

Why Promoting Your Best Technician Almost Always Backfires
1/07/2026 | 44 mins.
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

Google vs ChatGPT in Local Search and What Actually Ranks in 2026 with Darren Shaw
12/31/2025 | 49 mins.
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

2025 Recap for Service Business Owners to Learn Real Growth Wins and Apply Them in 2026
12/24/2025 | 55 mins.
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

Missed Calls in HVAC for Contractors to Stop Killing Growth by Fixing Operations - Crystal Williams
12/17/2025 | 46 mins.
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 Crystal Williams at AHR Expo 2025. She is the Co-Founder of Lemon Seed Marketing, Marketing Strategist at McWilliams Heating, Cooling, and Plumbing & Co-Host of From The Yellow Chair Podcast. Crystal shares how she helped grow her family's HVAC business from a small operation into a $10 million company across three locations. She explains why strong branding, clear messaging, and solid operations must work together for long-term success. Crystal also talks about the power of local marketing, smart content strategies, and using AI tools to save time. Learn how to build a brand that stands out and keeps your business growing. In this episode, here's what you can expect to learn: How Crystal helped grow a rural HVAC business to $10 million in sales. Why answering the phone and improving operations helps marketing work better. The value of branding with purpose and telling your company's story clearly. Tips for using local events, teams, and content to build strong community ties. How AI tools can help create content faster without losing your voice. Timestamps ⏰ [00:00] - Recap [03:12] - Episode Introduction & Meeting Crystal Williams [06:01] - What Lemon Seed Does for Contractors [08:08] - Crystal's Background in HVAC and Business Growth [12:52] - Stop Blaming Your Digital Marketing Agency [17:35] - Repurposing Content with AI for More Reach [22:23] - From the Yellow Chair: Crystal's Own Podcast [26:36] - How to Avoid Losing Clients During a Rebrand [31:12] - Protecting Your Brand Reputation in the Field [35:50] - What to Expect in ROI from Branding [39:50] - Best ROI for Community Involvement If you found this conversation with Crystal Williams helpful, please leave us a review (5 stars would be greatly appreciated 😉). Links & References: LinkedIn: Crystal Williams Lemon Seed Marketing McWilliams Heating, Cooling, and Plumbing From the Yellow Chair Website: Lemon Seed Marketing McWilliams Heating, Cooling, and Plumbing From The Yellow Chair Podcast Youtube: From The Yellow Chair 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

The Power of Reinvention for Female Leaders to Thrive After Fame & Find Purpose with Danica Patrick
12/15/2025 | 16 mins.
Learn how to automate tasks, save time, and increase your profit. No Coding required! 👉 Enroll Today - https://bit.ly/3CZTDte __________________________________________ 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 & Josh Crouch chat with Danica Patrick, Race Car Driver, Host of the Pretty Intense Podcast, an Entrepreneur, and Motivational Speaker at Service World Expo. She shares how she transitioned from a successful racing career to building her own business ventures. Danica explains how passion, vision, and strong teams are key to long-term success. She also discusses the importance of goal setting, staying true to your vision, and how to overcome challenges in both racing and business. Learn how belief in your goals and dedication can drive growth and fulfillment in your career. In this episode, here's what you can expect to learn: How Danica transitioned from a racing career to entrepreneurship. Why having a clear vision and staying dedicated is key to success. The importance of building strong teams and staying true to your goals. How to overcome challenges in both business and racing. Ways belief in your vision can lead to long-term growth and fulfillment. Timestamps ⏰ [00:00] – Recap [01:08] – Episode Introduction & Meeting Danica Patrick [01:30] – The Road to Racing & Breaking Barriers [02:17] – Finding Success in Racing [03:56] – The Role of Timing and Luck in Success [06:58] – Transitioning to NASCAR [09:05] – Podcasting and Trade Show Conversations [09:54] – The Business Transition from Racing to Entrepreneurship [12:13] – Building a Team and Trust in Business [13:27] – The Struggles of Capital and Decision Making in Startups [15:19] – Black Mirror and Technology's Growing Influence If you found this conversation with Danica Patrick helpful, please leave us a review (5 stars would be greatly appreciated 😉). Links & References: LinkedIn: Danica Patrick Website: Danica Patrick Pretty Intense Podcast 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



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