The TradeMarke

The TradeMarke
  • 4.7 (23)
  • MARKETING
  • UPDATED WEEKLY
The TradeMarke

Bringing you insights, stories, and strategies from the heart of the industry. Whether you’re a trade professional, a marketing expert, or somewhere in-between–this is the place for you. We’re here for the big ideas, the game changers, and the everyday successes. At the Trademarke: we’re with the trades, and for the trades.

  1. 3D AGO

    Saving You 70% in Taxes? Melissa from Busy Bee Advisors is the Real Deal

    In this stress-free and wildly insightful episode of The TradeMarke Podcast, Eric and Sarah sit down with the brilliant and unapologetically bold Melissa Broughton, founder of Busy Bee Advisors. Melissa is not your average tax professional—she’s a strategist, a myth-buster, and an advocate for small business owners who are tired of overpaying in taxes and underplaying their profits. Melissa shares how a leap of faith (and a freak accident) led her to launch Busy Bee Advisors and build a boutique tax firm that actually gives a damn. From debunking outdated tax advice to sharing real strategies that help clients save 30–70% in taxes, Melissa brings the heat—and the receipts. You’ll learn: Why most CPAs are glorified order takers (and how Melissa is changing that) How to actually write off that business trip to Mexico The power of proactive tax planning year-round—not just in April Tips for when to DIY your bookkeeping vs. when to hire help Her philosophy behind "The 4-Hour Bookkeeper" and how you can get a free copy Strategies to boost profitability and take control of your financial future Plus, we talk feelings (yes, feelings) around money, taxes, and why women often approach financial conversations differently—and how Melissa is creating a space where everyone can feel confident and informed. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by your business finances or like your tax pro speaks a language you don’t understand—this episode is for you.

    33 min

  2. MAR 21

    Ring the Dang Bell: Katy Higgins on Grit, Growth, and Getting It Done

    In this inspiring episode of The TradeMarke, Sarah sits down with Katy Higgins — founder of TruePros in northern Utah — to talk about her incredible journey from single mom and part-time telemarketer to becoming one of the first female comfort advisors in her state, and now the owner of a $5 million HVAC company. Katy opens up about the highs and lows of her first year in business, why she chose Thelma & Louise as her movie title for that year, and the lessons she's learned in leadership, resilience, and redefining success. From operating out of her garage with no website to building a thriving company with a team she deeply cares for, Katy’s story is equal parts raw, real, and incredibly motivating. You’ll also hear: How she built a business on sales and service — and why she added a bell to the office The importance of visibility, mentorship, and staying human in the trades Why being vulnerable as a leader matters more than ever Her thoughts on technology, AI, and using marketing to build real relationships A hilarious tangent about tennis, pickleball, and dating mishaps 😄 Whether you're a seasoned pro or just getting started, this episode is full of gold nuggets and heartfelt moments. 📣 Don’t forget to ring the dang bell and tune in — this one’s a must-listen.

    40 min

  3. MAR 21

    From Chaos to Clarity: The Profit First Framework for the Trades

    In this episode of The TradeMarke Podcast, hosts Sarah Ghirardo and Eric Thomas are joined by Susanne Mariga, fractional CFO, CPA, and author of Profit First for Minority Business Enterprises. Susanne shares how trades business owners can break free from the "revenue trap" and start building real, lasting profit through the Profit First method. Together, they unpack: Why traditional accounting is failing business owners How to create a financial system that prioritizes profit, not just expenses The importance of founder energy in shaping company culture Key financial metrics every trades business should track How to prepare your business for private equity or a future exit Whether you’re a home service contractor, trades entrepreneur, or just tired of operating on razor-thin margins, this episode will reshape how you think about money, growth, and sustainability.

    33 min

  4. MAR 14

    Leadership, Growth & People Development in the Trades with Stephanie Allen

    In this episode of The TradeMarke Podcast, Eric and Sarah sit down with Stephanie Allen from Airworks Solutions to discuss leadership, people development, and the evolution of running a trade business. Stephanie shares her journey of balancing business growth with personal life, embracing a visionary role, and the importance of building a strong company culture—both in-office and remotely. From hiring strategies to team development, investing in people, and her unique approach to running an HVAC and plumbing business, Stephanie provides invaluable insights for trade professionals and business owners alike. 💡 Join the Conversation!Have thoughts on this episode? Let us know! Leave a review, share it with a friend in the trades, and follow us on social media to stay connected.

    51 min

  5. MAR 14

    Mastering Social Media & Personal Branding in the Trades with Jen McKee

    In this episode of The TradeMarke Podcast, hosts Eric Thomas and Sarah Ghirardo sit down with social media expert Jen McKee, founder of Kee Hart Marketing. They dive deep into the power of social media, personal branding for contractors, and why business owners in the trades should start leveraging short-form video and organic content marketing today. Jen shares invaluable insights on creating authentic content, engaging with communities, and positioning yourself as an industry leader.

    47 min

  6. FEB 28

    2025 Roofing & Home Service Marketing Predictions with Megan Bedford & Nancy O’Hare-Zika

    What’s next for home service marketing in 2025? In this episode of The TradeMarke Podcast, hosts Eric Thomas and Sarah Ghirardo sit down with Megan Bedford and Nancy O’Hare-Zika from Home Service Marketing Hub to break down the biggest marketing shifts for roofers and home service contractors. Live from Marco Island at the Roofing Process Conference, the conversation covers roofing industry trends, local marketing strategies, and how contractors can better utilize video, SEO, and CRM tools to dominate their markets. Megan and Nancy share real-world insights into why education-based marketing is winning, how video is essential for building customer trust, and why roofers need to move beyond traditional advertising to scale their businesses. 💡 Key Takeaways: Why educating customers through marketing will be the key to success in 2025 The impact of AI, automation, and CRM tools on home service marketing How to leverage video marketing for brand authenticity and customer engagement Why local, hyper-targeted marketing campaigns drive better leads and conversions The importance of call center training and booking the call when the phone rings How roofing companies can build long-term customer relationships beyond a one-time service If you’re a roofing contractor, HVAC/plumbing business owner, or home service marketer, this episode is packed with actionable strategies to help you future-proof your business. 🚀

    27 min

  7. FEB 28

    Building a Brand That Sells: Dan Antonelli on Branding for Home Services Companies

    How can branding make your business the go-to name in your market? In this episode of The TradeMarke Podcast, Eric Thomas and Sarah Ghirardo sit down with Dan Antonelli, CEO of KickCharge Creative, to dive deep into the power of branding in the trades. Live from the 6th Annual Roofing Process Conference, Dan shares how a strong brand can lower marketing costs, increase customer trust, and boost conversions. Plus, they break down Gary Vaynerchuk’s take on branding vs. marketing, the impact of a polished brand on recruitment, and why your logo and website might be costing you leads. 💡 Key Takeaways: Why branding is the key to reducing your reliance on PPC The real ROI of a well-designed logo, van wrap, and website How contractors can use brand recognition to dominate local search The difference between branding and marketing (and why both matter) Why mascots and unique domain names drive higher recall & conversions If you're a contractor, home service business owner, or marketer looking to scale, this episode is a must-listen! 🎧

    27 min

  8. FEB 21

    The Blueprint for a Scalable, Profitable Restoration Business

    How do you scale a home service business to 75+ franchise locations in under two years? In this episode of The TradeMarke, hosts Eric Thomas and Sarah Ghirardo sit down with Dan Claps, CEO of Voda Cleaning & Restoration, live from the 6th Annual Roofing Process Conference in Marco Island, Florida (hosted by LB Capital). Dan shares his journey from the franchise lead generation space to acquiring and scaling a successful restoration brand. We dive into: The power of franchising in home services and why executive-level entrepreneurs are thriving in blue-collar industries. Marketing strategies for franchise growth, including the role of networking and partnerships. How AI is disrupting home service marketing and SEO—and what business owners need to know to stay ahead. The importance of building a repeatable, scalable business model in the trades. How restoration businesses leverage insurance to drive profitability and create a sustainable revenue model. We also discuss how AI, automation, and data-driven marketing are reshaping the trades, plus actionable insights on how to scale, systematize, and optimize a home service business. 🚀 If you're a contractor, franchisee, or entrepreneur looking to scale your business, this episode is packed with must-know insights. 💡 Want more marketing and business growth strategies for the trades? Subscribe to The Trademark and leave us a review!

    23 min
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    4.7
    out of 5
    23 Ratings

    About

    Bringing you insights, stories, and strategies from the heart of the industry. Whether you’re a trade professional, a marketing expert, or somewhere in-between–this is the place for you. We’re here for the big ideas, the game changers, and the everyday successes. At the Trademarke: we’re with the trades, and for the trades.

    Information

    • Creator
      The TradeMarke
    • Years Active
      2020 - 2025
    • Episodes
      202
    • Rating
      Clean
    • Copyright
      © Copyright 2024 All rights reserved.
    • Show Website
      The TradeMarke

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