The Service Standard

Contractor pricing strategy is one of the biggest factors affecting profit margins in home service businesses.In this episode of The Service Standard, Cory Adams explains why most contractors and trades business owners undercharge, how pricing impacts profitability, and the mindset mistakes that keep service companies stuck.If you run a home service business — landscaping, lighting, HVAC, plumbing, roofing, or any trades company — this episode will help you:• Increase profit margins• Stop feeling busy but broke• Raise your prices with confidence• Build a more profitable service companyWe break down pricing for contractors, service business profit margins, and leadership mindset for trades business growth.This episode discusses home service business pricing, contractor pricing strategy, trades business profitability, and increasing margins in the trades.

In this episode of The Service Standard, Cory Adams shares a hard lesson about liability in a home service business.After allowing an employee to use a company vehicle, a minor accident turned into a much bigger financial and insurance issue than expected.This episode breaks down:• Company vehicle liability risks• Insurance exposure in service businesses• Employee driving policies• Protecting your business from avoidable risk• Balancing generosity with responsibility as a business ownerIf you run a landscaping, lighting, HVAC, plumbing, roofing, or other home service company, this conversation is critical.Small decisions can carry major financial consequences.Leadership isn’t just about helping people — it’s about protecting the business that supports everyone.

Leading men at work is one thing.Leading them spiritually? That scared me.This week I started an optional Bible study with my employees — and honestly, I didn’t feel qualified to lead it.In this episode, I talk about:• Feeling unqualified but responsible• Why most men don’t need a pastor — they need someone to go first• Why I made it optional• What leadership really looks like as a dad and business ownerIf you’re a man trying to lead better — at home, at work, or spiritually — this conversation is for you.Subscribe for weekly conversations on faith, fatherhood, leadership, and becoming a better man without pretending to be perfect.

In this episode of The Service Standard, Cory Adams talks about the real cost of inconsistency in a home service business.If you run a service-based company — landscaping, lighting, HVAC, roofing, plumbing, pressure washing — this episode is a direct conversation about discipline, systems, and execution.We break down how inconsistent marketing, inconsistent leadership, and inconsistent follow-through quietly destroy growth in small businesses.You’ll learn:• Why inconsistent marketing stalls revenue• The hidden cost of inconsistent leadership• How discipline builds momentum• Why systems matter more than motivation• How to raise the standard in your service businessGrowth doesn’t come from bursts of effort.It comes from consistent execution.If you’re building a home service company and want to grow profitably, this episode is for you.

In this episode of The Service Standard, Cory Adams sits down with Lauren Maxwell of CrossCountry Mortgage to talk about building trust in a competitive industry.Mortgage is relationship-driven — just like home services. Lauren shares what it takes to grow a career through consistency, credibility, and long-term client relationships.For home service business owners, this episode covers:• Building trust before the sale• Growing through referrals• Staying competitive in crowded markets• Career growth through discipline• Leading with service over pressureStrong businesses are built on relationships.And trust compounds.Subscribe to The Service Standard for real conversations about leadership, growth, and building profitable service companies the right way.

In this episode of The Service Standard, Cory Adams sits down with Zach and Anajah Bakker to talk about starting something from nothing.What began as a simple beach Bible study turned into a growing community — built through courage, consistency, and conviction.For home service business owners, this episode is about:• Taking initiative before you feel ready• Leading without a formal title• Building community from zero• Staying consistent when growth is slow• Conviction in public spacesEvery strong business starts with someone willing to go first.Leadership isn’t about size. It’s about responsibility.Subscribe to The Service Standard for real conversations about leadership, growth, and raising the standard in the trades.

In this episode of The Service Standard, Cory Adams shares his journey from Kansas to building Paradise Lights in Naples, Florida — and why he decided to create this podcast.This isn’t a highlight reel. It’s the real story of starting over, building a home service company, navigating risk, and learning leadership through experience.We talk about:• Leaving comfort to pursue opportunity• Starting and growing a home service business• Lessons learned in seasonal revenue• Mistakes, risks, and hard decisions• Why raising the standard matters in the tradesThe Service Standard was created for contractors and home service owners who want to build profitable businesses the right way.If you’re building in the trades, this is where it starts.Subscribe for real conversations about leadership, growth, and building strong service companies.

In this episode of The Service Standard, Cory Adams sits down with Bob Dugan, founder of Thor Guard, to talk about building a company around innovation and responsibility.Thor Guard is known for its lightning detection systems that protect lives in high-risk environments. But behind the product is a story of leadership, conviction, and long-term thinking.For home service business owners, this episode is about:• Building solutions that actually matter• Innovation in risk-heavy industries• Leading with responsibility• Long-term vision over short-term profit• Faith as a foundation without compromising business standardsStrong companies solve real problems.And the best leaders build with purpose.Subscribe to The Service Standard for real conversations about leadership, growth, and raising the standard in the trades.🎯 Connect with Bob Duggan & Thor Guard:Website: https://thorguard.comBook: “All I Am” (available on Amazon & Barnes & Noble)

In this episode of The Service Standard, Cory Adams sits down with Cornell Bunting to talk about resilience, redemption, and rebuilding after being wrongfully incarcerated.This isn’t just a testimony — it’s a conversation about responsibility, character, and becoming stronger through adversity.For home service business owners, leadership is tested in pressure. This episode covers:• Rebuilding your life after injustice• Developing resilience under extreme pressure• Taking ownership when you could stay bitter• Leadership rooted in character• Why adversity can refine you instead of define youBefore you raise the standard in business, you have to raise it in your life.Subscribe to The Service Standard for real conversations about leadership, growth, and building strong service companies the right way.

In this episode of The Service Standard, Cory Adams sits down with Tereza, founder of the Naples Girls Walking Club, to talk about starting over and building something meaningful from the ground up.What began as a simple idea turned into a growing community — and a powerful example of leadership, consistency, and courage.For home service business owners, this conversation applies directly to:• Starting a brand with limited resources• Building community before monetization• Showing up consistently• Leading without a big team• Growing through word-of-mouth and trustEvery strong business starts small.The difference is consistency and conviction.Subscribe to The Service Standard for real conversations about leadership, growth, and building service businesses the right way.🔗 Connect with Tereza:👉 Naples Girls Walking ClubInstagram: @naplesgirlswalkingclub👉 The Flirt Club NaplesInstagram: @theflirtclubnaples

In this episode of The Service Standard, Cory Adams sits down with Jeff, owner of T Clinics USA and co-owner of Nuviva Medical Weight Loss, to talk about something most business owners ignore — their health.We discuss how hormones, energy levels, and burnout directly impact leadership, decision-making, and business performance.If you run a home service or service-based company, this conversation is critical.We cover:• Why so many men operate in chronic fatigue• Testosterone, peptides, and hormone therapy — what’s hype and what’s real• The link between physical health and leadership capacity• Burnout in entrepreneurs• Leading with integrity in appearance-driven industries• Faith and stewardship without being preachyYou can’t raise the standard in your business if your body and mind are running on empty.Strong leaders protect their health.Subscribe to The Service Standard for real conversations about leadership, growth, and building profitable service businesses the right way.🔗 Connect with Jeff:🌐 T Clinics USA🌐 Nuviva Medical Weight Loss👉 This episode is for you.💡 Don't forget to LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE for more real, faith-driven conversations about purpose, health, and living on mission.

In this episode of The Service Standard, Cory Adams sits down with Jackson of Prime Fast to talk about what coaching NFL athletes teaches about leadership, discipline, and building high-performance teams.This conversation goes beyond sports. It’s about standards, accountability, and developing men who show up when it matters.For home service business owners, this applies directly to:• Leading young employees• Building a performance culture• Mentorship in business• Setting clear standards• Discipline under pressureHigh-level results don’t happen by accident.They’re built through structure and leadership.Subscribe to The Service Standard for real conversations about building strong service businesses the right way. FOLLOW JACKYSON & PRIME FAST:Stay connected, train with purpose, and be part of something bigger.💬 LIKE, COMMENT & SUBSCRIBEIf this episode inspired you, drop a comment and let us know what stood out most. Don’t forget to like and subscribe — it helps us share more stories like Jackson’s!🔔 Turn on notifications so you never miss an episode of The Brighter Side — where we shine a light on people pursuing purpose, leadership, and faith.💡 WHO IS JACKYSON?Jackson is more than just a trainer. He’s the founder of Prime Fast — a performance training company helping athletes of all levels build physical strength, mental resilience, and spiritual direction. From training kids to working with elite professionals like Noah Gray of the Kansas City Chiefs, Jackyson has become a respected figure in both athletic and faith-based communities in Southwest Florida.

In this episode of The Service Standard, Cory Adams sits down with Thomas Keys III to talk about resilience, leadership, and becoming the kind of man others can follow.From surviving Hurricane Katrina to stepping into leadership roles, Thomas shares lessons on discipline, faith, and responsibility that apply far beyond church or music.For home service business owners, leadership begins with character. This episode covers:• Leading through adversity• Building strength when circumstances hit hard• Becoming dependable under pressure• Faith as a foundation for leadership• Why real influence starts at homeBefore you can lead a business, you have to lead yourself.Subscribe to The Service Standard for real conversations about leadership, growth, and raising the standard in the trades.

In this episode of The Service Standard, Cory Adams sits down with Greg Dodge, owner of Naples Lifestyle Magazine, to talk about building a respected local media brand.Greg shares what it takes to grow influence in a competitive market and why storytelling is one of the most powerful tools in business.For home service business owners, this episode is about:• Building brand credibility• Creating influence in your local market• Positioning yourself as a leader• Networking at a higher level• Long-term reputation over short-term hypeStrong businesses aren’t built quietly.They’re built intentionally.Subscribe to The Service Standard for real conversations about raising the standard in the home service industry.🎙️ Sponsored By:👉 Goated Golf – For those chasing greatness, on and off the course https://www.goated.golf👉 Paradise Lights – Reserve your Christmas lighting before the holiday rush!https://www.paradiselightsfl.com📍 Naples, FL📰 Guest: Greg Dodge – Publisher, Naples City Lifestyle Magazine🎧 Host: [The Brighter Side Podcast] Cory Adams💬 Drop your favorite quote or takeaway from the episode in the comments!.

In this episode of The Service Standard, Cory Adams sits down with John Huffman, owner of Huffman Construction, to talk about rebuilding a life — and a business — after hitting rock bottom.John shares how he went from prison to running a construction company, and what responsibility, discipline, and faith had to do with that transformation.If you run a home service or construction business, this episode hits hard.We discuss:• Taking ownership of past decisions• Rebuilding trust and credibility• Leading in the construction industry• Developing discipline through adversity• Faith as a foundation for leadershipStrong businesses are built by strong men.Subscribe to The Service Standard for real conversations about building profitable service companies the right way.John's stuff:https://www.instagram.com/realjohnhuffman/@huffmans_construction_grouphttps://www.tiktok.com/@realjohnhuffmanhttps://www.youtube.com/@JohnHuffmanSpeakshttps://johnhuffmanspeaks.com/https://www.facebook.com/consultdaily/Subscribe at youtube.com/@servicestandard

In this episode of The Service Standard, Cory Adams sits down with Patrick Dearborn to talk about what it really takes to build a reputation-driven business in a competitive market.Although Patrick operates in real estate, the principles apply to every home service owner: standards, trust, relationships, and long-term thinking.If you run a service-based company, this episode will challenge how you think about:• Reputation and referrals• Building trust in high-end markets• Leadership under pressure• Faith and integrity in business• Playing the long gameStrong businesses aren’t built on shortcuts.They’re built on standards.Subscribe to The Service Standard for real conversations about building profitable home service businesses the right way.

In this episode of The Service Standard, Cory Adams sits down with Holly Strickland, owner of Burn Boot Camp Naples, to talk about what it really takes to build a local brand that lasts.This conversation goes beyond fitness. It’s about leadership, culture, team building, and growing a service-based business with high standards.If you run a gym, home service company, franchise, or any people-driven business — this episode will hit.We cover:• Building a strong local brand• Leading a team in a high-energy environment• Creating community that drives retention• Growing within a franchise model• Maintaining standards while scalingGreat businesses aren’t built on hype.They’re built on leadership and consistency.Subscribe to The Service Standard for real conversations about building profitable service companies the right way.📍 Connect with Holly & Burn Boot Camp Naples:🌐 burnbootcamp.com/locations/naples-fl📸 Instagram: @burnbootcampnaples

In this episode of The Service Standard, Cory Adams sits down with Shawn French to talk about rebuilding your life — and your business — from nothing.This conversation is about grit, discipline, responsibility, and what it actually takes to change your trajectory when the odds are against you.If you run a home service or service-based business, you’ll relate to this one.We cover:• Starting over after setbacks• Building discipline when motivation fades• Turning struggle into structure• Leadership through adversity• The mindset required to grow something realSuccess isn’t about hype.It’s about standards, habits, and showing up when it’s hard.Subscribe to The Service Standard for real conversations about building profitable service businesses in the trades.👇 Drop a comment if this episode hit home for you and share it with someone who needs to hear it.📲 Follow Shawn:  @thedeterminedsociety  https://www.instagram.com/theshawnfrench/🌟 Follow Cory Adams:  @servicestandard 

In this episode of The Service Standard, Cory Adams sits down with Kevin Vanduser to talk about what separates average operators from high-level performers.Kevin shares how he built Goated Golf and some of the lessons he learned from rubbing shoulders with elite athletes and world-class businessmen — including what discipline, preparation, and proximity to excellence actually teach you about building your own company.If you run a home service or service-based business, this episode will challenge how you think about:• Standards• Access and relationships• Playing in bigger rooms• Discipline in business• Long-term growthThis isn’t about celebrity stories.It’s about what high standards look like up close — and how to apply them in your own business.Subscribe to The Service Standard for real conversations about building profitable service companies in the trades.🎧 Listen in as we cover:▪️ His origin story — from humble beginnings to building a golf brand with bite▪️ Exclusive Trump and MJ stories you’ve NEVER heard▪️ Faith, setbacks, and staying locked in mentally▪️ Celebs and pros who secretly rock Goated Golf 🧢▪️ His vision for the future — and what it really means to be "Goated"👇 Drop your favorite quote or moment in the comments!📍 Filmed in Naples, FL🎙️ Hosted by Cory AdamsKevin's channels : https://www.instagram.com/redstategolf/ttps://www.instagram.com/goatedputters/https://www.instagram.com/kevinvanduser/https://www.instagram.com/goatedpb/www.goated.golf👀 Watch now — this one’s a hole-in-one. 🏌️‍♂️💭🔔 Don't forget to LIKE, COMMENT & SUBSCRIBE!

In this episode of The Service Standard, Cory Adams sits down with Nicky Frizz of ElfBros to break down how a Christmas light business turned social media attention into real operational growth.If you run a home service company — landscaping, lighting, lawn care, pressure washing, HVAC, roofing — this episode is a case study in building a seasonal business the smart way.We cover:• How ElfBros got started in Christmas lighting• Using TikTok to drive real business (not just views)• Scaling a seasonal service company• Hiring and working with family• Turning chaos into structure• Dealing with pressure as your brand growsThis is not about going viral.It’s about building something that actually makes money.Subscribe to The Service Standard for real conversations about running profitable home service businesses the right way.👉 Watch the full episode now! @thebrightersidepod 📌 Follow Nicky on TikTok & IG: @nickyfrizzz You’ll laugh harder than you should! 😂🎧 Don’t forget to LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE! 🔥 Please lets us Know what else you want to see in our next Podcast.!!