Google Changed Local Search and Nobody Told You

AI just rewrote the rules of local search — and most home service operators have no idea it happened. In this debut episode of Booked Solid, hosts Jamie, Woody, and BQ break down three stories every growth-minded home service leader needs to understand right now: how AI overviews are bypassing business listings entirely, why Blackstone just dropped $2.5 billion on HVAC and plumbing companies, and the one statistic about Gen Z and homeownership that should reshape every recruiting conversation happening in your market.This is not a show about tactics that worked last year. It's built for operators who want their marketing to drive real revenue — and who understand that the ground has fundamentally shifted. Whether you're trying to show up when an AI recommends a plumber, compete against a PE-backed competitor with unlimited capital, or attract the next generation of skilled technicians, this episode gives you the framework to think differently.What you'll take away:Why 40% of local searches now trigger AI overviews and what that means for your click-through ratesThe 'Harmony, Consistency, Third-Party Confirmation' framework for becoming an AI-recommended brandWhat the $2.5 billion Blackstone/Champions Group deal signals for independent operators in every marketWhy the trades are one of the most AI-proof and recession-proof industries to be building in right nowHow to reframe your recruiting pitch around homeownership before 30 — and why that beats any job postingDon't wait until your rankings look fine but your phones stop ringing — the operators building AI-optimized brands today will own the recommendation slots their competitors don't even know exist yet.Sponsored by ScorpionToday's customers search everywhere — not just Google. Scorpion helps your business show up across search engines, AI tools, and platforms where people actually look, so you stay visible when it matters most.Learn more at scorpion.co