Owned and Operated - A Plumbing, Electrical, and HVAC Business Growth Podcast - podcast cover

Owned and Operated - A Plumbing, Electrical, and HVAC Business Growth Podcast

The Owned and Operated electrical, HVAC, and plumbing business growth podcast is hosted by John Wilson and Jack Carr. These two Home Service Business owners bring you weekly podcasts and daily content with multiple perspectives, actionable advice, and info on an ever-changing industry revolving around advertising, lead generation, and more. 

Join us every Tuesday for topical conversations that unlock the potential for your business growth. Covering topics from top-tier talent recruitment to mastering marketing strategies and scaling your home service business, the podcast aims to be your guide on the path to entrepreneurial success.

For more information, visit www.ownedandoperated.com

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Episodes

#216 How One Operator Is Making Big Waves in Business Acquisitions

Want to buy a small business using smart deal structures like earnouts, seller financing, and low-risk offers? In this episode of Jackquisitions, host Jack Carr sits down with Chris Barr, a first-time buyer navigating the ups and downs of business acquisitions—from walking away from bad fits to crafting a $900K cash-plus-earnout offer for a pressure washing company. Learn how Chris is sourcing off-market deals, avoiding shady broker tactics, and building a personal brand that attracts sellers. Y...

Jun 27, 202547 minSeason 1Ep. 216

#215 Why You’re Not Getting Promoted.... and How to Fix It

In this episode of Owned and Operated, we’re exploring how to grow your career inside a home service company. From internal promotions to mindset shifts, John and Brandon Niro break down what it really takes to move up and lead. Brandon shares how 30–40% of the Wilson team has been promoted from within—and what separates those who grow fast from those who stall. They dig into Wilson’s 52-week Emerging Leaders program, the role of emotional intelligence and financial literacy, and how team member...

Jun 26, 202544 minSeason 1Ep. 215

#214 How Great Leaders Scale Service Businesses Fast

In this episode of Owned and Operated, we're digging into what it really takes to lead a growing home service business. From SOPs to scaling strategies, we’re spotlighting the habits and leadership traits that drive operational clarity and empower teams. We’re joined by Brandon Niro, who shares how his role evolved since joining the company in 2019—navigating growth from 30 to over 60 employees, integrating acquisitions, and shifting from tactical execution to strategic coaching and development....

Jun 24, 202558 minSeason 1Ep. 214

#213 Behind the Scenes of Buying a Business

In this episode of Owned and Operated, we’re diving into real-world strategies for sourcing and securing small business acquisitions. From outreach to private equity firms to using freelancers for off-market deals, we break down how acquisition entrepreneurs are getting creative and staying competitive. We explore how personal branding can help attract brokers, how to craft a buyer persona that actually stands out, and how Chris Barr is navigating live negotiations for niche businesses—including...

Jun 20, 202550 min

#212 Local Lead Generation Strategies That Actually Work (Home Service Marketing Tips)

In this episode of Owned and Operated, we’re diving into innovative lead generation strategies that are reshaping how home service companies attract local customers. From niche local newsletters to AI-powered tools, we cover real-world tactics that are working right now . We explore how hyperlocal publications in places like Annapolis, Maryland and suburban New York are driving leads for services like power washing and home inspections—and why owning your communication channels (email lists, Fac...

Jun 19, 202527 minSeason 1Ep. 212

#211 What Growing Home Service Companies Get Right About Sales

In this episode of Owned and Operated , HVAC business experts Jack Carr and John Wilson break down the sales strategies that drive revenue growth at every stage of a home service company’s journey. Whether you're running a $1M shop or scaling past $50M, understanding how to structure your HVAC sales team is critical—and it starts with knowing the difference between marketed leads and technician-generated leads . Jack and John explore why top HVAC companies like Four Seasons, Logan Services, and ...

Jun 17, 202534 minSeason 1Ep. 211

#210 Trying to Buy a Business: Here’s What No One Tells You

In this episode we’re back with part two of the Chris Barr series on Jackquisitions. Chris is three months into his journey to acquire a business in Florida, and he’s bringing real updates from the trenches. From opportunity cost and deal dynamics to cold outreach and broker networks, this episode is packed with hard-won insights from an active business searcher. We dive into the pros and cons of a pool service business he’s evaluating, the realities of navigating employee classification, and ho...

Jun 13, 202554 minSeason 1Ep. 210

#209 How to Scale Your Home Service Business from $3M to $100M | Leadership & Growth Strategies

What does it really take to scale a home service business to $100 million in revenue? In this episode of Owned and Operated , we dive deep into the business growth strategies, leadership transitions, and operational upgrades needed to build a high-performing trades company. Whether you're in HVAC, plumbing, or another skilled trade, this conversation reveals the mindset shifts and systems that power sustainable service business growth. We break down why your original team may not be equipped to ...

Jun 12, 202550 minSeason 1Ep. 209

#208 The Mindset Taking This Plumbing Company to the Top

What happens when business meets conviction? In this episode of Owned and Operated , we explore how faith, intentionality, and grit shaped one plumbing entrepreneur’s journey from early struggle to long-term success. Dalton Hatch, founder of DH Plumbing in San Antonio, opens up about the mindset and personal transformation that fueled his growth. From rejecting aggressive sales tactics in favor of real customer care, to learning the hard lessons of money, mentorship, and marketing—Dalton lays it...

Jun 10, 20251 hr 50 minSeason 1Ep. 208

#207 SBA Loan Strategies for Acquiring a Business | Expert Advice

Thinking about buying a home service business with an SBA loan? This episode is your go-to guide. Jackquisitions sits down with Alan Peterson—who closed over $70 million in SBA acquisition financing last year—to break down how to structure high-leverage deals, navigate the latest SBA loan rule changes, and avoid the costly mistakes many first-time buyers make. If you're serious about acquiring a home service business and want a financing strategy that actually works, this episode is a must-liste...

Jun 06, 202558 minSeason 1Ep. 207

#206 How to Manage Remote Teams Like a Pro

Struggling to manage a remote team spread across time zones? This episode dives into the real challenges and solutions of leading from a distance, with a focus on trust,communication, and culture. Laurie, our Director of Operations, shares how she builds high-performing remote teams without micromanaging. From setting clear expectations to fostering real connection across borders, you'll hear how strong leadership can drive accountability and loyalty—even when your team is never in the same room...

Jun 05, 202520 minSeason 1Ep. 206

#205 How Premier Home Pros Scaled to Millions: Talent, Strategy & Explosive Growth

In this episode of Owned and Operated , we dive into a powerhouse conversation with top sales leaders—AJ and Noah from Premier Home Pros—as they unpack how to scale a home service business rapidly and sustainably. Whether you're hiring your first rep or leading a high-velocity sales team, this episode delivers practical strategies for fast growth without losing control. From building a magnetic company culture to overcoming supply chain roadblocks, we explore what it really takes to run a top-ti...

Jun 03, 202553 minSeason 1Ep. 205

#204 Top 5 Key Experts You NEED to Buy a Business in 2025

In this episode of Jackquisitions, we break down the essential expert team every acquisition entrepreneur must build before buying a business. Whether you’re acquiring your first HVAC company or scaling into multiple service businesses, assembling the right support system can make or break your deal. From legal frameworks to SBA loan processing, we cover the professionals who will help you move quickly, avoid costly mistakes, and access high-quality deals. Plus, we spotlight post-acquisition rol...

May 30, 202513 minSeason 1Ep. 204

#203 Investment Joy’s 10M Roofing Journey

In this episode of Owned and Operated , we sit down with Brandon Schlicter—better known as Investment Joy—to uncover how a small-town Ohio entrepreneur built a multimillion-dollar business portfolio by mastering real estate, laundromats, car washes, and commercial roofing. Brandon shares how his upbringing on a farm and early family struggles forged his hustle mentality. After getting his start in logistics and real estate, a single viral laundromat video catapulted his online presence, opening ...

May 29, 202553 minSeason 1Ep. 203

#202 How to Develop Great Leaders with Values and Skills for Tomorrow’s Success

In this episode of Owned and Operated, we shift focus to a critical yet often overlooked pillar of business success: leadership development and management training. With insights from Amir of Snowball Industries, we dig into how identifying and nurturing potential leaders is foundational to scaling tier two and tier three service businesses. The discussion explores the evolution from technical expertise to soft skills as the driving force behind effective leadership. We unpack the core values th...

May 27, 202542 minSeason 1Ep. 202

#201 Turf Takeover and the Rise of Tier Two Business Acquisitions

In this episode of Jackcquisitions, we explore profitable small business acquisition strategies with Peter De Baptiste, owner of Joe Cole Plumbing in Florida. Peter shares his entrepreneurial journey—starting in banking, then leading a delivery service startup, and ultimately acquiring a plumbing company. Now, he's setting his sights on HVAC and turf installation businesses, uncovering high-potential, under-the-radar sectors in the home services industry. We break down the unique appeal of tier ...

May 23, 202554 minSeason 1Ep. 201

#200 How E-Commerce is Transforming the Trades and Home Services Industry

In this episode of Owned and Operated, we dive into how the team is leveraging Contractor Commerce to bring e-commerce to the trades. From selling water heaters online to experimenting with lead conversion strategies, the hosts explore what it looks like to run an online storefront for big-ticket home service items like HVAC systems and home generators. They break down the full journey—from initial impressions and setup to real-world implementation—and share the ups and downs of paid ad campaign...

May 22, 202523 minSeason 1Ep. 200

#199 The $174M Remodel Company No One Saw Coming

In this episode of Owned and Operated , we sit down with AJ and Noah—the powerhouse founders behind Premier Home Pros—to reveal how they scaled their home services business from $0 to a projected $174 million in just three years. Launched from a dining room table in 2022, AJ and Noah built a home improvement juggernaut using proven sales systems, smart team building, and bold marketing strategies that fueled rapid growth. But their journey wasn’t without hurdles. From expensive ad failures to to...

May 20, 202555 minSeason 1Ep. 199

#198 This ONE Mistake Can Tank Your First Acquisition

Don’t Fall for the Buyer’s Trap: Why No-Marketing Businesses Aren’t Easy Wins In this episode of Jackquisitions, we dive into a common pitfall many first-time buyers fall for—the belief that a business with little or no marketing is a “goldmine” just waiting to be unlocked. Spoiler: it’s not that simple. Using the tongue-in-cheek example of an underwater basket weaving business, we break down the real costs of building out a marketing engine from scratch. Jack unpacks the "buyer’s trap" : the da...

May 16, 202515 minSeason 1Ep. 198

#197 What’s Actually Working in Home Service Marketing in 2025 (Proven Growth Strategies)

John teams up with Sam Preston, CEO of Service Scalers, to break down the exact marketing strategies that move the needle for home service businesses. Whether you’re HVAC, plumbing, or any trades business, you'll learn how to prioritize channels that capture demand today—before wasting money on ones that might (or might not) pay off later. Struggling to turn marketing dollars into real leads? This episode is your blueprint. From real-world wins to costly missteps, John and Sam unpack where most ...

May 15, 20251 hrSeason 1Ep. 197

#196 Hiring Secrets That ACTUALLY Work

Struggling to find great technicians or keep your best employees around? This episode is your playbook. We break down battle-tested recruiting strategies that helped scale real home service businesses—from plumbing and HVAC to general trades. You'll learn how to treat recruitment like a sales pipeline, maintain momentum year-round, and create a company culture that people want to be part of. This episode goes beyond theory. From incentive trips and performance bonuses to sharp branding, upgraded...

May 13, 202538 minSeason 1Ep. 196

#195 The From Zero to 10 Million Cold Calling

Looking to break into the home service industry through business acquisitions? In this episode of Jackquisitions , we sit down with Elias Yusef, a 24-year-old entrepreneur who’s quickly making a name for himself by acquiring and scaling blue-collar service businesses. Based in Denver, Colorado, Elias shares how he transitioned from selling appliances to owning a fast-growing plumbing company, using creative deal structures and relentless outreach to land his first acquisition. His story offers a...

May 09, 202541 minSeason 1Ep. 195

#194 This AI Transformed Customer Service—Here's How Avoca Did It

Curious how AI is transforming the way home service businesses handle customer calls and convert leads? In this episode of Owned and Operated , John sits down with Rafi, from Avoca—an innovative voice AI platform purpose-built for the trades. Together, they dive deep into how AI is reshaping call center operations, reducing reliance on human CSRs, and boosting conversion rates across the board. From 24/7 call answering to real-time customer interaction, Avoca is helping businesses from $2M to $1...

May 08, 202522 minSeason 1Ep. 194

#193 The Truth Behind Scaling a Successful Plumbing Business

Want to grow and scale your plumbing business with proven strategies for sales, operations, and fulfillment? In this episode of Owned and Operated , we break down exactly how to build a successful plumbing company—from optimizing pricing structures and boosting conversion rates to training teams and improving customer experience. Hosts John Wilson and Jack Carr share their real-world experiences growing a profitable plumbing business, revealing hard-won lessons and key tactics that drive sustain...

May 06, 202537 minSeason 1Ep. 193

#192 The Ultimate Playbook to Buy & Scale Small Businesses

The Ultimate Playbook to Buy & Scale Small Businesses Want to grow your business through smart acquisitions, direct outreach, and personal branding? In this episode of JackQuisitions , we dive deep into the art of buying small businesses and building relationships that close deals. Host Jack sits down with an experienced operator to explore what it really takes to acquire businesses, from cold calls to contract signing. Whether you’re a new buyer, an aspiring entrepreneur, or an operator aim...

May 02, 202546 minSeason 1Ep. 192

#191 How AI Is Transforming Lead Generation and Market Expansion

Want to grow your HVAC, plumbing, or roofing business using AI, lead generation, and marketing automation? In this episode of Owned and Operated, we dive into how artificial intelligence is transforming the home service industry. Host John Wilson sits down with James Zaner from Modernize to explore cutting-edge strategies for using AI-powered tools to generate high-quality leads, automate operations, and expand into new markets. Whether you're a contractor, service business owner, or operator lo...

May 01, 202559 minSeason 1Ep. 191

#190 How AI and Automation Are Revolutionizing Home Service Marketing

Looking to supercharge your business growth through smarter marketing, AI integration, and automation? In this episode of Owned and Operated, we sit down with Sam Preston and Ethan Wright from Service Scalers to dive deep into the strategies that are transforming small and medium-sized businesses. Whether you're just starting to invest in digital marketing or optimizing operations with AI, this episode is packed with actionable advice to drive profitability and efficiency. Sam and Ethan share wh...

Apr 29, 20251 hr 38 minSeason 1Ep. 190

#189 How to Scale a Small HVAC Business with Proven Strategies

From Investment Banking to HVAC Ownership: Will’s First 90 Days Scaling a Service Business Looking to scale your HVAC or home service business effectively? In this episode of Owned and Operated , we sit down with Will, a former investment banker who’s now leading an HVAC company, to unpack real strategies for rapid, sustainable growth in the trades. Whether you’re acquiring your first business or streamlining operations post-acquisition, this episode is packed with actionable advice. 🚨 In This ...

Apr 24, 20251 hr 5 minSeason 1Ep. 189

#188 How Traditional Media Drove $100K+ in Plumbing Leads

Looking to grow your home service business with smarter marketing? In this episode, uncover expert strategies to elevate your brand, dominate local search, and drive real results through modernized media tactics. Tony Castellucci from Wanamaker Advertising joins us to break down how service businesses can shift from outdated marketing methods to high-converting digital strategies that work in 2025. Learn why optimizing your Google My Business profile is now the most effective organic lead genera...

Apr 22, 20251 hr 44 minSeason 1Ep. 188

#187 Junk Removal as a Scalable Business?

Looking to grow your junk removal business or expand your service-based company? In this episode uncover actionable business strategies, marketing hacks, and scaling secrets that fuel sustainable growth in the service industry. From humble beginnings during the pandemic to building a mission-driven brand, Walter shares his blueprint for success and the powerful role of community impact. Learn how Walter harnessed local PR, Google My Business, and social media to accelerate Junk Drop's visibility...

Apr 17, 202545 minSeason 1Ep. 187
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