Titan Talks

In this episode of Titan Talks, host Jonathan Stern interviews Jeff Wraley, the founder and CEO of Groundwork, a platform designed to streamline the sales process for contractors. Jeff discusses his journey into the home service industry, the features and benefits of Groundwork's text and video collaboration tool, and the future of the industry with the increasing demand for technology in the process. Jeff also shares advice for starting businesses and refining pricing models, as well as some of the challenges faced by Groundwork.

(00:00) - Introduction

(01:42) - Jeff's Journey into the Home Service Industry

(04:22) - The Concept Behind Groundwork

(07:46) - Groundwork's Text and Video Collaboration Tool

(12:10) - Reducing Drive Time and Increasing Close Rates

(16:20) - Adapting to Changing Industry Demands

(19:40) - Rapid Fire Round

In this episode of Titan Talks, host Jonathan Stern interviews Matt Ringle, owner of Curb Impressions, a successful landscaping company based in Toledo, Ohio, about his journey from starting with just eight lawns to achieving over $850,000 in revenue last year. Matt shares the importance of providing exceptional services, treating customers well, and the impact that the company’s website and social media presence have had on his business. He also discusses the value of having a dedicated, loyal, and skilled team, as well as overcoming challenges faced during the Covid-19 pandemic.

(00:00) - Introduction

(03:25) - The beginning of Curb Impressions

(08:43) - Finding success through word of mouth

(12:15) - Importance of having a dedicated and skilled team

(17:17) - Curb Impressions’ approach to marketing

(22:48) - Company goals and aspirations

(27:34) - Benefits of having a website

(30:12) - Rapid-fire questions and closing thoughts

In this episode of Titan Talks, host Jonathan Stern talks to Jon Sanchez, owner of Tru Frame Outdoor Structures. Sanchez shares his journey from deciding jump into construction immediately after high school, learning on the job, and eventually starting his own business. Tru Frame focuses on providing a great customer experience and aims to be the best in the area. The company has seen success with 82 lead requests from their website in just over a year, and the demand for their services has increased during the pandemic.

(00:00) - Introduction

(02:14) - Jon's introduction to the construction industry

(06:50) - Hands-on learning, learning from mistakes, and adapting over time

(12:03) - Growth and success of True Frame Outdoor Structures

(19:35) - Learning about running a business and navigating challenges

(24:10) - Rapid-fire questions and closing thoughts

In this episode of Titan Talks, Tanner Mullen shares his journey from working with his dad as a painter to growing his painting business and becoming the founder of DripJobs, a software platform for home service professionals. He discusses his interest in technology and automation, which led him to develop DripJobs. He also shares his experience building and improving the software, including the journey to find a CTO and the responsibility he feels toward supporting the 600 companies that use his platform. At the end of the show, he discusses his vision for the future of trades and the role of technology companies in enabling that future.

(00:00) - Introduction

(01:05) - Tanner's journey starting as a painter and growing his painting business

(08:40) - Embracing technology and automation in business operations

(12:20) - Developing DripJobs and integrating various software platforms

(16:10) - The process of building and improving DripJobs software

(18:30) - Supporting the 600 companies using DripJobs platform

(22:00) - Importance of taking action

(30:50) - Features of DripJobs software

(35:30) - Future of trades and digital innovation

(38:00) - Lessons from The Contractor Secrets podcast

In this episode, Lauren Fink, the founder and CEO of Apex Painting, shares her unique journey into the painting business, driven by her entrepreneurial spirit and supported by her mentor and local painter Steve. Lauren emphasizes the importance of finding good resources, such as the Painting Contractors Association, and learning from others' experiences, including Nick Slavic's insights on keeping labor costs at 40% of the revenue. Lauren's motivation behind her business is to serve people and set them up for success by using their talents effectively, which ultimately reflects in the growth and accomplishments of Apex Painting.

(00:01) - Introduction to Lauren Fink and Apex Painting

(08:00) - Starting a painting business without prior experience

(18:00) - Importance of having strong resources and support

(24:00) - Website and marketing strategy for the business

(35:00) - Plans for the future of Apex Painting

(40:00) - Seeking mentors and experts for business growth

(46:00) - Balancing between receiving opinions and making independent decisions

(52:00) - Rapid-fire questions and the motivations behind Apex Painting

In this episode of Titan Talks, host Jonathan Stern interviews John Olson, owner of J&J Power Washing and Gutter Cleaning. John shares his inspiring journey from a life of addiction and homelessness to building a successful power washing business. He talks about the lessons he has learned from watching others and using resources like YouTube, the importance of customer service and honesty, and the methods he uses to attract and retain customers. He also shares his vision for the future of his business and the role of perseverance in achieving success.

Starting a Business (00:00:00)

Discovering Power Washing (00:05:36)

Learning from Others (00:07:01)

Starting the Power Washing Business (00:08:36)

Learning through YouTube (00:09:53)

Influences on Work (00:12:02)

Running the Business (00:13:35)

Important Metrics for the Business (00:15:32)

Marketing strategies (00:17:04)

Preparing for a big project (00:18:57)

Advice for starting a business (00:21:02)

Future plans for J&J Power Washing (00:23:05)

This episode features an interview with Joshua Binkley, the owner and operator of OKC Onsite Detailing, a leading onsite auto detailing company in Oklahoma. Jonathan interviews Joshua about his origin story, training, challenges in the early days, and the current state of his business. Joshua shares his experience of going through hard times in life and how he developed a “no quit” mentality to keep pushing forward. He emphasizes the importance of being the best version of oneself for family, employees, and the community. Joshua also offers valuable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs and emphasizes the importance of having a great team and constantly learning from others.

Introduction (00:00:00)

Origin Story (00:01:07)

Training (00:02:53)

Challenges in the Early Days (00:03:50)

Importance of Online Presence (00:05:27)

Perseverance (00:06:24)

Biggest Influence on Work (00:08:27)

Current State of Business (00:09:15)

Plans for another employee (00:10:17)

Transition to onsite shop (00:11:24)

Number of cars per day (00:13:09)

Metrics for the business (00:13:45)

Getting new customers (00:14:43)

Choosing Topline Pro (00:16:11)

Future goals (00:17:25)

Advice for aspiring entrepreneurs (00:20:44)

Proudest moment as a business owner (00:23:43)

Rapid fire round (00:24:52)

In this episode of the podcast, Jonathan interviews Dustin Boone, the owner and operator of DB’s Lawn Care. Hear Dustin’s inspiring story of how he started his business in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic and his goal to pass something off to his kids and give his wife the life of working only two days a week. Learn how Dustin is using mailers, billboards, and Google Ads to acquire customers, and how he is giving back to the community. Don’t miss out on this inspiring story of success!

(0:00:01) - Growing a Business

(0:09:40) - Training and Adapting

(0:11:16) - Licensing and Regulations

(0:13:48) - Industry Changes

(0:14:47) - Equipment

(0:17:25) - Advice for Starting a Business

(0:19:34) - Determining Your Worth

(0:22:35) - Rapid Fire Round

(00:25:07) - Learning from mistakes

(00:26:29) - Job satisfaction

(00:28:57) - Goals

Jered shares his story growing the business from a solo operation to servicing more than 400 weekly properties and the role that their online presence played.

About the business: Cunningham Lawn & Landscaping has been an established landscaping company since 2013 in the greater Volusia County area, covering Ormond Beach, Daytona Beach, Port Orange and New Smyrna Beach and the entire West Volusia area. Servicing over 400 properties with a variety of landscaping and hardscaping employees.

Highlights: 

(1) Expanding the business has helped it grow over time: We live by the tagline “If you dream it we can do it”.

(2) If you put your name in the company name, you appreciate it more and you have something that reflects you.

(3) It is huge to get customer feedback and ask for reviews - the image of the business is critical.

Quote: "Topline Pro built the initial website for me and it just took off. With people being able to go to our website and click leave an estimate is super nice. Today everything’s technology and it’s helped majorly."

Don’t Just Be A Baseline Contractor. Become a Topline Pro

About the business: Legendary Painting is a painting business based out of Gresham, Oregon. Shaun Temple is a dedicated co-business owner along with Wayne M. that has several years experience in the industry. Shaun is a dedicated father and business owner that always puts his customers first, taking an incremental improvement mentality to continuously improve the business. He believes in the power of the everyday contractor and helping to lift up the industry.