The Successful Contractor Podcast

CertainPath
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Welcome to The Successful Contractor Podcast, Powered by CertainPath. A show for residential contractors about residential contractors… We chronicle business journeys, share insights, and celebrate successes in this wonderful industry.

  1. 1D AGO

    ServiceTitan Is All In on CertainPath – Here’s What That Means for You

    Book a free strategy call to see how we can help you hit your goals and beyond: https://bit.ly/3TvGiNW or call us at: (214)-453-1591 Grab our FREE resource: The Foundation Series, Real strategies to build a business that runs (and grows) without chaos: https://bit.ly/3Yqzow5 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── “How did I do this before?” That’s the number-one thing ServiceTitan hears from contractors after they make the switch. And now, ServiceTitan and CertainPath are officially partnered—which means the best coaching in home services just got paired with the most powerful software platform in the industry. In this episode of The Successful Contractor, Bob sits down with Joseph Morales and Phil Stern from ServiceTitan—recorded live at CertainPath’s Eagles’ Summit—to unpack what this partnership means for contractors, what’s new with ServiceTitan’s Pro Products, and why the AI revolution is already changing how you dispatch, market, and grow. Joseph has spent four years on the road meeting contractors face-to-face. Phil came from 12 years at Google, where he worked on AI solutions and partnerships with brands like Wells Fargo and Ford. Together, they break down ServiceTitan’s biggest announcements—from the commercial and construction expansion to the AI-powered Dispatch Pro that’s already proving your gut instincts wrong. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: •        Why ServiceTitan and CertainPath partnered—and why Phil says “CertainPath’s model was a perfect fit” •        The “How did I do this before?” moment—what contractors consistently say after adopting ServiceTitan •        How one contractor was spending 4 hours a day tracking time through email—and how geo-fencing automation eliminated it overnight •        Dispatch Pro: the AI tool that’s matching the right tech to the right job for profit—and proving that your “best guy” isn’t always who you think •        Marketing Pro: the most-adopted Pro Product, with smart campaigns, UTM tracking, reputation management, and AI-powered ad optimization •        Scheduling Pro: how to automate maintenance contract bookings and online scheduling—straight into your ServiceTitan dashboard •        Atlas and Titan Intelligence: ServiceTitan’s new AI-powered voice and dispatching tools •        Titan Score: how ServiceTitan grades your software usage and tells you where to expand next •        The commercial and construction expansion: why contractors who dismissed ServiceTitan as “residential only” need to take a second look •        ServiceTitan’s roofing push: the GAF partnership and growing adoption across trades •        CertainPath coach certification: 40–60 hours of training, full curriculum access, and demo accounts—so your coach knows the software inside and out •        Why ServiceTitan is “all in” on CertainPath events—not a one-and-done partnership Whether you’re already on ServiceTitan and want to get more out of it, or you’ve been on the fence about making the switch—this episode gives you the inside track on where the software is going and how CertainPath coaching is about to make it even more powerful. 🎧 Watch now on YouTube or listen on your favorite podcast platform. And don’t forget to subscribe to The Successful Contractor for more interviews that move the needle. Chapters: 00:00 – Meet Joseph Morales & Phil Stern, ServiceTitan 01:58 – Joseph’s Journey: From Snacks & Coffee Roasters to ServiceTitan 04:06 – Phil’s Path: 12 Years at Google to ServiceTitan 05:22 – What It’s Like Working with Contractors 08:35 – The CertainPath + ServiceTitan Partnership 10:07 – Why Coaching + Software Is a Perfect Fit 15:30 – Roofing Expansion & the GAF Partnership 17:00 – How ServiceTitan Sources Contractor Feedback 18:07 – AI Features: Atlas & Titan Intelligence 19:28 – “How Did I Do This Before?” – Contractor Feedback 20:32 – Automation That Saves You 4 Hours a Day 24:28 – Titan Score: Know Where to Grow Next 25:00 – Onboarding, Support & Dedicated Success Managers 27:45 – Technician Workflows, Forms & Photo Documentation 28:46 – CSR & Dispatch Board Value 30:00 – Route Optimization & Decentralized Dispatching 31:10 – ServiceTitan as a Retention Tool 32:20 – 200+ Built-In Reports & Custom KPIs 33:14 – Pro Products Deep Dive: Dispatch Pro 36:38 – Marketing Pro: Campaigns, UTM Tracking & AI Ads 40:35 – Smart Campaigns & Maintenance Contract Automation 41:57 – Scheduling Pro: Online Web Scheduler 43:50 – Coaching Certification: 40–60 Hours of Training 46:30 – Partner Jam: First Impressions from ServiceTitan 48:55 – “We’re All In” – What’s Next for the Partnership Show Notes The Successful Contractor Podcast is a part of the CertainPath family. CertainPath builds successful home service businesses—and has for 25 years. We do it by providing contractors with a proven path to success, professional coaching, software solutions, and a member community of 1,200+ strong. Doubling your sales, with a 20% net profit, and an inspiring company culture is ALL possible. Let us show you the way. With CertainPath, Success is Made Certain. Visit www.mycertainpath.com for more information. FOLLOW CERTAINPATH: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CertainPath LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/certainpath Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/certainpath/

    52 min

  2. FEB 13

    5 Acquisitions + Real Systems = 600% Growth | Kevin Henderson’s Story

    Book a free Discovery Call to see how we can help you hit your goals and beyond: https://bit.ly/3TvGiNW or call us at: (214)-453-1591  🔗 Grab our FREE resource: The Foundation Series, Real strategies to build a business that runs (and grows) without chaos: https://bit.ly/3Yqzow5  Kevin Henderson calls himself a “forever learner.” It’s the mindset that took him from green apprentice in 1996 to owner of a $6.5 million HVAC and plumbing company—and he’s just getting started.  After 17 years working for someone else, Kevin took a leap in 2013 when a colleague offered him a small business: take it or I’m shutting it down. He talked to his wife, and the answer was simple: “I’m not getting any younger. I know how to do this.”  In this episode of The Successful Contractor, Kevin Henderson of Home Comfort Systems Heating, Cooling & Plumbing in Greenwood, SC, shares how he acquired 5 small companies, implemented real systems, and profitably grew his business by 600%. But it wasn’t all smooth—stress-related health problems forced him to stop doing everything himself and start building a real team.  What You’ll Learn in This Episode:  • How Kevin went from $1 million to $6.5 million—and why his next target is $20 million in 5 years  • The “forever learner” mindset that drives his growth—and why he reads every single day  • Why he acquired 5 small “fire sale” businesses—and it fueled leads more inexpensively than traditional marketing  • The stress breaking point that forced him to hire an operations manager—and how it freed him to focus on growth  • Why he hires technicians green: “People that are experienced, it’s kind of hard to retrain them”  • How he went from zero Google reviews in 2013 to almost 1,700 today—more than anyone in his market  • His training structure: Tech Tuesday, Sales Monday, Plumbers Thursday, Install Friday—and why “get back to basics” was last year’s theme  • How CertainPath’s SOAR program identified marketing waste ($700-800/lead on direct mail) and fixed it  • Why he added his sales guys to the daily accountability text—and how competition drives results  • The #1 number he watches: gross margin—plus overtime and callback percentages  • Why “compassionate leadership” beats yelling and screaming: “We don’t manage by pinning people up”  • His sobering reminder: “You can do $20 million and go bankrupt”—why efficiency matters more than revenue  Kevin’s story is proof that you don’t need to have it all figured out on day one. With the right mindset, the right systems, and a willingness to keep learning, any contractor can build something remarkable.  🎧 Watch now on YouTube or listen on your favorite podcast platform. And don’t forget to subscribe to The Successful Contractor for more interviews that move the needle.  Chapters:  00:00 – “I’m Not Getting Any Younger”: Kevin’s Leap into Ownership  05:22 – From $1M to $6.5M: Joining CertainPath and Setting a BHAG  09:47 – 20% Growth Every Year: The Acquisition Strategy  11:45 – Adding Plumbing: How an Acquisition Brought a New Trade  14:29 – Building the Team: Org Structure and the Operations Manager  16:02 – The Stress Breaking Point: Health Problems Forced Change  16:50 – SOPs and Systems: “If You’re Gonna Ask Every Week, Write It Down”  18:25 – Hiring Green: Why Experienced Techs Are Harder to Retrain  21:03 – Culture Index: Matching Personality to Role  25:58 – Training Structure: Tech Tuesday, Sales Monday, Install Friday  28:47 – The SOAR Program: Carl’s Fire Hose and Marketing ROI  34:03 – Marketing Evolution: Zero to 1,700 Google Reviews  36:03 – Sales Management Mastery Group: Accountability That Works  37:50 – The Numbers That Matter: Gross Margin, Overtime, Callbacks  38:20 – Call Center & Dispatching: Booking in the High 80s-90s  44:08 – Cash Flow and Financial Discipline  47:09 – Compassionate Leadership: “We Don’t Manage by Yelling”  51:45 – Kevin’s Evolution: From Doing Everything to Letting Managers Lead  53:15 – The $20 Million Vision: Efficiency, Expansion, and What’s Next  Show Notes  The Successful Contractor Podcast is a part of the CertainPath family. CertainPath builds successful home service businesses—and has for 25 years. We do it by providing contractors with a proven path to success, professional coaching, software solutions, and a member community of 1,200+ strong. Doubling your sales, with a 20% net profit, and an inspiring company culture is ALL possible. Let us show you the way. With CertainPath, Success is Made Certain. Visit www.mycertainpath.com for more information.  FOLLOW CERTAINPATH:  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CertainPath  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/certainpath  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/certainpath/  About the Guest:  Kevin Henderson is the owner of Comfort Systems Heating, Cooling & Plumbing in Greenwood, South Carolina. A self-described “forever learner,” Kevin started as a green apprentice in 1996, spent 17 years learning the trade, and launched his own company in 2013. Through 5 strategic acquisitions and a commitment to real systems, he’s grown from $1 million to $6.5 million—with a goal of $20 million in the next five years. Kevin is a member of CertainPath and active in a number of its programs including: Total Access Training, The Accountability Group (TAG), Strategic Operation Action Review (SOAR), and Sales Management Mastery Group (SMMG).  Connect with Kevin:  Comfort Systems Heating, Cooling & Plumbing: https://www.homecomfortsc.com/

    1h 2m

  3. JAN 30

    Cancer Survivor. Reality TV Winner. International Speaker. Contractor with 600% Growth. Meet Luke Soderling.Shape

    Book a free Discovery Call to see how we can help you hit your goals and beyond: https://bit.ly/3TvGiNW or call us at: (214)-453-1591  🔗 Grab our FREE resource: The Foundation Series, Real strategies to build a business that runs (and grows) without chaos: https://bit.ly/3Yqzow5    At 33, Luke Soderling was running plumbing calls when his mom noticed a lump on his neck. Three days later, a doctor’s voicemail changed everything: stage 3 thyroid cancer.  What happened next? Luke didn’t just survive—he went on to win a Discovery Channel survival show, buy his family’s plumbing business, and grow Approve Home Services by 600% in just four years.  In this episode of The Successful Contractor, Luke Soderling of Proof Home Services in northern Minnesota shares one of the most remarkable stories we’ve ever featured. From eating caiman in the Amazon to building a thriving plumbing and electrical company an hour south of Canada, to becoming an acclaimed professional speaker, Luke’s journey proves that the mindset you build in crisis becomes the foundation for business success.  What You’ll Learn in This Episode:  • How surviving cancer at 33 reshaped Luke’s approach to life and business—and why he refuses to complain now  • Why he competed on The Wheel (Discovery Channel) and survived 60 days alone in South America after beating cancer  • The exact steps he took after buying his family business—and how CertainPath helped him hit 600% growth in 4 years  • Why “simply answering the phone” beat every competitor in his small market  • How his 14-year-old son with flyers generated $100K in leads (guerrilla marketing that actually works)  • The painful truth he avoided—“I didn’t look at the numbers because I didn’t want to know”—and how facing it fixed his electrical margins  • Why Culture Index and clear core values (“faith, family, fantastic service”) transformed his hiring  • Why he added electrical to his plumbing business—and the $100K wake-up call that proved it was the right move  • What he’s learned from Brandon Marshall’s The Lion’s Pride mentorship program  • His new BHAG: $10 million in five years  Luke’s story is part survival tale, part business masterclass, and 100% proof that with the right mindset, mentors, and systems, any contractor can build something extraordinary.  🎧 Watch now on YouTube or listen on your favorite podcast platform. And don’t forget to subscribe to The Successful Contractor for more interviews that move the needle.  Chapters:  00:00 – Stage 3 Cancer at 33: Luke’s Life-Changing Diagnosis  06:37 – How Cancer Changed His Perspective on Life  07:32 – The Wheel: Surviving 60 Days Alone in South America  10:43 – The Hardest Part of Survival (It Wasn’t the Hunger)  12:36 – From Technician to Business Owner: Buying the Family Business  15:04 – $204K to 600% Growth: The CertainPath Turnaround  17:40 – “We Had No Competitors” – The Power of Answering the Phone  19:24 – Hiring in a Small Market: Culture Index & Core Values  23:21 – Weekly Training: Meet “Gladys” the Role-Play Customer  26:07 – The Numbers Wake-Up Call: 47% Material Costs  28:27 – Cross-Selling Plumbing & Electrical with Club Memberships  31:02 – Marketing That Works: Billboards, Geo-Targeting & Flyer Walks  34:25 – Why He Added Electrical (And How It’s Going)  37:30 – Leadership Lessons: From 1 Employee to 9  41:40 – Lion’s Pride: What Mentorship With Brandon Marshall Looks Like  43:38 – The Next BHAG: $10 Million in 5 Years  Show Notes  The Successful Contractor Podcast is a part of the CertainPath family. CertainPath builds successful home service businesses—and has for 25 years. We do it by providing contractors with a proven path to success, professional coaching, software solutions, and a member community of 1,200+ strong. Doubling your sales, with a 20% net profit, and an inspiring company culture is ALL possible. Let us show you the way. With CertainPath, Success is Made Certain. Visit www.mycertainpath.com for more information.  FOLLOW CERTAINPATH:  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CertainPath  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/certainpath  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/certainpath/  About the Guest:  Luke Soderling is the owner of Approve Home Services, a plumbing and electrical company in northern Minnesota. A cancer survivor, Discovery Channel survival show winner, and professional speaker, Luke has grown his business from $204K to over $1M in four years. He’s a three-time Crown Champion and member of Brandon Marshall’s Lion’s Pride program.  Connect with Luke:  Approve Home Services: https://approvehomeservices.com/  Luke’s YouTube Page: https://www.youtube.com/@LukeSoderling  Luke’s Professional Speakers Page: https://lukesoderling.com/

    49 min

  4. JAN 23

    Why Daikin Bet Big on R-32 (And What It Means for Your Business)

    Book a free strategy call to see how we can help you hit your goals and beyond: https://bit.ly/3TvGiNW or call us at: (214)-453-1591    Grab our FREE resource: The Foundation Series, Real strategies to build a business that runs (and grows) without chaos: https://bit.ly/3Yqzow5    --------------------------------------------------------------------------------    What if the refrigerant decision you make today determines whether you're ahead of the curve—or scrambling to catch up five years from now?    Ben Middleton, National Sales Training Manager for Goodman, Amana, and Daikin, has spent nine years helping contractors navigate the biggest shifts in HVAC. In this episode of The Successful Contractor, Ben breaks down why Daikin chose R-32 over 454B, what that means for your business, and why the contractors who embrace change now will dominate their markets.    But this conversation goes far beyond refrigerants. Ben shares how Daikin is revolutionizing HVAC training with virtual reality—yes, actual VR headsets that eliminate distractions and boost retention. He reveals a game-changing rebate tool that finds all 2,000+ utility programs and files the paperwork for you. And he delivers a powerful message about thriving in what he calls the era of 'perma-uncertainty.'    What You'll Learn in This Episode:    •   Why Daikin chose R-32 over 454B—and the real-world benefits contractors are seeing (smaller units, lower cost, proven since 2012)    •   How to use Daikin's free VR training to get new techs job-ready faster    •   The Daikin Energy Rebate Center—a tool that finds all available rebates and files the paperwork for homeowners    •   Why the $2,000 IRA heat pump rebate is going away—and how to use that urgency to close more sales NOW    •   The financing shift: why 15-year loans are now beating 0% interest (and what it means about affordability)    •   Ben's 'perma-uncertainty' framework—why NOW is the time to innovate, test, and push the envelope    •   Why Ben says 'the days of the cube-style unit are numbered'—and how to position yourself as the innovator in your market    •   Critical advice: have 3-6 months of operating capital in the bank    Ben also hosts his own podcast, Accelerated HVAC Success, where he brings in vendors, contractors, and product managers to share what's working right now. Check it out on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AcceleratedHVACSuccess    Resources Mentioned:  •   R32Reasons.com - Learn why Daikin chose R-32  •   HVAC Learning Campus - Free on-demand training and VR simulations  •   Daikin Energy Rebate Center - Find and file utility rebates automatically    Whether you're evaluating refrigerant options, looking for better training tools, or trying to figure out how to close more sales in a tight economy—this episode delivers actionable insights you can use today.    Watch now on YouTube or listen on your favorite podcast platform. And don't forget to subscribe to The Successful Contractor for more interviews that move the needle.    Chapters:    00:00 - Meet Ben Middleton, National Sales Training Manager at Daikin  02:15 - Time Is the Biggest Barrier to Training  06:28 - Ben's Journey: From Aeronautical Engineering to HVAC Training  09:45 - The Ripple Effect of Great Training  11:41 - Accelerated HVAC Success Podcast  14:36 - Why Daikin Chose R-32 Over 454B  18:30 - R-32 Is Proven Since 2012  19:00 - Market Response to R-32  21:55 - The Financing Shift: 15-Year Loans vs 0% Interest  23:26 - Daikin's Core Value: Absolute Credibility  26:37 - The Days of the Cube-Style Unit Are Numbered  27:50 - Daikin's Training Resources & HVAC Learning Campus  30:50 - The Daikin Energy Rebate Center  31:20 - The $2,000 Heat Pump Rebate Is Going Away  33:49 - VR Training: The Magic School Bus for HVAC  37:15 - Why Retention Is Higher in VR  40:13 - Perma-Uncertainty = Innovation Opportunity    Show Notes    The Successful Contractor Podcast is a part of the CertainPath family. CertainPath builds successful home service businesses—and has for 25 years. We do it by providing contractors with a proven path to success, professional coaching, software solutions, and a member community of 1,200+ strong. Doubling your sales, with a 20% net profit, and an inspiring company culture is ALL possible. Let us show you the way. With CertainPath, Success is Made Certain. Visit www.mycertainpath.com for more information.    FOLLOW CERTAINPATH:    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CertainPath  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/certainpath  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/certainpath/

    39 min

  5. JAN 13

    How Contractors Grow Through the Hard Stuff | Brandon Marshall

    Book a free Discovery Call to see how we can help you hit your goals and beyond: https://bit.ly/3TvGiNW or call us at: (214)-453-1591     🔗 Grab our FREE resource: The Foundation Series, Real strategies to build a business that runs (and grows) without chaos: https://bit.ly/3Yqzow5     -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------    Brandon Marshall knows leadership in the trades isn’t just about KPIs and schedules — it’s about people. And people bring stress, purpose, and pressure with them every day.    As the Transformational Leadership Mentor with CertainPath, Brandon has worked with countless contractors to help them grow not just as professionals, but as human beings. In this conversation, he shares how leaders in home services can learn to manage stress, lead with purpose, and build lasting cultures that truly pour into others.    • Why most contractor stress doesn’t come from the job • How to build “mini leaders” who multiply your culture • Why accountability without leadership never works • How to create a team culture that runs deeper than systems • What Brandon learned about leadership from the pulpit to the trades • Why Lion’s Pride was built — and what it’s doing for service leaders    If you’re a contractor who feels the weight of leadership, this conversation will speak directly to you.    What You’ll Learn in This Episode:  • How to identify the real source of stress on your team • What it means to “pour into” people as a home service leader • Why culture is like a river — and how to shape its flow • The power of mentoring vs. managing • Why Brandon believes leadership is a calling, not a role    Want More Support Growing Your Business?  When you join CertainPath, you’re not just getting coaching and training. You’re getting access to our Partner Network—120 vendor partners, including solutions like Reins, offering exclusive discounts and rebates on the tools and services you’re already using.  Last year alone, our members earned back over $10 MILLION in rebates.  That’s more cash in your business—and more partners helping you grow, profit, and scale.  Book your free Discovery Call to learn how we can help you level up: https://bit.ly/3TvGiNW or call us at: (214)-453-1591     Chapters  TBD    Show Notes  The Successful Contractor Podcast is a part of the CertainPath family.  CertainPath builds successful home service businesses—and has for 25 years.  We do it by providing contractors with a proven path to success, professional coaching, software solutions, and a member community of 1,200+ strong. Doubling your sales, with a 20% net profit, and an inspiring company culture is ALL possible.  Let us show you the way. With CertainPath, Success is Made Certain. Visit www.mycertainpath.com for more information.     FOLLOW CERTAINPATH:  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CertainPath  Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/certainpath  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/certainpath/

    41 min

  6. 12/19/2025

    How Kelson Carter Built an $11M Plumbing Company Debt-Free

    Book a free Discovery Call to see how we can help you hit your goals and beyond: https://bit.ly/3TvGiNW or call us at: (214)-453-1591     🔗 Grab our FREE resource: The Foundation Series, Real strategies to build a business that runs (and grows) without chaos: https://bit.ly/3Yqzow5     -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------    Kelson Carter built an $11M plumbing company — without ever offering HVAC or taking on debt. And he’s done it while only 35 years old.    As a third-generation plumber and owner of Carter’s My Plumber in Indianapolis, Kelson has taken bold, focused action to grow fast and profitably. In this episode, he shares how he:  Grew a plumbing-only company to $11M, completely debt-free Branded his business around water heaters and a $500 guarantee Closes 60% of water heater sales over the phone Trains every week and manages his team daily with KPIs Promotes future leaders, not just top-performing techs Uses specific systems to scale with structure and confidence   If you're a plumbing contractor ready to grow without chaos — this one's for you.    What You’ll Learn in This Episode:  The water heater sales strategy that changed Kelson’s business Why “guys with bills” are his best hires How to create team-wide accountability through leadership The value of weekly training and daily coaching Why CertainPath has been key to staying consistent while scaling fast   Want More Support Growing Your Business?  When you join CertainPath, you’re not just getting coaching and training. You’re getting access to our Partner Network—120 vendor partners, including solutions like Reins, offering exclusive discounts and rebates on the tools and services you’re already using.  Last year alone, our members earned back over $10 MILLION in rebates.  That’s more cash in your business—and more partners helping you grow, profit, and scale.  Book your free Discovery Call to learn how we can help you level up: https://bit.ly/3TvGiNW or call us at: (214)-453-1591     Chapters  TBD    Show Notes  The Successful Contractor Podcast is a part of the CertainPath family.  CertainPath builds successful home service businesses—and has for 25 years.  We do it by providing contractors with a proven path to success, professional coaching, software solutions, and a member community of 1,200+ strong. Doubling your sales, with a 20% net profit, and an inspiring company culture is ALL possible.  Let us show you the way. With CertainPath, Success is Made Certain. Visit www.mycertainpath.com for more information.     FOLLOW CERTAINPATH:  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CertainPath  Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/certainpath  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/certainpath/

    1h 11m

  7. 12/12/2025

    $0 to $21M: How Brett Hadley is Growing a Great Company—and Great Humans

    Book a free Discovery Call to see how we can help you hit your goals and beyond: https://bit.ly/3TvGiNW or call us at: (214)-453-1591     🔗 Grab our FREE resource: The Foundation Series, Real strategies to build a business that runs (and grows) without chaos: https://bit.ly/3Yqzow5     -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------    How do you grow a home services company to $21 million in revenue—and still stay true to your values?    In this episode, Bob Houchin sat down with Brett Hadley, president of Mountain Home Services in Ogden, Utah. Brett shares how he:  Navigated a major company merger Rebuilt his team’s culture from the ground up Built a high-performing business by hiring for character, not just skill   You’ll hear how he overcame marketing breakdowns, aligned two companies into one mission, and scaled sustainably—all while developing leaders and “great humans” along the way.    This is a must-listen for any contractor who wants to grow without losing what matters most.    What You’ll Learn in This Episode:  How Brett helped scale Mountain Home to $21M in revenue His strategy for merging companies while protecting team culture Why “humble, hungry, and smart” beats any resume How to lead through marketing chaos and operational setbacks Systems and leadership habits that make scaling sustainable What’s next for Brett and Mountain Home Services   Want More Support Growing Your Business?  When you join CertainPath, you’re not just getting coaching and training. You’re getting access to our Partner Network—120 vendor partners, including solutions like Reins, offering exclusive discounts and rebates on the tools and services you’re already using.  Last year alone, our members earned back over $10 MILLION in rebates.  That’s more cash in your business—and more partners helping you grow, profit, and scale.  Book your free Discovery Call to learn how we can help you level up: https://bit.ly/3TvGiNW or call us at: (214)-453-1591     Chapters  TBD    Show Notes  The Successful Contractor Podcast is a part of the CertainPath family.  CertainPath builds successful home service businesses—and has for 25 years.  We do it by providing contractors with a proven path to success, professional coaching, software solutions, and a member community of 1,200+ strong. Doubling your sales, with a 20% net profit, and an inspiring company culture is ALL possible.  Let us show you the way. With CertainPath, Success is Made Certain. Visit www.mycertainpath.com for more information.     FOLLOW CERTAINPATH:  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CertainPath  Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/certainpath  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/certainpath/

    1h 35m

  8. 11/21/2025

    How Smart Contractors Lock in Their Top Employees with Phantom Equity

    Book a free Discovery Call to see how we can help you hit your goals and beyond: https://bit.ly/3TvGiNW or call us at: (214)-453-1591     🔗 Grab our FREE resource: The Foundation Series, Real strategies to build a business that runs (and grows) without chaos: https://bit.ly/3Yqzow5     -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------    What if you could retain 94% of your key employees—without giving up a single share of equity?    In this episode, we sit down with Chris Buttenham, Co-Founder of Reins, a game-changing platform that helps home service contractors create performance-based incentives like phantom equity and profit sharing—without the complexity, confusion, or legal risk.    Reins makes it dramatically easier to set up and manage profit-sharing plans—giving you a powerful way to reward performance without getting buried in spreadsheets or back-end admin. Whether it’s short- or long-term incentives, Reins handles the heavy lifting so you can focus on running your business.    Chris shares how growing up in a contractor household inspired him to tackle one of the industry’s toughest challenges: employee retention. You’ll learn how the most forward-thinking contractors are locking in their top techs and leaders—while keeping full control of their businesses.    🔑 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:  Why traditional equity doesn’t work for most contractors How phantom stock creates buy-in without ownership Why profit sharing is powerful—and how Reins makes it easy The incentive system behind 94% employee retention How to align your team without giving up equity Real-world examples of contractors using this strategy today   💼 Want More Support Growing Your Business?  When you join CertainPath, you’re not just getting coaching and training. You’re getting access to our Partner Network—120 vendor partners, including solutions like Reins, offering exclusive discounts and rebates on the tools and services you’re already using.  Last year alone, our members earned back over $10 MILLION in rebates.  That’s more cash in your business—and more partners helping you grow, profit, and scale.  Book your free Discovery Call to learn how we can help you level up: https://bit.ly/3TvGiNW or call us at: (214)-453-1591     Show Notes  The Successful Contractor Podcast is a part of the CertainPath family.  CertainPath builds successful home service businesses—and has for 25 years.  We do it by providing contractors with a proven path to success, professional coaching, software solutions, and a member community of 1,200+ strong. Doubling your sales, with a 20% net profit, and an inspiring company culture is ALL possible.  Let us show you the way. With CertainPath, Success is Made Certain. Visit www.mycertainpath.com for more information.     FOLLOW CERTAINPATH:  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CertainPath  Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/certainpath  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/certainpath/

    31 min
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5
out of 5
44 Ratings

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Welcome to The Successful Contractor Podcast, Powered by CertainPath. A show for residential contractors about residential contractors… We chronicle business journeys, share insights, and celebrate successes in this wonderful industry.

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