Waste No Day: A Home Services Motivational Podcast

Killer Culture or Culture That Kills - Part 2 - Special Guest: Todd Helm

In today’s show, we interview special guest Todd Helm. Todd serves as a field supervisor and service plumber for Benjamin Franklin Plumbing in Lancaster, PA. Entering the trades as a young man, Todd got exposed to a variety of plumbing and mechanical industries. However, it wasn’t just different industries that Todd was exposed to throughout his career. From job to job Todd bore witness to different cultures and the impact that a culture has on employees. Out of this experience, while painful in the moment, grew a perspective for what makes a killer culture or what makes a culture that kills. Todd shares his experiences across his career as well as insights into why culture matters.

Killer Culture or Culture That Kills - Part 1

In today’s show, we discuss the topic of culture. What is culture? What makes a culture good or bad? How do you create an environment that causes people to flourish and then how do you protect it from corruption? Hosts Brian and Nate examine the idea of culture and share some stories and tips on what it looks like to shape the culture into something great.

The Excellent AC Tune-Up - Part 2 - Special Guest: Steve Alwine

In today’s show, we interview special guest Steve Alwine. Steve is an HVAC service technician with One Hour Heating and Air Conditioning in Lancaster, PA. Not growing up in the trades, Steve made the transition to HVAC well into his working career. Opening struggling through the beginning, he persevered to become a well-loved and frequently requested technician. Steve lends his expertise to the topic of AC tune-ups by sharing his own approach and how it has proven successful for him.

The Excellent AC Tune-Up - Part 1

In today’s show, we discuss the topic of air conditioner tune-ups. Every summer the HVAC world is plagued with bottom-dollar seeking advertisements of air conditioner tune-ups. Brian and Nate discuss the value that comes with a tune-up as well as why racing to the bottom is not the right strategy.

Cutting the Confusion Out of Communication - Part 2 - Special Guest: Mike Vavreck

In today’s show, we interview special guest Mike Vavreck. Not a typical trades-person by definition, Mike pursued law and healthcare before finally landing in the home services industry. This diverse background aided greatly in his ability to learn and understand the value of communication. Translating this skill now in overseeing a home services call center, Mike’s influence doesn’t stop on the phone. His ability to speak into speech goes beyond the typical advice and is directly applicable to the field.

Cutting the Confusion Out of Communication - Part 1

In today’s show, we discuss the topic of communication and specifically how to keep confusion out of it. In the home services industry communication is almost as important as the actual trade itself. The most technically proficient plumber, electrician, or technician is only as effective as the level of communication that he/she possesses. Ultimately, a customer wants their problem resolved but the journey of how that is accomplished is full of conversations that make a big difference in the mind of the client. This podcast focuses not just on the importance of communication but some guidance on how to improve this portion of your expertise.

Riches in Niches: Surge Protection - Part 2 - Special Guest:Jamie Mellinger

In today’s show, we interview special guest Jamie Mellinger. Jamie serves as an electrician and safety advisor with Mister Sparky Electric in Lancaster, PA. Returning to the podcast, Jamie dives into the power of whole home surge protection and why he has found the riches in this niche. Exploring topics from the details of whole home surge to how to share with and educate homeowners, Jamie reveals some key factors that have made him successful.

Riches in Niches: Surge Protection - Part 1

In today’s show, we discuss the topic of surge protection as we wrap up our riches in niches series. Surge protection is a natural topic of discussion for most homeowners since the electronics industry has pushed point of use surge protection for decades. However, not many homeowners ever consider protecting appliances that are far more expensive than a TV from surges. We jump into the topic and explore new niches being created for stay at home workers and how surge protection for the whole home can be a valuable asset.

Riches in Niches: Service Agreements - Part 2 - Special Guest: Traci Martin

In today’s show, we interview special guest Traci Martin. Coming from the hospitality industry working as a server taught Traci the fine skills of customer service. From there, it was an easy transition into serving customers over the phone in their moments of need. Working as a customer service representative on the phone for several years, Traci refined her skill on the phone to incorporate service agreements into the customer conversation. Finding success, Traci grew in ability and confidence to become a top service agreement specialist in the nation stepping into the niche and finding the riches to follow. Traci shares her thoughts on service agreements, presenting them, and the value that they bring in this week’s podcast.

Riches in Niches: Service Agreements - Part 1

In today’s show, we discuss the topic of service agreements. Service agreements are a typical part of the home services industry which draws into question the qualification for being a niche. However, it is an area that few do well which is where the riches lie in this particular topic. Understanding the value of a service agreement goes beyond having an actual plan or contract. Service agreements are the foundation of a solid and secure company. It is as close to guaranteed business as there is in the home services industry and job security for employees. Brian and Nate breakdown the underlying value of service agreements and why they are a niche with riches.