The Catalyst for the Trades

The Catalyst for the Trades.
  • 5.0 (1)
  • MARKETING

Are you driven to achieve more, push boundaries, and see real results in everything you do? The Catalyst is the podcast for the relentless go-getters, innovators, and leaders who are obsessed with turning vision into action. Join us as we dive deep into success stories, strategies, and insights from industry experts who have cracked the code on what it takes to ignite change and get results. Whether you're an entrepreneur, a business leader, or someone determined to excel, this podcast will fuel your obsession with success. Listen in and become the catalyst for your own results.

  1. DEC 10

    Gregg Schonhorn on Maximizing Business Value in the Trades: Preparing to Sell, AI, and Building for the Future

    How do you build a home service business that thrives today and is ready for a profitable exit tomorrow? In this episode of Catalyst for the Trades, Gregg Schonhorn of SF&P Advisors joins Jennifer Bagley to share proven strategies for maximizing business value, preparing to sell, and staying ahead with AI and tech adoption. Gregg combines 20+ years of Wall Street experience with deep knowledge of HVAC, plumbing, electrical, and roofing industries. He breaks down financial skills contractors need, the right time to sell, and common myths about industry multiples. This episode also covers how AI will impact websites, marketing, and lead generation—plus what business owners can do now to stay competitive. If you’re thinking about selling your contracting business or want to build a more valuable company, this conversation is packed with clear, actionable advice. Key Topics & Timestamps 00:00 – Introduction: Meet Gregg and the story behind the episode.02:48 – Career Path: From Wall Street to trades advisor.07:24 – What SF&P Advisors Does: M&A and exit planning for contractors.09:37 – Industry Multiples & Market Timing: When to sell your business.13:03 – Building to Sell: What separates high-value companies.17:15 – AI in Home Services: How tech is reshaping marketing.26:13 – The Future of Websites: AI training data and agentic tools.33:23 – New Business Models: Lead gen companies and tech-driven contractors.35:13 – Marketing Mindset: Why every trades business needs a CMO.36:44 – Cutting Through the Noise: Avoiding bad advice.41:07 – Personal Moments: Golf, family, and friendship.44:50 – When to Talk to Gregg: Preparing for valuation and due diligence.47:18 – Fractional CFOs: Why they’re critical for scaling.49:52 – Final Takeaways: Build relationships. Take action.Guest Details Guest: Gregg Schonhorn Title: Senior Advisor, SF&P Advisors Gregg Schonhorn has more than two decades of Wall Street experience and now helps HVAC, plumbing, electrical, and roofing companies plan and execute successful exits. As a senior advisor at SF&P Advisors—an M&A firm with over $3.7B in closed deals—he’s known for straightforward guidance, deep industry knowledge, and helping contractors make smart, strategic decisions about selling, scaling, or staying independent. Relevant Links SF&P AdvisorsConnect with Gregg Schonhorn on FacebookCatalyst for the Trades PodcastThe Opus & Golds GroupCI Web GroupEnjoyed this episode? Subscribe to "The Catalyst for Trades" on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your preferred platform. Share this episode with aspiring and established leaders, and stay tuned for more insights on driving business success and personal leadership growth.

    50 min

  2. DEC 3

    Contractor Accounting Made Simple with Meaghan Likes of Likes Accounting

    CPA Meaghan Likes, founder of Likes Accounting, shares proven tips to help contractors clean up their books, simplify ServiceTitan integration, and gain financial clarity. In this episode of Catalyst for the Trades, Meaghan and Stephanie Allen of AirWorks explain how to turn accounting chaos into clarity, make data-driven decisions, and build a profitable, scalable business. In this conversation, Jennifer Bagley, CEO of CI Web Group and co-founder of Just Start AI, sits down with Meaghan and Stephanie to break down: Why clean books are non-negotiable—and how to get there, even if you’re starting in a “spaghetti mess”The keys to successful ServiceTitan integrations (without breaking your accounting)Proactive business decisions using data, not just hopePractical ways to safeguard profits regardless of market conditionsReal talk about industry trends, growth versus profit, and the power of collaboration👉 If you’re a contractor or owner/operator wanting clear financials, smarter systems, and a community of support to help you win—this is a must-listen episode. Timestamps 00:00 – Intro & Guest Intro: Meaghan Likes | Likes Accounting 04:05 – Cleaning Contractor Books: From “Worst Books Ever” to Clean Accounting 08:10 – ServiceTitan Integration Tips: Touchless Setup with QuickBooks 16:20 – Data-Driven Contractor Decisions: Growth, Profit & Trades Insights 25:12 – Leadership in the Trades: Team Building & Surviving Slowdowns 31:00 – AI & Automation in Contractor Accounting 39:07 – Key Takeaways 2024–2026: Contractor Profit & Growth Strategies Meaghan Likes Founder & CPA, Likes Accounting Meaghan Likes is an award-winning CPA and founder of Likes Accounting, specializing in accounting for contractors and the trades. She is recognized for helping businesses move from chaos to clarity, leading the way in ServiceTitan integrations, and building data-driven tools that help owners make proactive, profitable decisions. Stephanie Allen Owner & Operator, AirWorks Solutions | Co-Founder, Just Start AI Stephanie Allen has grown AirWorks Solutions into a leading HVAC company by focusing on top-tier systems and people. As co-founder of Just Start AI, she champions collaboration and technology to support contractors with practical financial strategies, strong operations, and clear paths to growth. Relevant Links: Likes AccountingBox for the Trades AirWorks SolutionsServiceTitanCatalyst for the TradesCI Web GroupEnjoyed this episode? Subscribe to "The Catalyst for Trades" on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your preferred platform. Share this episode with aspiring and established leaders, and stay tuned for more insights on driving business success and personal leadership growth.

    51 min

  3. NOV 26

    AI, Agents & The Future of Marketing: Remy Skerjanz’s Playbook for Outbound Success

    AI is already transforming how businesses connect and grow. In this episode, Jennifer Bagley sits down with Remy Skerjanz, co-founder of Sales Blaster AI, for an inside look at what’s truly changing in digital marketing, lead generation, and customer experience. Remy breaks down his partnership journey with Max, why they bet on AI voice and agentic technology, and how their tools help businesses outperform competitors in a future where AI agents do the booking, research, and heavy lifting. From helping a major political campaign harness AI outbound calling to building scalable, performance-based solutions for clients, Remy reveals exactly where agencies and trades businesses need to adapt—and what happens to those who don’t. If you want to know what “agentic optimization” really means, or how to future-proof your company against the rapid pace of change, don’t miss this episode. Ideal for agency owners, marketers, tech-savvy trades professionals, and any entrepreneur ready to embrace the next wave of AI-driven business. Timestamps:  00:00 — Introduction & Welcoming Remy Skerjanz 01:09 — Remy’s Early Entrepreneurial Journey & Meeting Max 05:18 — Building a Partnership: Philosophy & Contracts 06:27 — Turning Down a Big Money Offer to Build Their Own Path 07:06 — AI Success in Politics: Kennedy Campaign Story 09:31 — The AI Shift: When Everything Changed 10:05 — Impact of AI on Google Search and Digital Marketing 11:09 — AI Agents & the Agentic-Ready Future 12:21 — Humans vs. AI Agents: Where Businesses Struggle 13:48 — AI for Customer Support: The Case for Real Impact 16:20 — What Agentic Optimization Means for Businesses 18:43 — How Sales Blaster AI Scales & Stays Ahead of Change 22:21 — Outbound AI, Platform Agnosticism, and Performance-Based Approaches 24:23 — Jennifer’s Support & The Importance of Young Innovators 27:15 — Can You Trust AI? Guardrails, Hallucinations, and Best Practices 31:56 — Training AI vs. Training Humans 32:24 — Remy’s Framework: Purpose-Driven, Modular AI Architecture 34:04 — Human in the Loop: When to Rely on People 35:44 — Architecting Systems & Staying Agentic-Ready 37:22 — Shared Memory, Multiple Agents & What’s Next in AI Tools 39:34 — What’s Coming Next: SaaS and Opportunities with Sales Blaster AI 42:07 — Building a Podcast Fast: Lessons in Modern Content Marketing 43:05 — Final Thoughts & Advice for Trades and Agencies Guest Details: Remy Skerjanz Title: Co-founder of Sales Blaster AI Background: Remy is a serial entrepreneur and innovator in the agentic AI and outbound automation space. After a start in commercial real estate and a stint providing pre-foreclosure data—and teaching himself digital marketing—he partnered with Max, a government tech team alumnus, to build scalable AI tools. Together, they developed voice and outbound agents, scored political campaign wins, and committed to helping businesses become agentic-ready. Remy is also the co-host of The Autonomous Growth Show and an advocate for performance-driven, high-leverage AI adoption. Relevant Links: Sales Blaster AIThe Autonomous Growth Show PodcastCatalyst for the Trades PodcastCI Web GroupThe Opus & Golds GroupEnjoyed this episode? Subscribe to "The Catalyst for Trades" on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your preferred platform. Share this episode with aspiring and established leaders, and stay tuned for more insights on driving business success and personal leadership growth.

    44 min

  4. NOV 19

    Next-Level Septic Business: How Courtney Van Delden Supplee Uses AI, Automation & Data to Scale Van Delden Wastewater Systems

    Running a successful septic company for 88 years takes more than experience — it takes innovation. In this episode of Catalyst for the Trades, host Jennifer Bagley and strategist Vee Nettles talk with Courtney Van Delden Supplee, owner of Van Delden Wastewater Systems, about how she’s keeping her fourth-generation business thriving with AI, automation, and data-driven marketing. Courtney shares how switching to CI Web Group’s AI-enabled website platform and adopting tools like Manus AI and Cortex helped modernize operations, boost SEO, and streamline team workflows. She opens up about transforming company culture, making bold technology decisions, and using AI to manage everything from social media to work orders. If you’re a home service business owner, septic contractor, or trades professional, this episode will show you how to future-proof your business with AI optimization, smart automation, and digital transformation strategies built for the trades. Timestamps  01:00 – Intro: Meet Jennifer Bagley, Vee Nettles, and guest Courtney Van Delden Supplee 01:58 – Company History: Van Delden’s 88-year journey and Courtney’s path to ownership 03:42 – Leadership Challenges: Building a team-first culture and long-term career growth 05:17 – Partnering With CI Web Group: Why Van Delden upgraded to an AI-enabled website 07:26 – SEO Impact: Growth after migration and measurable results from digital upgrades 08:50 – Business Agility: How Courtney manages fast-paced decisions and tech adoption 15:06 – AI-Era SEO: Using customer language, blogs, and local keywords to drive calls 20:30 – AI Social Media Automation: Leveraging Manus AI and Cortex for marketing 28:02 – Workflow Optimization: Managing 40+ daily work orders with AI and automation 33:28 – Model Context Protocol: Building custom AI systems for back-office operations 39:44 – AI in Daily Ops: How automation drives performance, bonuses, and efficiency 41:05 – ChatGPT vs Multi-Agent Tools: The next phase of AI integrations for contractors 43:09 – AI Search Optimization: Why businesses must adapt beyond traditional Google search 47:32 – Final Takeaways: Courtney’s advice for trades owners—embrace AI and start now Guest Details Courtney Van Delden Supplee Owner, Van Delden Wastewater Systems Fourth-generation leader of an established Texas-based septic company. Courtney is redefining what it means to run a legacy business by embracing AI tools, automation, and data-driven marketing to enhance customer service, efficiency, and profitability. Resources & Links Van Delden Wastewater Systems (vdwws.com)CI Web GroupCatalyst for the Trades PodcastJust Start AI CommunityManus AI Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe to "The Catalyst for Trades" on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your preferred platform. Share this episode with aspiring and established leaders, and stay tuned for more insights on driving business success and personal leadership growth.

    48 min

  5. NOV 12

    Command the Room & Grow Your Business: Casey Eberhart’s Blueprint for Trade Success

    Ready to future-proof your trade business and increase its value? In this high-impact episode of Catalyst for the Trades, Jennifer Bagley sits down with revenue strategist Casey Eberhart—known as The Ideal Networker—for a straight-talk discussion on building lasting, profitable companies in the trades. Drawing on decades of experience buying, selling, and advising service businesses, Casey shares why owning digital assets matters more than ever, how to leverage content and community to attract customers, and the three must-have assets every HVAC, plumbing, and home service business needs to grow—or get acquired. You’ll hear how modern marketing, automation, and AI are changing the game for contractors, and why visibility through your website, community, and YouTube channel is key to long-term success. Packed with real-world examples, proven strategies, and actionable tech insights, this episode is a must-listen for anyone serious about scaling a trade business in 2025 and beyond. Timestamps: 00:00 – Intro & Meet Casey Eberhart  03:09 – Why Commanding Attention Grows Your Bottom Line  04:44 – Getting Uncomfortable: Why Owners Must Show Up Online  05:22 – M&A Insights: What Investors Look For  06:38 – Case Study: Social Content That Actually Works  09:00 – Outsourcing Smart: Get Your Team Creating Content  10:06 – Brand Visibility + AI = Next-Level Marketing  13:28 – Automate Reviews for Social Proof  14:05 – Compounding Content Assets: The Power of YouTube & Google  15:22 – Modern Marketing Baseline vs. Fax-Machine Tactics  20:06 – The Trifecta: Website, Community, YouTube  25:57 – Content Strategy: Targeted Videos for Any Audience  28:39 – Hyperlocal Visibility: Interviewing Local Businesses  34:27 – Building Real Relationships & Permanent Assets  36:37 – The ROI of Content vs. Buying Leads  41:26 – Community Resource: Just Start AI  45:04 – Major in What You Own, Minor in What You Rent  48:39 – Speed, Focus, and Execution  52:04 – Closing Thoughts & Where to Connect Guest Details: Casey Eberhart Title: Revenue Strategist About: Casey Eberhart—also known as The Ideal Networker—is a speaker, business coach, and entrepreneur who helps leaders and sales professionals build profitable connections through strategic networking and follow-up systems. He runs workshops such as Networking Riches and Networking Next Level, and leads the Expand The Network community. With a background spanning industries from amusement parks to film production and real estate, Casey teaches practical methods for identifying the right relationships, creating influence, and turning conversations into business growth Relevant Links: Just Start AI CommunityCatalyst for the Trades PodcastCI Web GroupEnjoyed this episode? Subscribe to "The Catalyst for Trades" on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your preferred platform. Share this episode with aspiring and established leaders, and stay tuned for more insights on driving business success and personal leadership growth.

    55 min

  6. NOV 5

    Reinventing SEO & Web Strategy: AI Transformation with Seth Humble

    AI is rewriting the rules of SEO and digital marketing. In this episode, Jennifer Bagley talks with Seth Humble about how AI search is transforming how home service businesses show up, rank, and convert online. Seth shares his journey from the oil fields of Texas to leading AI integration, SEO innovation, and Webflow adoption at one of the most forward-thinking agencies in the trades. They break down how AI-driven search, intelligent automation, and strategic platform shifts are giving contractors a real competitive edge. Listeners will learn why visibility is changing, how to adapt fast, and what performance-focused strategies are driving growth in the AI era. What You’ll Learn How AI search is changing SEO for contractorsWhy moving from WordPress to Webflow boosted performanceThe impact of AI-driven content and real-time visibility reportingHow trades businesses can lead—not follow—as AI search evolvesTimestamps 00:00 — Introduction04:12 — The AI Shift in SEO09:43 — Evolving with AI12:29 — Strategic Shifts at CI Web Group22:05 — The Move to Webflow28:35 — Content at Scale32:53 — Changing Demand vs. Changing Discovery36:06 — AI Search Visibility Reporting40:39 — Outcomes Over Outputs44:33 — Final TakeawaysGuest: Seth Humble Title: Director of Product & Production at CI Web GroupBackground: 20+ years of writing and over a decade in SEO. Seth has led AI-powered production innovation, platform migration to Webflow, and next-gen visibility reporting for home service and contractor businesses. Resources & Links Catalyst for the Trades PodcastCI Web GroupThe Opus & Golds Group Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe to "The Catalyst for Trades" on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your preferred platform. Share this episode with aspiring and established leaders, and stay tuned for more insights on driving business success and personal leadership growth.

    47 min

  7. OCT 29

    Branding That Works: Crystal Williams on Contractor Growth, Strategy & Accountability

    Is your marketing all over the place—or all dialed in? This week, Jennifer Bagley sits down with Crystal Williams, co-founder of Lemon Seed Marketing and a lifelong contractor, for a brutally honest, high-energy look at what’s working (and what’s not) in the trades right now. Crystal shares battle-tested insights on branding, marketing strategy, personal accountability, and the crucial role of collaboration between contractors and their vendors. From common marketing mistakes—like “buckshotting” Facebook—to actionable strategies for brand building and operational excellence, Crystal tells it straight. You’ll learn why strategy trumps tactics, what separates contractors who actually grow from those who stall out, and how embracing innovation (think: AI, automation, and new branding trends) can unlock your next level of success. Whether you’re a small shop ready to scale or a multi-million dollar organization stuck in neutral, this episode delivers real-world advice that will help you own your market and move your business forward. Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction & Why Crystal Williams is a Standout in the Trades 01:33 - Crystal’s Journey: From Contractor’s Kid to Lemon Seed Founder 03:13 - Why Most Marketing Fails: Lack of Strategy & “Buckshot” Tactics 04:56 - The Vendor Dilemma: Social Media Myths & the Power of Owning Your Strategy 05:38 - Accountability: Why Some Contractors Win and Others Stall Out 07:43 - What Lemon Seed Looks for in a Great Client (& Why Size Isn’t Everything) 08:33 - Contractor Mindset: One-Man-Band vs. Collaborative Decision Maker 12:02 - The Real Role of Marketing Partners: Communication, Candor, and Problem-Solving 14:20 - The Shifting Landscape: AI, Google Search, and Keeping Pace 17:52 - Can Your Marketing Partner Care More Than You? (Short Answer: No) 19:19 - Perfection vs. Progress: Why Execution Matters More Than “Pretty” 23:03 - Smart Rebrands: Avoiding Pitfalls and Protecting Your Online Equity 31:26 - What Actually Drives Contractor Growth: Ops, Pricing & (Actual) Marketing 33:09 - Why Most Contractors Have No Real Strategy—and How to Fix It 34:53 - Daily Habits that Build Brand Presence Online 36:49 - How to Inspire Action, Not Excuses—And Where Crystal Says Contractors Get Stuck 37:42 - Personal Brand is the New SEO: Upcoming Webinar & Future Trends 39:11 - Connect with Crystal Williams & Lemon Seed Marketing Guest Details: Crystal Williams Title: Co-Founder of Lemon Seed Marketing Background: Crystal is a third-generation contractor and the “trade baby” behind Lemon Seed, a leading agency focused on contractor branding and strategy. With decades of real-world experience, she’s helped companies move from old-school operations to multi-million dollar, multi-trade businesses by building holistic brands, actionable marketing plans, and fostering real accountability. As a coach, speaker, and operator, Crystal is known for telling it like it is, pushing her clients (and her team) to do the hard work for profitable, sustainable growth. Relevant Links: Lemon Seed MarketingCatalyst for the Trades PodcastCI Web GroupThe Opus & Golds GroupEnjoyed this episode? Subscribe to "The Catalyst for Trades" on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your preferred platform. Share this episode with aspiring and established leaders, and stay tuned for more insights on driving business success and personal leadership growth.

    40 min

  8. OCT 22

    Beyond Products: Denise Corbin’s Winsupply HVAC Summit Empowers Contractors in Austin

    Ready to break away from business as usual and spark success in a challenging market? In this episode, Denise Corbin—president of Winsupply—joins Jazmin Ramirez, guest host, to discuss her game-changing HVAC Summit designed for contractors who want to thrive, not just survive. Instead of product pitches, Denise has curated a lineup of top industry experts delivering actionable insights on AI, field management, business planning, financing, and more. With the trades industry facing economic uncertainty, this summit is all about education, community, and building resilience for 2026.  Tune in for the details on speakers, topics, and how you can be part of this forward-thinking event, whether you’re a seasoned contractor, a student in the trades, or just looking for inspiration in home services. Perfect for contractors seeking strategy, technology, and renewed motivation in today's market. Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction 01:45 - Event Announcement: HVAC Summit 02:59 - Speaker Lineup & Topics 08:36 - Expo & Networking Partners 10:17 - Key Takeaways for Contractors 11:54 - Sponsors & Philosophy 13:46 - How to Register Guest Details: Denise Corbin Title: President, Winsupply Background: Denise Corbin is an industry leader with decades of experience in wholesale distribution. Denise’s mission is to create solutions and lasting partnerships for contractors, helping them navigate challenges with education and innovation. Relevant Links: Winsupply’s HVAC Summit (Registration & Event Info)WinsupplyJust Start AI Catalyst for the Trades PodcastCI Web GroupThe Opus & Golds GroupCall to Action: Ready to elevate your business for 2026? Register for the Winsupply HVAC Summit in Austin at winsupplyaustin.framer.website. Subscribe to Catalyst for the Trades on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube—and share this episode with a contractor who needs that extra boost of knowledge and optimism! Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe to "The Catalyst for Trades" on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your preferred platform. Share this episode with aspiring and established leaders, and stay tuned for more insights on driving business success and personal leadership growth.

    16 min
See All (48)

About

Are you driven to achieve more, push boundaries, and see real results in everything you do? The Catalyst is the podcast for the relentless go-getters, innovators, and leaders who are obsessed with turning vision into action. Join us as we dive deep into success stories, strategies, and insights from industry experts who have cracked the code on what it takes to ignite change and get results. Whether you're an entrepreneur, a business leader, or someone determined to excel, this podcast will fuel your obsession with success. Listen in and become the catalyst for your own results.

Information

  • Creator
    The Catalyst for the Trades.
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    48
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 The Catalyst for the Trades
  • Show Website
    The Catalyst for the Trades

You Might Also Like