Let's Vent Podcast

Evan Hoffman
  • 4.4 (14)
  • Marketing
  • Updated Weekly

Welcome to the Let's Vent Podcast! We are here to unveil the BS you've been told that will help you run your home service business. We cut out the fluff and just deliver the goods of what's actually working for operators and home business owners across the country. Whether you're a seasoned pro, a tech, or a CSR, our weekly deep dives are your ticket to success. It's time to get it off your chest and let's vent! 

  1. EP: 018 - From Nursing Student To A $62M Trade CEO: The Mary Jean Anderson Story

    22h ago

    EP: 018 - From Nursing Student To A $62M Trade CEO: The Mary Jean Anderson Story

    Send us Fan Mail We had the absolute honor of sitting down with an absolute industry powerhouse, Mary Jean Anderson, former owner and CEO of Anderson Plumbing, Heating & Air. In this episode, Mary Jean peels back the curtain on the exact strategies that allowed her company to average a staggering $3.6 million in growth every single year placing the right people in the right seats, and why true leadership requires you to "hire your weakness" to protect your own business goals. If you are a contractor ready to take your plumbing, HVAC, or electrical company to a 7 or 8 Figure Business, grab a notebook because this episode is packed with invaluable, real-world business wisdom. Reach Out Mary Jean Anderson Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/maryjeananderson/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/maryjean-anderson-68b56714/ Facebook This Episode Is Sponsor By Free Agency Time Stamps:  00:37 – Introducing Mary Jean Anderson 02:05 – Managing Stage Nerves After Decades of Team Leadership 03:41 – The Anderson Story: From a $3.2M Operation to a $62M Exit 05:01 – Building an Actionable Mission Statement That Outlasts Artwork 08:50 – How to Help People Become Their Best to Drive a Company Growth 09:44 – Mastering Profitability: Inventory Control on a 200-Truck Fleet 10:35 – Interview Secrets: Using Negative Prompts and Asset Questions to Filter Talent 12:11 – Delivering a 98.2% "Wow Experience" Customer Retention Strategy 14:18 – Shifting from Transactional Customers to Lifelong Clients 14:50 – Transitioning From Nursing to HVAC: The Art of Hiring Your Weakness 15:58 – Breaking Stereotypes: Why Women Are Crushing It in the Trades 18:18 – Leveraging Maintenance Agreements to Drive In-Home System Sales 19:10 – Launching an Internal Training Institute to Combat Labor Shortages 20:17 – The Critical Dangers of Third-Generation Watered-Down Training 21:30 – Visionaries vs. Integrators: How Brain Trusts Build Empires 22:55 – Let's Start Actively Hiring Women In The Trades 25:56 – Launching an Internal Training Institute to Eliminate Labor Shortages 27:07 – The Critical Dangers of Third-Generation Watered-Down Training 28:21 – Visionaries vs. Integrators: How Brain Trusts Build Empires 29:40 – Hire Your Weakness: Why the Best Trade CEOs Leave some Skills to the Experts 31:18 – The Cost of Forcing Yourself Into Roles You Hate 32:32 – This Episode Is Sponsored By Free Agency  34:00 – Behind the $62M Empire: Mary Jean’s Biggest Business M&A Mistake 36:30 – How to Connect with Mary Jean Anderson and Final Closing Remarks

    37 min
  2. EP: 017 - SBA Loans vs Seller Financing with Jordan Cordero

    May 28

    EP: 017 - SBA Loans vs Seller Financing with Jordan Cordero

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we talked with Jordan Cordero from Live Oak Bank about the massive wave of mergers and acquisitions transforming the home services industry. Jordan is one of the key players on these deals, and he shares exactly how independent trade companies are scaling from local operations into seven- and eight-figure regional powerhouses. If you are running an HVAC, plumbing, or electrical business, this episode provides all the necessary nuggets when it comes to financial strategies. If you are looking for an inside look at where interest rates are heading for the rest of 2026, this episode shows you how to structure a win-win deal that protects your retirement or your investment. Time Stamps:  01:05 - Introduction: Funding the Home Services Acquisition Wave 02:23 - The Mom and Pop Boom: How 2M Companies Are Buying Competitors 03:30 - Adding Service Lines To the Deals: Merging HVAC, Plumbing, and Electrical 04:55 - How to Source Hidden Business Deals in Your Area 07:45 - Why Right Now is the Perfect Time to Buy a Trade Business 09:29 - Interest Rate Trends and the Reality of Capital Costs 10:30 - SBA 7a Loans vs Seller Financing: Shifting the Risk to the Bank 13:10 - The Hidden Trap of Seller Notes: Post-Sale Disagreements 15:15 - Creative Financing Structures and Tax Planning Options 16:40 - Acquisition Horror Stories: When the Seller Badmouths the Buyer 19:30 - Sponsor: Free Agency  21:18 - Why You Need a Lender Who Specializes in the Home Services Vertical 23:46 - The MCA Warning: How Predatory Working Capital Loans Ruin Cash Flow 26:12 - Can You Refuse or Refinance a Merchant Cash Advance? 27:10 - Market Forecast, Where Interest Rates Are Heading Next28:02 - Impact of Interest Rates on Acquisitions. 29:02 - Loan Structure and its effects. 30:01 - Fixed vs. Variable Rates in SBA Loans. 31:00 - Revenue Projections in Acquisitions. 34:52 - The Importance of Strategic Growth. 36:18 - Are You a Fit for SBA programs? 37:17 - Closing Remarks and Appreciation. Sponsor:  Free Agency - https://freeagency.ai/

    38 min
  3. EP: 016 - How to Use AI and the Right Words to Close Leads with Ryan Fenn & Justin Judd

    May 21

    EP: 016 - How to Use AI and the Right Words to Close Leads with Ryan Fenn & Justin Judd

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode with Ryan Fenn and Justin Judd from Chiirp, we discuss the power of language, customer communication, and innovative marketing strategies in the trades. They share insights on how your choice of words, consistent follow-up, and technology like AI can transform business growth and strengthen customer relationships. Time Stamps:  00:00 - The Power of Words in Business 02:51 - Transforming Customer Engagement 06:09 - The Art of Giving Value First 09:01 - Building Trust Through Reciprocity 11:58 - Creating Effective Playbooks 15:08 - Lead Conversion Strategies 17:55 - The Importance of Follow-Up 20:47 - Nurturing Customer Relationships 23:48 - Leveraging Technology for Communication 27:04 - Creating Memorable Customer Experiences 31:21 - Harnessing AI for Lead Conversion 34:04 - The Role of Speed in Lead Response 36:58 - AI and Human Interaction: Finding the Balance 39:46 - The Future of Human Senses in AI Interaction 41:39 - Building Human Connections in a Tech-Driven World 43:58 - Reassessing Efficiency: The Value of Human Interaction 51:29 - Revenue Optimization: Identifying Business Leaks 55:50 - Streamlined Implementation: Making AI Accessible Connect with Ryan and Justin: https://chiirp.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ryandfenn/ ; https://www.instagram.com/highonutah/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-fenn-76568b165/ ; https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-judd-b5052297/

    1h 3m
  4. EP: 015 - Leadership Lessons from Colleen Keyworth: Networking, Inclusion, and AI in the Trades

    May 13

    EP: 015 - Leadership Lessons from Colleen Keyworth: Networking, Inclusion, and AI in the Trades

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Colleen Keyworth talks about the real impact of AI in home services, leadership in the trades, and how to leverage technology for business growth. We discussed How AI's role is saving time in Operations and Processes, content authenticity, and building a legacy in the industry. Time Stamps:  00:00 - Navigating the Current AI Landscape 10:11 - The Role of AI in Business Efficiency 20:17 - Content Creation and Authenticity in the AI Era 27:24 - The Evolution of Content Value and Trust 29:20 - Local Search and AI's Role in Home Services 30:41 - The Importance of Technical SEO 32:37 - Navigating Client Relationships in Marketing 33:56 - The Future of Marketing Agencies in an AI World 35:40 - The Human Touch in Customer Service 37:46 - After-Hours Service and Customer Experience 40:32 - Creating Memorable Customer Experiences 43:47 - The Importance of Personal Connections in Business 45:14 - Leaving a Legacy in the Trades Resources:  Women in HVACR International Women's Network in Cooling (IWNC) HVACR Industry Events Where To Find Colleen Keyworth LinkedIn : linkedin.com/in/colleen-keyworth  Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/ckeyworth04/

    55 min
  5. EP: 014 - The HVAC Success Truth: How Gil Cavey Turned His Biggest Failures Into A $10M Business.

    May 6

    EP: 014 - The HVAC Success Truth: How Gil Cavey Turned His Biggest Failures Into A $10M Business.

    Send us Fan Mail Gil Cavey, host of HVAC Uncensored, shares his journey through business, personal struggles, and insights on industry challenges like permitting and training.  Discover how he balances control, quality, and growth while navigating personal setbacks and embracing failure. Time Stamps:  00:00 - Introduction and Gil Cavey's background 01:04 - Transition from podcasting to business ownership 02:31 - Lessons from previous business partnerships 04:12 - Frustrations with permitting process 05:36 - Training and developing technicians 06:42 - Using AI to streamline operations 08:46 - Maintaining respect and leadership with technicians 11:22 - Selling options without pushing unnecessary services 12:58 - Balancing training and proficiency in HVAC 14:24 - Dealing with permitting and regulatory hurdles 16:42 - Embracing AI and technology in HVAC 19:30 - Marketing and growth strategies 22:07 - Building relationships with technicians 27:12 - Personal life and overcoming personal struggles 34:11 - Overcoming fear of failure and personal growth 37:18 - The importance of mental health and therapy 38:32 - Final thoughts and encouragement Where to Find Gil Cavey HVAC Uncensored Podcast : https://www.hvacuncensored.com/#dm

    43 min
  6. EP: 013 - Mastering the Trade: Gross Margin, Training, and Scaling with Trevor Matthews.

    Apr 29

    EP: 013 - Mastering the Trade: Gross Margin, Training, and Scaling with Trevor Matthews.

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Trevor Matthews, Founder of Refrigeration Mentor shares his journey from technician to business owner, emphasizing the importance of personal development, technical training, and strategic growth in the HVAC Industry. Discover insights on reducing callbacks, enhancing technician skills, and building a community for industry professionals. Time Stamps:  00:00 - The Journey to Self-Improvement 03:03 - From Technician to Business Owner 05:52 - The Importance of Training in the Industry 09:02 - Navigating the Challenges of the Trade 11:57 - Understanding Gross Margin and Profitability 15:06 - Building Confidence and Communication Skills 17:54 -The Future of the Refrigeration Industry 21:10 - Innovative Training Approaches for Technicians 25:03 - The Importance of Personal Development 31:48 - Navigating Career Transitions in the HVAC Industry 35:34 - The Role of Private Equity in Commercial Refrigeration 39:27 - Building a Community for Technicians Resources Jim Rohn - Personal Development Atomic Habits by James Clear How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie Jim Quick - Speed Reading and Learning Tony Robbins - Personal Development Jim Rohn - Motivational Speaker Connect With Trevor Matthews  Refrigeration Mentor - https://refrigerationmentor.com/

    43 min
  7. EP: 012 - The In-House Warranty Roadmap for Contractors

    Apr 22

    EP: 012 - The In-House Warranty Roadmap for Contractors

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Evan Hoffman explores the innovative world of contractor-owned warranty programs with Jacob G and Will Kinsey. They discuss legalities, wealth creation, and how warranties can be a powerful tool for growth and retention in the HVAC industry. Guests  Jacob Gee - Operations team at Rocket Group Holdings Will Kinsey - Founder of Conduit Warranty Corporation  Chapters 00:00 - Introduction to Warranty Programs 03:12 - The Journey of Conduit Warranty Corporation 06:02 - Understanding the Legalities of Warranties 08:53 - In-House Warranty Management Strategies 12:06 - Communicating Warranty Coverage to Customers 14:59 - Sales Impact of Warranty Programs 18:08 - Structuring a Contractor-Owned Warranty Company 26:16 - Understanding Labor Warranties and Their Benefits 30:19 - The Importance of Limited Warranties vs. Service Contracts 31:37 - The Concept of Forced Savings Accounts 35:50 - Investment Strategies for Warranty Funds 40:04 - Leveraging Warranties for Business Growth and Employee Retention 49:38 - Final Thoughts on Warranties as a Sales Tool Sponsor - https://freeagency.ai/

    51 min
  8. EP: 011 - The AI Advantage: How Contractors Are Winning the Marketing Game

    Apr 15

    EP: 011 - The AI Advantage: How Contractors Are Winning the Marketing Game

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode, We talk with Josh Crouch about AI's impact on Home Services Business, Automation, and Digital Marketing Strategies. They explore practical tips for contractors to leverage AI, improve operations, and stay ahead in a rapidly evolving industry. Timestamps 00:00 Implementing Knowledge Immediately 11:45 The Role of AI in Home Services 24:11 Navigating Business Growth and Challenges 36:02 Leveraging AI and Automation for Contractors 39:57 How to Use AI for your Home Service Business to Growth 42:48 Authenticity in Marketing and Pricing for HVAC Business 46:10 The Importance of Data Integrity 50:01 Marketing Strategies for the Modern Consumer 56:08 The Future of Technology in Business 01:05:12 Consistency and Long-Term Success Connect With Josh Crouch LinkedIn -   / joshcrouch  Twitter -   / joshcrouch  Instagram - @josh_crouch_85

    1h 19m
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Trailer

4.4
out of 5
14 Ratings

About

Welcome to the Let's Vent Podcast! We are here to unveil the BS you've been told that will help you run your home service business. We cut out the fluff and just deliver the goods of what's actually working for operators and home business owners across the country. Whether you're a seasoned pro, a tech, or a CSR, our weekly deep dives are your ticket to success. It's time to get it off your chest and let's vent! 

Information

  • Creator
    Evan Hoffman
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    249
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Let's Vent Podcast
  • Show Website
    Let's Vent Podcast

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