The Home Service Expert Podcast: Episode Summary

Title: Building a Team That Builds the Business: How to Recruit Strategically
Host: Tommy Mello
Guest: J.J. Levensky, President and Co-Founder of Blue Wave
Release Date: January 3, 2025

1. Introduction to J.J. Levensky

Tommy Mello kicks off the episode by introducing J.J. Levensky, the President and Co-Founder of Blue Wave. J.J. boasts over 30 years of experience in the construction and business solutions industry. He is also the host of the “Mac and Blue” podcast and a board member of Vistage Worldwide, a global CEO advisory organization.

Notable Quote:
J.J. Levensky [00:00]: “One of the things that was successful for me was always paying it forward...”

2. J.J.’s Career Journey and Transition to Arizona

J.J. shares his extensive background, starting with a construction management degree and progressing through various roles in the Midwest. His pivotal moment came when he decided to pursue an MBA alongside his career, which rejuvenated his passion for construction and entrepreneurship.

He recounts his decision to relocate to Arizona in 2012-2013, driven by a midlife crisis and a desire to escape the competitive and rigid environment of the Midwest. This move marked a significant turning point, allowing him to explore new opportunities and expand his horizons.

Notable Quote:
J.J. Levensky [03:17]: “I want to fully concentrate on the interview...”

3. Building Blue Wave and Its Breakthrough in Arizona

Upon moving to Arizona, J.J. became involved in a venture named "School Builder," which focused on constructing charter schools. This project was a catalyst for Blue Wave’s local recognition, particularly due to their efficient and proactive approach, such as completing utility installations ahead of the monsoon season. Their ability to deliver projects on time, unlike competitors, showcased their strategic prowess.

J.J. emphasizes the importance of reverse engineering projects by visualizing the end goal and planning meticulously to avoid common pitfalls faced by other contractors.

Notable Quote:
J.J. Levensky [11:07]: “We took the mentality of seeing the end of the beginning, reverse engineering it and doing that.”

4. Strategic Hiring and Building a Winning Team

A central theme of the discussion is the significance of strategic recruitment. J.J. highlights that hiring the right people is crucial and goes beyond merely filling positions. He advocates for creating a strong company culture that attracts top talent organically, reducing the reliance on traditional hiring platforms like Indeed or Monster.

He shares a transformative moment when he recognized the need to hire smarter individuals, leading to the acquisition of a top CFO. This strategic hiring decision was aimed at diversifying Blue Wave’s services and enhancing enterprise value.

Notable Quote:
J.J. Levensky [35:23]: “If you execute on your culture to where people want to come to you, you've already beat 90% of your competition.”

5. Leadership Evolution and Organizational Structure

J.J. discusses his evolution in leadership, particularly his decision to step down as CEO to focus more on hands-on involvement with his team. This move was motivated by his realization that he needed help to communicate his visionary ideas effectively. By delegating the CEO role to someone with expertise in growth and acquisitions, he enhanced his engagement with employees and overall company performance.

He underscores the importance of emotional intelligence (EQ) in leadership, advocating for leaders who can connect deeply with their teams and foster a collaborative environment.

Notable Quote:
J.J. Levensky [16:12]: “The margins in commercial general contracting are not attractive. They're low, they suck...”

6. Embracing Technology and AI in Business Operations

Both Tommy and J.J. delve into the role of AI and machine learning in optimizing business operations. J.J. envisions a dynamic organizational structure where AI augments roles, eliminates inefficiencies, and creates new opportunities. He emphasizes the need to adapt to technological advancements to stay competitive and enhance productivity.

Notable Quote:
J.J. Levensky [44:21]: “Use AI for what it's worth, to eliminate jobs that aren't going to exist anymore.”

7. Personal Development and Investing in Oneself

The conversation shifts to the importance of personal growth and self-investment. Both hosts share their experiences with coaching, continuous learning, and maintaining physical and mental well-being. Tommy highlights his commitment to personal fitness and mental clarity as foundational to his business success, while J.J. echoes the necessity of investing in oneself to lead effectively.

Notable Quote:
Tommy Mellow [51:24]: “You can't help your kids, you can't help your wife, you can't help your parents, you can't help any co-workers if you're not taking care of yourself.”

8. Advice to Aspiring Entrepreneurs in Blue Collar Industries

J.J. offers actionable advice to aspiring entrepreneurs, emphasizing the importance of taking calculated risks, being humble, and continuously seeking growth opportunities. He advocates for a culture where failure is viewed as a stepping stone rather than a setback, fostering an environment of innovation and resilience.

Notable Quote:
J.J. Levensky [52:40]: “Take the risk and shit'll happen more good than bad. But if you don't take the risk at all, you're just going to be a box checker the rest of your life.”

9. The Power of Giving and Paying It Forward

A recurring theme in the episode is the concept of paying it forward. J.J. discusses how helping others without keeping score can lead to exponential opportunities and personal fulfillment. He shares anecdotes illustrating how acts of generosity have organically grown his business network and created unforeseen opportunities.

Notable Quote:
J.J. Levensky [60:01]: “It's not just about asking, but it's also about giving. It made me feel good, and then, whammo. I still got work.”

10. Conclusion and Final Takeaways

Tommy wraps up the episode by reinforcing the key lessons discussed, such as the importance of strategic hiring, embracing technology, personal development, and fostering a culture of giving. He encourages listeners to implement these insights to build robust and successful home service businesses.

Final Notable Quote:
J.J. Levensky [66:45]: “If you're not right with yourself, you're not going to be a good leader.”

Key Insights and Takeaways

• Strategic Recruitment: Focus on building a strong company culture that attracts top talent naturally.
• Leadership Evolution: Delegating executive roles to specialized leaders can enhance company performance and employee engagement.
• Embracing Technology: Integrating AI and machine learning can optimize operations and create new business opportunities.
• Personal Growth: Investing in physical and mental well-being is crucial for sustained business success.
• Giving Back: Acts of generosity can lead to unexpected business growth and personal satisfaction.
• Entrepreneurial Mindset: Taking calculated risks, learning from failures, and maintaining humility are essential for entrepreneurship in blue-collar industries.

This episode of The Home Service Expert Podcast provides a wealth of knowledge for home service entrepreneurs aiming to build effective teams, leverage technology, and cultivate a thriving business culture. J.J. Levensky’s experiences and insights serve as a valuable guide for those looking to scale their operations strategically and sustainably.