Contractors’ Stories Podcast

Check A Pro
  • 5.0 (3)
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Updated Daily

Contractors’ Stories is a deep dive into the lives of home service contractors from all walks of life. Learn what makes successful business owners tick in the home service world. The host, Jim Klauck has been interviewing contractors for 20 years on his radio show, The Check A Pro Radio Show, and now brings the stories of contractors to life in this podcast – Contractors’ Stories. Tune in every week for a new episode, where we learn about the contractor that built the successful home service company.

  1. Jun 5 ·  Video

    Turning Homeowner Frustration into a Multimillion-Dollar Success with Dominic Vella

    🎧 New Episode: Turning Homeowner Frustration into a Multimillion-Dollar Success with Dominic Vella Ever wondered what happens when a homeowner gets so fed up with bad contractor experiences that they decide to fix the industry themselves? In this episode of Contractors' Stories, host Jim Klauck sits down with Dominic Vella, the visionary founder of Fantastic Fence in Sacramento. Dominic shares his incredible journey from a frustrated homeowner into the leader of a powerhouse, multimillion-dollar fencing operation built entirely on the foundations of quality, trust, and professionalism. If you are a contractor looking to scale your business, modernize your operations, and dominate your local market, this is a must-listen episode! 🚀 What You’ll Learn in This Episode: The Spark: How a terrible experience as a consumer drove Dominic to build a customer-first business model that stands out in a crowded market. Scaling to Millions: The exact strategies Dominic used to transition from a small, hands-on operation into a thriving, multimillion-dollar company. Modern Marketing & Tech: How Fantastic Fence leverages cutting-edge marketing, continuous improvement processes, and AI tools to streamline workflow and boost sales. Cutting-Edge Innovation: How staying ahead of the curve with unique products—like fireproof fencing and custom residential pickleball solutions—can open up massive new revenue streams. Real Talk for Contractors: Practical, no-BS advice from the trenches on mastering your pricing, making the right hires, and implementing foolproof business systems. 💡 Key Takeaway Quotes from Dominic: "If you want to scale, you have to build systems that work when you aren't in the room. Stop pricing for today; price for the business you want to become tomorrow." 🔗 Connect with Dominic Vella: Dominic is passionate about giving back to the contractor community. Whether you want to talk shop, explore industry collaboration, or learn more about his professional coaching, you can reach out to him here: Website:  Collaboration & Coaching Inquiries: Connect with Dominic directly on LinkedIn info@callfantasticfence.com 🎙️ Listen & Subscribe Now! Don't miss this masterclass in scaling a home service business. Hit that play button, subscribe to Contractors' Stories, and leave us a review if you found value in Dominic’s story! Listen on Apple Podcasts Listen on Spotify  Listen on iHeart Radio #ContractorsStories #HomeServices #FencingContractor #FantasticFence #BusinessScaling #dominicvella #ContractorCoaching #JimKlauck

    38 min

  2. May 23 ·  Video

    From Foster Care to Fortune: The Lance Bachmann Story

    Join us on this riveting episode of Contractor Stories as Jim Klauck sits down with Lance Bachmann, a self-made millionaire who rose from a troubled childhood in the foster care system to become a successful entrepreneur and business leader. Lance shares his candid journey, detailing the adversities he faced and how they shaped his relentless drive to succeed. From his early years grappling with abuse and insecurity to his transformation into a powerhouse in the home services industry, Lance's story is a testament to the power of resilience and determination. We delve into his life-changing decisions, his philosophy on winning, and the pivotal role of mentorship and relationships in his career. Whether you're a budding entrepreneur or a seasoned business owner, Lance's insights on leveraging relationships, taking decisive action, and maintaining an unwavering focus on goals will inspire and empower you. Don't miss this powerful episode filled with raw honesty, practical advice, and the kind of wisdom that only comes from a life fully lived.

    59 min

  3. 12/26/2025 ·  Video

    🚀 Is Google Still King for Home-Service Leads in the Age of AI? - Dennis Yu & Jim Klauck Discuss

    🚀 Is Google Still King for Home-Service Leads in the Age of AI? On today’s episode, Jim Klauck sits down with Dennis Yu, renowned digital marketing expert, to tackle a question every contractor is asking: Does Google still dominate lead generation as AI tools like ChatGPT and Google Gemini rise? Dennis breaks down why Google’s hardware, data, and ecosystem advantage continues to make it a powerhouse — while also explaining how the search and discovery landscape is becoming more fragmented than ever. 🔧 What contractors will learn in this episode: • Why real-world trust, reviews, and reputation matter more than ever • How to centralize your content and digital assets for maximum leverage • Using AI agents to repurpose videos, radio, and podcasts at scale • When to hire and empower a marketing lead instead of relying on agencies • How to spot and avoid AI scams, fake outreach, and deepfakes • Combining local operations + reputation + AI-driven distribution to win ⚠️ Dennis and Jim also issue a clear warning about fraudulent AI marketing tactics and explain how smart operators protect their brand while using AI responsibly to grow revenue. This episode is packed with practical, no-nonsense strategies for contractors who want to stay ahead — not get fooled — in today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape. 🎧 Listen now and learn how to build a brand that survives algorithm changes and thrives with AI. Contact Dennis: Dennis Yu   #ContractorsStories #JimKlauck #DennisYu #DigitalMarketing #HomeServiceMarketing #AIForContractors #GoogleSearch #ChatGPT #MarketingStrategy #LocalBusiness #ReputationMarketing #ContractorSuccess

    59 min

  4. 09/26/2025 ·  Video

    🎙️ Endless Energy’s Rise: Inside Amanda Perkins’ Playbook for Scaling Home Services

    Join host Jim Klauck on the Contractors' Stories Podcast 🎧 as he sits down with Amanda Perkins from Endless Energy ⚡ in Marlborough, MA. Amanda shares her personal journey 🛤️ — weaving her life experiences into her role at Endless Energy. From overcoming challenges 💪 to helping homeowners create more efficient, comfortable spaces 🏡, Amanda’s story is inspiring, insightful, and packed with practical takeaways for anyone in the home services industry 🛠️. ✨ Don’t miss this episode filled with motivation and industry wisdom! Amanda Perkins, COO of Endless Energy, discusses how the company evolved from solar and water treatment into a full home services provider offering HVAC, plumbing, electrical, insulation and home energy assessments, and how they scaled to $16M through systems, metrics and strong culture. She shares leadership lessons on hiring, training, documented SOPs, relationship-building, and the importance of empathy in managing teams, plus her advice for operators and a call to connect for peers seeking operational insights.   Amanda's contact Information: amandap@goendlessenergy.com #ContractorsStories #EndlessEnergy #HomeServices #EnergyEfficiency #HVAC #InspiringStories #WomenInBusiness #ContractorLife #PodcastInterview #HomeImprovement #Leadership #MarlboroughMA

    33 min

  5. 08/12/2025 ·  Video

    Unleashing Small Business Success: Michael E. Gerber's Proven Path

    In this episode, Jim welcomes Michael E. Gerber, the renowned small business guru and author of the E-Myth series, to discuss his groundbreaking insights into small business success. With over 34 books to his name, Michael delves into the critical elements that can transform a struggling business into a thriving enterprise. Michael shares the inspiring story of Ken Goodrich, an HVAC contractor who turned his business around by religiously applying the principles from "The E-Myth Revisited." Michael emphasizes the importance of working on your business, not just in it, and highlights the significance of creating a system that operates with integrity, much like McDonald's. Throughout the conversation, Michael outlines his Eightfold Path to business success, starting with a dream, vision, purpose, and mission, followed by developing a job, practice, business, and enterprise. He also discusses the importance of consistent branding and how small business owners can avoid common pitfalls by following a proven formula. For those eager to dive deeper into Michael's teachings, he offers mentoring, coaching, and the Dreaming Room, a unique program designed to help entrepreneurs discover their dreams and build their businesses systematically. Join Jim and Michael as they explore the timeless principles that can help any small business owner achieve extraordinary results.   Get Michael Gerber's Best Selling Book - "The E Myth Revisted" on Amazon. Contact Michael Gerber - michael@michaelegerber.com

    58 min

  6. 07/03/2025 ·  Video

    From the Army to HVAC: Brian Davis' Unexpected Journey

    In this captivating episode of Contractor Stories, host Jim Klauck sits down with Brian Davis of Dayco Systems to explore a unique journey from military service to becoming a key player in the HVAC and plumbing industries. Brian shares his experiences and the innovative approach Dayco takes to distinguish itself in a competitive market. Discover how Dayco Systems, based in Acworth, Georgia, builds strong community ties and expands its services offerings while maintaining a focus on customer loyalty and satisfaction. Brian also delves into the future of trades, the impact of AI on the industry, and his commitment to giving back through education and community involvement. Tune in to gain insights from Brian's inspiring story and learn how Dayco is striving to be more than just another name in the directory.   Contact Brian Davis : brian@daycosytstems.com

    29 min

  7. 06/12/2025 ·  Video

    The Hidden Power of Direct Response Radio: An HVAC Success Story

    Want to grow your HVAC business and actually make the phone ring? Discover how Direct Response Radio campaigns with Jim Klauck at Check A Pro deliver powerful results for home service contractors. In this episode, Jim breaks down the advantages of Direct Response Radio including: 🔥 How to target motivated homeowners 📞 Why radio drives calls, not just brand awareness 💡 Real-world results from HVAC contractors just like you 🎯 Why this advertising method works even better in 2025 Whether you’re just getting started or ready to scale your HVAC company, this is the game-changing strategy you’ve been waiting for! Join Jim Klauck and Victor Rancour as they discuss the transformative impact of traditional marketing methods in the HVAC industry. Victor shares his journey of rediscovering radio advertising, leading to significant business growth and competitive advantage. Learn how stepping away from the digital rush and embracing radio has yielded hundreds of leads and substantial revenue gains. Find out why traditional media still holds power and how it can help your business stand out in a crowded market. #HVACMarketing #HomeServiceSuccess #DirectResponseRadio #CheckAPro #JimKlauck #TheRadioPitchman #ContractorMarketing #GrowYourBusiness #LocalLeadGen #HomeServicesAdvertising #RadioAdvertising #MarketingTips2025

    8 min

  8. 04/10/2025 ·  Video

    From Family Legacy to Modern Success: Kevin Lipps' Entrepreneurial Journey

    In this episode of Contractor Stories, host Jim sits down with Kevin Lipps, the CEO of Lipps Electric, to delve into the exciting journey of transforming a family business into a thriving modern enterprise. Kevin shares insights about working alongside his brothers, the strategic shift towards residential services, and the pivotal role of cash flow and customer relationships. Kevin reveals the impact of his corporate experience and formal education on his leadership style, and how his strategic approach has catalyzed significant company growth. Discover how the rebranding with a unique mascot, 'Lippy,' and collaboration with industry experts like Dan Antonelli have played crucial roles in elevating the company's profile. The conversation also explores the importance of effective delegation and decision-making in business growth. Kevin shares his philosophy on learning from failures, setting priorities, and the continuous journey of self-improvement. He emphasizes the power of strong branding to foster team unity and customer recognition. Tune in to learn from Kevin Lipps' unique blend of family tradition, corporate savvy, and entrepreneurial spirit as he shares his story of innovation, growth, and personal development.

    35 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Contractors’ Stories is a deep dive into the lives of home service contractors from all walks of life. Learn what makes successful business owners tick in the home service world. The host, Jim Klauck has been interviewing contractors for 20 years on his radio show, The Check A Pro Radio Show, and now brings the stories of contractors to life in this podcast – Contractors’ Stories. Tune in every week for a new episode, where we learn about the contractor that built the successful home service company.

Information

  • Creator
    Check A Pro
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    53
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 All Rights Reserved. Check A Pro
  • Show Website
    Contractors’ Stories Podcast