#121 - Getting Off The Fence and Into Growth with Cassi Niekamp

In this episode of Owned and Operated, John and Jack  welcome back Cassi Niekamp to the show, a home service entrepreneur who has significantly grown her business in the fencing business. Cassi shares her experience acquiring a 39-year-old home service business in Columbus, Ohio, and transforming it from a small-scale operation with outdated practices into a successful company with a revenue of 3 million and aiming for 5 million. Cassi details the pivotal changes that propelled her growth, including hiring an operations manager, incorporating software tools, and focusing on commercial over residential services for better margins and scalability. The crew also discusses challenges like customer segmentation, hiring, and managing cash flow for growth projects, all while navigating the complexities of small business ownership and personal milestones, such as having a baby.00:00 Introduction to Owned and Operated00:42 Cassi's Business Journey: From Acquisition to Growth02:25 Operational Changes and Team Expansion04:35 The Impact of Personal Milestones on Business Growth04:47 Strategic Pivots and Key Business Decisions09:41 The Role of an Ops Manager in Scaling the Business13:09 Navigating Business Challenges and Opportunities13:45 Embracing Legal Marijuana: A Business Perspective14:33 Certifications and Business Operations Insights15:02 Promo: Engaging with Weekly Business Insights15:25 The Power of Internal Promotion and Department Success16:23 Strategic Customer Segmentation and Market Expansion18:19 Navigating Commercial Projects and Financial Strategies23:09 The Excitement of Large-Scale Projects and Company Growth26:55 Exploring New Markets and the Challenges of Government Bids27:46 Personal Reflections on Business Strategy and Culture30:33 Closing Remarks and Invitation for EngagementEpisode Host: 🎤John Wilson: @WilsonCompanies on TwitterJack Carr: @TheHVACJack on TwitterCassi Niekamp: @cassiniekamp on TwitterSpecial thanks to our sponsor: Service Scalers: 📈Looking to scale your home service business? Service Scalers is a digital marketing agency that drives success in PPC and LSA. Discover more growth strategies by visiting Service Scalers: https://www.servicescalers.com/Check out Owned and Operated Weekly Insights: a newsletter that’s jam-packed with actionable growth strategies to level up your home service business. Subscribe Here: http://tinyurl.com/ownedopnewsDon't forget to subscribe! 🙏Youtube: @OwnedandOperatedPodcastX: @ownedoperatedcoSend Us Mail!More Ways To Connect with O&OJohn's Podcast YouTube ChannelOwned and Operated Newsletter Bonus Videos From JohnLeave a ReviewJohn Wilson, CEO of Wilson CompaniesJack Carr, CEO of Rapid HVAC📌 Disclaimer: Some links may include UTM parameters or affiliate relationships, meaning we may earn a commission if you make a purchase. Episodes may feature sponsors, but all opinions expressed are our own.