The Profit Roadmap

Empowering Your Team Through Technology With Libby DeLucien

Mon, 04 Aug 2025 21:11:41 +0000

In this episode of the Profit Roadmap, we welcome back Libby DeLucien, a successful entrepreneur, to discuss the intersection of leadership and technology.

Libby shares her insights on effective communication during uncertain times, the importance of transparency, and the role of automation in enhancing business efficiency. She emphasizes the significance of empathy in leadership, the challenges women face in male-dominated industries, and the power of saying "no" to maintain focus.

Key Takeaways

Being open and honest with your team during uncertain times
Showing stability as a leader by being consistent and reliable
Using automation to enhance efficiency without losing the human touch
Viewing empathy is a strength in leadership, not a weakness

EPISODE TIMESTAMPS

00:00 Introduction and Background
02:17 Leadership During Uncertain Times
06:17 Self-Awareness and Self-Improvement
11:03 Transparency and Financial Information
21:18 Delegating Tasks and Trusting Others
25:49 Harnessing the Power of Automation
30:36 Technology and Focusing on Customer Experience
52:00 Data-Driven Decision Making and Emotional Intelligence
55:39 Advantages and Challenges for Women in Business
58:15 The Importance of Saying No
01:09:20 Women in Male-Dominated Industries
01:14:29 Documenting Processes and Empowering Your Team

Show Links

Simple Numbers, Straight Talk, Big Profits!: 4 Keys to Unlock Your Business Potential by Greg Crabtree & Beverly Herzog

The post Empowering Your Team Through Technology With Libby DeLucien appeared first on Service Autopilot.

REPLAY: Turn Branding Into Sales: Tactics From Mediagistic

Fri, 13 Jun 2025 22:30:38 +0000

On this episode of the Profit Roadmap, we sit down with two experts from Mediagistic: Eddie Childs (Director of Corporate Marketing) and Michelle Caston (Director of Media Planning and Buying), to discuss how field service businesses can stand out in a crowded market and effectively generate leads.

Key Takeaways

Wrapping your trucks for better visibility
Staying memorable with consistent branding
Using strong branding to generate leads
Focusing on customer experience to drive referrals
Utilizing marketing automation for better engagement
Addressing customer pain points with brand storytelling
Maintaining data hygiene practices for effective marketing campaigns
Prioritizing a quick-loading, mobile-friendly website
Enhancing brand identity with custom photography
Improving customer service efficiency with AI

EPISODE TIMESTAMPS

[00:00] Intro
[03:12] Standing Out in a Competitive Market
[06:02] Brand Consistency
[08:58] Specific Lead Gen Strategies
[11:55] Building a Strong Brand Identity
[14:50] Utilizing Marketing Automation
[17:48] The Role of Customer Experience
[21:07] Brand Storytelling Techniques
[23:52] Leveraging Data for Targeting
[26:59] Website Essentials
[29:55] Customer Engagement Strategies

Making a Local Impact

Eddie and Michelle emphasized the importance of making a strong impression at the local level.

A key takeaway was the power of wrapping trucks—essentially turning vehicles into rolling billboards that visually speak to your brand. Beyond this, providing an exceptional customer experience is crucial for generating positive word-of-mouth and strong online reviews, which in turn helps businesses get found in local searches.

Developing a value-based sales narrative that focuses on what customers truly care about (their homes, families, finances, and time) rather than just the technical aspects of the service was also highlighted as a way to stand out.

Consistency is Key

Michelle stressed the significance of consistent messaging and brand image across all marketing efforts, from broadcast radio and TV spots to websites and physical collateral. Inconsistency can dilute brand recognition and require more exposures for customers to remember a business.

Clever Lead Generation

While transactional lead generation has its place, the experts discussed the benefits of building a strong brand to supplement these efforts. A strong brand can lead to better SEO performance and lower costs for branded keywords in paid search campaigns. They also touched on:

Outbound sales motions: Converting CSRs to follow up on things like warranty expirations or past service calls to create more opportunities for the sales team.
Lead gen channels beyond Google: Exploring platforms like Facebook (Meta) lead ads and Yelp leads, noting that while Meta leads require more salesmanship to convert, they can be effective for reaching consumers where they spend a lot of time.

Avoiding Pitfalls and Low-Cost Strategies

When building a brand, Michelle advised against stretching resources too thin. Instead, businesses should concentrate and dominate in a specific area or media channel, building frequency with their target audience before expanding.

For low-cost, effective strategies, digital options like digital radio, podcasts, and streaming TV were suggested, allowing for specific targeting by zip code, homeowner status, and income. Eddie added Meta video views ads, Google demand gen ads, and YouTube ads as powerful channels for increasing visibility at a low cost per view.

The Power of Short-Form Video and Educational Marketing

Short-form video on platforms like Instagram Reels and TikTok was identified as a strong play for creating brand awareness, especially for business owners with a good on-camera presence.

For those less comfortable on camera, creative alternatives like animated videos or hiring actors can be used.

The concept of educational marketing—providing valuable tips and information to consumers for free—was also discussed as a way to build authority and trust, ultimately weeding out DIYers and attracting those who prefer professional help.

Brand Storytelling

Setting your brand apart through storytelling involves identifying your true differentiators beyond the industry's table stakes (like being family-owned or local).

By focusing on the four things customers care about (homes, families, finances, and time) and connecting your service to these, businesses can create a compelling narrative.

Making the customer the hero, defining their problems, and presenting your business as the solution with a clear call to action tied to their needs and your value stack (rebates, warranties, maintenance plans, etc.) are key elements of effective brand storytelling.

Leveraging Data and Marketing Automation

Eddie and Michelle highlighted the importance of a clean and valuable customer database. This first-party data can be used to build custom audiences and lookalike audiences on platforms like social media and streaming digital platforms, allowing for highly targeted marketing campaigns.

Marketing automation was emphasized as crucial for retaining customers beyond the initial transaction by using the database to send reminders, offer maintenance plans, and continually earn their business.

Website Essentials

Your website is a critical owned asset. Key ingredients for a website that wows include:

Fast loading speed and mobile-first design: Consumers won't wait long for a site to load, and Google prioritizes mobile.
Custom photography and videos: Differentiating your brand from competitors who use generic stock photos.
Fluid user experience: Making the phone number and appointment scheduling button easily visible at all times to remove friction.
Easy-to-read content: Aiming for an eighth-grade reading level to ensure content is scannable and easily digestible for online readers.

Creating Exceptional Customer Experiences

Finally, the conversation circled back to customer experience. The core needs of a customer are simple: they want you to pick up the phone, they want the tech to be on time, they don't want to feel cheated, and they want their service to work. They also want to feel heard. Removing friction in these areas is key.

Examples included using AI voice solutions for phone systems to handle calls efficiently, automating notifications about tech arrival times, using technology on-site to explain recommendations and show value, and monitoring and responding to online reviews to show customers they are heard.

By implementing these strategies, field service businesses can effectively navigate the competitive landscape, build a strong brand, and drive consistent lead generation.

Show Links

YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@Mediagistic
WEBSITE: https://www.mediagistic.com
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/mediagistic
INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/mediagistic_/
LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mediagistic
TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@mediagistic
X: https://x.com/mediagistic

The post REPLAY: Turn Branding Into Sales: Tactics From Mediagistic appeared first on Service Autopilot.

Scaling Back Services to Scale Up With Matt Green

Thu, 29 May 2025 22:56:43 +0000

On this episode of the Profit Roadmap, Matt Green of Blue Duck Lawn Care shares his journey of transforming his business by strategically scaling back services to achieve greater efficiency and profitability.

Here's a summary of the key takeaways:

Efficiency and profitability are crucial in service offerings, especially during challenging times.
Understanding internal client needs and creating a positive work culture is vital.
There's value in strategic partnerships for referrals, and niching down services can lead to enhanced customer satisfaction.

Episode Timestamps

[00:00] Intro
[02:05] Matt's Journey
[05:59] Transitioning to Business Ownership
[09:56] The Shift in Business Strategy
[13:49] Streamlining Services for Efficiency
[20:07] The Importance of Focus
[26:04] Team Dynamics
[31:18] Service Reduction Strategies
[32:51] Training & Development in the Field
[37:20] Recruitment & Retention Challenges
[39:12] Strategic Partnerships & Referrals
[47:29] Enhancing Customer Satisfaction through Specialization
[52:57] Taking the Leap: Niching Down Services

Humble Beginnings

Matt's story began when he was nine years old, facing financial hardship due to his father's illness. This led him and his brothers to start a lawn care business with minimal resources, including using scissors as weed eaters and a broom as a blower. These early struggles instilled a strong work ethic and a determination to succeed.

The College Detour and Return

Despite early success, Matt pursued college and entered corporate sales, gaining valuable "sales training". However, he felt a calling to return to the lawn care industry, believing he could apply business principles to outperform competitors. He quickly realized the industry was more sophisticated than he anticipated, but this spurred him on.

The Million Dollar Milestone and a Pivot

Blue Duck Lawn Care reached a million dollars in revenue within five years. Yet, Matt felt unfulfilled and realized the business wasn't as profitable as he thought. This led to a critical decision: to pivot and focus on more profitable services.

The Three Service Rule

Inspired by a mentor, Matt decided to drastically reduce the number of services offered. He learned that focusing on just a few services would allow for greater specialization, better service delivery, and higher profit margins.

Choosing the Right Services

Matt and his team evaluated each service based on profitability, employee satisfaction, and operational efficiency. They eliminated services with low revenue, high turnover, and scheduling nightmares. The focus shifted to fertilization, weed control, pest control, and Christmas lights, allowing for better training and consistent revenue.

The Kolbe Test and Team Dynamics

Matt emphasized the importance of understanding team dynamics using the Kolbe test. This helped him recognize different working styles and manage his team more effectively, leading to improved morale and productivity.

Strategic Partnerships

Matt cultivated relationships with other businesses, referring services they no longer offered in exchange for referrals of their specialized services. This created a network of support and increased customer acquisition with reduced costs.

Training and Customer Satisfaction

By focusing on fewer services, Blue Duck could invest more in training, leading to knowledgeable staff and exceptional customer service. This resulted in higher customer satisfaction, lower cancellation rates, and positive reviews. Matt even creates personalized video updates in dispatch notifications.

Key Strategies for Niching Down

Analyze Revenue: Review financial reports to identify low-revenue services.
Gather Team Feedback: Ask employees about their favorite and least favorite tasks, and any that experience high turnover.
Identify Pain Points: Pinpoint the biggest frustrations and challenges in the business.
Consider Subcontracting: Explore outsourcing less profitable services to trusted partners.
Start Small: Begin by eliminating one or two services, then gradually scale down.

Conclusion

Matt Green's journey demonstrates the power of strategic focus and the importance of adapting to business realities. By scaling back services, Blue Duck Lawn Care achieved greater profitability, improved team satisfaction, and enhanced customer experiences.

Show Notes Links

The post Scaling Back Services to Scale Up With Matt Green appeared first on Service Autopilot.

REPLAY: From Hustler to Entrepreneur With Tommy Mello

Fri, 09 May 2025 20:44:08 +0000

On this episode of the Profit Roadmap, we're talking with Tommy Mello, founder of A1 Garage Door Service, the largest garage door company in America. Tommy is also the host of the popular podcast "Home Service Expert" and a successful author.

Tommy explains how he transformed from a hustler to an entrepreneur. He shares the importance of branding, learning from mistakes, and the necessity of reinvesting in your field service business.

Discover the value of transparency and accountability within your company culture, the role of competition in driving success, and the mindset required for effective sales.

Additionally, you’ll explore the impact of AI on business and the key metrics for measuring success, while also highlighting community engagement and upcoming events.

We cover some great topics, including:

How to turn technicians into sales superstars
The importance of company culture and leadership
Using technology to grow your business
The power of branding in home services
And so much more!

EPISODE TIMESTAMPS

00:00 From Hustler to Entrepreneur: Tommy Mello's Journey
07:19 Transforming Technicians into Sales Superstars
11:00 The Art of Recruitment: Finding the Right People
18:27 Motivation and Leadership: Building a Winning Culture
26:19 Leveraging Technology for Growth
28:46 Building a Strong Brand for Success
31:08 Learning from Mistakes and Taking Risks
33:53 The Importance of Reinvestment and Delayed Gratification
35:58 Creating a Culture of Transparency and Accountability
39:12 The Role of Competition and Market Positioning
42:17 Sales as a Daily Practice and Mindset
44:55 Embracing AI and Future Trends in Business
46:48 Key Metrics for Measuring Success
51:40 Upcoming Events and Community Engagement

Tommy's Story

Tommy's journey to success is a true American dream story.

Born and raised in Sterling Heights, Michigan, Tommy learned the value of hard work at a young age.

With divorced parents and a mom working three jobs, Tommy started mowing lawns and shoveling snow to earn money as a kid.

At age 12, he began washing dishes under the table at a local restaurant, and that hard work laid the foundation for his future success.

Tommy moved to Phoenix at 16 and started a landscaping company.

By 20, he was earning $30,000 a month from various hustles, including bartending and flipping cars.

Tommy eventually landed in the garage door industry by painting garage doors for a friend.

He started his own business (A1 Garage Door), making every mistake in the book along the way, but eventually grew his company to $200+ million in revenue.

Turning Technicians into Sales Superstars

Tommy believes that selling is a natural part of human interaction and that technicians don't need to become stereotypical "salespeople."

Tommy focuses on teaching his technicians to:

Smile and make eye contact
Say "thank you" and show appreciation
Listen actively to customer needs
Provide options and educate customers
Treat customers like family

He emphasizes that sales is about being a good human and helping customers make the best decisions for their homes.

The Power of Company Culture

Tommy has built a strong company culture based on transparency and meritocracy.

He shares all company financials with employees and encourages healthy competition.

Technicians can see each other's performance metrics, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.

To motivate his team, Tommy uses a "dream manager" approach.

The company helps employees discover their personal dreams and goals and then ties those aspirations to their work performance.

Leveraging Technology for Growth

A1 Garage Door Service uses a variety of software to streamline operations and improve customer service.

Some key tools include:

Business intelligence software for data analysis
AI-powered call analysis to improve customer interactions
Advanced dispatch systems to optimize technician routes
Social media management tools for marketing

The Importance of Branding

One of Tommy's game-changing moves was investing in proper branding.

A strong, consistent brand across all touchpoints - from trucks to uniforms to marketing materials - has helped A1 Garage Door Service stand out in a crowded market.

Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

Tommy's advice for those looking to grow their service businesses to the next level is:

Invest in yourself and never stop learning
Surround yourself with successful people in your industry
Focus on building a great team and company culture
Use technology to streamline operations and improve customer service
Don't be afraid to take calculated risks

Learn More About Tommy Mello

Want to learn more about Tommy Mello and his approach to business?

Be sure to check out his podcast, "Home Service Expert," and keep an eye out for his upcoming events and speaking engagements.

Originally published Sept 4, 2024 11:31 AM CT, updated May 9, 2025 3:43 PM CT

The post REPLAY: From Hustler to Entrepreneur With Tommy Mello appeared first on Service Autopilot.

From ZERO to HERO With Roger Wakefield

Fri, 21 Mar 2025 20:49:08 +0000

On this episode of Profit Roadmap, plumbing industry expert and entrepreneur Roger Wakefield shares his incredible journey from a traditional plumber to a successful business owner leveraging YouTube and social media for marketing.

He talks about the importance of organic SEO, consistency in content creation, and the mindset of abundance in business. Plus, Roger dives into the essential tools for business growth as well as the importance of marketing in hiring. From compelling recruitment strategies, to measuring KPIs, and strong company culture—Roger covers it all in this episode.

Also joining us in this episode is special guest co-host Mike Callahan, entrepreneur and owner/president of SimpleGrowth with 25+ years of experience as a successful business owner.

EPISODE TIMESTAMPS

[00:00] Intro
[02:03] About Roger
[05:38] Getting to the First $1M
[08:33] The Importance of Consistency
[11:34] Content Creation Is Key
[16:34] SHARING the Secret Sauce?!
[18:48] Using Your Phone for Content
[22:16] Taking SEO Beyond Words
[26:46] Leveraging the Power of AI
[31:31] Tools to Help You Scale
[33:34] STEAL THIS Hiring Ad!
[35:49] Mastering Your KPIs
[39:48] Business Owners: PAY YOURSELF!
[46:50] The Power of Knowing Your Numbers
[49:00] Core Values: No Excuses
[52:52] Outro

Here are some of the key takeaways from our conversation with Roger:

Taking Control of Marketing

Roger started his plumbing career in 1980 but faced a significant hurdle —wasting thousands of dollars on ineffective marketing. Frustrated by deceptive marketing companies, he decided to take matters into his own hands and learn digital marketing, focusing on social media and, most importantly, YouTube.

Today, Roger has built the largest plumbing YouTube channel in the world, with over 650,000 subscribers and 125 million views. His success underscores the importance of mastering online presence and leveraging organic content for business growth.

The Organic vs. Paid Advertising Debate

One of Roger’s main marketing strategies is prioritizing organic reach over paid ads. While many businesses focus on paid advertising, he emphasizes the value of SEO, YouTube content, and organic search rankings to create sustainable, long-term visibility.

However, he also acknowledges the importance of balancing both strategies, using ads to boost visibility when necessary while maintaining a solid foundation of organic marketing.

The Road to Your First Million

For small business owners aiming to hit their first million dollars in revenue, Roger highlights the importance of consistency and patience in marketing efforts.

His approach includes:

Content Consistency: Posting at least once a week on YouTube and other social platforms.
SEO Optimization: Making sure content is discoverable through proper tagging and keywords.
Brand Trust and Awareness: Establishing credibility through informative, value-driven videos.
Tracking Results: Understanding where leads come from and doubling down on what works.

Overcoming Common Business Fears

Many service business owners hesitate to share their expertise publicly, fearing that competitors will copy them or that customers will use the information to DIY their own projects. Roger dismisses this fear, advocating for an abundance mindset.

By sharing valuable knowledge, he has built trust with his audience and positioned himself as an authority, leading to increased business rather than lost customers.

AI and the Future of Home Service Businesses

Roger is forward-thinking about AI’s role in business. He suggests using AI-driven tools such as automated customer responses, CRM-integrated chatbots, and marketing automation to streamline operations and enhance customer interactions.

Business owners who adopt these technologies early will have a competitive edge in efficiency and customer engagement.

Financial Education and KPIs for Business Growth

Roger emphasizes that many business owners fail to grasp their financials. He highlights the importance of tracking key performance indicators (KPIs) such as labor costs, overhead, marketing spend, and profitability.

Understanding these numbers helps entrepreneurs make informed decisions, adjust pricing, and scale their business effectively.

Building a Winning Company Culture

Culture is a critical component of business success. Roger believes in hiring employees who align with company core values and delivering exceptional service. He also stresses the importance of training and investing in employees to build a strong, motivated team.

The Roadmap to Success

Roger Wakefield’s journey is an inspiration to any business owner looking to scale their company and establish a lasting brand. His story proves that embracing digital marketing, leveraging organic growth, understanding business finances, and fostering a strong team culture are all essential ingredients to achieving sustainable success.

If you’re a business owner struggling with marketing or growth strategies, take a page out of Roger’s book—get online, create valuable content, track your numbers, and build a business culture that stands the test of time.

Originally published March 21, 2025 3:50 PM CT

The post From ZERO to HERO With Roger Wakefield appeared first on Service Autopilot.

Q1 2025 Field Services Industry News With Ryan Yelvington

Tue, 04 Mar 2025 16:54:24 +0000

Welcome to the Profit Roadmap, where we interview experts to help you grow your field service business. In this episode, our host, Ryan Yelvington, will be jumping into the latest field service industry news that’s been happening in the first quarter of 2025.

Ryan will give you the latest rundown on the biggest key topics shaping the industry right now. From the NOSHA Act to new tariffs, we’ve got you covered.

Since we’ll be covering a wide variety of industries and topics, we’ll be providing the timestamps so you can jump to wherever you need.

EPISODE TIMESTAMPS:

[00:00] Intro
[01:13] The NOSHA Act
[02:31] Steel and Aluminum Tariffs
[04:20] DHS H-2 Visa Lawsuit
[05:37] HVACR Efficiency Postponements
[06:27] Refrigerant Phase Out
[09:06] New Tankless Water Heater Rule
[10:52] Outro

General Field Services

[01:13] The NOSHA Act

On January 3, 2025, the NOSHA Act, a bill to abolish OSHA, was reintroduced to Congress. Regardless of whether or not it passes, this bill will likely challenge how OSHA standards are created—impacting service businesses like yours.

[02:31] New Tariffs on Steel and Aluminum

Beginning on March 12, 2025, there will be a new 25% tariff on all steel and aluminum exports. However, the repercussions of this are already starting to be seen in the service industry—with distributors paying more due to an increased demand before the tariffs begin.

[04:20] New Lawsuit Over DHS H-2 Visa Rules

Allied industry groups (including FEWA, NALP, SEA, and others) have filed a joint lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) over a rule that governs H-2A and H-2B guest worker visa programs.

HVACR

[05:37] Postponing HVACR Efficiency Standards

As of February 2025, the Department of Energy (DOE) postponed all future HVACR efficiency standards, which includes: central air conditioners, walk-in coolers and freezers, gas instantaneous water heaters, commercial refrigeration equipment, washers and dryers, general service lamps, and air compressors.

Note: Keep in mind, there are currently no finalized air conditioner efficiency standards to delay—meaning this doesn’t undo the standard that went into place 2 years ago.

[06:27] Refrigerant Phase Out

There’s been some buzz around the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) dropping some eco-friendly bombshells on the HVAC/R industry. Brace yourselves for two major rules under the American Innovation and Manufacturing (or AIM) Act, designed to kick hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) to the curb and make our air a little fresher. Keep in mind, some of these rules might change with the change in the new administration.

HVAC and Plumbing

[09:06] New Rule on Tankless Water Heaters

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has introduced a new rule that could change how tankless water heater installations are done. This rule will ban non-condensing gas-fired tankless (instantaneous) water heaters starting in 2029. HVAC companies like yours need to understand this change to prepare for its impact. Though, keep in mind that this rule might see some changes with the new administration.

Show Notes—Links

Key resources to check out:

Did you know, we have a new YouTube channel? Be sure to like and subscribe to our podcast on all channels so you never miss an episode!

Got questions you want answered? Interested in becoming a podcast guest? Just email us at: profitroadmap@xplortechnologies.com

The post Q1 2025 Field Services Industry News With Ryan Yelvington appeared first on Service Autopilot.

Boosting Cash Flow With Heather Price and Jonathan Novoa-Miralles

Fri, 14 Feb 2025 15:03:51 +0000

Welcome to another episode of the Profit Roadmap, where we interview experts to help you grow your field service business. In this episode, we're diving into payment processing, growth strategies, and operational efficiency with Heather Price and Jonathan Novoa-Miralles from Xplor Pay. Also joining us in this episode is special guest co-host Mike Callahan, entrepreneur and owner/president of SimpleGrowth, with 25+ years of experience as a successful business owner.

In this episode, we cover:

Why timely payments are critical for cash flow
The benefits of modernized payment solutions
How to overcome common objections to payment processing
PCI compliance and data security best practices
Strategies for managing high-ticket transactions and recurring revenue

About Heather and Jonathan

Heather Price (Field Integrated BDR at Xplor Pay) has spent her career helping businesses streamline operations and save money through innovative solutions. Her experience ranges from medical office management to sales, and now she focuses on empowering merchants with tools to grow their businesses efficiently.

Jonathan Novoa-Miralles (Product Enablement Manager at Xplor Pay) brings a ton of expertise in software sales and payment processing. As part of the Xplor Pay team, he helps sales organizations by implementing effective market strategies and making sure clients have access to cutting-edge resources.

Together, they provide valuable insights into how service businesses can optimize their payment processes while maintaining strong relationships with customers.

The Reality of Payment Challenges in Service Businesses

One of the biggest pain points for service business owners is getting paid on time. As Heather explained, "The most common [issue] that we hear is that it takes way too long to get paid." Lots of companies still use paper invoices, which often sit forgotten on counters and then don’t get paid.

This payment delay can cause cash flow problems, and this is especially true for smaller businesses. Mike Callahan shared this feeling going back to his days running a lawn care company: "Things fell through the cracks... If the guys were taking cash in the truck, it would literally disappear."

The Keys to Financial Success Through Modernized Payments

In order to make sure your service business gets paid quickly here’s what Jonathan and Heather recommended:

1. Implement Credit Card File Policies

Why It Works: Requiring credit cards on file guarantees payment and simplifies billing. "Literally if you ran all the cards... everything from last week, this Tuesday, the money was in the bank," said Mike.

Action Item: Use a system where customers can authorize automatic payments for recurring services. This reduces admin work and improves cash flow predictability.

2. Use Technology for Faster Payments

Tools to Use: Platforms like Xplor Pay offer things like next-day funding, automated reminders for expiring cards, and secure portals for customer payments.

Quote to Remember: "You're going to see that in your bank account on Wednesday" for jobs completed on Tuesday, Heather noted. This rapid turnaround helps businesses manage expenses better.

3. Focus on Security and Compliance

PCI Compliance Matters: Storing sensitive information improperly can lead to legal issues and loss of trust. Heather emphasized, "We don't ever see that full credit card number... It's all encrypted."

Best Practice: Avoid writing down credit card details or storing them insecurely. Instead, use tokenization and encryption technologies to protect customer data.

Overcoming Common Objections to Payment Processing

Many business owners hesitate to adopt digital payment systems because of concerns about fees and complexity. However, Heather and Jonathan shared compelling reasons to make the switch:

Addressing Fee Concerns

Build Fees Into Pricing: Treat payment processing costs as part of your overhead recovery budget. "It's not something that's surreptitious," Ryan Yelvington pointed out. Customers won’t feel misled if fees are transparently accounted for.

Save Time, Make More Money: By reducing manual invoicing and collections efforts, you free up time to focus on growing your business. "That's gonna give you more time back in your day to maybe cut two more lawns," Heather said.

Simplifying Implementation

Modern Solutions Are User-Friendly: Gone are the days of clunky integrations. Today’s platforms integrate seamlessly with existing software. "There's an all-in-one solution," Ryan highlighted. "You don’t even have to change apps."

Key Takeaways for Service Business Owners

Adopt Recurring Revenue Models: Whether you’re mowing lawns or installing HVAC units, setting up subscription-based agreements builds long-term value and attracts higher acquisition multiples.

Prioritize Customer Convenience: Offering multiple payment options (credit card, ACH, etc.) enhances satisfaction and loyalty. "We're doing everything we can to help you," Heather said.

Stay Compliant and Secure: Protect both your business and your customers by adhering to PCI standards and leveraging encrypted payment systems.

Learn More

Xplor Pay’s team offers personalized support and tailored solutions designed to meet the unique needs of service businesses. To learn more about streamlining payment processes and boosting operational efficiencies, check out the following links below:

The post Boosting Cash Flow With Heather Price and Jonathan Novoa-Miralles appeared first on Service Autopilot.

Achieving Profitable Growth in Your Service Business With Jason Noel

Wed, 29 Jan 2025 23:40:11 +0000

Welcome to another episode of the Profit Roadmap, where we interview experts to help you grow your field service business. In this episode, we're diving into financial planning and business profitability with Jason Noel, a master advisor for CEO Warrior with over 20 years of leadership experience in the home service industry. Also joining us in this episode is special guest co-host Mike Callahan, entrepreneur and owner/president of SimpleGrowth, with 25+ years of experience as a successful business owner.

In this episode, we cover:

Why financial resets are sometimes necessary for business growth
How to balance cutting expenses while investing in growth
The critical importance of understanding your numbers
Leadership's role in financial success
Creating sustainable financial strategies for 2025
Building a culture that supports profitability

About Jason

Jason Noel brings a TON of experience in the plumbing and home services industry, having served in leadership roles at multiple successful companies. After helping businesses achieve significant profitability improvements, including a 90% increase at ARS Indianapolis, Jason joined CEO Warrior as a master advisor. He's spent the last three years helping service business owners scale their operations and build sustainable, profitable companies.

The Reality of Service Business Finances

One of the biggest insights Jason shared is that revenue isn't everything. "Just because somebody says they're a ten million dollar business doesn't mean they're making money," he said. Many business owners get caught up in the "shiny object syndrome" of top-line revenue while forgetting profitability.

The Keys to Financial Success

Jason outlined several key areas that service businesses should focus on:

Cash Flow Management

Use a 13-week cash flow projection
Track both P&L and actual bank account activity
Plan expenses strategically instead of day-to-day
Consider timing for major purchases like vehicles

Pricing Strategy

Build proper billable hour and day rates
Don't fear charging market-appropriate prices
Focus on building value rather than competing on price
Train teams to communicate value effectively

Leadership and Culture

True financial success starts with leadership. Jason emphasizes that most business challenges are leadership problems at their core. He recommends:

Embracing humility as a leader
Building a team with complementary strengths
Understanding that you won't find "10 people like you"
Creating and living by clear core values

The Financial Reset Process

When businesses need to adjust their financial strategy, Jason recommends:

Start with realistic goal-setting based on historical data
Focus on profitability over revenue
Analyze department-specific metrics
Include the leadership team in budget planning
Look for efficiency improvements before cutting costs

"Most challenges are done in the cost of goods and in your margin and just your efficiencies and your pricing and things like that," Jason explains. "Typically, the last answer is cutting overhead."

Common Financial Mistakes

Jason highlighted several pitfalls service businesses should avoid:

Throwing money at marketing without tracking ROI
Living day-to-day off the bank account
Neglecting to understand key performance indicators
Focusing solely on revenue growth
Not properly tracking department profitability

Key Takeaways for Service Business Owners

Know Your Numbers: "Whether you like the numbers or not, you have to know them," Jason emphasizes. Understanding your financial metrics isn't optional for business success.
Build Strong Leadership: Focus on developing your leadership team and creating a strong culture based on core values. Success comes from having the right people in the right roles.
Plan Strategically: Use tools like 13-week cash flow projections and departmental budgets to make informed decisions rather than reactive choices.

Learn More

To learn more about financial planning and business growth strategies, consider attending CEO Warrior's Service Business Live event in Nashville on March 6th and 7th, 2025. This two-day event offers insights into building a more profitable service business and includes hands-on business planning.

The post Achieving Profitable Growth in Your Service Business With Jason Noel appeared first on Service Autopilot.

The Latest Hiring Trends & Insights in Field Services With Bear Duplisea from Applause

Thu, 09 Jan 2025 23:16:07 +0000

Welcome to another episode of the Profit Roadmap, where we interview experts to help you grow your field service business. In this episode, we're diving into the latest hiring trends and insights in the service industry right now. Plus, learn about employee engagement and retention strategies with Bear Duplisea, Senior Account Executive at Applause and former Service Autopilot team member.

In this episode, we cover:

Why traditional rewards aren't working anymore
The importance of instant recognition
How to create genuine employee engagement
Measuring the impact of employee retention
Building sustainable business practices

About Our Guest

Bear Duplisea has spent nearly 25 years working with small and medium-sized business owners. After building Service Autopilot's sales department for over a decade, he moved to Applause to help businesses solve their employee engagement challenges.

The Changing Face of Recognition

Bear highlights a big shift in employee motivation: "The paycheck is enough to get us to come to work... but beyond that, to do the above and beyond to be exceptional, there needs to be some other incentive."

He says that today's workforce expects immediate feedback and recognition: "We're used to this instantaneous result. And because of that, the carrot no longer works."

Measuring Success Through Retention

"One of our companies saw over a 10-month period, a 26% drop in employee turnover," Bear said. For large companies, this can mean six or seven-figure savings in hiring and training costs.

The Impact of Instant Recognition

Bear explains how immediate feedback affects performance:

Creates instant dopamine hits from customer appreciation
Builds a customer-obsessed culture
Helps employees think like business owners
Reduces callback rates and improves quality

Culture Building Strategies

"If you feel really good about your culture and everything like that, and you've put everything out there for the prospective employee and they don't want to work for you... then let them," Bear advises. He emphasizes that culture fit is more important than filling positions quickly.

The Hidden Cost of Callbacks

Bear also mentioned that revisits are not just a cost of doing business: "People, business owners I talk to all the time chalk that up as the cost of doing business. Good business owners understand, like that's a huge gap."

He breaks down the real impact:

Every callback is pure loss—fuel, labor, wear-and-tear
It affects employee overtime and scheduling
Impacts customer satisfaction and retention
Reduces overall profitability

The solution? Better employee engagement leads to better customer communication: "Their technicians are now taking the time to explain to customers... They're like, 'I better explain this to this customer because I don't want them to complain.'"

Leadership Lessons from a Lifetime of Service

Bear shared powerful insights learned from his father's 50-year career in business:

"Sales is easy, super easy, because you can be part of the solution or you can be part of the problem. Just don't ever be part of the problem."

This philosophy goes beyond sales to all aspects of business leadership:

Focus on solutions rather than problems
Take ownership of outcomes
Lead by example in customer service
Build genuine relationships with both employees and customers

He also talked about the fundamental truth about business relationships: "People don't give a sh*t how much you know until they know how much you care." This principle drives successful employee engagement and customer satisfaction.

Key Takeaways:

Focus on Immediate Recognition

Implement systems for instant feedback
Create visible celebration channels
Connect customer satisfaction to employee rewards

Measure What Matters

Track retention improvements
Monitor callback reduction
Calculate cost savings from reduced turnover

Build Authentic Relationships

Create genuine connections with employees
Give ownership in outcomes
Listen and respond to feedback

Quote Highlights

"If you're dumb, surround yourself with smart people. If you're smart, surround yourself with smart people who disagree with you."—Isaac Jaffe, Sports Night

"People don't give a shit how much you know until they know how much you care, so just care."—Bernie Duplisea, sales expert & entrepreneur

Show Notes—Links

To discover more about employee engagement solutions for your field service business, visit applausehq.com.

Did you know, we have a new YouTube channel? Be sure to like and subscribe to our podcast on all channels so you never miss an episode!

Originally published Jan 9, 2025 5:15 PM CT

The post The Latest Hiring Trends & Insights in Field Services With Bear Duplisea from Applause appeared first on Service Autopilot.

Coaching and Retention in the Service Industry With Chris Crew from Blue Collar

Fri, 20 Dec 2024 23:59:38 +0000

Welcome to another episode of The Profit Roadmap, the premier podcast for field service pros looking to grow their business and stay on top of the latest trends. In this episode, we're diving into coaching and employee retention with Chris Crews, President of the Blue Collar Success Group, who shares invaluable insights on building successful field service businesses through intentional leadership and strong company culture.

In this episode, we cover:

Why company culture is your most undervalued asset
How to build and maintain culture through growth
The truth about training and employee development
Strategies for hiring and retaining top talent
The connection between leadership and company culture

About Our Guest

Chris Crews started as an electrician at age 16, working his way up through new construction before transitioning into service work. He eventually built and sold his own electrical service business, growing it from $3 million to a $30 million operation across five locations.

Today, he leads the Blue Collar Success Group, helping contractors build and grow their businesses to achieve their dreams.

The Truth About Company Culture

One of the biggest misconceptions about culture is that some companies don't have one. Chris says, "Your business doesn't have a culture? It does. It's either by design or by default."

He emphasizes that culture is shaped by both action and inaction - what you do and don't do, what you say and don't say.

Chris also said, "If you have a good culture, you don't have to be the top-paying company in town." Alternatively, "If your culture sucks, it's so bad, it's so toxic, you can't out pay it."

Building Culture From the Ground Up

Chris outlines several key steps for building a strong company culture:

Start with Leadership
- Look in the mirror as an owner first
- Model the behavior you want to see
- Set clear intentions for the culture you want to create
Define Your Foundation
- Establish a clear vision and mission
- Create simple, memorable mission statements
- Develop and communicate core values
Hire for Cultural Fit
- Implement field interviews with top performers
- Evaluate technical skills AND cultural alignment
- Don't compromise culture fit for technical ability

Training and Development

Chris challenges the common practice of only training during slow seasons: "Most people feel time during slow times and think that's the best time to train... but it's not the best time to train."

Instead, he advocates for year-round training because "when you're busy, that's when you need to be increasing performance."

Key Takeaways for Field Service Businesses:

Culture Assessment
- Survey your team to understand the current culture
- Identify areas for improvement
- Set specific goals for cultural development
Training Evolution
- Develop year-round training programs
- Focus on engagement and practical application
- Identify and develop internal trainers who want to teach
Leadership Development
- Begin with a clear vision and purpose
- Focus on personal growth as a leader
- Build systems that support your cultural goals

"Quality questions lead to quality results," Chris said. He encourages business owners to focus not just on knowledge, but on wisdom - the practical application of knowledge to achieve results.

Want to Learn More?

To learn more about the Blue Collar Success Group and their approach to building successful field service businesses, visit their website at thebluecollarsuccessgroup.com.

Show Notes Links

WEBSITE: https://www.thebluecollarsuccessgroup.com
YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZpa2-93g_w5vjoqV1Pw6RQ
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/BlueCollarSuccessGroup/
INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/bluecollarsuccessgroup/
LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-blue-collar-success-group/
TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@bluecollarsg

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Modern Lead Gen for Service Businesses With Marlen Weber and Kayla Fussell

Wed, 20 Nov 2024 23:22:27 +0000

Welcome to another episode of The Profit Roadmap, the premier podcast for field service pros looking to grow their business and stay on top of the latest trends. In this episode, we're diving into lead generation strategies with our special guests Marlen Weber, Marketing Manager for SA by Service Autopilot, and Kayla Fussell, Marketing Manager […]

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Meeting People Where They Are: Leadership Lessons for Field Service Pros

Thu, 07 Nov 2024 21:35:06 +0000

We're diving into the world of leadership with our special guest, Terence Cummings, General Manager of Field Services at Xplor Technologies.

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Mastering Local Marketing With Service.ly

Thu, 24 Oct 2024 17:15:38 +0000

In this episode, we're diving into the world of SEO with our special guest, Chris St. Jean, Co-Founder & COO of Service.ly.

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Stand Out from the Competition With Mediagistic

Fri, 11 Oct 2024 15:00:00 +0000

On this episode of the Profit Roadmap, we're talking with Eddie Childs and Michelle Caston from Mediagistic about standing out a crowded marketplace.

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Mastering Digital Marketing: Insights from One Thing Marketing

Thu, 26 Sep 2024 18:23:13 +0000

On this episode of the Profit Roadmap, we're talking with Ben Stimler from One Thing Marketing about the power of online reputations.

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Service Industry News Updates With Kyle Gargaro

Thu, 12 Sep 2024 18:38:13 +0000

On this episode of the Profit Roadmap, we're talking with Kyle Gargaro, Editorial Director & Associate Publisher of The ACHR NEWS about the latest trends in the industry.

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Turning Technicians into Sales Superstars: Lessons from Tommy Mello

Wed, 04 Sep 2024 16:31:49 +0000

On this episode, we're talking with Tommy Mello, founder of A1 Garage Door Service and host of the popular podcast, HomeService Expert.

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Mastering Social Media for Service Businesses With Social Jazz, Marlen Weber, and Britany Cruz

Thu, 15 Aug 2024 23:24:25 +0000

On this episode of the Profit Roadmap podcast, Ryan and Bekah chat with Britany Cruz and Marlen Weber from Xplor, and Paul Baccaro from Social Jazz.

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Modernizing HR Practices With Brielle Ware

Thu, 18 Jul 2024 19:13:52 +0000

On this episode of the Profit Roadmap podcast, Ryan chats with Brielle Ware, Human Resources Director at Xplor Technologies about ways to modernize HR.

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Mowing Down Inefficiency: Jason Thomas's Tech Revolution at Don's Lawns

Thu, 11 Jul 2024 15:02:34 +0000

On this episode of the Profit Roadmap podcast, Ryan and Bekah chat with Jason Thomas from Don’s Lawns in Oklahoma City.

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Navigating Climate Change in the HVAC Industry: Insights from Tim Fisher

Thu, 13 Jun 2024 19:46:20 +0000

On this episode of the Profit Roadmap podcast, Ryan and Bekah chat with Tim Fisher, the Director of Market Intelligence at HARDI.

The post Navigating Climate Change in the HVAC Industry: Insights from Tim Fisher appeared first on Service Autopilot.

Increasing Sales and Efficiency in Outdoor Services with AI

Thu, 30 May 2024 17:24:36 +0000

On this episode of the Profit Roadmap podcast, Ryan and Bekah chat with the founder of Deep Lawn, Joel Northrup about AI, pricing, and so much more!

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Empowering Your Team Through Technology and Empathy: Lessons from Libby DeLucian

Thu, 16 May 2024 17:20:02 +0000

On this episode of the Profit Roadmap podcast, Ryan and Bekah chat with entrepreneur, coach, and cleaning business founder, Libby Delucien.

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Finding Your Company's “Why” With Drew Larison

Thu, 02 May 2024 16:42:53 +0000

Learn how to find your company's "why" with Drew Larison on this episode of the Profit Roadmap

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Empowering Service Businesses Through Innovative Software Strategies

Thu, 18 Apr 2024 16:58:58 +0000

The Powerhouse Consulting Group joins The Profit Roadmap to talk about efficiency, software, and automation.

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Secrets to Building a Multimillion-Dollar Cleaning Empire With Debbie Sardone

Thu, 04 Apr 2024 17:54:26 +0000

Debbie Sardone is a special guest on the Profit Roadmap! Listen to her powerful story and learn how you can apply her proven strategies to your business.

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How to Serve and Impact Others: The Leadership Philosophy of Julie Vena

Wed, 20 Mar 2024 14:18:50 +0000

Join us as we dive into the world of leadership with Julie Vena, with more than 20 years of management experience in various service industries. On this episode of the Profit Roadmap podcast, we will uncover insights from her interview where she shared her journey and dedication to serving others. Learn how Julie's leadership philosophy […]

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Unlocking Growth: Jack Nagy Shares His Field Service Marketing Secrets

Thu, 07 Mar 2024 22:02:11 +0000

Expert marketer Jack Nagy, from MTA360 is the guest on this episode of The Profit Roadmap.

The post Unlocking Growth: Jack Nagy Shares His Field Service Marketing Secrets appeared first on Service Autopilot.

Building a Better Business with Jason Brassfield

Thu, 22 Feb 2024 17:19:12 +0000

Listen to the Profit Roadmap as Jason Brassfield shares how to build a better business.

The post Building a Better Business with Jason Brassfield appeared first on Service Autopilot.

The Tradesperson's Guide to Success: Secrets from Industry Expert Roger Wakefield

Thu, 08 Feb 2024 12:00:00 +0000

On this episode of the Profit Roadmap, we’re talking with Roger Wakefield about growing a business, how to sell a service business, and more!

The post The Tradesperson's Guide to Success: Secrets from Industry Expert Roger Wakefield appeared first on Service Autopilot.

Field Service Marketing Trends for SEO with Tony Ricketts of Lawnline Marketing

Thu, 25 Jan 2024 17:28:26 +0000

Check out Tony Rickett's tips for SEO on the Profit Roadmap!

The post Field Service Marketing Trends for SEO with Tony Ricketts of Lawnline Marketing appeared first on Service Autopilot.

Smile Through the Calls with Nikki DeCausemaker at CallBoss

Thu, 11 Jan 2024 20:02:02 +0000

On this episode of the Profit Roadmap, we’re talking with Nikki DeCausemaker the founder of CallBoss,

The post Smile Through the Calls with Nikki DeCausemaker at CallBoss appeared first on Service Autopilot.

Boosting Employee & Customer Satisfaction with Applause HQ

Wed, 20 Dec 2023 20:11:17 +0000

On this episode of the Profit Roadmap, we welcome Joel Ragar, Co-founder and Product Driven Operator & Advisor of Applause. Applause is a mobile app review software that helps measure and improve customer satisfaction, while motivating employees to give 100% on every service job.

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Maximizing Mindset for Exponential Growth With Omaha Lawnscaping Solutions

Thu, 07 Dec 2023 23:21:12 +0000

On this episode of the Profit Roadmap, we’re talking with two successful brothers from Omaha Lawnscaping Solutions, Wes and AJ Kendall. They are also long-time Service Autopilot Members. We cover some great topics, including: About Lawnscaping Solutions Wes and AJ are both from Nebraska and run the successful company, Omaha Lawnscaping Solutions. They love serving […]

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Advancing Technology With Carrier

Tue, 21 Nov 2023 22:14:16 +0000

On this episode of the Profit Roadmap, welcome two special guests from Carrier: Michael Cooper, Sr. Manager, Residential Indoor Products, and Brooke Greenwood, the Director of Service. Carrier Global is a leader in HVAC equipment. We cover some great topics, including: Enjoy the episode, and be sure to check out the show notes for more […]

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Mental Health & Mindset in Business Featuring Naylor Taliaferro & Guest Co-Host Bear Duplisea

Thu, 09 Nov 2023 23:00:00 +0000

Naylor Taliaferro discusses how mental health and mindset impact your business and personal life. Plus, Bear Duplisea RETURNS as a guest co-host, alongside co-host Bekah Spencer!

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Growing Fast & SEC23 Preview With Marvin Salcido

Wed, 25 Oct 2023 20:30:19 +0000

Marvin Salcido is the owner of Salcido Home Solutions, motivational speaker/coach, Biggest Badass winner, Inc 5000 Fastest Growing Private Businesses, and much more!

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Engage With Your Community to Build Culture With New Castle Lawn & Landscape

Tue, 03 Oct 2023 17:03:55 +0000

On this episode, we welcome two special guests from New Castle Lawn and Landscape: Brian Cuccaro, President, and Brad Stephensen, CEO.

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Inside Secrets to Success With Jonathan Pototschnik

Mon, 11 Sep 2023 16:23:09 +0000

This episode features Jonathan Pototschnik—entrepreneur, visionary, and co-founder of Service Autopilot, CitiTurf, and several other businesses.

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LATEST NEWS: Summer Home & Field Service Trends for Service Businesses

Thu, 24 Aug 2023 21:35:42 +0000

This week, we’re taking a look at important news topics and trends that home and field service businesses are currently facing this summer.

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Midyear Check-In & 2023 Trends With Jessie Barrack

Thu, 10 Aug 2023 20:45:43 +0000

On this episode, Jessie Barrack joins talks about maintaining profitability and maximizing sales to reach goals in an uncertain economy!

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How to Thrive & Maximize Sales During a Recession

Thu, 27 Jul 2023 17:19:42 +0000

Meet Evan and Thaddeus from On Purpose Media, a digital marketing agency. They are also hosts of the podcast HVAC Success Secrets: Revealed.

The post How to Thrive & Maximize Sales During a Recession appeared first on Service Autopilot.

Mental Health and Navigating the Unexpected With Libby Delucien

Thu, 13 Jul 2023 20:29:31 +0000

In this mini episode, we welcome Libby Delucien—a mom, owner of several successful businesses, a certified cleaning coach, and so much more.

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Creating a Cohesive Hybrid Team With Justin Woodford and Caleb Esuary

Thu, 29 Jun 2023 21:33:36 +0000

On this episode, we welcome Justin Woodford and Caleb Esuary to discuss developing cohesive communications and effective meetings!

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Growing Your Brand on Social Media With Naylor Taliaferro

Thu, 15 Jun 2023 12:00:00 +0000

On this episode, we welcome Naylor Taliaferro—host of popular YouTube channel Lawn Care Rookie and also host of the podcast, LCR Media.

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Market and Automate for Growth With Mike Callahan and Mediagistic

Fri, 02 Jun 2023 20:09:42 +0000

In this episode, we welcome Mike Callahan (Simple Growth Systems) and two marketing pros, Eddie Childs and Christopher St. Jean (Mediagistic).

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Solving Hiring Shortage With Veterans—Featuring Trane and Modern Mechanical

Thu, 11 May 2023 14:53:36 +0000

On this episode, we have two special guests here to talk about a unique way to overcome hiring shortages while helping America’s veterans.

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Removing Payment Hurdles and Automating Your Business With Mike Callahan and Jen Morris

Thu, 20 Apr 2023 20:46:41 +0000

On this episode of the Profit Roadmap, we welcome two special guests, Mike Callahan from Simple Growth Systems and Jen Morris from OPTIMUS.

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The Profit Roadmap Answers Your Questions

Thu, 06 Apr 2023 16:50:52 +0000

On this special edition of the Profit Roadmap podcast, we answer your questions about the show and share important news on guests and topics.

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Beating Hiring Bottlenecks and Building a Winning Culture With Libby DeLucien

Thu, 23 Mar 2023 17:57:21 +0000

This week on Profit Roadmap, we welcome hiring expert, Libby Delucien—successful entrepreneur, mom, certified cleaning coach, and much more!

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Re-introducing the Profit Roadmap Podcast!

Wed, 08 Mar 2023 17:24:28 +0000

Xplor Service Autopilot relaunches its podcast with Xplor FieldEdge to reach more field service businesses than ever before.

The post Re-introducing the Profit Roadmap Podcast! appeared first on Service Autopilot.

Naylor’s Story: How the Lawn Care Rookie Started a Successful Lawn Care Business

Tue, 04 Aug 2020 12:00:00 +0000

In this episode, Naylor (Lawn Care Rookie) joins the Profit Roadmap to share his story of how he unintentionally started his lawn care business. Naylor tells you how he started and grew his lawn care business into the successful lawn care business it is today. He also shares the different things he’s continuing to work […]

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Mistakes That Lawn Care Businesses Are Making on Their Website

Tue, 21 Apr 2020 12:00:00 +0000

In this episode, Riley Pototschnik (owner of RocketThruster) joins the Profit Roadmap to share his expertise in web development! He tells you how to make your website better by avoiding the most common mistakes made by lawn care owners. Plus, Riley gives you tips on how YOU can create an amazing website that #1 in […]

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Keep Your Business on Track During COVID-19

Tue, 07 Apr 2020 15:35:01 +0000

Jacob Godar (owner of Scooter’s Lawn Care) returns for another episode of the Profit Roadmap to talk about what his business is doing during the COVID-19 pandemic. In this episode, Jacob talks about the measures he took before and after he found out the lawn and landscape industry was considered essential in Illinois. Plus, Jacob […]

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This Is the Time to Be a Leader

Thu, 02 Apr 2020 13:01:00 +0000

Garrett Matthews (owner of Matthews Landscape) joins the Profit Roadmap to talk about how he’s continuing to grow his business during the COVID-19 crisis. In this episode, Garrett tells you the different procedures he’s put in place for his team. Plus, he explains how he’s taking advantage of low-cost marketing conversions right now. Garrett gives […]

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Marvin Salcido: We're All in This Together

Wed, 01 Apr 2020 18:49:40 +0000

Marvin Salcido (2017 Biggest Badass and owner of Salcido Lawn) joins this episode to talk about the operational changes he’s making in his business during the Coronavirus pandemic. In this episode, Marvin explains the different things he’s doing to protect himself and his employees. He also talks about the shifts that might happen in the […]

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COVID-19: What Credit Card Processing Can Do for You Right Now

Fri, 27 Mar 2020 17:33:01 +0000

Phil Ricci (from Xplor Pay) talks about how credit card processing is essential in the current COVID-19 crisis. He tells you all about Xplor Pay and why he’s so passionate about the company. He also tells you what makes them different from other credit card processors. You’ll find out how you can begin taking advantage […]

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COVID-19: Focus on Your Message

Thu, 26 Mar 2020 21:04:13 +0000

John and Nikki DeCausmaker (from Little Johns Lawns and CallBoss) talk about what they’re doing during the Coronavirus crisis. John and Nikki explain how they’re keeping their employees safe and healthy as well as how they’re continuing operations. Plus, they give advice on how your business can not only make it through the Coronavirus pandemic […]

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What Service Business Owners NEED to Hear Right Now

Wed, 25 Mar 2020 17:48:30 +0000

Jason Cupp (Kolbe Certified Growth Consultant) returns again for another episode of the Profit Roadmap to talk about the one thing that’s affecting ALL business owners right now—the Coronavirus. In this episode, Jason talks about how you can ensure your business is deemed “essential” and is operating legally. Plus, Jason explains the necessary measures you […]

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Building a Brand to Solve Your Labor Problems

Wed, 25 Mar 2020 13:00:00 +0000

Garrett Matthews (owner of Matthews Landscape) talks about how he’s built a brand to solve his labor problems - and you can too! In this episode, Garrett talks about the resources that have helped him get there. Plus, he explains the things he’s had to stop doing to grow his business. Garrett tells you exactly […]

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Focus on Financials for a Profitable Business

Tue, 10 Mar 2020 13:00:28 +0000

Jason Cupp (Kolbe Certified Growth Consultant) rejoins the Profit Roadmap to talk about the word most business owners hate—financials! In this episode, Jason explains where the majority of business owners struggle with their financials. Plus, he tells you where your overspending, so that you can grow a more profitable business. Jason tells you exactly how […]

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Take a Vacation to Find What’s Broken in Your Business

Wed, 26 Feb 2020 16:30:49 +0000

Kirk Slack, former 2018 Biggest Badass winner and owner of Wellspring Landscape Services, joins the Profit Roadmap again! He explains his year leading up to winning the Biggest Badass competition. Before winning the BBA competition, Kirk took a 3-week dream vacation with his son… but he almost didn’t go. All because he was worried about […]

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Raise Your Prices With These Profitable Strategies

Wed, 12 Feb 2020 00:02:00 +0000

Conley Ipson (from Ready, Set, Mow!) tells Cody and Bear about his hiring struggles in 2019. He explains how he’s been trying to solve this issue as well as what he’s learned. He also tells them the new things he’s doing to try to solve this problem. PLUS, Conley shares how he thought he was […]

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Push Past Your Business’ Growth Ceilings to Experience True GROWTH

Tue, 28 Jan 2020 12:33:57 +0000

Brandon Brown and Ryan Chipman (from Schneider Tree Care) explain to Cody and Bear how they’ve pushed past their “growth ceilings”. They tell you how to create your own sustainable goals to promote steady and faster growth in your business. Plus, they share their top secrets, which they attribute to their success. And don’t forget! […]

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The Bottlenecks Keeping You from Reaching $1M

Tue, 17 Dec 2019 12:00:03 +0000

Jacob Godar (from Scooter’s Lawn Care) comes back for another episode of the Profit Roadmap to tell you about his business’ most recent successes. He tells Cody and Bear how he took his business to over $1 MILLION in revenue in 2019. Also, find out the top two bottlenecks he faced to reach this goal. […]

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Exiting the Business

Tue, 19 Nov 2019 12:00:38 +0000

At SA6, Mike Callahan joined the PRM again! In this episode, Mike tells you how he’s created TWO businesses that run themselves… And you can do it too! He’ll tell you all about how he’s automated his businesses as well as why he’s so driven to help you automate yours too. Here’s the book Mike […]

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The 3 Questions You CANNOT Ask in an Interview

Tue, 01 Oct 2019 11:00:32 +0000

Jess Winsett (our HR guru) makes Cody and Bear total interview experts, as she explains the right way you should be conducting interviews.

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How to Keep Good Employees Longer

Tue, 17 Sep 2019 11:00:30 +0000

Right before her big vacation, Cody and Bear convince Jess Winsett (our HR guru), to guest star in a two-part series on the PRM. She tells you the key to developing amazing employee retention - the Buddy Program.

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Bear Flies Solo!|The Profit Roadmap

Tue, 20 Aug 2019 12:00:22 +0000

Bear talks about a few major problems in the service industry, but they all have one simple solution that boils down to this… communication.

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Sell ALL Busy Season Long |The Profit Roadmap

Wed, 07 Aug 2019 12:00:41 +0000

For unknown reasons, Lisa Marino (SA Digital Marketer) rejoins SA’s “dynamic duo” (Cody and Bear) for another episode of Profit Roadmap! She talks about how to create effective marketing and when you should be marketing. Also, she’ll tell you how to utilize the one very popular source of FREE marketing that can start making you […]

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Pareto Revisited | The Profit Roadmap

Mon, 22 Jul 2019 12:00:36 +0000

Chris Volpe rejoins Profit Roadmap to finish out his series about being a great leader. Did you know that 80% of results come from 20% of the time you spend working? It’s a little something called the 80/20 principle, and Chris is going to tell you all about it. He’ll actually tell you how to […]

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Become a Leader | Profit Roadmap

Tue, 02 Jul 2019 11:30:11 +0000

Chris Volpe (our Director of Training and Special Services) joins us to tell you how to be a great leader. Just by delegating, you can become the great leader you’ve always dreamed of… but there are also a few other things you can do too. Chris tells you exactly how to do just that. He […]

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From the Field to the Product Lab: Creating Efficient Lawn Care Accessories

Tue, 18 Jun 2019 11:00:37 +0000

Kory Ballard (the CEO of Ballard Incorporated - Green Industry Accessories and Perficut Companies Inc.) joins us to talk about his successful marketing strategies. Through his hard work and dedication, Kory started his first lawn care business in high school. Now he develops the sort of efficiency products he wishes he had when he was […]

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Interview with Lawn Care Marketing Mechanic | Profit Roadmap

Mon, 03 Jun 2019 15:58:40 +0000

Bear is NOT alongside Cody, so Patrick (SA Marketing Director) tries to fill his shoes! Brian Stearman talks about being the owner of Lawn Care Marketing Mechanic and why its primary focus is helping lawn care businesses. As a former lawn care owner, Service Autopilot user and SA Academy member, he's learned a lot over […]

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Angela Brown Interviews Cody & Bear

Tue, 16 Apr 2019 11:00:12 +0000

It's a reverse-PRM. Angela Brown, house cleaning guru, asks the questions cleaners NEED answers to about Service Autopilot. If you're a cleaner looking to sign up for SA, let's get you on-board. "Summon the Rawk" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0

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Smart Growth with Jeff Harkness

Mon, 01 Apr 2019 11:00:41 +0000

Jeff Harkness gives service business owners advice on growing their business the smart way. He started (and still runs) his own business - Three Point Group. He explains why many service businesses fail… and why less succeed. He’ll tell you everything you need to know about being a wise entrepreneur. If you’d like one-on-one financial […]

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UPDATE: Ted (Glaser) Talk

Mon, 25 Feb 2019 21:49:47 +0000

Ted didn't send a woman to prison! He talks about why he dropped his biggest client (that was bringing in 6-figures) and an update on that story from last year. He dropped them because he saw the bigger picture. Plus, he shares his story about an embezzlement issue within his lawn care company... and why […]

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"Service Autopilot is a Game-Changer"

Mon, 11 Feb 2019 11:00:53 +0000

Mini-episode with Bo and Brady Burke recorded at SA5 last fall. After meeting Bear in 2017, Bo and Brady Burke describe their experience with Service Autopilot and why they've recommended it many times. They explain how Automations have been a total game-changer for their lawn care business and has jumpstarted their growth. The mobile app, forms […]

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Grow Your Business by Adding Services

Mon, 28 Jan 2019 11:00:33 +0000

Former Biggest Badass winner, Marvin Salcido, talks with Cody and Bear about remaining profitable while adding services to your business. He talks specifically about how fertilization and weed control was a total game-changer for his Tyler, Texas lawn care business. Resources: Marvin's other appearance on the show Starting a Lawn Care Business (Marvin contributed to […]

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Biggest Badass 2018 Interview

Mon, 14 Jan 2019 11:00:51 +0000

We talk with Kirk Slack - right BEFORE he won the Biggest Badass Award at SA5. You can check out Kirk's winning submission over on the Lawn Care Millionaire YouTube channel. Kirk talked to us about growing in patience and the necessity of effective communication with your team - a winning badass strategy if we […]

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Should I Hire a Virtual Assistant?

Mon, 31 Dec 2018 11:00:03 +0000

Michelle Myers of PinkCallers chats with The Profit Roadmap about why you might need a virtual assistant and that PinkCallers is the VA of choice for Service Autopilot members. "Summon the Rawk" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0

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"I Joined a Mastermind Group BEFORE I started my business"

Mon, 17 Dec 2018 11:00:51 +0000

Taylor Hansen, long-time SA user, chats with Cody and Bear at SA5 about joining SA Academy BEFORE he started his business and the overwhelming value of being in a mastermind group as he went through the startup process at his business. "Summon the Rawk" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0

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How to Save Missed Sales Opportunities

Mon, 26 Nov 2018 21:27:56 +0000

Bear recounts two failed attempts to save his gym membership. One got his money but wasn't honest. The other didn't even pretend to care about making the sale. "Summon the Rawk" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0

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How to Handle "Troublemaker" Clients

Tue, 13 Nov 2018 21:30:29 +0000

Jonathan, Cody, and Bear chat about dealing with problem clients. Should you: Bend over backward to accommodate every request? Refuse to yield a single inch? Fire them? It's a great reminder that service business owners are professional problem-solvers - but they have to keep that inside the scope of their business. "Summon the Rawk" by […]

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Create Brand Ambassadors

Mon, 29 Oct 2018 16:49:07 +0000

Cody and Bear are back in the studio from GIE. They're talking about their time at the show AND the excitement of meeting listeners in person. After interacting with a bunch of SA users in Kentucky, we wanted to reflect on the importance of attracting and creating brand ambassadors. "Summon the Rawk" by Kevin MacLeod […]

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One Big Venn Diagram of Awesome-ness

Mon, 08 Oct 2018 11:00:58 +0000

Chris Volpe returns to talk about putting employees through "boot camp." Resources: "Summon the Rawk" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0

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Be Humbly Arrogant

Mon, 01 Oct 2018 11:00:34 +0000

Bear opens up with a personal story that marries confidence and arrogance - a contradiction on the surface, but one you'll find very useful in your business. Here's the clip Bear referenced: "Summon the Rawk" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0

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Do Employee Referral Programs even work?

Mon, 17 Sep 2018 11:30:43 +0000

Jess Winsett, our HR guru, talks to us about the power of employee referral programs. Resources: "Summon the Rawk" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0

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Why You Should Build Walls Around Yourself

Mon, 10 Sep 2018 16:30:04 +0000

Jonathan explains time management, delegation, and "wall-building" to avoid distractions so you can push your business forward. Resources: No B.S. Time Management for Entrepreneurs (by Dan Kennedy) "Summon the Rawk" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0

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"Why Do I Need Marketing?"

Mon, 03 Sep 2018 11:30:59 +0000

Cody convinces Bear that marketers should exist... and that every small business is marketing, whether they believe it or not. Resources: "Summon the Rawk" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0

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How to Close Sales over the Phone

Mon, 27 Aug 2018 11:00:24 +0000

Bear draws on his many years of sales experience to teach Cody how to close deals over the phone. This is the best way to make sales in your service industry business... but it can be intimidating to people who are really comfortable making sales happen in-person. Resources: "Summon the Rawk" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) […]

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The Biggest Badass Interview | Profit Roadmap

Mon, 13 Aug 2018 11:00:57 +0000

Marvin Salcido was crowned (literally) at SA4 as the "Biggest Badass" of the year. This week on The Profit Roadmap you can hear his journey from hungry college student to owning a large and profitable lawn care business. Resources We Mentioned: Get Your Tickets to SA5 "Summon the Rawk" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under […]

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Your business could run like Clockwork

Mon, 06 Aug 2018 11:00:40 +0000

Mike Michalowicz talks about the business hierarchy of needs and his brand new book (Clockwork: Design Your Business to Run Itself). We learn about the two points your business could be stuck between. Resources we mentioned: Mike spoke at our annual conference a couple of years ago... it was a big hit. You can attend the conference […]

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Cody and Bear Get Fired!

Mon, 23 Jul 2018 11:00:40 +0000

Jess Winsett, our HR guru, talks to Cody and Bear about getting rid of bad culture fits (and all-around terrible employees). She keeps an eye toward "gotcha" moments to avoid problems down the road AND helps you consider alternatives to letting go that squeaky-wheel employee. "Summon the Rawk" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative […]

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Are You Afraid of Customer Feedback? | The Profit Roadmap

Mon, 09 Jul 2018 11:00:00 +0000

Martha Woodward owns Dusting Divas and is the co-founder of Quality Driven Software. She talks to us about being afraid of customer feedback, how to get over that fear and embrace the opportunity to improve your business. Resources: "Summon the Rawk" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0

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Is the "Hard Sell" Ever Appropriate?

Mon, 02 Jul 2018 11:00:37 +0000

Jim Evans tells us when he thinks you should use "hard sell" tactics to close the deal with a lead. We give examples of hard selling from our own experience and encourage you to look at the sales process as a fellow consumer first and as an owner second. Resources: "Summon the Rawk" by Kevin […]

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50 States, 50 Lawns and Building Your Reputation

Mon, 25 Jun 2018 11:00:19 +0000

Rodney Smith of Raising Men Lawn Care is mowing 50 lawns, at least one in each of the 50 states. Cody talks with Rodney about his mission and how you can use community outreach to build a great reputation. Resources: "Summon the Rawk" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0

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The Best Bet to Avoid "Business Blindness"

Mon, 18 Jun 2018 11:00:31 +0000

Chad Cranston and Garrett Matthews are very different people. Chad is a former IT/tech guy. Garrett is a former firefighter. They live hundreds of miles apart. One's in the desert (Chad), the other's in the swamp (Garrett). They talk at least twice a day... and they credit those talks with saving their businesses and plugging […]

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How to Know a Business Education Event is Right for You

Mon, 11 Jun 2018 11:00:11 +0000

Conferences and events are a dime a dozen. Jason Cupp and Bear talk about how to know if an event is right for you and how to justify the cost of attending. Get more info on SA5 (or buy your tickets today)! Resources Mentioned: "Summon the Rawk" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: […]

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How to Expand Your Marketing into Multiple Channels

Mon, 04 Jun 2018 11:00:04 +0000

Lisa Marino knows marketing. And she's ready for you to step up your game. It's not enough to run an occasional Facebook ad, you need to take your brand message to many more channels. Cody, Bear and Lisa present other marketing channels, ones we've neglected previously on The Profit Roadmap. Other marketing channels every service […]

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The Business Owners’ Marriage Survival Guide

Mon, 28 May 2018 11:00:17 +0000

Jacob and Nicholle Godar talk about the trials and triumphs of the last year at Scooter's Lawn Care. They tell us about having their biggest year ever, moving to Florida from Illinois, shutting down a branch, and moving back to Illinois. It was a crazy year and they managed to keep Scooter's, and their marriage, thriving. […]

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Small Business Instagram isn't about Your Equipment

Mon, 21 May 2018 11:00:52 +0000

Take pictures that people want to see and you'll grow your Instagram audience. Cody, Patrick and Bear talk about how to use Instagram to better effect for your small business. Resources Mentioned: Special thanks to Nicholle for providing some quick talking points. SA5 is coming! Tickets are on sale now, get yours before they sell […]

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The Last Thing You Can Do Before Busy Season

Mon, 14 May 2018 06:12:18 +0000

Jonathan joins us in the studio to discuss the only process you can still implement in your business, regardless of how little time you have before the tsunami of busy season pulls you under. There are numbers EVERY business owner should know. They're vital to growing and keeping your business healthy. Jonathan tells us the […]

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Debbie Sardone: "5 Things Successful People Do Differently"

Mon, 07 May 2018 11:00:40 +0000

The Weekly Member's Talk Show is live EVERY Wednesday at 3p Central Time, hosted by Cody (hey, you know him) and long-time friend of the pod Mike Callahan. You can see it every week on our Facebook page (give it a like and you should get a notification when we go live). "Summon the Rawk" […]

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Gain Traction in Your Hiring and Team-Building

Mon, 30 Apr 2018 19:20:12 +0000

Brandon Brown and Ryan Chipman explain their team-building process and how to create a company culture that drives employees excellence in this "Live from the Field" episode. Cody traveled to Schneider's Shrub and Tree Care in South Carolina to meet with Brandon and Ryan. Mentioned on This Episode: Ryan's consulting and EOS implementation Traction by Gino […]

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The #1 Reason Your Employees Leave You

Mon, 23 Apr 2018 11:00:54 +0000

Jess Winsett is our HR department at Service Autopilot. She's spent years honing her skills as a recruiter and has conducted 1000s of interviews. She's forgotten more about attracting and keeping employees than most people will ever know. So we lured her into the studio, claiming that Bear and I needed to work out some […]

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How to Escape Rock Bottom

Mon, 16 Apr 2018 11:00:35 +0000

WARNING: This episode contains strong language and a discussion of self-harm. Conley Ipson is a hard-working young man. He's married, has a toddler, and, in 2014, was working his tail off as a solo-preneur. What people looking from the outside didn't know was that he was behind on his truck payments. His business was in […]

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5 Secrets to Writing KILLER Headlines (+ 1 Bonus Tip)

Mon, 09 Apr 2018 11:00:14 +0000

Patrick returns to the pod and he came prepared (with a legal pad covered in his trademark chicken scratch). 5 Secrets to Writing KILLER Headlines One Big Idea Appeal to a "Second Benefit" Use Power Words. Ask an Unexpected Question. Write Multiple Headlines (then write some more). THE BONUS IS IN THE EPISODE. You can't […]

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Why You Should Join a Mastermind Group (and How to Find One)

Mon, 02 Apr 2018 11:00:13 +0000

Jonathan convinces Cody and Bear of the necessity of finding accountability partners via a Mastermind group. He talked his experience with the ideas of Napoleon Hill (check out Think and Grow Rich) and the guys who joined the original Mastermind group: Henry Ford, Andrew Carnegie, etc. Titans of industry. Listen along as we hear about the […]

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How to Develop a Social Media Habit

Mon, 26 Mar 2018 11:00:39 +0000

The customers are there, where are you? Nicholle Godar, marketing manager for Scooter's Lawn Care and owner of Godar Designs, joins Cody and Bear to talk about developing a strategy for social media, especially Facebook. We talk about the most important part of that strategy: consistency. When you pair consistent posts with quality content, you see […]

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Why Credit Card Processing is a "No-Brainer"

Mon, 19 Mar 2018 11:00:58 +0000

It's 2018. We're the only industry still having this conversation. Jonathan Pototschnik is ready to put this issue to bed forever. Process credit cards and eliminate cash valleys in your business... yesterday. Your customers are using credit cards to pay for everything else in their life. Cody doesn't remember what cash looks like. Bear burned […]

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Classic Roadmap: Job Costing Throwback

Mon, 12 Mar 2018 11:00:54 +0000

'Tis the season to know your numbers. Bear and I wanted to throwback to our second-ever episode of PRM. We interviewed Scott Howard to talk about "the only business stat that matters." Because this is the busiest selling season for lawn care companies, we know that it's great time to review pricing and profitability. By […]

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Make Your Social Media Content Hyper-Local

Mon, 05 Mar 2018 11:00:35 +0000

Chris Sims, our director of marketing, talks producing valuable content for clients and leads on social media. What is "Hyper-Local" Content? It's content that sells your status as a local small business. It's putting a face and a name and a place to your business. People love to support local businesses and keep their money […]

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Jonathan Pototschnik: What Comes After Selling Season?

Mon, 26 Feb 2018 11:00:48 +0000

Maximize profits after the sales rush ends by selling to the customers you already have. What Comes After Selling Season? Upselling season. Join us as we talk with our CEO and co-founder, Jonathan Pototschnik about the art of the upsell. Upsells are the best way to increase your profitability throughout the year. Here are the […]

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How to Welcome New Clients to Your Business | The Profit Roadmap

Mon, 19 Feb 2018 11:00:43 +0000

Rebekah Spencer from our Launch Department talks to us about our onboarding process and how you can take principles from that process and use it in your business to increase retention with new clients. Treat New Clients like People Remember marketing is a relationship. This person has just committed to you. Show that you match […]

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How to Let Go of Dreaded Tasks in Your Business | The Profit Roadmap

Mon, 12 Feb 2018 11:00:53 +0000

Chris Volpe, resident business optimizer, talked with us about how to clear the Brussels sprouts, green beans, or "whatever vegetable you hate off of your plate. You know it's true: the tasks you hate wind up on the backburner. Those backburner tasks frequently find their way through cracks, despite our best intentions. At The Profit Roadmap, […]

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How to Grow in Your Company from "Doer" to "Leader" | The Profit Roadmap

Mon, 05 Feb 2018 14:15:34 +0000

John Caldwell, our CTO, is back this week to talk about moving from being a ground-level, hands-on "doer" to a high-level, vision-casting "leader." This is the transition that every service industry company owner HAS to make. You have to get off the truck and out of customers' properties. You want to work "on" your business, […]

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TED (Glaser) Talk: How He Built Summit Lawns

Mon, 29 Jan 2018 11:00:36 +0000

Dropping huge clients to align with his business' purpose is the kind of thing Ted Glaser does, even when it hurts. Why You Should Drop the "Wrong" Clients It doesn't matter how much money you make if you're miserable. And it doesn't matter how much revenue you're pulling in if there's no profit. Ted exercises […]

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How Jacob Godar built Scooter's Lawn Care | The Profit Roadmap

Mon, 22 Jan 2018 11:00:26 +0000

Jacob Godar named Scooter's Lawn Care after a nickname he received from a mentor while working at an auto body shop. He was young and ready to work his tail off to build something for himself. He considered opening his own body shop but the high overhead, startup costs and prospect of constantly smelling like […]

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Instincts Never Change: The Kolbe Index with Jason Cupp

Mon, 15 Jan 2018 11:00:09 +0000

Jason Cupp talks with Cody and Bear about the impact on your business of understanding your unchanging instincts as explained by the Kolbe Index, the only quiz/questionnaire whose results NEVER change. Instincts Never Change: Kolbe Action Modes Unlike a personality profile or IQ test, Kolbe index results don't change. The four numbers that represent your […]

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The Robot Butlers are Coming (and Automations is Out of Beta)!

Mon, 08 Jan 2018 16:02:41 +0000

Are you ready to put your business on Autopilot? That's what we're talking about with John Caldwell, our CTO, today on The Profit Roadmap. Automations is Out of Beta At SA4, John announced that automations was officially out of beta and ready to be used. Our Certified Advisor and friend of the show, Mike Callahan, is […]

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Why "Coachability" trumps Experience in the Hiring Process | The Profit Roadmap

Mon, 18 Dec 2017 11:00:59 +0000

Volpe is BACK! Chris Volpe, head of our training department, discusses "coachability" and its weight in the hiring process. What is "Coachability"? Chris emphasized that you should be looking for candidates who are willing to learn and grow with your company. When hiring, look for those people, even if they have a little less experience. […]

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Your Christmas Came Early... | The Profit Roadmap

Mon, 11 Dec 2017 11:00:08 +0000

Our original plan was to release this episode on Christmas Day, but we said "bah, humbug" to that terrible plan because you need this Holiday Spectacular NOW. Cody and Bear give easy, actionable morale boosters for the holiday season. These are surefire ways to show your employees that you care about them and appreciate their work […]

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How to Motivate Employees to Solve Your Problems | The Profit Roadmap

Mon, 04 Dec 2017 11:00:51 +0000

Martha Woodward owns Dusting Divas, a successful cleaning company in Oklahoma, and she's the co-founder of Quality Driven Software, a software company borne of her cleaning company's need for employee-specific data. She found very quickly in her cleaning business that the best way to solve problems was to turn those problems into incentivized challenges for […]

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Always Be Closing with Jim Evans | The Profit Roadmap

Mon, 27 Nov 2017 11:00:00 +0000

Jim Evans, our VP of Sales and master salesman, tells us why "pressure-cooker" sales environments like in Glen Garry Glen Ross won't make you money. He gave some suggested reading: Spin Selling The Challenger Sale Listen to the show to hear why he recommended both books (and the advice he said you SHOULDN'T follow from one of […]

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BOOKCLUB: Why You Should Read "The Martian" | The Profit Roadmap

Mon, 20 Nov 2017 11:00:25 +0000

Ty Wilkins is one of those guys who always has his nose buried in a book. He reads the way the rest of use our phones, that is, all the time. Walking, eating, maybe sleeping, Ty's always reading. Bear and I thought it would be helpful to get such a well-read guy to come on […]

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Blast from the Past: Jonathan's SA3 Talk | The Profit Roadmap

Mon, 13 Nov 2017 11:30:16 +0000

For those of you who were at SA4: Next, we want to remind you how awesome it was. For anyone who missed it, we want to give you a taste of the great things you missed out on. Blast from the Past: Jonathan's SA3 Talk Jonathan headlines our annual conference. He talks about the state […]

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Patrick taught Cody to Walk (and Market) | The Profit Roadmap

Mon, 06 Nov 2017 11:00:03 +0000

Patrick Hoffman, marketing guru and writer on this blog, is back in the studio. He wants to give you some Marketing 101. We're diving into Facebook Ads and 9 (or 12 or 5) Arounds on this episode. Marketing Your Business doesn't have to be Hard You don't need an MBA or a consultant. You need good copy (check […]

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Company Culture was Invented by David | The Profit Roadmap

Mon, 30 Oct 2017 11:00:29 +0000

David Martinez, import specialist and company culture innovator, jumps into the studio with Cody and Bear, does a couple dozen push-ups and pull-ups then tells us all about the value of company culture and how he's directly contributed to the culture at Service Autopilot. Company Culture Keeps Your Company Profitable A company where no one […]

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Jonathan Pototschnik's Two Most Effective Marketing Strategies | The Profit Roadmap

Mon, 23 Oct 2017 11:00:53 +0000

It's finally here! We sit down with Jonathan Pototschnik, CEO of Service Autopilot and co-founder of several successful service industry companies to talk about his two most effective marketing strategies. Jonathan gives us the advice that he wishes he'd been given 15-20 years ago. It's like a time machine that makes you a future version […]

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Why You Should Put Profit Second | The Profit Roadmap

Mon, 16 Oct 2017 11:00:45 +0000

Patrick Hoffman, writer on this blog and in-house marketer at Service Autopilot, chops it up with Cody and Bear about the principles of Value First Marketing. Value First, Profit Second Profit is key to success in business. It's the metric we measure ourselves by most often, but if we think about business as a relationship, it throws […]

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The Pareto Principle is an Italian Cheese | The Profit Roadmap

Mon, 09 Oct 2017 14:10:48 +0000

Chris Volpe, training department manager and business management expert, sits down with Cody Owen and Bear Duplisea to talk about the Pareto Principle, a business proverb based on ratios. We learn that it's definitively not an Italian cheese. This is an episode for anyone wanting to learn where the problems in their business come from […]

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The Only Business Stat that Matters | The Profit Roadmap

Mon, 02 Oct 2017 14:10:24 +0000

Scott Howard, master trainer and job costing guru, talks about the only business stat that matters with Cody Owen and Bear Duplisea. This is the second episode of The Profit Roadmap, Service Autopilot's new podcast dedicated to helping service business owners grow stronger, healthier businesses. Why can't your business double (or triple) its profits by next […]

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Caleb's Secret Fishing Hole | The Profit Roadmap

Mon, 02 Oct 2017 14:09:37 +0000

Caleb Risley is the first guest on The Profit Roadmap. We know that he's everyone's favorite Member Support Rep and now he's ready to talk with Cody Owen and Bear Duplisea about what really goes on in the Support Department and Service Autopilot's Best Kept Public Secret. How do I download it? We'd recommend subscribing […]

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Inside Room 112 with Mike Callahan | The Profit Roadmap

Mon, 02 Oct 2017 14:07:24 +0000

Mike Callahan is a successful service business owner in Upstate New York. He's worked his way out of the day-to-day operations and now spends a large percentage of his time helping other owners succeed. He's a talented businessman with a heart that wants to build up and give back to the community of business owners. […]

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