance of having the right team and leadership development

(14:13) - Jack's journey from part-time to full-time entrepreneurship

(18:51) - Early marketing tactics and transitioning to a credit card on file system

(23:09) - Utilizing technology for efficiency and customer retention

(26:35) - Future growth plans and doubling the business

(28:24) - The significance of having a website for credibility and connection

(29:59) - Rapid fire round

In this episode of Titan Talks, Jonathan Henne shares his journey in growing Jonathan A. Henne Property Services. From starting in lawn care as a child in his father's business until its closure after his father's death, Henne discusses reopening the business and the challenges he has faced, including learning the business side of operations on his own. Now six years into his own venture, Henne emphasizes the importance of creating good working conditions and service quality, admitting that scheduling and office management remain his greatest challenges. Henne has a small team, with plans to expand to multiple crews, and values both employee and customer relationships, attributing much of his business's growth to its quality service.

(00:00) - Introduction

(01:02) - Jonathan Henne's Origin Story in Lawn Care

(05:23) - Overcoming Early Challenges and Learning Curves

(07:10) - Building a Business from Ground Up

(09:00) - Gaining the First Customer and Company Branding

(11:37) - Transitioning Business After Father's Passing

(13:15) - Evolution of Company's Tooling and Equipment

(15:10) - Pricing Systems and Industry Networking

(17:32) - Employee Dynamics and Growth Plans

(20:15) - Expansion Strategies and Employee Recruitment

(24:35) - Marketing and Online Presence Strategy

(26:10) - Rapid Fire Round: Challenges, Surprises, and Advice

(29:45) - Proudest Moment as a Business Owner

In this episode of Titan Talks, host Jonathan Stern interviews Skyler Stocker, the owner of Stocker Lawn Care. Stocker shares his journey from working full-time in a turkey factory to starting his lawn care company almost by accident. Initially, he was mowing lawns for extra cash, but realized that he enjoyed it more than his full-time job. Despite his wife’s wariness, Stocker decided to expand his services and ultimately quit his factory job to focus on his lawn care business full-time. Today, Stocker Lawn Care has grown from a one-man operation to a team of six. Stocker emphasizes the importance of providing excellent service and fulfilling commitments to customers. His proudest moment was when he was finally able to quit his factory job and become a full-time entrepreneur.

(00:00) - Introduction

(02:13) - Skyler’s Journey into Lawn Care

(06:20) - Transition from Full-Time Job to Full-Time Lawn Care

(10:09) - The Start of Gutter Cleaning & Pressure Washing Services

(13:55) - The Growing Business: Stocker Lawn Care Today

(17:40) - Expansion Plans and Scaling

(21:50) - Websites, Social Media, and Online Presence

(26:20) - Rapid-Fire Round: Skyler’s Advice for Beginners, Biggest Mistakes, and Proudest Moment

(29:52) - Closing

In this episode of Titan Talks, Jonathan Stern chats with Brian Emde, owner of Ozark Deck Company. Brian speaks about how he transitioned from a career in the army to setting up his own deck construction business. Initially working for an unlicensed builder, he decided to start his own company. Brian shares the challenges he faced during his first few projects, particularly under-pricing jobs and having thin margins. As his business grew, he learned the importance of not micromanaging employees, focusing more on growing the company by marketing, sales, and handling administrative work. His greatest pride comes from witnessing his team deliver high-quality work in his absence.

(00:00) - Introduction

(01:06) - Guest introduction: Brian Emde of Ozark Deck Company

(02:45) - Brian's journey from the army to deck construction

(08:20) - The non-compete situation with Brian's former boss

(11:44) - Transition into business ownership

(14:05) - Challenges in the first year of business

(19:18) - The importance of pricing and value in business growth

(23:02) - The role of employees in growing a business

(25:25) - On marketing and generating leads for Ozark Deck Company

(28:50) - The decision-making process on which leads to take on

(31:01) - Discussing future plans for Ozark Deck Company

(33:05) - Rapid-fire round with Brian Emde

In this podcast episode of Titan Talks, host Jonathan Stern interviews Rick Doria, owner of Centex Pressure Washing in San Marcos, Texas. Rick shares his professional journey, starting as a pressure washer vent hood tech while in college in 2003 then working his way up under the guidance of the previous owner. After 18 years working in another role, Rick returned to Centex when offered to buy the business which he significantly improved, expecting a 50% profit increase within the first year. He shares that the secret to his success is building a culture of respect and mutual accountability in his team, considering them co-workers not subordinates. Now, he aims to expand his business to become a one-stop-shop for kitchen needs, but is challenging himself not to grow the business too quickly. His advice to other entrepreneurs is to move step by step, taking on and improving one thing at a time.

(00:00) - Introduction of guest Rick Doria

(02:57) - Rick’s start in the industry and the history of Centex Pressure Washing

(08:12) - Consequences of having a demanding job while pursuing an education

(10:25) - Career transition and part-time involvement in Power Washing

(13:36) - Rick’s desire to give back to the community

(17:12) - Rick’s decision to buy Centex Pressure Washing

(18:43) - Risks and rewards of being an entrepreneur

(20:22) - A typical work week at Centex Pressure Washing

(21:53) - The importance of certification in Pressure Washing

(23:12) - Impact of experience when transitioning to ownership

(24:30) - A quick detour to discuss favorite BBQ spots in Texas

(26:01) - The beginning of Centex Pressure Washing

(27:36) - Discussion about the most memorable project

(30:10) - Building a positive work culture

This Titan Talks podcast features Josh Thompson, the owner of JT's Painting. Thompson started his painting career working for his father's cleaning service before he developed a liking for the painting aspect of the job. JT's Painting now specializes in home painting, staining, and refinishing and prides itself on high-quality service and work ethic. Thompson's aim is to upscale the image of the profession and distinguish his business through quality work and reliable service. He says social media and online platforms like Google have helped drive business to his company, being particularly focused on garnering positive reviews. In the future, he hopes to expand his business to offer steady job opportunities and ensure a secure future for his children.

(00:00) - Introduction of guest Josh Thompson

(02:22) - Josh Thompson's journey into painting

(04:32) - Transition to full-time painting

(06:22) - Starting JT's painting and challenges faced

(08:44) - Building the business and commitment to quality

(11:16) - Current operations and jobs in schedule

(13:24) - Sources of new work and the role of reviews

(15:08) - Social media presence and learning from paint groups

(17:52) - Future goals for JT's painting

(19:13) - Process of collecting Google reviews

(20:25) - Rapid-fire questions: Advice for new painters, biggest mistake, proudest moment, personal goals

(21:00) - Closing remarks

In this episode of Titan Talks, Jonathan Stern hosts Stacey Conkle, the owner of two successful cleaning businesses in Northwest Arkansas — Cozy Cabin Cleaning and A Beautiful Day Cleaning. Stacey discusses how her career in property management sparked her interest in the cleaning business. She initially noticed a massive need for a cleaning company for short-term rental properties, which led her to create Cozy Cabin Cleaning. More recently she also started A Beautiful Day Cleaning, a service that deals with professional house cleaning. Initially, she employed numerous marketing services to support her businesses, but she has recently consolidated all marketing efforts to Topline Pro, a decision that has saved her thousands of dollars.

(00:01) - Introduction and Background Story of Stacey Conkle

(05:45) - Transition from Vacation Rental Cleaning to Residential Cleaning

(10:03) - Reason behind having two separate businesses

(15:25) - Transition from Cozy Cabin to A Beautiful Day Cleaning

(18:40) - Present State of Business

(20:58) - Growth Strategy and Business Goals

(23:31) - Costly Marketing Mistakes

(26:19) - Approach to Winning Sales and Retaining Customers

(29:15) - Rapid Fire Round