In this episode of To The Point Home Services, a Rhino Experience Podcast, Chris Yano sits down with Michael Franzese, a former mobster turned entrepreneur, to discuss his fascinating life and experiences. Michael shares his incredible journey from the streets of New York as a member of the Colombo crime family to becoming a successful businessman after leaving that life behind. He talks about how his involvement in the mob, particularly his role in the gas tax scheme, brought in millions of dollars and led to his eventual time in prison. Despite his criminal past, Michael reformed and now uses his story to educate others, working with schools, prisons, and churches to share his redemption journey.

Michael opens up about his time in the mob, the infamous figures he worked with, and his perspective on leadership, business, and how things have changed over the years. He also discusses the importance of personal growth and transformation, explaining how he shifted from a life of crime to becoming a successful entrepreneur. This episode offers a unique look into the world of organized crime, the business side of the mob, and Michael’s second chance at life.

• Life in the Mob – Michael shares his experiences as part of the Colombo crime family, his role in creating the gas tax scheme, and his rise in the mafia ranks.
• The Transition from Crime to Redemption – Michael talks about how he left the criminal world behind and found redemption, including the key moments that helped change his life.
• Leadership in the Mob – Michael reflects on how he led people in high-stress, dangerous environments and how those leadership lessons translated into his business ventures.
• Business in the Mafia vs. Legitimate Business – He draws parallels between running a business in the mob and managing a legitimate company today.
• The Impact of Reformation – After spending time in solitary confinement, Michael found faith and used his past experiences to help others turn their lives around.
• The Future of Mob Stories – Michael reflects on how mob culture and stories still capture the public’s imagination, while offering his personal insights into the media's portrayal of mob life.

• "I wasn't looking to be a gangster, but I had to help my father. That's how I got involved." – Michael Franzese
• "Business is business, whether you do it legally or illegally. There are certain principles that make you successful." – Michael Franzese
• "The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that you can always change, no matter where you come from." – Michael Franzese
• "You can't be a high profile figure in that life. You can't thumb your nose at the law and expect to get away with it." – Michael Franzese

Follow Our Guest Michael Franzese on:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelfranzese/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michaelfranzese_
• Website: https://michaelfranzese.com/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MichaelFranzese/

Follow Our Hosts on:

• Chad’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chad-m-peterman/
• Chad’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chadmpeterman
• Chad’s Website: https://petermanhvac.com/
• Chris Yano LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisyano

Follow To The Point Podcast here:

• Website: https://rynoss.com/to-the-point-home-services-podcast/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/to_the_point_podcast/

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

In this episode of To The Point Home Services, a Rhino Experience Podcast, Chris Yano and Chad Peterman are joined by Dan Claps, CEO and co-founder of Voda Cleaning & Restoration and The Franchise Playbook, to discuss the challenges and strategies behind scaling a franchise business, building a strong brand, and maintaining consistency across multiple locations.

Dan shares insights on the franchise growth process, the role of training and leadership in franchise success, and the importance of finding the right franchise owners who align with the company’s vision. He also discusses the differences between franchisors and traditional business owners, how Voda Cleaning & Restoration stands out in the industry, and the power of building strong internal culture through open communication and training.

Key Takeaways:

The Challenges of Franchising – Growing a franchise isn’t just about selling locations; it’s about finding the right partners, ensuring they follow the system, and helping them succeed.

Building a Scalable System – Dan emphasizes the importance of SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures), technology, and training programs to create a repeatable, scalable business model.

Maintaining Brand Consistency – As the franchise grows, brand consistency across multiple locations becomes one of the biggest challenges. Dan explains how regular communication, training, and leadership development keep owners aligned.

The Power of Leadership & Training – Regular weekly franchise owner calls, ongoing sales training, and leadership development are key to keeping franchisees engaged and improving operational success.

Hiring and Retention in a Franchise Model – Finding the right talent is crucial. Dan discusses the Talent Scout program and how phantom equity can incentivize top talent to commit to franchise success.

The Unique Edge of Voda Cleaning & Restoration – Unlike traditional restoration franchises, Voda combines cleaning and restoration to create recurring revenue streams and establish stronger relationships with property managers and homeowners.

Marketing & Franchise Growth Strategies – Dan explains the importance of multiple vendor options, ensuring marketing support is flexible and effective for different franchise owners.

Noteworthy Quotes:

"Franchising is unique because if someone doesn’t do well, it’s our fault. If they do well, it’s on them. We have to find the right owners who will follow the system and be successful." – Dan Claps

"If you're a franchise owner, you’re not just buying a business—you’re joining a community. And that means working together, following the playbook, and constantly improving." – Dan Claps

"Brand consistency isn’t about forcing owners to do something—it’s about getting them to believe in it." – Dan Claps

"Leadership is everything. A great franchise owner isn’t just good at running the business—they need to be a great leader for their team." – Dan Claps

Key Timestamps:

00:00:00 – Episode Introduction: Franchisor responsibility in franchisee success or failure.

00:04:45 – Introduction of Dan Claps and their meeting at the Franchise Springboard Conference.

00:08:47 – Number of franchisees and locations.

00:09:59 – Dan shares a story about selling his dad’s bourbon collection as a teenager.

00:16:16 – Awards won by Voda Cleaning & Restoration for growth and culture.

00:18:13 – Journey from staffing business to franchising.

00:23:17 – Reason for choosing the cleaning and restoration industry.

00:28:54 – Challenge of maintaining brand consistency with franchisees.

00:33:49 – Importance of regular training and communication for franchisee success.

00:48:06 – Challenges in recruiting and hiring the right talent for franchisees.

00:51:05 – Phantom equity and how it attracts the right talent.

00:54:40 – Final thoughts and appreciation for Dan, with an invitation to connect on social media.

Follow Our Guest Dan Claps on:

LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/dan-claps

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

Website: https://franchiseplaybook.com/team

Follow Our Hosts on:

Chad’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chad-m-peterman/

Chad’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chadmpeterman

Chad’s Website: https://petermanhvac.com/

Chris Yano LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisyano

Follow To The Point Podcast here:

Website: https://rynoss.com/to-the-point-home-services-podcast/

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

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

🔥 In this episode of To The Point Home Services, Chris Yano shares a powerful motivational podcast. If you’re looking for that extra push to fuel your day, this is it! Chris introduces Motiversity and highlights an episode titled Alpha Wolf Mentality, featuring electrifying clips from top business and sports icons like Gary Vee, David Goggins, Jocko Willink, Eric Thomas, Kobe Bryant, Michael Jordan, Tom Brady, and Mike Tyson.

💡 Key Takeaways:

✔️ The power of the wolf mentality—leading the pack and forging your own path.

✔️ The importance of relentlessness and resilience in the face of challenges.

✔️ How to silence self-doubt and become your own biggest supporter.

✔️ The mindset shift needed to push past limits and achieve greatness.

✔️ Why consistency, sacrifice, and vision separate true leaders from the rest.

🎧 Whether you're in the gym, on your morning run, or heading into a big business meeting, this episode will ignite your drive and keep you focused on the path to success.

📌 Resources & Mentions:

🔗 Motivation Daily by Motiversity

🔗 Follow Chris Yano for more insights: Chris Yano

💭 What’s your biggest motivator? Drop a comment below and let us know how you push through challenges!

Special thanks to our sponsors

Rilla: https://www.rilla.com/

Chiirp: https://chiirp.com/

👍 Like, subscribe, and share this episode with someone who needs a boost today! #TrueAlphaMentality #Motivation #Leadership #ChrisYano #SuccessMindset

🎙️ Welcome to 'To The Point Home Services' Podcast!

In this game-changing micro-episode, Chris introduces RYNO Call Intelligence, a cutting-edge AI-powered tool designed to transform how contractors manage customer calls. With over 17 years in digital marketing for home services, Chris shares his labor of love—an innovation that’s been years in the making. 🚀

📌 Key Highlights:

• The challenges of traditional call monitoring and how AI solves them in real-time.
• Features of RYNO Call Intelligence:
• Real-time transcription and sentiment analysis.
• Actionable metrics for call tracking and CSR (Customer Service Representative) performance.
• Detailed ratings and coaching opportunities for improving customer service.
• Real-world examples and success stories from beta testing with industry leaders like Any Hour and We Care.
• A user-friendly dashboard providing instant access to call transcripts, recordings, and analytics.

This tool is built specifically for contractors, leveraging millions of real phone calls to deliver unmatched accuracy and insights. Whether you’re running a small team or managing dozens of CSRs, RYNO Call Intelligence is designed to simplify your processes, improve operations, and elevate customer service.

👊 Let’s Connect!

If this episode resonated with you, here’s how you can support:

✅ Subscribe to "To The Point Home Services" for weekly episodes packed with insights tailored for contractors and home service professionals.

💬 Comment your thoughts—how do you think AI can transform your business?

⭐️ Review the podcast on apple podcast and let us know what you think of the show

📢 Share this episode with your network to spread the word about Rhino Call Intelligence.

🤖 Sponsors A special thanks to our sponsors for being apart of the To The Point team!

Rilla: https://www.rilla.com/

Chiirp: https://chiirp.com/

In this episode of To the Point Podcast, Chris Yano sits down with Chad Peterman to demystify the world of Search Engine Optimization (SEO). Together, they discuss practical tips, strategies, and metrics for contractors and business owners to maximize their digital marketing efforts. With actionable advice and engaging banter, this episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to elevate their online presence and hold their marketing partners accountable.

Key Takeaways:

1. The Value of SEO:

Chris and Chad explore why SEO remains critical in today’s digital landscape. They highlight how proper SEO can drive lead generation, reduce paid ad costs, and improve overall visibility.

2. Metrics That Matter:

Learn the key metrics to track and evaluate your SEO campaign's performance:

Keyword rankings: Monitor your position for key terms like "furnace repair" in specific locations.

Domain authority: Check your site's overall credibility using tools like Ahrefs.

Bounce rate: Understand how quickly users leave your page and whether it’s a red flag.

Page speed: Ensure fast loading times to avoid losing potential customers.

3. Branded vs. Non-Branded Searches:

Understand the difference between tracking searches for your business name versus generic service keywords (e.g., "AC repair Indianapolis").

4. Strategic Backlinking:

Quality over quantity is the mantra. Backlinks from trusted sites (.edu or .gov) carry more weight and can significantly boost your domain authority.

5. Localized SEO:

Chris emphasizes the importance of creating dedicated pages for each service and location you serve. This ensures your site aligns with specific search queries like “furnace repair Noblesville.”

6. Common SEO Challenges:

The duo addresses challenges like Google’s algorithm changes, maintaining up-to-date content, and managing technical errors like 404 pages.

Noteworthy Quotes:

"SEO is still very much a player and something you should be focused on."

"When it comes to backlinks, it’s a quality game, not a quantity game."

"Inspect what you expect. Whether it’s SEO, answering phone calls, or dispatching, there’s value in digging into the details."

Follow Our Hosts on:

• Chad’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chad-m-peterman/
• Chad’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chadmpeterman
• Chad’s Website: https://petermanhvac.com/
• Chris Yano LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisyano

Follow To The Point Podcast here:

Website: https://rynoss.com/to-the-point-home-services-podcast/

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

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

In this episode of To The Point – Home Services Podcast, host Chris Yano is joined by his co-host, Chad Peterman, President of Peterman Brothers, to discuss navigating the challenges of a competitive home services market. Chad Peterman brings his hands-on leadership experience and practical insights to the conversation, making this episode a must-listen for professionals aiming to thrive in any market condition.

Rethinking Marketing Strategies:

Paid Advertising: Even with lower search volume, targeted paid campaigns (like PPC and LSA) remain essential. Monitor performance by channel and adjust your focus based on conversion rates and ROI. Social Media: Platforms like Facebook, LinkedIn, and TikTok offer creative ways to engage with customers. LinkedIn is particularly effective for showcasing company culture and attracting premium clients.

Enhancing Operational Efficiency:

Call Center Performance: Track CSR booking rates and listen to calls to identify improvement opportunities. Effective call handling is crucial for maximizing conversions. Customer Loyalty Programs: Revisit maintenance agreements and loyalty rewards to improve customer retention and satisfaction. 

The Power of Video Content:

Use video for customer education, showcasing services, and boosting SEO. Videos explaining processes like plumbing inspections or DIY tips can build trust and drive website engagement.

Leveraging New Tools and Technologies:

Explore innovative solutions like smart thermostats and AI tools to capture leads, improve customer engagement, and enhance operational efficiency. Tools like Rilla and Chirp can help improve follow-ups, sales, and rehash rates.

Mindset Matters:

A positive mindset is critical for overcoming challenges and achieving success. Approach each day with the goal to "win the day" and adapt to setbacks with a growth-oriented attitude.

“You are what you think you are. Your mindset determines your success.” – Chris Yano

“No zero days. You’ve got to do something every day to move forward.” – Chad Peterman

Chirp: https://chiirp.com/

Rilla: https://www.rilla.com/

Chad’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chad-m-peterman/

Chad’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chadmpeterman

Chad’s Website: https://petermanhvac.com/

Chris Yano LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisyano

Website: https://rynoss.com/to-the-point-home-services-podcast/

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

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

In this episode of To The Point – Home Services Podcast, Chris Yano and his co-hosts, Chad Peterman and Travis Rinke welcome Patrick Kelley, President of Sano Heating & Air Conditioning , to discuss his inspiring journey from Marine Corps service to founding a successful HVAC company in Anaheim, CA. Patrick shares how his military background, competitive mindset, and a commitment to quality have shaped his leadership style and business strategies. Packed with actionable insights, this episode is a must-listen for professionals seeking to balance growth, culture, and excellence in the highly competitive HVAC industry.

Key Takeaways:

Lessons from Leadership and Service:

Patrick highlights the importance of discipline, adaptability, and teamwork gained from his military background, which translates to effective business management. Building a company culture that values collaboration and celebrates team success drives long-term growth and employee satisfaction.

Focus on Quality Over Quantity:

Early challenges taught Patrick the value of raising prices and focusing on delivering top-notch service, ensuring profitability without compromising on quality. A commitment to exceptional installations and personal client care helps Sano HVAC stand out in a competitive market.

Invest in the Right People:

Hiring a General Manager who complements Patrick’s strengths has been pivotal in refining operations and tracking performance metrics. Empowering employees through clear goals, maintenance memberships, and sales trackers increases motivation and boosts overall company performance.

Stay Competitive in Saturated Markets:

Emphasizing personal customer relationships and leveraging local advertising channels like community magazines help Sano HVAC remain competitive against larger players. Patrick’s mindset—focusing on what’s within the company’s control—is key to staying ahead.

Work-Life Balance:

Balancing a demanding career with personal interests like golf and family time reinforces Patrick’s philosophy that a well-rounded life contributes to professional success.

• “Good things take a lot of work. You have to put in the effort to see the results.” – Patrick Kelley
• “Your success comes from your team’s success. It’s about showing them how to win and grow.” – Chad Peterman
• “Stay in your lane and focus on delivering the best for your customers. That’s how you build trust and longevity.” – Patrick Kelley

• Chirp: https://chiirp.com/
• Rilla: https://www.rilla.com/

Follow Our Guest on:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-kelley-690404335/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SanoAir/ 
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sano_air/ 

Follow our Hosts:

• Chris Yano LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisyano/
• Co host Chad Peterman LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chad-m-peterman/

Follow To The Point Podcast here:

• Website: https://rynoss.com/to-the-point-home-services-podcast/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/to_the_point_podcast/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ToThePointHomeServicesPodcast/ 

Welcome back to To The Point Home Services! Chris kicks off the new year with an empowering episode focused on not just setting goals but accomplishing them. Drawing from personal experiences, expert insights, and actionable strategies, Chris breaks down the art of goal setting into five simple but effective rules.

Whether you’re aiming to crush business milestones, improve your health, or strengthen personal relationships, this episode has something for everyone.

• [00:00] Introduction
• Chris reflects on the New Year and shares his excitement for 2025.
• Live from Bora Bora, fulfilling a personal goal!
• [05:15] Why Goal Setting Matters
• Insights from Sara Blakely's graduation speech and the Harvard study on goal writing.
• The impact of written goals on financial and personal success.
• [10:30] Five Rules for Goal Accomplishment

1. Fail to Plan, Plan to Fail: Creating actionable and realistic plans.
2. Reflect on Past Wins: Celebrate your achievements and learn from setbacks.
3. Build Habits: The four stages of habit formation—cues, cravings, response, and reward.
4. Set Goal Categories: Focus on personal, professional, health, and spiritual goals.
5. Find Accountability: Partner with someone who will push you to succeed.

• [30:45] Common Goal-Setting Pitfalls
• Lacking a strong “why.”
• Thinking of your goals instead of from your goals.
• Writing goals in the wrong tense.
• [45:00] Practical Tips for Staying on Track
• Create visual reminders (vision boards, sticky notes, phone alerts).
• Celebrate small wins to maintain momentum.
• Be specific—break large goals into manageable steps.
• [55:00] Chris’s Personal Goals for 2025
• Learning fluent Spanish.
• Prioritizing health with a consistent workout routine.
• Strengthening relationships through quality time.

• Writing Goals is Key: Written goals significantly increase the likelihood of success.
• Start Small, Dream Big: Focus on manageable actions that build toward larger outcomes.
• Habits are the Foundation: Consistency is the secret sauce of goal accomplishment.
• Celebrate Wins: Recognize and reward progress to stay motivated.
• Accountability is Everything: Share your goals with someone who will hold you to them.

• Sara Blakely’s Goal-Setting Story: Inspiration from the founder of Spanx.
• Books: Consider self-help and business books to enhance your growth journey.
• Goal Planning Tools: Vision boards, planners, and habit-tracking apps.

Did this episode inspire you to set and crush your goals? Subscribe to To The Point Home Services on your favorite podcast platform, and don’t forget to leave us a review!

Share your goals and progress with Chris via social media or email—he’d love to cheer you on!

👉 Subscribe | Review | Crush It in 2025!

Chiirp: https://chiirp.com/

RIlla: https://www.rilla.com/

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Hello everyone! We hope you are enjoying the holidays with your family and getting excited for 2025! This week we are taking a break from our regular content to do the same. We can't wait to see you next year!

Happy Holidays!

Chris reflects on the podcast episodes throughout 2023, highlighting standout moments and themes such as business purpose, budgeting strategies, leadership lessons, AI in the trades, and the new era of digital marketing. This is the ultimate year-in-review to equip listeners with actionable strategies for the challenging market ahead.

Timestamps & Key Takeaways

00:00 | Intro – Merry Christmas Eve Eve

• Chris sets the tone with holiday cheer and recaps what’s coming.
• Shoutout to Chad for showing up to 45% of episodes – “Do better, Chad!”

03:15 | 🎯 Theme 1: Finding Your Purpose

Clip with Chad E.P.

• Takeaway: Success starts with reconnecting to your “why.” Reassess your purpose when challenges arise.
• "It’s okay to lose track of your purpose. Reset, recalibrate, and move forward."

06:30 | 📊 Theme 2: Budgeting Like a Pro

Clip with Aaron Gainer and LSD Crew

• Takeaway:
• Schedule dedicated budget meetings and involve your team.
• Start with reviewing last year’s budget to identify wins, gaps, and improvement areas.
• Raise prices strategically to impact revenue.
• Quote: "A budget is your North Star – create vision, alignment, and hope in your organization."

14:50 | 🛠️ Theme 3: Maximizing Existing Customers

Clip with Ishmael Valdez

• Takeaway: Focus on retention and upselling to existing customers during tough markets.
• Innovations like smart thermostats can increase retention and reduce marketing costs.
• Quote: "Why pay twice for the same lead when tech can keep you connected to your client?"

21:15 | 🤖 Theme 4: AI & Technology in the Trades

Clip with ServiceTitan’s Ara Mahdessian & Ken Haynes (Wrench Group)

• Takeaways:
• AI can optimize every aspect of the business – from call booking to inventory.
• Automate to reduce variability and improve efficiency.
• Be proactive in adopting tech to improve customer experience and back-office systems.
• Quote: "Perfect processes require automation. AI is no longer optional; it’s a necessity."

31:40 | 🌟 Theme 5: The New Era of Digital Marketing

Clip with Heather McLeod, Authority Brands

• Takeaway: Lead generation isn’t enough – you must tie marketing efforts directly to revenue.
• Monitor KPIs, optimize conversions, and hold marketing agencies accountable.
• Quote: "Leads mean nothing unless they translate into revenue. Your marketing should make the pie bigger."

39:20 | 🏆 Theme 6: Leadership & Goal Systems

Clip with Ken Goodrich & Landon Brewer

• Takeaway: Build confidence and culture in your team. Celebrate wins, invest in your people, and promote excellence, even in tough times.
• Quote: "Promote yourselves as the best of the best – it starts with belief and consistency."

47:30 | 🎖️ Theme 7: Turning Struggles into Powerful Leadership

Clip with Scott Mann, Green Beret

• Takeaway: Challenges and dark moments are opportunities for growth. Be vulnerable, learn from struggles, and emerge as a stronger leader.
• Suicide prevention reminder: If you or someone you know needs help, call 988.
• Quote: "In the darkest places lie our greatest opportunities for leadership."

54:00 | 🏈 Theme 8: The Process with Coach Nick Saban

• Takeaway:
• Define your vision and establish a clear process.
• Success comes down to discipline: Do what you’re supposed to, even when you don’t want to.
• Quote: "It’s not about how you feel; it’s about the choices you make to achieve your goals."

🎧 Enjoyed this episode?

• Subscribe to To The Point Home Services Podcast for more actionable strategies in 2024.
• Leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify – it helps us grow and bring more value!
• Share this episode with someone who needs inspiration for the new year.

📲 Connect with Chris:

• LinkedIn | Instagram | Website

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Let’s crush 2024. 🎉