Waste No Day: A Home Services Motivational Podcast

A Return to What Matters - Special Guest: Dave Daffan of Daffan Cooling and Heating

In today’s show, we are putting Dave Daffan in your passenger seat to discuss how his journey of working 80 hours a week and going through life’s difficulties changed his outlook on business. Dave found his way into the HVAC trade through his uncle’s business and began his career as a service technician and installer. Through twenty plus years of hard work he progressed from technician, to install manager, to service manager, to GM, and finally to CEO. However, the years of work experience came at a cost of years of life experience. Dave took the lessons he learned along the way and set a path to make a difference in his company. Focusing on culture and work/life balance, Dave began the revitalization of his perspective on business to build an award-winning company today. Dave shares his journey and learned lessons on this week’s episode.

The Truth Detector - Special Guest: FBI Agent, Author, and Professor Dr. Jack Schafer

In today’s show, we are putting Dr. Jack Schafer in your passenger seat to discuss how we can use body language to establish likeability with others. Dr. Schafer started his career in law enforcement as a police officer before applying and being accepted into the FBI. As an agent he was trained in the arts of negotiation and worked on identifying and turning spies. Dr. Schafer has published numerous articles on topics ranging from psychopathology of hate and detecting deception and has written several books including “The Like Switch” and “The Truth Detector.” Jack shares his expertise on what we can do to help other people like us and how to adapt in the ever changing world of being in front of a homeowner.

My Brother‘s Keeper - Special Guest: Billy Alfaro with Benjamin Franklin Plumbing

In today’s show, we are putting Billy Alfaro in your passenger seat to share his story on how the trades had a big impact in his life. Billy’s story intertwines with our previous two guests as we conclude what turned into a three-part series. Like Brandon and Jon, Billy grew up in a difficult environment that refined him in ways that still drive his conduct today. But Billy’s focus in many ways wasn’t solely about himself, but about looking out for his younger brother. Something inside of him propelled him with a desire to protect and be a role model, so he invested himself into mentoring. Ironically, his mentees found their way into the trades first and Billy followed later starting from scratch to become a plumber. Billy shares about how his experience growing up helped him choose to be someone to look up to and how this same mindset determines his day-to-day outlook in the trades. If you missed episode 64 and 65, be sure to catch them first as we conclude this family-centered, determined series.

From Sewer Lines to S.W.A.T. Team - Special Guest: Brandon Hernandez

In today’s show, we are putting Brandon Hernandez in your passenger seat to share his story on how the trades had a big impact in his life. Growing up best friends with our previous podcast guest, Jon Perez, Brandon was also left questioning what to do at the end of high school. Making the choice to jump into the trades he attended Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology majoring in plumbing. Graduating the program, he immediately got a job with Benjamin Franklin Plumbing in Lancaster, PA and began his career. A quick study with a stubborn determination to learn Brandon rapidly moved from apprentice to his own truck. Along the way he learned many of the principles and foundations that would propel him to more in his next career. Working a time in plumbing, Brandon eventually went on to pursue a deeper calling within law enforcement. While it was the ending of his career in the trades, what he had learned set him up for success. Now a SWAT team officer at the age of 25, Brandon shares about his journey and how each step along the way made a difference for what would come next.

From Homeless to Homeowner by 26 - Special Guest: Jon Perez with Benjamin Franklin Plumbing

In today’s show, we are putting Jon Perez in your passenger seat to share his story on how the trades had a big impact in his life. Graduating high school, Jon was faced with the typical “what am I going to do with my life” question. However, in Jon’s case the answer to that question required more urgency because he no longer had a place to live. Hopping from couch-to-couch Jon considered his options and decided to check out a local trade school to see about the plumbing program. Deciding to give it a chance he jumped head first into the trades with zero previous experience. Starting with how to read a tape measure and progressing into piping, soldering, and more Jon was a quick study. Transitioning into the real world he started his plumbing career with Benjamin Franklin Plumbing in Lancaster, PA and put his education to work. While it hasn’t been easy, the trades gave Jon an opportunity to make a better life for him and his family. No longer couch surfing, Jon is the proud owner of his own home and has aspirations for more. Listen to this life changing story of how the trades changed one man’s path.

The 7 Power Contractor System - Al Levi

In today’s show, we are putting Al Levi in your passenger seat to discuss the 7 Power Contractor System. Al grew up in the trades as so many have and was working in the industry long before he was able to drive. Through years of experience, he was on the front line to the many frustrations of operating and working in a business. After “walking a mile” in someone else’s shoes and gaining some perspective, the wheels began turning on what would eventually become the processes and plans of the 7 Power Contractor System. We dig into his story and experience and how he turned those frustrations into a formula.

Jargon, The Best Sleeping Pill - Special Guest: Gene Slade with Lead Ninja System

In today’s show, we are putting Gene Slade in your passenger seat to discuss jargon, self-believe, and so much more. Gene Slade is the owner of multiple companies including Lead Ninja System and specializes in the group and individual training of HVAC technicians, plumbers, and electricians across the country. Soon eclipsing seven years in the training sphere, Gene is no stranger to the home service industry. He has been an employee and employer in the trades and cut his teeth riding shotgun with his dad in his adolescent years. Today, he brings not only the real-world experience, but the evidentially proven results of hundreds and thousands of success stories to make training straight to the bone impactful. Gene joins the show today to discuss how so called “tech speak” is really a detriment to client communication. Our efforts to impress often only work in the mirror when we should really be explaining the only thing a client cares about: why does this matter to me? Gene also dives into what’s possible in the trades bringing hope and expansion to the mind for all who listen.

From Opportunity Taker to Opportunity Maker - Special Guest: Matt Buckwalter of One Hour Heating and Air Conditioning

In today’s show, we are putting Matt Buckwalter in your passenger seat to discuss opportunities. Matt’s story is one of both seizing the opportunity presented to him and in turn providing opportunity to others. Matt grew up in humble means in the town of Lancaster, PA and found his way into the trades through a fortuitous meeting. Starting his career in HVAC as a comfort advisor, Matt quickly found his stride and a love for the industry. Advancing into a GM role in California, Matt gained not just leadership training but life experience that prepared him for the next step in his journey. Returning to Lancaster, Matt was presented with the opportunity to gain ownership in the company that first presented the opportunity to him. This “circle of life” you might say continues to drive Matt’s interest in providing opportunities to others. Matt talks about his story, his growth in leadership, and his successes and failures as he continues to strive to provide people with a desire for more the chance to take the jump.

More Than A Dispatcher - Special Guest: Kevin Oliver of Yes! Air Conditioning and Plumbing

In today’s show, we are putting Kevin Oliver in your passenger seat or probably more likely in your ear as we discuss dispatching and more. Dispatching is a critical piece to any home services company and the impact of the dispatching role cannot be overlooked. A dispatcher more than perhaps any other employee in the company knows the “pulse” of the day and the technicians. He or she knows if Frank is having a tough stretch, if the revenue goal is going to be hit, or if Jamie is on the way to going 4 for 4. A dispatcher is a coach, confidant, encourager, director, alley-ooper, and so much more. Kevin Oliver shares his expertise gained over years in the customer service and dispatching world. Kevin sets the pace for what is truly possible in the dispatching role and gives some great advice for both the office side and the field side of the dispatching process.

Get Yourself Moving! - Special Guest: Ivan Cholakov of Jacked Dads and Spartan Dad Project

In today’s show, we are putting Ivan Cholakov in your passenger seat discussing how staying fit and eating healthy can have big impact on your future career. Ivan immigrated to the United States from Bulgaria in 2012, as a certified strength and conditioning specialist and nutritionist. As creator of the Spartan Dad Training Program, Ivan personally coaches many individuals in person and online to get fit and healthy. Ivan talks to us on the show about how losing weight and exercising can have big implications for the home services professional. Additionally, we discuss how stress can have dire effects on maintaining a healthy lifestyle. And since there is no shortage of heavy lifting in the trades, Ivan also discloses some helpful tips on making sure your body is prepared for your career. Ivan both preaches and lives a healthy lifestyle and talks to us about his goal of one million transformations on this latest episode.