Are you struggling to keep track of your inventory and spending too much time and money on purchasing materials?

Inefficient inventory management and purchasing processes are common challenges faced by skilled trades businesses, especially in HVAC and plumbing. These issues can lead to significant financial losses and hinder business growth… but not when you use Ply!

Tune in to hear from David Wigder, co-founder of Ply, about how their innovative solution simplifies materials management for contractors.

Did you know that a $5 million/year contractor could be losing up to $100,000 annually due to poor inventory management? That's a staggering amount of money that could be saved with the right tools and processes in place!

Today, Dave reveals Ply's four-phase approach to implementing their inventory management and purchasing solution, and how it can help trade businesses like yours save time and money.

On this episode of Transforming the Trades, Lynn and Dave discuss:

• The motivation behind creating Ply and its mission to simplify materials management

• Ply's four-phase approach to onboarding and implementation

• The financial impact of inefficient inventory management and how Ply addresses these issues

• Integration with popular field service management software like ServiceTitan and Jobber

• The importance of tracking dead stock and its impact on cash flow

• Why you need an internal champion to ensure successful adoption

  
  

Actionable Key Takeaways for Trades Operators:

• Start small and focus on incremental progress when implementing an inventory management solution.

• Assign an internal champion to oversee the implementation and adoption of the new system.

• Prioritize tracking high-value items and frequently used materials to maximize savings.

• Regularly review consumption reports to identify trends and optimize inventory levels.

• Consider the long-term benefits of improved inventory management on cash flow and business growth.

By implementing a comprehensive inventory management and purchasing solution like Ply, trade businesses can streamline their processes, reduce costs, and ultimately improve their bottom line.

Don't let inefficient materials management hold your business back any longer – take action today and start your journey towards a more profitable future!

The resources mentioned in this episode are:

• Learn more about Ply & book a demo: https://getply.com

• Connect with Dave on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-wigder

• Email Dave: dave@getply.com

👍 If you liked this episode, please rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, and be sure to hit the subscribe button! 🔔

📊Looking for more assets to optimize your operations, customer service, and financial practices? Download my free resource filled with 13 top resources for growing your business. Sign up here: https://transformingthetrades.net.

More content from Lynn:

Transforming the Trades Podcast Website: https://transformingthetrades.net

Contractor in Charge Website: https://contractorincharge.com

This episode was produced and brought to you by Reignite Media.

Are you leveraging the latest advancements in AI to transform and future-proof your trade business?

In an era where digital transformation is pivotal across all industries, staying updated with technological advancements is crucial. The same is true for the trade industry, where integrating AI can bring about unprecedented efficiencies.

In this episode, you’ll learn about the evolving landscape of digital marketing for trade professionals. Lynn is joined by Andrew Jenkins, Founder of the digital marketing agency Catalyst RVA, to explore the impact of AI on marketing strategies for trades business - like plumbing, heating, and electrical.

From leveraging AI tools to optimizing search engine results, Andrew sheds light on practical tips and strategies that can help your trade business stay competitive and efficient.

This episode is packed with actionable advice for small business owners looking to make the most of AI in their operations. Don’t miss these insights… or you may soon be left in the dust!

On this episode of Transforming the Trades, Lynn and Andrew discuss:

• The role of AI in digital marketing

• How small business owners can leverage AI starting today

• The evolving role of marketing agencies in the AI era

• Tips for utilizing AI for content creation and marketing

• Why you need to document processes for AI integration

• Critical considerations when using AI tools

• The importance of balancing traditional methods with AI advancements

• Predictions and upcoming trends in 2024 and beyond

Actionable Key Takeaways for Trades Operators:

• Document Your Processes: Just like in the trades, law firms should thoroughly document all standard operating procedures to identify areas where AI can be implemented effectively.

• Start Small: Begin integrating AI with smaller, repetitive tasks such as email automation or content ideation to ease into more advanced applications.

• Stay Informed and Test: Continuously stay updated on the latest AI tools and trends. Test these tools to find which ones bring tangible benefits without compromising quality.

• Maintain Human Oversight: Ensure a human touch remains in areas critical to client satisfaction and legal accuracy. AI can assist, but it should not replace human judgment and expertise entirely.

• Optimize Marketing Efforts: Leverage AI for creating eye-catching visuals and generating marketing content, but always review outputs for quality and consistency with your firm's voice.

The resources mentioned in this episode are:

• Learn more about Andrew’s business, Catalyst RVA: https://catalystrva.com

• Check them out on social media: @catalystrva

• Connect with Andrew on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-lee-jenkins

• Email Andrew: andrew@catalystrva.com

👍 If you liked this episode, please rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, and be sure to hit the subscribe button! 🔔

📊Looking for more assets to optimize your operations, customer service, and financial practices? Download my free resource filled with 13 top resources for growing your business. Sign up here: https://transformingthetrades.net/.

More content from Lynn:

Transforming the Trades Podcast Website: https://transformingthetrades.net

Contractor in Charge Website: https://contractorincharge.com

This episode was produced and brought to you by Reignite Media.

AI has the potential to save HVAC technicians up to five hours per week, ultimately boosting productivity and profitability! Not only that, but real-time data and AI integration can transform the way technicians and distributors handle inventory and procurement problems.

How? Tune in to find out about one of the most revolutionary apps in the HVAC industry!

In this episode, Lynn sits down with Matt Case, SVP of Growth at Bluon, an app empowering the HVAC industry through time savings, data, and innovation. Today, Matt and Lynn explore the transformative impact of technology and AI in the HVAC industry. They highlight how synchronizing databases and roadmaps can solve pressing inventory and procurement challenges, emphasizing the necessity for real-time pricing and availability in our ever-dynamic world.

Matt also discusses Bluon’s strategic integration with ServiceTitan — a key player in the residential tech sphere — and how it can revolutionize the efficiency of technicians by automating administrative tasks and increasing revenue.

Stay tuned to learn about Bluon’s intuitive software solutions tailored for seasoned technicians, the seamless onboarding experience, and more revolutionary changes coming to the HVAC industry.

Whether you're a business owner, contractor, or technician, this episode is packed with crucial insights and practical solutions to empower you to do your best work!

In this episode of Transforming the Trades, Lynn and Matt discuss:

• How Bluon is revolutionizing the HVAC industry

• How synchronization can help you solve inventory and procurement issues

• The beneficial impact of AI on tech support

• The Bluon - ServiceTitan integration: What it means for your company

• Practical benefits of AI integration in home service businesses

• How AI can boost technician efficiency and revenue

Actionable Key Takeaways for Trades Operators:

• Bluon’s AI platform handles over 150,000 live tech support calls and provides answers to more than 1,000 questions daily. This impressive figure is based on real interactions with service techs, ensuring that solutions are practical and user-friendly!

• Real-time data integration can drastically reduce the time spent on non-revenue tasks, freeing technicians to focus on skilled work.

• AI-driven tech support enhances real-time problem-solving, leading to better job efficiency and customer satisfaction.

• Integrating inventory management tools with platforms like ServiceTitan can streamline procurement processes and ensure seamless operations.

• Empowering technicians with intuitive, user-friendly software can significantly improve service quality and operational efficiency.

• Understanding and utilizing these innovative tools can lead to substantial revenue increases and competitive advantages in the industry.

The resources mentioned in this episode are:

• Learn more about Bluon: https://www.bluon.com

• Connect with Matt on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-case-986199a7

👍 If you liked this episode, please rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, and be sure to hit the subscribe button! 🔔

📊Looking for more assets to optimize your operations, customer service, and financial practices? Download my free resource filled with 13 top resources for growing your business. Sign up here: https://transformingthetrades.net.

More content from Lynn:

Transforming the Trades Podcast Website: https://transformingthetrades.net

Podcast YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TransformingtheTradesPodcast

Contractor in Charge Website: https://contractorincharge.com/

This episode was produced and brought to you by Reignite Media.

If you’re feeling stagnant in your trade business and need a boost, or you’re feeling like your company isn’t receiving the attention it deserves, public relations should be your next area of focus.

With the right PR, your company can go from being easily forgotten to never forgotten again. It can provide you with the exposure you need to attract new customers, position your company as a trusted local expert, and give you tools to grow and scale for years to come.

In this episode, Lynn welcomes Heather Ripley, CEO and Founder of Ripley PR, a public relations agency serving national B2B clients in construction, franchising, healthcare IT, home services, manufacturing, and technology. Heather has been in the skilled trades industry, specifically HVAC, plumbing, and electrical, for 16 years, which has given her a strong passion for helping business owners like you thrive.

PR is a totally different ball game than marketing and advertising. It tugs on the heart strings of your local community and shows them a different, more relatable side to the people behind your business. These are the stories that can elevate contractors like you and position you as a reliable expert in your community.

In this episode of Transforming the Trades, Lynn and Heather discuss:

• The top 3 trends contractors should be aware of.

• How to use PR to stand out as an expert contractor in your local market.

• How Ripley PR is using AI and why they’re very cautious of using it for content creation.

• How AI can improve customer service & How to prevent AI from harming your business.

• Should I have an AI customer service agent for my home service business?

• How does PR benefit contractors?

• What PR strategies are successful for home service businesses in 2024?

  
  

Actionable Key Takeaways for Trades Operators:

• With more of Gen Z skipping college, contractors have a major opportunity to be visible to potential candidates and prepared to offer the proper onboarding and.

• Technology is changing and home service businesses can benefit from AI. “We don’t yet know exactly how AI is going to impact the industry, but it’s definitely something to watch,” Heather says.

• Before implementing AI for customer service or investing additional funds in AI-driven marketing, it is crucial to understand the potential consequences. Perhaps investing in PR is the smarter, better choice!

• Sharing stories of charitable giving can benefit your home service business by attracting local attention. Additionally, it helps the charitable organization gain PR that they may not be able to afford.

• Even if you don’t think you have news to share or stories to tell, you most likely do! Reach out to Heather or another PR professional to uncover your next PR strategy.

The resources mentioned in this episode are:

• Get in touch with Ripley PR: https://ripleypr.com

• Connect with Heather on LinkedIn

• Email her: hripley@ripleypr.com

👍 If you liked this episode, please rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, and be sure to hit the subscribe button! 🔔

📊Looking for more assets to optimize your operations, customer service, and financial practices? Download my free resource filled with 13 top resources for growing your business. Sign up here: https://transformingthetrades.net.

More content from Lynn:

Transforming the Trades Podcast Website: https://transformingthetrades.net

Podcast YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TransformingtheTradesPodcast

Contractor in Charge Website: https://contractorincharge.com

This episode was produced and brought to you by Reignite Media.

As technology evolves and becomes more vital to trade businesses’ success, don’t fall behind and get lost in the dust of companies who are adapting and growing WITH technology!

Today, you’ll learn exactly how technology is advancing the trades like never before AND how you can use technology to pivot, grow, and transform your trade business.

In this episode, Lynn is joined by Jason Abbott, Head Business Coach at Business Development Resources (BDR), a coaching organization on a mission to help companies become more profitable through better culture, efficiencies, technologies, and more.

Jason has been in the trades for 35 years, so he’s bringing to the table a wealth of knowledge on how to grow and develop an efficient, profitable trade business in 2024 and beyond.

Don’t get left behind! It’s time to hop on the bandwagon and get learning. Tune in now to learn how to level up your business today and keep serving your community for years to come.

On this episode of Transforming the Trades, Lynn and Jason discuss:

• Why technology is crucial for creating efficiency in your business.

• Essential technologies you need for your trade business.

• How businesses are using VR to train employees and technicians.

• Innovations in trade equipment and technology.

• How automation benefits trade businesses and supports business growth.

• How to elevate your customer experience: Combining field service management with CRM.

• How to become a master at CRM.

• Pivot points you should pay attention to in the next 1-2 years (hint: AI and automation!)

Actionable Key Takeaways for Trades Operators:

• Scheduling software is the heartbeat of operations. If you implement efficiency tools and automation, especially in processes like scheduling and CRM, your business will grow and improve drastically.

• To become a master at CRM, you have to nurture your leads, customers, and workflows. This requires a significant pivot if you don’t already focus on CRM.

• Before focusing on getting more leads or customers (which requires money!), try to nurture the ones you already have so they covert and stay loyal.

• Many of the basics of Yellow Pages advertising have carried through to modern digital advertising. Ranking and keywords are just as important.

The resources mentioned in this episode are:

• Get more support and business resources from BDR: www.bdrco.com

• Connect with Jason on LinkedIn

• Email him: jasonabbott@bdrco.com

👍 If you liked this episode, please rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, and be sure to hit the subscribe button! 🔔

📊Looking for more assets to optimize your operations, customer service, and financial practices? Download my free resource filled with 13 top resources for growing your business. Sign up here: https://transformingthetrades.net/.

More content from Lynn:

Transforming the Trades Podcast Website: https://transformingthetrades.net/

Podcast YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TransformingtheTradesPodcast

Contractor in Charge Website: https://contractorincharge.com/

This episode was produced and brought to you by Reignite Media.

Today’s guest has grown his plumbing and excavation business by 400% in the last 5 years, putting him in a great position to scale. How? Through intensive training and education. Now, he’s ready to add electrical, HVAC, and more training programs to his academy so he can keep transforming the trades in his region.

In this episode, Lynn speaks with Richard Hart, the Founder of Harts Services and Harts Academy, about how he’s inspiring innovation and leadership in the next generation of trades professionals.

Harts Academy is teaching plumbing, electrical, and HVAC apprentices the leadership skills, technical skills, and customer service skills needed to succeed in the trades. Above all, they’re training apprentices to show up professionally and thrive both independently and as part of a team.

Richard is an innovative leader that exudes genuine servitude. So you’re in for some fantastic insights. Listen in to learn how Harts Academy is transforming the next generation of tradespeople in Washington!

On this episode of Transforming the Trades, Lynn and Richard discuss:

• Richard’s approach to training open-minded, innovative tradespeople.

• About Harts Academy: How it’s shaping the next generation of plumbers.

• How to inspire innovation and leadership in the trade industry.

• Why Harts apprentices are so successful after getting out into the field for the first time.

• Why customer service is a key part of training.

• KPIs for Trainees: How to measure the growth and success of apprentices.

• Harts Services’ pay structure for new plumbers.

• Are there other trade academies similar to Harts Academy?

• Would you consult another trade business on how to train their apprentices?

Actionable Key Takeaways for Trades Operators:

• After one year of apprenticeship, it’s time to get your apprentices out into the field. At the one year mark, they’ll be able to figure out if they’re going to stay where they are or if they need to go somewhere else that will let them do more.

• Customer service training should be intensive. Whether it’s new construction or an old home, you should treat it with more respect than you treat your own home.

• Paying it forward is what makes the world, and the trade industry, keep improving. The way you’re going to make your company #1 is by paying it forward to your trainees/employees.

The resources mentioned in this episode are:

• Learn more about Hart’s Services’ & The Harts Academy: www.hartsservices.com/academy-apprentice-program

• Connect with Richard on LinkedIn

• Questions? Text or voice message him: (253)-342-5639

• Email him: rhart@hartsservices.com

👍 If you liked this episode, please rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, and be sure to hit the subscribe button! 🔔

📊Looking for more assets to optimize your operations, customer service, and financial practices? Download my free resource filled with 13 top resources for growing your business. Sign up here: https://transformingthetrades.net/.

More content from Lynn:

Transforming the Trades Podcast Website: https://transformingthetrades.net/

Podcast YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TransformingtheTradesPodcast
Contractor in Charge Website: https://contractorincharge.com/

This episode was produced and brought to you by Reignite Media.

Are you a service-based business that’s struggling to develop great leaders and retain employees? We have the advice you need to start making a change! To optimize your company’s future leadership takes specialized training and personal development, which today’s guest is an expert in.

In this episode, Lynn speaks with Clifton Savage, CEO and Founder Service Leaders Society, who’s dedicated to helping you become a great leader, and attract, train, and retain the best people for your company.

Service Leaders Society’s mission is to transform executive-level leaders and help them develop effective leaders in middle management and frontline management. Whether you own an HVAC, roofing, or manufacturing company, you can certainly benefit from the leadership tools and training that Service Leaders Society has to offer.

Listen in to learn the tricks of the trade and start multiplying leadership throughout your company!

On this episode of Transforming the Trades, Lynn and Clifton discuss:

• Pivot points leaders need to pay attention to as the trades industry evolves into the future.

• Signs your leadership isn’t effective.

• The specific leadership tools and training you need to invest in as a business owner in the trades.

• How does a leader become a leader of service to their employees?

• How to successfully implement servant leadership in your trade business

• Why aren’t my employees trying to invest in their own leadership development?

Actionable Key Takeaways for Trades Operators:

• Generational shifts in the trades will impact everything, especially leadership. We need to empower the next generation to fill the gaps in leadership from previous generations.

• Focus on investing in tools and training that develop an empathetic servant leadership mindset, where the leaders are serving the employees, not the other way around.

• When implementing new leadership changes, you must get rid of the company-wide mindset of “this isn’t going to work” or “this isn’t going to last long, they’ll drop it soon”. Strive to implement leadership principles that are simple, yet effective changes. Remember, change starts at the top!

• To boost employee buy-in, identify champions of your leadership programs that will lead by example. Start with 5-10.

The resources mentioned in this episode are:

• Learn more about Service Leaders Society: www.serviceleaderssociety.com

• Connect with Clifton on LinkedIn

• Email him: clifton@sls.tools

👍 If you liked this episode, please rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, and be sure to hit the subscribe button! 🔔

📊Looking for more assets to optimize your operations, customer service, and financial practices? Download my free resource filled with 13 top resources for growing your business. Sign up here: https://transformingthetrades.net.

More content from Lynn:

Transforming the Trades Podcast Website: https://transformingthetrades.net

Podcast YouTube Channel: https://youtube.com/@transformingthetradespodcast

Contractor in Charge Website: https://contractorincharge.com

This episode was produced and brought to you by Reignite Media.