Service MVP Sales Training Podcast with Joe Crisara

40 Episodes
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By: Service MVP

I’m America’s Service Sales coach Joe Crisara, and I’ve been down the same path. For nearly 45 years, I performed services for clients just like yours, and like you, I suffered frustration & heartbreak, and I poured out the blood, sweat & tears it takes to survive. Over time, I learned to change how I did things so I got more traction and better results.

Lessons in Leadership, Loyalty & Legacy with Eric Fleckstein of WiseWay Plumbing
Yesterday at 11:00 PM

In this episode of the Service MVP Podcast, host Ethan Ralphs welcomes Eric Fleckstein, owner of Wiseway Plumbing, a plumbing veteran with 25 years of experience and over 20 years leading his own successful company.

Eric shares his unique journey into the trades, his "customer-first" philosophy, and how he instills a culture of excellence and care within his team. This conversation goes beyond pipes and wrenches, diving deep into leadership, mentorship, and the invaluable life lessons learned in the service industry.

What You'll Learn:
✅ Eric's foundational philosophy of always doing the job ri...


What Private Equity REALLY Looks For in Service Businesses with Gary Singleton of Apex Service Partners
06/25/2025

In this episode of the Service MVP Podcast, Joe Crisera, America's Service Sales Coach, sits down with Gary Singleton from Apex Service Partners for an incredibly insightful conversation.

Gary shares his remarkable journey, from scaling his own service business (twice!) to becoming a key figure in private equity, focusing on how Apex empowers companies and their people. He reveals the true heart behind Apex's investment strategy and offers invaluable advice for contractors considering acquisition or seeking growth opportunities.

What You'll Learn:
Gary's personal journey of building and selling hi...


Why Your Service Business Needs TikTok (and More!): Navigating the New Era of Marketing ft Chris Fleckstein
06/18/2025

In this episode of the Service MVP Podcast, our Marketing Director, Ethan Ralphs, sits down with Chris Fleckstein from WiseWay Plumbing to discuss the crucial foundational steps for marketing success in the home services industry.

Chris shares how he transformed his dad's word-of-mouth plumbing business into a modern, recognizable brand, emphasizing the evolution of marketing from traditional methods to cutting-edge digital strategies. He highlights the "why" behind establishing a strong brand, the growing importance of social media presence (especially on platforms like TikTok!), and the pitfalls to avoid when implementing new technologies.
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Why Your Service Business Needs TikTok (and More!): Navigating the New Era of Marketing and Customer Acquisition ft. Chris Fleckstein
06/17/2025

In this episode of the Service MVP Podcast, our Marketing Director, Ethan Ralphs, sits down with Chris Fleckstein from WiseWay Plumbing to discuss the crucial foundational steps for marketing success in the home services industry. 

Chris shares how he transformed his dad's word-of-mouth plumbing business into a modern, recognizable brand, emphasizing the evolution of marketing from traditional methods to cutting-edge digital strategies. He highlights the "why" behind establishing a strong brand, the growing importance of social media presence (especially on platforms like TikTok!), and the pitfalls to avoid when implementing new technologies.

What You'll Learn:


From Hotel Front Desk to Plumbing Pro: Hannah's Journey & The Power of Soft Skills
06/10/2025

In this episode of the Service MVP Podcast, our Marketing Director, Ethan Ralphs, sits down with Hanna Thomas-Hofmann from The Clear Choice Plumbing. Currently excelling in our Total Immersion program, Hannah shares her fascinating journey from a hospitality career to becoming a skilled plumber, starting as a "COVID plumber" and discovering a passion and purpose she never expected. 

What You'll Learn:
✅ How Hanna transitioned from a "bored and anxious" hotel job to finding empowerment and increased earning potential in plumbing.
✅ The surprising mental health benefits and confidence boost that came with working in the trades.
✅...


Build a Business That Runs Without You | Joe Crisara & Al Levi on Systems That Scale
06/04/2025

What happens when two of the most respected minds in home service—Joe Crisara and Al Levi—sit down for a brutally honest talk about what really makes a business recession-proof, scalable, and team-driven?

In this episode of the Service MVP Podcast, they dig deep into why most companies stay stuck in chaos, and how to escape it through documented systems, training, and leadership that builds a real team—not a mess of disconnected individuals.

What You'll Learn:
✅ Why “winging it” kills consistency, trust, and growth
✅ The difference between SOPs and actual playbooks
✅ How to e...


Why Your Home Service Marketing Isn’t Working (And How to Fix It) with Ethan Ralphs
05/12/2025

Grab a free copy of Joe Crisara’s book, What Should We Do?, and start transforming your sales today! book.servicemvp.com

Are you stuck offering discounts just to get calls? In this episode of the Service MVP Podcast, Joe Crisara and Ethan Ralphs dive deep into why most marketing strategies fail home service businesses—and how to fix them. Learn why your sales and marketing must work together, what real marketing looks like (hint: it’s not just running ads), and how to turn everyday work into powerful content that drives trust and leads. Stop guessing and st...


The Power of Perception with Maggie Swift
04/29/2025

Learn how to master brand perception and drive customer loyalty in this episode of the Service MVP Podcast, hosted by Joe Crisara, America’s Service Sales Coach. Joined by Maggie Swift, founder of Unframed Digital, Joe dives deep into how branding, SEO, and thought leadership can transform your home service business.

What You’ll Learn:

Why strong brand leadership is essential for building trust and closing sales.How SEO-driven thought leadership attracts higher-quality leads.Practical steps to protect and grow your brand in a competitive market.

This podcast is packed with acti...


Recession-Proof Your Business
04/22/2025

Learn how to price your services for maximum profit in this episode of the Service MVP Podcast, hosted by Joe Crisara, America’s Service Sales Coach. Joined by Ethan Ralphs, Joe breaks down the four pillars of recession-proof pricing and reveals how to boost profits, close more deals, and create lifelong customers in the home service industry.

What You’ll Learn:

Why 25% net profit is essential to growing a sustainable service businessHow to calculate your true billable hourly rate (and why most contractors are way off)Proven pricing strategies like the premium-midrange-economy mode...


Mindset Of A Warrior with Kevin Hill and Jason Noel
04/15/2025

🎯 Recession-Proof Your Business LIVE event on April 25th — either in person or via livestream here: 
https://go.servicemvp.com/recession-proof-your-business

Learn how to build an unstoppable service business in this episode of the Service MVP Podcast, hosted by Joe Crisara, America’s Service Sales Coach. Joined by Kevin Hill and Jason Noel from CEO Warrior, Joe dives deep into the mindset, systems, and sales strategies that create high-performing teams and recession-proof businesses.

What You’ll Learn:

Why simplicity and consistency drive success in the trades.

How to build a culture of account...


Rilla MVP CSI: Who Killed Our Sales Opportunity with CJ Fitzsimons
04/08/2025

Learn how to coach your service team with AI like a pro in this episode of the Service MVP Podcast, hosted by Joe Crisara, America’s Service Sales Coach. Joined by Master Coach CJ Fitzsimons, Joe reveals how to use Rilla AI to analyze real calls, coach in real time, and create a culture of performance, accountability, and support in the home service industry.

What You’ll Learn:

How AI is transforming technician coaching and post-call reviews

The power of Service MVP Trackers to build consistent success

How to prioritize technician feed...


Turn Your Fleet Vehicles Into Digital Ad Machines With Cory Moskowitz
04/01/2025

Learn how to turn branded trucks into digital magnets for leads in this episode of the Service MVP Podcast, hosted by Joe Crisara, America’s Service Sales Coach. Joined by Cory Moskowitz of FleetWrx, Joe uncovers a groundbreaking strategy that blends real-world visibility with digital retargeting to generate more calls and higher revenue.

What You’ll Learn:

How to transform your service trucks into hyper-local marketing tools.

The power of mobile ad ID tracking and digital remarketing.

Why branding congruency between trucks and digital ads boosts lead conversion.

This podc...


The Core of Hiring Success with Ryan Englin
03/25/2025

Learn how to attract and retain the best employees in this episode of the Service MVP Podcast, hosted by Joe Crisara, America’s Service Sales Coach. Joined by Ryan Englin from Core Matters, Joe delves into proven recruitment systems that help blue-collar businesses scale and grow by hiring and keeping top talent.

What You’ll Learn:

The biggest mistakes contractors make when hiring and how to avoid them.

How to become the employer of choice and attract high-quality candidates.

Techniques for improving employee retention and building a strong company culture.

...


Diagnose The Person, Not Just The Problem with Donald Austin
03/18/2025

In this episode of the Service MVP Podcast, hosted by Joe Crisara, America’s Service Sales Coach, we’re diving deep into the art of diagnosing people, not just technical problems. Joe is joined by Donald Austin, a seasoned expert in home service sales, to explore how understanding the customer leads to better solutions, stronger relationships, and higher value sales.

What You’ll Learn:
✅ Why focusing only on technical issues is costing you sales.
✅ How to balance diagnosing the system vs. diagnosing the customer’s needs.
✅ The power of open-ended questions and how to use them effec...


Amplify Your Marketing Results with Andy Seeley
03/11/2025

Learn how to revolutionize your marketing and customer engagement in this episode of the Service MVP Podcast, hosted by Joe Crisara, America’s Service Sales Coach. Joined by Andy Seeley, CEO of Creatively Disruptive, Joe dives deep into how AI is transforming small business marketing, customer communication, and lead management.

What You’ll Learn:
✅ How AI-powered customer engagement can book more jobs and boost conversions
✅ Why responding to leads within 5 minutes is critical for securing customers
✅ How AI-powered messaging works across text, email, social media, and chatbots
✅ The cost savings of AI compared to hiring cu...


Brick By Brick with Cody McLeod
03/04/2025

In this episode of the Service MVP Podcast, host Joe Crisara, America’s Service Sales Coach, sits down with Cody McLeod, owner of Utility Plumbing in Rancho Cucamonga, CA, to discuss his philosophy on building a thriving plumbing business—"Brick by Brick." Cody shares how developing his team from the ground up has been the key to his success, creating a strong company culture and providing rewarding careers in the trades.

What You’ll Learn:
✅ Why hiring and training new talent is more effective than recruiting experienced employees
✅ How to develop a winning culture that attracts t...


Thriving In The Review Economy With Emily Washcovick From Yelp
02/25/2025

Learn how to elevate your business, improve client relationships, and explore new strategies for success in this episode of the Service MVP Podcast, hosted by Joe Crisara, America’s Service Sales Coach. Joined by Emily Waskovic from Yelp, Joe discusses how Yelp has become an invaluable tool for service businesses to build credibility, connect with customers, and leverage reviews to grow their companies.

What You’ll Learn:

- How service businesses can use customer reviews to enhance their reputation and build trust.

- The importance of responding to both positive and negative reviews to s...


Grow Your Sales By Creating Options with George Colon
02/18/2025

Learn how to create higher value and drive explosive growth in your home service business in this episode of the Service MVP Podcast, hosted by Joe Crisara, America’s Service Sales Coach. In this conversation, Joe sits down with George Colon from iComfort, a 30-year veteran in the heating and air conditioning industry who transformed his stagnant revenue into explosive growth by mastering the art of authentic client connections.

What You’ll Learn:

• How to leverage pure motive service to build genuine relationships with customers and employees.
• The power of offering multiple options...


Plumbing Call By Call Success with James Bailey
02/11/2025

Join Joe Crisara, America’s Service Sales Coach, as he sits down with James Bailey from Bailey Plumbing to break down how call-by-call management is revolutionizing the plumbing industry. Traditionally seen as an HVAC technique, James explains why this system is just as powerful for plumbers, electricians, and other home service professionals.

What You’ll Learn:

-  How call-by-call management enhances quality control and customer service
-  The impact of structured coaching on technician performance and revenue
-  Why detailed observations lead to better solutions and higher sales
-  How AI-powered tools like Ril...


Episode 104 - Building Better Client Connections with Rocky Lozano
02/04/2025

In this episode of the Service MVP Podcast, host Joe Crisara sits down with Rocky Lozano, owner of Air One Services, to discuss the power of building lasting client relationships in the home service industry. Rocky shares how he has instilled a culture of care, active listening, and personal connection within his family-run HVAC business—leading to higher trust, stronger customer loyalty, and increased revenue.

What You’ll Learn:

- Why genuine customer connections are the key to long-term success.

- How investing time in listening can increase service value.

- The...


Episode 103 - Using The Beginners Mindset To Succeed with Tim Brown
01/28/2025

Learn how to master the beginner’s mindset for success in this episode of the Service MVP Podcast, hosted by Joe Crisara, America’s Service Sales Coach. Joe is joined by Tim Brown, founder of Hook Agency, to explore how curiosity, authenticity, and a service-first approach can transform your business and client relationships. Tim shares his journey from web designer to marketing leader, offering powerful insights for home service professionals.

What You’ll Learn:

- Why adopting a beginner’s mindset enhances customer interactions.

- How to leverage storytelling to create authentic connections.


Episode 102 - The Service Of Handling Objections with Chris Calamusa
01/22/2025

Learn how to handle sales objections like a pro in this episode of the Service MVP Podcast, hosted by Joe Crisara, America’s Service Sales Coach. Joined by Service MVP Lead Coach Chris Calamusa, Joe dives deep into proven strategies for overcoming objections, building trust, and closing more deals in the home service industry.

What You’ll Learn:

The difference between real objections and smoke screens.
How to boost customer confidence and guide decisions.
Practical techniques to turn “no” into “yes” using storytelling and active listening.
This podcast is packed with actionable insights to...


Episode 101 - 3 Keys To Building Your Employees Personal Brand In Your Service Business With Julie Crisara
01/14/2025

Hello, everyone! I'm Joe Crisara, America's Service Sales Coach, and I am thrilled to have you join us for this episode of the Service MVP Podcast. Today, we have an incredibly special guest—someone who has been instrumental in shaping Service MVP into the powerhouse it is today. She’s one of the founders, the CEO, and one of my closest friends—my bestie, Julie Crisara! 🎉

In this episode, Julie and I dive into a fascinating and timely topic: building the personal brand of employees within a service business. Whether you're a business owner looking to elevate your team...


Episode 100 - Service Success Stories with Dan Antonelli from Kickcharge
01/10/2025

Welcome to the Service MVP Podcast!

In this episode, host Joe Crisara, America’s Service Sales Coach, welcomes his dear friend Dan Antonelli, founder and CEO of KickCharge Creative. Together, they dive into the transformative power of branding and how it fuels business success. From Dan's early days hand-lettering service vans in Staten Island to becoming an industry icon and trusted partner for some of the biggest names in home services, this episode is packed with insights and inspiration.

What to Expect:

Dan's Journey: From a teenage sign painter to a...


Episode 99 - The Importance of Level 1 Training For Your Company with Joe Crisara
12/31/2024

Welcome to the Service MVP Podcast with Joe Crisara, America's Service Sales Coach! Each week, we dive into transformative lessons designed to elevate your business. In this episode, we explore The Importance of Level 1 Training For Your Company —the foundation for integrating new employees into your company and creating a world-class client experience.

Discover why proper training is the key to success, how to avoid costly mistakes, and how Service MVP's proven methods can help you unlock your team's full potential. From pure motive service to the science of persuasion and pricing, this episode outlines a step-by-step bl...


Episode 99 - The Importance of Level One Coaching for Your Company with Joe Crisara
#103
12/30/2024

Welcome to the Service MVP Podcast hosted by America's Service Sales Coach, Joe Crisara. In this insightful episode, we dive deep into "The Importance of Level One Training for Your Company." Discover how Level One Training acts as the cornerstone for orienting new employees, instilling world-class client communication, and driving company success.

Explore the critical elements of this training, from creating a standard of care and reliability to mastering the science of pricing and persuasion. Learn why companies that implement structured Level 1 Training outperform those who do not, and how this foundational training can transform both employees...


Episode 97 - The Culture Code with Dr. Clotaire Rapaille
12/24/2024

Welcome to the Service MVP Podcast! | Episode #97 - The Culture Code with Dr. Clotaire Rapaille

In today’s episode of the Service MVP Podcast, America's Service Sales Coach Joe Crisara sits down with one of his greatest heroes in the world of influence and persuasion, Dr. Clotaire Rapaille, the renowned author of The Culture Code. Dr. Rapaille has helped guide Fortune 100 and Fortune 500 companies to success and was a key player in the development of products like the PT Cruiser. He shares insights into the subconscious cultural triggers that influence behavior and how these principles can be ap...


Episode 98 - The Culture Code with Author Clotaire Rapaille
#102
12/23/2024

Welcome to the Service MVP Podcast, where America's Service Sales Coach, Joe Crisara, converses with Dr. Clotaire Rapaille , renowned author of "The Culture Code." Join us as Dr. Rapaille shares insights on understanding subconscious cultural triggers that influence behavior, and how they apply to blue-collar businesses like heating, air conditioning, and plumbing services.

Discover why the best service anticipates customer needs even before they arise, ensuring a smooth and worry-free experience. Dive into the concept of the reptilian brain, the primal force that governs decision-making and survival instincts, and learn how tapping into it can dramatically improve...


Episode 97 - Call By Call Masterclass with Joe Crisara Presented by Rilla
#101
12/16/2024

Welcome to the Service MVP Podcast, a comprehensive guide to discovering the future of service management. Hosted by America's Service Sales Coach, Joe Crisara, this episode dives deep into the evolution of service management, tracing its journey from the 1970s to the modern day. With over four decades of industry experience, Joe shares invaluable insights on call-by-call management, supported by partners Rilla's state-of-the-art analytics software.

Join Joe and special guest from Rilla, Arnav Pawar as they explore the seamless integration and mutual benefits of using both Service MVP and Rilla together. Discover how these pioneering tools can...


Episode 96 - 3 Tips To Effective Business Leadership Secrets with Chloe Davis
#100
12/09/2024

Join America's Service Sales Coach, Joe Crisara, as he engages in a captivating conversation with Chloe Davis from Express Services, Nampa, Idaho. As a rising leader and CEO of Express Services, Chloe shares her remarkable journey of taking the reins of her family's business and the pivotal moments that shaped her leadership style.

In this insightful episode, Chloe reveals her top tips for effective service business leadership, emphasizing the importance of intrinsic motivation, setting clear expectations, and the power of making policies the foundation for progress, not personal emotions. Chloe and Joe discuss the impact of personal...


Episode 95 - 3 Mistakes That Companies Make: Key Lessons from Travis Smith
#99
12/02/2024

Welcome to the Service MVP Podcast, hosted by America's Service Sales Coach, Joe Crisara. In this insightful episode, Joe is joined by Travis Smith of Sky Services, a leading service company based in Portland, Oregon. Together, they dive into the critical mistakes service businesses often make and how to avoid them, drawing from Travis's vast experience and success story.

Hear Travis's journey from working in his father's company to owning and transforming it into a thriving business. Discover the importance of having accurate financial management, resisting the lure of shiny new ventures, and hiring competent coaches for...


Episode 94 - Unlocking Success with Tommy Mello: A Home Service Revolution
#98
11/25/2024

Join us on a remarkable journey with Joe Crisara, America's Service Sales Coach, as he introduces Tommy Mello, an extraordinary entrepreneur in the home service industry. In this episode, Tommy shares his story from humble beginnings in the garage door business to leading the thriving A1 Garage enterprise with over 700 employees.

Tommy dives deep into the importance of having a detailed plan in both business and personal life, emphasizing that success stems from understanding your goals and systematically achieving them. Discover invaluable insights on building a connected company culture without walls and creating a place where your...


Episode 93 - Ken Goodrich - How AI is Revolutionizing the Service Industry
#97
11/18/2024

In this enlightening episode of the Service MVP Podcast, host Joe Crisara, America's Service Sales Coach, is joined by Ken Goodrich of Goettl Services. Together, they delve into the transformative impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on the service industry, discussing both current effects and future possibilities.

The conversation begins with insights into how AI is reshaping the role of service technicians, making troubleshooting more efficient and enhancing the skills of technicians by providing predictive insights. Ken and Joe explore how AI can streamline maintenance processes, making them more on-demand and efficient, ultimately benefiting both technicians and customers.<...


Episode 92 - Eat What You Kill with Sam Taggert - Unleashing the Power of Door-to-Door Sales
#96
11/11/2024

Welcome to the Service MVP Podcast, hosted by America's Service Sales Coach, Joe Crisara. In this insightful episode, Joe is joined by Sam Taggert from Door-to-Door Experts. Together, they explore the art of proactive salesmanship and the value of direct customer engagement.

Sam Taggert introduces his upcoming book, "Eat What You Kill," which emphasizes the importance of adopting a carnivore mentality in sales. Drawing from his extensive experience, Sam shares how this mindset empowers sales teams to actively hunt for opportunities rather than waiting for leads. He discusses the advantages of door-to-door sales, highlighting its ability to...


Episode 91 - The Catalytic Effect: Transforming Business with Ryan Bowman
#95
11/04/2024

Join America's Service Sales Coach, Joe Crisara, on the Service MVP Podcast as he welcomes Ryan Bowman from Catalyst Consulting. In this episode, Ryan shares her journey from venture capital to consulting and how her unique perspective can create multiples of success for businesses.

Discover Ryan's insights on valuing businesses beyond mere numbers and understanding the crucial role people play in any enterprise. She challenges the notion that business is "just business" and emphasizes the personal and emotional impact of every decision.

Explore the different paths businesses can take, whether it's building a legacy, seeking...


Episode 90 - The Subconscious Sales Advantages With Paul Ross
#94
10/28/2024

In this captivating episode of the Service MVP Podcast, host Joe Crisara is joined by special guest Paul Ross, an expert in subconscious selling, master hypnotist, and renowned author. Together, they explore the art of using subconscious techniques to enhance sales and build unbreakable rapport with clients. Discover how to get clients to sell themselves and add significant value to your bottom line.

Paul shares his insights on the importance of language and the power of suggestion in creating a compelling sales narrative. Learn the four crucial words to include in your sales pitch to establish trust...


Episode 89- Unleashing Sales Potential: How Rilla Builds Sales Results For ProStar
#93
10/21/2024

In this insightful episode of the Service MVP Podcast, host Joe Crisara, America's Service Sales Coach, sits down with Brian McDermott from ProStar Plumbing. They delve into the transformative power of using Rilla AI and Service MVP to exponentially boost sales. Brian shares his journey of implementing these tools to enhance his team's performance, skyrocketing their sales figures beyond expectations.

Discover how Rilla AI is being used to fine-tune sales processes and foster a culture of continuous improvement among technicians. Brian explains the initial skepticism from his team and how it evolved into a self-coaching tool that...


Episode 88 - The Three Secrets to Creating High-Value Service
#92
10/14/2024

Welcome to the Service MVP Podcast, hosted by America's service sales coach, Joe Crisara. In this episode, Joe is joined by his esteemed guest, Rick Picard, to uncover the three secrets of creating high-value service that can set premium service companies apart from the competition.

The discussion kicks off with the first secret: functionality. Joe and Rick delve into the importance of demonstrating functionality when presenting to clients, emphasizing the need to be well-prepared and equipped to provide immediate solutions. They highlight how ensuring everything is functional, from scheduling to presenting prices, is crucial to maintaining high...


Episode 87 - Implement A Marketing Growth Strategy with John Jantsch
#91
09/23/2024

Welcome to the Service MVP Podcast! In this episode, host Joe Crisara, America's Service Sales Coach, sits down with marketing guru John Jantsch from Duct Tape Marketing. John shares his journey and insights on how to successfully market home service businesses. Discover the essence of a solid marketing strategy, the importance of understanding your ideal customer, and how to effectively use reviews and referrals to grow your business. Don't miss this episode packed with practical advice and proven strategies to elevate your marketing game and achieve greater success in the service industry.

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Episode 86 - Sales Contrarian with Lee Salz
#89
09/16/2024

Welcome to the Service MVP Podcast, hosted by Joe Crisara, America's Service Sales Coach. In this insightful episode, Joe is joined by esteemed colleague Lee Salz, a renowned sales contrarian and author. Despite knowing each other for 12 years, this marks their first face-to-face discussion, making the conversation even more special.

Lee shares his unique perspectives on sales, emphasizing the importance of empathetic expertise and understanding the emotional needs of clients. He recounts a touching story about a recent experience with a veterinary service, illustrating the significance of compassionate communication in sales.

The discussion dives deep...