Podcast Summary: How to Position Yourself as a Video Influencer People Will Love

Social Media Marketing Podcast
Host: Michael Stelzner
Guest: Roger Wakefield, “The Expert Plumber”
Date: January 1, 2026
Episode Theme:
This episode dives deep into the journey and tactical wisdom of Roger Wakefield, who transformed himself from a Texas plumber to a beloved and influential online video creator. The show explores how to authentically build a video presence, engage audiences, and leverage platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram, even when you start from scratch in a crowded, traditional, or niche industry.

Main Theme & Purpose

Roger Wakefield joins Michael Stelzner to illuminate how anyone—even in a traditionally "un-sexy" industry—can build authority, trust, and real influence through video. Listeners will learn why authentic video content radically changes business outcomes, the practical tactics to get started, and insider tips to establish sincere audience connections leading to both business growth and personal brand opportunities.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Roger’s Journey: From Struggling Plumber to Video Influence

Motivation for Starting Video
- Roger started video not for fame, but to “make a difference” and showcase the heart and care tradespeople provide, not just their skills.
- Frustration with marketing companies led Roger to control his own digital destiny: “It felt like...driving down the road, open your window and throw $47,000 cash out the window and know that when you get to your office, your phones aren’t going to be ringing.” (03:41)
Catalyst Moment at Social Media Marketing World
- Inspired by speakers like Derral Eves and Pete Vargas, Roger realized the untapped power of YouTube as a search engine and community builder.
First Steps and Early Strategy
- After the conference, Roger launched into a rigorous YouTube strategy: “One month later, we started posting three videos a week on YouTube. And it’s been crazy.” (07:17)

2. The Impact of Video on Business and Personal Brand

YouTube Success
- Roger’s channel now boasts nearly 150 million views, often dominating plumbing-related searches: “I am almost always the very first channel recommended…Normally I’ve got 6 to 12 of the first 20 videos that are listed.” (07:43)
Business Results
- Video caused his plumbing business to “blow up,” eventually enabling Roger to scale and sell the business multiple times: “My business grew so big that…eventually sold that business. And believe it or not, I sold that business three times.” (09:10)
Doors Opened Beyond Plumbing
- National TV appearances (“Dr. Phil,” “Today Show”), increased speaking, and opportunities beyond the trades: “I’ve had so many people recognize me from being on Dr. Phil or being on YouTube. That is kind of wild.” (10:35)

3. Why Video—For Everyone (Not Just Trades)

Building Trust and Connection
- “Marketing isn’t about selling. It’s about serving. And there’s no better way to show your heart, your value, and your purpose than with video.” (12:09)
- Roger changes “know, like, trust” to “know, love, trust, and connected to,” emphasizing the depth video delivers: “After people watch...your videos...they’re connected to you. They know you. It’s just like watching a TV show. You build relationships with these characters.” (13:05)
Others Hugging Roger at Events
- Viewers become enthusiastic fans, often treating online creators as close friends: “They come up and hug you. They’re like, ‘Oh my God, I love you...You helped me do this.’” (13:17)

4. Types of Video Content and Finding Your Video Voice

Variety is Key
- Over 2,000 YouTube videos made, covering:
  - How-Tos: Direct instructions to fix problems.
  - Reviews: Product comparisons, e.g., cheapest vs. most expensive.
  - Business Tips: Lessons for tradespeople (and broader audiences).
  - Reaction Videos: “Real Plumber Reacts”—watching and responding to other creators’ work.
- Importance of tailoring content to audience buckets: “Is it for the plumber? Is it for the homeowner? Is it for the DIYer? We create content for our audience, not for us.” (15:13)
- Evergreen and Viral Mix: Early coaching taught Roger to pursue both highly shareable (viral) and evergreen tutorials.
Example:
- “How to Fix a Running Toilet Guarantee” is Roger’s most viewed video (over 5.5M views)—a straightforward, step-by-step how-to.
  - “...I didn't stop and tell a lot of stories. But what makes it work is…if you’ve got a toilet running, you don’t want to hear my stories, right? You want to hear step by step, how do I fix it, right?” (18:37)

5. Consistency, Content Planning, and AI

Content Scheduling
- 2 long-form videos per week, plus shorts.
- 13-week, 26-video rolling content plan for strategy and variety. “...our video views have gone to about one and a half million a month to two and a half million a month.” (23:13)
Never Run Out of Topics
- “AI rocks for this.” Roger uses AI (Google, ChatGPT) for ideation, feedback, and scripting—always rewriting in his own voice for authenticity. (24:54)
- Evaluate what's resonating and adjust: If one video tanks, analyze and test another approach.

6. Production Tips for Engaging Video

Getting Started
- No fancy gear needed: Roger started with a phone/laptop, yelling at the webcam in his office.
Three Practical Tips:
- Look at the Camera Lens: “It’s like you’re looking someone in their eye when you’re talking to them.” (28:27)
- Talk to One Person: Use “you,” not “everyone,” to personalize connection.
- Be Conversational and Non-Intimidating: “Talk to people like they're your best friend…‘You taught me how to do this and you didn’t make me feel stupid.’” (29:34)
Storytelling:
- Only tell relevant, personal stories—never scripted by AI: “If it feels human, it is good marketing.” (32:33)
- Mistakes make you relatable: “...When I tell stories about me making mistakes, people love it because they’re like, dude, you’re the expert plumber.” (33:22)
Video Length:
- “Eight minutes. I try to go an eight minute minimum. The reason being that’s where mid roll ads kick in now, so you can make more money.” (34:44)
- Often records in “one take”—radio experience helps. Uses bullet points for focus.

7. Shorts, Repurposing, and Soundbites

Short-form strategy:
- “Shorts are like emotional snapshots…Think less pitch, more purpose.” (37:48)
- Extract ‘soundbites’—concise, high-impact lines—from longer videos for Shorts or Reels.
- Tools: Uses Opus Clip to extract and suggest shorts from all long-form content (39:41). Always reviews AI-suggested clips for sense and impact.

8. Evolving the Business Model and New Opportunities

From Local to National and Global:
- Early videos featured banners and calls-to-action for his local business.
- Over time, realized his reach and impact expanded beyond local plumbing jobs, creating new streams including sponsorships and speaking.
Sponsorships:
- Roger built a SaaS product (sponsorkit Pro) to help other creators land large sponsorships:
  - “I had 10,000 subscribers, and I’m talking to one of the biggest plumbing supply companies...I was asking for $720,000 a year. Now, we didn’t settle on that, but we settled on 400,000.” (44:58)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

On Starting From Nothing:
“Guys, remember, I’m Roger Wakefield. I’m just a plumber, and I learned how to do this.” (28:11)
On Trust and Relationship in Video:
“After people watch three, four, or 10 or 20 of your videos, they’re connected to you. They know you...you build relationships with these characters.” (13:05)
On Content Purpose:
“We create content for our audience, not for us.” (15:25)
On Overcoming Self-Doubt:
“You can learn your way up out of any situation. If your business isn’t going good, learn social media.” (28:16)
On Video Relevancy:
“If it feels human, it is good marketing. We all want that human relationship. And especially more so now that AI is coming out…” (32:36)
On Niche-to-Broad Business Advice:
“I take out the word ‘plumber’ and put in ‘chiropractor,’ and you make me think about running a better business.” (22:41)
On Getting Paid as an Influencer:
“I made software to do everything that I’m telling you about...It does research...finds companies...creates a pitch deck...writes three emails for you and helps you make money.” (45:11)
Final encouragement:
“You’re not too late, right?...What you put together changes people’s lives...You can learn your way up out of anything.” (47:51)

Important Timestamps

Roger’s Origin Story: 02:46 – 07:40
Business Breakthrough and YouTube Growth: 08:44 – 10:14
TV, Conferences, and New Opportunities: 10:35 – 11:26
Why Video Works (Emotional Connections): 12:09 – 14:42
Types of Videos & Production Tips: 15:00 – 23:31
How To Generate Unlimited Topics – Role of AI: 24:54 – 27:15
Crafting Engaging Video (Filming Tips): 28:01 – 36:57
Shorts Strategy & Repurposing with Opus Clip: 37:48 – 41:16
Scaling with Sponsorships and SaaS: 41:57 – 46:31
Closing Advice, Gratitude, and Community: 47:51 – 49:18

Takeaways for Aspiring Video Influencers

Start Where You Are: No niche is "too small" or "too boring"; authenticity trumps production value.
Think Audience-First: Every video should serve your viewers. Solve problems, answer questions, help.
Mix Content Types: Blend how-tos, reviews, reactions, and business tips to engage different audience segments.
Leverage AI and Tools: Use smart digital tools for scripting, ideation, and clipping, but always inject your personality and human touch.
Be a Learner: Even as an expert, keep learning and iterating your craft.
Open to Opportunity: Video can amplify and diversify business models—be ready to pivot and grow.

Where to Find Roger Wakefield

YouTube: Search "plumbing" and look for the mustache or visit RogerWakefield.com
Sponsorship SaaS: sponsorkit Pro

For further notes and resources, visit socialmediaexaminer.com/699

(Summary prepared in the conversational style and spirit of the Social Media Marketing Podcast's commitment to practical, actionable advice and authentic storytelling.)

Podcast Summary: How to Position Yourself as a Video Influencer People Will Love

Main Theme & Purpose

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Roger’s Journey: From Struggling Plumber to Video Influence

Motivation for Starting Video
- Roger started video not for fame, but to “make a difference” and showcase the heart and care tradespeople provide, not just their skills.
- Frustration with marketing companies led Roger to control his own digital destiny: “It felt like...driving down the road, open your window and throw $47,000 cash out the window and know that when you get to your office, your phones aren’t going to be ringing.” (03:41)
Catalyst Moment at Social Media Marketing World
- Inspired by speakers like Derral Eves and Pete Vargas, Roger realized the untapped power of YouTube as a search engine and community builder.
First Steps and Early Strategy
- After the conference, Roger launched into a rigorous YouTube strategy: “One month later, we started posting three videos a week on YouTube. And it’s been crazy.” (07:17)

2. The Impact of Video on Business and Personal Brand

YouTube Success
- Roger’s channel now boasts nearly 150 million views, often dominating plumbing-related searches: “I am almost always the very first channel recommended…Normally I’ve got 6 to 12 of the first 20 videos that are listed.” (07:43)
Business Results
- Video caused his plumbing business to “blow up,” eventually enabling Roger to scale and sell the business multiple times: “My business grew so big that…eventually sold that business. And believe it or not, I sold that business three times.” (09:10)
Doors Opened Beyond Plumbing
- National TV appearances (“Dr. Phil,” “Today Show”), increased speaking, and opportunities beyond the trades: “I’ve had so many people recognize me from being on Dr. Phil or being on YouTube. That is kind of wild.” (10:35)

3. Why Video—For Everyone (Not Just Trades)

Building Trust and Connection
- “Marketing isn’t about selling. It’s about serving. And there’s no better way to show your heart, your value, and your purpose than with video.” (12:09)
- Roger changes “know, like, trust” to “know, love, trust, and connected to,” emphasizing the depth video delivers: “After people watch...your videos...they’re connected to you. They know you. It’s just like watching a TV show. You build relationships with these characters.” (13:05)
Others Hugging Roger at Events
- Viewers become enthusiastic fans, often treating online creators as close friends: “They come up and hug you. They’re like, ‘Oh my God, I love you...You helped me do this.’” (13:17)

4. Types of Video Content and Finding Your Video Voice

Variety is Key
- Over 2,000 YouTube videos made, covering:
  - How-Tos: Direct instructions to fix problems.
  - Reviews: Product comparisons, e.g., cheapest vs. most expensive.
  - Business Tips: Lessons for tradespeople (and broader audiences).
  - Reaction Videos: “Real Plumber Reacts”—watching and responding to other creators’ work.
- Importance of tailoring content to audience buckets: “Is it for the plumber? Is it for the homeowner? Is it for the DIYer? We create content for our audience, not for us.” (15:13)
- Evergreen and Viral Mix: Early coaching taught Roger to pursue both highly shareable (viral) and evergreen tutorials.
Example:
- “How to Fix a Running Toilet Guarantee” is Roger’s most viewed video (over 5.5M views)—a straightforward, step-by-step how-to.
  - “...I didn't stop and tell a lot of stories. But what makes it work is…if you’ve got a toilet running, you don’t want to hear my stories, right? You want to hear step by step, how do I fix it, right?” (18:37)

5. Consistency, Content Planning, and AI

Content Scheduling
- 2 long-form videos per week, plus shorts.
- 13-week, 26-video rolling content plan for strategy and variety. “...our video views have gone to about one and a half million a month to two and a half million a month.” (23:13)
Never Run Out of Topics
- “AI rocks for this.” Roger uses AI (Google, ChatGPT) for ideation, feedback, and scripting—always rewriting in his own voice for authenticity. (24:54)
- Evaluate what's resonating and adjust: If one video tanks, analyze and test another approach.

6. Production Tips for Engaging Video

Getting Started
- No fancy gear needed: Roger started with a phone/laptop, yelling at the webcam in his office.
Three Practical Tips:
- Look at the Camera Lens: “It’s like you’re looking someone in their eye when you’re talking to them.” (28:27)
- Talk to One Person: Use “you,” not “everyone,” to personalize connection.
- Be Conversational and Non-Intimidating: “Talk to people like they're your best friend…‘You taught me how to do this and you didn’t make me feel stupid.’” (29:34)
Storytelling:
- Only tell relevant, personal stories—never scripted by AI: “If it feels human, it is good marketing.” (32:33)
- Mistakes make you relatable: “...When I tell stories about me making mistakes, people love it because they’re like, dude, you’re the expert plumber.” (33:22)
Video Length:
- “Eight minutes. I try to go an eight minute minimum. The reason being that’s where mid roll ads kick in now, so you can make more money.” (34:44)
- Often records in “one take”—radio experience helps. Uses bullet points for focus.

7. Shorts, Repurposing, and Soundbites

Short-form strategy:
- “Shorts are like emotional snapshots…Think less pitch, more purpose.” (37:48)
- Extract ‘soundbites’—concise, high-impact lines—from longer videos for Shorts or Reels.
- Tools: Uses Opus Clip to extract and suggest shorts from all long-form content (39:41). Always reviews AI-suggested clips for sense and impact.

8. Evolving the Business Model and New Opportunities

From Local to National and Global:
- Early videos featured banners and calls-to-action for his local business.
- Over time, realized his reach and impact expanded beyond local plumbing jobs, creating new streams including sponsorships and speaking.
Sponsorships:
- Roger built a SaaS product (sponsorkit Pro) to help other creators land large sponsorships:
  - “I had 10,000 subscribers, and I’m talking to one of the biggest plumbing supply companies...I was asking for $720,000 a year. Now, we didn’t settle on that, but we settled on 400,000.” (44:58)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

On Starting From Nothing:
“Guys, remember, I’m Roger Wakefield. I’m just a plumber, and I learned how to do this.” (28:11)
On Trust and Relationship in Video:
“After people watch three, four, or 10 or 20 of your videos, they’re connected to you. They know you...you build relationships with these characters.” (13:05)
On Content Purpose:
“We create content for our audience, not for us.” (15:25)
On Overcoming Self-Doubt:
“You can learn your way up out of any situation. If your business isn’t going good, learn social media.” (28:16)
On Video Relevancy:
“If it feels human, it is good marketing. We all want that human relationship. And especially more so now that AI is coming out…” (32:36)
On Niche-to-Broad Business Advice:
“I take out the word ‘plumber’ and put in ‘chiropractor,’ and you make me think about running a better business.” (22:41)
On Getting Paid as an Influencer:
“I made software to do everything that I’m telling you about...It does research...finds companies...creates a pitch deck...writes three emails for you and helps you make money.” (45:11)
Final encouragement:
“You’re not too late, right?...What you put together changes people’s lives...You can learn your way up out of anything.” (47:51)

Important Timestamps

Roger’s Origin Story: 02:46 – 07:40
Business Breakthrough and YouTube Growth: 08:44 – 10:14
TV, Conferences, and New Opportunities: 10:35 – 11:26
Why Video Works (Emotional Connections): 12:09 – 14:42
Types of Videos & Production Tips: 15:00 – 23:31
How To Generate Unlimited Topics – Role of AI: 24:54 – 27:15
Crafting Engaging Video (Filming Tips): 28:01 – 36:57
Shorts Strategy & Repurposing with Opus Clip: 37:48 – 41:16
Scaling with Sponsorships and SaaS: 41:57 – 46:31
Closing Advice, Gratitude, and Community: 47:51 – 49:18

Takeaways for Aspiring Video Influencers

Start Where You Are: No niche is "too small" or "too boring"; authenticity trumps production value.
Think Audience-First: Every video should serve your viewers. Solve problems, answer questions, help.
Mix Content Types: Blend how-tos, reviews, reactions, and business tips to engage different audience segments.
Leverage AI and Tools: Use smart digital tools for scripting, ideation, and clipping, but always inject your personality and human touch.
Be a Learner: Even as an expert, keep learning and iterating your craft.
Open to Opportunity: Video can amplify and diversify business models—be ready to pivot and grow.

Where to Find Roger Wakefield

YouTube: Search "plumbing" and look for the mustache or visit RogerWakefield.com
Sponsorship SaaS: sponsorkit Pro

For further notes and resources, visit socialmediaexaminer.com/699

(Summary prepared in the conversational style and spirit of the Social Media Marketing Podcast's commitment to practical, actionable advice and authentic storytelling.)

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How to Position Yourself as a Video Influencer People Will Love

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Summary

Podcast Summary: How to Position Yourself as a Video Influencer People Will Love

Main Theme & Purpose

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Roger’s Journey: From Struggling Plumber to Video Influence

2. The Impact of Video on Business and Personal Brand

3. Why Video—For Everyone (Not Just Trades)

4. Types of Video Content and Finding Your Video Voice

5. Consistency, Content Planning, and AI

6. Production Tips for Engaging Video

7. Shorts, Repurposing, and Soundbites

8. Evolving the Business Model and New Opportunities

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

Important Timestamps

Takeaways for Aspiring Video Influencers

Where to Find Roger Wakefield

Summary

Podcast Summary: How to Position Yourself as a Video Influencer People Will Love

Main Theme & Purpose

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Roger’s Journey: From Struggling Plumber to Video Influence

2. The Impact of Video on Business and Personal Brand

3. Why Video—For Everyone (Not Just Trades)

4. Types of Video Content and Finding Your Video Voice

5. Consistency, Content Planning, and AI

6. Production Tips for Engaging Video

7. Shorts, Repurposing, and Soundbites

8. Evolving the Business Model and New Opportunities

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

Important Timestamps

Takeaways for Aspiring Video Influencers

Where to Find Roger Wakefield