Power Women of the Trades welcomes Stephanie Postell from Anchor Heating and Air for an episode packed with real talk about leadership, growth, and the unpredictable ride of running a service business. Hosts Cassie Pound and Heather Bargender-Wavra get right to the tactical side of business, asking what it truly takes to keep a team thriving and customers happy—when the weather won’t cooperate and when the growth feels like it’s outpacing your processes. Stephanie brings her signature candor, sharing lessons from Charleston’s heating and cooling market, what rapid growth actually looks like for a contractor, and how she and her team navigate process adjustments while keeping a sharp focus on quality.
The conversation goes beyond weather-driven workflows and dives into the heart of operational excellence. The hosts and guests explore topics like the shift to comfort advisor models, why sustained growth comes with its own set of leadership tests, and the need for accountability as businesses scale. They also get honest about the nitty-gritty of delegating responsibilities (yes, even who orders the toilet paper), and how effective leadership means building people up—not micromanaging, but empowering and adjusting as your company evolves. Stephanie’s perspective on “process before panic” and her practical approach to growing through adversity rings true for anyone building a business in the skilled trades.
Listeners also get a preview of Stephanie’s passion project: a new conference designed for married couples running service businesses, emphasizing authentic partnership, networking, and actionable insights. This episode is full of tactical advice—whether you’re figuring out how to fill in the shoulder season gaps, struggling with comparison culture, or just ready to innovate confidently in your role. If you’re seeking grounded empowerment, strategy for team development, or stories from leaders who’ve walked the hard miles, this conversation is for you.
Meet Your Hosts: Cassie Pound is the co-owner of Quality Heating, Cooling & Plumbing in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Connect with her on LinkedIn. https://www.linkedin.com/in/cassiepound/ Heather Bargender-Wavra has a broad expertise in the construction sector, focusing on specialized accounting and strategic business areas like HVAC, plumbing, and electrical systems. Reach out to her to see how she can support your business's growth and efficiency. Connect with Heather on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/heather-bargender-16787a13/
Special thanks to our sponsors for making the show possible:
Relentless Digital https://www.relentless-digital.com
Kee Hart Marketing https://keehartmarketing.com
Forrest Perry Marketing https://perrymarketing.com
Rilla www.Rilla.com
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This episode was produced and brought to you by the Skilled Trades Syndicate @ServiceBusinessMasteryPodcast https://www.servicebusinessmastery.com/