From Scrubs to Service Calls: Leading People in the Trades

In this episode of the Power Women of the Trades podcast, hosts Cassie and Kailee sit down with Kerri Raynor of Raynor Services to explore her unique journey from oncology nursing to the home services industry. Kerri shares how she transitioned from a "problem solver" in a clinical setting to a vital leader in her family’s business, eventually trading her nursing license for a full-time role in the trades. She highlights the striking parallels between the human body and mechanical systems like HVAC and electrical, explaining how her background in process-driven nursing helped her build structure within the company through job descriptions, weekly meetings, and standard operating procedures. The conversation dives deep into the evolution of Raynor Services, which grew from a small electrical company into a multi-trade enterprise generating $13 million in annual revenue with over 60 employees. Kerri discusses the "trauma stories" often shared by trade owners, specifically the difficult transition from being a subcontractor for general contractors to focusing on residential service. The group reflects on the importance of "knowing your audience" and adopting multiple leadership personalities to effectively manage a diverse team of technicians, office staff, and customers. By the end of the episode, Kerri emphasizes that successful leadership requires a balance of passion and compassion, reminding listeners that while they are in the business of fixing homes, they are ultimately in the business of leading people.