The Power of Relationships: Lawrence DeHart's Secrets to Scaling a Service Company

In this episode of The Kee To Growth Podcast, host Jen McKee sits down with Lawrence DeHart, founder and owner of De Hart Plumbing, Heating, and Cooling in Manhattan, Kansas. Lawrence shares his journey of building a thriving home services business from the ground up against all odds, starting with nothing but determination, a $20 box of business cards, and a focus on relationship building. The conversation unfolds with raw honesty, covering the realities of entrepreneurship and how the messiest beginnings often lay the strongest foundations. Lawrence reveals that authentic growth is less about quick fixes and more about intentional boundaries, mindset, and meaningful connections—with both customers and employees. He opens up about his struggles as a single dad out of work, and how treating clients with care, gratitude, and professionalism not only differentiated his plumbing service but fueled a word-of-mouth engine that still drives his business today. It's a powerful reminder that sustainable business development starts at the human level. As the company scaled, Lawrence shares the vulnerable (and sometimes uncomfortable) process of learning to let go of control, invest in team development, and confront the emotional highs and lows of leadership. Vulnerability, self-leadership, and relentless accountability are recurring themes—Lawrence credits personal growth and continuous learning as the "secret" behind De Hart's strong culture and stellar reputation. Jen and Lawrence dig into the mindset shifts needed to move from fieldwork to operations and why the "messy middle" of business is where true change happens. You'll also hear real stories and tactical insights about branding, social media strategy, and how showing up authentically online made Lawrence a local celebrity in his market. From leveraging Facebook and TikTok to keeping past customers engaged through newsletters and texts, Lawrence demonstrates that marketing success comes from blending hard skills with the soft truths of entrepreneurship. Whether you're just starting out or scaling past your comfort zone, this episode offers both actionable marketing strategy and a much-needed reminder that your 05:25 "Leadership Growth through Empowerment" 06:42 "Building Strong Employee Relationships" 11:59 Leadership Epiphany at Service Expo 16:43 "Local Fame Through Facebook" 19:47 "Embrace Negativity for Engagement" 20:45 Time Management for Engaging Content 25:01 "Encouraging Social Media Presence" To learn more about De Hart Plumbing, Heating, and Cooling and follow their journey, you can visit their official pages across platforms. Find them on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/dehartplumbingheatingandcooling, on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/dehartplumbing, on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/@dehartplumbingheatingcooli451, on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/de-hart-plumbing-heating-cooling/, and on TikTok at https://www.tiktok.com/@dehartphc. Their content blends expert service, community connection, and a whole lot of personality—just like their brand. Meet Your Host: Jen McKee Jen McKee is the founder of Kee Hart Marketing & Events, specializing in award-winning social media strategies for trade services. With expertise in content creation and personal branding, she helps businesses forge authentic connections with their audiences. As the host of the "Kee to Growth" podcast, Jen simplifies marketing strategies and empowers businesses to thrive. Tune in for actionable insights and inspiring stories to elevate your brand! Connect with Jen on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jennifer.hartman.73/ or LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jen-mckee-72114824/ Listening on a desktop & can't see the links? Just search for Kee to Growth in your favorite podcast player. The Kee to Growth Podcast is Powered by: Kee Hart Marketing, the social media company for the trades. Learn more at www.keehartmarketing.com This episode was produced and brought to you by the Skilled Trades Syndicate @ServiceBusinessMasteryPodcast https://www.servicebusinessmastery.com/