Plumbing & HVAC Hustle Podcast

40 Episodes
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By: HookAgency.com

Guests on leadership, sales, and marketing. HVAC and Plumbing podcast for the growth-mode HVAC and Plumbing business owners, leaders and business development teams.

Don't Scale Chaos: A Clear Path to $10M /w Chuck Staszkiewicz
#104
Today at 12:00 PM

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Most home service owners plateau because they try to scale chaos instead of systems. In this episode, Chuck Staszkiewicz breaks down the mindsets, cadence, and leadership frameworks that actually move an HVAC/plumbing company from $5–$7M moguls to a clean path to $10M—without burning out your team. We cover letting go vs. micromanaging, the 1-3-1 decision method, running a monthly Shareholder Day, and how to avoid chasing shiny playbooks. If you’re stuck in fie...


Growing an HVAC Company on TikTok w/ Derek Cormier
#102
09/10/2025

HVAC owner Derek Cormier (Climate Experts) breaks down how entertainment-first short-form content drives real business: recruiting, sales, and brand trust. We cover AI workflows (Zapier → OpenAI), TikTok hooks, personal vs. company pages, TBO (Total Brand Optimization), and why “fun + thorough” beats cookie-cutter posts. If you market plumbing/HVAC/electrical, this playbook will help you grow faster and hire better.

What you’ll learn:
- Entertainment → education → conversion content ladder
- Personal branding that recruits A-players (60%+ of applicants from social)
- Local list building for AEO/AI search wins
- AI tools to buy back time an...


Selling HVAC Online Vs. Selling in Person (Pro's + Con's)
#101
09/03/2025

Selling HVAC Online vs. In Person: Pros & Cons with Marko Sipila
Should HVAC companies put pricing online—or stick to in-home sales? In this episode, Tim Brown sits down with Marko Sipila, founder of QuoteDaddy, to break down the future of HVAC sales.

You’ll learn:

Why 97% of website visitors leave without contacting youHow online pricing tools can increase lead volume & qualityThe pros and cons of selling HVAC online vs. traditional salesWhy “range pricing” beats exact pricingHow tools like QuoteDaddy can help filter out tire kickers

Whether you’re running an HVAC or plumbing business...


How to Kill Your HVAC Company in 16 Weeks
#100
08/27/2025

How to Kill Your HVAC Company in 16 Weeks (and How to Save It) | Tim Cotten
What are the fastest ways to destroy your home service business—and how do you avoid them? In this eye-opening episode, Tim Brown talks with Tim Cotten, business coach and former HVAC owner, about the three most common mistakes that crush companies and how to flip them into growth strategies.

You’ll learn:

The real numbers you should track (and what “healthy profit” actually means)Why owners pull out of marketing too soonThe danger of squeezing too much profit too fastHow...


Can’t Find Plumbers or Techs? (How to Fix It)
#99
08/20/2025

Can’t Find Plumbers or Techs? Here’s How to Fix It | Go Green Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electrical
Struggling to find skilled plumbers or HVAC techs? You’re not alone. In this episode, Tim Brown sits down with Alicia and Peter Green, owners of Go Green Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electrical, to talk about the skilled labor shortage—and the creative strategies that are actually working.

You’ll learn:

Why the “talent shortage” is worse than most admitHow to grow your own techs with in-house trainingThe apprenticeship model that works in today’s marketHow company culture can make or brea...


How to Scale a Plumbing Business Down to Get More Profitable
#98
08/13/2025

Why Scaling DOWN Made This Plumbing Company More Profitable | Robbie Abruscati
Everyone talks about scaling up—but what if the real money is in scaling down? In this episode, Tim Brown sits down with Robbie Abruscati, owner of Paramount Plumbing Solutions, to talk about why he intentionally made his company smaller… and way more profitable.

You’ll learn:

Why chasing size can destroy margins

How to identify your most profitable work (and drop the rest)

The dangers of growing too fast in plumbing & HVAC

How Robbie doubled profits by sim...


7 Mistakes Adding HVAC to a Plumbing Company
#97
08/06/2025

7 Costly Mistakes Adding HVAC to a Plumbing Company | Go Green’s Hard Lessons
Thinking about adding HVAC to your plumbing business? Stop and watch this first. In this episode, Tim Brown sits down with Alicia and Peter Green, owners of Go Green Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electrical, to reveal the biggest mistakes they made expanding into HVAC—and what you need to do differently.

What you’ll learn:

Why HVAC and plumbing are NOT the same business modelThe mistake of underestimating support staff needsThe vendor relationships that make or break profitabilityWhy quick decision-making is critical when scalin...


$8M Plumber Shares His Plumbing Sales Process
#96
07/30/2025

$8M Plumber Shares His Exact Plumbing Sales Process (No Fluff)
How does one plumber sell $8 MILLION in plumbing services in a single year? In this episode, Tim Brown sits down with Jeff Cronin, founder of Prime Time Consulting, to break down the mindset, process, and tactics behind his record-breaking success.

You’ll learn:

The plumbing sales process that generated $8M

Why financing is the real hack (and how to sell it)

How to handle objections without sounding “salesy”

Why homeowners pay for peace of mind, not parts

The...


Thomas Pears on HVAC History, Badges + Trolling HVAC Facebook
#95
07/23/2025


HVAC Influencers vs. Industry Leaders + Scaling Habits
#94
07/16/2025

Tim Brown sits down with Landon Brewer, CEO of Platform Partners, a national home services company doing hundreds of millions in revenue, to unpack:

✅ The difference between influencers and real industry leaders
✅ How to spot scams and bad actors in the HVAC and plumbing space
✅ What KPIs and margins actually matter when scaling
✅ How to build a business with real enterprise value — whether or not you ever sell
✅ Why most companies don’t get to $20M in 40 years — and what to do differently


Landon also gives insight into platform companies, private equity d...


HVAC Influencers vs Industry Leaders + Scaling Habits
#94
07/16/2025

Tim sits down with Landon Brewer, CEO of Platform Partners — a national home services company doing hundreds of millions in revenue — to unpack:

✅ The difference between influencers and real industry leaders
✅ How to spot scams and bad actors in the HVAC and plumbing space
✅ What KPIs and margins actually matter when scaling
✅ How to build a business with real enterprise value — whether or not you ever sell
✅ Why most companies don’t get to $20M in 40 years — and what to do differently


Landon also gives insight into platform companies, private equity deals, and th...


HVAC Employee Engagement + Executive Presence w/ Mary Beldon-McGrath
#93
07/09/2025

In this episode of the HVAC Growth Engine Podcast, we sit down with Mary Beldon-McGrath, co-founder of Driven Leadership, to unpack how executive presence, authentic leadership, and employee engagement can radically shift your HVAC business culture and bottom line.


Mary shares:


Her powerful origin story in leadership developmentHow to unlock high engagement through emotional intelligenceThe hidden impact of imposter syndrome on ownersWhy presence isn’t about ego—but about purposeTactics to stop self-sabotage and build true accountability


🔥 Whether you’re a home service business owner, team leader, o...


Grow Your HVAC Company by Getting Uncomfortable w/ Jason Walker
#92
07/03/2025

Struggling to grow your HVAC company? Jason Walker of HVAC Masters of the Hustle reveals how pushing your team outside their comfort zones can create a culture of consistency, leadership, and white-glove service that sets you apart. In this episode, we talk hiring, culture, customer experience, video marketing, and how doing the uncomfortable things is the key to massive HVAC growth.


Learn the power of showcasing your team, getting on camera, and creating world-class customer service that drives referrals and reviews. Plus, hear Jason’s strategy behind building a brand technicians want to work fo...


3 Signs of HVAC Lead Addiction w/ Weldon Long
#91
06/25/2025

In this no-fluff HVAC growth masterclass, legendary sales trainer and entrepreneur Weldon Long drops 🔥 truth bombs for HVAC business owners addicted to leads — and stuck in the cycle of low margins and high chaos.


You’ll learn:


Why hitting $5M+ revenue won’t save your business if you’re not profitable at $2MThe 3 signs of lead addiction (and how to fix them)Weldon’s incredible journey from prison to $42M HVAC exitsHow to rewire your team’s mindset for sales successAnd what it really takes to scale your contracting business with consistenc...


Unfair Advantages of Working with a Google Specialized Team w/ Sydnee Olsen
#90
06/18/2025

Want to dominate Google for your local home service business in 2025? In this episode of the Plumbing & HVAC Hustle Podcast, Sydnee Olsen of Hook Agency breaks down the unfair advantages contractors can tap into with local Google marketing.


We talk:


Why Google Business Profile is still criminally underusedHow to actually stay ahead of Google’s algorithm shiftsWhether niche agencies outperform generalists for HVAC prosWhy simplicity and focus beat doing everything halfwayThe hard truths about agency-client relationships and how to get them right


Whether you’re an HVAC...


The No-BS Blueprint Behind Tuck & Howell’s Massive Leap
#88
06/11/2025

From family legacy to explosive HVAC growth, Jay and Amanda Mahaffey of Tuck & Howell reveal how they grew from $4M to $14M+ at 15% net profit—without losing their minds (or marriage). In this raw, real, and refreshingly honest conversation, we unpack:
 • Why their “Fab Five” method fuels focus
 • The massive risks they took to save a legacy business
 • Rebuilding operations, marketing, and culture—fast
 • Key hires, painful lessons, and big wins
 • How they’re using data to fix conversion leaks
 • Their favorite reports and strategies inside ServiceTitan

Perfect for any HVAC or home service business own...


10X Your Home Service Leads w/ Tommy Mello (Home Services Lead Generation)
#87
06/04/2025

In this power-packed episode of the Home Service Marketing Podcast, Tommy Mello (founder of A1 Garage Door Service) joins host Tim Brown to talk about what actually drives the most sales in HVAC and other home services.

From TV, radio, GMB, and PPC to community involvement and lead attribution, Tommy shares high-level insights on:
 • Scaling lead gen to 30,000+ per month
 • Attribution strategies using 8,000 call tracking numbers
 • Why social proof and branding are key to multi-channel success
 • Community-based marketing that builds backlinks and trust
 • When to cut bait and when to double down

If you’re...


Referring Your Competitors to Grow (Pro's + Con's) w/ Eric Thomas
#86
05/28/2025

Welcome to another episode of the HVAC Hustle Podcast, hosted by Tim Brown of Hook Agency, featuring special guest Eric Thomas from Rival Digital!

In this candid, high-value conversation, Tim and Eric unpack a “crazy mindset”—why home service businesses should refer their competitors. They cover how adopting an abundance mentality can drive more business, build strategic alliances, and even increase close rates.

We dive deep into:
 • Why most owners fear referring competition
 • Tactical referral wins that actually brought in more deals
 • How to position your HVAC or plumbing business to get more referrals<...


Confessions of a Coach: How Smart Contractors Get Stuck (and How to Escape)
#85
05/20/2025

What happens when contractors mix too many guru strategies? In this powerful episode of the HVAC Hustle Podcast, host Tim Brown sits down with Julian Scadden, President of Nexstar Network, to expose the real dangers of fragmented growth strategies in the home services industry.


Julian shares his raw story—from cleaning dive bars to owning a successful HVAC company, to now leading a billion-dollar contractor network. He unpacks:


How to vet online advice and coaching programsThe truth behind ‘shiny object syndrome’ and tech distractionsWhy every business needs a clear exit strate...


Branding 101 for Home Service Businesses w/ Dan Antonelli
#84
05/14/2025

In this episode of HVAC Hustle, Tim Brown sits down with Dan Antonelli, founder of KickCharge Creative and the brains behind some of the most iconic brands in the home service industry. They dive deep into the branding moves that separate $1M companies from $10M+ powerhouses.

Discover:
 • Why most HVAC company names suck—and how to fix yours
 • The biggest branding mistakes home service owners still make
 • How to own your market with color psychology, naming, and truck wraps
 • The true ROI of great branding (including recruiting and exit value)

If you’re serious...


How to Get Leads From Youtube for Home Services
#83
05/07/2025

Are you a tradesperson or contractor looking to generate leads with YouTube? In this episode of the HVAC Hustle Podcast, Tim Brown sits down with plumbing YouTube legend Roger Wakefield to break down exactly how he used YouTube to grow the largest plumbing channel in the world—bringing in high-quality leads, closing $100K+ jobs, and building a brand that’s taken him all the way to Dr. Phil and NewsNation.

Roger shares the real story behind going all-in on YouTube at age 54, how being authentic on camera built trust, and what contractors need to include in every lead...


Why You Should Join a Mastermind or Peer Group
#81
04/30/2025

Are you a home service business owner looking to break through your revenue ceiling and actually boost profitability? In this episode of The HVAC Hustle Podcast, host Tim Brown is joined by Josh Nelson — founder of the Seven Figure Agency and a leader in the home service mastermind space.


We dive deep into why masterminds are the secret weapon of fast-growing HVAC, plumbing, and electrical companies. Josh shares hard-earned lessons, real client examples, and why peer groups can shortcut years of trial and error. Discover how proximity to high performers, accountability, and strategic focus ca...


Leveraging Influencers & Community Leaders in Home Services
#80
04/23/2025

In this episode of The HVAC Hustle Podcast, we sit down with Mike Prencavage of The Family Plumber, a second-generation plumbing business that’s turning community influence into business growth.

Mike reveals how relationships with city officials, local salons, and even competitors have helped him build a referral powerhouse. He breaks down the underrated power of hyperlocal influencers, how to network without selling, and why humility and helpfulness win long-term.

Whether you’re an HVAC tech, roofer, plumber, or electrician, this episode will show you how to turn relationships into revenue.

✅ Learn the secret...


Community Marketing for HVAC: Creating The Go-To Local Brand
#79
04/16/2025

In this episode, Tim Brown sits down with Stephanie Postell of Anchor Heating & Air to talk next-level community marketing for home service businesses. Stephanie shares how authentic involvement, not just sponsorship, drives real local brand recognition. From setting up tents at local festivals to giving back with heartfelt initiatives like teacher appreciation cakes and Make-A-Wish fundraisers — this conversation reveals how to build brand loyalty that converts.

If you're in the trades and want to grow your local influence, drive more leads, and build a purpose-driven brand, this one’s for you.


Best Marketing KPI's for HVAC + Plumbing Businesses
#78
04/09/2025

If you’ve ever wondered whether your marketing is actually making you money, this episode is a must-watch. Tim Brown sits down with Kevin La Sage from Searchlight Digital to discuss third-party marketing validation, essential KPIs for home service businesses, and how Searchlight's AI is changing the game.

Kevin shares powerful benchmarks from 900+ contractor accounts and reveals how his background in automotive analytics and his plumber dad’s skepticism led to a revolutionary ROI dashboard.

From booking rates to revenue per campaign, this episode helps you simplify your marketing metrics, cut wasted spend, and double down...


Social Media HACKS That Actually Work
#82
04/02/2025

Want to build a locally famous home service brand? I was joined by Jenn McKee of Key Heart Media to talk social media hacks that actually work for contractors in 2024. From how often you should post to which platforms drive real business (hint: it’s not just Facebook), they unpack what truly builds visibility and trust in your local market.

📌 Whether you're a plumber, roofer, HVAC tech, or marketing pro—this episode delivers high-impact tips on staying top of mind and balancing views with leads.

👀 Watch for smart takes on: – Going live to boost algorithm love
– Us...


How to Respond to Negative Reviews & Customer Feedback
#77
03/26/2025

On this episode of the HVAC Hustle Podcast, we’re joined by Texas from Medley to talk about how HVAC contractors can turn bad reviews into better businesses. With 2300+ five-star Google reviews, Texas breaks down the mindset behind responding to criticism, embracing transparency, and listening to your customers—especially when it’s uncomfortable.

We dig into when to stand your ground, how to fix issues in real-time, and why owning your mistakes publicly can actually grow your brand.


HVAC Sales: Words That Work / Joe Crisara
#76
03/19/2025

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I sit down with Joe Crisara from Service MVP to break down the exact words and strategies that help home service pros close more deals. We cover:

✅ “What should we do?” – A simple phrase that boosts close rates
✅ Friction creates traction – Why a little tension actually helps customers commit
✅ Marketing & sales alignment – Making sure your ads match what your team actually says

Joe has trained some of the top closers in the industry, a...


Gene Slade: HVAC Villain Or Genius? (Uncensored Conversation)
#75
03/13/2025

Gene Slade is no stranger to controversy—he responds to the internet memes about him, addresses his haters head-on, and reveals why he's one of the most polarizing figures in the HVAC industry. But is he a villain or a genius? 🤔 Watch as he shares his unfiltered thoughts on success, the trade industry, and why he thrives on being hated. Don’t miss this raw and unfiltered conversation!

0:00 - Intro / Gene's Back Story
2:45 - Gene on Social Media Haters
8:56 - Gene's HOT Takes
14:15 - Is Gene Controversial for Engagement?
16:30 - Hate in FaceBook Groups<...


Marcus Sheridan on Price Transparency in Home Services
#74
03/13/2025

Price Transparency is key. If you don't show it, you're losing customers. Marcus Sheridan explains why in this episode.

Learn more about Marcus Sheridan at: https://priceguide.ai/


How to Do Community Marketing for Home Services w/ Stephanie Allen
#73
03/05/2025

I sat down with Stephanie Allen from AirWorks Solutions about how to create real community connections that drive business growth. Stephanie shares her insights on networking, branding, and leveraging local relationships to build trust and long-term success. Learn how to make your brand the go-to in your community!

Learn more about Stephanie at:
📍 AirWorks Solutions: https://airworkssolutions.com/
📍 Fuel the Trades: https://fuelthetrades.com/


What to Do After a 9 Figure Exit (Chris Lee Sold a $340M Biz)
#72
02/26/2025

Learn more about Chris Lee at; https://gonextlevelpros.com/home-6412
Subscribe to our page for more home services content / resources. 

Book a call with us: http://calendly.com/sydneeolsen/30min
Our Website: https://hookagency.com/
Connect with Tim on FaceBook: https://www.facebook.com/invigorated
Our meme page: https://www.instagram.com/roofermemes/
DIY Website / SEO guide: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLaGuWc-oMSAr_vhmT-TgFkLYyC0Uikmcf&si=8-ocEQ9G5Xw2vznR

#roofing #roofingcontractor #roofingmarketing #marketing #contractor #homeservices #hvac #plumbing #contractorindustry #constructionindustry #homeservicesbusiness #businessgrowth


HVAC E-Commerce (You vs. The Giants)
#71
02/12/2025

Are you an independent HVAC business or entrepreneur trying to compete with the big players in the e-commerce space? In this podcast, we break down the strategies, tools, and insider secrets to help you thrive in the digital marketplace.

Subscribe to our page for more home services content / resources. 

Book a call with us: http://calendly.com/sydneeolsen/30min
Our Website: https://hookagency.com/
Connect with Tim on FaceBook: https://www.facebook.com/invigorated
Our meme page: https://www.instagram.com/roofermemes/
DIY Website / SEO guide: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=P...


Why + How to Show HVAC Pricing Online- w/EDEN
#70
02/05/2025

Should HVAC companies display their pricing online? The debate has been going on for years, but in this episode, we break down why it’s a smart move and how to do it effectively without hurting your sales or profit margins.

🔹 Many HVAC businesses fear that listing prices will drive customers away or give competitors an edge. But the reality? Transparency builds trust—and trust drives sales! We’ll cover the biggest myths about online pricing, the right way to approach it, and how it can actually help you attract more qualified leads.


Subscribe to our pa...


RUNNING Your HVAC Company Like a PRO in 2025 w/ Trent Lowenstein
#69
01/29/2025

Trent Lowenstein from GodMode Consulting and  Vector Home Services joined me to discuss how running your business can be played like a video game  🎮
We talk about characters, story, the score board and many other super interesting parallels!

We also discuss Why Coaches Get Hate, do sales role play, jam out, and talk simulation theory 🤔

Trent, thank you for coming on the pod, it was a super fun day having you in our office.

0:00 - Intro 
6:17 - Coaches and Gurus
20:14 - Breaking Ice With Homeowners
25:28 - Sales Roleplay & Biz Growth


Innovate Your Estimates, Invoices, and Payments Processes
#68
01/22/2025

In this episode, we explore cutting-edge strategies and tools to streamline your business's financial workflows.

Visit https://www.housecallpro.com/

Subscribe to our page for more home services content / resources. 

Book a call with us: http://calendly.com/sydneeolsen/30min
Our Website: https://hookagency.com/
Connect with Tim on FaceBook: https://www.facebook.com/invigorated
Our meme page: https://www.instagram.com/roofermemes/
DIY Website / SEO guide: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLaGuWc-oMSAr_vhmT-TgFkLYyC0Uikmcf&si=8-ocEQ9G5Xw2vznR

#roofing #roofingcontractor #roofingmarketing #marketing #contractor #homeservices #hvac #p...


Tommy Mello On How To Prioritize Growth Versus Profitability
#67
01/15/2025

In this episode, we tackle one of the biggest dilemmas for entrepreneurs and business leaders: Should you focus on scaling your business or maximizing profitability? Striking the right balance can be the key to long-term success, but how do you decide which path to prioritize?

Learn more about Tommy Mello at https://www.tommymello.com
Subscribe to our page for more home services content / resources. 

Book a call with us: http://calendly.com/sydneeolsen/30min
Our Website: https://hookagency.com/
Connect with Tim on FaceBook: https://www.facebook.com/invigorated
Our m...


Hiring Internal Marketers vs. Outsourcing vs. A.I. W/ Sarah
#66
01/11/2025

In this thought-provoking episode, we explore one of the hottest topics in modern marketing: Should you hire an internal marketing team, outsource to an agency, or leverage artificial intelligence (A.I.) to grow your business?

Learn More about Sarah at; https://www.servicetitan.com/

Subscribe to our page for more home services content / resources. 

Book a call with us: http://calendly.com/sydneeolsen/30min
Our Website: https://hookagency.com/
Connect with Tim on FaceBook: https://www.facebook.com/invigorated
Our meme page: https://www.instagram.com/roofermemes/
DIY Website / S...


Double Your HVAC Leads With Facebook Ads w/Crystal Hobbs
#65
01/08/2025

In this episode, we’ll show you how to leverage the power of Facebook Ads to generate consistent, high-quality leads for your HVAC services. From targeting the right audience to crafting ads that convert, we break down actionable strategies that are guaranteed to double your HVAC leads in no time.

Learn more about  more about Crystal Hobbs at; https://reflectivemarketing.com/

Subscribe to our page for more home services content / resources. 

Book a call with us: http://calendly.com/sydneeolsen/30min
Our Website: https://hookagency.com/
Connect with Tim on FaceBook: http...


How Any Hour Scaled to $500M+ w/ Dustin Van Orman
#64
01/03/2025

Dustin Van Orman of Any Hour Services sat down to share how they scaled to over $500M🤯 We discussed training leaders, what it means to be a leader, the power of shop tours and learning from others, private equity and more! Lots of golden nuggets in this one so make sure you tune in to hear one of the largest companies in the space success story.

WANT TO JOIN US ON THE ANY HOUR SHOP TOUR???
We discussed this throughout the episode; on Jan 29-30 Dustin will be taking me, along with many HVAC company owners aro...