The Standby Generator Podcast - With Jim Swetman

Jim Swetman
  • 5.0 (6)
  • Business

Are you a residential or commercial generator dealer, contractor, or blue collar business owner looking to grow your business? With over 20 years of experience in the standby power industry, Jim Swetman shares proven strategies to help you scale smarter, streamline your operations, improve service performance, and increase profit margins. Each episode features expert tips, real stories from the trades field, interviews with industry leaders, and step-by-step playbooks for running a successful standby generator dealership—from sales and service to marketing and team building.

  1. Feb 25

    Episode #29 - Marketing & Lead Generation Strategy with Jason Reeves from 1-800-POWER

    In this episode of the Standby Generator Podcast, host Jim Swetman sits down with Jason Reeves, founder of 1-800-POWER, to discuss how standby generator dealers can increase lead volume, book more estimates, and close more installs using digital marketing. If you’re a Generac dealer, Kohler dealer, or Briggs & Stratton generator installer struggling to make the phone ring, this episode breaks down proven strategies for: Google Ads for generator companies Facebook & Instagram (Meta) ads for home service businesses Landing pages that convert generator leads Cost per lead & cost per acquisition tracking Weather-event marketing campaigns Service maintenance & recurring revenue marketing Scaling generator installation businesses Jason explains why online advertising for generator dealers is no longer optional—and how specialized marketing systems outperform generic agencies. From building irresistible offers to running storm-triggered ad campaigns, this episode outlines a 90-day roadmap to measurable growth. You’ll also learn why digital marketing must work alongside a strong sales process—and how dealers can compete with large HVAC companies and venture-backed generator competitors by staying visible year-round. If you want more generator installation leads, maintenance contracts, and scalable revenue, this is a must-listen episode.

    38 min

  2. Feb 17

    Special Announcement - Tales from the Field: Launching the FIRST-Ever Generator Story Contest

    In this special episode of the Stand By Generator Podcast, host Jim Swetman announces the launch of the first-ever Home Standby Generator Tales from the Field contest — and he wants to hear from you. If you’ve spent any time in the standby power industry, you know the stories. The unbelievable service calls. The wild installation days. The customers you’ll never forget. The trench you dug that hit something it definitely shouldn’t have. The weather that made you question every life decision. The Murphy’s Law moments that turn into shop legends. Now’s your chance to share them. From February 17 through April 15, submit your craziest (but true!) generator installation, maintenance, site survey, or customer call story to info@poweralliance.com for a chance to win $500 cash plus a $250 pizza party for your team. The best stories will be featured on upcoming episodes, and finalists will be highlighted for audience voting on LinkedIn — with Jim making the final call. Stories must be real, appropriate, and backed with proof. Whether you type it out, send an audio clip, or film yourself telling it, this is your opportunity to become a legend in the standby power world. Make us laugh. Make us cringe. Make us glad we weren’t on that job site. Submit your story and be part of the first generator story contest in the nation.

    7 min

  3. Feb 12

    Episode #28 -The Smart Dealer’s Guide to Winning at the 2026 Rehlko Summit

    Heading to the Kohler Dealer Conference or the RELCO Summit in Orlando? This episode of the Standby Generator Podcast is your strategic game plan. Industry veteran Jim Swetman shares how generator dealers can get real ROI from dealer conferences — not by collecting swag, but by making the shift from generator installer to energy company. Jim breaks down: The growing shift toward the home energy ecosystem — generators, batteries, solar, microgrids, and connected energy solutions  Why commercial generator work under 150kW is a major opportunity for residential-focused dealers  How strong maintenance contracts and recurring service revenue create stability during slow installation cycles  The importance of peer-to-peer learning among generator dealers and why hallway conversations matter more than keynotes  What to watch for in manufacturer leadership, dealer culture, and long-term industry direction  Jim also shares the must-attend sessions for dealers focused on service profitability, succession planning, commercial growth, and operational efficiency — plus how to return from a conference with a 30-day execution plan that actually moves your business forward  If you’re in the standby generator industry, power systems, or building a service-driven generator dealership, this episode is a roadmap for long-term growth, higher margins, and increased business value.

    25 min

  4. Feb 4

    Episode #27 - 2026 Generac Dealer Conference Recap: What Standby Generator Dealers Must Do Now

    Fresh off the 2026 Generac Dealer Conference, Jim Swetman breaks down what Generac’s leadership message really means for standby generator dealers, installers, and home energy pros on the ground. In this episode of the Standby Generator Podcast, Jim translates the big-picture corporate strategy into real-world actions for dealers navigating shifting demand, tighter competition, and major growth opportunities in backup power, home standby generators, and the evolving home energy ecosystem.  With 2025 bringing fewer major outages and softer sales across the industry, Jim unpacks why Generac is doubling down on long-term growth, expanded capacity, and market awareness — and why dealers who kept marketing, building service agreements, and diversifying revenue are now best positioned for 2026. He explains the significance of the 6.5% U.S. home standby generator penetration rate, what that means for market saturation, and why increased dealer competition makes professionalism, branding, financing options, and customer experience more important than ever.  You’ll also hear insights on: The growing role of generator monitoring (Fleet programs) and why maintenance contracts are becoming the foundation of stable dealership revenue How Generac dealers can capitalize on national brand advertising with stronger local marketing The rise of the home energy ecosystem — integrating generators, battery storage, solar, and energy monitoring — and which dealer sizes should lean in (or stay focused) Why high-end homeowners are driving demand for battery backup systems alongside standby generators What Generac’s push into commercial and industrial (C&I) power, data centers, and AI infrastructure could mean for local commercial generator opportunities The importance of dealer training, operational systems, and differentiation as pricing pressure and complexity increase This episode is built for generator installers, power equipment dealers, electrical contractors, and home backup power professionals who want to grow market share, improve service revenue, and prepare for a potentially outage-driven 2026. If you’re in the standby generator business and want to turn conference takeaways into profit, this breakdown is for you.

    23 min

  5. Jan 21

    Episode #26 - Unlocking the Secrets to Dealer Conference Success | Preparing for the Generac Dealer Conference

    In this episode of the Stand By Generator podcast, host Jim Swetman shares valuable insights on maximizing ROI from the upcoming 2026 Generac Dealer Conference. Drawing from over 20 years of experience attending these conferences, Jim emphasizes the importance of approaching the event not just as a consumer but as a connector. He discusses the evolution of the conference from informal local gatherings to a large-scale event with thousands of attendees, highlighting the shift in focus from product updates to meaningful business connections. Jim provides practical tips for attendees, such as arriving early, identifying key business challenges, and engaging in strategic conversations with fellow dealers to gain insights and solutions. Jim also stresses the significance of post-conference follow-up, encouraging attendees to review their notes, implement actionable ideas, and maintain relationships with other dealers. He shares personal anecdotes about how he learned to charge appropriately for maintenance visits and motivate technicians through incentive programs. By the end of the episode, listeners are equipped with a clear game plan to ensure they get the most out of their investment in the conference, ultimately aiming for a 5 to 10X return on their time and money spent. Keywords: Generac Dealer Conference, ROI, business networking, dealer insights, maintenance programs, conference strategies, dealer relationships, industry tips, business growth, Power Alliance

    21 min

  6. 10/15/2025

    Episode #25 - Business Growth: Answering Dealers’ Toughest Questions

    In this episode of The Standby Generator Podcast, host Jim Swetman flips the script — answering a series of AI-generated and dealer-submitted questions about business growth, scaling, leadership, and strategy in the standby generator industry. Drawing from over 20 years of experience owning and scaling a generator dealership in Upstate New York, Jim shares hard-earned lessons about growing too fast, building a strong team, and creating systems that allow a business to thrive long-term. You’ll hear actionable insights on: How to scale a generator dealership without losing focus The most common mistakes business owners make when growing too quickly How to hire, train, and retain top generator technicians Why customer feedback and transparency are key to growth Lessons in leadership, delegation, and communication How to build a strong company culture during periods of rapid expansion Practical steps to stay motivated and proactive during slow seasons Jim also opens up about real challenges — from handling mass power outages to managing burnout — and offers practical advice for every standby power dealer looking to grow sustainably. If you’re a generator dealer, operations manager, or entrepreneur in the trades, this episode is packed with practical strategies and personal stories that will help you scale smarter, lead stronger, and build a more resilient business. SEO Keywords: standby generator business growth, generator dealership scaling, generator dealer success tips, power outage preparedness, generator business marketing, leadership for trades businesses, Power Alliance, SOPs for generator companies, scaling a generator company, Jim Swetman podcast, generator business strateg

    30 min

  7. 10/08/2025

    Episode #24 - Generator Maintenance Done Right: Real Tips from a 10-Year Tech With Keith Williams

    In this episode of the Standby Generator podcast, host Jim Swetman interviews Keith Williams, a former standby generator technician. They discuss Keith's journey in the industry, the importance of maintenance visits, customer relationships, and the need for continuous education for technicians. Keith shares insights on identifying generator issues, efficient pricing strategies, and the significance of maintenance contracts. The conversation emphasizes the technician's perspective and the challenges faced in the field, including the need for proper tools and equipment. They also touch on the importance of recognizing when a generator needs replacement and how to communicate that to customers effectively. Takeaways The perfect maintenance visit starts with preparation the night before. Basic hand tools are sufficient for generator maintenance. Technicians can identify issues from a distance. Educating customers on malfunctions is crucial. Having pricing for parts ready improves efficiency. Maintenance contracts provide priority service for customers. Building relationships with customers enhances service quality. Continuous education is vital for technicians' effectiveness. Batteries are often the weakest link in generators. Management should listen to technicians' field experiences. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Standby Generators 01:53 Keith's Journey as a Standby Generator Technician 05:24 The Perfect Maintenance Visit 09:18 Identifying Generator Issues 12:15 Efficient Pricing and Customer Communication 14:35 The Importance of Maintenance Contracts 16:47 Building Customer Relationships 19:33 The Need for Continuous Education 22:12 Handling Customer Concerns 25:35 Understanding the Technician's Perspective 29:13 Identifying When to Replace Generators Keywords: standby generator technician, generator dealer operations, generator maintenance visit, Generac training, Kohler service, generator replacement tips, generator business management

    43 min

  8. 10/01/2025

    Episode #23 - Navigating the Hiring Landscape for Generator Technicians

    In this episode of The Standby Generator Podcast, host Jim Swetman discusses the challenges of hiring generator technicians, emphasizing the lack of available candidates and the importance of training. He outlines the process of defining roles, sourcing candidates, effective interviewing techniques, and the significance of offering competitive compensation and growth opportunities. Additionally, he shares strategies for retaining technicians to ensure long-term success in the standby generator industry. Takeaways Finding generator technicians is a significant challenge. Training is essential due to the lack of available candidates. Clearly define roles and responsibilities for technicians. Utilize various platforms for job postings. Consider candidates from diverse backgrounds, including farming. Evaluate candidates based on punctuality and appearance. Communication skills are crucial during interviews. Understand the importance of teamwork in the role. Compensation should reflect the total value of the job. Retention strategies are vital for maintaining a skilled workforce. Keywords generator technician, hiring, training, roles, responsibilities, interview techniques, compensation, retention, standby generator, technician training. 00:00 The Challenge of Hiring Generator Technicians 06:12 Defining Roles and Responsibilities 13:20 Sourcing Candidates Effectively 18:39 Interviewing Techniques for Success 24:18 Compensation and Growth Opportunities 29:51 Retention Strategies for Technicians 33:04 Outro.mp3

    34 min
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About

Are you a residential or commercial generator dealer, contractor, or blue collar business owner looking to grow your business? With over 20 years of experience in the standby power industry, Jim Swetman shares proven strategies to help you scale smarter, streamline your operations, improve service performance, and increase profit margins. Each episode features expert tips, real stories from the trades field, interviews with industry leaders, and step-by-step playbooks for running a successful standby generator dealership—from sales and service to marketing and team building.

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