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The Successful Contractor Podcast
CertainPath
201 episodes
1 week ago
Welcome to The Successful Contractor Podcast, Powered by CertainPath. A show for residential contractors about residential contractors… We chronicle business journeys, share insights, and celebrate successes in this wonderful industry.
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Entrepreneurship
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Marketing
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All content for The Successful Contractor Podcast is the property of CertainPath and is served directly from their servers with no modification, redirects, or rehosting. The podcast is not affiliated with or endorsed by Podjoint in any way.
Welcome to The Successful Contractor Podcast, Powered by CertainPath. A show for residential contractors about residential contractors… We chronicle business journeys, share insights, and celebrate successes in this wonderful industry.
Show more...
Entrepreneurship
Business,
Marketing
Episodes (20/201)
The Successful Contractor Podcast
Adapt or Die: AI & Content Marketing for Contractors with Marcus Sheridan

Book a free Discovery Call to see how we can help you hit your goals and beyond: https://bit.ly/3TvGiNW or call us at: (214)-453-1591  

 

🔗 Grab our FREE resource: The Foundation Series, Real strategies to build a business that runs (and grows) without chaos: https://bit.ly/3Yqzow5  

 

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 

 

What do you do when your business is on the brink—and you’re out of options? If you’re Marcus Sheridan, you lean all the way into your buyer, start answering the tough questions no one else will touch, and transform your company into a national brand. 

 

Marcus is the author of They Ask, You Answer and Endless Customers, a globally recognized speaker, and a partner in multiple companies. But his journey began in the trenches—saving a struggling pool company in the wake of the 2008 crash by becoming radically transparent and customer-obsessed. 

 

In this no-fluff interview, Marcus shares exactly how home service contractors can grow faster, gain trust, and dominate their market using content, video, and AI. Whether you're a one-truck operation or a $100M business, these insights will help you level up—fast. 

 

🚀 What You’ll Learn in This Episode: 
• How Marcus saved his pool business from bankruptcy with content 
• Why most contractors still don’t talk pricing—and how it’s costing them 
• What the “Big 5” questions are—and why you must answer them 
• The easiest way to start creating high-impact content TODAY 
• Why “communion, not charisma” is the key to winning over homeowners 
• How to use video and AI tools to scale trust and authority 
• The mindset shift that separates great contractors from good ones 
• Why training your team to think like buyers changes everything 
• How to make complex services simple—and close more work 

 

Show more...
1 week ago
44 minutes

The Successful Contractor Podcast
Doctor Electric: $600K to $2M, 15% Profit, & 100% Debt-Free  

How do you take an electrical company from a basement startup to $2 million in revenue, earn 15% net profit, and do it all completely debt-free — in just two years? 

Meet Mory and Clarissa Belle, founders of Doctor Electric in Lexington, Kentucky, and CertainPath members who did just that. 

 

In this episode of The Successful Contractor, the Belles share how they went from burned out and overwhelmed to thriving business owners with a clear plan, powerful systems, and a rock-solid partnership — thanks to CertainPath. You’ll learn how they scaled quickly, made key strategic changes, and built a company that reflects their values and vision. 

 

Whether you’re in HVAC, plumbing, electrical, or roofing, this story will inspire you and show you how fast success can happen when you follow a proven path. 

 

🚀 What You’ll Learn in This Episode: 
• How Doctor Electric scaled from $600K to $2M in just 2 years 
• Why 15% net profit was the non-negotiable benchmark 
• How they launched debt-free (and why that mattered) 
• Why they left new construction for residential service 
• The CertainPath tools that gave them clarity and confidence 
• How they added a service fee—and saw conversion rates rise 
• Why SOPs and training allowed them to scale without chaos 
• How Profit Day changed their business perspective 
• The power of community—and what it meant to “not be alone” 

 

💡 Ready to grow your contracting company with confidence?
Watch now to discover how Doctor Electric did it—and how CertainPath helped make it possible. 

Show more...
3 weeks ago
1 hour 20 minutes

The Successful Contractor Podcast
$1.5M to $58M: Call Center Secrets That Scale Home Services

Book a free Discovery Call to see how we can help you hit your goals and beyond: https://bit.ly/3TvGiNW or call us at: (214)-453-1591  

 

🔗 Grab our FREE resource: The Foundation Series, Real strategies to build a business that runs (and grows) without chaos: https://bit.ly/3Yqzow5  

 

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What does it take to grow a home service company from $1.5 million to $58 million — and keep customers happy every step of the way? It all starts in the call center. Meet Missy Jones, senior coach at CertainPath, and one of the nation’s top experts in call center operations, culture, and leadership. 

 

In this episode of The Successful Contractor, Missy reveals the call center secrets that scale home service businesses in HVAC, plumbing, electrical, and roofing. From coaching call center reps to building the right culture, to tracking KPIs and avoiding costly dispatch mistakes — Missy shares what she’s learned helping thousands of contractors transform their businesses. 

 

Missy’s story and strategies are packed with insights every contractor, service manager, and home service business owner can use right now… 

 

🚀 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
• Why the customer relationship starts in the call center, not in the field.
• The biggest mistakes contractors make in call centers (and how they cost millions).
• How to properly train and coach call center reps — and why consistency matters more than scripts.
• The overlooked step that can dramatically increase customer satisfaction and prevent bad reviews.
• Why being booked two weeks out isn’t a good thing — and how dispatching mistakes destroy profits.
• The KPIs that make or break a call center, and how to track them effectively.
• How outbounding (done right) fills the board and keeps techs busy year-round.
• Why AI alone fails in call centers, and how to balance technology with people.
• Leadership lessons: from granting your team the permission to fail to building a culture of accountability and growth.
• How consistency in coaching and culture creates multi-million-dollar contracting success. 

 

Whether you’re an HVAC contractor, plumber, electrician, or roofer, Missy’s insights will help you stop losing calls, boost customer satisfaction, and scale your business with confidence. 

 

📈 Ready to learn how to transform your call center into a profit center — and grow your contracting business? Watch now and discover the systems, strategies, and leadership lessons that take home service companies from struggling to thriving. 

Show more...
1 month ago
1 hour

The Successful Contractor Podcast
$1M in Plumbing Sold & Installed with ZERO CALLBACKS – How Henry Glasset Did It

Book a free Discovery Call to see how we can help you hit your goals and beyond: https://bit.ly/3TvGiNW or call us at: (214)-453-1591  

 

🔗 Grab our FREE resource: The Foundation Series, Real strategies to build a business that runs (and grows) without chaos: https://bit.ly/3Yqzow5  

 

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What does it take to sell and install over $1 million in plumbing work in just one year… with zero callbacks? Meet Henry Glasset, senior technician and plumbing supervisor at Apollo Plumbing in Marysville, WA. In this episode of The Successful Contractor, Henry shares his journey from fast food jobs to becoming a million-dollar plumber known for flawless work, exceptional customer service, and mentoring the next generation of techs. 

Henry’s story is packed with insights every plumber, service technician, and home services business owner can learn from: 

 

🚀 What You’ll Learn in This Episode: 

  • How Henry transitioned from construction plumbing to service plumbing — and why he never looked back. 
  • The sales process that helped him sell & install $1M in plumbing jobs while maintaining perfect quality. 
  • Why “no pressure sales” and educating customers builds long-term trust (and bigger tickets). 
  • The role of plumbing inspections in uncovering hidden problems — and creating win-win solutions. 
  • How one small service call turned into a $25,000 job through awareness, not upselling. 
  • The keys to building confidence so customers see you as the expert they can trust. 
  • Why training, role-playing, and self-education are essential to becoming a top-earning plumber. 
  • Henry’s philosophy on mentoring other plumbers and creating a culture of shared success. 
  • How Apollo Plumbing’s positive, growth-focused culture helps techs succeed. 

 

Whether you’re in plumbing sales, home service management, or just starting in the trades, Henry’s story will inspire you to set higher goals, serve customers with integrity, and build a reputation that lasts. 

 

📈 Ready to learn how to grow your plumbing career or company? Watch now and discover how to combine sales skill, service excellence, and a customer-first mindset to achieve million-dollar results. 

 

Chapters 

TBD 

 

Show Notes 

The Successful Contractor Podcast is a part of the CertainPath family.  CertainPath builds successful home service businesses—and has for 25 years.  We do it by providing contractors with a proven path to success, professional coaching, software solutions, and a member community of 1,200+ strong. Doubling your sales, with a 20% net profit, and an inspiring company culture is ALL possible.  Let us show you the way. With CertainPath, Success is Made Certain. Visit www.mycertainpath.com for more information.  

 

FOLLOW CERTAINPATH: 

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

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/certainpath 

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

Show more...
1 month ago
1 hour 10 minutes

The Successful Contractor Podcast
Dustin Burnham: $22.7M in HVAC Sales as a Tech in a Small Texas Town

Book a free Discovery Call to see how we can help you hit your goals and beyond: https://go.mycertainpath.com/meetings/certainpath/mkt?uuid=bbda8bca-e3ab-4abf-9b23-3a13526dcb77 or call us at: (214)-453-1591  

 

🔗 Grab our FREE resource: The Foundation Series, Real strategies to build a business that runs (and grows) without chaos: https://bit.ly/3Yqzow5  

Show more...
2 months ago
1 hour 5 minutes

The Successful Contractor Podcast
Ceiling Fans to $20K Projects: Tim D’Entremont’s Proven Electrical Sales Process

Book a free strategy call to see how we can help you hit your goals and beyond: https://bit.ly/3TvGiNW or call us at: (214)-453-1591  

 

🔗 Grab our FREE resource: The Foundation Series, Real strategies to build a business that runs (and grows) without chaos: https://bit.ly/3Yqzow5  

 

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 

 

Transforming a $300 ceiling fan call into a $10,000+ project doesn’t happen by accident — it takes skill, strategy, and a deep commitment to educating homeowners. Tim D’Entremont, a three-time Crown Champion and service electrician at Dawson’s Electric & Air in Fuquay-Varina, NC, has mastered that art. In this episode of The Successful Contractor, host Bob Houchin dives deep into Tim’s approach to diagnosing, educating, and guiding customers toward meaningful electrical upgrades — all without the hard sell. 

 

Tim shares how his journey from Boston’s high-rises to North Carolina homes shaped his understanding of value, trust, and communication. More importantly, he unpacks his step-by-step process for running service calls that consistently close big projects while keeping customers happy and loyal. 

 

In this conversation, you’ll discover: 

  • How to prepare mentally and strategically for every service call. 
  • The importance of earning the right to discuss upgrades beyond the initial call reason. 
  • How Tim uses open-ended questions to uncover customer needs and priorities. 
  • His approach to building value before presenting diagnostic fees or large project options. 
  • Why “planting seeds” throughout the call leads to smoother, higher-ticket closes. 
  • Tim’s soft selling strategy that keeps customers engaged without feeling pressured. 
  • How he handles price objections and reframes them into opportunities. 
  • The role of trial closes and roadmap selling for large, multi-phase projects. 
  • Insights on training and coaching electricians to deliver exceptional service. 
  • How Tim leverages call-by-call management and real-time coaching to grow his team’s success. 

 

Whether you’re a business owner, a service electrician, or simply looking to improve your sales approach, Tim’s insights will help you turn everyday service calls into profitable, trust-building opportunities. 

 

Show Notes 

The Successful Contractor Podcast is a part of the CertainPath family.  CertainPath builds successful home service businesses—and has for 25 years.  We do it by providing contractors with a proven path to success, professional coaching, software solutions, and a member community of 1,200+ strong. Doubling your sales, with a 20% net profit, and an inspiring company culture is ALL possible.  Let us show you the way. With CertainPath, Success is Made Certain. Visit www.mycertainpath.com for more information.  

 

FOLLOW CERTAINPATH: 

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

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/certainpath 

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

Show more...
2 months ago
1 hour 3 minutes

The Successful Contractor Podcast
How TJ Romans Wins in Plumbing Sales Without Pressure

TJ Romans didn’t just sell $800,000 in plumbing work last year—he installed it, too. 

That kind of performance doesn’t come from pressure tactics or slick sales lines. It comes from trust, education, and a clear process that empowers homeowners to say yes with confidence. 

 

In this episode, TJ breaks down exactly how he earns that trust—and consistently turns routine calls into big-ticket installs. 

 

You’ll learn how he: 

  • Sold and installed $800K in plumbing by keeping it simple and putting the homeowner first 
  • Navigates high-risk stoppage calls with a single sentence that protects both him and the company 
  • Uses inspections as an educational moment—not a scare tactic—and builds options around what homeowners care about 
  • Handles objections with empathy, especially on calls involving remodeled bathrooms or builder-grade fixtures 
  • Structures his calls by focusing first on what the customer noticed—then smoothly introduces additional value 
  • Builds urgency the right way—backed by visuals, facts, and clear explanations 
  • Avoids chasing every potential upgrade and instead controls the call with purpose 

 

TJ also shares how he mentally resets after tough calls, stays consistent with his approach, and trains newer techs to focus on the long game—not the quick close. 

 

This isn’t a high-pressure sales training—it’s a real conversation with a high-performing technician who genuinely wants to help people. And that mindset? It sells. 

If you're in plumbing sales—or manage people who are—this is the kind of episode that can change your approach for the better. 

 

🎧 Watch now on YouTube or listen on your favorite podcast platform. And don’t forget to subscribe to The Successful Contractor for more interviews that move the needle. 

 

Show Notes 

The Successful Contractor Podcast is a part of the CertainPath family.  CertainPath builds successful home service businesses—and has for 25 years.  We do it by providing contractors with a proven path to success, professional coaching, software solutions, and a member community of 1,200+ strong. Doubling your sales, with a 20% net profit, and an inspiring company culture is ALL possible.  Let us show you the way. With CertainPath, Success is Made Certain. Visit www.mycertainpath.com for more information.  

 

FOLLOW CERTAINPATH: 

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

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/certainpath 

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

Show more...
2 months ago
1 hour 10 minutes

The Successful Contractor Podcast
Lock In Customers, Reduce Risk, and Increase What Your Business Is Worth with Warranties

Boost revenue. Build loyalty. Increase what your business is worth. 

 

That’s exactly what Kevin Thornton of JB Warranties unpacks in this can’t-miss episode of The Successful Contractor. 

 

Host Bob Houchin sits down with Kevin—VP of Dealer Business Services—for a high-impact conversation full of strategic insights for contractors who want to scale smarter. Kevin explains why warranties aren’t just an upsell—they’re a business tool that drives profitability, deepens customer relationships, and increases valuation when it’s time to sell. 

 

🎯 In this episode, you’ll learn: 

  • How warranties can increase closing rates and average tickets 
  • Why self-insuring could actually be hurting your business 
  • The legal and financial risks contractors face when not using third-party coverage 
  • What private equity firms look for in a buyout—and how warranties fit into that 
  • How offering warranties leads to lifetime customer value and referrals 
  • What the JB360 platform is doing to simplify claims and boost contractor margins 
  • The importance of training and onboarding in making warranties profitable 
  • Real-world examples of contractors who earned 7-figure exits thanks to strategic warranty use 

 

Kevin also opens up about his personal mission to serve the trades—how his father’s legacy and his own SaaS background led him to build tools and programs that help contractors not just survive, but thrive. 

 

Whether you’re looking to grow, stabilize, or position your business for a future sale, this episode will show you how warranties are more than just protection—they’re power. 

 

📈 Don’t miss this powerful conversation. Watch now and learn how to put your business on a certain path to success. 

 

Show Notes 

The Successful Contractor Podcast is a part of the CertainPath family.  CertainPath builds successful home service businesses—and has for 25 years.  We do it by providing contractors with a proven path to success, professional coaching, software solutions, and a member community of 1,200+ strong. Doubling your sales, with a 20% net profit, and an inspiring company culture is ALL possible.  Let us show you the way. With CertainPath, Success is Made Certain. Visit www.mycertainpath.com for more information.  

 

FOLLOW CERTAINPATH: 

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

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/certainpath 

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

Show more...
3 months ago
51 minutes

The Successful Contractor Podcast
$30M HVAC Sales, 78% Close Rate – From Small-Town Idaho?! Cody Kropp

$30 Million in HVAC Sales. 78% Close Rate. Population: 75,000. That’s Cody Kropp’s reality—and he’s doing it all in rural Idaho. 

 

In this powerhouse episode of The Successful Contractor, Bob Houchin digs deep with one of the most consistent and impressive closers in the industry. Cody’s 15-year journey from oil-change tech to $30M HVAC titan is packed with street-smart wisdom, mindset gold, and killer sales tactics that actually work. 

 

🔥 You’ll hear: 

  • How Cody went from changing oil in Alaska to closing over $30M in career HVAC sales  
  • The exact conversation strategy that keeps his close rate above 78% 
  • How to win trust fast—without a script, without pressure 
  • The reason he refuses to pre-judge or research homeowners—and why it boosts sales 
  • His pre-call ritual to get in the zone (spoiler: it involves gas-station hot dogs and AC/DC) 
  • How to deliver $30K price tags without flinching—and actually get them signed 
  • The “leave and lose” rule that every salesperson needs to understand 
  • What to say when you're too expensive—and still walk away with the deal 
  • How he resets after hard calls and avoids sales burnout 
  • Why he believes who you work for is just as important as what you sell 

 

Whether you’re new to the trade or gunning for that next level, this episode is pure fuel. Cody brings the real talk and proven tactics that close deals—no fluff, no theory, just results. 

 

📈 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more straight-shooting sales insights from the trades’ best. 

 Book a free strategy call to see how we can help you hit your goals and beyond: https://bit.ly/3TvGiNW or call us at: (214)-453-1591

🔗 Grab our FREE resource: The Foundation Series, Real strategies to build a business that runs (and grows) without chaos: https://bit.ly/3Yqzow5

Show Notes 

The Successful Contractor Podcast is a part of the CertainPath family.  CertainPath builds successful home service businesses—and has for 25 years.  We do it by providing contractors with a proven path to success, professional coaching, software solutions, and a member community of 1,200+ strong. Doubling your sales, with a 20% net profit, and an inspiring company culture is ALL possible.  Let us show you the way. With CertainPath, Success is Made Certain. Visit www.mycertainpath.com for more information.  

 

FOLLOW CERTAINPATH: 

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

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/certainpath 

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

Show more...
3 months ago
1 hour 12 minutes

The Successful Contractor Podcast
Shiloh Gill’s $835K Electrical Sales Year—Every Dollar Sold & Installed

$835,000. One technician. One truck. All sold and installed. At just 26 years old, Shiloh Gill of Cool Hand Electric is already a two-time Crown Champion. In this episode, he reveals how he built a repeatable, scalable sales process that led to $835K in electrical sales—all while running the work himself. 

 

A former real estate hopeful from Brazil, Shiloh shares the mindset, systems, and daily practices that turned a motivated young man into one of the nation’s most effective residential electricians. 

 

In this episode: 

  • 🚚 How Shiloh builds trust on every call—before even ringing the doorbell 
  • 🧠 “Clarity is kindness”: His approach to diagnostics, courtesy inspections, and upsells 
  • 💬 Turning objections into decisions with simple questions—not pressure 
  • 📊 Why tracking goals weekly transformed his consistency and focus 
  • 🛠 The exact training, call flow, and mentorship that prepped him to perform solo 
  • 👨‍👩‍👧 How family and company culture fuel his professional discipline 
  • 💸 Price conditioning, payment plans, and how he closes with confidence 
  • 🔥 Why he includes generator options—even on a simple ceiling fan call 

 

Shiloh breaks down his proven method to educate homeowners, present multiple options, and sell safety and value—without the hard sell. His tools? Intentionality, empathy, structure—and a deep belief in delivering more than just fixes. 

 

Whether you’re an owner, service manager, or tech, this episode delivers real-world strategy and mindset lessons to elevate your team and your revenue. 

 

Don’t miss how this humble, driven 26-year-old Crown Champion earned every penny of $835K—one great customer experience at a time. 

 

Show Notes 

The Successful Contractor Podcast is a part of the CertainPath family.  CertainPath builds successful home service businesses—and has for 25 years.  We do it by providing contractors with a proven path to success, professional coaching, software solutions, and a member community of 1,200+ strong. Doubling your sales, with a 20% net profit, and an inspiring company culture is ALL possible.  Let us show you the way. With CertainPath, Success is Made Certain. Visit www.mycertainpath.com for more information.  

 

FOLLOW CERTAINPATH: 

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

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/certainpath 

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

Show more...
4 months ago
1 hour 40 minutes

The Successful Contractor Podcast
Top HVAC Contractors REACT to Tariffs and Refrigerant Changes!

Tariffs and refrigerant changes are hitting HVAC contractors hard—costs are rising, inventory is tight, and homeowners are hesitant. If your techs, salespeople, and CSRs are all saying something different—or worse, using fear without facts—you’re losing trust and sales.

 

In this fast-paced, high-impact interview, CertainPath coaches Miki Stone and Esti Jaacovi share what successful HVAC companies are doing right now to thrive in this uncertain environment.

 

✅ Control the message before your team creates confusion
✅ Train every part of the call—not just objection handling
✅ Speak with empathy, not panic—even when prices go up
✅ Use data-backed scripting to build trust and urgency
✅ Offer financing early, often, and with confidence
✅ Run tighter operations while protecting your margins

 

Whether you're running a $1M or $100M shop, the fundamentals are the same: clear communication, smart training, and consistent leadership.

If you want your HVAC business to grow during a downturn, this episode is your playbook.

 

Show Notes

The Successful Contractor Podcast is a part of the CertainPath family.  CertainPath builds successful home service businesses—and has for 25 years.  We do it by providing contractors with a proven path to success, professional coaching, software solutions, and a member community of 1,200+ strong. Doubling your sales, with a 20% net profit, and an inspiring company culture is ALL possible.  Let us show you the way. With CertainPath, Success is Made Certain. Schedule a Discovery Call today. Or call 214-453-1591.

 

FOLLOW CERTAINPATH:

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

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/certainpath

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

Show more...
4 months ago
50 minutes

The Successful Contractor Podcast
From Rookie to Roofing Rockstar: Logan’s $4M Sales Journey

Logan Cysiewski is a top-performing roofing sales professional with Krumm Exteriors in New Richmond, Wisconsin.  He’s rewriting the rules on how to win jobs—and win big. From earning the trust of homeowners to mastering CertainPath’s proven sales process, Logan breaks down exactly how he’s sold over $4 million in just a few short years… all without ever being "salesy." 

 

Whether you’re a rookie in home services or a seasoned veteran looking to sharpen your edge, this conversation is packed with real-world takeaways that will elevate your approach and boost your results. 

 

Here’s what you’ll learn in this episode: 

  • How Logan used CertainPath training to launch a wildly successful career in roofing sales 
  • Why building clear options instead of hard-pitching earns more trust—and more contracts 
  • Logan’s mindset when walking into a home for the first time (and how he wins rapport instantly) 
  • The way he handles price objections by comparing competitive bids without trash-talking 
  • The one sales process nugget that changed everything for him 
  • Why presenting multiple options leads to bigger average tickets 
  • How he handles full system replacements with confidence, not pressure 
  • A behind-the-scenes look at the Kanga Care Club and why it works 
  • Why Logan believes you should “never close the job before you walk in the door” 
  • The importance of following a consistent process—and how it actually frees you to be yourself 
  • Logan’s take on financing, how to frame it, and why it helps homeowners make faster decisions 
  • What happened when he started revisiting his training again (and how his numbers responded) 
  • His advice to new techs and sales reps on how to build confidence fast 
  • The mindset shift that helped him go from “just helping out” to being a sales powerhouse 

 

Whether you’re in HVAC, plumbing, or roofing, this episode is a must-listen for anyone who wants to learn how to sell with integrity—and win more jobs by simply doing things the right way. 

 

Watch now and discover how Logan became one of the best in the business. 

 

Show Notes 

The Successful Contractor Podcast is a part of the CertainPath family.  CertainPath builds successful home service businesses—and has for 25 years.  We do it by providing contractors with a proven path to success, professional coaching, software solutions, and a member community of 1,200+ strong. Doubling your sales, with a 20% net profit, and an inspiring company culture is ALL possible.  Let us show you the way. With CertainPath, Success is Made Certain. Visit www.mycertainpath.com for more information.  

 

FOLLOW CERTAINPATH: 

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

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/certainpath 

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

Show more...
4 months ago
1 hour 14 minutes

The Successful Contractor Podcast
Want to Sell & Install $4M in Plumbing? Listen to a 5-Time Sales Crown Champion

Jason Barbee is a plumbing technician who didn’t just sell — he installed nearly $1M in residential plumbing last year. Even more impressive, Jason is a 5-time Plumbing Sales Crown Champion; he’s 26 years old and already sold & installed over $4M in residential plumbing in his short career.

 

From humble beginnings helping his future father-in-law lift water heaters, to dominating full-service residential calls today, Jason shares the real story behind his rise — and the mindset shifts that changed everything. 

 

In this episode, you'll hear: 

  • How Jason builds trust on every call — and turns “quick fixes” into whole-home inspections 
  • Why he never solves the problem before he arrives — and how that helps him keep his mind open 
  • His secrets to handling drain cleaning calls like a superhero (and turning panic into profit) 
  • The role of empathy, education, and options in what some call “upselling” — but Jason calls “doing the job right” 
  • How following the CertainPath 6-step process helped skyrocket his KPIs from $16K to $404K in less than a year 
  • Jason’s favorite lines for introducing water heater replacements — even when that’s not why he was called 
  • His unique strategy for earning customer permission to inspect and price the entire home’s plumbing system 
  • Why training, role-playing, and DISC profiling are non-negotiables in his shop’s daily culture 
  • How financing and well-structured options helped close $10K–$15K+ jobs with less resistance 
  • What younger techs can do TODAY to start writing their own ticket to success — no shortcuts, just clarity 

 

If you’re a service tech, manager, or business owner, this is a masterclass in modern residential plumbing service — packed with actionable takeaways and honest insights from someone who’s doing it at the highest level. 

 

Don’t miss this inspiring, practical conversation with one of the industry’s top performers. 

 

Show Notes 

The Successful Contractor Podcast is a part of the CertainPath family.  CertainPath builds successful home service businesses—and has for 25 years.  We do it by providing contractors with a proven path to success, professional coaching, software solutions, and a member community of 1,200+ strong. Doubling your sales, with a 20% net profit, and an inspiring company culture is ALL possible.  Let us show you the way. With CertainPath, Success is Made Certain. Visit www.mycertainpath.com for more information.  

 

FOLLOW CERTAINPATH: 

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

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/certainpath 

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

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5 months ago
1 hour 4 minutes

The Successful Contractor Podcast
From Addiction to $4K Average Tickets: Blayne Ippolito’s Electrical Sales Playbook

Blayne Ippolito went from addiction and homelessness to managing a team of high-performing electricians and selling and installing over $680K in residential electrical work with $1M in his sites this year. His journey is raw, powerful, and packed with lessons for anyone in the trades. 

 

In this episode of The Successful Contractor, Blayne opens up about the pain that shaped him—and the purpose that drives him today. Now a sales manager with MZ Electric in Littleton, Colorado, Blayne trains his techs five days a week, blends emotional intelligence with process, and closes jobs with $4,000 average tickets. But what really sets him apart is how he leads with service, connection, and trust. 

 

You’ll learn: 

  • How Blayne’s early life and recovery shaped his mission in the trades 
  • His approach to consultative sales that build massive trust with homeowners 
  • Why presenting tiered pricing options builds credibility—and increases close rates 
  • How he eliminates objections early using CertainPath’s StraightForward Pricing Guide 
  • What it means to be a friend first, electrician second in a customer’s home 
  • His mindset tools for resetting between calls, including gratitude and meditation 
  • The emotional training sessions he runs on Wednesdays—including one centered on the phrase “Justify Your Existence” 
  • Why fear is the biggest sales killer—and how techs can beat it 
  • The story of a homeowner who cried reading his bio—and trusted him over a cheaper bid 
  • What it takes to move from technician to trusted leader of a service team 

 

Blayne’s story isn’t just about closing big tickets. It’s about becoming the kind of person others believe in. Whether you’re a tech, a leader, or someone just looking to find more meaning in your work—this is a conversation you won’t forget. 

 

Show Notes 

The Successful Contractor Podcast is a part of the CertainPath family.  CertainPath builds successful home service businesses—and has for 25 years.  We do it by providing contractors with a proven path to success, professional coaching, software solutions, and a member community of 1,200+ strong. Doubling your sales, with a 20% net profit, and an inspiring company culture is ALL possible.  Let us show you the way. With CertainPath, Success is Made Certain. Visit www.mycertainpath.com for more information.  

 

FOLLOW CERTAINPATH: 

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

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/certainpath 

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

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5 months ago
1 hour 43 minutes

The Successful Contractor Podcast
Meet the Pastor Dominating HVAC Sales: $3.5M Closed at 64%, Working Only 3 Days a Week

Jared Dean isn’t winging it — he’s a master HVAC sales tactician. With over two decades in the industry, Jared has developed a precise, proven process that earns trust, overcomes objections, and closes premium HVAC systems at a staggering $25K average ticket with a 64% closing percentage. 

 

Jared works just three days a week in the field, serves full-time as a pastor, and still sold $3.5 million last year. In this conversation, he opens up his playbook — step by step. 

 

What you’ll walk away with: 

  • The first 10 minutes that make or break the sale — Jared’s subtle script to uncover decision-makers and secure time commitment without pressure. 
  • How to “price-condition” like a pro — Set the stage for high-ticket HVAC sales without triggering objections. 
  • The four-option close that boosts average ticket and drives confident, fast decisions. 
  • How storytelling + strategic vulnerability generate instant trust (and eliminate hard closing). 
  • What to say after they say “yes” — Jared’s post-sale move that slashes cancellation rates. 
  • The 5-minute habit that separates amateurs from elite sales pros — and accelerates long-term mastery. 

 

Jared proves you don’t need to work 60-hour weeks or be a natural-born closer to dominate in residential HVAC sales — you need a system, heart, and the discipline to follow through. 

 

Show Notes 

The Successful Contractor Podcast is a part of the CertainPath family.  CertainPath builds successful home service businesses—and has for 25 years.  We do it by providing contractors with a proven path to success, professional coaching, software solutions, and a member community of 1,200+ strong. Doubling your sales, with a 20% net profit, and an inspiring company culture is ALL possible.  Let us show you the way. With CertainPath, Success is Made Certain. Visit www.mycertainpath.com for more information.  

 

FOLLOW CERTAINPATH: 

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

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/certainpath 

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

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5 months ago
2 hours 23 minutes

The Successful Contractor Podcast
$8.7M HVAC Sales System EXPOSED: Sean Mitchell’s 88% Close Rate Blueprint (Full In-Depth Breakdown)

Back by overwhelming demand, Sean Mitchell returns to The Successful Contractor — and this time, he’s not holding anything back. 

 

👉 Missed Sean’s first appearance? That episode took the HVAC world by storm — racking up views and igniting conversations across the trades. Before you dive into this one, go watch Part 1 and see where it all began. But make no mistake — this is the episode everyone’s been waiting for. 

 

In this 2-hour masterclass, Sean lays out his entire sales process — from first call to final close — and shows you exactly how he closed almost $8.7 million in residential HVAC sales at an insane 88% closing rate. 

 

Inside the Episode — Sean Mitchell’s Complete HVAC Sales System: 

  • The Sales Strategy Begins Before the Doorbell Rings: Why Sean listens to CSR calls to decode the customer’s personality, tone, and expectations before stepping foot on-site. 
  • "Reading the Pause": How a simple “hello” reveals your customer’s emotional state — and how Sean adapts his energy to match it. 
  • The Pre-Call Energy Transfer: Why smiling through the phone changes everything, and how to set the emotional tone before the first knock. 
  • Owning the Doorstep: The exact script Sean uses to redirect the “just go to the furnace” objection and instead guide the customer to the kitchen table. 
  • The Psychology of the Sit-Down: Where Sean sits, how he positions himself, and why your posture can make or break the sale. 
  • Setting the Stage with the Comfort Survey: The specific questions Sean uses to uncover pain points, expose hot buttons, and pre-close the deal. 
  • Building Solutions With the Homeowner: How Sean “Chipotle-style” custom-builds systems in real-time, creating buy-in, trust, and excitement. 
  • Couples Dynamics, Decoded: The subtle language cues that reveal the true decision maker — and how to guide the conversation without alienating either party. 
  • Anchoring High-Ticket Offers: Why Sean always drops the $25K anchor early, and how it makes the actual price feel like a bargain. 
  • Turning Objections into Momentum: The “two-option close,” how to handle the “I need to think about it” pause, and why Sean never sells systems — he sells appointments. 
  • Creating Real Urgency (Without Pressure): The LEVER method and why people are more driven by fear of loss than desire for gain. 
  • From Presence to Paperwork: How Sean paints the post-sale picture so vividly that the signature feels like a foregone conclusion. 
  • The 4 Pillars of Value: Connection, Credibility, Customization, and Convenience — and how to build them into every sales call. 
  • The Mindset of Mastery: Why Sean competes with no one but himself — and how his upbringing and mentors shaped his unstoppable work ethic. 

 

Whether you’re a comfort advisor, CSR, tech, or owner — this episode is your roadmap to bigger closes, stronger relationships, and a business that grows on intention, not pressure. 

 

🚀Iff you’re ready to grow your business the right way, visit CertainPath.com 

 

Show Notes 

The Successful Contractor Podcast is a part of the CertainPath family.  CertainPath builds successful home service businesses—and has for 25 years.  We do it by providing contractors with a proven path to success, professional coaching, software solutions, and a member community of 1,200+ strong. Doubling your sales, with a 20% net profit, and an inspiring company culture is ALL possible.  Let us show you the way. With CertainPath, Success is Made Certain. Visit www.mycertainpath.com for more information.  

 

FOLLOW CERTAINPATH: 

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

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/certainpath 

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

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6 months ago
1 hour 58 minutes

The Successful Contractor Podcast
How Michael Zeller Changed Thousands of Lives — Including Yours

In this powerful episode of The Successful Contractor, host Bob Houchin sits down with retiring coach, trainer, and mentor Michael Zeller — a man who’s impacted thousands of lives through his 40-year career in business, leadership, and service. This isn’t just a retrospective. It’s a masterclass in life and business.

 

From growing up in a working-class Long Island family to building a body shop, scaling through Enterprise Rent-A-Car, and eventually becoming one of the most beloved coaches at CertainPath, Michael shares the pivotal moments, lessons learned, and wisdom earned through decades of doing the hard work — and helping others do it better.

 

This conversation is filled with emotion, honesty, and insight that every contractor — from business owner to technician — needs to hear.

 

In this episode, you’ll learn:

·        The values Michael’s parents instilled that shaped his lifelong work ethic

·        Why he walked away from his own business to take a trainee position — and never looked back

·        The power of staying humble and becoming a student, even after success

·        What makes a great manager — and why most owners get it wrong

·        The true reason great employees leave… and what to do to keep them

·        How to coach your team instead of bossing them around

·        The “cotton candy” of Michael’s career — and what lights him up

·        Why your team needs opportunity — and how giving it builds loyalty

 

Michael’s story is full of teachable moments, humor, and heart. If you’ve ever struggled with leadership, building culture, or wondering if you’re really making a difference, this episode is for you.

 

It’s not just a farewell. It’s a roadmap. And it’s one you’ll want to revisit again and again.

 

“We love you, Michael, and there’s nothing you can do about it.”

 

Watch the full interview now on The Successful Contractor YouTube channel. And to build your own successful home service business, visit CertainPath.com

 

Show Notes

The Successful Contractor Podcast is a part of the CertainPath family.  CertainPath builds successful home service businesses—and has for 25 years.  We do it by providing contractors with a proven path to success, professional coaching, software solutions, and a member community of 1,100+ strong. Doubling your sales, with a 20% net profit, and an inspiring company culture is ALL possible.  Let us show you the way. With CertainPath, Success is Made Certain. Visit www.mycertainpath.com for more information. 

 

FOLLOW CERTAINPATH:

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

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/certainpath

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

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6 months ago
1 hour 20 minutes

The Successful Contractor Podcast
From $500M in Sales to Training the Best: Lessons from a Top Industry Leader

In this episode of The Successful Contractor, host Bob Houchin sits down with Carl DiBene, the Director of Training at CertainPath, to uncover game-changing strategies for running a profitable home services business. With decades of experience—including managing $500M in sales at one time—Carl shares hard-earned lessons and proven tactics to help contractors succeed.

 

🔹 The $500M Sales Mindset: Learn how Carl helped scale massive home service businesses and what takeaways you can use today.
🔹 Are You Tracking the Right KPIs? The surprising metric that could be the key to unlocking your next level of growth.
🔹 Dispatcher Training That Actually Works: How to turn your call center into a profit center.
🔹 Why Many Home Services Businesses Struggle with Gross Margin & Revenue Swings: The hidden mistakes costing you money.
🔹 How to Structure Performance Pay for Techs & Managers: Motivate your team without breaking your bottom line.
🔹 The One Training Routine That Transforms Sales Performance: If you’re not doing this every Monday, you’re leaving money on the table.
🔹 Finding & Grooming the Right Leaders for Your Business: Why promoting the wrong person can destroy your team.

 

Carl’s insights aren’t just theory—they’re real-world strategies used by top-performing contractors. Whether you're a small business owner or managing multiple locations, this episode is packed with actionable advice you can apply right now to increase sales, improve efficiency, and build a high-performing team.

 

Show Notes

The Successful Contractor Podcast is a part of the CertainPath family.  CertainPath builds successful home service businesses—and has for 25 years.  We do it by providing contractors with a proven path to success, professional coaching, software solutions, and a member community of 1,100+ strong. Doubling your sales, with a 20% net profit, and an inspiring company culture is ALL possible.  Let us show you the way. With CertainPath, Success is Made Certain. Visit www.mycertainpath.com for more information. 

 

FOLLOW CERTAINPATH:

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

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/certainpath

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

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7 months ago
1 hour 17 minutes

The Successful Contractor Podcast
Digital Marketing for Contractors: What You’re Doing Wrong (and How to Fix It!) with Josh Moran of VitalStorm

In this episode of The Successful Contractor, host Bob Houchin sits down with Josh Moran, Founder & CEO of VitalStorm, a premier digital marketing agency for the home services industry. If you’ve ever felt lost in the world of search marketing—wondering where your money is going and why your ads aren’t converting—this episode is for you!

 

Josh shares hard-earned insights from years of helping contractors maximize their digital presence, grow their revenue, and avoid costly marketing mistakes. Whether you’re a small business owner just starting out or a multi-million-dollar contractor looking to refine your strategy, this conversation is packed with valuable takeaways.

 

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

·        Demand Capture vs. Demand Creation – Why understanding this difference is the key to smarter marketing investments.

·        SEO vs. PPC – Which strategy gives you the best ROI, and how should you balance both?

·        The Hidden Costs of Switching Agencies – What contractors need to know before making a move.

·        Why Digital Ads Fail – The biggest mistakes contractors make with paid search and how to fix them.

·        How to Adjust Your Search Marketing as You Grow – When to expand, where to allocate budget, and how to scale up effectively.

·        YouTube & TikTok for Contractors? – How video marketing fits into your digital strategy and what actually works.

·        AI & The Future of Search Marketing – Will homeowners find plumbers through ChatGPT instead of Google? Josh explains what’s coming next.

·        Why CertainPath Members Have an Edge – How being part of CertainPath makes it easier to execute a winning marketing strategy.

 

Josh also shares his unique journey from working in the trades to running a top-tier marketing firm—and why his deep understanding of the contractor mindset gives him an advantage in the digital space.

 

Show Notes

The Successful Contractor Podcast is a part of the CertainPath family.  CertainPath builds successful home service businesses—and has for 25 years.  We do it by providing contractors with a proven path to success, professional coaching, software solutions, and a member community of 1,100+ strong. Doubling your sales, with a 20% net profit, and an inspiring company culture is ALL possible.  Let us show you the way. With CertainPath, Success is Made Certain. Visit www.mycertainpath.com for more information. 

 

FOLLOW CERTAINPATH:

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

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/certainpath

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

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7 months ago
1 hour 16 minutes

The Successful Contractor Podcast
How Canvassing & Smart Marketing Grew Integrity Home Exteriors to $14.5MM

n this episode of The Successful Contractor, host Bob Houchin sits down with Austin Rohleder, Marketing Director at Integrity Home Exteriors, to break down how they grew from a $6.8MM business in 2019 to peaking at $14.5MM. From digital marketing to canvassing to TV ads, Austin shares his insights into what works—and what doesn’t—for home service companies looking to scale. 

Key Takeaways from This Episode: 

  • The Growth Story: How Integrity Home Exteriors nearly doubled in size in just a few years. 
  • Canvassing That Converts: The shift in their door-to-door strategy that unlocked $7MM in revenue. 
  • Avoid This Marketing Mistake: Why their first approach to TV ads in Detroit flopped—and how they fixed it. 
  • Managing from Afar: How the owner of Integrity Home Exteriors runs the business from Ireland while doing mission work. 
  • The SEO Strategy That Works: Why location-based pages are a game-changer for local businesses. 
  • How to Lower Your LSA Costs: The one tweak that helped control skyrocketing Local Service Ad expenses. 
  • Hiring Smarter: Why Integrity Home Exteriors outsourced SEO and social media management to the Philippines—saving thousands while increasing output. 
  • Branding vs. Call-to-Action Ads: How to balance TV and radio messaging for maximum impact. 
  • The Power of Customer Retention: Why re-inspections and follow-up calls are now driving unexpected sales. 
  • The CertainPath Advantage: How being part of the CertainPath family helped them scale faster and more efficiently. 

 

If you’re a home service business owner looking for real-world marketing and operational strategies that drive revenue, you won’t want to miss this episode. 

 

Show Notes 

The Successful Contractor Podcast is a part of the CertainPath family.  CertainPath builds successful home service businesses—and has for 25 years.  We do it by providing contractors with a proven path to success, professional coaching, software solutions, and a member community of 1,100+ strong. Doubling your sales, with a 20% net profit, and an inspiring company culture is ALL possible.  Let us show you the way. With CertainPath, Success is Made Certain. Visit www.mycertainpath.com for more information.  

 

FOLLOW CERTAINPATH: 

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

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/certainpath 

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

Show more...
8 months ago
1 hour 19 minutes

The Successful Contractor Podcast
Welcome to The Successful Contractor Podcast, Powered by CertainPath. A show for residential contractors about residential contractors… We chronicle business journeys, share insights, and celebrate successes in this wonderful industry.