Episodes
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Not every acquisition is worth making.
In this episode of Owned and Operated, John Wilson shares the story of one of the biggest acquisitions he chose to walk away from, even though it had the potential to double the size of his business. What looked like an incredible opportunity on paper quickly unraveled as the due diligence process exposed problems with customer concentration, company culture, cash flow, and the financials.
John explains the acquisition framework he uses to evaluate plumbing, HVAC, and electrical businesses, why revenue and EBITDA rarely tell the whole story, and the common mistakes first-time buyers make when they become emotionally attached to a deal.
Sometimes the best acquisition is the one you don't make.
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In this episode, John covers:
โ The acquisition that looked perfectโbut wasn't
โ The biggest red flags uncovered during due diligence
โ Why customer mix and company culture matter as much as financials
โ How to avoid becoming emotionally invested in a deal
โ What every first-time acquisition entrepreneur should know
โ Lessons learned from the deals John decided not to buy
โโโโโโโโโโโโโโWatch this episode early on the John Wilson YouTube channel:
https://www.youtube.com/@JohnWilsonOAOSend Us Mail!
More Ways To Connect with O&O
John's Podcast YouTube ChannelOwned and Operated Newsletter Bonus Videos From JohnLeave a Review
John Wilson, CEO of Wilson Companies
Jack Carr, CEO of Rapid HVAC
๐ Disclaimer: Some links may include UTM parameters or affiliate relationships, meaning we may earn a commission if you make a purchase. Episodes may feature sponsors, but all opinions expressed are our own. -
Most home service companies think they're tracking marketing. They're actually tracking the wrong metrics.
In this episode of Owned and Operated, John Wilson and Jack Carr break down how to measure marketing ROI the right way. They explain why cost per lead is often a misleading metric, how to build a marketing scorecard that actually helps you make better decisions, and the attribution systems they use to understand what's driving revenue across a growing home service business.
They also discuss why blended marketing ROI matters more than individual lead costs, how to separate new customer revenue from recurring customers, the importance of clean CRM data, and why every ownerโnot their agencyโis ultimately responsible for marketing performance.
In This Episode:
โข Why cost per lead can lead you to the wrong decisions
โข The marketing KPIs every home service business should track
โข How to measure true ROI across every marketing channel
โข Building an attribution system that actually works
โข Why clean CRM data is the foundation of good marketing
โข How to separate new customer revenue from repeat business
โข The pitfalls of using lifetime value (LTV) to justify marketing spend
โข Why every owner should own their company's marketing scorecardโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโ
๐ CONNECT
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John Wilson โ https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnbwilson1/
Jack Carr โ https://www.linkedin.com/in/jack-carr-770b84117/
Breaking $5M Workshop โ https://www.ownedandoperated.com/upcoming-events/oao-workshop-breaking-5-million
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๐ฐ SPONSORS
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Big Reputation
Get more from your Google Business Profile with Big Reputation. Automate reviews, improve local visibility, and turn more Google searches into inbound calls. Learn more: https://www.bigreputation.ai/oao?utm_source=oao&utm_medium=paid
Service Scalers
Get more high quality leads with marketing built for home service companies. Book a free strategy call with Service Scalers and see what's driving real jobs: https://os.servicescalers.com/go/oao_podcast/referral/podcastSend Us Mail!
More Ways To Connect with O&O
John's Podcast YouTube ChannelOwned and Operated Newsletter Bonus Videos From JohnLeave a Review
John Wilson, CEO of Wilson Companies
Jack Carr, CEO of Rapid HVAC
๐ Disclaimer: Some links may include UTM parameters or affiliate relationships, meaning we may earn a commission if you make a purchase. Episodes may feature sponsors, but all opinions expressed are our own. -
Missing episodes?
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Most home service businesses are using AI the wrong way.
In this episode of Owned and Operated, John Wilson and Jack Carr break down how AI is actually changing the trades and why the biggest opportunity isn't replacing technicians, but removing the operational friction that slows growing companies down. They share how they're using AI across acquisitions, accounting, purchasing, reporting, dispatch, and marketing while keeping the human experience at the center of the business.
They also discuss why venture capital is pouring money into home services, how AI is creating a new wave of EBITDA expansion, the software they're replacing with custom-built AI tools, and why the companies that embrace AI as a force multiplier, not a replacement for people, will have the biggest advantage over the next decade.
In This Episode:
โข Why home services has become an AI "safe haven" for investors
โข What AI should never replace inside your business
โข Using AI to reduce friction instead of cutting headcount
โข Replacing expensive SaaS tools with custom AI solutions
โข How AI is transforming acquisitions and multi-location growth
โข Why accounting is the biggest bottleneck in scaling through M&A
โข The balance between automation and human customer experienceโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโ
๐ CONNECT
โโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโ
John Wilson โ https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnbwilson1/Jack Carr โ https://www.linkedin.com/in/jack-carr-770b84117/
Breaking $5M Workshop โ https://www.ownedandoperated.com/upcoming-events/oao-workshop-breaking-5-million
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๐ฐ SPONSORS
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AvocaSee how Avoca helps home service companies book more jobs with AI that handles calls, texts, follow ups, and dispatching without adding more chaos.
Book a demo: https://www.avoca.ai/partners/oaoQuo
Keep every customer conversation in one place with Quo. Calls, texts, and voicemails are shared across your team so nothing slips through the cracks and no opportunities are missed.
Learn more: https://quo.com/ownedSend Us Mail!
More Ways To Connect with O&O
John's Podcast YouTube ChannelOwned and Operated Newsletter Bonus Videos From JohnLeave a Review
John Wilson, CEO of Wilson Companies
Jack Carr, CEO of Rapid HVAC
๐ Disclaimer: Some links may include UTM parameters or affiliate relationships, meaning we may earn a commission if you make a purchase. Episodes may feature sponsors, but all opinions expressed are our own. -
Most home service businesses aren't sold for what they're capable of being worth.
In this episode of Owned and Operated, John Wilson and Will Schryver reveal what separates a business that sells for a premium from one that gets discounted. From leadership and systems to pricing, technology, and operational maturity, they explain what buyers actually look for and why preparing for an exit should start years before you plan to sell.
They also dive into the current acquisition market, the influx of private equity and family office capital, why AI is accelerating investment into the trades, and the lessons Will has learned since leaving investment banking to buy and grow his own HVAC business.
In This Episode:
Why EBITDA alone doesn't determine your business valueThe biggest mistakes owners make before sellingInvestment banker vs. business broker: what's the difference?Growing an HVAC company from $1.5M to $3M in 18 monthsWhy private equity is investing heavily in home servicesHow AI is making the trades even more valuableโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโ
๐ CONNECT
โโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโ
John Wilson โ https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnbwilson1/
Will Schryver โ https://x.com/Will_Schryver
Breaking $5 Workshop โ https://www.ownedandoperated.com/upcoming-events/oao-workshop-breaking-5-millionโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโ
๐ฐ SPONSORS
โโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโAvoca
See how Avoca helps home service companies book more jobs with AI that handles calls, texts, follow ups, and dispatching without adding more chaos.
Book a demo: https://www.avoca.ai/partners/oao
QuoKeep every customer conversation in one place with Quo. Calls, texts, and voicemails are shared across your team so nothing slips through the cracks and no opportunities are missed. Learn more: https://quo.com/owned
Send Us Mail!
More Ways To Connect with O&O
John's Podcast YouTube ChannelOwned and Operated Newsletter Bonus Videos From JohnLeave a Review
John Wilson, CEO of Wilson Companies
Jack Carr, CEO of Rapid HVAC
๐ Disclaimer: Some links may include UTM parameters or affiliate relationships, meaning we may earn a commission if you make a purchase. Episodes may feature sponsors, but all opinions expressed are our own. -
What does it really take to build a home service business from the ground up?
In this episode of Owned and Operated, John Wilson sits down with Ryan and Aaron Osterkamp of Quality Comfort Home Services to unpack the journey from one technician working out of a house to a company targeting more than $9 million in annual revenue.
They discuss the early years of wearing every hat, the decision to bring on an in-house marketing leader years before most companies their size would, why investing in leadership accelerated growth, and the challenges that come with letting go as the business scales. They also share how they've built a strong company culture, approached hiring, and continue reinvesting in the business for the next stage of growth.
In This Episode:
Building an HVAC business from one truck to a $9M goalWhy they hired an in-house marketing director earlyThe leadership hires that unlocked growthCreating a culture that retains great employeesWhen to reinvest versus take money out of the businessThe hardest parts of delegating as an ownerDeciding between growing HVAC or expanding plumbingโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโ
๐ CONNECT
โโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโJohn Wilson โ https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnbwilson1/
Ryan + Erin Osterkamp โ https://myqualitycomfort.com/about-us/
Breaking $5 Workshop โ https://www.ownedandoperated.com/upcoming-events/oao-workshop-breaking-5-millionโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโ
๐ฐ SPONSORS
โโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโContractor Commerce
Your website should do more than generate leads. Contractor Commerce lets homeowners shop, compare options, and book online so they choose your business before they contact the competition. Learn more: https://www.contractorcommerce.com/?utm_source=oao&utm_medium=podcast
Yelp
Looking for more qualified leads beyond Google? See how contractors are using Yelp to reach homeowners who are ready to book and diversify their lead generation. Learn more: https://business.yelp.com/campaign/ownedandoperated/Send Us Mail!
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John's Podcast YouTube ChannelOwned and Operated Newsletter Bonus Videos From JohnLeave a Review
John Wilson, CEO of Wilson Companies
Jack Carr, CEO of Rapid HVAC
๐ Disclaimer: Some links may include UTM parameters or affiliate relationships, meaning we may earn a commission if you make a purchase. Episodes may feature sponsors, but all opinions expressed are our own. -
Managing the leadership challenges that come with being a CEO can be surprisingly lonely.
In this solo episode, John Wilson reflects on the last decade of leading Wilson Companies from a team of seven employees to more than 220. He shares the lessons that only come with experience, including imposter syndrome, difficult decisions, the weight of responsibility, and why leadership often feels different than people expect.
If you're leading a growing company or stepping into a leadership role, this episode offers an honest look at what it really takes to grow as a CEO.
In this episode:
Why you never really feel ready to be a CEO How leadership challenges change as your business grows The hidden cost of difficult decisions Why success often feels different than expected How to avoid becoming the bottleneck Why your business can only grow as fast as you doWatch this episode early on the John Wilson YouTube channel:
https://www.youtube.com/@JohnWilsonOAOSend Us Mail!
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John's Podcast YouTube ChannelOwned and Operated Newsletter Bonus Videos From JohnLeave a Review
John Wilson, CEO of Wilson Companies
Jack Carr, CEO of Rapid HVAC
๐ Disclaimer: Some links may include UTM parameters or affiliate relationships, meaning we may earn a commission if you make a purchase. Episodes may feature sponsors, but all opinions expressed are our own. -
Google search is changing. AI is changing how homeowners find contractors. And the marketing strategies that worked just two years ago aren't enough anymore.
In this episode of Owned and Operated, John Wilson sits down with Service Scalers CEO Sam Preston to break down what's actually working in HVAC marketing in 2026. From AI search and Google Business Profile optimization to Meta, Reddit, Yelp, and content marketing, they discuss where home service companies should be investing and where they're wasting money.
They also dive into rising lead costs, why many HVAC companies are struggling this year, and the marketing playbook operators should follow to stay ahead as search continues to evolve.
Whether you're trying to generate more calls today or prepare your business for the next wave of AI-driven search, this episode is packed with practical strategies you can implement immediately.
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In This Episode:
โข Why Google and AI search are changing home service marketing
โข The biggest marketing opportunities heading into 2026
โข Why Google Business Profile is still the highest ROI channel
โข How AI is reshaping SEO and content strategy
โข Why Meta and social content are becoming more valuable than ever
โข The growing importance of Yelp, Reddit, and other high-authority platforms
โข The marketing metrics every contractor should track weekly
โข The biggest mistakes HVAC companies are making today
โข How to prepare your business for the future of AI-powered searchโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโ
๐ CONNECT
โโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโ
John Wilson โ https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnbwilson1/
Sam Preston โ https://www.linkedin.com/in/sampreston/ (update if needed)
Owned and Operated โ https://www.ownedandoperated.comโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโ
๐ฐ SPONSORS
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Comfort Connect
Turn one installation into years of repeat business with Comfort Connect. Give homeowners flexible payment options, stay connected after the job, and create new recurring revenue opportunities. Learn more: https://bit.ly/4wGXqSXYelp
Looking for more qualified leads beyond Google? See how contractors are using Yelp to reach homeowners who are ready to book and diversify their lead generation. Learn more: https://business.yelp.com/campaign/ownedandoperated/Send Us Mail!
More Ways To Connect with O&O
John's Podcast YouTube ChannelOwned and Operated Newsletter Bonus Videos From JohnLeave a Review
John Wilson, CEO of Wilson Companies
Jack Carr, CEO of Rapid HVAC
๐ Disclaimer: Some links may include UTM parameters or affiliate relationships, meaning we may earn a commission if you make a purchase. Episodes may feature sponsors, but all opinions expressed are our own. -
If We Had to Start Over, We'd Do This Instead
If John Wilson and Jack Carr lost everything tomorrow, how would they rebuild?
In this episode of Owned and Operated, they tackle one of the biggest questions every entrepreneur eventually asks: would you buy a business, build one from scratch, or take a completely different path?
John argues that acquiring a small home service business is still the fastest way to create wealth, while Jack makes the case for starting lean with a service business that requires little capital and can scale quickly. Along the way, they break down the lessons that took years to learn, the mistakes they'd avoid, and the exact playbook they'd use to grow much faster the second time around.
In This Episode:
Buy vs. build: which strategy wins today?The home service businesses they'd start from scratchWhy marketing and sales matter more than fulfillment early onHow seller financing changes the economics of growthThe fastest path to generating cash flowBranding mistakes they'd never make againโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโ
๐ CONNECT
โโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโ
John Wilson โ https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnbwilson1/
Jack Carr โ https://www.linkedin.com/in/jack-carr-home-service/
Breaking $5 Workshop โ https://www.ownedandoperated.com/upcoming-events/oao-workshop-breaking-5-million
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๐ฐ SPONSORS
โโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโService Scalers
Get more high quality leads with marketing built for home service companies. Book a free strategy call with Service Scalers and see what's driving real jobs: https://os.servicescalers.com/go/oao_podcast/referral/podcast
Quick Staffers
Hire trained HVAC and plumbing CSRs without the overhead of traditional hiring. Save $500 on your first placement with Quick Staffers: https://www.quickstaffers.com/Send Us Mail!
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John Wilson, CEO of Wilson Companies
Jack Carr, CEO of Rapid HVAC
๐ Disclaimer: Some links may include UTM parameters or affiliate relationships, meaning we may earn a commission if you make a purchase. Episodes may feature sponsors, but all opinions expressed are our own. -
Stop relying on quality work alone to grow your home service business. Learn why prioritizing marketing and sales is the real key to small business growth.
Many tradespeople and contractors believe that doing good work will naturally bring in more clients. That strategy often fails. Why? Because your business needs a steady flow of leads to survive. We break down why the phone needs to ring before you can worry about the quality of the service provided.
Watch this episode early on the John Wilson YouTube channel:
https://www.youtube.com/@JohnWilsonOAOSend Us Mail!
More Ways To Connect with O&O
John's Podcast YouTube ChannelOwned and Operated Newsletter Bonus Videos From JohnLeave a Review
John Wilson, CEO of Wilson Companies
Jack Carr, CEO of Rapid HVAC
๐ Disclaimer: Some links may include UTM parameters or affiliate relationships, meaning we may earn a commission if you make a purchase. Episodes may feature sponsors, but all opinions expressed are our own. -
When should you rebrand an acquisition, and when should you leave it alone?
In this episode, John Wilson and Jack Carr break down how they think about branding after acquisitions. They discuss the operational tradeoffs, marketing benefits, cultural impact, and why many of the largest home service companies take completely different approaches.
The conversation covers lessons learned from dozens of acquisitions, what customers actually care about, and why building a unified company may matter more than the logo on the truck.
Whether you're buying businesses, scaling across markets, or considering a rebrand of your own, this episode offers a practical look at what's worked, what hasn't, and what they're planning next.
In This Episode:
When rebranding makes sense Why some operators never rebrand acquisitions The operational cost of managing multiple brands How branding impacts culture and recruiting What customers really notice The playbook for rolling out a rebrand Building one company across multiple marketsโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโ
๐ CONNECT
โโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโJohn Wilson โ https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnbwilson1/
Jack Carr โ https://www.linkedin.com/in/jack-carr-home-service/
Owned and Operated โ https://www.ownedandoperated.com
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๐ฐ SPONSORS
โโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโ๐ก Yelp โ A Smarter Way to Win Leads
Google costs are up. Lead quality is down. Youโre paying more for less.
Meanwhile, Yelp generated 125M+ home service leads last yearโand powers results across ChatGPT, Google AI, Apple Maps, and Alexa.
Less competition. Higher intent.
๐ Book a call: https://business.yelp.com/ownedandoperated
๐ Comfort Connect helps home service contractors close more deals with flexible payment solutions and their all-inclusive Premier Programยฎ โ giving homeowners one predictable monthly payment for equipment, maintenance, repairs, and support. Learn how top contractors are increasing close rates, boosting ticket sizes, and building long-term recurring revenue.
Book a call with Comfort Connect: https://bit.ly/4wGXqSXSend Us Mail!
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John's Podcast YouTube ChannelOwned and Operated Newsletter Bonus Videos From JohnLeave a Review
John Wilson, CEO of Wilson Companies
Jack Carr, CEO of Rapid HVAC
๐ Disclaimer: Some links may include UTM parameters or affiliate relationships, meaning we may earn a commission if you make a purchase. Episodes may feature sponsors, but all opinions expressed are our own. -
If We Started Over Today, These Are the Businesses We'd Buy
Whatโs the best home service business to start in 2026?
In this episode of Owned and Operated, John Wilson and Jack Carr break down the industries they'd bet on if they had to start over from scratch today. From HVAC, plumbing, and electrical to restoration, landscaping, roofing, septic, and even trash collection, they debate which businesses offer the best combination of recurring revenue, profitability, scalability, and long-term enterprise value.
The conversation dives into what actually makes a great business: recurring revenue vs. high-ticket projects, cash flow vs. enterprise value, ease of hiring vs. ease of selling, and which industries are positioned to win over the next decade. Along the way, John and Jack share lessons from building, acquiring, and investing in service businesses, and reveal which opportunities they're most excited about right now.
If you're looking to buy a business, launch a company, or expand into a new trade, this episode offers a practical framework for evaluating where the best opportunities exist today.
What You'll Learn:
โ What makes a great home service business in 2026
โ Why recurring revenue businesses are so attractive
โ The tradeoffs between cash flow and enterprise value
โ Why restoration may be one of the most underrated opportunities today
โ The pros and cons of roofing, landscaping, septic, pest control, and more
โ Which business John and Jack would personally choose if they had to start over tomorrow
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๐ CONNECT
โโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโ
John Wilson โ https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnbwilson1/
Jack Carr โ https://www.linkedin.com/in/jack-carr-home-service/
Owned and Operated โ https://www.ownedandoperated.com
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๐ฐ SPONSORS
โโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโ
๐ผ Big Reputation โ Stop chasing reviews and watching competitors outrank you. Big Reputation is the AI-powered review + SEO platform built for home service pros. Automate review generation, respond with AI, track local SEO, and integrate with your CRM. Setup is free, and your first monthโs on the house.
๐ Book your demo: https://www.bigreputation.ai/oao
๐ Sponsored by Quo โ The Modern Business Phone for Service Pros
Missed calls mean missed business. Quo (formerly OpenPhone) is the AI-powered phone system that logs calls, creates summaries, and automates follow-ups โ keeping your team connected and customers happy.?
๐ Start your 7-day free trial and get 20% off your first six months at https://quo.com/ownedSend Us Mail!
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John Wilson, CEO of Wilson Companies
Jack Carr, CEO of Rapid HVAC
๐ Disclaimer: Some links may include UTM parameters or affiliate relationships, meaning we may earn a commission if you make a purchase. Episodes may feature sponsors, but all opinions expressed are our own. -
Many small business owners struggle with identifying core issues, often guessing at problems instead of relying on concrete data. This video emphasizes the importance of focusing on measurable key metrics within a home services business. By tracking performance metrics like leads, booking rates, and closing rates, owners can significantly improve their business management and gain clear insights into their operational health.
Watch this episode early on the John Wilson YouTube channel:
https://www.youtube.com/@JohnWilsonOAOSend Us Mail!
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John's Podcast YouTube ChannelOwned and Operated Newsletter Bonus Videos From JohnLeave a Review
John Wilson, CEO of Wilson Companies
Jack Carr, CEO of Rapid HVAC
๐ Disclaimer: Some links may include UTM parameters or affiliate relationships, meaning we may earn a commission if you make a purchase. Episodes may feature sponsors, but all opinions expressed are our own. -
How do you go from Tesla to owning a plumbing company?
In this episode of Owned and Operated, John Wilson sits down with Jared Worthen to discuss buying a plumbing business, transitioning from tech into the trades, and what it's really like to acquire and operate a home service company.
After building his career at Tesla and ServiceTitan, Jared spent years searching for the right acquisition before purchasing Drain Doctors, a plumbing and drain cleaning company on California's Central Coast. He shares the realities of business acquisition, SBA-style entrepreneurship, scaling a small service business, and the lessons he's learned during his first 120 days as an owner.
From due diligence and deal structure to hiring technicians, implementing ServiceTitan, improving Google reviews, and building a growth-focused culture, this episode is packed with practical insights for anyone interested in buying a business, running a plumbing company, or growing a home service business.
What You'll Learn:
โ How Jared went from Tesla and ServiceTitan to plumbing business ownership
โ The process of buying a plumbing company and negotiating an acquisition
โ Common mistakes first-time business buyers make
โ What surprised him most during the first 120 days of ownership
โ How ServiceTitan, Google reviews, and marketing are helping drive growthโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโ
๐ CONNECT
โโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโJohn Wilson โ https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnbwilson1/
Jared Worthen โhttps://x.com/slo_operatorโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโ
๐ฐ SPONSORS
โโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโ๐ผ Extra Special Thanks to Service Scalers!
Weโve been partnering with Service Scalers to maximize our Local Service Ads (LSAs) and optimize our Google My Business profiles, and the results have been incredible. With hundreds of thousands in sales and 900+ calls in a single week, GMBs are now our top-performing organic lead channel.
Want to learn how Service Scalers can do the same for you?
๐Check Them Out Here๐ก Yelp โ A Smarter Way to Win Leads
Google costs are up. Lead quality is down. Youโre paying more for less.
Meanwhile, Yelp generated 125M+ home service leads last yearโand powers results across ChatGPT, Google AI, Apple Maps, and Alexa.
Less competition. Higher intent.
๐ Book a callSend Us Mail!
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John's Podcast YouTube ChannelOwned and Operated Newsletter Bonus Videos From JohnLeave a Review
John Wilson, CEO of Wilson Companies
Jack Carr, CEO of Rapid HVAC
๐ Disclaimer: Some links may include UTM parameters or affiliate relationships, meaning we may earn a commission if you make a purchase. Episodes may feature sponsors, but all opinions expressed are our own. -
Most contractors are using AI to save time. John Wilson and Service Scalers CEO Sam Preston argue the real opportunity is much bigger: using AI to replace software, automate workflows, and build custom tools that drive growth.
In this episode, John and Sam break down how home service companies are using "vibe coding" to build websites, internal software, dashboards, and automation systems without hiring developers. They share practical ways contractors can reduce costs, improve operations, and create competitive advantages using AI.
What You'll Learn:
โ What vibe coding is and why contractors are embracing it
โ How to replace expensive software with custom AI-built tools
โ The framework for identifying automation opportunities in your business
โ Why AI should automate workflows, not just assist employees
โ How AI can improve margins, reduce overhead, and accelerate growthโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโ
๐ CONNECT
โโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโ
John Wilson โ https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnbwilson1/
Sam Preston โ https://www.linkedin.com/in/sampreston/
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๐ฐ SPONSORS
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โฑ๏ธBrought to you by The Military VeteranIf youโre running a home service business and hiring feels slow, risky, or youโre just not seeing the leadership talent you need, TMV can help. They connect companies like yours with exceptional military veteran leaders, people whoโve already proven they can execute, adapt, and lead under pressure. And they do it fast, with a white-glove process that saves you weeks and avoids costly mis-hires.
Want to see whoโs out there? Book a Free Coaching session HERE
๐ผ Extra Special Thanks to Service Scalers!
Weโve been partnering with Service Scalers to maximize our Local Service Ads (LSAs) and optimize our Google My Business profiles, and the results have been incredible. With hundreds of thousands in sales and 900+ calls in a single week, GMBs are now our top-performing organic lead channel.
Want to learn how Service Scalers can do the same for you?
๐Check Them Out Here
๐ Comfort Connect helps home service contractors close more deals with flexible payment solutions and their all-inclusive Premier Programยฎ โ giving homeowners one predictable monthly payment for equipment, maintenance, repairs, and support. Learn how top contractors are increasing close rates, boosting ticket sizes, and building long-term recurring revenue.
Book a call with Comfort Connect
Send Us Mail!
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John Wilson, CEO of Wilson Companies
Jack Carr, CEO of Rapid HVAC
๐ Disclaimer: Some links may include UTM parameters or affiliate relationships, meaning we may earn a commission if you make a purchase. Episodes may feature sponsors, but all opinions expressed are our own. -
How Speed to Lead Unlocks More Revenue From Every Lead Source
Most contractors think they need more leads. According to Tyson Chen, co-founder of Avoca, most home service companies actually need a better system for capturing, contacting, and converting the leads they already have.
In this episode, John Wilson sits down with Tyson Chen to break down the speed-to-lead systems that are helping home service companies double revenue, improve booking rates, and make channels like Angi, Yelp, Meta, Thumbtack, and Google LSA profitable. They discuss the exact follow-up cadence used by top-performing contractors, why most businesses leave revenue on the table, and how AI, outbound calling, and automation are changing lead conversion in the trades.
They also explore how private equity-backed platforms are using speed-to-lead to create entirely new revenue streams, why response time directly impacts lead quality and platform rankings, and what contractors need to do to maximize ROI from every marketing channel.
What You'll Learn:
โ Why most home service companies don't actually have a lead problem
โ The speed-to-lead process that helps contractors convert more opportunities
โ Why calling leads beats relying on text messages alone
โ The ideal follow-up cadence for lead aggregators and paid leads
โ How AI and automation improve response times and booking rates
โ Why channels like Angi, Yelp, Meta, and Google LSA work when lead handling is done correctlyโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโ
๐ CONNECT
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John Wilson โ https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnbwilson1/
Tyson Chen โ https://www.linkedin.com/company/avoca-ai/
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๐ผShoutout to Avoca AI!Looking to train your call center and improve technician performance? Avoca AI helps teams identify issues, improve call quality, and drive results from start to finish.
๐ Schedule a demo: [https://www.getavoca.ai/partners/oao]
๐ผ Big Reputation โ Stop chasing reviews and watching competitors outrank you. Big Reputation is the AI-powered review + SEO platform built for home service pros. Automate review generation, respond with AI, track local SEO, and integrate with your CRM. Setup is free, and your first monthโs on the house.
๐ Book your demo: https://www.bigreputation.ai/oao๐ก Yelp โ A Smarter Way to Win Leads
Google costs are up. Lead quality is down. Youโre paying more for less.
Meanwhile, Yelp generated 125M+ home service leads last yearโand powers results across ChatGPT, Google AI, Apple Maps, and Alexa.
Less competition. Higher intent.
๐ Book a call: https://business.yelp.com/ownedandoperated
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Peer Group: https://www.ownedandoperated.com/pro-membershipSend Us Mail!
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John's Podcast YouTube ChannelOwned and Operated Newsletter Bonus Videos From JohnLeave a Review
John Wilson, CEO of Wilson Companies
Jack Carr, CEO of Rapid HVAC
๐ Disclaimer: Some links may include UTM parameters or affiliate relationships, meaning we may earn a commission if you make a purchase. Episodes may feature sponsors, but all opinions expressed are our own. -
Most people think pet waste removal is a side hustle. Erica Krupin built a real business around it.
In this episode, John Wilson sits down with Erica Krupin, founder of Kroopin's Poopin' Scoopin', to break down the surprisingly scalable world of pet waste removal. From starting with a bucket, rake, and a 2007 Chevy Cobalt to building a recurring-revenue service business with hundreds of customers, Erica shares the hard lessons behind growth, leadership, hiring, marketing, and surviving a year that nearly put her out of business.
They dive into customer acquisition, churn, pricing, recurring revenue, sales systems, and why answering the phone may be the highest ROI activity in your company. Along the way, they uncover lessons that apply far beyond poop scoopingโfrom financial discipline and resilience to building systems that can scale.
What you'll learn:
โ How Erica built a pet waste removal company from a side hustle into a six-figure business
โ Why 2024 nearly broke the businessโand what fueled the comeback
โ The economics of recurring revenue in the poop scooping industry
โ How spring rush can double a company's size in just a few weeks
โ The hiring, training, and retention challenges of running a service business
โ Why missed phone calls were costing thousands in lost revenueโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโ
๐ CONNECT
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John Wilson โ https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnbwilson1/Erica Krupin โ @KroopinsPoopinScoopin
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๐ฐ SPONSORS
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๐ Sponsored by Quo โ The Modern Business Phone for Service ProsMissed calls mean missed business. Quo (formerly OpenPhone) is the AI-powered phone system that logs calls, creates summaries, and automates follow-ups โ keeping your team connected and customers happy.?
๐ Start your 7-day free trial and get 20% off your first six months HERE
Shout Out to FieldPulse ๐
FieldPulse is an incredible Field Service Management platform that helps you save hours each week while keeping your operations running smoothly. If you're looking to streamline your processes, stay competitive, and focus on what truly matters, FieldPulse is a game-changer!
๐ Book your demo
๐ผShoutout to Avoca AI!
Looking to train your call center and improve technician performance? Avoca AI helps teams identify issues, improve call quality, and drive results from start to finish.
๐ Schedule a demo
Send Us Mail!
More Ways To Connect with O&O
John's Podcast YouTube ChannelOwned and Operated Newsletter Bonus Videos From JohnLeave a Review
John Wilson, CEO of Wilson Companies
Jack Carr, CEO of Rapid HVAC
๐ Disclaimer: Some links may include UTM parameters or affiliate relationships, meaning we may earn a commission if you make a purchase. Episodes may feature sponsors, but all opinions expressed are our own. -
This week, Iโm sharing the books that shaped the way I think about business and helped me scale my familyโs company from $1 million to $44 million in revenue.
These are more than popular business books sitting on a shelf. Each one solved a specific problem at a critical stage of growth, from leadership and operations to hiring, sales, and scaling. In this episode, I break down the lessons that had the biggest impact on my entrepreneurial journey and explain how you can apply them to your own business.
Whether you're running a home service company, building your first team, or trying to break through your next growth ceiling, these are the books I recommend most often.
In This Episode:
The books that changed how I lead and manage Frameworks that helped scale from $1M to $44M Lessons on hiring, delegation, and accountability How great operators use books to solve real business problems The mindset shifts every entrepreneur needs to growWatch this episode early on the John Wilson YouTube channel:
https://www.youtube.com/@JohnWilsonOAOSend Us Mail!
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John's Podcast YouTube ChannelOwned and Operated Newsletter Bonus Videos From JohnLeave a Review
John Wilson, CEO of Wilson Companies
Jack Carr, CEO of Rapid HVAC
๐ Disclaimer: Some links may include UTM parameters or affiliate relationships, meaning we may earn a commission if you make a purchase. Episodes may feature sponsors, but all opinions expressed are our own. -
Most contractors wrote off Yelp years ago. But the platform has quietly become one of the most powerful lead-generation engines in the home service space, powered by AI partnerships with OpenAI and Perplexity that are funneling search traffic directly to Yelp listings.
John Wilson sits down with Katy Lightsey, Head of Services at Yelp, to break down exactly how 61 home service leads are flowing through the platform and what 68 contractor lead generation actually looks like in 2025. They cover lead costs, close rates, how Yelp Ads and Request a Quote really work, and why 68 how to get more leads for your home service business may start with the platform you've been ignoring.
What you'll learn:
โ How Yelp generates 10 million home service leads every month
โ Why AI tools like ChatGPT and Perplexity are driving more traffic through Yelp
โ How Yelp Assistant uses AI to match homeowners with contractors
โ The truth behind Yelp's reputation with contractors
โ What every business should do to improve visibility and lead flow on Yelp
โ How Yelp Ads, Request a Quote, and lead pricing actually work
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๐ CONNECT
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John Wilson โ https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnbwilson1/
Katy Lightseyโ Yelp https://www.linkedin.com/in/katy-lightsey-4a137468/
Learn more โ https://business.yelp.com/ownedandoperated
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๐ฐ SPONSORS
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Shout Out to FieldPulse ๐
FieldPulse is an incredible Field Service Management platform that helps you save hours each week while keeping your operations running smoothly. If you're looking to streamline your processes, stay competitive, and focus on what truly matters, FieldPulse is a game-changer!
๐ Book your demo
๐ Extra Special Thanks to Contractor Commerce!Contractor Commerce turns your website into a 24/7 sales engine for service contractors. With guided pricing, online service and membership sales, and deep system integrations, your site pre-qualifies customers before the phone ever rings.
One contractor generated a $15,000 service sale after hours โ straight from their website.
Book a demo to see how Contractor Commerce turns your website into a 24/7 sales and qualification engine.
๐ผ Shoutout to Quick Staffers LLC
Need trained HVAC & plumbing CSRs at a fraction of the cost? Quick Staffers LLC specializes in placing top-tier global talent with the best SOPs and scripts.
๐ฅ Get $500 off your first placement here
Send Us Mail!
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John Wilson, CEO of Wilson Companies
Jack Carr, CEO of Rapid HVAC
๐ Disclaimer: Some links may include UTM parameters or affiliate relationships, meaning we may earn a commission if you make a purchase. Episodes may feature sponsors, but all opinions expressed are our own.Send Us Mail!
More Ways To Connect with O&O
John's Podcast YouTube ChannelOwned and Operated Newsletter Bonus Videos From JohnLeave a Review
John Wilson, CEO of Wilson Companies
Jack Carr, CEO of Rapid HVAC
๐ Disclaimer: Some links may include UTM parameters or affiliate relationships, meaning we may earn a commission if you make a purchase. Episodes may feature sponsors, but all opinions expressed are our own. -
Most contractors think offshoring is about saving money. It's actually about creating leverage.
John Wilson and Jack Carr break down how offshore teams helped them scale faster, build better systems, and free up key leaders to focus on growth. They share exactly which roles to offshore, what to keep in-house, and the leadership lessons they've learned after managing dozens of remote team members across recruiting, dispatch, accounting, marketing, and customer service.
What you'll learn:
โ Which roles should be offshored first (and which shouldn't)
โ The judgment vs. process framework for hiring decisions
โ How offshore teams force better systems and accountability
โ Why SOPs matter more than geography
โ How to structure dispatch, CSR, recruiting, and accounting teamsโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโ
๐ CONNECT
โโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโ
John Wilson โ https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnbwilson1/
Jack Carr โ https://www.linkedin.com/in/jack-carr-81675995/โโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโ
๐ฐ SPONSORS
โโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโ๐ธSponsored by CFO Made Easy
Built a strong trades business? Letโs take it to $10M and beyond. CFO Made Easy offers part-time CFO services for home and trade service businessesโhelping you boost cash flow, maximize profit per tech, and make clear growth decisions.
๐ Free Offer: Book a 45-min Financial Insight Session to uncover growth blockers.
Shout Out to FieldPulse ๐
FieldPulse is an incredible Field Service Management platform that helps you save hours each week while keeping your operations running smoothly. If you're looking to streamline your processes, stay competitive, and focus on what truly matters, FieldPulse is a game-changer!
๐ Book your demo
๐ผShoutout to Avoca AI!
Looking to train your call center and improve technician performance? Avoca AI helps teams identify issues, improve call quality, and drive results from start to finish.
๐ Schedule a demoSend Us Mail!
More Ways To Connect with O&O
John's Podcast YouTube ChannelOwned and Operated Newsletter Bonus Videos From JohnLeave a Review
John Wilson, CEO of Wilson Companies
Jack Carr, CEO of Rapid HVAC
๐ Disclaimer: Some links may include UTM parameters or affiliate relationships, meaning we may earn a commission if you make a purchase. Episodes may feature sponsors, but all opinions expressed are our own. -
We swapped 40 Ford Mavericks into our home service fleet โ and the results changed the way we think about fleet management.
Most home service companies are overspending on vehicles without realizing it. A new service van can cost $50,000โ$60,000 today. A Ford Maverick? Around $27,000. We now run 40 Mavericks inside a 120+ vehicle fleet โ and weโve lowered overhead, reduced accidents, improved fuel economy, and still get the job done without sacrificing operational efficiency.
In this episode, we break down:
โ Why the โyou canโt run service out of a small truckโ argument is outdated
โ How we use Packout systems and standardized inventory kits to maximize space
โ The sales-to-install model that makes smaller vehicles work at scale
โ The real numbers behind fleet costs, efficiency, and utilization
โ Why two Mavericks can outperform one traditional service van
๐ Subscribe for weekly episodes on systems, acquisitions, operations, and growth strategies from real home service operators.Send Us Mail!
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John Wilson, CEO of Wilson Companies
Jack Carr, CEO of Rapid HVAC
๐ Disclaimer: Some links may include UTM parameters or affiliate relationships, meaning we may earn a commission if you make a purchase. Episodes may feature sponsors, but all opinions expressed are our own. - Show more
