Podcast Summary: HVAC Masters of the Hustle, Episode #310 - Chris RP1: Filling Up The Board

Release Date: June 2, 2025
Host: JDubMoneyMaker
Guest: Chris Baldron
Episode Title: Chris RP1: Filling Up The Board

Introduction

In Episode #310 of HVAC Masters of the Hustle, host Jacob "JDubMoneyMaker" Moneymaker welcomes Chris Baldron, a key figure behind RP1, a specialized SMS and email marketing platform designed for the HVAC, plumbing, and electrical trades. The episode delves into the strategies and technologies that enable contractors to maximize customer engagement and fill their service boards efficiently.

Guest Introduction and Background (03:37)

Jacob opens the conversation by acknowledging Chris's significant impact on helping contractors nationwide despite his relatively short tenure in the HVAC space.

Jacob Moneymaker:
"Chris, your growth and journey in the trades have been remarkable, especially with the big splash you've made in helping contractors across the nation."
(03:37)

Chris Baldron:
Chris shares a personal anecdote highlighting his longstanding support and connection to the podcast, emphasizing the growth and camaraderie that led to his appearance on the show.
(03:37-04:23)

RP1 Overview (04:23)

Jacob prompts Chris to explain what RP1 does, setting the stage for an in-depth discussion.

Chris Baldron:
"RP1 specializes in SMS and email marketing tailored specifically for the trades—HVAC, plumbing, and electrical. We focus on increasing the lifetime value of each customer in your database by sustaining engagement and driving high-ticket sales through targeted, automated communications."
(04:58)

Unique Features of RP1 (07:06)

Chris elaborates on how RP1 helps fill service boards by re-engaging existing customers and automating follow-ups.

Chris Baldron:
"With RP1, we re-engage customers based on specific criteria like non-club memberships or outdated systems, using cost-effective text messaging to quickly and efficiently fill your service board."
(07:06)

Automation and Client Engagement (09:33)

The conversation shifts to the advantages of automation over traditional call centers, highlighting speed and efficiency.

Chris Baldron:
"Text messaging allows us to reach hundreds of customers in minutes, a stark contrast to traditional call centers where reps make around 200 outbound calls a day. This not only fills boards faster but also reduces staff turnover caused by the repetitive nature of phone calls."
(09:33-09:52)

RP1's Evolution and Enhancements (09:55)

Chris discusses the evolution of RP1 from a simple call board filler to a comprehensive automation suite addressing every stage of customer interaction.

Chris Baldron:
"Originally, RP1 was known for filling call boards, but we've expanded to enhance every business level—from top-of-funnel lead generation to re-engaging clients and automating club membership renewals. Our latest updates include advanced rehash features that connect comfort advisors directly with clients through mobile apps, ensuring higher closure rates."
(09:55-14:04)

Differentiators: What Sets RP1 Apart (14:04)

When asked what makes RP1 unique, Chris emphasizes the platform's origin within the trades industry and its user-centric design.

Chris Baldron:
"RP1 was built by contractors, for contractors. Unlike typical tech companies that attempt to adapt their solutions to fit the trades, we created RP1 to solve our own problems first. This insider perspective allows us to offer tailored automations that genuinely enhance contractor operations without the steep learning curve."
(14:10-16:15)

Implementation and User-Friendly Design (18:11)

Discussing the importance of ease of use, Chris highlights RP1's intuitive portal and hands-on implementation approach.

Chris Baldron:
"Our portal is designed to be user-friendly, ensuring that even those with limited tech expertise can navigate it effortlessly. We pride ourselves on seamless implementation, where we not only set up automations on day one but also train your entire staff, including technicians, to maximize the platform's benefits."
(18:11-21:44)

Target Audience and Integration (21:44)

Chris explains the types of companies that benefit most from RP1 and its integration capabilities.

Chris Baldron:
"RP1 caters to a wide range of clients, especially those using Service Titan or Housecall Pro. Our deep integration with these platforms allows for enhanced automation, but we remain versatile enough to support any contractor regardless of their CRM system."
(21:44-22:35)

Managing Text Message Responses and Database Cleanse (22:35)

The discussion turns to handling varied customer responses and maintaining a clean database.

Chris Baldron:
"While most text responses are positive, we've encountered some extreme reactions, such as customers responding with profanity or threats. This often stems from outdated or poorly maintained databases. RP1 helps cleanse your database by re-engaging only active and interested customers, thereby minimizing negative interactions."
(22:35-24:46)

Getting Started with RP1 (24:46)

Jacob asks how new contractors can engage with RP1, leading Chris to outline the onboarding process.

Chris Baldron:
"Interested contractors can visit our website at www.rp1ai to schedule a demo. Our dedicated account managers, who have risen through the ranks of our call center, provide personalized training and build out automations tailored to each business, ensuring optimal performance from day one."
(24:46-26:32)

Ensuring Effective Communication and Compliance (26:32)

Chris addresses the importance of compliant and effective communication strategies.

Chris Baldron:
"We maintain a strict opt-out rate below 3% by utilizing pre-approved templates and conducting extensive testing. Our partnerships with major mobile carriers ensure that our messaging remains effective and compliant, protecting your business’s reputation and customer relationships."
(26:32-27:43)

Final Thoughts and Key Takeaways (29:16)

As the episode concludes, Chris emphasizes the role of automation in enhancing rather than replacing workforce efficiency.

Chris Baldron:
"Automation is a powerful tool that can significantly enhance your business operations without replacing your staff. At RP1, our goal is to help contractors grow by reducing tedious tasks and maintaining high engagement with their customers through intelligent, automated systems."
(29:16-30:23)

Jacob Moneymaker:
"Thank you, Chris, for sharing these insights. For all our listeners—business owners, comfort advisors, installers, CSRs, dispatchers, managers, and service technicians—don’t hesitate to reach out to Chris and his team at RP1 to help fill up your boards and grow your business."
(30:23)

Notable Quotes

• Chris Baldron (07:06):
  "Text messaging is probably the most cost-effective and the fastest way to fill your board."

• Chris Baldron (14:10):
  "We made all these solutions for ourselves to solve our own problems and then realized that it's going to help everyone else."

• Chris Baldron (18:37):
  "Ease of use is a really, really big thing because it's so, so important."

• Chris Baldron (29:16):
  "Don't be scared of technology, don't be scared of automations. They are designed to help you."

Conclusion

Episode #310 of HVAC Masters of the Hustle offers a comprehensive look into how RP1 leverages automation and targeted communication to help HVAC contractors optimize their customer engagement and service scheduling. Chris Baldron's insights into the platform's unique features, user-centric design, and effective implementation strategies provide valuable takeaways for anyone in the HVAC industry aiming to join the top 1% in their field.