Podcast
Owned and Operated - A Plumbing, Electrical, and HVAC Business Growth Podcast
Hosted by John Wilson · EN
The Owned and Operated Podcast is the go-to show for HVAC, plumbing, and electrical business owners who want to grow faster, increase profits, and scale smarter.
Hosted by John Wilson and Jack Carr, real home service operators in the trenches. This podcast delivers 2x weekly, no-BS conversations on what’s actually working in the trades today. From lead generation and marketing to hiring top-tier talent and building scalable systems, every episode is packed with actionable strategies you can implement immediately.
If you're an HVAC contractor, plumber, or electrician looking to grow your business, improve operations, and stay ahead in a competitive market, this podcast is for you.
New episodes drop every Tuesday and Thursday.
Learn more at www.ownedandoperated.com
350episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Most Home Service Companies Are Wasting Their Best Leads (Referral Marketing Blueprint)
Yesterday00:41:21Summary readyHome service companies are leaving serious money on the table when it comes to referrals. In this episode, John Wilson sits down with Murphy Nadauld from ReferPro to break down how top HVAC, plumbing, electrical, and roofing companies are building scalable referral engines through lifecycle marketing, automation, and AI.In this episode, you’ll learn: • Why referrals are underutilized in home services • How lifecycle marketing drives repeat revenue • Why referral incentives increase conversion rates • How contractors are using referrals to recruit technicians • The role AI and automation play in customer retention • How affiliate partnerships create new lead opportunitiesHost: John WilsonGuest: Murphy Nadauld (ReferPro)💼 Shoutout to Quick Staffers LLC Need trained HVAC & plumbing CSRs at a fraction of the cost? Quick Staffers LLC specializes in placing top-tier global talent with the best SOPs and scripts. 🔥 Get $500 off your first placement here 💼Shoutout to Avoca AI!Looking to train your call center and improve technician performance? Avoca AI helps teams identify issues, improve call quality, and drive results from start to finish. 🔗 Schedule a demo💼 iWallet — Cut Payment Fees & Simplify Your Cash FlowRunning 5+ trucks? You know payments are a mess—slow checks, high fees, and disconnected systems.iWallet is built for home service businesses, combining cards, ACH, and digital checks into one platform that plugs into your CRM.We’re currently cutting our processing fees from 3% → 1.5% using iWallet.👉 Book a demoSend Us Mail!More Ways To Connect with O&OJohn's YouTube ChannelWeekly Newsletter Owned and Operated Leave a ReviewJohn Wilson, CEO of Wilson CompaniesJack Carr, CEO of Rapid HVAC📌 Disclaimer: Some links may include UTM parameters or affiliate relationships, meaning we may earn a commission if you make a purchase. Episodes may feature sponsors, but all opinions expressed are our own.
SummaryHigh-Ticket Sales in Home Services: What Actually Works
3d ago00:33:12Summary readyHigh ticket sales in home services aren’t about being pushy — they’re about giving customers the right options.In this episode, John Wilson and Jack Carr break down the systems behind bigger tickets, better close rates, and stronger sales cultures in HVAC, plumbing, and electrical businesses. They unpack why many technicians struggle with sales, how to shift the mindset around presenting options, and why education — not pressure — leads to better outcomes for both the customer and the company.In this episode, you’ll learn:Why sales in home services is really about educationThe “Why You, Why Now, How Can I Afford You?” frameworkHow to handle common customer objectionsWhy consistent sales training beats one-time seminarsHow option building impacts close rate and average ticketThe role incentives and competition play in sales performanceHost: John Wilson Co-Host: Jack Carr💼 Big Reputation — Stop chasing reviews and watching competitors outrank you. Big Reputation is the AI-powered review + SEO platform built for home service pros. Automate review generation, respond with AI, track local SEO, and integrate with your CRM. Setup is free, and your first month’s on the house.👉 Book your demo💼 Extra Special Thanks to Service Scalers!We’ve been partnering with Service Scalers to maximize our Local Service Ads (LSAs) and optimize our Google My Business profiles, and the results have been incredible. With hundreds of thousands in sales and 900+ calls in a single week, GMBs are now our top-performing organic lead channel.Want to learn how Service Scalers can do the same for you? 🔗Check Them Out Here 💼 Shoutout to Quick Staffers LLC Need trained HVAC & plumbing CSRs at a fraction of the cost? Quick Staffers LLC specializes in placing top-tier global talent with the best SOPs and scripts. 🔥 Get $500 off your first placement hereSend Us Mail!More Ways To Connect with O&OJohn's YouTube ChannelWeekly Newsletter Owned and Operated Leave a ReviewJohn Wilson, CEO of Wilson CompaniesJack Carr, CEO of Rapid HVAC📌 Disclaimer: Some links may include UTM parameters or affiliate relationships, meaning we may earn a commission if you make a purchase. Episodes may feature sponsors, but all opinions expressed are our own.
SummaryWhy Your Techs Aren’t Selling High Ticket (And What to Fix)
1w ago00:08:32Summary readyMost home service companies think they have a sales problem. In reality, they have an organizational problem.In this bonus episode, John Wilson breaks down why low average tickets usually come down to poor positioning, weak training, and solving the wrong customer pain points—not bad technicians.Drawing from experience scaling a $40M plumbing, HVAC, and electrical business and acquiring 14 companies, John explains how elite operators build high-ticket sales systems that consistently drive bigger jobs, higher close rates, and better customer outcomes.You’ll learn: Why most companies focus on the wrong problems The difference between low-value and high-value solutions How to build a “value ladder” for your service business Why repairs can limit growth compared to replacement opportunities The training, ride-alongs, and scorecards top operators use How to increase average ticket without feeling “salesy” The framework Wilson uses to grow core service revenue More Solo Content - @JohnWilsonStudioSend Us Mail!More Ways To Connect with O&OJohn's YouTube ChannelWeekly Newsletter Owned and Operated Leave a ReviewJohn Wilson, CEO of Wilson CompaniesJack Carr, CEO of Rapid HVAC📌 Disclaimer: Some links may include UTM parameters or affiliate relationships, meaning we may earn a commission if you make a purchase. Episodes may feature sponsors, but all opinions expressed are our own.
SummaryThe Real Reason Everyone in the Trades Is Starting a Podcast
1w ago00:44:33Summary readyIn this episode, John sits down with Jackie Aubel, host of ServiceTitan’s Toolbox for the Trades, to unpack what content actually does for a home service business—and why most people get it wrong from the start.They break down the real role of podcasting: not a short-term revenue driver, but a long-term play for brand, relationships, and access. Jackie shares how ServiceTitan approaches content as a distribution machine—turning one episode into dozens of touchpoints across social, email, and paid media to stay embedded in the contractor ecosystem.But the bigger story is what’s happening across the trades.Just a few years ago, there was almost no content. Now, there’s an explosion—podcasts, newsletters, creators—and a new generation of operators entering with a sharper, business-first lens.They also get into why most people start content with the wrong expectations, how to define the right goal before you ever hit record, and what it actually takes to sustain something long enough to matter.If you’re thinking about building an audience—or questioning whether it’s even worth it—this is a clear-eyed look at the tradeoffs, upside, and reality of content in 2026.In this episode, you’ll learn: Why podcasts rarely generate leads (especially early on) What content actually does for your business Why every podcast should be treated like a content engine How to set the right goal before starting What’s changed in the trades—and why it matters now Why consistency beats early performance, every time Host: John Wilson Guest: Jackie AubelHost: John WilsonGuest: Jackie Aubel🛒 Extra Special Thanks to Contractor Commerce!Contractor Commerce turns your website into a 24/7 sales engine for service contractors. With guided pricing, online service and membership sales, and deep system integrations, your site pre-qualifies customers before the phone ever rings.One contractor generated a $15,000 service sale after hours — straight from their website.Visit https://www.contractorcommerce.com/ Book a demo to see how Contractor Commerce turns your website into a 24/7 sales and qualification engine.📞 Sponsored by Quo — The Modern Business Phone for Service ProsMissed calls mean missed business. Quo (formerly OpenPhone) is the AI-powered phone system that logs calls, creates summaries, and automates follow-ups — keeping your team connected and customers happy.?🎁 Start your 7-day free trial and get 20% off your first six months HEREShout Out to FieldPulse 🚀FieldPulse is an incSend Us Mail!More Ways To Connect with O&OJohn's YouTube ChannelWeekly Newsletter Owned and Operated Leave a ReviewJohn Wilson, CEO of Wilson CompaniesJack Carr, CEO of Rapid HVAC📌 Disclaimer: Some links may include UTM parameters or affiliate relationships, meaning we may earn a commission if you make a purchase. Episodes may feature sponsors, but all opinions expressed are our own.
SummaryHow Door-to-Door Marketing Is Driving Millions in Home Service Revenue
1w ago00:43:10Summary readyMost home service companies rely too heavily on digital channels—and that’s a risky game.In this episode, John Wilson and Sam Preston break down door-to-door marketing (canvassing) and why it’s becoming one of the most powerful, scalable lead generation channels in home services. What started as a way to de-risk dependence on Google and Meta has turned into a multi-million dollar revenue driver—and a repeatable system for launching and scaling new branches.They walk through how top operators are building field marketing teams, structuring canvassing programs, and using this “analog” channel to create predictable growth without relying on algorithms.If you want to diversify your lead flow, lower risk, and unlock a new path to scale, this episode is your playbook.You’ll learn: Why relying on a single marketing channel puts your business at risk How door-to-door marketing can generate 10–20%+ of total revenue The structure of a high-performing canvassing team Why high-ticket services make this model work How to use canvassing to launch and scale new markets fast Host: John Wilson https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnbwilson1/Guest: Sam Preston https://www.linkedin.com/in/sam-preston-a682103b6/Shout Out to FieldPulse 🚀FieldPulse is an incredible Field Service Management platform that helps you save hours each week while keeping your operations running smoothly. If you're looking to streamline your processes, stay competitive, and focus on what truly matters, FieldPulse is a game-changer!📅 Book your demo💸Sponsored by CFO Made EasyBuilt a strong trades business? Let’s take it to $10M and beyond. CFO Made Easy offers part-time CFO services for home and trade service businesses—helping you boost cash flow, maximize profit per tech, and make clear growth decisions.📈 Free Offer: Book a 45-min Financial Insight Session to uncover growth blockers. 📞 Sponsored by Quo — The Modern Business Phone for Service ProsMissed calls mean missed business. Quo (formerly OpenPhone) is the AI-powered phone system that logs calls, creates summaries, and automates follow-ups — keeping your team connected and customers happy.?🎁 Start your 7-day free trial and get 20% off your first six months HERESend Us Mail!More Ways To Connect with O&OJohn's YouTube ChannelWeekly Newsletter Owned and Operated Leave a ReviewJohn Wilson, CEO of Wilson CompaniesJack Carr, CEO of Rapid HVAC📌 Disclaimer: Some links may include UTM parameters or affiliate relationships, meaning we may earn a commission if you make a purchase. Episodes may feature sponsors, but all opinions expressed are our own.
Summary
Cash Flow 101: Why Profitable Businesses Still Go Broke (and How to Fix It)
2w ago00:10:34Summary readyJohn Wilson, CEO of Wilson ($40M revenue, ~200 employees), breaks down a hard truth: profit doesn’t keep businesses alive—cash does.In this episode, he explains how companies can look profitable on paper while quietly running out of money. From accounts receivable and payable to debt that never shows up in net income, John reveals why EBITDA and profit are often misleading—and what actually matters.Drawing on his experience bootstrapping Wilson and real-world examples (including a business with $12M in EBITDA but negative cash flow), he shows how everyday “micro decisions”—inventory purchases, payment timing, marketing spend, pricing, and vendor terms—compound into make-or-break cash outcomes.He also covers: Why businesses really go bankrupt How CEOs should think about capital allocation Updated benchmarks for true profitability Practical ways to take control of your cash If you’re growing fast but feel tight on money, this episode will change how you think about your numbers—and your decisions.More Solo Content - @JohnWilsonStudioSend Us Mail!More Ways To Connect with O&OJohn's YouTube ChannelWeekly Newsletter Owned and Operated Leave a ReviewJohn Wilson, CEO of Wilson CompaniesJack Carr, CEO of Rapid HVAC📌 Disclaimer: Some links may include UTM parameters or affiliate relationships, meaning we may earn a commission if you make a purchase. Episodes may feature sponsors, but all opinions expressed are our own.
SummaryThe MOST Overlooked Growth Lever in Home Services
2w ago00:30:52Summary readyMost home service companies don’t have a lead problem—they have a follow-up problem.In this episode, John and Sam break down lifecycle marketing and how to turn every lead into more revenue without increasing ad spend. From speed to lead to SMS, email, and outbound calling, they explain how top operators build systems that consistently generate repeat business.If you want to stabilize lead flow, lower marketing costs, and scale faster, this is the playbook.You’ll learn: Why speed to lead should be under 15 seconds How to get more value from every customer The core lifecycle channels that actually drive revenue How this system unlocks growth across every marketing channel Host: John WilsonGuest: Sam Preston💼 Extra Special Thanks to Service Scalers!We’ve been partnering with Service Scalers to maximize our Local Service Ads (LSAs) and optimize our Google My Business profiles, and the results have been incredible. With hundreds of thousands in sales and 900+ calls in a single week, GMBs are now our top-performing organic lead channel.Want to learn how Service Scalers can do the same for you? 🔗Check Them Out Here ⏱️Brought to you by The Military VeteranIf you’re running a home service business and hiring feels slow, risky, or you’re just not seeing the leadership talent you need, TMV can help. They connect companies like yours with exceptional military veteran leaders, people who’ve already proven they can execute, adapt, and lead under pressure. And they do it fast, with a white-glove process that saves you weeks and avoids costly mis-hires.Want to see who’s out there? Book a Free Coaching session HERESend Us Mail!More Ways To Connect with O&OJohn's YouTube ChannelWeekly Newsletter Owned and Operated Leave a ReviewJohn Wilson, CEO of Wilson CompaniesJack Carr, CEO of Rapid HVAC📌 Disclaimer: Some links may include UTM parameters or affiliate relationships, meaning we may earn a commission if you make a purchase. Episodes may feature sponsors, but all opinions expressed are our own.
SummaryFleet Strategy: How to Buy, Finance, and Scale Your Vehicles
2w ago00:58:42Summary readyMost home service companies treat their fleet like a necessity.The best operators treat it like a strategy.In this episode, John and Jack break down how to actually think about fleet management—from financing vehicles to choosing the right trucks—and why most businesses are overspending without realizing it.They walk through the five main ways to buy vehicles (cash, loans, lines of credit, and leases), the real differences between operating and capital leases, and how programs like Ford’s line of credit can accelerate growth.But the biggest shift isn’t financing—it’s vehicle selection.Instead of overloading expensive service vans, they explain why smaller, lower-cost vehicles can improve efficiency, reduce unused inventory, and significantly lower operating costs across your business.If you’re trying to scale your service company, your fleet decisions will either unlock growth—or quietly drain your margins.In this episode, you’ll learn: The 5 ways to finance service vehicles (and which to avoid) The difference between operating leases vs. capital leases How fleet decisions impact profitability, cash flow, and valuation Why smaller vehicles can outperform fully stocked vans How to structure your fleet for growth, efficiency, and flexibility Whether you’re running 5 trucks or scaling past 50, this episode will help you build a smarter, more efficient fleet.Host: John Wilson https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnbwilson1/Guest: Jack Carr https://x.com/thehvacjack💼 Extra Special Thanks to Service Scalers!We’ve been partnering with Service Scalers to maximize our Local Service Ads (LSAs) and optimize our Google My Business profiles, and the results have been incredible. With hundreds of thousands in sales and 900+ calls in a single week, GMBs are now our top-performing organic lead channel. Want to learn how Service Scalers can do the same for you? 🔗Check Them Out Here⏱️Brought to you by The Military VeteranIf you’re running a home service business and hiring feels slow, risky, or you’re just not seeing the leadership talent you need, TMV can help. They connect companies like yours with exceptional military veteran leaders, people who’ve already proven they can execute, adapt, and lead under pressure. And they do it fast, with a white-glove process that saves you weeks and avoids costly mis-hires.Want to see who’s out there? Book a Free Coaching session Below 🔗 https://themilvet.typeform.com/to/BDwkmCU0?typeform-source=www.themilvet.org Send Us Mail!More Ways To Connect with O&OJohn's YouTube ChannelWeekly Newsletter Owned and Operated Leave a ReviewJohn Wilson, CEO of Wilson CompaniesJack Carr, CEO of Rapid HVAC📌 Disclaimer: Some links may include UTM parameters or affiliate relationships, meaning we may earn a commission if you make a purchase. Episodes may feature sponsors, but all opinions expressed are our own.
SummaryWhat Buyers Actually Look for When Buying a Business
3w ago01:11:05Summary readyIf you think a big EBITDA number alone will get you a big exit… you’re in for a rude awakening.In this episode, John sits down with longtime business advisor David Barnett—who’s helped sell hundreds of companies—to break down what actually drives value when it’s time to sell your business.From misunderstood multiples to messy financials, from distressed sales to “built-to-sell” winners, this conversation pulls back the curtain on how deals really get done—and why most owners leave money on the table.Because the reality is simple: Buyers aren’t just buying your profit… they’re buying how confident they are that profit will continue without you. What you’ll learn in this episode: Why EBITDA alone doesn’t determine your valuation The 2 questions every buyer asks before making an offer How poor systems, bad margins, and owner-dependence kill deals Most businesses don’t sell because they weren’t built to sell. If you want a real shot at a high-value exit, this episode is your roadmap.Connect with David Barnett: 👉 https://www.davidcbarnett.com/Connect with John: 👉 https://x.com/thehvacjack💡 Yelp — A Smarter Way to Win LeadsGoogle costs are up. Lead quality is down. You’re paying more for less.Meanwhile, Yelp generated 125M+ home service leads last year—and powers results across ChatGPT, Google AI, Apple Maps, and Alexa.Less competition. Higher intent.👉 Book a call: https://business.yelp.com/ownedandoperated 📞 Sponsored by Quo — The Modern Business Phone for Service ProsMissed calls mean missed business. Quo (formerly OpenPhone) is the AI-powered phone system that logs calls, creates summaries, and automates follow-ups — keeping your team connected and customers happy.?🎁 Start your 7-day free trial and get 20% off your first six months at https://quo.com/owned If you enjoyed this episode, leave a 5-star review—it helps us reach more operators building real businesses.Send Us Mail!More Ways To Connect with O&OJohn's YouTube ChannelWeekly Newsletter Owned and Operated Leave a ReviewJohn Wilson, CEO of Wilson CompaniesJack Carr, CEO of Rapid HVAC📌 Disclaimer: Some links may include UTM parameters or affiliate relationships, meaning we may earn a commission if you make a purchase. Episodes may feature sponsors, but all opinions expressed are our own.
SummaryWhy Most Business Owners Lose Millions When They Sell
3w ago00:39:25Summary readyIf you’re not building your business to sell, you’re building yourself a job.In this episode, Jack sits down with Steve and Austin from McCall Wealth Advisors to break down what actually drives business value—and why most owners leave millions on the table when they exit.From EBITDA games to private equity traps, this is a masterclass on how to turn your home service business into a sellable, high-multiple asset.Because the reality is simple: No buyer wants to step in and buy a job—they want a business that prints profit.💡 What you’ll learn in this episode: Why 80% of your net worth is probably tied to your business The biggest mistake owners make when preparing for an exit Why you should start planning your exit 5–7 years in advance📩 Connect with McCall Wealth Advisors:👉 https://mccallwealth.com/🐦 Connect with Jack:👉 https://x.com/thehvacjack💼 iWallet — Cut Payment Fees & Simplify Your Cash FlowRunning 5+ trucks? You know payments are a mess—slow checks, high fees, and disconnected systems.iWallet is built for home service businesses, combining cards, ACH, and digital checks into one platform that plugs into your CRM.We’re currently cutting our processing fees from 3% → 1.5% using iWallet.👉 Book a demo: https://iwallet.com/demo💼 Big Reputation — Stop chasing reviews and watching competitors outrank you. Big Reputation is the AI-powered review + SEO platform built for home service pros. Automate review generation, respond with AI, track local SEO, and integrate with your CRM. Setup is free, and your first month’s on the house.👉 Book your demoIf you enjoyed this episode, leave a 5-star review—it helps us reach more operators building real businesses.Send Us Mail!More Ways To Connect with O&OJohn's YouTube ChannelWeekly Newsletter Owned and Operated Leave a ReviewJohn Wilson, CEO of Wilson CompaniesJack Carr, CEO of Rapid HVAC📌 Disclaimer: Some links may include UTM parameters or affiliate relationships, meaning we may earn a commission if you make a purchase. Episodes may feature sponsors, but all opinions expressed are our own.
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