Home Service Hacks

About Home Service Hacks

ServiceTitan Hacks is the podcast where innovation meets the home service industry. Join host Bill Brown, a former Inc. 5000 HVAC company owner with 25 years of industry experience and a background in computer programming, as we explore the cutting-edge tools, technologies, and strategies transforming how contractors do business. Each episode features candid conversations with forward-thinking contractors and software founders who are revolutionizing the industry. Drawing from his unique perspective as both a successful contractor and tech enthusiast, Bill uncovers how AI, automation, and smart solutions are helping service professionals save time, reduce costs, and deliver exceptional customer experiences. Whether you’re looking to streamline operations, boost profitability, or stay ahead of industry trends, ServiceTitan Hacks delivers actionable insights you can implement today. From ServiceTitan optimization to emerging tech integrations, we unpack the innovations that give modern contractors their competitive edge. Subscribe now to join thousands of service professionals in the ServiceTitan Hacks community who are working smarter, not harder.

Publisher

Bill Brown

Category

business

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

20 May 2025

Latest episode

13 Jan 2026

Latest episodes

18 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   13 Jan 2026

   Dominating Google Advertising in 2026 with Kyler Sattler at So Good Team

   AI marketing for contractors in 2026 is changing fast. In this episode, Bill Brown and Kyle Sattler break down how Google Maps, YouTube, and AI Mode are reshaping local search visibility for home service businesses 🚀 Kyle shares how SoGood Team helps HVAC, plumbing, roofing, and electrical contractors dominate Google Maps and AI-driven results—without wasting money on outdated SEO tactics. Learn how activity, alignment, and accountability drive real growth through better systems, smarter marketing, and consistent customer experiences. What you’ll learn: • Why most growth problems aren’t lead-related, they’re operational • How to fix misalignment between marketing and customer experience • The role of CSRs, training, and accurate booking data in scaling up • Google Maps strategies that actually move the needle in 2025 • Why YouTube and Google Business Profile are key to AI visibility • What “AI Mode” means for SEO and how to prepare before it replaces blue links • The surprising role Reddit plays in Google’s new ranking system • How to earn better Google reviews that boost authority and conversion 🎧 Guest: Kyle Sattler, Chief Process Engineer at SoGood Team 📍 Website: sogoodteam.com Join the ServiceTitan Hacks Facebook Group 👇 Connect with 9,000+ ServiceTitan power users. Access free resources, AI automations, and revenue-boosting tactics tested in the field by contractors like you. https://go.st-hacks.cc/servicetitanhacks

2. 

   18 Nov 2025

   How a Legally Blind Master Plumber Built a 40‑Truck Empire with Bob Beall

   ServiceTitan veteran shares 15 years of trade tech evolution and the future of recruiting in plumbing, HVAC, and beyond 🚀💧 Discover how Bob Beall, owner of Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Pittsburgh, scaled from 3 trucks to 40 while adapting to ServiceTitan and modernizing recruiting to attract Gen Z talent. In this episode of Home Service Business Hacks, Robert discusses: • The transition from Yellow Pages to PPC and cloud-based software • Lessons from being one of the original ServiceTitan users • Strategies for training, recruiting, and retaining young tradespeople • How technology and AI are reshaping plumbing businesses • His mission to give back through his new “Bob is the Plumber” podcast and training school 🎁 Giveaway: The first few listeners who fill out the form at bobistheplumber.com get a free swag bag! 👉 Connect with 9,000+ ServiceTitan power users. Access free resources, AI automations, and revenue-boosting tactics tested in the field by contractors like you. Join the ServiceTitan Hacks Facebook Group: https://go.st-hacks.cc/servicetitanhacks Guest: Robert Beall Owner, Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Pittsburgh Website: mrrooter.com/pittsburgh YouTube: Bob is the Plumber Facebook & Instagram: @bobistheplumber

3. 

   11 Nov 2025

   ServiceTitan Field Pro - ServiceMVP Edition with Joe Crisara from ServiceMVP

   AI for Home Service Contractors 🤖 Learn how Joe Crisara’s OptionBuilder AI is transforming HVAC, plumbing, and electrical sales by helping techs build premium repair and replacement options in seconds. Discover how this AI-driven approach can raise average tickets and simplify pricing for your team. In this episode of Home Service Hacks, Bill Brown talks with industry legend Joe Crisara of Service MVP about pure motive service, AI automation, and the new wave of training that fast-tracks techs into six-figure producers. They share real-world stories from the field and discuss how freedom through choice improves sales, customer satisfaction, and retention. Highlights: - The “problem stack” vs. “solution stack” strategy 💡 - Using AI to simplify flat rate pricing and option sheets - The future of virtual sales calls in home services - Balancing repair vs. replacement for maximum profit - Fast-tracking techs with AI training tools Connect with Joe Crisara: ServiceMVP.com Explore OptionBuilder AI: https://optionbuilder.ai/Join the ServiceTitan Hacks Facebook Group 👇 Connect with 9,000+ ServiceTitan power users. Access free resources, AI automations, and revenue-boosting tactics tested in the field by contractors like you. https://go.st-hacks.cc/servicetitanhacks

4. 

   3 Nov 2025

   Why Contractors Must Put Prices Online — The Truth About AI and Sales with Paul Redman from Contractor Commerce

   Is online pricing the future for HVAC and home service contractors? 🏠💰 In this episode, we uncover how transparency, eCommerce, and AI are reshaping homeowner expectations and contractor profitability. Bill Brown sits down with Paul Redman, President of ContractorCommerce.com, to explore how contractors are turning their websites into powerful online stores. Learn how to attract better leads, increase average tickets, and use AI tools to simplify pricing, sales, and customer communication. What you’ll learn: • Why showing pricing online builds trust—and drives higher close rates • How AI search will change how homeowners find and hire contractors • The evolution of Contractor Commerce and the impact of digital buying journeys • How transparency helps technicians sell with confidence • Steps to test online selling with low risk 💡 Connect with 9,000+ ServiceTitan power users. Access free resources, AI automations, and revenue-boosting tactics tested in the field by contractors like you. Join the ServiceTitan Hacks Facebook Group: https://go.st-hacks.cc/servicetitanhacks Guest: Paul Redman – President, ContractorCommerce.com Host: Bill Brown – Home Service Hacks Podcast

5. 

   21 Oct 2025

   Stop Tech-Stack Bloat: Build a Real Technology Roadmap w/ Jenny Benbrook (Powerhouse Consulting Group)

   Contractors are drowning in software. In this episode, Bill Brown sits down with Jenny Benbrook of Powerhouse Consulting Group to show you how to replace “shiny-object” chaos with a clear technology roadmap tied to business goals. We cover when ServiceTitan actually makes sense, how to fix foundations before layering AI, and the real costs of duplicate tools, unused licenses, and DIY implementations. What you’ll learn: Why a tech roadmap belongs next to your marketing budget The minimum viable foundation before turning on inventory, reporting, or AI How to size ServiceTitan adoption by company stage and goals CRP (Contractor Resource Planning): budget, stack selection, and rollout Avoiding hidden profit killers: tool overlap, poor onboarding, bad data Accountability loops for tools like Rilla/SalesPro and AI coaching The five vendor-evaluation questions to ask every time Topics discussed: ServiceTitan optimization, third-party vs native tools, Atlas expectations, inventory prerequisites, data trust and dashboards, PE/operator viewpoints, change management, SOPs, and realistic onboarding timelines. Guest:Jenny Benbrook, Powerhouse Consulting Group — ServiceTitan Titanium Partner helping contractors optimize core systems and design right-sized tech stacks. Who this is for: Owners, GMs, and ops leaders who want fewer tabs, cleaner data, and software that actually drives profit. Subscribe for more: AI, automation, pricing, and ops that work in the field. 👉 Join the ServiceTitan Hacks Facebook Group: Connect with 9,000+ ServiceTitan power users. Access free resources, AI automations, and proven tactics contractors are using to boost revenue. https://go.st-hacks.cc/servicetitanhacks Guest Links: Website: https://mypowerhouse.group/

6. 

   30 Sept 2025

   From Truck to Boardroom: How Technicians Build Real HVAC Businesses with Kelley McKay from HVAC Millionaire University

   Struggling to grow your HVAC business beyond the truck? 🚐💨 In this episode, HVAC industry veteran and coach Kelley McKay shares the exact mindset shifts, processes, and strategies that helped him scale from technician to building a sustainable, scalable, and sellable company. Learn how to recognize your limitations, pivot from working in your business to working on it, and train a team you can trust. Kelley and host Bill Brown dive deep into the real challenges contractors face—burnout, mindset traps, financial pitfalls, pricing mistakes—and how to overcome them with proven systems. What you’ll learn in this episode: ✅ How to step back from the daily grind and identify new growth opportunities ✅ Why processes and accountability are non-negotiable to scale ✅ The truth about branding, sales, and customer relationships in HVAC ✅ How to transition from surviving on service calls to building long-term value ✅ Lessons learned from failing forward, lawsuits, and even running a company remotely About the guest: Kelley McKay is an HVAC expert, author, and business coach with nearly 30 years in the trades. As co-founder of HVAC Millionaire University and Amplified Life Collective, he helps contractors escape the truck, grow profits, and build businesses that don’t rely solely on them. 🎁 Free Giveaway: Kelley is offering a free VIP game plan session to anyone who registers for his next Book More Calls, Close More Deals masterclass. Details at Hvacmillionaire.com 👉 Join the ServiceTitan Hacks Facebook Group: Connect with 9,000+ ServiceTitan power users. Access free resources, AI automations, and proven tactics contractors are using to boost revenue. https://go.st-hacks.cc/servicetitanhacks Guest Links: Website: Hvacmillionaire.com YouTube: https://youtube.com/@hvacmillionaire TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@coach_kelleyListen in and discover how to break free from the truck and finally build the business you’ve always envisioned. 🚀

7. 

   23 Sept 2025

   Fix Your P&L or Fail: Surgical Finances for Home Services with Norris Ayvazian from Service Crucible

   Trades coaching myths exposed: Learn why cookie-cutter playbooks don’t work and how to fix your P&L, operations, and buy-in issues for real growth. 🚀 Contractors will walk away knowing exactly what to prioritize to scale from $1M to $10M and beyond. In this episode, Bill Brown sits down with Norris Ayvazian, founder of Service Crucible, to unpack: • Why most financials are set up incorrectly and how to fix your chart of accounts 📊 • The 3 P&L red flags contractors overlook (commissions, advertising, wages) • How private equity views home services and what contractors can learn from it 💰 • The importance of natural team buy-in vs. forced change • Marketing spend and customer acquisition: treating channels like stock investments 📈 • Building an AI-powered knowledge base to capture processes and eliminate inefficiency 🤖 • The role of memberships, LTV, and service-to-install balance in long-term profit This is a straight-shooting conversation about what’s broken in contractor coaching and how to build a business that customers, employees, and even investors value. 👉 Join the ServiceTitan Hacks Facebook Group Connect with 9,000+ ServiceTitan power users. Access free resources, AI automations, and revenue-boosting tactics tested in the field by contractors like you. https://go.st-hacks.cc/servicetitanhacks Guest: Norris Ayvazian | Service Crucible https://servicecrucible.com/

8. 

   16 Sept 2025

   Automation First, AI Second: Practical Systems for the Trades with Guests Tersh Blissett & Josh Crouch with Trade Automation Pros

   Bill Brown interviews Tersh Blissett and Josh Crouch about the real difference between automation and AI, and how HVAC, plumbing, and electrical businesses are using processes, automations, and AI to save time and scale. They share hands-on examples, common tools, and why automation often comes before meaningful AI in the trades. Key takeaways include documenting and optimizing processes, automating repetitive tasks (especially those done three or more times per week), using tools like Zapier and custom GPTs, and implementing transparent pricing and follow-up automations. The episode also highlights their Tap into the Future event in Savannah, Oct 3–5, with live automation workshops. AI vs automation in the trades: what's the difference and how should contractors actually be using these tools? In this episode, Bill Brown sits down with Tersh Blissett (Trade Automation Pros, Service Business Mastery Podcast) and Josh Crouch (Relentless Digital) to break down real-world AI and automation use cases in HVAC, plumbing, and electrical businesses. You’ll learn how top contractors are saving hours with smart automations, where AI actually fits in, and how to avoid wasted tools that don’t move the needle. The guys share industry stories, tech stacks, practical starting points, and predictions for how service businesses will look in 2030. What you’ll hear in this episode: ✅ AI vs automation in the trades (what contractors really need) ✅ Building systems and processes that scale ✅ Tools like Zapier, CastMagic, Plaud, and PhoneTap explained ✅ How AI agents are already changing workflows in service companies ✅ Hiring, training, and SOP automation tips ✅ Predictions for pricing, private equity, and the future of sales in the trades 📍 Event: Tap into the Future – AI and Automation Unleashed, October 3-5 in Savannah, GA (with the Savannah Bananas) 👉 https://tapintothefuture.ai/👉 Join the ServiceTitan Hacks Facebook Group: Connect with 9,000+ ServiceTitan power users. Access free resources, AI automations, and revenue-boosting tactics tested in the field by contractors like you. https://go.st-hacks.cc/servicetitanhacks Guests: Tersh Blissett – Co-Founder, Trade Automation Pros | Host, Service Business Mastery Podcast | HVAC Top 40 Under 40 Josh Crouch – CEO, Relentless Digital | Marketing Automation Expert | HVAC Top 40 Under 40

9. 

   9 Sept 2025

   AI Voice vs. Human CSRs: The Future of Home Service Calls

   AI call handling is transforming home service businesses. In this episode, we dive into how AI voice assistants are booking jobs, capturing every call, and outperforming traditional call centers. Can contractors who don’t adopt AI survive the next 5 years? Nate Keller from Free-2-Grow.com joins to explain how their AI-powered voice platform helps HVAC, plumbing, and electrical companies answer every call 24/7, integrate directly with ServiceTitan and other CRMs, and boost booking rates up to 80%. We cover real results from the field, fears about customer experience, and what the future of AI means for CSRs and technicians. What you’ll learn in this episode: 📞 How AI voice captures 100% of inbound calls, including after-hours and overflow ⚡ Why contractors using human-only call centers are seeing lower booking rates 📊 Metrics to track to know if AI is working inside ServiceTitan 🤖 How AI is trained to sound natural, empathetic, and aligned with your brand 💡 Where AI is headed next: from outbound scheduling to helping techs in the field Case studies covered: ✅ JM Mechanical (HVAC): 70%+ booking rate with faster follow-up ✅ Mr. Electric of Delaware: 79% booking with 24/7 AI coverage ✅ By the Book Plumbing: 100% call capture and consistent conversions Nate also shares insights on onboarding, CSR adoption, customer sentiment, and why call centers are rapidly shifting from human labor to AI-first technology. 🚀 Join the ServiceTitan Hacks Facebook Group: Connect with 9,000+ ServiceTitan power users. Access free resources, AI automations, and revenue-boosting tactics tested in the field by contractors like you. https://go.st-hacks.cc/servicetitanhacks Guest: Nate Keller, Chief Sales Officer at Free-2-Grow.com Free-2-Grow specializes in AI-powered voice solutions for home service businesses. Learn more about Free-2-Grow 👉 https://go.st-hacks.cc/free-2-grow

10. 

    2 Sept 2025

    Omni SEO: How AI Answer Engines Are Reshaping Contractor Marketing

    Homeowners are no longer just searching on Google — they’re turning to AI engines like ChatGPT and Perplexity. Is your contracting business ready for Local SEO, Core SEO, and Omni SEO? In this episode, Bill Brown and guest Cory Cullather from WebFX break down how AI-driven search is rewriting the rules and what contractors must do to rank where homeowners are actually looking 👀 You’ll learn: ✅ Why most contractors quit SEO too early and how long ROI really takes ✅ The difference between Local SEO, Core SEO, and Omni/AI Engine SEO ✅ How to align marketing expectations with execution so agencies don’t “burn the bridge” ✅ Why brand strength influences customer acquisition costs more than ads ✅ The future of lead attribution with ServiceTitan and CRM integrations ✅ What private equity really looks for in contractors during acquisitions Whether you're roofing, HVAC, or another trade, this conversation uncovers the mindset shifts and strategies needed to build a durable online brand in 2025 and beyond. Join the ServiceTitan Hacks Facebook Group 👇 Connect with 9,000+ ServiceTitan power users. Access free resources, AI automations, and revenue-boosting tactics tested in the field by contractors like you. 👉 https://go.st-hacks.cc/servicetitanhacks Guest: Cory Cullather, WebFX

11. 

    26 Aug 2025

    Avoid the Marketing Minefield: Lessons from a Contractor-Turned-Agency Founder

    Struggling to scale your home service business without wasting thousands on bad marketing? In this episode of Home Service Hacks, Jason Jackson of Growth Pro Agency shares the costly mistakes he made as a contractor-turned-agency owner and how you can avoid them. Learn why leads aren’t your real problem, how to win customers in the first 10 seconds, and the systems that actually move the needle. Jason and Bill dive deep into: ✅ How to choose a marketing company you can actually trust ✅ The difference between needing more leads vs. needing a better system ✅ Why patience in marketing ROI separates winners from bankruptcies ✅ How to maximize customer lifetime value and retention ✅ The practical steps to protect yourself from predatory lead-gen companies If you’ve ever felt burned by fake promises or wasted ad spend, this episode will help you reset, refocus, and build long-term growth. 🎁 Jason is also giving away a free 60‑minute marketing audit to help contractors uncover hidden opportunities in their business. 👉 Join the ServiceTitan Hacks Facebook Group: Connect with 9,000+ ServiceTitan power users. Access free resources, AI automations, and revenue-boosting tactics tested in the field by contractors like you. https://go.st-hacks.cc/servicetitanhacks Guest: Jason Jackson, Founder of Growth Pro Agency Website: www.growthproagency.com Skool Community: https://www.skool.com/thecopproject/about?ref=58ee56fd5aa84f74a5727e310198453e

12. 

    20 Aug 2025

    From $1.5M to $24M in 1 Year? Inside LB Capital's Secret Scaling Playbook.

    In this episode of the Home Service Hacks podcast, join Bill Brown as he delves into the art of scaling home service businesses with Kelly Mesaris, VP of Special Operations at LB Capital. Discover how Kelly's journey from HVAC to roofing has equipped her with the expertise to transform businesses into private equity-ready assets in a short time span. Learn the importance of investing in technology like Service Titan and building a solid tech stack to stay ahead of competitors. Kelly shares the strategic steps her team deploys – from sales training to rebranding – to ensure rapid growth and successful exits. Get insights into their proven playbook, used to turn struggling businesses into thriving entities in record time. Moreover, Kelly discusses her advocacy for women in trades, emphasizing the significance of proving oneself in a male-dominated industry. This episode is a wealth of knowledge for contractors looking to elevate their business and offers a glimpse into the power of a dedicated and cohesive team. If you're a home service contractor looking to scale, sell, or just streamline your operations — this episode is pure gold. 🔗 Get the LB Capital Playbook: https://lbachmanncapital.com/playbook... 📘 First 10 listeners get a signed copy of All In by Lance Bachmann

13. 

    6 Aug 2025

    Mastering Your Financials: Insights from Virtual CFO Kristen Deese

    In this episode of the Home Service Hacks podcast, host Bill Brown is joined by Kristen Deese, the founder of Virtual CFO for The Trades, to illuminate the path to financial clarity for contractors. Together, they delve into critical conversations about gross profit margins, overhead management, and understanding the essential financial statements that can transform a business from struggling to successful. Kristen shares her journey from helping her husband's home service business to becoming a trusted advisor to countless contractors across the nation. With practical advice on finding the right bookkeeper, understanding the roles within your accounting department, and the often overlooked significance of a Virtual CFO, listeners will gain valuable knowledge to strengthen their financial understanding. If you've ever wondered why some contractors thrive while others barely survive, this episode provides actionable insights into leveraging your financial data for growth and stability. Whether you're a startup seeking foundational advice or an established business aiming to refine your processes, this conversation sheds light on the financial strategies that truly matter. Learn More About Kristen here 👉 https://www.kristendeese.com/

14. 

    29 Jul 2025

    Unlocking HVAC Success with SmartAC: Revolutionizing Contractor Memberships

    Welcome to another exciting episode of the Home Service Hacks podcast with Bill Brown, your go-to source for contractor success strategies in the HVAC industry. In this episode, we're joined by Wes and Andrew from SmartAC.com, who share their innovative approach to revolutionizing HVAC memberships. Discover how SmartAC is helping contractors enhance customer loyalty, reduce unnecessary truck rolls, and increase retention rates with their unique data-driven solutions. Learn about the origins of SmartAC, the challenges they've overcome, and how they empower contractors with tools and strategies that exceed traditional membership models. Dive into insightful discussions on best practices for integrating SmartAC's technology, maximizing customer engagement, and leveraging data to transform your HVAC business. Whether you're new to the concept or looking to take your operations to the next level, this episode is packed with valuable insights and actionable advice. Learn More about SmartAC 👉 https://go.st-hacks.cc/smart-ac

15. 

    21 Jul 2025

    Revolutionizing Trade Payments with Jim Kolchin from iWallet

    In this episode of the Home Service Hacks podcast, join host Bill Brown as he engages in an insightful conversation with Jim, the innovative mind behind iWallet. Dive into the core challenges of the trade industry that iWallet aims to solve, specifically focusing on the cumbersome processes of check deposits and payment systems. Explore the journey of iWallet, from its inception rooted in simplifying credit card processing to becoming a pioneering payment solution with features like Tap-to-Pay and advanced mobile check deposits. Jim shares the pain points faced by technicians and how iWallet eases their payment operations, ensuring trust and convenience for the consumers. Additionally, discover the groundbreaking technologies introduced by iWallet, such as voice AI phone payments, and the significance of PCI compliance in protecting business owners from potential liabilities. This episode is a must-listen for contractors seeking to enhance operational efficiency and cost savings in their payment procedures. Learn more about iWallet Today: https://go.st-hacks.cc/iwallet

16. 

    9 Jun 2025

    AI Voice in Action with Ben Brimacombe from Free-2-Grow

    Ben Brimacombe from Free-2-Grow discusses AI voice technology with host Bill Brown and how it transforms customer service and job booking in the home service industry in this interview.

17. 

    2 Jun 2025

    The Power of OCR Technology with Timothy Wood from Wink Toolbox

    Timothy Wood from Wink Toolbox discusses OCR technology with host Bill Brown, explaining how it integrates with ServiceTitan to automate data entry, streamline operations, and improve accuracy for home service contractors in this interview.

18. 

    20 May 2025

    How Volca AI Is Automating Referrals (and Why That Matters for Contractors)

    Volca AI Co-founder Brendan discusses automating contractor referrals with host, revealing how AI simplifies lead generation and boosts loyalty in an interview.

Who has been a guest on Home Service Hacks

Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.

• Ben Brimacombe
• Timothy Wood
• Brendan

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

3 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 27 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

42

Social presence

0

YouTube

0

Engagement

32

Contact Home Service Hacks

Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.

Questions about Home Service Hacks