Turnaround Boardroom

In this urgent boardroom briefing, Paul Maskill exposes the brutal 'hidden labor' problem plaguing every small business, especially in the home service business sector. He dissects how these insidious labour cost issues decimate profit margins and strangle cash flow, offering stark business growth strategies to reclaim your financial freedom. If your company bleeds money through unseen labor, this is your wake-up call. In today's briefing, Paul discusses: The Cost of Labor: Beyond Hourly Wages Overhiring and Carrying Excess Labor for Future Growth Tolerating Mediocre Performance and Its Consequences Why Labor Costs Are Critical to Cash Flow and Profitability Focusing on Key KPIs to Drive Business Growth If your business looks successful on the outside—but feels tight, stressful, or unclear underneath—this podcast is for you. If you want to be interviewed on the podcast email me at [email protected]

In this boardroom briefing, Paul Maskill interviews TJ Laury, a second-generation owner of Ben's Pro Serve, a successful home service business. They explore TJ's journey from the film industry to leading his family business, discussing the challenges of business growth and the critical role of company culture. Discover how focusing on revenue management, job costing, and employee buy-in can lead to predictable profitability and consistent positive cash flow. In today's boardroom, Paul and TJ discuss: Revenue Breakdown and Business Size Focus on Profitability Over Revenue Implementing Job Costing and Upselling Strategies Challenges of Leadership and Employee Buy-In Advice for Growing Businesses If your business looks successful on the outside—but feels tight, stressful, or unclear underneath—this podcast is for you. If you want to be interviewed on the podcast email me at [email protected]

In this boardroom briefing, Paul Maskill addresses a critical aspect of business strategy: how banks can quietly lose confidence in a growing small business. Many owners often overlook the subtle signs until it's too late, impacting their business banking relationships. Paul provides essential business insights and practical business tips to help you navigate these challenges. In today's podcast, Paul discusses: How Banks Evaluate Business Risk Key Financial Metrics Banks Look For Risks of Unstable Financial Management Strategies for Maintaining Bank Confidence Building a Strong Financial Foundation for Growth If your business looks successful on the outside—but feels tight, stressful, or unclear underneath—this podcast is for you. If you want to be interviewed on the podcast email me at [email protected]

In this boardroom briefing, Paul Maskill interviews AJ Wadden, co-founder and CEO of Premier Home Pros, a rapidly growing home improvement company. AJ shares his journey in the home service industry, detailing his experiences leading up to the founding of Premier Home Pros and the company's impressive growth from zero to $150 million in sales within three years. The conversation covers various aspects of business strategy, including marketing, financial management, and leadership dynamics, providing valuable insights for aspiring entrepreneurs in the home service sector. This discussion provides essential guidance for any small business aiming for significant growth and improved cashflow. In today's briefing, Paul and AJ break down: The importance of knowing your business inside and out. The power of good processes to ensure efficiency in operations. Understanding financial metrics is key to sustaining growth and profitability. Understanding the diverse motivations of employees. Making sacrifices for long-term growth If your business looks successful on the outside—but feels tight, stressful, or unclear underneath—this podcast is for you. If you want to be interviewed on the podcast email me at [email protected]

In this boardroom briefing, Paul Maskill discusses the common misconception that cutting costs is the best solution for cashflow problems in businesses. He emphasizes that while it may seem logical to reduce expenses, this approach often fails to address the underlying issues causing financial strain. Instead, he advocates for a deeper analysis of business efficiency and pricing strategies to ensure sustainable profitability, highlighting that effective financial management goes beyond simple cost-cutting strategies. In today's briefing, Paul discusses: Cost cutting treats the symptom, not the root cause. Evaluate business structure before making cuts. Temporary cash improvements can hide deeper issues. Aggressive cost cutting can harm employee morale. Reducing marketing can lead to lower revenue over time. If your business looks successful on the outside—but feels tight, stressful, or unclear underneath—this podcast is for you. If you want to be interviewed on the podcast email me at [email protected]

In this boardroom briefing, Paul Maskill interviews Rick Calabrese, an expert in M&A for home service businesses, to discuss the critical aspects of business valuation. They focus on understanding motivations for selling and key drivers affecting a business's worth, such as predictable cash flow. Rick highlights the importance of quality of earnings and common pitfalls that can derail a sale, offering valuable insights for a successful exit strategy. In today's interview, Paul and Rick break down: Understanding your numbers is crucial for business success. Quality of revenue impacts business valuation significantly. Predictable cash flow is key to attracting buyers. Tracking adjusted EBITDA is essential for business owners. If your business looks successful on the outside—but feels tight, stressful, or unclear underneath—this podcast is for you. If you want to be interviewed on the podcast email me at [email protected]

In this boardroom briefing, Paul Maskill tackles the frequently misunderstood connection between pricing and cost structure in the home service industry. He clarifies that many business owners mistakenly blame pricing for their financial difficulties when the true issue often resides in their overhead. This episode highlights how understanding your cash flow and aligning pricing with actual costs is essential for maintaining financial health and a sound business strategy. In today's episode, Paul briefs us on: Why discounting can damage customer trust and hurt financials. How financing can be beneficial if the costs are factored in correctly. Why overhead should align with the size of the business to avoid inefficiencies. How chasing more volume without understanding costs can worsen cash flow issues. How misalignment between pricing and cost structure can erode profit margins over time. If your business looks successful on the outside—but feels tight, stressful, or unclear underneath—this podcast is for you. If you want to be interviewed on the podcast email me at [email protected]

In this episode, Dillon Carraway from Live Oak Bank shares expert insights on financing options for your home service business. Learn how to prepare your business for growth, secure working capital, and plan effective exit strategies. This discussion covers essential aspects of business acquisition and funding, offering practical tips and industry knowledge. In today's episode, Paul and Dillon dive into: Access to working capital for growth Business acquisition financing and SBA options Succession planning and exit strategies If your business looks successful on the outside—but feels tight, stressful, or unclear underneath—this podcast is for you. If you want to be interviewed on the podcast email me at [email protected]

In this boardroom briefing, Paul tackles a dangerous lie in the home service industry: busy is not profitable. He emphasizes that true business success comes from understanding your margins and labor efficiency. This episode provides essential insights for effective business management and sound money management, ensuring your company builds a solid financial foundation for sustainable growth. In today's episode, Paul discusses: Activity can increase stress without increasing profit. More revenue does not solve underlying financial issues. Understanding labor inefficiencies is crucial for profitability. Emotional decision-making can hinder financial success. If your business looks successful on the outside—but feels tight, stressful, or unclear underneath—this podcast is for you. If you want to be interviewed on the podcast email me at [email protected]

In this episode, Paul Maskill interviews Brad Wallace, a financial expert specializing in mergers and acquisitions, focusing on the process of selling your business, particularly in the home service industry. They discuss the importance of business valuation and the steps involved in preparing a business for sale. Tune in for practical how to sell a business tips to avoid common pitfalls and understand the financial implications of your decisions. In today's episode, Paul and Brad discuss: A formal business valuation is essential before selling. Marketing materials are crucial for attracting buyers. Stability in financials is a key selling point. Understanding EBITDA is vital for business valuation. M&A advisors can help navigate the complexities of selling a business. If your business looks successful on the outside—but feels tight, stressful, or unclear underneath—this podcast is for you. If you want to be interviewed on the podcast email me at [email protected]

In episode 86, Paul Maskill welcomes you to the Turnaround Boardroom Podcast to discuss why many small business owners generating $5-8 million in revenue still face "money problems". This episode focuses on the critical aspect of cashflow within residential service businesses and offers practical business tips for better business management. Discover key insights for entrepreneurship in the home service industry. In today's episode, Paul discusses: Businesses often run out of cash despite high revenue due to structural issues. Pricing strategies must be mathematically sound to ensure profitability. Predictability in cash flow is essential for business stability. Understanding true labor costs is vital for accurate pricing. Sustainable growth is more important than simply increasing revenue. This is not a motivational podcast. This is not a tactics show. And it's not for everyone. If your business looks successful on the outside—but feels tight, stressful, or unclear underneath—this podcast is for you. If you want to be interviewed on the podcast email me at [email protected]

Most $3–10M home service businesses don't fail because of effort, marketing, or sales. They fail because the numbers are lying. Revenue looks strong. The team is busy. But cash is tight, stress is high, and the business feels fragile underneath. This episode marks a clear shift in the direction of this podcast. Going forward, The Turnaround Boardroom is a boardroom-level conversation about financial pressure, margin breakdowns, cash flow, debt risk, and valuation—inside real $3–10M home service businesses. You'll hear:  • Conversations with owners who are still under financial pressure  • Stories from operators who nearly lost their business and rebuilt it  • Insights from lenders, CFOs, and turnaround professionals who see what actually kills deals behind closed doors. This is not a motivational podcast. This is not a tactics show. And it's not for everyone. If your business looks successful on the outside—but feels tight, stressful, or unclear underneath—this podcast is for you. If you want to be interviewed on the podcast email me at [email protected]

In this episode of the Blue Collar Prosperity Podcast, Paul interviews David Moerman, an accomplished entrepreneur, CEO of Home Service Business Coach, and author of "Get Off the Truck." David shares his expertise in business strategy and offers valuable business coaching to help home service business owners achieve greater freedom and income. Tune in for practical business tips and effective scaling strategies to ensure your business success. In today's interview, Paul and David discuss: Why block scheduling is crucial for effective time management. Why creating playbooks is essential for operational consistency. Why business owners need to carve out time for strategic planning. Why not every owner needs to get off the truck; it depends on their goals. How David's book, 'Get Off the Truck,' aims to help business owners scale. Ready to transform from a stressed out, uncertain business owner, to a confident, respected CEO with clarity of your financial health? Visit today to book a free call: https://thebluecollaradvisors.com/call/

In this episode of the Blue Collar Prosperity Podcast, Paul interviews Ryan Lee, a leading voice in the landscape lighting industry. Ryan shares his 17 years of experience in building and selling a multi-million-dollar lighting business, offering valuable insights into outdoor lighting ideas and exterior lighting. He discusses the importance of pricing strategies, understanding costs, and the significance of key performance indicators (KPIs) in driving business success. Ryan emphasizes the power of referrals and effective marketing, as well as the need to build trust with clients to close high-value deals. Tune in for guidance on achieving prosperity in your business. In today's interview, Paul and Ryan discuss: Navigating Economic Challenges Understanding Your Costs and Pricing Key Performance Indicators for Success The Power of Referrals and Marketing Closing Deals Effectively Ready to transform from a stressed out, uncertain business owner, to a confident, respected CEO with clarity of your financial health? Visit today to book a free call: https://thebluecollaradvisors.com/call/

In this episode of the Blue Collar Prosperity Podcast, Paul interviews Christian Jack, who shares his incredible journey in entrepreneurship. He discusses powerful sales strategy and sales training that helped him generate over $100 million in sales revenue. This conversation offers practical sales tips and guidance for business development for any blue-collar owner looking to improve their sales process. In today's interview, Paul and Christian discuss: Sales professionals can overcome objections by reframing them. Understanding customer perspectives is key to effective selling. Effective communication is essential in sales negotiations. Sales mastery requires adaptability in approach. Sales techniques should focus on perspective shifts. Ready to transform from a stressed out, uncertain business owner, to a confident, respected CEO with clarity of your financial health? Visit today to book a free call: https://thebluecollaradvisors.com/call/

In this episode of the Blue Collar Prosperity Podcast, Paul sits down with Jim Kruspe to discuss common business issues that leave small business owners feeling stuck and financially strained. Jim, an expert advisor, provides practical business tips and valuable business advice to help owners achieve more profit. This conversation offers clear guidance for running a successful blue-collar operation. In today's interview, Paul and Jim discuss: Common Pitfalls for Home Service Owners Hiring the Right Operations Manager Key Performance Indicators for Success Building a Business That Runs Without You Navigating Employee Loyalty and Growth Ready to transform from a stressed out, uncertain business owner, to a confident, respected CEO with clarity of your financial health? Visit today to book a free call: https://thebluecollaradvisors.com/call/

In this solo show, Paul breaks down the big four financial numbers every blue-collar business owner needs to track for consistent, positive cash flow. This episode offers key insights into financial management, ensuring your small business is on the right path. By focusing on these numbers, you can achieve profit maximization and maintain robust financial health, giving you clarity and confidence in your business management decisions. In this episode, Paul breaks down: Tracking cash weekly to see trends Cash, revenue, gross profit, and net profit Understanding cash flow and profitability Gross profit is a great indicator of pricing Most successful businesses do the basics better. Interested in a financial assessment of your company? Book a call here and we'll make it happen: http://thebluecollaradvisors.com/call

In this episode of the Blue Collar Prosperity Podcast, Paul discusses the crucial topic of workplace safety with Eric Wick, founder of Safety Team Technologies. They address common mistakes business owners make and how to better prepare for workplace accidents, focusing on effective accident prevention strategies. This valuable discussion emphasizes the importance of a robust safety management system and understanding potential safety issues to protect your team and business. Paul and Eric break down: The Myths and Realities of Safety Training Why it's important for workers to know that you care about them making it home safe. The return on investment (ROI) from preventing claims. How engaging employees in safety training can significantly reduce workplace incidents. Why creating a safety culture is essential for overall employee well-being. Ready to transform from a stressed out, uncertain business owner, to a confident, respected CEO with clarity of your financial health? Visit today to book a free call: https://thebluecollaradvisors.com/call/

In this episode of the business podcast, Paul explores entrepreneurship and business finance with Teddy Slack, an entrepreneur, author, and coach . Discover valuable business tips to improve your profit potential and achieve overall business success. Get key business advice on prioritizing profit. In today's interview, Paul and Teddy discuss: Building a business for value is crucial for a successful exit. The importance of having a business that doesn't depend on the owner. Embracing change and innovation is key to staying competitive. Tracking numbers is essential for business success. Streamlining processes can significantly improve efficiency. Ready to transform from a stressed out, uncertain business owner, to a confident, respected CEO with clarity of your financial health? Visit today to book a free call: https://thebluecollaradvisors.com/call/

Episode Description In this episode, join Paul Maskill as he interviews Mehdi Khachani, CEO of Sunny Bliss Plumbing and Air, discussing strategies for growing a successful plumbing company. Mehdi shares his unique journey from a corporate background to entrepreneurship, detailing the challenges and lessons learned in growing his business. Learn practical business tips for scaling your home service company and improving your sales process. In today's interview, Paul and Mehdi discuss: Company culture and values are essential for long-term success. Investing in processes before acquisitions is critical to avoid amplifying inefficiencies. The importance of community engagement in business growth. Performance pay is crucial for attracting and retaining talent. Rebranding can be a significant investment but is often necessary for growth.   Ready to transform from a stressed out, uncertain business owner, to a confident, respected CEO with clarity of your financial health? Visit today to book a free call: https://thebluecollaradvisors.com/call/

In this episode, Paul discusses the critical role of pricing in achieving consistent positive cash flow and overall business profitability. Effective money management is key for business success, financial stability and reduced stress for business owners. Learn how to improve your financial planning and secure your business's future. In today's interview, Paul dives into: Why pricing is one of the biggest issues for businesses. Using math to determine pricing is crucial. Three to six months of expenses in the bank is ideal. Financial predictability reduces stress in business operations. Ready to transform from a stressed out, uncertain business owner, to a confident, respected CEO with clarity of your financial health? Visit today to book a free call: https://thebluecollaradvisors.com/call/

In this episode, Paul chats with Katie Donovan, founder and CEO of Camp Digital, about essential marketing strategies for small business owners in the home service industry. They discuss how to improve lead generation and implement effective digital marketing to grow your business.   Katie shares insights on the Capacity Pro dashboard, which helps businesses manage their marketing based on capacity, and emphasizes the significance of treating every lead with care. The conversation concludes with predictions for the future of marketing and the necessity for businesses to adapt to new trends. Get ready for actionable business tips to scale your home service business! In today's interview, Paul and Katie dive into: How AI is revolutionizing the marketing landscape. Regularly updating your website is essential for success.  Good organic marketing can reduce paid advertising costs. The next six months will see significant changes in marketing strategies. Experimenting with new marketing tactics is vital for growth. Ready to transform from a stressed out, uncertain business owner, to a confident, respected CEO with clarity of your financial health? Visit today to book a free call: https://thebluecollaradvisors.com/call/

In this episode of the Blue Collar Prosperity Podcast, learn valuable business tips from Chris Mazzini, owner of a successful plumbing company and a family business that has thrived for over 50 years. This episode dives into the plumbing and HVAC industry and offers insights for any entrepreneur looking to grow their small business. Chris' journey reflects the challenges and rewards of family businesses. In today's interview, Paul and Chris discuss: Implementing technology in the trades is essential for growth. Gaining employee buy-in is crucial for successful change. Marketing is necessary for brand awareness and growth. A structured approach to training can develop future leaders. Setting clear goals helps in achieving business milestones.      Ready to transform from a stressed out, uncertain business owner, to a confident, respected CEO with clarity of your financial health? Visit today to book a free call: https://thebluecollaradvisors.com/call/

Join us on the Blue Collar Prosperity Podcast as we tackle the challenges faced by small business owners using Service Titan. Steve Cassette, a technology expert from Titan Wizards, shares his expertise about the complexities and challenges of using Service Titan in home service businesses. He offers insights into optimization, focusing on business strategy, integrations, the inventory system and warehouse management. Don't miss this episode for valuable tips to enhance your operations! Paul and Steve discuss: Common issues faced during onboarding The importance of a well-structured price book Effective inventory management The integration with accounting systems like QuickBooks and third-party integrations. Marketing capabilities within Service Titan Ready to transform from a stressed out, uncertain business owner, to a confident, respected CEO with clarity of your financial health? Visit today to book a free call: https://thebluecollaradvisors.com/call/

In this episode, Paul Maskill discusses the crucial distinction between profit and cash flow, two financial concepts that are often misunderstood as being one and the same. Understanding the difference is vital for businesses and individuals alike, as it can significantly impact financial decision-making and overall financial health. He identifies common cash flow issues faced by business owners in the trades, such as accounts receivable, vendor payments, debt payments, and poor bookkeeping. Paul provides actionable strategies for improving cash flow, including the importance of timely and accurate bookkeeping, cash flow forecasting, and setting clear financial targets. Whether you're a business owner, entrepreneur, or simply looking to improve your financial literacy, this video will provide you wi th a clear understanding of the big difference between profit and cash flow. In this episode, Paul dives into: Why profit does not equal cash in the bank. How accounts receivable can create significant cash flow issues. How owner's draws and tax payments impact available cash. How bad bookkeeping can inflate perceived profits. Why cash flow forecasting is necessary for informed decision-making. Interested in a financial assessment of your company? Book a call here and we'll make it happen: http://thebluecollaradvisors.com/call

In this episode of the Blue Collar Prosperity Podcast, host Paul Maskill interviews Mark Miller, a financial expert with nearly 40 years of experience. He is the co-founder of Hilton Tax and Wealth Advisors, author of a bestselling book, and has been featured in the New York Times, Kiplinger's, and Fox News. Discover the secret to building wealth fast and unlock your financial freedom. Learn the strategies and techniques that successful individuals use to accumulate wealth quickly and securely. From investing in stocks and real estate to starting a business and managing your finances effectively, this video reveals the key principles to achieving financial success. Whether you're looking to retire early, pay off debt, or simply build a secure financial future, this video provides valuable insights and practical advice to help you get started on your journey to building wealth. With expert tips and real-life examples, you'll learn how to overcome common obstacles and stay focused on your financial goals. So, if you're ready to take control of your finances and start building the wealth you deserve, watch this video now and start achieving your financial dreams. Paul and Mark dive into:   Why a formalized tax plan is so important. Why investing outside of your business is crucial for financial security. Understanding risk-reward dynamics in investing. Why proactive tax planning must be done throughout the year. Where you can access complimentary books to learn more about wealth building. Ready to transform from a stressed out, uncertain business owner, to a confident, respected CEO with clarity of your financial health? Visit today to book a free call: https://thebluecollaradvisors.com/call/

In this episode of the Blue Collar Prosperity Podcast, Paul Maskill and Phil Risher, the owner of Phlash Consulting, discuss transformative marketing strategies for home service businesses. They explore the shift towards AI in marketing, the importance of creating valuable content, and how to build trust with customers through education. Discover the secrets to successful customer acquisition in today's competitive market. In this video, we'll delve into the key elements that make effective customer acquisition strategies work, exploring the latest trends, techniques, and best practices. From understanding your target audience to leveraging data-driven insights, we'll cover it all. Whether you're a business owner, marketer, or entrepreneur, this video will provide you with valuable insights and actionable tips to help you acquire new customers and grow your business. Learn how to create a winning customer acquisition strategy that drives real results and stays ahead of the curve. Paul and Phil discuss: Why educating and building trust with customers is essential for conversion. How email marketing can lead to significant sales opportunities. How B2B partnerships can unlock new revenue streams. Why data tracking is vital for understanding business performance. How improving lead conversion can significantly boost revenue. Ready to transform from a stressed out, uncertain business owner, to a confident, respected CEO with clarity of your financial health? Visit today to book a free call: https://thebluecollaradvisors.com/call/

In this episode of the Blue Collar Prosperity Podcast, host Paul Maskill speaks with Spencer Ogden, Vice President of Dock Street, about wealth building strategies for home service business owners. Discover the secret to building wealth and unlock your financial freedom. Learn the proven strategies and principles that successful individuals use to accumulate wealth and achieve their financial goals. Spencer shares insights on sustainable growth, liquidity, and the differences between tangible and intangible assets. Whether you're just starting out or looking to take your finances to the next level, this video is for you. Get ready to transform your relationship with money and start building the wealth you deserve. Watch now and start your journey to financial success. Paul and Spencer discuss: Identifying Ingredients for Sustainable Growth Liquidity and Investment Opportunities Tangible vs. Intangible Assets in Business Investment Strategies in Public Markets Actionable Steps for Wealth Building      Ready to transform from a stressed out, uncertain business owner, to a confident, respected CEO with clarity of your financial health? Visit today to book a free call: https://thebluecollaradvisors.com/call/

Small business owners face constant challenges, including cash flow, team dynamics, and preparing for business sales. Leslie Hassler is a speaker, strategist, and bestselling author of multiple books. She helps business owners create predictable profits and scale sustainably through her fractional C-suite firm, Your Biz Rules. Leslie shares her journey with Paul from interior design to business strategy, emphasizing the importance of profit, mindset, and company culture in helping achieving business goals. Paul and Leslie discuss: What is a Fractional C-Suite Selling your company Creating consistent cash flow Scaling with confidence Building a strong team and culture Aligning your business goals with your personal goals Ready to transform from a stressed out, uncertain business owner, to a confident, respected CEO with clarity of your financial health? Visit today to book a free call: https://thebluecollaradvisors.com/call/

Most home service owners think the hardest part is hitting $1M. The truth? The real wall is around $3M. Most companies get stuck on their way to $5mm for several reasons. In this episode, Paul Maskill discusses the challenges home service businesses face when trying to scale beyond the $3 million mark. He emphasizes the importance of cash flow, proper pricing strategies, and building a strong management team to overcome these hurdles.The conversation highlights common pitfalls and offers actionable insights for business owners to achieve sustainable growth and profitability. In today's episode, Paul breaks down: Pricing strategies and why they are so important Implementing layers of management Why you must have margins dialed in before you scale Why more revenue does not equal ready to scale  Why you must have solid forecasting and projections Interested in a financial assessment of your company? Book a call here and we'll make it happen: http://thebluecollaradvisors.com/call

In the U.S., there are currently more job openings than people looking for work. Corporate Immigration Attorney, Matthew Hellrung, is the Co-Founder and Partner of Meltzer Hellrung.   Matthew specializes in helping companies meet their talent needs through immigrant program creation and management.  Therefore helping home service businesses bridge the labor gap and plan ahead for seasonal demands. In today's interview, Paul and Matthew talk about: How do you utilize the H2B Visa Program? Steps businesses need to take to recruit seasonal workers. The importance of planning ahead. The future of immigration policies in the U.S. as they relate to labor needs. Ready to transform from a stressed out, uncertain business owner, to a confident, respected CEO with clarity of your financial health? Visit today to book a free call: https://thebluecollaradvisors.com/call/

Cory Parks started out his career as a full-time firefighters, working his way up to Chief. Like most firefighters, he had a side gig. In his case, he started HydroHelp 911 to help solve crawl space and basement issues. Before he knew it, he had a full-time business and had to decide on his next step with the fire department. Paul and Cory dive into his journey and how he's been able to scale well beyond the $5mm mark. Cory is the president and founder of HydroHelp911. At HydroHelp they focus on helping homeowners solve structural and moisture issues before they become more costly and dangerous. They are the crawl space and foundation experts…but it wasn't always easy. Paul and Cory dive into: Importance of strong financials and constantly reviewing these. The best way to invest in your team. Marketing that has worked for him to keep his phone ringing and growth continuing. Why all leaders and owners must invest in themselves before anyone else. Ready to transform from a stressed out, uncertain business owner, to a confident, respected CEO with clarity of your financial health? Visit today to book a free call: https://thebluecollaradvisors.com/call/

Most marketing agencies simply focus on driving more leads to your company...even if it means spending a bunch of money on ads. Many marketing agencies also get paid on a percentage of your ad spend. In today's episode, Paul Maskill sits down with Fractional CMO Brennen Smith. Brennen is a revenue-driven fractional CMO who helps $2M to $20M+ home service companies turn marketing into a scalable revenue engine. After running his own agency for 10 years, Brennen now helps the trades generate more leads, close more jobs, and lower customer acquisition costs — without the overhead of a full-time CMO. He's on a mission to help owners stop guessing and start growing — with marketing that's aligned to sales, ops, and customer service for long-term profit. Paul and Brennen dive into: The difference between a Fractional CMO and Marketing Agency. Why it's so important to track all your calls (and have call tracking numbers). The power of monthly email newsletters. Why more leads might not solve your problem. The importance of integrating marketing with sales and operations. Ready to transform from a stressed out, uncertain business owner, to a confident, respected CEO with clarity of your financial health? Visit today to book a free call: https://thebluecollaradvisors.com/call/

With labor being one of the biggest expenses in a home service company (and the biggest thing we sell), it's imperative to make sure the compensation model is accurate. As companies scale, most start to implement performance pay. However, if not done properly, it can be a disaster on multiple fronts. In today's episode, I share what you need to know when implementing performance pay in your blue collar business: The pros and cons of different models. Why it's important to always have your recruiting engine going. Back test before implementation. Have your standards, mission and values in place. Have your scorecards in place for your team members. Overcoming the biggest fears and objections Interested in a financial assessment of your company? Book a call here and we'll make it happen: http://thebluecollaradvisors.com/call

Tim Brown is the CEO of Hook Agency, a Google Paid Ads, SEO & Web Design firm that's gone from 1 person to 30 in 6 years. Championing roofing companies, HVAC companies and Home Service businesses by helping them drive more traffic and leads – has led him to growing his team and learning to lead to be more useful. Content strategy, persuasive web design, and actionable small business marketing are his biggest areas of expertise. Tim's new book (Hometown Hero) digs deep into all the ways you can be a hometown hero aka five mile famous with your business. Some of the topics we focus on are: What's working in the world of marketing for home service companies? Why community involvement is so important to building your brand. What do we need to do in order to have a strong brand? Why it's more powerful to go all-in on a 5 mile service area instead of trying to service everyone who calls. You can get a copy of Tim's new book at hometownherobook.com. Ready to transform from a stressed out, uncertain business owner, to a confident, respected CEO with clarity of your financial health? Visit today to book a free call: https://thebluecollaradvisors.com/call/

It is usually one of the hardest roles to fill in any organization...sales. The best sales person in most home service companies is still the owner. When work slows down, the owner goes out into the field and sells a bunch of work to keep the crews rolling. So, how do we eliminate this trap and find great sales professionals? Ryan Hogan started Talent Harbor to solve this problem. Paul and Ryan focus on some great topics in this interview: Where do we find the best sales people? What are the best sales people actually looking for? How do we overcome the fear that the best sales people might not have technical/industry knowledge? What is the true cost of constant turnover? Ready to transform from a stressed out, uncertain business owner, to a confident, respected CEO with clarity of your financial health? Visit today to book a free call: https://thebluecollaradvisors.com/call/

Don Rabovsky is the founder of Volca. Volca is a referral marketing platform that helps contractors automate and streamline their customer and b2b referral programs. In today's interview, Don digs into:  What is the difference and pros/cons of organic growth versus relying on paid ads? What are some of the keys in setting up a successful referral program? How can we use branding and social media to expand our reach? Why do most referral programs fail? How you can stay top of mind with your existing database that already knows, likes and trusts you? Ready to transform from a stressed out, uncertain business owner, to a confident, respected CEO with clarity of your financial health? Visit today to finally solve your pricing problems: https://thebluecollaradvisors.com/price

What's Holding Back Home Service Companies from Cash Flow, Profit & Freedom? Q: What's the #1 purpose of a business?  A: To Make Money. Q: How much money? A: Enough for the owner to achieve their goals. I recently put on a workshop for my friends at The New Flat Rate and I dug into the numbers of the last 50 financial assessments that I performed for home service companies.  The numbers are not good. The numbers don't lie. I also believe that a majority of home service companies are a few feet from gold. They are doing so many things right. They just need to make a few small changes in their financials. In today's episode I share with you the data as well as what we need to do in order to turn the ship around. Interested in a financial assessment of your company? Book a call here and we'll make it happen: http://thebluecollaradvisors.com/call

Lewis Vandervalk is an expert at tying in digital marketing to boots on the ground, guerilla marketing. He doesn't care how you get your customer's attention, even if it means you don't need to hire his agency. Lewis (originally featured in episode TWO) is an entrepreneur located in New Brunswick, Canada. With a background in Construction and trades and a degree in Mechanical Engineering, Lewis started a Digital Marketing agency for Contractors in 2019. Currently, Lewis is owner of Blue Crocus Solutions, a Digital Marketing Company providing Web Design, SEO, and Google ads to contractors. His goal is to educate people to be able to do their own marketing and support business owners dominating their local markets. In today's interview, Paul and Lewis talk about: How to create true referral partnerships and backlinks. Why SEO is more important than ever. How to leverage AI to improve your online visibility. Leveraging local restaurants to drive new customers. The importance of doing SEO (and marketing) the right way. Ready to transform from a stressed out, uncertain business owner, to a confident, respected CEO with clarity of your financial health? Visit today to finally solve your pricing problems: https://thebluecollaradvisors.com/price

Danielle Putnam (originally featured in episode 12) is President of The New Flat Rate, a pioneering software company that created the first menu-pricing system for contractors in the HVAC, plumbing, and electrical industries. After 14 years with TNFR, she's focused on scaling its technology and expanding its impact across the home service sector. Danielle was named "Woman of the Year" at Service World Expo, served as President of Women in HVACR, and was featured in ACHR News' "Top 40 Under 40." She's also a passionate speaker and advocate for women in the trades—and when she's not working, she's raising her four children with her husband in Dalton, GA. In today's interview, Paul and Danielle talk about: A quick refresh on menu pricing and why it's so important. What are the biggest mistakes contractors make when it comes to pricing. What is a champion in the truck? How do they drive change? Why you don't have to roll out new initiatives to everyone at once. How can we involved our family into our mission, mission and values on a personal level and business level? Ready to transform from a stressed out, uncertain business owner, to a confident, respected CEO with clarity of your financial health? Visit today to finally solve your pricing problems: https://thebluecollaradvisors.com/price

Mike Abramowitz and his team specializes in getting time back for owners while also increasing revenue without any additional spend on marketing. As co-founder of Better Than Rich, Mike leads GSD Intensives, where his 30+-person plug-in team installs custom systems and AI-powered virtual assistants support for home service pros ready to get out of the weeds and off the tools. They streamline sales, referrals, and hiring—without adding more marketing spend or burying the owner in busywork. Mike also hosts The Better Than Rich Show and runs the "Automate, Delegate, Systemize" community, where 1,000+ business owners get real-world tools to build a business that works without them. In today's interview, Paul and Mike talk about: Why you can't hire your way out of problems. The importance of putting systems and playbooks in place before hiring. Where do blue collar business owners get bogged down the most. What is the Time Rich 6. How can home service business owners buy back their time. Ready to transform from a stressed out, uncertain business owner, to a confident, respected CEO with clarity of your financial health? Visit today to finally solve your pricing problems: https://thebluecollaradvisors.com/price

For all the gamers out there, this interview will hit home. Trent Lowenstein joined Paul on the podcast this week to discuss God Mode and business. What does that mean? When you have an abundance mindset and switch to God Mode, you realize you are 100% in control of your world. Trent Lowenestein- Former Director at Nexstar, GM for PE group shop, Director and lead coach for Tommy Mello's program, creator of GodMode strategy for business, Hvac, Plumbing, electric shop business owner (with successful exit), now he's the future president of Next Level Pros. In today's interview, Paul and Trent talk about: Video games and simulation theory. The power of God Mode. The four parts to a winnable game. Creating an abundance mindset. Ready to transform from a stressed out, uncertain business owner, to a confident, respected CEO with clarity of your financial health? Visit today to finally solve your pricing problems: https://thebluecollaradvisors.com/price

Almost every home service business owner that I talk to has one of two excuses of why they aren't creating consistent, predictable profitability. 1) They are "reinvesting" back into their business. 2) They don't want to pay taxes. In today's solo podcast, I focus on #1, the convenient excuse that only sounds good to the person saying it - "I'm reinvesting into my business." I also share the proper way to reinvest into your business while making sure your cash flow remains healthy. Lastly, are you not sure if your pricing is right? Download my free pricing calculator: https://thebluecollaradvisors.com/price

Our first repeat guest on the show is here and it's a great conversation. A year later, Paul has brought back Brigham Dickinson from Power Selling Pros. Even with AI Voice being all the talk in home service, Brigham's business focuses on training (human) CSRs. Brigham originally joined us last year to talk all about turning your call center into a profit center and training CSRs with Power Selling Pros. He's back this year to discuss how the landscape has changed, including training technicians, and where is AI taking us. In today's interview, Paul and Brigham talk about: How we can leverage AI to improve our humans and customer experience. Are we going to be firing all our CSRs soon? Using tools like Rilla and Lace to listen to more calls and better serve our CSRs and Technicians. The 3 things customers MUST feel before making a decision. How can we leverage CSRs to sell memberships (and replacements). Ready to transform from a stressed out, uncertain business owner, to a confident, respected CEO with clarity of your financial health? Visit today to finally solve your pricing problems: https://thebluecollaradvisors.com/price

Ready to learn from someone who went from zero to a 9-figure exit in less than 5 years? Chris Lee is here today to share his journey and wisdom. Chris Lee is the Founder and CEO of Next Level Pros, an entrepreneurial accelerator fostering business growth and development for small to large sized businesses through education, private equity and venture capital investments. Chris founded Solgen Power, a vertically integrated solar provider, in his garage fall of 2017, later exiting to private equity at a 9-figure valuation… all in 4.5 years. His team was recognized by Financial Times as the 6th fastest growing privately held company in the Nation, spanning to 18 different locations and 1100+ team members. In today's interview, Paul and Chris talk about: The importance of values. Creating a crystal clear 5-year plan and road map. Building everything in your life by design, not default. Your vision has to be bigger than your employees' vision. Building a culture of happiness and joy. Why your customers are not the first or second most important thing in your business. Ready to transform from a stressed out, uncertain business owner, to a confident, respected CEO with clarity of your financial health? Visit today to finally solve your pricing problems: https://thebluecollaradvisors.com/price

Most companies in the trades start out by doing a little bit of everything. That usually also includes a lot of construction work. Why? It doesn't cost as much in marketing. It's a consistent flow of work. The problem? It will eventually crush your cash flow if the work isn't being done on your terms. Today's guest lived it. Chris Wisniewski, owner of Integrate Comfort Systems, joined Paul Maskill on the podcast this week. Chris Wisniewski is the Vice President of Integrate Comfort Systems — or ICS — a family-owned HVAC company based in northern New Jersey. ICS was founded by Chris's father in 1990, and he's had the privilege of helping lead the company into its next generation. Chris has been doing so full time since 2000. In today's interview, Paul and Chris talk about: Eliminating construction work and downsizing to increase profit and cash flow. The biggest problems in not working with the end-user. The difference between a transactional customer and a relationship. Hanging on to the wrong employees for too long. Ready to transform from a stressed out, uncertain business owner, to a confident, respected CEO with clarity of your financial health? Visit today to finally solve your pricing problems: https://thebluecollaradvisors.com/price

The podcast is about to turn one years old! In this week's Blue Collar Prosperity Podcast, Paul shares with you the Top 10 Takeaways from the first year of interviews. The overall theme? The most successful businesses in the trades simply do the basics better than everyone else. With all the technology and AI pouring into the home service space, it still comes back to running a great business by doing the little things. The top 10 things you need to be doing today are shared in this solo show. Lastly, are you not sure if your pricing is right? Download my free pricing calculator: https://thebluecollaradvisors.com/price

If you're ready to stop spending so much on marketing and instead have way more fun turning your current customers into raving fans, you're in the right spot today! Paul interviewed Clifton Muckenfuss, founder of Building Raving Fans. Clifton Muckenfuss is a serial entrepreneur with an extensive background in sales, marketing and leadership. His career spans over 20 years and he has founded / co-founded and scaled construction and service based companies. Clifton evangelizes and teaches the concept of "Raving Fans" – people so happy about you, your culture and your brand that they become obsessive, ultimately creating Customers for Life. In today's interview, Paul and Clifton talk about: The power of relationship marketing. Turning your clients into brand evangelists. Why it's so important to stand out and take advantage of every client touchpoint. How to actually measure the ROI of gifting, handwritten thank you notes and just being an overall great human. Ready to transform from a stressed out, uncertain business owner, to a confident, respected CEO with clarity of your financial health? Visit today to finally solve your pricing problems: https://thebluecollaradvisors.com/price

Paul had the privilege to interview the legend, Joe Crisara, on this week's podcast. Joe is the founder of Service MVP Training. He transformed his failing home service contractor business by realizing that value comes from offering unique services, not just lower prices. Now, alongside his wife Julie, Joe helps thousands of service professionals triple their revenue through his ethical "Pure Motive Service" system. Known as America's Service Sales Coach, Joe's down-to-earth style and direct approach come from his personal experiences. His teachings on persuasion, selling, and closing have been embraced by businesses of all sizes, and his books, including What Should We Do?, guide professionals in selling services at higher perceived value. In this interview, Joe goes deep into: Creating magic moments for your clients throughout the entire client journey. How to provide customer service with healthy boundaries. Using options to serve your clients better. Ethical sales strategies that get results. Why asking questions is the key to providing custom options. Eliminating all friction points in doing business with you. Creating a company sales culture. Ready to transform from a stressed out, uncertain business owner, to a confident, respected CEO with clarity of your financial health? Visit today to finally solve your pricing problems: https://thebluecollaradvisors.com/price

There are new AI tools coming out every single day. How do we know which ones to trust? How do we know which ones won't make our customers angry? How do we know which ones will last? In this podcast, Paul interviews Quinn Litherland, the founder of Revin.ai. Revin is the revenue co-pilot for home service companies that will help automate their call center, inside sales and marketing efforts. Their main tool in doing this is AI-powered chat / text messaging. The main topics that Paul and Quinn discuss are: Why is texting so important for home service businesses? People have very strong opinions on 3rd party leads. What have you seen in this space? Pros and cons? The AI options seem to be growing exponentially and it can be really overwhelming. What is your advice for companies in the trades? Ready to transform from a stressed out, uncertain business owner, to a confident, respected CEO with clarity of your financial health? Visit today to finally solve your pricing problems: https://thebluecollaradvisors.com/price