Episodes

In this episode of the Prime Partners podcast, Oksana Vlasenko, Vice President at Recruit4Business, discuss the critical aspects of hiring in the home service industry. They explore the challenges of finding skilled labor, the importance of recognizing red flags in candidates, and the traits that indicate a strong fit for a company. Oksana shares insights on the hiring process, including the significance of assessments, interviews, and onboarding. The conversation emphasizes the need for a struc...

In this episode of BDR's Prime Partners Podcast, we sit down with Nathan Keller, Chief Sales Officer at Free2Grow, to unpack how Artificial Intelligence (AI) is shaking up the home service industry (especially HVAC, plumbing, and electrical)—without losing the human touch. From debunking myths to showing how AI voice solutions can enhance branding and personalization, Nathan makes a compelling case for why contractors shouldn't fear the bots. The conversation explores the evolution of AI-driven...

In this episode of the Prime Partners Podcast, Ryan Fenn, CEO and founder of CHIIRP, discusses the importance of follow-up in business, particularly in the trades. Ryan shares his entrepreneurial journey, the significance of speed to lead, and how automation can enhance customer relationships. The conversation emphasizes the need for authenticity in marketing and the role of empathy in follow-up strategies. Ryan also highlights the tools and resources available through CHIIRP to help contractors...

In the latest episode of BDR's Prime Partners Podcast, Zene Wynkoop, Director of Client Services & Technology at BxB Media, discusses the crucial role of staying updated on Google's changes to optimize your marketing strategy and budget. In this episode of the Prime Partners podcast, Zene Wynkoop, Director of Client Services & Technology at BxB Media, discusses the crucial role of staying updated on Google's changes to optimize your marketing strategy and budget. This short conversation explor...

In this episode of the Prime Partners podcast, Peter Capuciati, chairman and CEO of Bluon, discusses the challenges faced by technicians in the HVAC industry and how owners and managers can provide a lifeline through innovative data access and support. The conversation explores the evolution of technician training, the generational shift in the workforce, and the impact of Bluon's solutions on business efficiency and technician performance. Listen and discover how investing in technician suppo...

In this episode of the Prime Partners Podcast, Matthew and Jacob Abbott from Abbott Family Insurance join the show to talk about insurance planning for contractors. They discuss the importance of starting early, understanding coverage options, and the challenges of navigating the insurance industry. The Abbott brothers emphasize the need for education, personalized solutions, and the benefits of offering comprehensive benefits to employees. They also address common barriers to change, such as pa...

In this episode of the Prime Partners Podcast, Paul Redman, VP of Sales at Contractor Commerce, shares how shifting consumer preferences are shaping the future of the home service industry. The discussion focuses on the importance of e-commerce and online shopping in the industry, as well as the challenges and benefits of implementing an online store. Paul emphasizes the need for contractors to adapt to changing consumer behavior and offers insights into how Contractor Commerce helps contractors...

In this episode of the Prime Partners Podcast, Jordan Cordero of Live Oak Bank shares the importance of strategic succession planning for small business owners and how leveraging business loan options can facilitate the smooth transfer of business ownership. The conversation highlights key insights into how proper financial planning and understanding different loan structures can significantly broaden potential buyer pools, making the transition more manageable for sellers and buyers. Whether y...

In this episode of Prime Partners Podcast, Alec Stevanovski from Homepros discusses 2024 trends in the home service industry, highlighting the impact of the economy, private equity, and technological advancements. The discussion dives into the evolving role of private equity in the industry, noting a shift from aggressive acquisitions to more strategic investments. Alec suggests that independent contractors can still thrive by leveraging their unique value propositions and investing in marketin...

In this episode of the Prime Partners podcast, Daniel Burrus, a leading futurist and business strategic advisor, shares how to gain a competitive advantage by anticipating future opportunities through trends and disruptions. Daniel emphasizes the importance of being an anticipatory organization rather than a reactionary one and outlines the concept of hard trends vs. soft trends that give us insight into the future. Discover resources and insights on how your business can take advantage of oppor...

In this episode of the Prime Partners Podcast, Shaun Black, founder and chief analyst at PIVOTL, discusses the concept of business intelligence and its three key components: asking the right questions, getting clear answers, and making smart decisions. Discover the starting point for your businesses in implementing business intelligence and the impact it can have on team performance and business growth. Key TakeawaysBusiness intelligence involves asking the right questions, getting clear answer...

In this episode of the Prime Partners Podcast, Oksana Vlasenko, Vice President at Recruit4Business, discusses the importance of assessments in the hiring process. In this short conversation, we explore the difference between assessing for personality and ability and how assessments can provide valuable insights into a candidate's fit for a specific role. This episode also covers the ongoing use of assessments in team building, employee development, and management. Oksana emphasizes the need for ...

In this episode of the Prime Partners Podcast episode, GoodLeap Managing Sr. Director of Business Development Chad Martin and Managing Sr. Director of Home Improvement Rick Cupples dive into the topic of "Leveraging the Power of Financing in Your Service Department." In this engaging conversation, we explore the current consumer demand for financing and dissect how contractors are currently using financing - or not using it - on service calls. While financing might be more common in install and...

In this episode of BDR's Prime Partners Podcast, we delve into the world of AI and machine learning (ML) with Chief Product Officer Bashir Abdallah of XOI Technologies. Bashir discusses the evolving landscape of technology and the impact AI and ML have on the contracting industry. How can contractors use AI to be more efficient in their day-to-day processes? What emerging trends do contractors need to be aware of? Whether you consider yourself tech-savvy or not, listen to gain valuable insight...

In this special episode of the Prime Partners Podcast, BDR Client Relationship Specialist & Trainer Mike Cunningham discusses the need for parts counter training, the challenges distributors face, and what an optimized parts team looks like. Listen and discover the three things you and your team can work on for an optimized performance! Time Stamps(00:41) - About Mike and his industry background (02:14) - What drives the need for parts counter training in today’s climate? (04:00) - Are distr...

In this episode of the Prime Partners Podcast, Free2Grow co-founders Nathan Keller and Charlie Felker provide insights into the power of outsourcing your back office. In this short discussion, they dive into understanding what back office refers to, its functions, the advantages of outsourcing, and how the process works. Discover how outsourcing your back-office functions can be a game-changer for your company's success! Time Stamps(01:17) - What do you mean when you say back office? What func...

In this episode of the Prime Partners podcast, Hetter Heating General Manager and author Mike Graessle shares the business wisdom that led him to write his latest book, "One Day, One Job, One Call at a Time." He explains how the title came to him as well as how readers can use the book to bring about positive change in their lives and businesses. Discover his number one rule, which is a key principle that has guided him throughout his career and could help guide yours. He also introduces the co...

In this episode of the Prime Partners Podcast, Luke Schar, General Manager of Schar Heating & Cooling Inc., sits down to discuss carrying on a family legacy, gaining his employees’ trust, challenges and goals, and the company’s growth opportunity. Join us in discovering what it's like to be the second generation in a family business! Time Stamps(00:59) - About Schar Heating & Cooling (01:39) - How did you first get involved in HVAC? (02:44) - When did the family business begin and what is th...

In this episode of the Prime Partners Podcast, PuriFi Labs Chief Revenue Officer Michael Hunter discusses the importance of indoor air quality and the need for a residential air purification system. Listen as he demystifies good versus great air quality and explains how it is measured. Episode Timestamps: (00:47) - About Michael and his industry background (01:42) - What is PuriFi Labs and what is your role at the company? (03:20) - Why is indoor air quality important? (05:13) - How is ind...

In this episode of the Prime Partners Podcast, Angie Swartz, BDR University Training Advisor, shares the importance of training in a business and explains how to build a training journey for your employees that benefits both the company and your team. Angie shares how training drives employee engagement, builds up team member skill sets, and drives improved results for the company. Discover how to build a compelling training journey for your employees while increasing employee morale and retent...

In this episode of the Prime Partners Podcast, we invite you to take an in-depth look at the components of a press release and discover how you can use public relations to tell the story of your business. Join us for our informative conversation with Heather Ripley, the CEO & Founder of Ripley PR, as she shares how developing a PR relationship can create a competitive advantage. Learn how a PR strategy can help you craft a journalist story and watch how it can diversify your marketing mix. Hea...

In this episode of the Prime Partners Podcast, we invite you to take an in-depth look at the components of a press release and discover how you can use public relations to tell the story of your business. Join us for our informative conversation with Heather Ripley, the CEO & Founder of Ripley PR, as she shares how developing a PR relationship can create a competitive advantage. Learn how a PR strategy can help you craft a journalist story and watch how it can diversify your marketing mix. Hea...

In this episode of the Prime Partners Podcast, we invite you to take an in-depth look at the components of a press release and discover how you can use public relations to tell the story of your business. Join us for our informative conversation with Heather Ripley, the CEO & Founder of Ripley PR, as she shares how developing a PR relationship can create a competitive advantage. Learn how a PR strategy can help you craft a journalist story and watch how it can diversify your marketing mix. Hea...

In this episode of the Prime Partners Podcast, Brandon Bolen - Head of Service Contractor Lending at Live Oak Bank - shares how financing can help small business owners support their company’s growth and expansion. Brandon discusses some of your options when it comes to applying for a loan, selling a business, buying a business, and much more. Be ready to capitalize on opportunities and stay a step ahead of your competitors by learning the options you have to finance your business growth! Episo...