In this week’s episode, we chat with Derrek Hofrichter and we discuss strategies for HVAC companies to avoid the post-summer business slowdown by implementing effective marketing, operations, and pipeline management techniques. We also discuss the importance of planning in June and July to impact the off-season positively. Key points include the necessity of selling maintenance agreements, proper pricing, and spiffing of techs to ensure a high close rate, understanding and using customer databases for targeted marketing, and correctly dispatching techs based on their skills and customer needs. Throughout the episode we emphasize the importance of being proactive rather than reactive to maintain revenue throughout the year.  ----- Additional Resources ➡️ Schedule a FREE Marketing Assessment today: https://lokalhq.com/marketing-assessment/ ----- The Boost, a podcast for home service contractors. Join CMO of Lokal, Zach Wilson, as he explores leaders & innovators in home services, their personal journeys, thoughts and experiences with growth, marketing, and succession. Lokal digital marketing works exclusively with contractors specializing in HVAC, roofing, plumbing, and garage door companies to conquer their local turf and grow exponentially. All Aboard the Longship! Powered by Vikings™. For marketing tips, follow Zach Wilson on Instagram, TikTok, or Facebook.

In this week’s episode, we chat with Bryce Lawerence, Founder of Vanguard Partners. Bryce shares his journey, revealing his background as a professional fighter who transitioned into the trades due to life circumstances. He explains how he got involved in multiple home service businesses in Florida and Texas. The discussion delves into the unique branding of Bryce's business 'Goat Air,' especially the influence of local culture on their marketing strategies. Bryce talks about the pivotal moment when he decided to focus on improving the financial and operational efficiencies of small businesses. He explains how Vanguard Partners assists business owners in understanding their financials, including their break-even points, gross profit margins, and overhead costs. The podcast highlights common misconceptions about business financials and the importance of knowing one's numbers to ensure profitability and scalability. Bryce provides insights into managing cash flow, especially in fluctuating markets. Towards the end, they discuss strategies for pricing services in a way that builds customer trust, and Bryce elaborates on the challenges of labor costs and overhead expenses that business owners often face.   Key Takeaways: Understand Your Financials: It's essential for small business owners to understand their gross profit, overhead costs, and break-even points to make informed operational decisions. Preparation for Succession or Sale: Business owners preparing for succession or sale need to start optimizing their EBITDA early. This includes understanding true overhead costs, ensuring labor costs are in check, and planning for different sale or succession scenarios. Holistic Approach: Good management in a trade business combines both financial acumen and operational insights. Knowing how to interpret and utilize financial data to make operational decisions is key to long-term success. Value of Running a Tight Ship: Efficient financial and operational management can significantly increase a business's profitability from the industry average of 6% net profit to potentially up to 35%. This includes knowing key KPIs, controlling labor costs, and carefully managing overhead expenses. ----- Additional Resources ➡️ Schedule a FREE Marketing Assessment today: https://lokalhq.com/marketing-assessment/ ----- 👉 Connect with Bryce Lawrence  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bryce.lawrence.56 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebrycelawrence/ Website: https://www.discovervanguard.com/ ----- The Boost, a podcast for home service contractors. Join CMO of Lokal, Zach Wilson, as he explores leaders & innovators in home services, their personal journeys, thoughts and experiences with growth, marketing, and succession. Lokal digital marketing works exclusively with contractors specializing in HVAC, roofing, plumbing, and garage door companies to conquer their local turf and grow exponentially. All Aboard the Longship! Powered by Vikings™. For marketing tips, follow Zach Wilson on Instagram, TikTok, or Facebook.

In this week’s episode, we chat with Matt Ballard, CEO at Sunrise Mechanical. Matt shares his personal journey, starting from his exposure to the air conditioning service business at a young age through his father’s company in Las Vegas. He recounts his experience in various roles, ranging from sweeping warehouses to sales, and eventually operations. Matt highlights his time in the private equity sector and his return to the family business, emphasizing the challenges and lessons learned along the way. The discussion includes an analysis of the acquisition of Sunrise Mechanical and Sunrise Services, detailing the transition and the strategies implemented for sustainable growth. Multiple aspects are covered, such as operational efficiencies, customer acquisition, and innovative marketing approaches.  The podcast closes with Matt’s thoughts on maintaining a delicate balance between growth and employee well-being, emphasizing the need to sustain high levels of production without overworking the staff.   Key Takeaways: Customer Acquisition Strategy: by capturing customer information at the time of installation in new homes, the company effectively acquires new customers with minimal costs.  Decoupling Relationships from Owners: The success of Sunrise Mechanical in new construction was attributed to decoupling key relationships from the business owners. This ensured smooth transitions when ownership changed, as the relationships were deeply embedded with various levels of staff rather than just the owners. Operational Efficiency and Training: The company places a strong emphasis on operational efficiency and rigorous training. This includes establishing stringent processes and ensuring all team members are clear on their roles, contributing to the high performance and profitability of the construction division. ----- Additional Resources ➡️ Schedule a FREE Marketing Assessment today: https://lokalhq.com/marketing-assessment/ ----- 👉 Connect with Connect with Matt Ballard X: https://x.com/mballard83 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mattnkeri ----- The Boost, a podcast for home service contractors. Join CMO of Lokal, Zach Wilson, as he explores leaders & innovators in home services, their personal journeys, thoughts and experiences with growth, marketing, and succession. Lokal digital marketing works exclusively with contractors specializing in HVAC, roofing, plumbing, and garage door companies to conquer their local turf and grow exponentially. All Aboard the Longship! Powered by Vikings™. For marketing tips, follow Zach Wilson on Instagram, TikTok, or Facebook.

In this week’s episode, we have Jessica Weaver, General Manager of Weaver Heating and Air. Jessica shares her journey into the family business, which began with her father's rule to work outside the family business to gain experience. She discusses her varied career path, including stints at Georgia Power, Shaw Industries, and a brief period as a high school teacher. Jessica details her eventual decision to join the family business, her initial experiences working directly in the field, and the challenges she faced, including dealing with internal corruption. She emphasizes the importance of hard work, gaining respect, and the significance of building a strong team. Jessica also highlights the role of community involvement in her business strategy and the unique succession plan she and her father have in place. The episode provides valuable insights into family business dynamics, leadership, and effective succession planning.   Key Takeaways: Learning from Challenges: Encountering and overcoming corruption in the family business taught Jessica the importance of checks and balances within business operations. Her structured, redundancy-filled approach ensures transparency and accountability. Respect and Team Building: Earning respect through hard work, Jessica initially worked in the field under challenging conditions. This hands-on experience helped her build a reliable and committed team. Adapting Management Styles: Transitioning from a very hands-on to a more strategic, on-the-business management style, Jessica emphasizes the importance of middle management to maintain operational efficiency. ----- Additional Resources ➡️ Schedule a FREE Marketing Assessment today: https://lokalhq.com/marketing-assessment/ ----- 👉 Connect with Weaver Heating and Air https://weaverheatingandairinc.com/ ----- The Boost, a podcast for home service contractors. Join CMO of Lokal, Zach Wilson, as he explores leaders & innovators in home services, their personal journeys, thoughts and experiences with growth, marketing, and succession. Lokal digital marketing works exclusively with contractors specializing in HVAC, roofing, plumbing, and garage door companies to conquer their local turf and grow exponentially. All Aboard the Longship! Powered by Vikings™. For marketing tips, follow Zach Wilson on Instagram, TikTok, or Facebook.

In this week’s episode, we chat with Dominick Blue, Founder and Chief Executive of Nostra Group.  Dominick discuss his entrepreneurial journey and the evolution of his business model. Dominic shares his background, starting from a small town in North Carolina with early ventures like a lawn mowing business and a paper route, to his time in the Marine Corps, and eventually transitioning into the tech industry. He talks about founding Nostra Group with a focus on acquiring small family-owned businesses in the home services industries. Dominic dives into his first acquisition in the air duct cleaning industry, Pure Air SD, discussing the factors that made the deal attractive, such as its cash-on-delivery model and a solid management team. He also highlights lessons learned, including the importance of examining asset quality and the challenges of managing customer expectations. The conversation shifts to Dominic's second acquisition in the HVAC industry with Air ASAP, including the complexities of merging businesses and maintaining growth while managing cash flow. Dominic emphasizes the importance of building relationships with brokers and bankers, which facilitated his acquisition deals. Dominic also shares his strategy for scaling Nostra Group, which includes organic growth, bolt-on acquisitions, and potential spinoffs. He talks about the challenges of balancing marketing with service capacity and the importance of not growing too quickly. Throughout the podcast, Dominic's dedication to hard work, community leadership, and customer trust shines through. Tune in to hear Dominic's unique perspective on entrepreneurship, acquisition strategies, and building a successful business from the ground up.   Key Takeaways: Understanding Your Role: Zero to One vs. One to 100: Dominic emphasizes the importance of recognizing whether you excel at creating new ideas (zero to one) or scaling existing ones (one to 100). Knowing your strengths can help focus your efforts in the right areas. Build Strong Relationships: Relationships with brokers, bankers, and other professionals can unlock unexpected opportunities. Dominic's networking led to introductions that were crucial in his acquisition journey. Quality of Revenue and Customers: It's essential to evaluate the quality of revenue and the type of customers a business attracts before acquisition. Poor quality can affect sustainability and growth post-acquisition. Importance of Diligence: Thorough due diligence, including checking the condition of assets and interviewing customers, can prevent costly oversights. Dominic learned this the hard way with fleet issues post-acquisition. ----- Additional Resources ➡️ Schedule a FREE Marketing Assessment today: https://lokalhq.com/marketing-assessment/ ----- 👉 Connect with Dominick Blue LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dominickblue/ X: https://x.com/dominick_blue Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/justindominickblue Website: https://www.nostragroup.com/ ----- The Boost, a podcast for home service contractors. Join CMO of Lokal, Zach Wilson, as he explores leaders & innovators in home services, their personal journeys, thoughts and experiences with growth, marketing, and succession. Lokal digital marketing works exclusively with contractors specializing in HVAC, roofing, plumbing, and garage door companies to conquer their local turf and grow exponentially. All Aboard the Longship! Powered by Vikings™. For marketing tips, follow Zach Wilson on Instagram, TikTok, or Facebook.

In this week’s episode, we chat with Dillon Caraway, Loan Officer at Live Oak Bank. We talked about Dillon's work as a loan officer and how he helps home service contractors, specifically in the HVAC, plumbing, and electrical industries, reach their business and financial goals. We also discussed different types of financing, such as acquisition financing, commercial real estate purchases, working capital, debt refinancing, and specific products like the SBA 7(a) program.  Dillon also talks about the importance of good cash flow, succession planning, and the unique lending approach of Live Oak Bank, which focuses on cash flow rather than collateral. Finally, the episode highlights some of the complexities and common pitfalls in the loan approval and closing processes. Dillon emphasizes the importance of clean financial books and proper planning for business owners looking to buy or sell a business.   Key Takeaways: Challenges in Today's Market: Finding and retaining talent is a significant challenge. Buying a business involves more than revenue and profits; employee retention is key. Challenges with Traditional Banks: Traditional banks may not always understand the specific needs and risks associated with home service businesses, making specialized lenders like Live Oak Bank a valuable partner. Importance of Clean Financial Records: Having clean and accurate financial records can simplify the financing process and make a business more attractive to potential buyers. Navigating Business Acquisitions: The example of a $600k business acquisition financed through an SBA 7(a) loan illustrates how existing business assets can be leveraged to fund growth without upfront cash. ----- Additional Resources ➡️ Schedule a FREE Marketing Assessment today: https://lokalhq.com/marketing-assessment/ ----- 👉 Connect with Dillion Caraway LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dilloncaraway/ Website: https://www.liveoakbank.com/ ----- The Boost, a podcast for home service contractors. Join CMO of Lokal, Zach Wilson, as he explores leaders & innovators in home services, their personal journeys, thoughts and experiences with growth, marketing, and succession. Lokal digital marketing works exclusively with contractors specializing in HVAC, roofing, plumbing, and garage door companies to conquer their local turf and grow exponentially. All Aboard the Longship! Powered by Vikings™. For marketing tips, follow Zach Wilson on Instagram, TikTok, or Facebook.

In this week’s episode, we chat with John Cerasuolo, CEO of The Leap Partners.  John shares his experience in conducting roll-ups and the strategy behind LEAP Partners, emphasizing the company's approach to integrating small businesses while preserving their local brands, owners, and employees.  The conversation touches upon the importance of internal call centers over outsourcing, and how LEAP Partners focuses on improving leadership and operations at the branch level. John also highlights the typical financial metrics they look for when acquiring businesses and discusses the strategies for value creation post-acquisition. Finally, John shares how potential sellers can reach out to LEAP Partners and explains the company's lead generation strategy, principally involving direct mailing and word-of-mouth referrals.   Key Takeaways: The Roll-up strategy: Combining several small companies to form a larger entity can significantly increase its value and efficiency Focus on customer experience: Ensuring that customer-facing staff are well-trained and satisfied in their roles can significantly impact the business's success. Profit margins: Healthy profit margins are vital, but sometimes low margins can be addressed through better pricing strategies and operational improvements.  The importance of culture: Businesses do not have to be perfect, but they need a strong culture centered around taking care of employees and customers ----- Additional Resources ➡️ Schedule a FREE Marketing Assessment today: https://lokalhq.com/marketing-assessment/ ----- 👉 Connect with John Cerasuolo LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johncerasuolo Website: https://www.theleappartners.com ----- The Boost, a podcast for home service contractors. Join CMO of Lokal, Zach Wilson, as he explores leaders & innovators in home services, their personal journeys, thoughts and experiences with growth, marketing, and succession. Lokal digital marketing works exclusively with contractors specializing in HVAC, roofing, plumbing, and garage door companies to conquer their local turf and grow exponentially. All Aboard the Longship! Powered by Vikings™. For marketing tips, follow Zach Wilson on Instagram, TikTok, or Facebook.

Today we chat with Craig Wendel, Managing Director of Align Business Advisory Services. In this episode, we explore various aspects of mergers and acquisitions within the home services industry, focusing on HVAC, plumbing, electrical, and exterior businesses. Greg shares invaluable insights into business valuations, transaction structures, and the current market landscape that you don’t want to miss. Finally, Greg shares with our listeners anecdotes about some of the best and worst transactions he's been involved in and offers advice for business owners looking to sell. He highlights the need for proper documentation, maintaining business performance, and the importance of understanding the true value of equity.   Key Takeaways: Market Fragmentation: Greg emphasized that the trades industry is highly fragmented, creating opportunities for larger firms to acquire smaller, family-owned businesses. Key Factors in Successful Transactions: High-performing businesses with leadership in place and streamlined operations tend to fetch higher multiples in M&A transactions. Region Focus: There's a heavy investor focus on Sunbelt states, including Florida, Texas, and Arizona, due to their volatile weather patterns and market conditions. Challenges in M&A: Even the best deals can face issues like missing documents and fluctuating business performance, which can delay or complicate transactions. ----- Additional Resources ➡️ Schedule a FREE Marketing Assessment today: https://lokalhq.com/marketing-assessment/ ----- 👉 Connect with Craig Wendel LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craig-wendel-9a58482a Website: https://alignba.com ----- The Boost, a podcast for home service contractors. Join CMO of Lokal, Zach Wilson, as he explores leaders & innovators in home services, their personal journeys, thoughts and experiences with growth, marketing, and succession. Lokal digital marketing works exclusively with contractors specializing in HVAC, roofing, plumbing, and garage door companies to conquer their local turf and grow exponentially. All Aboard the Longship! Powered by Vikings™. For marketing tips, follow Zach Wilson on Instagram, TikTok, or Facebook.

In this week’s episode, we chat with Kristen & Justin Desee.  The pair has been described as  ‘down to earth’, ‘low-key’, ‘no drama’, ‘fun’, ‘caring’, ‘attentive’,  ‘logical’, and ‘smart’. They co-authored “When Your Business Partner Is Your Spouse" We discuss their experiences in building, buying, and selling multiple home service businesses. They also share lessons learned from their business ventures, including handling transitions, maintaining company culture, and the critical role of efficient customer service representatives (CSRs) in driving business success. Finally, we discuss their recent partnership with Leap Partners, the process of selling their business while ensuring a seamless transition for their team, and Justin’s role in assisting with Leap's acquisition strategies.    Key Takeaways: Transparency in Business Transitions: The importance of being transparent with the leadership team and employees about future business goals. This transparency helps in securing employee buy-in and maintaining morale during periods of intense growth and potential change. Mentorship and External Training: The importance of seeking mentorship and external training for business development. Engaging with experienced professionals is essential for business growth and personal development. Employee Investment: Investing in employees through training and development is crucial. Quality customer service representatives (CSRs) dramatically impact business performance, and internal training can maintain high standards, particularly in client-facing roles. ----- Additional Resources ➡️ Schedule a FREE Marketing Assessment today: https://lokalhq.com/marketing-assessment/ ----- 👉 Connect with Kristen & Justin Deese Website: https://www.kristendeese.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kristen.deese.7 Website: https://freedomblueprint.us/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/justin.deese.14 ----- The Boost, a podcast for home service contractors. Join CMO of Lokal, Zach Wilson, as he explores leaders & innovators in home services, their personal journeys, thoughts and experiences with growth, marketing, and succession. Lokal digital marketing works exclusively with contractors specializing in HVAC, roofing, plumbing, and garage door companies to conquer their local turf and grow exponentially. All Aboard the Longship! Powered by Vikings™. For marketing tips, follow Zach Wilson on Instagram, TikTok, or Facebook.

In this week’s episode, we chat with Chuck Staszkiewicz, aka Chuck the Plumber, Co-Founder, Opus and Golds Group. Chuck shares his journey of building a plumbing company from the ground up, detailing how he and his sister managed to grow it into a successful venture. They delve into the challenges faced during the COVID-19 pandemic and how it influenced their business decisions. The conversation highlights the importance of exit planning, having a solid strategy, and knowing your business metrics. Chuck also talks about his post-exit venture, Opus and Golds Group, where he helps other businesses. Through his company, Chuck offers personalized consulting and mentorship to business owners, focusing on strategy, marketing, recruiting, culture, and leadership. Thank you for tuning in!   Key Takeaways: Importance of Exit Planning: Every business should have an exit strategy. This ensures the business can be handed over, sold, or dissolved in a planned manner rather than left to chance.  Adaptability During Crises: Chuck attributes some of his success during the COVID-19 pandemic to the ability to adapt swiftly, including doubling down on marketing, hiring, and consulting professional mentors. Significance of Mentorship: Having a mentor can significantly influence business success. Chuck credits his mentor for helping him plan and strategize effectively for his business's exit.  Reverse Engineering Goal Achievement: The process of reverse engineering from a goal, such as an exit strategy, can help in breaking down the steps needed to reach that goal effectively.  ----- Additional Resources ➡️ Schedule a FREE Marketing Assessment today: https://lokalhq.com/marketing-assessment/ ----- 👉 Connect with Chuck Staszkiewicz Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chuck.staszkiewicz Website: https://opusgolds.com ----- The Boost, a podcast for home service contractors. Join CMO of Lokal, Zach Wilson, as he explores leaders & innovators in home services, their personal journeys, thoughts and experiences with growth, marketing, and succession. Lokal digital marketing works exclusively with contractors specializing in HVAC, roofing, plumbing, and garage door companies to conquer their local turf and grow exponentially. All Aboard the Longship! Powered by Vikings™. For marketing tips, follow Zach Wilson on Instagram, TikTok, or Facebook.

In this week’s episode, we chat with Josh Kelly, owner of Clover. We discuss the exciting transformation happening in the home service industry, marketing strategies, and the personal journey of Josh from working in a large family-owned business to establishing Clover. Our conversation covers topics such as the importance of setting proper pricing, building scalable systems, and the role of customer experiences in driving business growth. Josh also shares insights on working with private equity, his methods for assessing and partnering with potential businesses, and tips for contractors looking to grow their companies. This episode is packed with valuable advice for contractors looking to grow and thrive in this exciting era.   Key Takeaways:   Clover Business Model: Josh explains Clover's business model, highlighting that they offer various levels of coaching—from group sessions to one-on-one consultancies. Their best practice coaching and consulting are focused specifically on home services.   Partnership Insights: The importance of investing not just in the business but also in the leadership team. Josh emphasizes that the key to successful partnerships lies in identifying businesses with significant growth potential and leadership willing to adapt and learn.   Improving Customer Experience: Techniques to enhance customer experience were discussed extensively. Ideas like offering to pick up something for the customer when stopping at a gas station and ensuring small gestures like wearing shoe covers in customers' homes can make a significant difference.   Importance of Pricing and Job Costing: Josh asserts that many contractors do not price their services correctly and emphasizes the importance of understanding cost structure to ensure profitability.   ----- Additional Resources ➡️ Schedule a FREE Marketing Assessment today: https://lokalhq.com/marketing-assessment/ ----- 👉 Connect with Josh Kelly Email: josh@growwithclover.com Website: https://www.growwithclover.com ----- The Boost, a podcast for home service contractors. Join CMO of Lokal, Zach Wilson, as he explores leaders & innovators in home services, their personal journeys, thoughts and experiences with growth, marketing, and succession. Lokal digital marketing works exclusively with contractors specializing in HVAC, roofing, plumbing, and garage door companies to conquer their local turf and grow exponentially. All Aboard the Longship! Powered by Vikings™. For marketing tips, follow Zach Wilson on Instagram, TikTok, or Facebook.  

In this week’s episode, we chat with Brian Cohen, a business strategist at SF&P Advisors. Dive deep into the complex world of deal-making, private equity transactions, and business growth in the home service industry.  Brian explains how the market evolved during and after COVID-19, leading to unprecedented deals and valuations. He also shares his experiences and insights on advising clients, the importance of professional guidance when selling an HVAC business, and the critical factors that impact business valuations. Finally, Brian emphasizes the necessity of having knowledgeable representation during business transactions to maximize outcomes.   Key Takeaways : The Value of Expertise in Business Transactions: Partnering with professionals who understand private equity can significantly enhance the value of your deal. Business owners in the HVAC space often struggle to understand the complexities of EBITDA, which professionals can navigate more effectively to maximize deal value. The Importance of Choosing the Right Partner: Whether opting for a private equity buyout or a buy-and-hold strategy, selecting a partner whose goals align with your business ambitions is crucial. Understanding different models like strategic private equity partnerships versus buy-and-hold strategies can help owners make informed decisions. Economic and Market Factors: COVID-19 played a significant role in reshaping the HVAC and home services market. It highlighted the resilience of these businesses and increased their attractiveness to private equity due to high usage and demand spikes during the lockdown periods. ----- Additional Resources ➡️ Schedule a FREE Marketing Assessment today: https://lokalhq.com/marketing-assessment/ ----- 👉 Connect with Brian Cohen LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-david-cohen/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/briandavidcohen Website: https://sfpadvisors.com ----- The Boost, a podcast for home service contractors. Join CMO of Lokal, Zach Wilson, as he explores leaders & innovators in home services, their personal journeys, thoughts and experiences with growth, marketing, and succession. Lokal digital marketing works exclusively with contractors specializing in HVAC, roofing, plumbing, and garage door companies to conquer their local turf and grow exponentially. All Aboard the Longship! Powered by Vikings™. For marketing tips, follow Zach Wilson on Instagram, TikTok, or Facebook.

In this week’s episode, we chat with Eugene Geis, Owner of Flex Air. Eugene talks about his love and interest in football, his transition from plumbing to HVAC, and the various challenges he faced along the way. Then he opens up about his plans to buy his wife's family HVAC business from her grandparents, which ultimately failed. But Eugene is not one to get discouraged, and he pushed ahead and started his own business, Flex Air. Finally, the conversation ends with some lighthearted moments, including Eugene's victory in a pull-up contest at Rocket X.   Key Takeaways   Embrace Change: The journey of running a business requires constant adaptation. Be prepared to hire people, build processes, and deal with challenges head-on.  Seek Expertise: Recognize that you can't do everything alone. Finding skilled people who are better than you in certain areas is crucial to building a successful business.  Networking and Mentorship: Engaging with various experts and leaders in the industry can provide valuable insights and guidance on your business journey.  Start Small: Putting a small amount of money aside for initial expenses and not being afraid to take the leap can pave the way for success.  Legacy Plans: For those looking to take over or buy a family business, open communication and trust are important ----- Additional Resources ➡️ Schedule a FREE Marketing Assessment today: https://lokalhq.com/marketing-assessment/ ----- 👉 Connect with Eugene Geis Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/eugene.geis.90 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eugene_geis/ Website: https://www.flexairtx.com/ ----- The Boost, a podcast for home service contractors. Join CMO of Lokal, Zach Wilson, as he explores leaders & innovators in home services, their personal journeys, thoughts and experiences with growth, marketing, and succession. Lokal digital marketing works exclusively with contractors specializing in HVAC, roofing, plumbing, and garage door companies to conquer their local turf and grow exponentially. All Aboard the Longship! Powered by Vikings™. For marketing tips, follow Zach Wilson on Instagram, TikTok, or Facebook.

In this week’s episode, we chat with Cody McLeod, President and Founder of Utility Plumbing Services. In our conversation, we explore his journey from working in his family's plumbing business to starting his own company. Cody also opens up about the personal adversities he faced during the COVID-19 pandemic, which significantly impacted his professional life and led to his departure from the family business. Cody also talks about his tumultuous exit, including the legal and financial challenges he faced while trying to maintain family relationships intact.  Cody's exit and subsequently starting Utility Plumbing Services highlights his resilience and determination. Finally, Cody provides insights into starting a new business from scratch, emphasizing the importance of securing funding and making smart financial decisions.   Key Takeaways: The challenges Cody faced in his personal life that ultimately led to his exit from the family business Cody's advice for securing funding before making major investments in a new business The importance of letting attorneys handle negotiations to avoid emotional entanglements --- Additional Resources ➡️ Schedule a FREE Marketing Assessment today: https://lokalhq.com/marketing-assessment/ ----- 👉 Connect with Cody McLeod Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/codymcleod_88/ Website: https://utilityplumbingservices.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/utilityplumbingservices/ ----- The Boost, a podcast for home service contractors. Join CMO of Lokal, Zach Wilson, as he explores leaders & innovators in home services, their personal journeys, thoughts and experiences with growth, marketing, and succession. Lokal digital marketing works exclusively with contractors specializing in HVAC, roofing, plumbing, and garage door companies to conquer their local turf and grow exponentially. All Aboard the Longship! Powered by Vikings™. For marketing tips, follow Zach Wilson on Instagram, TikTok, or Facebook.

In this week’s episode, we chat with Patrick Lange, Managing Partner at Business Modification Group. We talk about the complexities of purchasing and selling a company in the heating, air, and plumbing industry. Patrick emphasizes the importance of clean financial records, the advantages of maintenance agreements, and the value of proper business documentation. We also touch on the emotional aspects of selling a business and the trends in private equity acquisitions. Our conversation provides insights into what buyers look for and how sellers can prepare their businesses for sale.   Key Takeaways: Patrick discusses the benefits of using a broker and how they can guarantee a seamless transaction. The key factors buyers look for, such as customer base, employees, and brand reputation Trends in the industry including an increase in private equity acquisitions and younger entrepreneurs re-entering the market The importance of having a clean financial record and how that helps a seller negotiate a higher sale price Strategies for increasing the value of a smaller HVAC business, like implementing a CRM system --- Additional Resources ➡️ Schedule a FREE Marketing Assessment today: https://lokalhq.com/marketing-assessment/ ----- 👉 Connect with Patrick Lange LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-lange-businessbroker/ Website: https://businessmodificationgroup.com/ ----- The Boost, a podcast for home service contractors. Join CMO of Lokal, Zach Wilson, as he explores leaders & innovators in home services, their personal journeys, thoughts and experiences with growth, marketing, and succession. Lokal digital marketing works exclusively with contractors specializing in HVAC, roofing, plumbing, and garage door companies to conquer their local turf and grow exponentially. All Aboard the Longship! Powered by Vikings™. For marketing tips, follow Zach Wilson on Instagram, TikTok, or Facebook.  

In this week’s episode, we chat with Gil Cavey, General Manager of Beltway Air Conditioning & Heating. Gil is also the very popular host of one of the industry’s biggest podcasts, HVAC Uncensored.   In our conversation we talk about Gil’s journey as an apprentice working with his dad to becoming General Manager at Beltway. He emphasizes building a company culture that values employees as individuals rather than numbers. He also discusses how social media helps empower technicians and promotes alternative career paths in the trades over traditional college routes.   Key Takeaways: Industry Insights: Addressing technician shortages and advocating for better treatment within companies. Personal Journey: How passion drives success; from learning under his father to becoming a leader in the home service industry. Overcoming Adversity: A touching recount of family struggles with cancer that shaped personal perspectives on life and work. Building Culture: Developing a workplace environment where technicians feel valued, respected, and well-compensated - an 'All-Star' team approach at Beltway AC & Heating. Empowering Technicians: Encouraging workers to seek employers that offer fair pay, benefits, and respect – highlighting there are great companies out there waiting for them. Trade Advocacy: Promoting vocational careers as viable paths to financial success without necessarily pursuing traditional college pathways. --- Additional Resources ➡️ Schedule a FREE Marketing Assessment today: https://lokalhq.com/marketing-assessment/ ----- 👉 Connect with Gil Cavey Jr. Instagram: https://instagram.com/hvacuncensored Facebook: https://facebook.com/hvacuncensored YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/HVACUncensored TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@hvacuncensored Website: https://beltwayhvac.com/ ----- The Boost, a podcast for home service contractors. Join CMO of Lokal, Zach Wilson, as he explores leaders & innovators in home services, their personal journeys, thoughts and experiences with growth, marketing, and succession. Lokal digital marketing works exclusively with contractors specializing in HVAC, roofing, plumbing, and garage door companies to conquer their local turf and grow exponentially. All Aboard the Longship! Powered by Vikings™. For marketing tips, follow Zach Wilson on Instagram, TikTok, or Facebook.

In this week’s episode, we chat with Ben Hummel, Vice President of Business Development at Legacy Service Partners.   Ben shares insights into Legacy Service Partners, a home services platform investing in HVAC, plumbing, and electrical contractors. Legacy Service Partners offers a unique approach to partnering with owner-operators in the home services sector.   The conversation covers various topics, including strategies for geographic expansion, the valuation of businesses in the market, and the importance of managing debt, and operational efficiencies in growing a business.   Key Takeaways:  Legacy Service Partners' Model Succession Planning and Growth Strategy Financial and Operational Preparation for Sale Market Variability and Value Multiples  Advice for Potential Sellers --- Additional Resources ➡️ Schedule a FREE Marketing Assessment today: https://lokalhq.com/marketing-assessment/ ----- 👉 Connect with Ben Hummel LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bhhummel/ Website: https://legacyservicepartners.com/ ----- The Boost, a podcast for home service contractors. Join CMO of Lokal, Zach Wilson, as he explores leaders & innovators in home services, their personal journeys, thoughts and experiences with growth, marketing, and succession. Lokal digital marketing works exclusively with contractors specializing in HVAC, roofing, plumbing, and garage door companies to conquer their local turf and grow exponentially. All Aboard the Longship! Powered by Vikings™. For marketing tips, follow Zach Wilson on Instagram, TikTok, or Facebook.

In this week’s episode, we chat with Texas Medley, President & CEO of Medley Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing. During our conversation, we discussed his journey from working in a grocery store to successfully establishing and running his own business. Texas emphasizes the value of hard work, learning from every job, and continuously striving to improve business operations while maintaining a focus on customer service and employee satisfaction.   Key Takeaways: Learn how a simple grocery job can help you develop useful skills that can be useful later in life   Balancing profitability with fair pricing for customers The impact of private equity firms entering the home service industry Maintaining a personal connection with employees while holding them accountable Advice for aspiring entrepreneurs on the realities of starting a business ----- Additional Resources ➡️ Schedule a FREE Marketing Assessment today: https://lokalhq.com/marketing-assessment/ ----- 👉 Connect with Texas Medley Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/texasmedley Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/justintexas.medley.5 ----- 👉 Connect with Medley Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing Website: https://www.callmedley.com/ ----- The Boost, a podcast for home service contractors. We explore leaders & innovators in home services, their personal journeys, thoughts and experiences with growth, marketing, and succession. Lokal works closely with HVAC, roofing, plumbing, garage door companies, and many other HS companies to conquer their local turf and grow exponentially.    

In this week’s episode, we chat with Mike Prencavage Jr., owner of The Family Plumber. In our conversation, we explore the challenges and complexities of executing a successful succession plan, especially when it involves family members. Mike Jr. provides a candid look at the ties that bind family and business, as well as the unique challenges that they bring.   Key Takeaways: Navigating the emotional aspects and differing perspectives between a founder and the next generation  Strategies for determining a fair valuation, considering assets, customer base, and growth potential Structuring payment terms, including upfront deposits, sweat equity, and potential early payoff penalties The importance of documenting everything and setting clear action items during negotiations The value of bringing in a third-party evaluator to provide an objective assessment The benefits of leasing vehicles instead of purchasing them outright as the company scales ----- Additional Resources ➡️ Schedule a FREE Marketing Assessment today: https://lokalhq.com/marketing-assessment/ ----- 👉 Connect with Mike Prencavage Jr. Website: http://www.thefamilyplumber.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/socalplumbguy/ ----- The Boost, a podcast for home service contractors. Join CMO of Lokal, Zach Wilson, as he explores leaders & innovators in home services, their personal journeys, thoughts and experiences with growth, marketing, and succession. Lokal digital marketing works exclusively with contractors specializing in HVAC, roofing, plumbing, and garage door companies to conquer their local turf and grow exponentially. All Aboard the Longship! Powered by Vikings™. For marketing tips, follow Zach Wilson on Instagram, TikTok, or Facebook.

In this week’s episode, we chat with Ryan Kletz, President of Classic Air Care, Inc. Classic Air Care owns and operates in 3 cities and 5 different offices for One Hour Heating and Air Conditioning. In our conversation, we discuss the intricacies of acquiring and growing an HVAC business through franchising.   Key Takeaways: The story behind Classic Air Care joining the 1-Hour Heating & Air Conditioning franchise system in 2004 Hear firsthand how the art of selecting the right locations goes beyond geography How Classic Air Care evaluates potential acquisition targets and the challenges of replicating their culture across locations The importance of having a defined leadership structure and streamlined processes when expanding to new markets Valuable lessons learned from successful and derailed acquisition attempts ----- Additional Resources ➡️ Schedule a FREE Marketing Assessment today: https://lokalhq.com/marketing-assessment/ ----- 👉 Connect with Ryan Kletz LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-kletz-33775329/ Website: https://www.onehourcomfort.com ----- The Boost, a podcast for home service contractors. Join CMO of Lokal, Zach Wilson, as he explores leaders & innovators in home services, their personal journeys, thoughts and experiences with growth, marketing, and succession. Lokal digital marketing works exclusively with contractors specializing in HVAC, roofing, plumbing, and garage door companies to conquer their local turf and grow exponentially. All Aboard the Longship! Powered by Vikings™. For marketing tips, follow Zach Wilson on Instagram, TikTok, or Facebook.