How Baker Brothers Rallied to $93MM & Great EBITDA after a Slow January: President Jimmie Dale's Leadership, Marketing, & Operational Secrets & Strategies

There’s an exciting group of young contractors making their names in our industry, and Thomas Munn is certainly one of them.  He started his plumbing company, Full Spectrum Plumbing, in 2018.  The Rock Hill, SC, contractor didn’t take an unplanned leap into entrepreneurship; instead, Thomas planned for years, seeking out information everywhere. Eventually Thomas found the pathway he’d been searching for when he joined CertainPath.

Full Spectrum Plumbing started with zero dollars in 2018.  Last year, it finished 2023 at $2.1MM in sales with four trucks.  Thomas believes they can grow to seven trucks and $2.6MM in sales by the end of 2024.  Most impressive, Full Spectrum Plumbing has always been 18-23% net profitable.

Thomas’ success speaks for itself, but it’s his willingness to evolve that’s even more compelling.  In this interview, Thomas outlines all he’s changed to Full Spectrum Plumbing since joining CertainPath in late 2022, including…

·        Learning early on the value of 5-Star Google reviews and how they impact SEO when initially looking for calls as a start-up.

·        Quickly changing his financials to match the CertainPath model and holding his bookkeepers accountable to following it.

·        Adopting the StraightForward Pricing guide, even though his techs still use a CRM, to differentiate from competitors.

·        Training his technicians to slow down, create options, and build value.

·        Taking a comprehensive and creative approach to his marketing by utilizing a variety of mediums from digital to guerilla to highly strategic and creative print campaigns.

·        Understanding the value of hiring carefully and growing your own plumbers.

·        And so much more!

Show Notes

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

With CertainPath, Success is Made Certain. 

Visit www.mycertainpath.com for more information. 

FOLLOW CERTAINPATH:

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

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

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

Thank you to our sponsors:

Zoeller.  Zoeller Pump Company’s Aquanot® Fit 508 battery backup system offers an economical option for homeowners in need of dependable protection from basement flooding. The Aquanot® Fit 508 DC sump pump works alongside Zoeller submersible or pedestal pumps to provide up to 6 hours of continuous high-performance pumping when the primary pump either can’t keep up, or power is interrupted. What really sets the Aquanot® Fit apart from any other system is its free connectivity with the Z Control® Cloud, allowing users to receive alerts and remotely connect to the system to test, silence, and configure. For more info on the Aquanot Fit and other water and wastewater solutions, visit zoellerpumps.com. 

PulseM & Customer Lobby.  As a valued CertainPath member, you're well aware that the recipe for success lies in the relationships you cultivate with your customers. We understand that nurturing these relationships can be a demanding task, especially when you're immersed in the day-to-day operations of running a business – it can even become draining. But, fear not! pulseM and Customer Lobby are here to save the day. After seamlessly integrating pulseM's industry leading reputation management capabilities with Customer Lobby's robust retention platform, you won’t know how you lived without them before! 

Whether you're focused on gathering online reviews or orchestrating targeted and timely postcards, emails, and text messages, pulseM and Customer Lobby come together to make the process of creating value at every customer touchpoint effortless. We've played a key role in helping countless CertainPath members, just like you, not only snag business but keep it for the long haul. If you're ready to build relationships that turn your customers into your biggest fans, ensuring they come back time and time again, pulseM and Customer Lobby are the secret weapons you've been waiting for. Discover our platform's capabilities with a free demo: https://get.pulsem.me/pm-plus-certainpath. Start enhancing your customer relationships today! 

ShuBee. Avoid costly clean ups on the job site with ShuBee’s high-quality shoe covers, gloves, coveralls, and surface protection products. ShuBee products are specifically designed for home service professionals to keep your work environment clean and showcase your professionalism. Made from strong, durable materials that won't rip or tear, our products ensure maximum protection. We know that your time is valuable, and that's why we make it our mission to provide you with the tools you need to get the job done quickly and efficiently. Keeping your client’s homes and floors clean can be a hassle. Try ShuBee today and avoid the hassle. Use code CP10 to get 10% off all ShuBee products. Visit shubee.com, that's s-h-u-b-e-e.com, to check out our great products. 

The contracting industry is an interesting place these days if you’re in the social media world.  The bro culture is here.  It’s filled with silver-tongued “gurus” driving exotic cars and taking private jets. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with enjoying success, but it gives others the wrong impression. It celebrates the individual when it takes so much more than ONE person to build a big, profitable company.  Service to others is the secret to long-term success in home services.

In this show, CertainPath’s Director of Training Brandon Marshall sat down to discuss why the very best contracting companies, those who steadily and profitably grow year after year, do so thanks to their cultures rooted in trust.  But how do you build that trust?  How do you build that culture?  Those questions are answered, and Brandon also shares insight like:

·        The TWO interview questions you must ask every time.

·        When’s the right time to fire a team member.

·        Without recognition, you’ll never get your people’s very best.

·        How to engage with your employees that will immediately build loyalty.

·        What ONE tweak in how you treat your team can increase production 200%.

·        How to be vulnerable—and why it’s important—while also holding others accountable.

·        Why you should change the way you look at mistakes.

·        Why you should never be the smarted or most talented person in your company.

·        And so much more.

Pricing matters.  Operations matters.  Sales matters.  Marketing matters.  But they’re job functions. Behind each of those departments is people.  People who need to be led and grown.  It’s those people who will allow you to build your business stronger—but only if you provide the right culture, one founded on trust.

Show Notes

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

With CertainPath, Success is Made Certain. 

Visit www.mycertainpath.com for more information. 

FOLLOW CERTAINPATH:

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

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

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

Thank you to our sponsors:

ShuBee. Avoid costly clean ups on the job site with ShuBee’s high-quality shoe covers, gloves, coveralls, and surface protection products. ShuBee products are specifically designed for home service professionals to keep your work environment clean and showcase your professionalism. Made from strong, durable materials that won't rip or tear, our products ensure maximum protection. We know that your time is valuable, and that's why we make it our mission to provide you with the tools you need to get the job done quickly and efficiently. Keeping your client’s homes and floors clean can be a hassle. Try ShuBee today and avoid the hassle. Use code CP10 to get 10% off all ShuBee products. Visit shubee.com, that's s-h-u-b-e-e.com, to check out our great products. 

Goodman. There is a good reason that Goodman® is one of the biggest names in cooling, heating, and energy-efficient home comfort. The brand has been around for over four decades, continues to produce one of the best values for high-quality HVAC equipment in the industry, and is easy to sell, install and maintain. Goodman’s continuous efforts have helped contribute to the success of many HVAC contractors, like you.  Goodman produces a complete line of residential ducted split systems and packaged units. The company’s product line is supported by numerous technology enhancements, including the award-winning AlumaFin7™ evaporator coil. This evaporator coil provides an efficient option for installations in space-constrained homes. The drain pan and cabinet door design provide enhanced coil reliability, offering homeowners the peace of mind they deserve. Select Goodman equipment comes with ComfortBridge® technology, which allows the system to be connected to any 24-volt thermostat. With ComfortBridge, contractors have access to the CoolCloud app which helps connect, configure, and diagnose the system wirelessly. It’s no wonder millions of homeowners say, “Thank goodness for Goodman.®” Look for and be sure to “Follow” Goodman on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.

Redesign. Feeling overwhelmed by the ever-changing world of digital marketing? Redesign.co is here to simplify it for you. We focus on what matters: getting your business seen online. With our expertise in effective digital marketing solutions like Google Paid Ads and local SEO, we help your services get the attention they deserve. No jargon, no over-the-top promises, just solid strategies to boost your online presence.  Let's team up and give your business the online boost it needs! Reach out to partner with Redesign.co and stand out to potential customers when and where they are looking. 

“Coach Aaron” Behunin works with CertainPath contractors on improving their businesses when he’s not traveling the country, training electricians on the advanced communications and sales strategies required to deliver a 5-star residential electrical service call every time.  Coach Aaron’s understanding of that process is rooted in his nearly 20 years in residential electrical service, as a Master Electrician and high revenue producing one, as well. He’s been implementing and perfecting the CertainPath system for his entire career.  Today, his training is in high-demand, and every class sells out. 

In this show, Aaron will share advanced sales tips and strategies residential electricians can immediately implement to put homeowners at ease, better educate them, and ultimately generate more revenue.  Among the topics Aaron covers is how to… 

• Build a strong mindset that allows you to win on every service call. 
• Make a connection and maintain a connection with the homeowner at the beginning and throughout a call. 
• Empathize and reassure the customer that you can alleviate their concern that day. 
• Gain control of the call immediately by setting proper expectations early. 
• Properly sell diagnostics in a way that both homeowners and electricians understand. 
• Always gain the ability to perform a safety inspection on every call. 
• Ask discovery questions to unveil what customers are thinking about potential repairs and upgrades to their home. 
• Educate homeowners on the risks and rewards of any potential repair needed in the home. 
• Dramatically increase your electrical club membership sales with some tangible steps. 
• Properly transition from a ceiling fan call to a panel change-out opportunity.  
• Overcome objections like, “I think I need to get other bids.” 

Plus, Aaron shares how the trades saved his life; why training must become a part of your company culture; how to actually make training fun; and why you should stop role-playing and instead do skills practice… (Because it’s easy, and I like it!) 

Show Notes 

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

With CertainPath, Success is Made Certain.  

Visit www.mycertainpath.com for more information.  

FOLLOW CERTAINPATH: 

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

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

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

Thank you to our sponsors: 

PulseM & Customer Lobby. As a valued CertainPath member, you're well aware that the recipe for success lies in the relationships you cultivate with your customers. We understand that nurturing these relationships can be a demanding task, especially when you're immersed in the day-to-day operations of running a business – it can even become draining. But, fear not! pulseM and Customer Lobby are here to save the day. After seamlessly integrating pulseM's industry leading reputation management capabilities with Customer Lobby's robust retention platform, you won’t know how you lived without them before! Whether you're focused on gathering online reviews or orchestrating targeted and timely postcards, emails, and text messages, pulseM and Customer Lobby come together to make the process of creating value at every customer touchpoint effortless. We've played a key role in helping countless CertainPath members, just like you, not only snag business but keep it for the long haul. If you're ready to build relationships that turn your customers into your biggest fans, ensuring they come back time and time again, pulseM and Customer Lobby are the secret weapons you've been waiting for. Discover our platform's capabilities with a free demo here: https://get.pulsem.me/pm-plus-certainpath. Start enhancing your customer relationships today! 

Redesign. Feeling overwhelmed by the ever-changing world of digital marketing? Redesign.co is here to simplify it for you. We focus on what matters: getting your business seen online. With our expertise in effective digital marketing solutions like Google Paid Ads and local SEO, we help your services get the attention they deserve. No jargon, no over-the-top promises, just solid strategies to boost your online presence.  Let's team up and give your business the online boost it needs! Reach out to partner with Redesign.co and stand out to potential customers when and where they are looking.  

Synchrony. Ever wonder how to calculate your true cost of financing and how to fit the price of financing into your business and pricing for products and services?  In Synchrony’s new and improved Toolbox website you can easily calculate your Cost of Credit, view educational videos and learn more about Synchrony’s digital tools.  Simply to go toolbox.syf.com to explore and learn more. 

Estee Jaacovi has spent more than 16 years in the HVAC world, filling numerous different roles. It’s in sales where she shined, having been a 3x HVAC Sales Crown Champion.  Today, Estee is a coach for CertainPath and a trainer to hundreds of multi-million-dollar producers, including some of the highest performers in the industry today.   

In this show, Estee shares insights on how senior service technicians should conduct service calls. She emphasizes the importance of mental and physical preparation, making a good first impression, and building rapport with homeowners. Techniques like using a value statement, observing body language, and adapting communication styles are discussed to ease homeowner concerns and build trust. The conversation covers walking homeowners through pricing, educating them on system performance, and using visual evidence from the system for informed decisions. Estee talks about how to offer multiple repair and replacement options, use tools like the True Cost Calculator, and involve homeowners in the Comfort Survey and heat load calculations for transparency. She also talks about the psychology of presenting options, handling objections, creating urgency, and the importance of ongoing training for technicians. The goal is to ensure a professional, empathetic service visit that educates and guides homeowners through decision-making regarding their HVAC systems. 

Show Notes 

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

With CertainPath, Success is Made Certain.  

Visit www.mycertainpath.com for more information.  

FOLLOW CERTAINPATH: 

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

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

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

Thank you to our sponsors: 

Amana. Amana® brand is a premium brand from Daikin, the world’s #1 indoor comfort solutions company with over 20,000 employees in just North America!   Originating eight decades ago, the Amana brand is synonymous with long-lasting, premium-quality products. Chances are, you and generations before you have enjoyed the dependable performance and longevity that the Amana brand continues to deliver. Today, Amana brand systems, like the new S-Series side discharge system with inverter technology, are manufactured with high-quality materials and innovative technologies. The unique design and excellent energy-efficient performance of the S-Series is a fraction of the size of other Amana brand systems. Because of its slim design, it is easy to transport and install. The Amana brand S-series system is available in AC, heat pump, and dual fuel configurations. Every Amana brand indoor comfort product is built to our highest standards. The S-series is no different. Take comfort with its 10-year parts and Lifetime Unit Replacement limited warranties*. For more information on the Amana S-Series, “Follow” the Amana brand on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.  

PremierOne. PremierOne's hi-output germicidal UV is the scientifically correct solution to indoor air quality problems used by hospitals and food manufacturing facilities world-wide. We offer a complete solution to all three phases of indoor air pollution.  Produced in North America, our products have a 99.9% sucess rate due to live testing.  Each unit goes through a rigorous testing procedure during the  manufacturing process. CertainPath members earn a generous rebate when PremierOne products are purchased ONLY from authorized CertainPath distribution partners (HD Supply, Ferguson, Winsupply, Baker, R.E. Michel, and Wolseley). This allows you to double-dip the rebates too! For more information, contact Mark Mariucci at (800) 982-1840 or go to www.premieroneproducts.com.  

Dynamic Air Quality Solutions - Since 1982, Dynamic has been the leader in designing, manufacturing, and distributing IAQ products to the commercial and residential markets through authorized HVAC contractors.  CertainPath members receive the exclusive value add Clean Air Defense System private label to drive your brand in the market you serve. Our commitment starts with support. We provide you with World Class Industry Leading technical and communications training, face to face and online. Become a Clean Air Defense System Indoor Air Quality partner and dominate your market! Visit CleanAirDefenseSystem.com for more information. 

Bill Witty grew up knowing he wanted more out of life. He started as a maintenance man right out of school; rather than play on the weekends, Bill would flip houses. A friend told him about the earning potential as an electrician. He took a pay cut and leapt at an opportunity to be an apprentice at Milestone Home Services. After seven years, Bill earned his masters license and started his entrepreneurial journey by opening W3 Electric in 2019. (The W3 stands for his triple win he learned from Milestone, which is rooted in CertainPath philosophy.)

Despite a pandemic and slew of challenges that come with launching a new company, Bill has responded positively. He joined CertainPath not long after opening at the advice of his former boss, Milestone’s Gus Antos. With some guidance and the right mindset, Bill has grown W3 Electric from a one-man company to a seven-truck operation generating $2.2MM in sales. That’s quick growth in only 3.5 years. Even better, Bill has the team and many of the foundational systems and procedures in place to enjoy rapid growth. In this interview, Bill talks about his business journey, including:

· How training doesn’t have to be complicated for a small business.

· Why having the right mindset is so very important for owners and your employees.

· When the right time to start a club membership program with electrical.

· How to make your electrical safety inspections a memorable experience.

· Why debriefs after every service call is so very important.

· When the right time is to pull yourself out of the truck as the owner.

· What personality traits to look for when interviewing people.

· How Bill has reduced call backs by training and training some more on presenting diagnostics.

· What his marketing approach is, given he’s in a market with so many massive contractors with deep pockets.

· And so much more!

Show Notes

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

With CertainPath, Success is Made Certain. Visit www.mycertainpath.com for more information.

FOLLOW CERTAINPATH: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CertainPath Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/certainpath Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/certainpath/

Thank you to our sponsors:

Synchrony – Ever wonder how to calculate your true cost of financing and how to fit the price of financing into your business and pricing for products and services? In Synchrony’s new and improved Toolbox website you can easily calculate your Cost of Credit, view educational videos and learn more about Synchrony’s digital tools. Simply to go toolbox.syf.com to explore and learn more.

Dynamic Air Quality Solutions - Since 1982, Dynamic has been the leader in designing, manufacturing, and distributing IAQ products to the commercial and residential markets through authorized HVAC contractors. CertainPath members receive the exclusive value add Clean Air Defense System private label to drive your brand in the market you serve. Our commitment starts with support. We provide you with World Class Industry Leading technical and communications training, face to face and online. Become a Clean Air Defense System Indoor Air Quality partner and dominate your market! Visit CleanAirDefenseSystem.com for more information.

Amana. Amana® brand is a premium brand from Daikin, the world’s #1 indoor comfort solutions company with over 20,000 employees in just North America! Originating eight decades ago, the Amana brand is synonymous with long-lasting, premium-quality products. Chances are, you and generations before you have enjoyed the dependable performance and longevity that the Amana brand continues to deliver. Today, Amana brand systems, like the new S-Series side discharge system with inverter technology, are manufactured with high-quality materials and innovative technologies. The unique design and excellent energy-efficient performance of the S-Series is a fraction of the size of other Amana brand systems. Because of its slim design, it is easy to transport and install. The Amana brand S-series system is available in AC, heat pump, and dual fuel configurations. Every Amana brand indoor comfort product is built to our highest standards. The S-series is no different. Take comfort with its 10-year parts and Lifetime Unit Replacement limited warranties*. For more information on the Amana S-Series, “Follow” the Amana brand on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.

A year ago, Joe Martel found himself in a rut. His company, Advanced Air Conditioning and Heating in Cedar Park, TX, was doing well, but Joe knew it could be doing better. Personally, he was feeling unfulfilled, as well. He called his CertainPath coach to leave the organization. That one, simple conversation changed the trajectory of the business and rekindled Joe’s personal ambition.

During this interview, Joe will share the details of that conversation. And he will explain the incredible changes he made to Advanced Air Conditioning and Heating over the next eight months. It spurred tremendous growth. Sales jumped from $1.6MM to (at the time of this interview) a projected $2.4MM+, and profits jumped from 8% to 13%.

Over the course of this interview, Joe talks about…

· How a rebrand, including truck wraps, has stimulated calls.

· What his new mindset is when approaching the business.

· How his focus on gross margin has helped stimulate his top and bottom line growth

· Why training is so important to his company.

· How often he meets with his CertainPath coach and why.

· How he’s attracting top talent from outside the industry.

· And so much more!

Show Notes

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

With CertainPath, Success is Made Certain. Visit www.mycertainpath.com for more information.

FOLLOW CERTAINPATH: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CertainPath Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/certainpath Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/certainpath/

Thank you to our sponsors:

Dynamic Air Quality Solutions - Since 1982, Dynamic has been the leader in designing, manufacturing, and distributing IAQ products to the commercial and residential markets through authorized HVAC contractors. CertainPath members receive the exclusive value add Clean Air Defense System private label to drive your brand in the market you serve. Our commitment starts with support. We provide you with World Class Industry Leading technical and communications training, face to face and online. Become a Clean Air Defense System Indoor Air Quality partner and dominate your market! Visit CleanAirDefenseSystem.com for more information.

Synchrony – Ever wonder how to calculate your true cost of financing and how to fit the price of financing into your business and pricing for products and services? In Synchrony’s new and improved Toolbox website you can easily calculate your Cost of Credit, view educational videos and learn more about Synchrony’s digital tools. Simply to go toolbox.syf.com to explore and learn more.

Minuteman Press-Des Peres. Minuteman Press-Des Peres is your preferred print, marketing, and direct mail service provider, helping CertainPath members grow their business since 2001. Through their knowledge and experience with the programs, you will receive a fast turnaround and satisfaction guarantee on price guides, inspection forms, club materials and much more. In addition to specializing in your proprietary tools, Minuteman Press-Des Peres also provides custom design services, templates, and a wide range of promotional items to help you market your residential business. Like you, they are committed to your success! Minuteman Press-Des Peres is the ONLY Minuteman location affiliated with the CertainPath Partner network, providing member rebates & discounts. Contact Denise today for more information at 877-203-4769, ext 301.

Gus Antos is the owner of Milestone, a residential home services company that specializes in plumbing, HVAC, and electrical. He also owns or partners in several other residential service companies. In total, all the operations exceed $150MM in revenue. (He started with CertainPath in 2004 with revenues less than $500K and deep in financial distress.) Today, he’s a member-leader within the organization.

Milestone is having another incredible year in 2023; however, it’s not been one without immense challenges. Plumbing and electrical continue to grow at 25%; yet, HVAC has only grown 5%. In this interview, Gus shares how his leadership team and he have navigated a turbulent year to again grow and do so at great profitability. Gus also shared his insights on many critical topics facing our industry today, including…

· What to do when demand calls cut way back.

· The one marketing sin contractors make.

· How Milestone has forced itself to deliver even better service.

· What changes Milestone has made with its managers to generate more revenue with less calls.

· Why contractors should be reviewing their compensation plans.

· The importance of quickly shifting your objectives in turbulent times.

· The 3 things all contractors should consider when looking to acquire a competitor in today’s environment.

· Why Milestone is considering expanding service hours and days.

· The ONE hire you should make as a $2-3MM owner/operator trying to find more time in your day.

· The 3 questions you must ask yourself if you want to grow from $20MM to $40MM quickly.

· Why being a part of a group like CertainPath is more important than ever.

· And so much more!

Show Notes

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

With CertainPath, Success is Made Certain. Visit www.mycertainpath.com for more information.

FOLLOW CERTAINPATH: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CertainPath Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/certainpath Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/certainpath/

Thank you to our sponsors:

Yellowstone Local. Are you a home service company struggling to find experienced employees to hire? Then you need to schedule a meeting with Yellowstone Local, the undisputed leader in helping home service companies build high performing teams. Yellowstone Local doesn't just fill open positions; they shift your entire recruiting paradigm. Changing your brand into a magnet for amazing people and helping you hire people that embody your vision, your drive, and your commitment to excellence. With an intentionally extensive approach, you’ll have a partner that builds and executes the entire process for you, saving you time and money while getting the best results. So in an industry where your product is your people, don’t settle for less where it matters most. Visit Yellowstonelocal.com today and experience a different way to hire. For more information, contact Warren Lentz at (512) 962-2638 or warren@yellowstonelocal.com.

GOODMAN. Have you heard? Goodman has turned HVAC on its side. At first glance, the new Goodman SD Inverter Heating and Cooling System for ducted homes looks very different than your traditional system. But at 53% lighter and 40% smaller than a traditional cube style unit, it’s easy to transport and is designed to optimize space, comfort, and performance. The Goodman GTST connected thermostat provides the ultimate inverter experience when installed as part of a Goodman SD inverter system. The Goodman’s GTST thermostat has a compact, non-intrusive design featuring voice control through Amazon Alexa and Google Home. Goodman remains focused on providing high-quality products at an affordable price. It’s no wonder homeowners and local contractors say, “Thank goodness for Goodman.®” Be sure to visit goodmanmfg-dot-com or “Follow” Goodman Air Conditioning and Heating on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube for see more on the new Goodman SD.

Professional Plumbing Group. How many hours in a day do your plumbers waste because you do not have the right part for the job? This problem leads to additional issues and reduced productivity, poor customer satisfaction, and increases your cost per job. Professional Plumbing Group (PPG) can help you solve all those issues and more! We have everything you need to help your business grow and become more profitable by allowing you to focus on plumbing not inventory management, product selection and so much more. Go to authorizedplumberprogram.com for more information.

Synchrony. Ever wonder how to calculate your true cost of financing and how to fit the price of financing into your business and pricing for products and services? In Synchrony’s new and improved Toolbox website you can easily calculate your Cost of Credit, view educational videos and learn more about Synchrony’s digital tools. Simply to go toolbox.syf.com to explore and learn more.

CleanEffects. CleanEffects is Trane’s premier solution to deliver cleaner air to the entire house by removing up to 99.98% of airborne particles that pass through the reusable filter including 99.9% of Influenza A (H1N1) virus. Restricted air flow through a clogged filter forces your system to work harder, reducing its lifespan. Trane CleanEffects uses a powerful, patented ifD corona field to charge incoming air, causing particles to adhere to the CleanEffects collection cells as air passes through. Since your furnace or air handler isn’t struggling to work against a clogged filter, clean air flows freely. The Trane CleanEffects collection element is ground-breaking. Each layer is only 0.08 inches apart, with alternating charges, which makes for a stronger, more effective collection field. What is more, the Trane

CleanEffects element has eight times the collection surface (over fifty sq.ft.) of a standard electronic air cleaner, so it is vastly more efficient at providing clean air throughout your home. For more information, visit the CertainPath Member HUB or contact Trane’s Devoe Ward at StrategicAccounts@tranetechnologies.com or (469) 346-1776. And for more information on Trane, visit www.trane.com.

Jimmie Dale is the president of Baker Brothers, a residential home services company that specializes in plumbing, HVAC, and electrical. Baker Brothers is one of the largest home services companies in the DFW area and the country with sales approximately $93MM. (He started with CertainPath in 2008 with revenues around $3MM.) Today, he’s a member-leader within the organization.

In 2022, Baker Brothers had a resoundingly successful year. Both its top and bottom lines grew an impressive 35%. When the calendar turned to January of 2023, the phones went silent, like many other companies across the country. In this interview, Jimmie talks about how he navigated Baker Brothers through this tough beginning to have another record year. Jimmie also shared his insights on many critical topics facing our industry today, including…

· What he said to his entire company in January to rally and motivate his team.

· Why he increased prices even with a slower start.

· What adjustments he made to his marketing strategy to get the phones ringing.

· How he is changing his TV advertising strategy in 2024 because of the economy.

· What critical branding strategies companies often mess up.

· The two critical actions business owners must do when facing challenging times.

· What operational adjustments in he made in 2023 to have another stellar year.

· How Baker Brothers is using AI in its business—and how it will evolve over time.

· What contractors must do to grow from $3MM to $10MM to $20MM to $100MM and more.

· The one action all small contractors must take if they want to get out of the grind of doing everything themselves.

· And so much more!

Show Notes

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

With CertainPath, Success is Made Certain. Visit www.mycertainpath.com for more information.

FOLLOW CERTAINPATH: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CertainPath Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/certainpath Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/certainpath/

Thank you to our sponsors:

CleanEffects. CleanEffects is Trane’s premier solution to deliver cleaner air to the entire house by removing up to 99.98% of airborne particles that pass through the reusable filter including 99.9% of Influenza A (H1N1) virus. Restricted air flow through a clogged filter forces your system to work harder, reducing its lifespan. Trane CleanEffects uses a powerful, patented ifD corona field to charge incoming air, causing particles to adhere to the CleanEffects collection cells as air passes through. Since your furnace or air handler isn’t struggling to work against a clogged filter, clean air flows freely. The Trane CleanEffects collection element is ground-breaking. Each layer is only 0.08 inches apart, with alternating charges, which makes for a stronger, more effective collection field. What is more, the Trane CleanEffects element has eight times the collection surface (over fifty sq.ft.) of a standard electronic air cleaner, so it is vastly more efficient at providing clean air throughout your home. For more information, visit the CertainPath Member HUB or contact Trane’s Devoe Ward at StrategicAccounts@tranetechnologies.com or (469) 346-1776. And for more information on Trane, visit www.trane.com.

pulseM & Customer Lobby. Successful CertainPath members like you know the value of thinking like a customer. We’ve got the tools to help you do just that. Enter pulseM Plus, combining the power of pulseM and Customer Lobby to enhance your customer journey by creating value at every touchpoint—we’ve helped hundreds of CertainPath members like you win and retain more business. pulseM Plus utilizes pulseM’s industry-leading reputation management capabilities to help you build out the early stages in your customer journey and maximize your online reputation through Google reviews. Then, pulseM Plus keeps your customers coming back by incorporating Customer Lobby’s powerful retention platform, using postcards, emails, & text messages to send the right message at the right time to encourage repeat business. And as a CertainPath member, we will waive your setup fees! For more information, please visit get.pulsem.me.

Redesign.co. Are you finding it hard to make your mark in the competitive digital world? Look no further than Redesign.co! Our expert services will ensure your business achieves maximum visibility through Programmatic Display, Device ID Geo Fencing, Email Marketing and a strong online presence. Don't let potential customers slip away and allow your brand to blend in with the rest. Get in touch with Redesign.co and let our exceptional digital marketing team help you stay ahead of the competition!

Moen. As the #1 faucet brand in North America, Moen offers a diverse selection of thoughtfully designed kitchen, bath, and smart water security products, each delivering the best possible combination of meaningful innovation, useful features, and lasting value. Moen strives to be the most durable, reliable, and easy to install brand of faucets. Moen leans on Pros to help continue to drive consumer innovation needs and influence Moen’s engagement with consumers in a meaningful way. For More information, visit https://plumber.moen.com/

Dynamic Air Quality Solutions - Since 1982, Dynamic has been the leader in designing, manufacturing, and distributing IAQ products to the commercial and residential markets through authorized HVAC contractors. CertainPath members receive the exclusive value add Clean Air Defense System private label to drive your brand in the market you serve. Our commitment starts with support. We provide you

with World Class Industry Leading technical and communications training, face to face and online. Become a Clean Air Defense System Indoor Air Quality partner and dominate your market! Visit CleanAirDefenseSystem.com for more information.

Brown’s Plumbing & Heating in Steinbach, Manitoba, is a family business. Chad Brown’s grandfather started it in 1974, and his dad owned and operated it for much of its history. A caricature of his image adores the sides of their vans. Chad and his wife purchased the company five years ago with the goal of continuing the legacy, and he’s done a strong job thus far. Since joining CertainPath, sales have roughly doubled, as the company is approaching $3MM in revenue. In a small service area of only 30,000 or so, Brown’s Plumbing & Heating has over 3,2000 Google reviews with an average rating of 4.8. Chad’s clearly been busy implementing a multitude of systems and procedures. The most important changes he's made have been to how the company recruits, onboards, and trains. Chad is a people person, a strong communicator. He learned early that to have a successful service company, he must be surrounded by service-oriented people. He’s done a great job of doing that. As a result, Brown’s Plumbing & Heating has been thriving—and its future is even brighter.

In this interview, Chad talks in-depth about the family business, including how they…

· Strategically plan monthly with his leadership team to keep the business looking and moving forward.

· Avoid wasting techs’ time by the call center always verifying homeowners will be present the next day.

· Keep their callboards full during typical slow seasons thanks to their club membership program and regular outbounding.

· Utilize an inside salesperson to do much of the outbounding calls on unsold opportunities.

· Implement regular training, including relying on outside resources to help strengthen their technicians’ skills.

· And so much more!

Show Notes

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

With CertainPath, Success is Made Certain. Visit www.mycertainpath.com for more information.

FOLLOW CERTAINPATH: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CertainPath Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/certainpath Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/certainpath/

Thank you to our sponsors:

Rinnai. Rinnai is the number one selling brand of tankless water heaters in North America and the first major tankless manufacturer to produce products right here in the USA, at their new state of the art facility in Griffin, Georgia. Long known for quality and innovation, Rinna makes the most energy efficient and long-lasting water heaters available, with an average life expectancy of 20 years and annual energy savings of up to 40% when compared to standard tanks. For more information about Rinnai and their latest tankless water heaters that feature Smart-Circ Intelligent Recirculation, go to rinnai.us and learn more.

Dynamic Air Quality Solutions - Since 1982, Dynamic has been the leader in designing, manufacturing, and distributing IAQ products to the commercial and residential markets through authorized HVAC contractors. CertainPath members receive the exclusive value add Clean Air Defense System private label to drive your brand in the market you serve. Our commitment starts with support. We provide you with World Class Industry Leading technical and communications training, face to face and online. Become a Clean Air Defense System Indoor Air Quality partner and dominate your market! Visit CleanAirDefenseSystem.com for more information.

Minuteman Press-Des Peres. Minuteman Press-Des Peres is your preferred print, marketing, and direct mail service provider, helping CertainPath members grow their business since 2001. Through their knowledge and experience with the programs, you will receive a fast turnaround and satisfaction guarantee on price guides, inspection forms, club materials and much more. In addition to specializing in your proprietary tools, Minuteman Press-Des Peres also provides custom design services, templates, and a wide range of promotional items to help you market your residential business. Like you, they are committed to your success! Minuteman Press-Des Peres is the ONLY Minuteman location affiliated with the CertainPath Partner network, providing member rebates & discounts. Contact Denise today for more information at 877-203-4769, ext 301.

Adam Vaillancourt Roofing & Construction is one of the largest roofing contractors in the Northeast (if not the US) with revenues surpassing $22M annually. The operation has steadily grown 15% annually the last three years. The journey hasn’t always been easy. Adam started the business when he was only 29 years old with a rusty pickup truck and $3,000. Adam’s commitment to excellent service allowed the company to grow faster than he ever wanted. By 2015, Adam Vaillancourt Roofing & Construction was $5.3MM, but Adam was miserable. The company was profitable, but it was disjointed. Adam felt the pressure of the world on his shoulders. Looking for help, he found CertainPath. It proved to be one of several launching pads for this savvy contractor.

In this interview, Adam Vaillancourt and his General Manager Scott Knuckles sit down to discuss their journeys in the trades. But then, they reveal countless insights into how they’ve profitably grown the business from $5.3MM to more than $22MM. They explain how they…

· Built their superstar team of managers and leaders in the company.

· Created a multi-faceted marketing approach that’s kept the company loaded with leads, while many other contractors have struggled.

· Utilize one marketing strategy that increased leads 269%!

· Carefully determine which salespeople receive what leads.

· Crafted a highly successful repair division that receives outstanding reviews.

· Only hire people that match their core values.

· Identify people with the right traits and skills who will turn into incredible roofing salespeople.

· Onboard and train weekly with all their employees with a simple goal of everyone working to get better.

· Drastically reduced attrition in the business.

· Cultivated a company culture that accepts and expects people to make mistakes—and then learn from them.

· Regularly earn a 90+% Net Promoter Score, and they share how you can do the same!

· Relentlessly focus on every touchpoint the company has with its customers—and how to make that touchpoint an even better experience.

· Built compensation plans that heavily reward performance for every position in the company, including their sub crews.

· Added one critical position to the company that eliminates at least $120,000 in materials waste and helps create an outstanding customer service experience.

· And so much more!

Show Notes

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

With CertainPath, Success is Made Certain. Visit www.mycertainpath.com for more information.

FOLLOW CERTAINPATH: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CertainPath Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/certainpath Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/certainpath/

Thank you to our sponsors:

Yellowstone Local. Are you a home service company struggling to find experienced employees to hire? Then you need to schedule a meeting with Yellowstone Local, the undisputed leader in helping home service companies build high performing teams. Yellowstone Local doesn't just fill open positions; they shift your entire recruiting paradigm. Changing your brand into a magnet for amazing people and helping you hire people that embody your vision, your drive, and your commitment to excellence. With an intentionally extensive approach, you’ll have a partner that builds and executes the entire process for you, saving you time and money while getting the best results. So in an industry where your product is your people, don’t settle for less where it matters most. Visit Yellowstonelocal.com today and experience a different way to hire. For more information, contact Warren Lentz at (512) 962-2638 or warren@yellowstonelocal.com.

HD Supply. At HD Supply, our job is helping you do yours. We are uniquely positioned to help drive your business through unrivaled access to professional-grade Plumbing, Electrical and HVAC products and innovative business solutions such as our Stockwise Inventory Management program fully customizable to meet your needs and improve productivity. Our national network of distribution centers and more than 2200 store locations provide national reach with a local focus, providing unmatched convenience and product availability. We Power Pros to Do More.

Moen. As the #1 faucet brand in North America, Moen offers a diverse selection of thoughtfully designed kitchen, bath, and smart water security products, each delivering the best possible combination of meaningful innovation, useful features, and lasting value. Moen strives to be the most durable, reliable, and easy to install brand of faucets. Moen leans on Pros to help continue to drive consumer innovation needs and influence Moen’s engagement with consumers in a meaningful way. For More information, visit https://plumber.moen.com/

GOODMAN. Have you heard? Goodman has turned HVAC on its side. At first glance, the new Goodman SD Inverter Heating and Cooling System for ducted homes looks very different than your traditional system. But at 53% lighter and 40% smaller than a traditional cube style unit, it’s easy to transport and is designed to optimize space, comfort, and performance. The Goodman GTST connected thermostat provides the ultimate inverter experience when installed as part of a Goodman SD inverter system. The Goodman’s GTST thermostat has a compact, non-intrusive design featuring voice control through Amazon Alexa and Google Home. Goodman remains focused on providing high-quality products at an affordable price. It’s no wonder homeowners and local contractors say, “Thank goodness for Goodman.®” Be sure to visit goodmanmfg-dot-com or “Follow” Goodman Air Conditioning and Heating on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube for see more on the new Goodman SD.