Service Business Mastery for Skilled Trades: HVAC, Plumbing & Electrical Home Service

In this episode of the Service Business Mastery Podcast, host Tersh Blissett sits down with Ari Meisel, Founder of Less Doing and creator of the Optimize, Automate, Outsource framework. Ari is a globally recognized expert in business automation, productivity systems, and operational efficiency, with deep hands-on experience in the construction and skilled trades.

Ari shares how extreme burnout and a Crohn's disease diagnosis forced him to redesign how he worked, leading to a system that allowed him to reclaim time, reduce stress, and build a business that runs without constant owner involvement. This conversation dives deep into automation for service businesses, decision-making systems, and what it really means to become a replaceable founder.
In this episode, you'll learn:
How to identify automation opportunities in your service business

Why automating decisions is more powerful than automating tasks

The "Replaceable Founder" mindset every business owner needs

How automation reduces stress and increases scalability

Real-world systems for reclaiming time without sacrificing growth

If you're an HVAC, plumbing, electrical, or home service business owner feeling stuck in daily operations, this episode breaks down practical automation strategies, how to identify repetitive work, and how small system changes compound into massive time freedom.

Timestamps ⏰
[00:00] "Ari's Impact on Email Automation"
[06:15] "Masonry, Hardship, and Health Struggles"
[07:25] "Optimize, Automate, Outsource Strategies"
[12:32] Building Sustainable Generational Businesses
[15:45] "Optimize, Automate, Outsource Effectively"
[19:43] "Prioritizing Revenue in Business"
[22:24] "Automation Enhances the Human Element"
[25:52] "Asynchronous Communication Explained"
[29:20] "Benefits of Solo Voice Recording"
[30:46] "Creativity Comes with Movement"
[36:38] Flexible Work Beyond Boundaries
[39:12] iPhone Screenshot Automation Exploration
[41:32] "Apps I've Used for Years"
[46:54] Building Apps and Voice AI
[47:38] "Switching to MEM AI Tools"
[52:05] "Retirement via Automation Skills"
[54:53] "Connect with Ari for Insights"
Follow the Host and Guest:
Tersh Blissett: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tershblissett/
Josh Crouch: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josh-crouch/
Ari Meisel: https://www.linkedin.com/in/productivity-coach-entrepreneur/ 
 Connect with us on:
• LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/service-business-mastery
• TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@servicebusinessmastery
• Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/groups/servicebusinessmasterypodcast
• Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/servicebusinessmasterypodcast
This episode is kindly sponsored by:
UpFrog

CallRail

CompanyCam Visit CompanyCam and use code SBM for a free 2-week trial, 1:1 training and account setup, and 50% off your first two months!

MarketStorm

priceguide

Learn how to automate tasks, save time, and increase your profit. No coding required!
👉 Enroll Today - https://bit.ly/3CZTDte
Get Your 14-Day Free Trial with CallRail!
👉 Visit: https://www.callrail.com/sbmpod
Subscribe now to stay updated with Service Business Mastery on YouTube!

If you're in the skilled trades like HVAC, plumbing, electrical, or any service where the phone rings with "Hey, my system isn't working," this episode of SBM, "What Homeowners Actually Want" with Zachary Dearing, co-founder of Mantel, breaks down real homeowner insights pulled directly from Mantel's survey data. The conversation translates the findings of the Mantel's survey "Homeowner Shopping Attitudes Report 2025" (https://www.usemantel.com/survey) into practical takeaways, making it a cheat sheet into how homeowners think, choose, and spend.
Here's why you should listen, especially if you:
Want to make more from every visit (yes, without feeling like a pushy home comfort advisor).

Are stuck trying to grow your business, because you keep hearing "You're too expensive" or "Let me think about it."

Need clarity on what ACTUALLY matters to modern homeowners. Spoiler: it's not just the dollar amount.

Are tired of home comfort "gurus" who can't back up their advice with hard data.

If you want real, actionable ways to improve your process before, during, and after the visit grab the report the team discusses at usemantel.com/survey. It's built on actual fieldwork, not fantasy.
Timestamps ⏰

[00:00] "Service Business Growth Strategies"
[04:52] "Self-Discovery in Decision-Making"
[08:57] "Persistence and Overcoming Dyslexia"
[10:48] "Overcoming Fears Through Automation"
[16:22] "Customer Obsession and User Focus"
[18:52] "Research-Driven Innovation and Giving Back"
[24:00] "Homeowner Priorities vs. Contractors"
[27:24] "Homeowners' HVAC Knowledge Gap"
[30:18] "Call Tracking for Smarter Marketing"
[31:30] "How Homeowners Find Contractors"
[36:00] "Trust and Reviews Drive Choices"
[40:52] "Home Recording Insights & Sales"
[43:26] "Homeowners Struggle to Find Clarity"
[47:46] "AI, Trends, and Future Insights"
[49:52] "Empowering Contractors to Boost Sales"
[51:55] Empowering Homeowners Through Visibility
[57:29] "Embrace Change and Adaptation"
[58:30] "Service Business Mastery Insights"
Tersh Blissett: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tershblissett/
Josh Crouch: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josh-crouch/
Zac Dearing: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zachary-dearing-b761b825/ 
Connect with us on:
• LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/service-business-mastery
• TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@servicebusinessmastery
• Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/groups/servicebusinessmasterypodcast
• Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/servicebusinessmasterypodcast
• Mantel Website - www.usemantel.com

Homeowner Shopping Attitudes Report 2025:
• Full Survey - https://www.usemantel.com/survey
This episode is kindly sponsored by:
UpFrog

CallRail

CompanyCam Visit CompanyCam and use code SBM for a free 2-week trial, 1:1 training and account setup, and 50% off your first two months!

MarketStorm

priceguide

Learn how to automate tasks, save time, and increase your profit. No coding required!

👉 Enroll Today - https://bit.ly/3CZTDte
Get Your 14-Day Free Trial with CallRail!
👉 Visit: https://www.callrail.com/sbmpod Subscribe now to stay updated with Service Business Mastery on YouTube!

Learn how to automate tasks, save time, and increase your profit. No Coding required!
👉 Enroll Today - https://bit.ly/3CZTDte
🚀 Get Your 14-Day Free Trial with CallRail!
👉 Visit: https://www.callrail.com/sbmpod

In this episode of the Service Business Mastery Podcast, we sat down for an insightful discussion with Justin Deese, host of the Freedom Blueprint podcast and creator of the Service Manager Academy. We talked about how to turn top technicians into effective service managers.
Here's what we cover in this episode:
Common mistakes we see when promoting technicians to managers

How to set boundaries with coworkers, friends, and even spouses

Leadership and communication tactics that actually work in the trades

Essential tools and systems for running a high performing service team

Creating a culture of accountability without micromanaging



If you run a home service business like HVAC, plumbing, or electrical, this episode is packed with practical strategies and insights to help your managers succeed and your business grow.
Timestamps ⏰(Video)

00:00 Leadership, Delegation, and Growth
04:06 Veteran in Home Service Industry
06:27 Life's Many Conversations on Walks
12:00 Boundaries Between Work and Life
14:18 Date Night Struggles
19:04 Leadership and Business Growth
19:51 Service Manager Academy Creation
25:13 Promoting Top Talent Pitfalls
28:47 From Chaos to Leadership
31:28 Encouraging Problem-Solving Independently
35:18 Streamlined One-to-One Accountability
36:32 Addressing Persistent Performance Issues
39:32 Exceptional Communication Drives Success
42:46 Service Business Mastery Advice

This episode is kindly sponsored by:
UpFrog

CallRail

CompanyCam Visit CompanyCam and use code SBM for a free 2-week trial, 1:1 training and account setup, and 50% off your first two months!

MarketStorm

priceguide


Connect with us!
Tersh Blissett

Josh Crouch

Join the Service Business Mastery Facebook group for more updates!

Visit our website: www.servicebusinessmastery.com




Affiliate links:
Castmagic

StreamYard

IfTTT

Zyra Talk

Learn how to automate tasks, save time, and increase your profit. No Coding required!
👉 Enroll Today - https://bit.ly/3CZTDte
 
🚀 Get Your 14-Day Free Trial with CallRail!
👉 Visit: https://www.callrail.com/sbmpod
__________________________________________
 
Welcome to the Service Business Mastery Podcast!
Visit our website for more episodes and insights! https://www.servicebusinessmastery.com
 
In this episode of the Service Business Mastery podcast, Tersh Blissett and Josh Crouch talk with Darren Shaw. He is the founder of Whitespark, a company specializing in local SEO software and services, and a recognized local SEO educator with more than 45,000 newsletter subscribers, 10,000+ YouTube subscribers and 3,000+ email course sign-ups. He leads the annual Local Search Ranking Factors Survey, one of the most frequently cited resources in local SEO, and regularly speaks at local search conferences worldwide while contributing to leading SEO publications. With 27 years of experience in web development and SEO, his career began well before Google existed.
 
In this episode, here's what you can expect to learn: 
How Darren helped businesses improve local search rankings through reviews and content.

Why customer reviews and video content are essential for standing out online.

How AI tools are transforming local SEO and saving time on content creation.

Why backlinks are becoming less important and reviews are gaining more focus.

Practical tips for using smart marketing strategies to boost your business's growth.

 
Timestamps ⏰
[00:00] - Recap
[02:11] - Episode Introduction & Meeting Darren Shaw
[03:02] - Darren Shaw's Background and 25+ Years in Local SEO
[06:79] - Importance of Review Recency in Local SEO
[09:69] - The Decline of Backlinks in Local SEO
[10:71] - Review Diversification and Google's Role in Reviews
[18:10] - The Future of Search: Google vs. AI-driven Tools
[20:47] - Content Relevance in the Age of AI and Google AI Integration
[22:61] - The Role of YouTube in Local Search and Content Strategy
[27:42] - Using Content, AI, and Videos for Effective Local SEO
[35:67] - The Role of Email Marketing and Lead Magnets in Local SEO
[46:20] - The Future of Local Search and Google's AI Integration

If you found this conversation with Darren Shaw helpful, please leave us a review (5 stars would be greatly appreciated 😉).


Links & References:


LinkedIn: 
Darren Shaw

Whitespark

 
Website: 
Whitespark

 
Youtube: 
Whitespark

 
This episode is kindly sponsored by:


Sera

UpFrog

CallRail

CompanyCam Visit CompanyCam and use code SBM for a free 2-week trial, 1:1 training and account setup, and 50% off your first two months!

MarketStorm

priceguide




Connect with us!
Tersh Blissett

Josh Crouch

Join the Service Business Mastery Facebook group for more updates!

Visit our website: www.servicebusinessmastery.com




Affiliate links:
Castmagic

StreamYard

IfTTT

Zyra Talk

Learn how to automate tasks, save time, and increase your profit. No Coding required!
👉 Enroll Today - https://bit.ly/3CZTDte
🚀 Get Your 14-Day Free Trial with CallRail!
👉 Visit: https://www.callrail.com/sbmpod
__________________________________________
Welcome to the Service Business Mastery Podcast!
Visit our website for more episodes and insights! https://www.servicebusinessmastery.com
In this episode of the Service Business Mastery podcast, Tersh Blissett, Co-Founder & Chief Experience Officer at Trade Automation Pros, CEO of Service Emperor, Co-Host & Founder of Service Business Mastery Podcast, and Josh Crouch, Founder of Relentless Digital Marketing Solutions & Co-Host of Service Business Mastery Podcast, talk about the key strategies that can drive success for home service businesses. They share how pricing transparency, strong community connections, and effective marketing help businesses stand out and grow. They also discuss the role of AI tools in improving operations, saving time, and creating more content. Tune in to learn how to simplify your business focus and make smarter decisions for long-term growth.
In this episode, here's what you can expect to learn: 
Why pricing transparency and clear estimates can drive more leads and build trust.

How community involvement and networking help businesses grow.

The importance of focusing on one thing and avoiding distractions for success.

Why AI tools and automation are key to saving time and improving operations.

How simplifying your marketing strategy can lead to better results.

 
Timestamps ⏰
[00:00] - Recap
[02:36] - Episode Introduction
[05:48] - Building Strong Customer Relationships
[06:29] - Avoiding Information Overload & Staying Focused
[10:08] - 20+ Events, Hosting Their Own, and Keynote Training
[11:47] - Standout Events: BDR Spark, Branding & Differentiation
[13:49] - AI Trend Fatigue & Contractor Skepticism
[17:26] - Wearable AI 'External Brain' & Personal Productivity
[20:25] - First Major Keynote: Nerves, Preparation & Delivery
[23:01] - Speaking on Stage vs. Breakouts & Audience Dynamics
[26:55] - Biggest Interview Surprises & Data from Homeowner Surveys
[30:04] - Recommended Starting Episode for New Listeners
[34:11] - Industry Challenges: Tariffs, Regulations & Consumer Shifts
[37:34] - Embarrassing Moments On-Air & On Stage
[40:11] - Favourite Podcast Moments & Listener Reflections
[42:45] - Looking Ahead to 2026 & New AI Product Direction
[46:18] - What Topics Should We Cover in 2026?
[48:09] - Your 2026 Business Changes? Scaling Up or Down

If you found this conversation helpful, please leave us a review (5 stars would be greatly appreciated 😉).


Links & References:
LinkedIn: 
Tersh Blissett

Josh Crouch

Trade Automation Pros

Service Emperor

Service Business Mastery Podcast

Relentless Digital Marketing Solutions

 
Website: 
Trade Automation Pros

Service Emperor

Service Business Mastery Podcast

Relentless Digital Marketing Solutions

 
Youtube: 
Service Business Mastery Podcast




This episode is kindly sponsored by:
Sera

UpFrog

CallRail

CompanyCam Visit CompanyCam and use code SBM for a free 2-week trial, 1:1 training and account setup, and 50% off your first two months!

MarketStorm

Lace.ai

priceguide




Connect with us!
Tersh Blissett

Josh Crouch

Join the Service Business Mastery Facebook group for more updates!

Visit our website: www.servicebusinessmastery.com




Affiliate links:
Castmagic

StreamYard

IfTTT

Zyra Talk