Contractors are drowning in software. In this episode, Bill Brown sits down with Jenny Benbrook of Powerhouse Consulting Group to show you how to replace “shiny-object” chaos with a clear technology roadmap tied to business goals. We cover when ServiceTitan actually makes sense, how to fix foundations before layering AI, and the real costs of duplicate tools, unused licenses, and DIY implementations. What you’ll learn: Why a tech roadmap belongs next to your marketing budget The minimum viable foundation before turning on inventory, reporting, or AI How to size ServiceTitan adoption by company stage and goals CRP (Contractor Resource Planning): budget, stack selection, and rollout Avoiding hidden profit killers: tool overlap, poor onboarding, bad data Accountability loops for tools like Rilla/SalesPro and AI coaching The five vendor-evaluation questions to ask every time Topics discussed: ServiceTitan optimization, third-party vs native tools, Atlas expectations, inventory prerequisites, data trust and dashboards, PE/operator viewpoints, change management, SOPs, and realistic onboarding timelines. Guest:Jenny Benbrook, Powerhouse Consulting Group — ServiceTitan Titanium Partner helping contractors optimize core systems and design right-sized tech stacks. Who this is for: Owners, GMs, and ops leaders who want fewer tabs, cleaner data, and software that actually drives profit. Subscribe for more: AI, automation, pricing, and ops that work in the field. 👉 Join the ServiceTitan Hacks Facebook Group: Connect with 9,000+ ServiceTitan power users. Access free resources, AI automations, and proven tactics contractors are using to boost revenue. https://go.st-hacks.cc/servicetitanhacks Guest Links: Website: https://mypowerhouse.group/

Struggling to grow your HVAC business beyond the truck? 🚐💨 In this episode, HVAC industry veteran and coach Kelley McKay shares the exact mindset shifts, processes, and strategies that helped him scale from technician to building a sustainable, scalable, and sellable company. Learn how to recognize your limitations, pivot from working in your business to working on it, and train a team you can trust. Kelley and host Bill Brown dive deep into the real challenges contractors face—burnout, mindset traps, financial pitfalls, pricing mistakes—and how to overcome them with proven systems. What you’ll learn in this episode: ✅ How to step back from the daily grind and identify new growth opportunities ✅ Why processes and accountability are non-negotiable to scale ✅ The truth about branding, sales, and customer relationships in HVAC ✅ How to transition from surviving on service calls to building long-term value ✅ Lessons learned from failing forward, lawsuits, and even running a company remotely About the guest: Kelley McKay is an HVAC expert, author, and business coach with nearly 30 years in the trades. As co-founder of HVAC Millionaire University and Amplified Life Collective, he helps contractors escape the truck, grow profits, and build businesses that don’t rely solely on them. 🎁 Free Giveaway: Kelley is offering a free VIP game plan session to anyone who registers for his next Book More Calls, Close More Deals masterclass. Details at Hvacmillionaire.com 👉 Join the ServiceTitan Hacks Facebook Group: Connect with 9,000+ ServiceTitan power users. Access free resources, AI automations, and proven tactics contractors are using to boost revenue. https://go.st-hacks.cc/servicetitanhacks Guest Links: Website: Hvacmillionaire.com YouTube: https://youtube.com/@hvacmillionaire TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@coach_kelleyListen in and discover how to break free from the truck and finally build the business you’ve always envisioned. 🚀

Trades coaching myths exposed: Learn why cookie-cutter playbooks don’t work and how to fix your P&L, operations, and buy-in issues for real growth. 🚀 Contractors will walk away knowing exactly what to prioritize to scale from $1M to $10M and beyond. In this episode, Bill Brown sits down with Norris Ayvazian, founder of Service Crucible, to unpack: • Why most financials are set up incorrectly and how to fix your chart of accounts 📊 • The 3 P&L red flags contractors overlook (commissions, advertising, wages) • How private equity views home services and what contractors can learn from it 💰 • The importance of natural team buy-in vs. forced change • Marketing spend and customer acquisition: treating channels like stock investments 📈 • Building an AI-powered knowledge base to capture processes and eliminate inefficiency 🤖 • The role of memberships, LTV, and service-to-install balance in long-term profit This is a straight-shooting conversation about what’s broken in contractor coaching and how to build a business that customers, employees, and even investors value. 👉 Join the ServiceTitan Hacks Facebook Group Connect with 9,000+ ServiceTitan power users. Access free resources, AI automations, and revenue-boosting tactics tested in the field by contractors like you. https://go.st-hacks.cc/servicetitanhacks Guest: Norris Ayvazian | Service Crucible https://servicecrucible.com/

Bill Brown interviews Tersh Blissett and Josh Crouch about the real difference between automation and AI, and how HVAC, plumbing, and electrical businesses are using processes, automations, and AI to save time and scale. They share hands-on examples, common tools, and why automation often comes before meaningful AI in the trades. Key takeaways include documenting and optimizing processes, automating repetitive tasks (especially those done three or more times per week), using tools like Zapier and custom GPTs, and implementing transparent pricing and follow-up automations. The episode also highlights their Tap into the Future event in Savannah, Oct 3–5, with live automation workshops. AI vs automation in the trades: what's the difference and how should contractors actually be using these tools? In this episode, Bill Brown sits down with Tersh Blissett (Trade Automation Pros, Service Business Mastery Podcast) and Josh Crouch (Relentless Digital) to break down real-world AI and automation use cases in HVAC, plumbing, and electrical businesses. You’ll learn how top contractors are saving hours with smart automations, where AI actually fits in, and how to avoid wasted tools that don’t move the needle. The guys share industry stories, tech stacks, practical starting points, and predictions for how service businesses will look in 2030. What you’ll hear in this episode: ✅ AI vs automation in the trades (what contractors really need) ✅ Building systems and processes that scale ✅ Tools like Zapier, CastMagic, Plaud, and PhoneTap explained ✅ How AI agents are already changing workflows in service companies ✅ Hiring, training, and SOP automation tips ✅ Predictions for pricing, private equity, and the future of sales in the trades 📍 Event: Tap into the Future – AI and Automation Unleashed, October 3-5 in Savannah, GA (with the Savannah Bananas) 👉 https://tapintothefuture.ai/👉 Join the ServiceTitan Hacks Facebook Group: Connect with 9,000+ ServiceTitan power users. Access free resources, AI automations, and revenue-boosting tactics tested in the field by contractors like you. https://go.st-hacks.cc/servicetitanhacks Guests: Tersh Blissett – Co-Founder, Trade Automation Pros | Host, Service Business Mastery Podcast | HVAC Top 40 Under 40 Josh Crouch – CEO, Relentless Digital | Marketing Automation Expert | HVAC Top 40 Under 40

AI call handling is transforming home service businesses. In this episode, we dive into how AI voice assistants are booking jobs, capturing every call, and outperforming traditional call centers. Can contractors who don’t adopt AI survive the next 5 years? Nate Keller from Free-2-Grow.com joins to explain how their AI-powered voice platform helps HVAC, plumbing, and electrical companies answer every call 24/7, integrate directly with ServiceTitan and other CRMs, and boost booking rates up to 80%. We cover real results from the field, fears about customer experience, and what the future of AI means for CSRs and technicians. What you’ll learn in this episode: 📞 How AI voice captures 100% of inbound calls, including after-hours and overflow ⚡ Why contractors using human-only call centers are seeing lower booking rates 📊 Metrics to track to know if AI is working inside ServiceTitan 🤖 How AI is trained to sound natural, empathetic, and aligned with your brand 💡 Where AI is headed next: from outbound scheduling to helping techs in the field Case studies covered: ✅ JM Mechanical (HVAC): 70%+ booking rate with faster follow-up ✅ Mr. Electric of Delaware: 79% booking with 24/7 AI coverage ✅ By the Book Plumbing: 100% call capture and consistent conversions Nate also shares insights on onboarding, CSR adoption, customer sentiment, and why call centers are rapidly shifting from human labor to AI-first technology. 🚀 Join the ServiceTitan Hacks Facebook Group: Connect with 9,000+ ServiceTitan power users. Access free resources, AI automations, and revenue-boosting tactics tested in the field by contractors like you. https://go.st-hacks.cc/servicetitanhacks Guest: Nate Keller, Chief Sales Officer at Free-2-Grow.com Free-2-Grow specializes in AI-powered voice solutions for home service businesses. Learn more about Free-2-Grow 👉 https://go.st-hacks.cc/free-2-grow

Homeowners are no longer just searching on Google — they’re turning to AI engines like ChatGPT and Perplexity. Is your contracting business ready for Local SEO, Core SEO, and Omni SEO? In this episode, Bill Brown and guest Cory Cullather from WebFX break down how AI-driven search is rewriting the rules and what contractors must do to rank where homeowners are actually looking 👀 You’ll learn: ✅ Why most contractors quit SEO too early and how long ROI really takes ✅ The difference between Local SEO, Core SEO, and Omni/AI Engine SEO ✅ How to align marketing expectations with execution so agencies don’t “burn the bridge” ✅ Why brand strength influences customer acquisition costs more than ads ✅ The future of lead attribution with ServiceTitan and CRM integrations ✅ What private equity really looks for in contractors during acquisitions Whether you're roofing, HVAC, or another trade, this conversation uncovers the mindset shifts and strategies needed to build a durable online brand in 2025 and beyond. Join the ServiceTitan Hacks Facebook Group 👇 Connect with 9,000+ ServiceTitan power users. Access free resources, AI automations, and revenue-boosting tactics tested in the field by contractors like you. 👉 https://go.st-hacks.cc/servicetitanhacks Guest: Cory Cullather, WebFX

Struggling to scale your home service business without wasting thousands on bad marketing? In this episode of Home Service Hacks, Jason Jackson of Growth Pro Agency shares the costly mistakes he made as a contractor-turned-agency owner and how you can avoid them. Learn why leads aren’t your real problem, how to win customers in the first 10 seconds, and the systems that actually move the needle. Jason and Bill dive deep into: ✅ How to choose a marketing company you can actually trust ✅ The difference between needing more leads vs. needing a better system ✅ Why patience in marketing ROI separates winners from bankruptcies ✅ How to maximize customer lifetime value and retention ✅ The practical steps to protect yourself from predatory lead-gen companies If you’ve ever felt burned by fake promises or wasted ad spend, this episode will help you reset, refocus, and build long-term growth. 🎁 Jason is also giving away a free 60‑minute marketing audit to help contractors uncover hidden opportunities in their business. 👉 Join the ServiceTitan Hacks Facebook Group: Connect with 9,000+ ServiceTitan power users. Access free resources, AI automations, and revenue-boosting tactics tested in the field by contractors like you. https://go.st-hacks.cc/servicetitanhacks Guest: Jason Jackson, Founder of Growth Pro Agency Website: www.growthproagency.com Skool Community: https://www.skool.com/thecopproject/about?ref=58ee56fd5aa84f74a5727e310198453e

In this episode of the Home Service Hacks podcast, join Bill Brown as he delves into the art of scaling home service businesses with Kelly Mesaris, VP of Special Operations at LB Capital. Discover how Kelly's journey from HVAC to roofing has equipped her with the expertise to transform businesses into private equity-ready assets in a short time span. Learn the importance of investing in technology like Service Titan and building a solid tech stack to stay ahead of competitors. Kelly shares the strategic steps her team deploys – from sales training to rebranding – to ensure rapid growth and successful exits. Get insights into their proven playbook, used to turn struggling businesses into thriving entities in record time. Moreover, Kelly discusses her advocacy for women in trades, emphasizing the significance of proving oneself in a male-dominated industry. This episode is a wealth of knowledge for contractors looking to elevate their business and offers a glimpse into the power of a dedicated and cohesive team. If you're a home service contractor looking to scale, sell, or just streamline your operations — this episode is pure gold. 🔗 Get the LB Capital Playbook: https://lbachmanncapital.com/playbook... 📘 First 10 listeners get a signed copy of All In by Lance Bachmann  

In this episode of the Home Service Hacks podcast, host Bill Brown is joined by Kristen Deese, the founder of Virtual CFO for The Trades, to illuminate the path to financial clarity for contractors. Together, they delve into critical conversations about gross profit margins, overhead management, and understanding the essential financial statements that can transform a business from struggling to successful. Kristen shares her journey from helping her husband's home service business to becoming a trusted advisor to countless contractors across the nation. With practical advice on finding the right bookkeeper, understanding the roles within your accounting department, and the often overlooked significance of a Virtual CFO, listeners will gain valuable knowledge to strengthen their financial understanding. If you've ever wondered why some contractors thrive while others barely survive, this episode provides actionable insights into leveraging your financial data for growth and stability. Whether you're a startup seeking foundational advice or an established business aiming to refine your processes, this conversation sheds light on the financial strategies that truly matter. Learn More About Kristen here 👉 https://www.kristendeese.com/

Welcome to another exciting episode of the Home Service Hacks podcast with Bill Brown, your go-to source for contractor success strategies in the HVAC industry. In this episode, we're joined by Wes and Andrew from SmartAC.com, who share their innovative approach to revolutionizing HVAC memberships. Discover how SmartAC is helping contractors enhance customer loyalty, reduce unnecessary truck rolls, and increase retention rates with their unique data-driven solutions. Learn about the origins of SmartAC, the challenges they've overcome, and how they empower contractors with tools and strategies that exceed traditional membership models. Dive into insightful discussions on best practices for integrating SmartAC's technology, maximizing customer engagement, and leveraging data to transform your HVAC business. Whether you're new to the concept or looking to take your operations to the next level, this episode is packed with valuable insights and actionable advice. Learn More about SmartAC 👉 https://go.st-hacks.cc/smart-ac  

In this episode of the Home Service Hacks podcast, join host Bill Brown as he engages in an insightful conversation with Jim, the innovative mind behind iWallet. Dive into the core challenges of the trade industry that iWallet aims to solve, specifically focusing on the cumbersome processes of check deposits and payment systems. Explore the journey of iWallet, from its inception rooted in simplifying credit card processing to becoming a pioneering payment solution with features like Tap-to-Pay and advanced mobile check deposits. Jim shares the pain points faced by technicians and how iWallet eases their payment operations, ensuring trust and convenience for the consumers. Additionally, discover the groundbreaking technologies introduced by iWallet, such as voice AI phone payments, and the significance of PCI compliance in protecting business owners from potential liabilities. This episode is a must-listen for contractors seeking to enhance operational efficiency and cost savings in their payment procedures. Learn more about iWallet Today: https://go.st-hacks.cc/iwallet

In this exciting episode of Home Service Hacks, host Bill Brown dives deep into the world of AI in the home services industry. Joined by Ben Brimacombe from Free2Grow, they explore how AI voice technology is reshaping the contractor landscape by booking jobs, ensuring no calls are missed, and questioning the future role of traditional CSRs. The conversation uncovers the origins of Free2Grow and the passion-driven decision to focus on home services, highlighting the critical nature of every customer call. Discover how AI voice works seamlessly with CRMs to deliver intelligent, human-like interactions, and the potential this technology has to elevate customer service standards. Listen in as Bill and Ben stress-test AI with live demo calls, showcase its sophisticated decision-making capabilities, and discuss its impact on customer relations. With insights into upcoming features, industry partnerships, and the AI's adaptability, this episode is a must-listen for anyone in the trades looking to embrace the future of service. Learn more about Volca.AI here 👉 sthacks.cc/free-2-grow

Join Bill Brown on the Home Service Hacks podcast as he delves into the innovative solutions offered by Wink Toolbox. In this episode, Timothy Wood from Wink shares how their cutting-edge OCR technology and seamless integration with ServiceTitan are transforming the way contractors manage operations, from automated data entry to dynamic reporting and accounting integration. Discover how Wink is helping contractors enhance efficiency and accuracy by automating tedious processes like invoice management, job costing, and custom reporting. Learn about the real impact of reducing manual data entry and improving pricing accuracy on profitability and trust within teams. With insights into future AI capabilities and personalized coaching, Wink aims to eliminate operational pain points and elevate contractors to scale their businesses effortlessly. Tune in for an enlightening conversation on marrying technology with home services for unparalleled success. Learn more about Wink Toolbox:👉 sthacks.cc/wink Or, book a demo here: 👉 sthacks.cc/wink-demo

What if your referral program could run completely in the background — no follow-ups, no manual tracking, no chasing down payouts? In this episode of Home Service Hacks, I sit down with Brendan Kazanjian, co-founder of Volca AI, to talk about how his team is revolutionizing referrals for contractors. We dive into: Why most referral programs fail How Volca simplifies and automates referrals using a single phone number Real-world results from contractors using Volca Why in-person onboarding still matters in a tech-first world The future of AI in home services — and who’s building tools that actually help contractors Whether you're buried in manual processes or looking for ways to grow smarter, this conversation is full of practical insight and real innovation. Volca isn’t just another tool — it’s a game-changer for generating leads and building loyalty. Learn more about Volca.AI here 👉 sthacks.cc/volca