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OWNR OPS Podcast
Austin Gray @theownerop
105 episodes
2 days ago
Starting a business by offering a service to your local community is one of the greatest entrepreneurial opportunities of our time. While most people search for a remote job and try to build the next tech unicorn, you can start a business in your own back yard. Join your host, Austin Gray, as he shares tips from behind the scenes of starting and growing his own local service businesses in bite sized <10 min episodes. PLUS, tune in for special guest interviews, where Austin hosts other entrepreneurs who have started local service businesses in markets across the US.
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Entrepreneurship
Business
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All content for OWNR OPS Podcast is the property of Austin Gray @theownerop 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.
Starting a business by offering a service to your local community is one of the greatest entrepreneurial opportunities of our time. While most people search for a remote job and try to build the next tech unicorn, you can start a business in your own back yard. Join your host, Austin Gray, as he shares tips from behind the scenes of starting and growing his own local service businesses in bite sized <10 min episodes. PLUS, tune in for special guest interviews, where Austin hosts other entrepreneurs who have started local service businesses in markets across the US.
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Entrepreneurship
Business
Episodes (20/105)
OWNR OPS Podcast
FB Ads Don't Work For Land Clearing Biz

💰Learn Google Business, Facebook Ads, and Automation tips for your Blue Collar Business ➡️ https://skool.com/ownrops


Are Facebook ads dead for local service businesses? Not even close.



In this episode, Austin Gray chats with Jacob Neffendorf, founder of Rise Online Ads — an agency managing Facebook ad campaigns for over 125 land clearing businesses nationwide. 



Jacob unpacks how he’s helping operators land six-figure jobs, get 100+ leads per month, and scale with simple, proven strategies.



You’ll learn:

  • How one video ad landed a $425K right-of-way clearing job

  • Jacob’s preferred pricing model: day rate vs. by-the-job

  • The biggest mistake land clearing operators make in sales

  • What to say in a 2025 Facebook ad (hint: targeting is changing)

  • How focusing on one niche can transform your agency or service business

Whether you’re a contractor or a marketer, this is a tactical deep dive into what’s actually working right now.


🔥 Services We Use 🔥



We use Jobber to handle our estimates, scheduling, & invoicing

➡️ Get 20% off Jobber here: https://go.getjobber.com/ownrops-spotify


🚀 Get ranked #1 On Google With Stryker SEO: https://stryker-digital.com/?el=oo


💰 Bookkeeping: Get 50% off bookkeeping for 3 months with the Home Service Bookkeeping Pros: https://dialedinbookkeeping.com/ownrops


Want to learn more about starting and scaling your own service-based business?


📩 Sign up for the OWNR OPS Newsletter: → https://ownrops.com/newsletter


Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes with blue collar entrepreneurs sharing their best insights and growth tips!

Show more...
2 days ago
1 hour 18 minutes 26 seconds

OWNR OPS Podcast
How To Run FB Ads For Home Services with Steve Hunsaker

💰Learn Google Business, Facebook Ads, and Automation tips for your Blue Collar Business ➡️


https://skool.com/ownrops


Want to know how Meta ads can transform your local home service business? 


In this episode, Steve Hunsaker, a successful entrepreneur with years of experience in running Meta (Facebook & Instagram) ads, shares his proven strategies for generating high-quality leads, building brand recognition, and scaling effectively through digital marketing.


Steve dives deep into:


  • How Meta ads help local businesses build trust and drive conversions

  • Targeting high-income neighborhoods with laser-focused ads

  • The importance of video content and humor in capturing attention

  • Using lead forms and adding friction to filter out low-quality leads

  • Real-life examples from his Christmas light business success

  • How to use Meta ads for both lead generation and brand building


Whether you’re a local business owner, marketer, or entrepreneur, this episode offers invaluable insights on running Meta ads profitably and creating ad campaigns that deliver results. 


Listen in to learn how to make Meta ads work for you and scale your business effectively.


🔗 Follow Steve on Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/valleychristmaslights


🔗 Check out their website: https://www.stevehunsaker.com


🔥 Services We Use 🔥


📞 QUO- Business Phone System That Scales With You: Get 20% off your first 3 months. https://www.quo.com/



We use Jobber to handle our estimates, scheduling, & invoicing



➡️ Get 20% off Jobber here: https://go.getjobber.com/ownrops-youtube



🚀 Get ranked #1 On Google With Stryker SEO: https://stryker-digital.com/?el=oo



Want to learn more about starting and scaling your own service-based business?📩


Sign up for the OWNR OPS Newsletter: → https://ownrops.com/newsletter


Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes with blue collar entrepreneurs sharing their best insights and growth tips!

Show more...
1 week ago
1 hour 47 minutes 37 seconds

OWNR OPS Podcast
Live Q&A Starting A Land Clearing Business

💰 Join our Free OWNR OPS Skool Community to grow your local service biz: ➡️ https://skool.com/ownrops


How do you start a land clearing business from scratch and scale it into a seven-figure company?


In this OWNR OPS Live Q&A, Austin Gray (founder of Bear Claw Land Services) shares the exact playbook he used to build his business around fire mitigation, excavation, and driveway grading.


Inside, you’ll learn:


  • How Austin landed his very first $3,500 job

  • Why a website & Google Business Profile are non-negotiable

  • When to rent vs. buy equipment like skid steers & mulcher

  • How to charge $2,500/day and build profitable bids

  • Facebook & YouTube ad strategies that actually generate calls

  • Why “speed to lead” closes more jobs than any other tactic

  • How to get consistent five-star reviews & dominate your market

If you’re a contractor, service business owner, or aspiring land clearing pro—this episode gives you the unfiltered blueprint to launch and grow.


🔥 Mentioned in This Episode 🔥


We use Jobber to manage our quoting, scheduling, & invoicing➡️ Get 20% off your first 6 months here:


https://go.getjobber.com/ownrops-youtube


📚 Bookkeeping: Get 50% off bookkeeping for 3 months with the Home Service Bookkeeping Pros: https://dialedinbookkeeping.com/ownrops


🚀 Get ranked #1 On Google With Stryker Digital⁠ SEO: https://stryker-digital.com/?el=oo


Want to learn more about starting and scaling your own service-based business?


📰 Sign up for the OWNR OPS Newsletter: → ownrops.com/newsletter


Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes with entrepreneurs sharing their best insights and success stories!

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2 weeks ago
1 hour 18 minutes 3 seconds

OWNR OPS Podcast
How To Start A Land Clearing Business

💰 Join our Free OWNR OPS Skool Community to grow your local service biz: ➡️ https://skool.com/ownrops


How do you validate demand, buy heavy equipment, and scale a land clearing business profitably?


In this episode, Austin Gray talks with Alex Boyd, founder of Brushworks Services Co., about starting and growing a land clearing business from scratch.


Alex shares:


  • Why he invested $90K into a skid steer and mulcher

  • The keyword research that revealed untapped demand

  • Mistakes he made on pricing and financing (and how he fixed them)

  • How grapple attachments add nearly 100% profit margin

  • The real cost of maintenance, warranties, and downtime

  • Why he runs Facebook video ads with a local-first strategy

  • How he integrates Jobber, HouseCall Pro, and GoHighLevel into his workflow

  • The surprising snow plowing side hustle at $375/hr per skid steer

If you’re an entrepreneur looking at excavation, forestry mulching, or other heavy equipment businesses, this episode is a must-listen.


🔥 Mentioned in This Episode


🔥We use Jobber to manage our quoting, scheduling, & invoicing➡️ Get 20% off your first 6 months here: https://go.getjobber.com/ownrops-youtube


📚 Bookkeeping: Get 50% off bookkeeping for 3 months with the Home Service Bookkeeping Pros: https://dialedinbookkeeping.com/ownrops


🚀 Get ranked #1 On Google With Stryker Digital⁠ SEO: https://stryker-digital.com/?el=oo


Want to learn more about starting and scaling your own service-based business?


📰 Sign up for the OWNR OPS Newsletter: → ownrops.com/newsletter


Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes with entrepreneurs sharing their best insights and success stories!

Show more...
3 weeks ago
54 minutes 22 seconds

OWNR OPS Podcast
How to Start a Tree Service Business

💰 Join our Free OWNR OPS Skool Community to grow your local service biz: ➡️ https://skool.com/ownrops


In this episode, Dave Sheridan from Ascension Tree Care reveals the challenges and triumphs of growing his tree service business from $290K to $550K in just two years. 

Dave dives deep into his equipment investments, B2B partnerships, and how he successfully navigated marketing through Google Ads and reviews.


Dave discusses:

  • His $130K initial equipment investment

  • How mini skids became a game-changer

  • B2B strategies for landscapers and golf courses

  • The ins and outs of running Google Ads and generating reviews

  • The impact of plant healthcare on the business

  • Family business dynamics and scaling with partners

Listen in to hear how Dave scaled his service-based business through determination and strategic decisions.

Get inspired by his story of entrepreneurship and growth.


🔥 Services We Use 🔥

We use Jobber to handle our estimates, scheduling, & invoicing


➡️ Get 20% off Jobber here: https://go.getjobber.com/ownerops-spotify


💰 Bookkeeping: Get 50% off bookkeeping for 3 months with the Home Service Bookkeeping Pros: https://dialedinbookkeeping.com/ownrops


🚀 Get ranked #1 On Google With Stryker SEO: https://stryker-digital.com/?el=oo


Want to learn more about starting and scaling your own service-based business?


📰 Sign up for the OWNR OPS Newsletter: → ownrops.com/newsletter


Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes with entrepreneurs sharing their best insights and success stories!

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1 month ago
1 hour 3 minutes 47 seconds

OWNR OPS Podcast
How to Hire Talent for Your Local Service Business! (The Complete Hiring Playbook)

💰Learn Google Business, Facebook Ads, and Automation tips for your Blue Collar Business

➡️ https://skool.com/ownrops


How do you hire employees who actually stick around?

Austin Gray sits down with Patrick Murphy, founder of Cascade Home Cleaning, to unpack why recruiting is the single biggest bottleneck in service businesses—and how to fix it.


Patrick reveals:

  • Why every great hire adds $130K in annual revenue

  • His proven recruiting funnel modeled after sales & marketing

  • How to use Indeed, automation, and strong copy to attract better candidates

  • The secret to disqualifying bad fits early (and saving yourself months of headaches)

  • His full multi-step hiring process: applications → screening → test clean → offer


This isn’t theory—it’s the exact framework Patrick uses to manage 20+ employees in a highly competitive, high-turnover industry.


If you own a cleaning service, landscaping company, snow removal business, or any local service operation—this is a must-listen playbook for scaling with the right team.


🔥 Services We Use 🔥

📞 QUO- Business Phone System That Scales With You: Get 20% off your first 3 months. http://quo.com/ownrops


We use Jobber to manage our quoting, scheduling, & invoicing➡️ Get 20% off your first 6 months here: https://go.getjobber.com/ownerops-spotify⁠

🚀 Get ranked #1 On Google With Stryker SEO: https://stryker-digital.com/?el=oo


Want to learn more about starting and scaling your own service-based business?

📩 Sign up for the OWNR OPS Newsletter: → https://ownrops.com/newsletter


Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes with blue collar entrepreneurs sharing their best insights and growth tips!

Show more...
1 month ago
45 minutes 34 seconds

OWNR OPS Podcast
How To Recruit & Hire Top Talent In Home Services

💰 Join our Free OWNR OPS Skool Community to grow your local service biz: ➡️ https://skool.com/ownrops


What does it take to buy a 103-year-old business and scale it in today’s competitive home services market?


In this episode, Austin Gray talks with Hardy Farrow, entrepreneur and owner of Longacre Company, a full-service plumbing, HVAC, electrical, and remodeling business.

Hardy previously built and exited multiple companies—and now applies those lessons to operating and growing a multi-division service company.

Hardy shares:

  • Why perfection is the enemy of growth (and why 85% is enough)

  • Recruiting strategies that actually work (and why “motor” matters most)

  • Sequencing problems and prioritization for scaling

  • How to balance specialists vs. generalists on your team

  • Marketing lessons from B2C funnels, reviews, and Thumbtack ads

  • Why location and zip code targeting are underrated growth levers

  • Hard-won lessons from cutting new construction and doubling down on residential

Whether you’re running a service business, building a local brand, or just love hearing how real operators think, Hardy’s insights will help you think differently about growth, hiring, and execution.

👉 Tune in and learn how Hardy scaled a 103-year-old business while staying focused on people, process, and profitability.

🔥 Mentioned in This Episode

We use Jobber to manage our quoting, scheduling, & invoicing➡️ Get 20% off your first 6 months here: https://go.getjobber.com/ownrops-spotify


🚀 Get ranked #1 On Google With Stryker Digital⁠ SEO: https://stryker-digital.com/?el=oo


📚 Bookkeeping: Get 50% off bookkeeping for 3 months with the Home Service Bookkeeping Pros: https://dialedinbookkeeping.com/ownrops


Want to learn more about starting and scaling your own service-based business?


📰 Sign up for the OWNR OPS Newsletter: → ownrops.com/newsletter


Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes with entrepreneurs sharing their best insights and success stories!

Show more...
1 month ago
1 hour 28 minutes 3 seconds

OWNR OPS Podcast
We're Making 1 Change To Grow Our Business!

📈Access my free Blue Collar Growth Training: https://start.ownrops.com


🎓 Join OWNR OPS Skool Group: skool.com/ownrops

In this episode of the OWNR OPS Podcast, I’m sharing an important decision we just made inside Bear Claw Land Services that I believe will change the future of our business.


Over the past three years, we’ve said “yes” to a lot of different work—trees, dirt, foundations, driveways. But after tracking the numbers, analyzing the systems, and watching what’s actually working, we finally made the call to focus on one service and dominate our local market.


If you’re a home service business owner, contractor, or operator who’s trying to grow past that first $100K–$500K in revenue, you’ll want to hear this. I break down:


  • Why focus beats being a jack-of-all-trades in the service business.

  • Lessons I learned from interviewing 7- and 8-figure contractors on this podcast.

  • How systems like Jobber and Go High Level help track leads, quotes, and average job size so you can make smarter business decisions.

  • Why optimizing your Google Business Profile and running simple Facebook Ads are the best top-of-funnel strategies for local services.

  • What “fire mitigation” is, why we’re focusing on it, and how specialization gives clarity to your marketing, sales, and operations.

  • The 80/20 rule in action: how 20% of services usually drive 80% of profits.

👉 If you’re early in business, my advice is simple: pick one service, become known for it, and pour gas on that fire.


Show more...
1 month ago
48 minutes 56 seconds

OWNR OPS Podcast
David Increased Cleaning Revenue 30% Using Production Pay

💰 Join our Free OWNR OPS Skool Community to grow your local service biz: ➡️ https://skool.com/ownrops


How a residential cleaning company hit a $1M+ run rate with production pay.


Owner David Loria (Squeakies Cleaning) explains the exact changes that unlocked growth: moving from 2-person crews to solo cleaners, adopting production pay, targeting 35–40% labor on each job, and pricing toward ~$60/hr effective. 


He also walks through the Made Central stack (and why ~$1,000/mo is a steal) plus the community advantages that come with it.


You’ll learn:


  • What convinced David to adopt production pay (and how employees ended up earning more).

  • How soloing doubled jobs and halved time on standard cleans.

  • The real-world math: example job at $309/4 weeks dropping from ~8 hrs to ~4.

  • Tooling & ops: Made Central for payroll, price increases, compliance, and reporting.

  • Scale & next plays: about $85K/month run rate, hiring plans, and a new SaaS with 11 paying customers.

If you’re growing a service business or optimizing a home-services podcast pipeline, this episode is a masterclass in incentives, pricing, and process.


🔗 Connect with David


🔥 Mentioned in This Episode


🔥We use Jobber to manage our quoting, scheduling, & invoicing.➡️ Get 20% off your first 6 months here: https://go.getjobber.com/ownrops-youtube

📚 Bookkeeping: Get 50% off bookkeeping for 3 months with the Home Service Bookkeeping Pros: https://dialedinbookkeeping.com/ownrops


🚀 Get ranked #1 On Google With Stryker Digital⁠ SEO: https://stryker-digital.com/?el=oo

Want to learn more about starting and scaling your own service-based business?


📰 Sign up for the OWNR OPS Newsletter: → ownrops.com/newsletter


Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes with entrepreneurs sharing their best insights and success stories!

Show more...
1 month ago
47 minutes 51 seconds

OWNR OPS Podcast
3 Best AI Opportunities For Local Service Business with Nikonomics

💰 Join our Free OWNR OPS Skool Community to grow your local service biz: ➡️ https://skool.com/ownrops


AI is revolutionizing sales, customer service, and business operations. In this episode, Austin Gray talks with Nikolas Hulewsky about the latest advancements and how he’s implementing AI in his businesses. 


From automating sales follow-up with AI chatbots to optimizing lead qualification with CRM tools like Go High Level, Nik reveals how small businesses can use AI to save time and increase efficiency.


In this episode, you’ll learn:

  • The future of AI-powered sales and customer service

  • How AI tools like Claude and GPT are transforming how we organize and leverage data

  • Nick's journey in applying AI to his healthcare accelerator

  • Tips for automating lead capture and follow-up to scale your business


🔗 Follow Nikolas on Spotify: Nikonomics


🔥 Mentioned in This Episode 🔥

We use Jobber to manage our quoting, scheduling, & invoicing

➡️ Get 20% off your first 6 months here: https://go.getjobber.com/ownrops

📞 QUO- Business Phone System That Scales With You: Get 20% off your first 3 months. ⁠http://quo.com/ownrops


🚀 Get ranked #1 On Google With Stryker Digital⁠ SEO: https://stryker-digital.com/?el=oo


Want to learn more about starting and scaling your own service-based business?

📰 Sign up for the OWNR OPS Newsletter: → ownrops.com/newsletter


Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes with entrepreneurs sharing their best insights and success stories!

Show more...
1 month ago
44 minutes 29 seconds

OWNR OPS Podcast
How To Scale Your Home Service Business with Steven Nash

What’s holding you back from scaling your service business?


In this episode of the OWNR OPS Podcast, Austin Gray interviews Steven Nash—private equity operator and partner to dozens of HVAC businesses.


Steven shares how he helps business owners go from $800K to $100M+ by solving one bottleneck at a time.


You’ll learn:

  • Why small businesses stay small—and how to break through

  • How to calculate your exact growth targets using simple math

  • The difference between working on vs. in your business

  • How systems, SOPs, and hiring checklists unlock freedom

  • What founders need to understand about finance and cash flow

  • The visionary vs. executor framework: when to pick your lane

If you’re a service-based business owner ready to scale with intention and accountability, this is the episode you’ve been waiting for.


🔥 Mentioned in This Episode 🔥


We use Jobber to manage our quoting, scheduling, & invoicing

➡️ Get 20% off your first 6 months here: https://go.getjobber.com/ownrops


📚 Bookkeeping: Get 50% off bookkeeping for 3 months with the Home Service Bookkeeping Pros:

https://dialedinbookkeeping.com/ownrops


🚀 Get ranked #1 On Google With Stryker Digital⁠ SEO: https://stryker-digital.com/?el=oo


Want to learn more about starting and scaling your own service-based business?

📰 Sign up for the OWNR OPS Newsletter: → ownrops.com/newsletter


Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes with entrepreneurs sharing their best insights and success stories!

Show more...
2 months ago
46 minutes 5 seconds

OWNR OPS Podcast
Profitbale FB Ads For Christmas Ligtht Biz

What happens when a college dropout takes massive action—twice a year?


In this episode, Austin Gray talks with Andrew Rampulla, the founder of two seasonal service businesses: a softwash company in New York and a Christmas lights company in Florida.


Andrew shares:


  • How he got his first client from a Facebook post

  • Why he alternates between NY and FL to maximize revenue

  • How he hires and builds systems for repeatable success

  • His content & review strategy to attract local leads

  • The key mindset shifts that helped him cross 6 figures

This episode is a must-listen for anyone building or scaling a local service business—especially if you’re tired of 9-to-5 and want to take control of your calendar.

Listen now and learn how to stack seasons, scale smart, and simplify your hustle.

🔗Follow Andrew on X: @rampulla_andrew

🔥 Mentioned in This Episode 🔥

We use Jobber to manage our quoting, scheduling, & invoicing➡️ Get 20% off your first 6 months here: https://go.getjobber.com/ownerops-spotify


📚 Bookkeeping: Get 50% off bookkeeping for 3 months with the Home Service Bookkeeping Pros: https://dialedinbookkeeping.com/ownrops


🚀 Get ranked #1 On Google With Stryker Digital⁠ SEO: https://stryker-digital.com/?el=oo


Want to learn more about starting and scaling your own service-based business?


📰 Sign up for the OWNR OPS Newsletter: → ownrops.com/newsletter


Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes with entrepreneurs sharing their best insights and success stories!

Show more...
2 months ago
50 minutes 9 seconds

OWNR OPS Podcast
Growing YouTube Followers to 264K While Building a Washing Business

💰 Join our Free OWNR OPS Skool Community to grow your local service biz:

➡️ https://skool.com/ownrops
In this episode of the OWNR OPS Podcast, I sit down with Spencer Claeys, an exterior home service business owner and YouTube creator with over 264,000 subscribers and viral TikTok success.

Spencer shares his journey from starting a roof washing business in Washington to building a loyal online following, all while staying true to what excites him most. We dive deep into content creation, entrepreneurship, and how to avoid being trapped by fear or low-ticket thinking.

This conversation isn’t just about business—it’s about life. We explore the power of flow state, why bigger-ticket services can be a game changer, and how faith and spirituality shape how we work, create, and live.

Inside the episode:


  • The moment Spencer quit sales to go all-in on content

  • How one viral tweet thread changed everything

  • His 4-part content flywheel (and how you can steal it)

  • SOPs, editing, and why he still does it all solo

    • How to build trust faster than attention
    • The creator mindset that makes content sustainable

  • Whether you’re a home service business owner, a content creator, or just looking for inspiration to live life on your terms, this episode will challenge you to think bigger, move with purpose, and create from your unique voice.🎙️ Tap in and take notes — Spencer doesn’t hold back.

  • 🔗 Follow Spencer Clay on:

    X: https://x.com/spencerclaeys

    IG: https://www.instagram.com/spencerclaeys/

    Get a copy of his book: The Official Roof and Gutter Cleaning Business Blueprint


    🔥 Mentioned in This Episode 🔥

    We use Jobber to manage our quoting, scheduling, & invoicing


    ➡️ Get 20% off your first 6 months here:

    https://go.getjobber.com/ownerops-spotify


    📚 Bookkeeping: Get 50% off bookkeeping for 3 months with the Home Service Bookkeeping Pros: https://dialedinbookkeeping.com/ownrops


    🚀 Get ranked #1 On Google With Stryker Digital⁠ SEO: https://stryker-digital.com/?el=oo


    Want to learn more about starting and scaling your own service-based business?

    📰 Sign up for the OWNR OPS Newsletter: → ownrops.com/newsletter


    Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes with entrepreneurs sharing their best insights and success stories!

    Show more...
    2 months ago
    1 hour 7 minutes 9 seconds

    OWNR OPS Podcast
    Build A 7-Figure Trade School Business with Hector Resendez

    💰 Join our Free OWNR OPS Skool Community to grow your local service biz: ➡️ https://skool.com/ownrops


    Austin Gray speaks with Hector Resendez, the mastermind behind Trade School Secrets, a unique platform that helps businesses solve their staffing problems by leveraging trade schools.


    Hector reveals how virtual reality is revolutionizing the traditional trade school model, making it faster and more accessible for people to gain certifications.


    Hector discusses:

    • The benefits of building a virtual trade school in today’s workforce

    • How to use the WIOA grant to fund your trade school tuition

    • The financial model behind scaling a successful trade school business

    • Why trade schools are a game changer for businesses struggling to find skilled talent

      How to position your trade school for an exit and add value to your business


    This episode is a must-listen for entrepreneurs, operators, and those interested in the future of education in skilled trades.


    Listen in and discover how you can scale a 7-figure trade school business that not only trains but provides long-term career opportunities.


    🔥 Mentioned in This Episode🔥

    We use Jobber to manage our quoting, scheduling, & invoicing

    ➡️ Get 20% off your first 6 months: https://go.getjobber.com/ownerops-spotify


    📚 Bookkeeping: Get 50% off bookkeeping for 3 months with the Home Service Bookkeeping Pros: https://dialedinbookkeeping.com/ownrops


    🚀 Get ranked #1 On Google With Stryker Digital⁠ SEO: https://stryker-digital.com/?el=oo


    Want to learn more about starting and scaling your own service-based business?

    📰 Sign up for the OWNR OPS Newsletter: → ownrops.com/newsletter


    Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes with entrepreneurs sharing their best insights and success stories!

    Show more...
    2 months ago
    42 minutes 56 seconds

    OWNR OPS Podcast
    How Real Service Businesses Are Using AI to Save Time, Cut Costs & Scale Faster

    💰 Join our Free OWNR OPS Skool Community to grow your local service biz: ➡️ https://skool.com/ownrops


    What happens when a $30M company replaces consultants with AI chatbots?

    Or when a snow plow business owner uses GoPros, Descript, and ChatGPT to build scalable SOPs?


    In this no-theory, boots-on-the-ground episode of the OWNR OPS Podcast, Nik of Nikonomics walks through:

    • Real-world AI use cases in manufacturing, sales, and onboarding

    • How to document your processes and train AI like an employee

    • Using ChatGPT to create SOPs, hire an assistant, and even outline job descriptions

    • The importance of learning AI before the inflection point hits

    • Tools like Limitless, OpenPhone, Descript, and custom GPTs

    If you're a small business owner looking to scale or streamline your ops with AI, this episode is your playbook.


    🔥 Mentioned in This Episode 🔥

    We use Jobber to manage our quoting, scheduling, & invoicing

    ➡️ Get 20% off your first 6 months here: https://go.getjobber.com/ownrops


    📚 Bookkeeping: Get 50% off bookkeeping for 3 months with the Home Service Bookkeeping Pros: https://dialedinbookkeeping.com/ownrops


    🚀 Get ranked #1 On Google With Stryker Digital⁠ SEO: https://stryker-digital.com/?el=oo


    Want to learn more about starting and scaling your own service-based business?📰


    Sign up for the OWNR OPS Newsletter: → ownrops.com/newsletter.


    Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes with entrepreneurs sharing their best insights and success stories!

    Show more...
    3 months ago
    48 minutes 1 second

    OWNR OPS Podcast
    Tim Built A $83k / Month Handyman Business

    💰 Join our Free OWNR OPS Skool Community to grow your local service biz: ➡️ https://skool.com/ownrops


    Can you really scale a handyman business to $1M in under 12 months? Tim Leary did—and he breaks down exactly how.


    Tim shares how he transitioned from real estate to handyman services and turned a few small jobs into a thriving local business in Salt Lake City. 


    From TV mounting and fencing to automated follow-ups, learn how he used Google LSA, a VA, and simple SOPs to unlock scale.


    You’ll hear:

    • Why TV mounting might be the easiest $300/hour service today

    • His conversion-boosting strategy: from 25% to 55%

    • How one full-time estimator cut lead spend by 75%

    • The tech stack powering his business (Go High Level, Housecall Pro, more)

    • The truth about pricing, branding, and customer experience

    • Why he’s open-sourcing his playbook and building niche software


    Whether you're a solo operator or building your first crew, this episode gives you tactical advice you can apply today. 


    And if you’ve ever said, “I just want a business I can start this week,”—this is your sign.


    🔥 Mentioned in This Episode 🔥

    We use Jobber to manage our quoting, scheduling, & invoicing

    ➡️ Get 20% off your first 6 months here: https://go.getjobber.com/ownrops


    📚 Bookkeeping: Get 50% off bookkeeping for 3 months with the Home Service Bookkeeping Pros: https://dialedinbookkeeping.com/ownrops


    🚀 Get ranked #1 On Google With Stryker Digital⁠ SEO: https://stryker-digital.com/?el=oo


    Want to learn more about starting and scaling your own service-based business?


    📰 Sign up for the OWNR OPS Newsletter: → ownrops.com/newsletter


    Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes with entrepreneurs sharing their best insights and success stories!

    Show more...
    3 months ago
    44 minutes 13 seconds

    OWNR OPS Podcast
    $5 Mastermind: How Shannon Jean Built a 39K Audience in Just 9 Months

    💰 Join our Free OWNR OPS Skool Community to grow your local service biz: ➡️ https://skool.com/ownrops


    How do you turn one viral auction post into a thriving $5 mastermind, multiple digital products, and high-ticket coaching? 


    Shannon Jean—serial entrepreneur and liquidation pro—breaks down his entire Whistle → Workhorse → Whale system:


    • The “auction whistle” that rocketed him from 500 → 39K followers

    • Crafting a simple PDF lead magnet that captured 1,000+ emails

    • Pricing (& repurposing) digital products on Gumroad and Kajabi

    • Building a global team and using Content OS to 10× content output

    • Creating the $5 Mastermind community as a low-friction funnel

    • When to raise prices on coaching and manage client demand

    • Delegation tips: freeing yourself from sales & ops to chase bigger plays

    If you’re ready to transform attention into scalable revenue—whether through newsletters, courses, or community—this episode is your playbook.


    Links & Resources


    • Follow Shannon on X: @ShannonJean


    •OWNR OPS Newsletter & tools: ownerops.com


    Rate ★★★★★ and follow the show to never miss a founder’s firsthand growth story!


    🔥 Mentioned in This Episode 🔥


    We use Jobber to manage our quoting, scheduling, & invoicing

    ➡️ Get 20% off your first 6 months here: https://go.getjobber.com/ownrops

    📚 Bookkeeping: Get 50% off bookkeeping for 3 months with the Home Service Bookkeeping Pros: https://dialedinbookkeeping.com/ownrops


    🚀 Get ranked #1 On Google With Stryker Digital⁠ SEO: https://stryker-digital.com/?el=oo


    Want to learn more about starting and scaling your own service-based business?


    📰 Sign up for the OWNR OPS Newsletter: → ownrops.com/newsletter


    Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes with entrepreneurs sharing their best insights and success stories!

    Show more...
    3 months ago
    51 minutes 43 seconds

    OWNR OPS Podcast
    Build A Brand That Speaks To Your Ideal Customer

    💰 Join our Free OWNR OPS Skool Community to grow your local service biz: ➡️ https://skool.com/ownrops


    Trades businesses often believe branding is just a logo or a truck wrap—but what if your brand could become your biggest growth driver?


    Austin Gray interviews Brian Sooy, a certified brand architect, StoryBrand consultant, and 30-year branding veteran who has helped hundreds of blue-collar businesses build brands that stand out, scale, and sell.


    Together, they explore:

      • The biggest branding mistakes service companies make
      • Why your brand starts with messaging—not visuals
      • How to reposition your brand without starting from scratch
      • The power of storytelling, emotional hooks, and customer-driven messaging
      • Brian’s CARE framework: Clarity, Alignment, Relevance, Experience
      • How Bear Claw is evolving from “land services” to “land beautification”
      • Why branding is the foundation for premium pricing and team attraction

    Whether you're just getting started or refining your message after years, this episode is packed with branding clarity and practical direction for the trades.

    Ready to make your brand famous? Tune in now.


    🔗 Follow Brian Sooy:X (Twitter): https://x.com/briansooy

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/briansooy


    🎁 Free Resources from Brian:

    ✅ Blue Collar Branding Checklist + Ella: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1veFd4KPXgltFxFnvS4y3L-6KX140H6YF/view?usp=sharing

    📘 Brian Sooy’s book Blue Collar Branding drops July 22 — a clear guide to help blue-collar businesses stand out.

    🚀Try Ella AI for free for 14 days: https://www.atomicelevator.com/bluecollarbranding

    🚀 Try StoryBrand AI – 7-Day FreeTrial: https://go.aespire.com/sbai/


    🔗 Follow Austin Gray:

    X (Twitter): https://x.com/theownerop


    Have a business question? Text 970-585-OWNR and we'll answer in live Q&A in a future episode!


    🔥 Mentioned in This Episode 🔥

    We use Jobber to manage our quoting, scheduling, & invoicing


    ➡️ Get 20% off your first 6 months here: https://go.getjobber.com/ownrops


    📚 Bookkeeping: Get 50% off bookkeeping for 3 months with the Home Service Bookkeeping Pros: https://dialedinbookkeeping.com/ownrops


    🚀 Get ranked #1 On Google With Stryker Digital⁠ SEO: https://stryker-digital.com/?el=oo


    Want to learn more about starting and scaling your own service-based business?

    📰 Sign up for the OWNR OPS Newsletter: → ownrops.com/newsletter


    Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes with entrepreneurs sharing their best insights and success stories!

    Show more...
    3 months ago
    49 minutes 22 seconds

    OWNR OPS Podcast
    How a $1.2K Facebook Ad Campaign Turned into $40K in Revenue

    💰 Join our Free OWNR OPS Skool Community to grow your local service biz: ➡️ https://skool.com/ownrops


    In this episode of OWNR OPS Podcast, Austin Gray sits down with Asa Hunt, the founder of Big Horn Painting, who transformed a layoff from his tech sales job into a thriving local business. 


    From growing his revenue to over $300K in his first year to scaling with a mix of Facebook Ads, networking, and smart referrals, Asa opens up about the early struggles and key strategies that led to success.


    Key Takeaways:

    • The importance of building referral relationships with roofers and property managers

    • Asa’s approach to Facebook Ads and why simple videos work

    • How to scale smarter with commercial jobs

    • Tips for creating high-converting email drip campaigns to nurture leads

    • Overcoming the fear of failure and finding success in entrepreneurship

    If you’re a local business owner or thinking of starting your own service-based business, don’t miss Asa’s actionable insights into building a business from scratch. 


    This episode is packed with real-world advice and inspiration for any entrepreneur aiming to make the leap to six figures—and beyond.


    Have a business question? Text 970-585-OWNR and we'll answer in live Q&A in a future episode!


    📚 Recommended Watch: Want to dive deeper into understanding Lifetime Value vs. Customer Acquisition Cost? Watch this breakdown by Alex Hormozi

    👉 https://youtu.be/jzKpAtzKQ54?si=uyw4jDxiRA2UlWZa


    🔥 Mentioned in This Episode 🔥

    We use Jobber to manage our quoting, scheduling, & invoicing


    ➡️ Get 20% off your first 6 months here: https://go.getjobber.com/ownrops

    📞 QUO- Business Phone System That Scales With You: Get 20% off your first 3 months. ⁠http://quo.com/ownrops

    🚀 Get ranked #1 on Google with Stryker Digital SEO: ⁠https://stryker-digital.com/?el=oo⁠


    Want to learn more about starting and scaling your own service-based business?


    📰 Sign up for the OWNR OPS Newsletter: → ownrops.com/newsletter


    Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes with entrepreneurs sharing their best insights and success stories!

    Show more...
    4 months ago
    55 minutes 28 seconds

    OWNR OPS Podcast
    $1.6M Painting BIZ Owner Built A Software Startup

    In this episode of the OWNR OPS Podcast, Austin Gray talks with Tanner Mullen—a founder who helped build and sell a business for a jaw-dropping 9-figure exit. 


    Now on his next mission, Tanner is building a startup in public and sharing everything he’s learned about hiring, delegation, scaling, and letting go of ego.


    This episode is packed with real-world founder lessons—from how Tanner built culture at scale, to why he let people quit, to the questions he asks in every final interview.


    Whether you’re just starting out or hiring your 20th employee, you’ll want to hear this.


    HIGHLIGHTS:

    00:00 – Intro: 9-figure exit and what’s next

    02:15 – Tanner’s biggest regret: Not slowing down after the sale

    03:40 – How ego held him back as a founder

    05:10 – Letting go: “People should quit if it’s not a fit”

    08:20 – Scaling culture while scaling teams

    11:30 – Why he stopped chasing growth for growth’s sake

    14:00 – The one question he asks in every final interview

    17:15 – Tanner’s next chapter: Building in public

    20:00 – Hiring advice: What he looks for in operators

    22:45 – Coaching, mental health, and founder identity

    26:00 – Advice for founders who feel stuck or lonely

    29:10 – How much freedom do you really want?


    —

    🔗 Connect with Tanner Mullen on Twitter: https://x.com/tannerdripjobs


    🔥 Mentioned in This Episode 🔥

    We use Jobber to manage our quoting, scheduling, & invoicing

    ➡️ Get 20% off your first 6 months here: https://go.getjobber.com/ownrops


    📚 Bookkeeping: Get 50% off bookkeeping for 3 months with the Home Service Bookkeeping Pros: https://dialedinbookkeeping.com/ownrops


    🚀 Get ranked #1 On Google With Stryker Digital⁠ SEO: https://stryker-digital.com/?el=oo


    Want to learn more about starting and scaling your own service-based business?

    📰 Sign up for the OWNR OPS Newsletter: → ownrops.com/newsletter


    💰 Join our Free OWNR OPS Skool Community to grow your local service biz: ➡️ https://skool.com/ownrops

    Show more...
    4 months ago
    1 hour 5 minutes 24 seconds

    OWNR OPS Podcast
    Starting a business by offering a service to your local community is one of the greatest entrepreneurial opportunities of our time. While most people search for a remote job and try to build the next tech unicorn, you can start a business in your own back yard. Join your host, Austin Gray, as he shares tips from behind the scenes of starting and growing his own local service businesses in bite sized <10 min episodes. PLUS, tune in for special guest interviews, where Austin hosts other entrepreneurs who have started local service businesses in markets across the US.