Built Local

Clay
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The Built Local Podcast interviews local business owners and community leaders to share specific strategies they’ve used to grow, market, and operate successfully. Each episode focuses on actionable insights listeners can apply to build stronger, more resilient local businesses.

  1. 4D AGO

    From 0- to 179 Clients in 9 Months (Poop Scooping Business!?)

    ⭐️ Get More Google Reviews On Autopilot — Start Free Today: https://link.reviewharvest.com/yt  🧲 Join our free community for 1-on-1 help getting more customers on Google: https://www.skool.com/10-minute-marketer-6759 In this Built Local Podcast episode, Clay Lawrence interviews Bryan from Doo Doo Patrol in Anthem (Northern Phoenix) to break down how he launched on February 10 and grew to 179 recurring clients in under a year. Brian shares the exact systems he used to generate leads, follow up automatically, and build a brand that stands out in a local service business. They cover what is working right now for pet waste removal businesses, including Facebook lead form ads, consistent posting in local Facebook groups, and how Brian uses GoHighLevel to run pipelines, automations, and even an AI chatbot that is closing customers while he is out scooping yards. If you are building a home service business, starting a poop scooping route, or want a real world example of scaling with systems, this episode lays out the play by play. https://doodoopatrol.com/ https://www.facebook.com/DooDooPatrol/?rdid=9dGgXsvp5cULvJ1k https://www.instagram.com/doo_doo_patrol What to Expect in This Episode • Why Brian walked away from corporate after 27 years and bet on himself • The launch plan he built while still working full time • How he used Facebook ads plus daily Facebook group posting to grow quickly • The follow-up process that turns leads into paying recurring customers • How GoHighLevel pipelines, automations, and AI chatbots help close deals • Upsells like deodorizing and sanitizing using Wysiwash • Customer retention tactics, including communication, reliability, and “gate selfie” proof photos • How Review Harvest helps automate Google reviews and support local rankings • Brian’s plan to hit 400 customers by this time next year Timestamp: 0:00 – Leaving a 27-year corporate career for poop scooping 0:26 – Meet Brian and Doo Doo Patrol in Phoenix 1:15 – Why he decided to bet on himself 2:08 – Preparing to launch while still working full time 2:49 – Official launch and transition period 3:38 – How the business grew fast early on 4:39 – Turning Facebook leads into customers 5:42 – Using GoHighLevel for follow up and automation 7:06 – Training AI to close leads automatically 8:15 – AI results while working in the field 8:56 – Monthly growth and client numbers 9:49 – Selling cars vs selling poop scooping services 10:49 – Common misconceptions about poop scooping 11:58 – Why pet waste removal is becoming normal 12:57 – Adding deodorizing and sanitizing upsells 14:10 – Creating ads and content consistently 16:00 – Branding trucks, uniforms, and logo 17:06 – Customer experience and retention strategies 18:36 – Reliability, communication, and consistency 20:03 – Growth goals for the next year 21:15 – Social media, SEO, and local search 22:16 – Review Harvest results and Google reviews 23:18 – Advice for new home service owners 24:33 – Final thoughts and encouragement

    25 min

  2. 6D AGO

    From $0 to 6-Figure Poop Scooping Business in 10 Months

    ⭐️ Get More Google Reviews On Autopilot — Start Free Today: https://link.reviewharvest.com/yt  🧲 Join our free community for 1-on-1 help getting more customers on Google: https://www.skool.com/10-minute-marketer-6759 In this episode of the Built Local Podcast, Clay Lawrence sits down with Tim, the founder of Salute the Scoop, a fast-growing pet waste removal company based in Tomball, Texas. In just 10 months, Tim has grown his business to six figures, going from scooping yards part time to ranking at the top of Google in his service area. Tim shares his raw journey from retail burnout and military service to building a profitable home service business with five kids at home and no financial safety net. He breaks down exactly how he got his first customers, what caused him to plateau, and the marketing strategies that helped him scale past 100 recurring clients. This conversation dives deep into Facebook ads, yard signs, door hangers, Google reviews, and why community and humility played a massive role in Tim’s success. Clay also walks through how improving Google reviews and optimizing a business name helped Salute the Scoop jump into the top of the Map Pack. Whether you run a poop scooping business, another home service company, or you’re stuck in a job you hate, this episode delivers practical lessons, real motivation, and honest insight into what it actually takes to build a local service business from scratch. https://salutethescoop.com/ https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61567841231032 🔥 What This Episode Covers •How Tim grew Salute the Scoop to six figures in under a year •Leaving a commission retail job with no savings •Starting part time and going all-in with only 10–15 customers •The mistakes that caused an early growth plateau •Breaking through with Facebook ads, yard signs, and door hangers •Why real photos outperform AI ads for local services •Learning marketing from other industries like pressure washing •How Google reviews compound growth and inbound calls •Ranking #2–#3 in Google Maps within months •Using Review Harvest to automate reviews and responses •Building a business with a mission to help veterans •Advice for anyone stuck in a job or business plateau ⏱ Timestamps 00:00 Meet Tim from Salute the Scoop 01:10 Why he started a poop scooping business 02:45 Starting part-time while working retail 04:00 Quitting his job with only 10–15 customers 05:25 Early marketing mistakes and hitting a plateau 06:45 Discovering Jobber, Review Harvest, and community 08:35 What finally broke the growth plateau 10:20 Facebook ads lessons that actually worked 12:10 Borrowing marketing ideas from other industries 13:15 Growth goals and doubling the business 15:00 Long-term vision to hire and help veterans 17:10 Experience using Review Harvest for Google reviews 18:55 Ranking higher in Google Maps 21:15 Advice for business owners feeling stuck 22:40 Final thoughts and wrap-up

    23 min

  3. DEC 18

    How This Insurance Agency Exploded From 212 to 285 Google Reviews in 60 Days

    ⭐️ Get More Google Reviews On Autopilot — Start Free Today: https://link.reviewharvest.com/yt  🧲 Join our free community for 1-on-1 help getting more customers on Google: https://www.skool.com/10-minute-marketer-6759 Want an insurance agency that still answers the phone with a real human? In this episode of the Built Local Podcast, Clay sits down with Rob from Alan Duncan Agencies, a second-generation independent insurance agency in Titusville, Florida (Space Coast) that’s been serving the community for 37 years. Rob breaks down what it takes to stay in business for decades, how they’ve grown mostly through referrals and reputation, and why Google reviews are a major lever for modern local business growth. He also shares real numbers showing how Review Harvest helped increase impressions and pageviews while reducing overall marketing spend, plus why reviews matter for team morale and employee recognition. If you’re a local business owner looking to grow through trust, reputation, and community presence, this episode delivers real, practical insight. https://www.allenduncan.com/ https://www.facebook.com/AllenDuncanAgenciesTitusville/ What You’ll Learn in This Episode • How a local insurance agency has stayed profitable for 37 years • Why human-first service beats AI, call centers, and phone trees • How word-of-mouth and multi-generation referrals actually scale • Why Google reviews directly impact trust, traffic, and revenue • Real before-and-after numbers from improving online reputation • How reviews boost employee morale and team culture • When a lifestyle business should (and shouldn’t) focus on growth • Why long-term businesses play the “war of attrition,” not shortcuts ⏱ Timestamps (23:48) 00:00 Human-first service (no chatbots, no phone trees) 00:16 Meet Rob + 37 years in business on Florida’s Space Coast 00:55 What Alan Duncan insures (home, auto, business, flood, more) 01:20 The origin story and how the agency started 02:24 Rob’s path: military, music, medical field, then back to insurance 04:35 How the agency grows after 37 years (mostly word of mouth) 05:13 Why Google reviews matter now more than ever 06:04 What Review Harvest does (reviews, responses, repurposing) 07:03 How Rob found Review Harvest 08:19 Human-first insurance service model explained 11:37 Where referrals actually come from 13:52 Growth plans for the next generation 14:48 Review Harvest results and traffic improvements 18:18 Simple daily review workflow 19:19 Reviews as a morale and culture tool 22:11 Long-term business advice from 37 years in operation

    24 min

  4. DEC 15

    Why Mobile Grooming Is Taking Over the Pet Industry

    ⭐️ Get More Google Reviews On Autopilot — Start Free Today: https://link.reviewharvest.com/yt  🧲 Join our free community for 1-on-1 help getting more customers on Google: https://www.skool.com/10-minute-marketer-6759 In this episode of the Built Local Podcast, Clay Lawrence sits down with Glenn Ferron, franchise owner of Woofies of Space Coast, to break down how mobile pet grooming is reshaping the pet care industry — and why franchising was the right move for him. Glenn shares his transition from corporate leadership into entrepreneurship, how a franchise coach helped him align business with personal values, and why Woofies’ mobile grooming model stands out in a crowded market. The conversation dives into customer experience, community-driven marketing, mobile grooming misconceptions, and how Google reviews have played a major role in accelerating local growth. This episode is a must-watch for anyone considering franchising, entering the pet care industry, or building a local service business with long-term vision and systems. About Woofies of Space Coast Website: https://www.woofies.com/space-coast 🔥 What This Episode Covers • Franchise vs starting from scratch • Why mobile grooming demand keeps growing • Community-based marketing and local events • Customer experience as a growth advantage • Organic Google leads and Facebook group strategy • How Woofies doubled down on reviews with Review Harvest • Long-term outlook for the pet care industry ⏱ Timestamps 00:00 Franchise vs starting a business 00:21 Meet Glenn from Woofies 02:03 What Woofies does 03:17 Choosing the right franchise 05:34 Mobile grooming explained 07:22 Pet care demand trends 09:49 First year of franchising 12:31 Mobile grooming misconceptions 16:32 Why customers choose mobile grooming 18:26 Standing out in a competitive market 23:11 How Woofies gets customers 28:35 Reviews before Review Harvest 30:38 Advice for new users 32:21 Future of the pet care industry 35:43 Final thoughts

    37 min

  5. DEC 11

    0 to 7 Figure Service Business at 25 (His Viral Referral Strategy)

    ⭐️ Get More Google Reviews On Autopilot — Start Free Today: https://link.reviewharvest.com/yt  🧲 Join our free community for 1-on-1 help getting more customers on Google: https://www.skool.com/10-minute-marketer-6759 In this episode of the Built Local Podcast, Clay sits down with Campbell, owner of Junk Jockey and Bullseye Movers, to break down how a teen earning $8.50 an hour turned a simple Nextdoor post into a fast growing home service business. Campbell shares the real story of grinding through college weekends, going all in during COVID when demand jumped 300–400%, and bringing his dad in as a 50/50 partner to help build real systems, SOPs, and structure. They also dive into why most moving companies struggle and how Bullseye wins with upfront expectations, over communication, and owning damage immediately. You’ll also hear Campbell’s referral strategy that drives consistent leads without relying on Google Ads, plus what it’s been like using Review Harvest to rapidly grow Google reviews. About the businesses featured: Junk Jockey provides junk removal throughout the Atlanta area. Bullseye Movers offers moving services across the lower 48 states, including local and long distance moves. If you’re a home service business owner who wants to grow through better systems, referrals, and reputation, this episode is packed with practical insights you can apply immediately. https://thejunkjockey.com/ https://www.bullseyemovers.com/ https://www.youtube.com/@UCKTIfpz0ew9VNtEDRoHq9Zg  https://www.instagram.com/thejunkjockey/ In this episode, viewers will learn: •How Campbell started Junk Jockey as a teenager using Nextdoor and a rented trailer •Why COVID became the growth turning point for the business •The biggest lesson he learned about people, culture, and managing employees •How a strong referral system can outperform paid ads for local services •Why most moving companies struggle and how Bullseye Movers wins with communication and integrity •Campbell’s long term vision to build a $100M legacy company •How Review Harvest helped rapidly increase Google reviews through review reactivation ⏱ Timestamps 00:00 – Why Campbell questioned the college path 00:31 – Intro: Junk Jockey & Bullseye Movers 01:15 – Starting junk removal at 15 with Nextdoor 02:17 – Why junk removal made sense 04:25 – Weekend grind, college, and COVID growth 06:33 – The work people never see 08:51 – Marketing without ads: referrals & networking 10:32 – Cash referral system that compounds 12:35 – Winning partners with a “first job free” play 15:00 – When it became a real business 17:04 – Biggest mistakes and growing pains 20:18 – Why expanding into moving worked 24:25 – Why moving is so stressful (and how they fix it) 29:03 – The $100M long-term vision 32:27 – Review Harvest results and reputation growth 35:43 – Final thoughts & wrap-up

    36 min

  6. DEC 8

    Lessons From Scaling $0–$15M in Home Services (Culture & Performance Pay)

    ⭐️ Get More Google Reviews On Autopilot — Start Free Today: https://link.reviewharvest.com/yt  🧲 Join our free community for 1-on-1 help getting more customers on Google: https://www.skool.com/10-minute-marketer-6759 In this episode of the Built Local Podcast, Clay interviews Will from Vesta Foundation Solutions, a leader with 20+ years in foundation repair and waterproofing. Will has helped scale multiple home service companies from seven to eight figures, built high-performing teams, and created systems that keep businesses profitable even as they grow. Will shares his path from contractor to CEO, including the hard lessons learned while scaling, managing money, leading people, and navigating the “black hole” where most service companies fail. He also talks about Construct My Future, his nonprofit that introduces students to the trades, and his latest venture, Performance.io, which helps contractors increase output and reward top performers. Whether you're running a local home service business or scaling toward eight figures, this episode is packed with insights you won’t find anywhere else. Website: https://www.vestafoundationsolutions.com/about-us/meet-the-team.html Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VestaFoundationSolutions/ 🔥 What This Episode Covers • Will’s story and how he entered the foundation industry  • Scaling home service companies past $1M, $5M, and $10M  • Leadership lessons that keep teams aligned  • Why most companies fail between $3M–$5M  • The marketing + sales strategy Will uses to grow consistently  • “Five-mile fame” and the importance of local reputation  • How Will scaled companies to $9M, $33M, and $77M+  • Using performance pay to boost productivity  • How Performance.io improves retention and culture  • Why Gen Z is a massive advantage to the trades  • Construct My Future and building the next generation  • How to build a culture that attracts great employees  • Practical advice for business owners trying to grow ⏱ Timestamps (Total: 55:30) 00:00 – Intro  00:45 – Will’s background  01:29 – What foundation repair is  03:01 – Will’s origin story  04:20 – Scaling first business to $9M  05:47 – Growing to $77M+ in Virginia  06:36 – Launching Vesta  08:00 – Early challenges  09:50 – Leadership lessons  12:00 – Understanding financials  14:00 – Money flow in the trades  16:08 – Scaling without losing profit  18:36 – Marketing strategy  20:29 – Why local beats national  22:42 – Will’s #1 marketing channel  24:35 – Doubt during early Vesta growth  26:14 – Building culture  28:00 – Why Will loves Gen Z  30:15 – Communicating across generations  32:35 – Training young workers  34:19 – Performance pay overview  36:53 – How Performance.io works  40:37 – Key metrics for crews  43:55 – Productivity increases  47:21 – Saving money with incentives  50:09 – Other departments using performance pay  52:00 – Construct My Future  54:10 – Final advice  55:30 – Closing

    56 min

  7. DEC 4

    How The Hodge's Built a $2M+ Exterior Cleaning Empire (and Made the Inc. 5000 List)

    ⭐️ Get More Google Reviews On Autopilot — Start Free Today: https://link.reviewharvest.com/yt  🧲 Join our free community for 1-on-1 help getting more customers on Google: https://www.skool.com/10-minute-marketer-6759 Clearview Washing has become one of the most respected exterior cleaning companies in the country — but it didn’t start that way. In this episode of The Built Local Podcast, Clay sits down with co-owner Fred Hodge Jr. to unpack Clearview’s 20-year journey from a single missed window cleaning appointment to an Inc. 5000 company serving New Jersey’s most prestigious homes and commercial properties. Fred shares how his family built Clearview from the ground up, how they learned the trade before YouTube existed, and how they evolved into a brand known for elite service, strong culture, and smart marketing. He also breaks down their shift into commercial contracts, high-end residential work, and add-on services like holiday lighting and shrink wrapping — all while keeping a 90–95% employee return rate each year. For any home service owner who wants to scale, hire better, get off the truck, or become a real force in their local market, this episode delivers tactical, proven advice from someone who’s actually done it. About Clearview Washing Website: https://clearviewwashing.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/clearviewwashing/ The Process CEO (Coaching by Fred & Christine): https://www.theprocessceo.com/ 🔥 What This Episode Covers • How Clearview grew from one missed appointment into a multi-million-dollar company • What it takes to break into high-end residential and commercial cleaning • The hiring process that keeps nearly every employee returning year after year • Why LinkedIn is one of Clearview’s secret weapons • How Fred built industry relationships that unlock huge commercial bids • When and why to add services like holiday lighting or shrink wrapping • How Clearview maintains world-class culture as a family-run business • Practical actions any home service owner can take to scale faster ⏱ Timestamps 00:00 – Meet Fred Hodge 00:20 – Clearview’s services & specialties 01:00 – Shrink wrap: what it is & why it works 02:14 – How Clearview started 06:40 – Family roles in the business 10:00 – Learning the trade without YouTube 12:45 – Early SEO & local marketing 15:17 – Social media strategy & LinkedIn power 17:45 – Making the Inc 5000 19:07 – Hiring, culture, and keeping great employees 23:00 – Why owners get stuck on the truck 26:10 – Clearview’s multi-step hiring system 29:22 – Working with a spouse in business 35:25 – Upgrading content, branding, and lead gen 39:37 – Commercial vs. residential breakdown 45:00 – How Clearview earned commercial contracts 48:05 – Adding new services strategically 51:10 – Fred’s advice for home service owners

    52 min

  8. DEC 1

    How to Grow A Professional Pet Sitting Business in 2025

    ⭐️ Get More Google Reviews On Autopilot — Start Free Today: https://link.reviewharvest.com/yt 🧲 Join our free community for 1-on-1 help growing on Google: https://www.skool.com/10-minute-marketer-6759 In this episode of Built Local Podcast, Clay talks with Savannah Westwood, founder of The Savvy Sitter Pet Sitting & Dog Walking in the Orlando, Florida area. With ten years in business, Savannah brings deep experience in pet care, staff training, client communication, and the major shifts in the pet industry before and after COVID. She shares how she stumbled into pet sitting, built her reputation through referrals and consistent Google reviews, and grew a professional-level team serving Winter Garden, Windermere, and Horizon West. Clay and Savannah cover the differences between hobbyist sitters and true professionals, pandemic pet trends, rising client expectations, certifications, meet-and-greets, safety protocols, and why overnights are declining in the industry. Savannah also explains how she used Review Harvest to jump from ~150 reviews to over 214, and why Google reviews remain one of the strongest growth levers for local pet care businesses. Whether you're a pet sitter, pet waste removal operator, dog walker, or local service provider, this episode offers clear insights and best practices from someone who has built a respected, in-demand brand. Website: https://thesavvysitter.org/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheSavvySitter/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesavvysitter/ 🔥 What This Episode Covers • How Savannah transitioned from professional organizing into pet sitting  • Why the industry moved from hobbyist gigs to professional standards  • Pandemic pets & shifting client expectations  • Meet-and-greets, safety checks, and behavior assessments  • Certifications: PSI, NAPPS, CPR, and industry training  • How customers find pet sitters (WOM, Facebook, Google)  • Why overnight sitting is declining  • Scaling to a staff of 8  • Review Harvest results: 150 → 214+ reviews  • Why Google reviews matter  • Advice for new pet sitters  • Building a business on reliability & repeat clients ⏱ Shortened Timestamps 00:00 – Intro to Savannah  00:21 – Business overview & 10-year anniversary  01:06 – Services & locations  01:35 – Origin story  02:29 – From organizing to pet sitting  02:49 – Early growth & referrals  03:03 – Why reviews = digital word-of-mouth  03:40 – When pet sitting became a professional industry  04:04 – Pre- & post-COVID shifts  05:03 – Pandemic pets  06:03 – Certifications  07:23 – Premium pet wellness trends  08:23 – How customers find Savannah  09:43 – Meet-and-greet process  11:11 – Safety & behavior checks  12:44 – What pros notice vs hobbyists  13:07 – Behavioral issues  14:49 – Health & safety signs  15:26 – Timeline of growth  16:57 – Contractors vs employees  17:12 – Sitting vs walking demand  18:51 – How the industry is changing  19:53 – Overnight care challenges  21:01 – Why Savannah reduced overnights  22:09 – Getting reviews pre-Review Harvest  23:11 – Hitting 200 reviews quickly  24:06 – Why reviews matter  25:11 – Favorite part of Review Harvest  26:16 – Advice for new sitters  27:07 – Certifications & credibility  28:03 – Closing thoughts

    28 min
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About

The Built Local Podcast interviews local business owners and community leaders to share specific strategies they’ve used to grow, market, and operate successfully. Each episode focuses on actionable insights listeners can apply to build stronger, more resilient local businesses.

Information

  • Creator
    Clay
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    37
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Built Local
  • Show Website
    Built Local