OWNR OPS Podcast

Austin Gray @theownerop
  • 5.0 (33)
  • ENTREPRENEURSHIP
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Starting a business by offering a service to your local community is one of the greatest entrepreneurial opportunities of our time. While most people search for a remote job and try to build the next tech unicorn, you can start a business in your own back yard. Join your host, Austin Gray, as he shares tips from behind the scenes of starting and growing his own local service businesses in bite sized 10 min episodes. PLUS, tune in for special guest interviews, where Austin hosts other entrepreneurs who have started local service businesses in markets across the US.

  1. $100M Leads, Offers, & Money Models In Home Services

    2D AGO

    $100M Leads, Offers, & Money Models In Home Services

    What’s the real math behind profitable growth in home services? In this episode, Austin Gray talks with Andy Walker (Stryker Digital) about using LTV : CAC (LTGP : CAC), Average Order Value, and speed-to-lead to scale—without racing to the bottom on price. Andy shares: His practical $2K podcast/production mindset applied to service marketing. A step-by-step speed-to-lead framework (3-minute call, 7-day follow-up, long-tail nurture) Facebook vs Google Ads for high-ticket services (roofing, mitigation, remodeling) Bonus-stacked offers, guarantees, and timeline commitments to win without discounting. How weekly manual reporting builds data discipline and sharper decisions Why focus beats shiny objects—and when to expand. Whether you’re in the trenches scaling a local service brand or optimizing your acquisition flywheel, this episode gives you the playbook to raise AOV, improve LTGP : CAC, and outspend competitors profitably. Listen in to turn your marketing into a durable growth engine. 🔥 Services We Use 🔥 We use Jobber to handle our estimates, scheduling, & invoicing ➡️ Get 20% off Jobber here: https://go.getjobber.com/ownrops-youtube 🚀 Get ranked #1 On Google With Stryker SEO: https://stryker-digital.com/?el=oo 💰 Bookkeeping: Get 50% off bookkeeping for 3 months with the Home Service Bookkeeping Pros: https://dialedinbookkeeping.com/ownrops Want to learn more about starting and scaling your own service-based business? 📩 Sign up for the OWNR OPS Newsletter: → https://ownrops.com/newsletter Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes with blue collar entrepreneurs sharing their best insights and growth tips!

    1h 4m
  2. Apply $100M Money Models To Land Clearing Business

    NOV 7

    Apply $100M Money Models To Land Clearing Business

    💰Learn Google Business, Facebook Ads, and Automation tips for your Blue Collar Business ➡️ https://skool.com/ownrops How do you scale a land clearing / forestry mulching / fire mitigation business from busy operator to true owner? In this live episode, Austin Gray talks with Jacob Nefendorf (Rise Online Ads, Land Clearing Growth) right after the $100M Money Models launch and an acquisition.com strategy day. Jacob lays out the exact marketing and ops moves that drive qualified jobs—not vanity views. You’ll learn: The Operator → Owner path at $1M, $5M, and beyond How to define and qualify your ideal customer (machines, revenue, mindset) The 72-Hour Booking Machine to 3× your close rate from existing leads Why pricing pages & “cost to clear land” content cut tire-kickers The framework: test on TikTok/IG → scale winners with Meta ads When YouTube beats everything for older landowners & education Systems and processes that make your company sellable Follow Austin (THE OWNROPS) and Jacob (Land Clearing Growth), grab the free book via growth.riseonlineads.com, and subscribe to the OWNROPS Podcast for more service-business growth playbooks. 🔥 Services We Use 🔥We use Jobber to handle our estimates, scheduling, & invoicing ➡️ Get 20% off Jobber here: https://go.getjobber.com/ownrops-youtube 🚀 Get ranked #1 On Google With Stryker SEO: https://stryker-digital.com/?el=oo 💰 Bookkeeping: Get 50% off bookkeeping for 3 months with the Home Service Bookkeeping Pros: https://dialedinbookkeeping.com/ownrops Want to learn more about starting and scaling your own service-based business? 📩 Sign up for the OWNR OPS Newsletter: → https://ownrops.com/newsletter Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes with blue collar entrepreneurs sharing their best insights and growth tips!

    46 min
  3. FB Ads Don't Work For Land Clearing Biz

    OCT 31

    FB Ads Don't Work For Land Clearing Biz

    💰Learn Google Business, Facebook Ads, and Automation tips for your Blue Collar Business ➡️ https://skool.com/ownrops Are Facebook ads dead for local service businesses? Not even close. In this episode, Austin Gray chats with Jacob Neffendorf, founder of Rise Online Ads — an agency managing Facebook ad campaigns for over 125 land clearing businesses nationwide.  Jacob unpacks how he’s helping operators land six-figure jobs, get 100+ leads per month, and scale with simple, proven strategies. You’ll learn: How one video ad landed a $425K right-of-way clearing job Jacob’s preferred pricing model: day rate vs. by-the-job The biggest mistake land clearing operators make in sales What to say in a 2025 Facebook ad (hint: targeting is changing) How focusing on one niche can transform your agency or service business Whether you’re a contractor or a marketer, this is a tactical deep dive into what’s actually working right now. 🔥 Services We Use 🔥 We use Jobber to handle our estimates, scheduling, & invoicing ➡️ Get 20% off Jobber here: https://go.getjobber.com/ownrops-spotify 🚀 Get ranked #1 On Google With Stryker SEO: https://stryker-digital.com/?el=oo 💰 Bookkeeping: Get 50% off bookkeeping for 3 months with the Home Service Bookkeeping Pros: https://dialedinbookkeeping.com/ownrops Want to learn more about starting and scaling your own service-based business? 📩 Sign up for the OWNR OPS Newsletter: → https://ownrops.com/newsletter Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes with blue collar entrepreneurs sharing their best insights and growth tips!

    1h 18m
  4. How To Run FB Ads For Home Services with Steve Hunsaker

    OCT 24

    How To Run FB Ads For Home Services with Steve Hunsaker

    💰Learn Google Business, Facebook Ads, and Automation tips for your Blue Collar Business ➡️ https://skool.com/ownrops Want to know how Meta ads can transform your local home service business?  In this episode, Steve Hunsaker, a successful entrepreneur with years of experience in running Meta (Facebook & Instagram) ads, shares his proven strategies for generating high-quality leads, building brand recognition, and scaling effectively through digital marketing. Steve dives deep into: How Meta ads help local businesses build trust and drive conversions Targeting high-income neighborhoods with laser-focused ads The importance of video content and humor in capturing attention Using lead forms and adding friction to filter out low-quality leads Real-life examples from his Christmas light business success How to use Meta ads for both lead generation and brand building Whether you’re a local business owner, marketer, or entrepreneur, this episode offers invaluable insights on running Meta ads profitably and creating ad campaigns that deliver results.  Listen in to learn how to make Meta ads work for you and scale your business effectively. 🔗 Follow Steve on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/valleychristmaslights 🔗 Check out their website: https://www.stevehunsaker.com 🔥 Services We Use 🔥 📞 QUO- Business Phone System That Scales With You: Get 20% off your first 3 months. https://www.quo.com/ We use Jobber to handle our estimates, scheduling, & invoicing ➡️ Get 20% off Jobber here: https://go.getjobber.com/ownrops-youtube 🚀 Get ranked #1 On Google With Stryker SEO: https://stryker-digital.com/?el=oo Want to learn more about starting and scaling your own service-based business?📩 Sign up for the OWNR OPS Newsletter: → https://ownrops.com/newsletter Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes with blue collar entrepreneurs sharing their best insights and growth tips!

    1h 48m
  5. Live Q&A Starting A Land Clearing Business

    OCT 17

    Live Q&A Starting A Land Clearing Business

    💰 Join our Free OWNR OPS Skool Community to grow your local service biz: ➡️ https://skool.com/ownrops How do you start a land clearing business from scratch and scale it into a seven-figure company? In this OWNR OPS Live Q&A, Austin Gray (founder of Bear Claw Land Services) shares the exact playbook he used to build his business around fire mitigation, excavation, and driveway grading. Inside, you’ll learn: How Austin landed his very first $3,500 job Why a website & Google Business Profile are non-negotiable When to rent vs. buy equipment like skid steers & mulcher How to charge $2,500/day and build profitable bids Facebook & YouTube ad strategies that actually generate calls Why “speed to lead” closes more jobs than any other tactic How to get consistent five-star reviews & dominate your market If you’re a contractor, service business owner, or aspiring land clearing pro—this episode gives you the unfiltered blueprint to launch and grow. 🔥 Mentioned in This Episode 🔥 We use Jobber to manage our quoting, scheduling, & invoicing➡️ Get 20% off your first 6 months here: https://go.getjobber.com/ownrops-youtube 📚 Bookkeeping: Get 50% off bookkeeping for 3 months with the Home Service Bookkeeping Pros: https://dialedinbookkeeping.com/ownrops 🚀 Get ranked #1 On Google With Stryker Digital⁠ SEO: https://stryker-digital.com/?el=oo Want to learn more about starting and scaling your own service-based business? 📰 Sign up for the OWNR OPS Newsletter: → ownrops.com/newsletter Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes with entrepreneurs sharing their best insights and success stories!

    1h 18m
  6. How To Start A Land Clearing Business

    OCT 10

    How To Start A Land Clearing Business

    💰 Join our Free OWNR OPS Skool Community to grow your local service biz: ➡️ https://skool.com/ownrops How do you validate demand, buy heavy equipment, and scale a land clearing business profitably? In this episode, Austin Gray talks with Alex Boyd, founder of Brushworks Services Co., about starting and growing a land clearing business from scratch. Alex shares: Why he invested $90K into a skid steer and mulcher The keyword research that revealed untapped demand Mistakes he made on pricing and financing (and how he fixed them) How grapple attachments add nearly 100% profit margin The real cost of maintenance, warranties, and downtime Why he runs Facebook video ads with a local-first strategy How he integrates Jobber, HouseCall Pro, and GoHighLevel into his workflow The surprising snow plowing side hustle at $375/hr per skid steer If you’re an entrepreneur looking at excavation, forestry mulching, or other heavy equipment businesses, this episode is a must-listen. 🔥 Mentioned in This Episode 🔥We use Jobber to manage our quoting, scheduling, & invoicing➡️ Get 20% off your first 6 months here: https://go.getjobber.com/ownrops-youtube 📚 Bookkeeping: Get 50% off bookkeeping for 3 months with the Home Service Bookkeeping Pros: https://dialedinbookkeeping.com/ownrops 🚀 Get ranked #1 On Google With Stryker Digital⁠ SEO: https://stryker-digital.com/?el=oo Want to learn more about starting and scaling your own service-based business? 📰 Sign up for the OWNR OPS Newsletter: → ownrops.com/newsletter Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes with entrepreneurs sharing their best insights and success stories!

    54 min
  7. How to Start a Tree Service Business

    OCT 3

    How to Start a Tree Service Business

    💰 Join our Free OWNR OPS Skool Community to grow your local service biz: ➡️ https://skool.com/ownrops In this episode, Dave Sheridan from Ascension Tree Care reveals the challenges and triumphs of growing his tree service business from $290K to $550K in just two years.  Dave dives deep into his equipment investments, B2B partnerships, and how he successfully navigated marketing through Google Ads and reviews. Dave discusses: His $130K initial equipment investment How mini skids became a game-changer B2B strategies for landscapers and golf courses The ins and outs of running Google Ads and generating reviews The impact of plant healthcare on the business Family business dynamics and scaling with partners Listen in to hear how Dave scaled his service-based business through determination and strategic decisions. Get inspired by his story of entrepreneurship and growth. 🔥 Services We Use 🔥We use Jobber to handle our estimates, scheduling, & invoicing ➡️ Get 20% off Jobber here: https://go.getjobber.com/ownrops-spotify 💰 Bookkeeping: Get 50% off bookkeeping for 3 months with the Home Service Bookkeeping Pros: https://dialedinbookkeeping.com/ownrops 🚀 Get ranked #1 On Google With Stryker SEO: https://stryker-digital.com/?el=oo Want to learn more about starting and scaling your own service-based business? 📰 Sign up for the OWNR OPS Newsletter: → ownrops.com/newsletter Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes with entrepreneurs sharing their best insights and success stories!

    1h 4m
  8. How to Hire Talent for Your Local Service Business! (The Complete Hiring Playbook)

    SEP 26

    How to Hire Talent for Your Local Service Business! (The Complete Hiring Playbook)

    💰Learn Google Business, Facebook Ads, and Automation tips for your Blue Collar Business ➡️ https://skool.com/ownrops How do you hire employees who actually stick around? Austin Gray sits down with Patrick Murphy, founder of Cascade Home Cleaning, to unpack why recruiting is the single biggest bottleneck in service businesses—and how to fix it. Patrick reveals: Why every great hire adds $130K in annual revenue His proven recruiting funnel modeled after sales & marketing How to use Indeed, automation, and strong copy to attract better candidates The secret to disqualifying bad fits early (and saving yourself months of headaches) His full multi-step hiring process: applications → screening → test clean → offer This isn’t theory—it’s the exact framework Patrick uses to manage 20+ employees in a highly competitive, high-turnover industry. If you own a cleaning service, landscaping company, snow removal business, or any local service operation—this is a must-listen playbook for scaling with the right team. 🔥 Services We Use 🔥 📞 QUO- Business Phone System That Scales With You: Get 20% off your first 3 months. https://www.quo.com/ownrops We use Jobber to manage our quoting, scheduling, & invoicing➡️ Get 20% off your first 6 months here: https://go.getjobber.com/ownerops-spotify 🚀 Get ranked #1 On Google With Stryker SEO: https://stryker-digital.com/?el=oo Want to learn more about starting and scaling your own service-based business? 📩 Sign up for the OWNR OPS Newsletter: → https://ownrops.com/newsletter Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes with blue collar entrepreneurs sharing their best insights and growth tips!

    46 min
See All (107)

5
out of 5
33 Ratings

About

Starting a business by offering a service to your local community is one of the greatest entrepreneurial opportunities of our time. While most people search for a remote job and try to build the next tech unicorn, you can start a business in your own back yard. Join your host, Austin Gray, as he shares tips from behind the scenes of starting and growing his own local service businesses in bite sized 10 min episodes. PLUS, tune in for special guest interviews, where Austin hosts other entrepreneurs who have started local service businesses in markets across the US.

Information

  • Creator
    Austin Gray @theownerop
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2025
  • Episodes
    107
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Austin Gray @theownerop
  • Show Website
    OWNR OPS Podcast

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