The Catalyst for the Trades

Are You the Bottleneck? How to Build a Business That Runs Without You | Amy Fink

What would completely stop if you disappeared from your business for two weeks? That question can expose exactly where your company still depends too heavily on you. In this episode of Catalyst for the Trades, Jennifer Bagley sits down with Amy Fink, COO of Built By The Trades, to talk about owner bottlenecks, decision-making, leadership, hiring, AI, and what it actually takes to build a business that can keep moving without every decision running through the founder. They break down the difference between documenting a task and giving your team the judgment to make decisions, why traditional SOPs aren't always enough, and how clear guardrails can give strong employees more room to operate. Jennifer and Amy also get into the growing role of AI inside trade businesses, including how owners can capture their knowledge, decision-making patterns, and operating principles so their teams aren't dependent on having them available at all times. In this episode: • How to identify your biggest owner dependency gaps • Why every decision shouldn't have to go through the founder • SOPs vs. guardrails, judgment, and critical thinking • How AI can reduce administrative work and owner dependency • Building AI systems around your knowledge and decision-making • When to solve a problem with AI instead of another hire • How to hire for the actual problems your business needs solved • Giving leaders the authority to make decisions without you • Why continuous self-assessment matters as your company grows If your business can't move without you, growth eventually hits a ceiling. This conversation gives contractors a practical way to start finding those dependencies and building them out of the business. Learn more about Built By The Trades at BuiltByTheTrades.com. Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe to "The Catalyst for Trades" on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your preferred platform. Share this episode with aspiring and established leaders, and stay tuned for more insights on driving business success and personal leadership growth.

WordPress Hacked? What to Do After a Hack | Jennifer Bagley & Chris Heney

WordPress Hacked? What to Do After a Hack (and Why Updates Aren't Enough) What would you do if you learned your website has been hacking your own customers? That's not a hypothetical. In this emergency livestream of the Catalyst for the Trades podcast, host Jennifer Bagley (owner of CI Web Group) sits down with CI Web Group CTO Chris Heney after a wave of hacked WordPress sites hit home-service companies in a single week. What follows is a plain-English breakdown of what's being exploited right now, how the attacks actually work, and the uncomfortable truth about what it takes to recover after a hack. The CVE wave hitting WordPress right now CVE stands for Common Vulnerability and Exposure: publicly cataloged hacks, and for WordPress they surface nearly every day. In the week of this recording, the hit list included the Divi and Avada themes and the Gravity Forms, WP Bakery, and Contact Form 7 plugins. Jennifer's estimate: 95% of trades websites are running Contact Form 7 or Gravity Forms right now, sitting in a vulnerable state. The scariest single item: a GDPR cookie-consent plugin (the little "accept or decline" popup that keeps you compliant with privacy laws) rated 10/10 severity for arbitrary file upload, with 900,000+ installs and no patch available at the time of recording. How the hacks actually work Chris walks through the attacker's playbook in plain English. Remote file inclusion (also called arbitrary file upload) lets an attacker inject a PHP shell, hosted on a site like Pastebin or GitHub, straight into your server. Privilege escalation turns any login role, even a customer or subscriber account, into an admin through WordPress's role-based access controls. Cross-site scripting (XSS) lets hackers run their own scripts on your domain, building phishing pages (a fake PayPal notice served from your URL) without touching a single file on your server. And man-in-the-middle attacks pair with keyloggers: one contractor's site was rendering as Bank of America to its visitors. Why your hacked site is everyone's problem "I don't collect data, so I'm safe" is the most dangerous sentence in this episode. Exploit frameworks aren't trying to hurt your business; your site is just the vehicle. They fingerprint each visitor's browser and serve a tailored malicious payload, quietly drafting visitor devices into botnets. A keylogger picked up from your site follows the visitor home: they log into their bank later, and the credentials get harvested. Stolen logins are brokered in underground channels and sold in bulk. If your site is compromised, your customers are exposed. After a hack: updates and new passwords are not enough One agency's response to being hacked was to change passwords and update plugins. Chris's answer: not enough. The first thing an attacker does on entry is establish a way back in. The progression taught at hacker conferences runs reconnaissance, gain access, maintain access, escalate access. Updating software closes the front door; it does nothing about the back doors already installed. When your agency holds your website hostage A trades company came to CI Web Group after their agency threatened to take the site down if they canceled. Jennifer's answer: if you're on WordPress, you don't need the agency's permission or files to recover what you own. CI Web Group has extracted sites directly with its own shell tool (published at github.com/ciwebgroup/cishell), pulling the database, themes, and plugins without the old agency's cooperation. The lesson: find out whether you actually own your website before the relationship goes bad. The January 1, 2027 line in the sand Jennifer announced it live: CI Web Group is moving every client off WordPress by January 1, 2027, and paying for the migrations itself. The replacement is the Hydra OS website platform, built on static site generation: no PHP executing in real time, pages pre-generated and served as finished HTML. The result Chris cites: perfect Lighthouse and Core Web Vitals scores the team had never achieved on any third-party infrastructure. The AI website-builder trap The episode closes with a warning for the build-it-in-AI crowd. AI site generators typically produce single-page applications (React, Next.js) where the entire page mounts via JavaScript into one empty div. To a search engine's first crawl, that page is effectively blank; indexing slows and pages can deindex. Jennifer's rule: an ugly old server-rendered site that Google can read will outperform a gorgeous AI-generated SPA every time. And "start with pretty" isn't building a product. Real development starts with discovery, buyer personas, framework, database architecture, user roles, and rules. Pretty comes last. Questions Answered in This Episode - What is a CVE, and why do new WordPress vulnerabilities surface almost daily? - Which themes and plugins were actively exploited this week? - What are remote file inclusion, privilege escalation, and cross-site scripting, in plain English? - How do hackers use a hacked contractor website to attack its visitors? - Why don't plugin updates and new passwords fix a hacked site? - What should you do if your agency threatens to take down your site? - Why is CI Web Group moving all clients off WordPress by January 1, 2027? - Why can AI-generated single-page websites destroy your Google rankings? About Jennifer Bagley Jennifer Bagley is the owner of CI Web Group and host of the Catalyst for the Trades podcast. About Chris Heney Chris Heney is the CTO of CI Web Group. Chapters 00:00 Emergency livestream: a wave of hacked WordPress sites 01:09 CI Web Group's WordPress history — early adopters in 2006, first to leave 02:34 This week's CVE wave 03:50 Live look at a hacked site: casino backlink spam 05:51 How WordPress actually works: core, themes, and plugins 09:53 "The Wall Street Journal uses WordPress" — not the way you do 12:46 Exploit frameworks, botnets, and "frags" 14:08 Divi, Avada, Gravity Forms, WP Bakery under fire 15:44 Remote file inclusion and PHP shells 17:50 A cookie-consent plugin with 900,000+ installs at 10/10 severity 21:46 When your agency holds your website hostage 23:40 Privilege escalation explained 24:58 Cross-site scripting (XSS) and phishing pages 26:26 Man-in-the-middle: the contractor site that looked like Bank of America 28:01 "I don't collect data, so I'm safe" — why that's wrong 33:02 WordPress 7.0.3 SSRF vulnerability 35:41 After a hack: why updates and new passwords aren't enough 38:12 CI Web Group's mandate: clients off WordPress by January 1, 2027 38:49 Why the Hydra OS website platform uses static site generation 41:11 The AI website-builder trap: React SPAs and deindexing risk 48:59 "Start with pretty" isn't building a product 57:20 Next up: a deep dive on Hydra's power 58:00 Close: it's your website, your business, your results Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe to "The Catalyst for Trades" on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your preferred platform. Share this episode with aspiring and established leaders, and stay tuned for more insights on driving business success and personal leadership growth.

Your AI Dashboard Is Wallpaper: AI Vaporware, WET Code & What Contractors Are Actually Buying

AI is making it easier than ever to build software that looks finished. For contractors and home service business owners, that creates a new problem: How do you know whether an AI platform, dashboard, or application is actually built to run a business? In this episode of Catalyst for the Trades, host Jazmin Ramirez sits down with Jennifer Bagley, CEO of CI Web Group, and Chris Heney, CTO of CI Web Group, to break down AI vaporware, AI-generated software, database architecture, WET vs. DRY code, and the risks contractors should understand before trusting an AI tool with real business data. Chris compares today's AI-built software to putting beautiful wallpaper on a house before making sure the foundation and framing are sound. A dashboard can look polished while relying on seed data, duplicated logic, weak architecture, or inaccurate reporting. Jennifer shares one example where a contractor was running the business from a polished dashboard only to discover that roughly 90% of what appeared on the front end was seed data rather than the operational data they thought they were viewing. What AI vaporware means for contractors AI is incredibly useful for prototyping. A business owner can quickly turn an idea into something visual that helps developers and stakeholders understand the concept. The danger starts when a prototype is treated like a production-ready application. A real business application may require database and server architecture, role-based access control (RBAC), state machines, data models, business rules, CI/CD processes, testing, security, and clear separation between business logic and visual components. If those foundations were never planned, a beautiful dashboard may still be just a prototype. WET code vs. DRY code One of the biggest risks Chris sees in AI-generated development is WET code, or "Write Everything Twice." Traditional development generally aims for DRY code: Don't Repeat Yourself. Instead of recreating the same logic each time, developers build reusable components and maintain a single source of truth. AI can move in the opposite direction. As prompts pile up and terminology changes, an AI coding tool may create separate logic, fields, tables, or components for things that should be connected. Chris describes finding multiple versions of components that should have been shared. Jennifer shares another example involving 15 databases tied to inbound leads and roughly 100 variations of lead-source information, leaving the company with numbers that didn't match its other systems. The interface looked convincing. The architecture underneath it was not. Questions to ask about an AI application If you're building an AI-powered dashboard or internal tool, don't judge it only by how polished it looks. Start asking: Are we building WET code or DRY code? Does this application have a state machine? What role-based access controls, or RBAC, are in place? Is the business logic separated from the design components? How many lint errors exist in the code? These questions don't replace an engineering review, but they can help reveal whether you're looking at a prototype or software that is ready to become business-critical. How contractors can evaluate an AI vendor The same scrutiny applies when buying software. Before trusting an AI vendor with customer data, lead information, reporting, or operational systems, look beyond the website and demo. Jennifer recommends checking the company's team. Do they have experienced full-stack developers, engineers, database architects, or other technical professionals actually building the product? Chris also challenges contractors to look at mature software products and the teams behind them. AI can accelerate development, but it doesn't eliminate software engineering. Why AI development still needs guardrails Chris explains how development teams use gates throughout the software process to catch problems before code moves forward. That can include linting, CI/CD workflows, automated scripts, testing, and other quality controls. As AI increases the speed at which code can be produced, those controls matter even more. The same is true of product ownership. A strong product needs people who understand the business problem and people who understand the technical architecture required to solve it reliably. The bigger issue: AI makes prototypes feel finished AI has made it possible for non-developers to create polished software experiences incredibly quickly. That's powerful, but generating an interface is not the same as knowing whether the system behind it is reliable, secure, maintainable, or accurate enough to run a business. For contractors experimenting with AI, the message isn't to stop building. Keep building. Just know what you've built. A prototype can help clarify an idea and define what should come next. The mistake is assuming the prototype is already the product. Questions Answered in This Episode What is AI vaporware? Why can an AI dashboard look finished when the underlying software isn't? What is the difference between WET code and DRY code? Why does AI-generated code create multiple sources of truth? What are RBAC rules and state machines? What should contractors ask before trusting an AI dashboard? How can contractors vet an AI software vendor? Do AI-built applications still need experienced engineers? What are CI/CD and software-development gates? How should business owners use AI prototypes without confusing them with production software? About the Guests Chris Heney, CTO, CI Web Group Chris breaks down database architecture, software design patterns, state machines, role-based access control, WET and DRY code, CI/CD, and the engineering required to move from an AI-generated prototype to reliable software. Jennifer Bagley, CEO, CI Web Group Jennifer brings the product and business perspective, explaining how quickly AI can turn an idea into an impressive prototype, why owners need to understand the difference between prototype and product, and what contractors should investigate before trusting AI-generated systems. Chapters 0:00 — Meet Jennifer Bagley and Chris Heney 1:10 — How much AI software being sold to contractors is oversold? 2:30 — What is AI vaporware? 4:05 — The wallpaper analogy: polished UI vs. real architecture 6:54 — Prototype vs. production-ready software 8:37 — Databases, RBAC, caching and state machines 9:28 — Software design patterns and the saga pattern 11:26 — The dashboard running on roughly 90% seed data 15:10 — WET vs. DRY code explained 17:29 — How duplicated code destroys the single source of truth 19:22 — 15 databases and 100 lead-source variations 22:31 — Where bad AI-generated data structures come from 24:19 — How to vet an AI vendor before you buy 25:18 — The App Store challenge for AI-built software 25:54 — Questions to ask your AI about what you're building 27:47 — Development gates, linting and CI/CD 31:37 — Can someone learn AI and become a software developer? 33:27 — Why AI makes non-developers feel like developers 34:04 — Who owns product viability? 36:18 — Why product vision and technical architecture need each other 38:07 — How to test what you've built 39:27 — Reviewing an application's GitHub repository 40:19 — Wolverine, CI Web Group's code-review agent 40:55 — Why bad architecture can become a ticking time bomb 41:49 — Building an AI software audit checklist 42:36 — When polished AI software hides serious problems 44:16 — Should there be a Part Two? Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe to "The Catalyst for Trades" on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your preferred platform. Share this episode with aspiring and established leaders, and stay tuned for more insights on driving business success and personal leadership growth.

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Building Better Trades Businesses With the Right Tools at the Right Time

What happens when technology is built around the problems contractors are actually facing every day? Jennifer Bagley sits down with Charlie Vecchio of Built by the Trades to break down a growing suite of tools designed to help home service businesses improve visibility, accountability, reviews, pricing, financial planning, and customer acquisition. The conversation goes beyond software. Jennifer and Charlie dig into the systems behind stronger businesses, including why contractors need better visibility into what is happening in the field, why review generation should be an operational standard, how online pricing is changing the buying process, and why accurate budgets matter for profitability and eventual acquisition. They also explore a bigger shift happening across the trades: moving away from isolated tools and reactive problem-solving toward connected systems that give owners better information and help teams execute consistently. In This Episode Jennifer and Charlie discuss: How Built by the Trades grew from one solution into a broader toolbox for contractors Goose and how AI-powered call insights can support technician coaching, accountability, and field performance Using real call data to identify coaching opportunities instead of relying on assumptions TradeRated and the push to make review generation part of the standard operating process Why reviews influence far more than reputation, including local search, organic visibility, AI search, conversions, and advertising performance True Quote and the changing expectations around pricing transparency Why contractors need to influence what consumers and AI systems understand about realistic home service pricing How online pricing can change the sales process before a contractor ever enters the home ServiceDash and the opportunity to create another customer acquisition channel outside traditional search and paid advertising How contractors can use strategic partnerships, including relationships with real estate professionals, to expand adoption Budget Genius and the importance of building budgets from actual historical business data Why revenue growth without financial visibility can still leave a company struggling with profitability How stronger systems, clean financials, consistent reviews, and operational discipline can support businesses preparing for acquisition Why contractors do not need to implement every new tool at once How to identify the next problem, implement the right solution, make it routine, and then move to the next piece of the business A Better Way to Think About Business Problems One of the biggest themes in this conversation is sequencing. A contractor may need more leads, but more leads create additional demands on sales, operations, reviews, staffing, and financial management. Fixing one part of the business often exposes the next constraint. Instead of treating every new challenge as another crisis, Jennifer encourages owners to view the company as a connected puzzle. Get the right systems in place, measure what is happening, solve the next constraint, and continue building from there. The goal is not to collect more technology. It is to create a business where owners have the information they need to make better decisions and teams have the systems they need to execute. Connect With Charlie Vecchio Charlie Vecchio Built by the Trades charlie@builtbythetrades.com Learn more about Built by the Trades and its growing suite of tools for contractors at BuiltByTheTrades.com. Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe to "The Catalyst for Trades" on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your preferred platform. Share this episode with aspiring and established leaders, and stay tuned for more insights on driving business success and personal leadership growth.

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From ChatGPT to AI-Powered Operations: Matthew Palmieri on Building Smarter Trade Businesses

What happens when AI moves beyond prompts and starts becoming part of how you actually run the business? In this episode of Catalyst for the Trades, Jennifer Bagley sits down with Matthew Palmieri of My Happy Home to talk about his evolution from using ChatGPT for basic searches to building AI agents and systems around real home service operations. Matthew shares lessons from building with AI, including why clean data matters, how AI can amplify bad assumptions, and why contractors should start with a real business problem instead of a shiny new tool. They discuss: Moving from conversational AI to agents and connected business systems Why clean, trustworthy data has to come before dashboards Using AI to analyze marketing, operations, pricing, cash flow, and performance Why AI should challenge your assumptions instead of always agreeing with you How AI agents can take on repetitive operational work What AI voice agents are already doing in customer service and booking How AI search is changing the way homeowners find contractors Where contractors can start without becoming AI experts Why experience and industry context still matter when choosing AI partners Matthew also shares how My Happy Home is using AI and contractor data to improve decision-making and create a simpler experience between homeowners and trusted home service companies. Connect with Matthew Palmieri: My Happy Home: myhappyhome.com Email: matthew@myhappyhome.com Phone/Text: 805-457-4337 Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe to "The Catalyst for Trades" on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your preferred platform. Share this episode with aspiring and established leaders, and stay tuned for more insights on driving business success and personal leadership growth.

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As AI Gets Better, Your People Need to Get Better Too

AI can make your business faster, more efficient, and more consistent. But if the technology keeps getting better while your people stay the same, what happens next? In this episode of Catalyst for the Trades, Jennifer Bagley sits down with Erica Leonor, co-founder of Voxa, for a conversation about the human side of customer service, sales, leadership, and AI. Erica has spent years coaching and training people on something many businesses overlook: how they communicate. Because the right script only gets you so far. Tonality, pace, pauses, listening, presence, and delivery all shape how a customer experiences your business and whether they trust the person on the other end of the conversation. Jennifer and Erica discuss why these skills become even more important as AI takes on more of the repetitive work inside a business. If AI creates additional capacity, the opportunity is not simply to do more. It is to use that space to become better at the things that still require human judgment, connection, communication, and self-awareness. They also turn the conversation toward leadership. Improving your team cannot only be about identifying what everyone else needs to fix. Real change starts with being willing to examine your own habits, recognize what is not producing the results you want, and intentionally train yourself to improve. In this episode: Why the perfect script can still produce a bad customer experience How tonality, pace, pauses, and delivery affect trust Why listening is one of the most important sales and leadership skills How AI can create more space for meaningful human interaction Why businesses should approach human development with the same intention they bring to technology How leaders can identify and change habits that are holding back results Why self-reflection should come before trying to change your team How small improvements can compound across customer service, sales, and leadership Why being willing to change your mind when presented with new information matters The question is not only how much better AI will get. It is whether we are willing to keep getting better alongside it. Learn more about Erica and Voxa at callvoxa.com. Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe to "The Catalyst for Trades" on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your preferred platform. Share this episode with aspiring and established leaders, and stay tuned for more insights on driving business success and personal leadership growth.

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Build a Business Worth Buying Before You’re Ready to Sell

Most home service business owners don’t need to decide today whether they’ll eventually sell. They do need to build a company that could be sold. In this episode of Catalyst for the Trades, Jennifer Bagley sits down with David Hori, Founder of Topline Operators, to break down what makes a trades business valuable, durable, and less dependent on its owner. David brings experience from three successful business exits and now focuses on acquiring and advising trade-related businesses. He explains why preparing a company for a future sale can make it stronger today, even if an exit is years away or never happens. The conversation goes beyond valuation and multiples. Jennifer and David dig into the operational risks buyers notice, why owner dependence can become a major liability, how documented systems and predictable financials strengthen a business, and why the right exit may not mean walking away completely. They also explore AI adoption in the trades, hiring, leadership, brand experience, strategic focus, and the importance of building a company that gives the owner more options instead of fewer. In this episode: Why business owners should start preparing for an exit long before they want or need one The difference between building a business to sell and deciding that you actually want to sell it Why owner dependence can reduce the durability and value of a home service business The four areas David evaluates when assessing business durability How financial predictability, documented SOPs, systems, and processes affect buyer risk Why customer, employee, and leadership concentration can create vulnerabilities The importance of hiring administrative support and getting the owner out of day-to-day operations Why buyers care about whether the company's results can continue without the current owner How greater transparency can help teams navigate acquisitions and other major changes Why becoming an employer of choice requires more than simply paying higher wages How focusing on the right part of a business can uncover new revenue and growth opportunities Why an exit doesn't have to mean selling 100% of the company and walking away Alternatives including partnerships, partial transitions, coaching, and continued owner involvement David's approach to legacy-focused acquisitions and how it differs from traditional private equity models How AI is helping trades business owners analyze their companies, identify operational gaps, and move out of the weeds Why successful AI adoption often starts with solving one specific problem instead of trying to automate everything at once David’s Four Pillars of Business Durability David shares the framework behind his Durability Diagnostic, which evaluates four areas that can make a business stronger today and more attractive to a future buyer: 1. Owner Dependence How much of the company's sales, decisions, relationships, and daily operations still require the owner? 2. Financial Predictability Can someone looking at the business understand and reasonably predict how it will perform? 3. Systems and Processes Are SOPs and critical processes documented, or does the business rely on knowledge that lives inside a few people's heads? 4. Concentration Risk Is too much revenue dependent on one customer? Is one employee effectively irreplaceable? Are important relationships or responsibilities concentrated in too few places? Reducing these risks isn't only about getting a better offer someday. It creates a company that can operate more effectively without everything running through the owner. A Different Way to Think About the Exit One of David's central points is simple: business owners have more options when they prepare early. Waiting until a health issue, partnership dispute, burnout, financial problem, or other circumstance forces a sale can dramatically change the owner's negotiating position. Building a company that can operate without you gives you choices. You may eventually sell. You may bring in a partner. You may step away from day-to-day operations while retaining ownership. Or you may decide you still love the business once you're no longer carrying seven different jobs inside it. The work that makes a company more sellable can also make it a better company to own. Resources Mentioned Free Business Owner Webinar with David Hori David hosts a free weekly webinar covering what business owners should expect when considering a sale, including the types of buyers they may encounter and what to understand before beginning the process. https://learn.toplineops.com/pod-webinar-1 Topline Operators Learn more about David Hori, business acquisitions, partnerships, and advisory work: https://toplineops.com/ Connect with David Hori on Instagram: @thedavidhori About David Hori David Hori is the Founder of Topline Operators, where he focuses primarily on acquiring trade-related businesses while also working directly with select business owners. Before launching Topline Operators, David worked with three companies that ultimately exited to Qualtrics, Opendoor, and Toyota. Today, he applies those lessons to business acquisition, operational improvement, leadership, systems, and helping owners build companies with greater durability and long-term optionality. Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe to "The Catalyst for Trades" on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your preferred platform. Share this episode with aspiring and established leaders, and stay tuned for more insights on driving business success and personal leadership growth.

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Built by the Trades: AI for Contractors, ServiceTitan Automation & the Future of Home Service Technology

Artificial intelligence is changing the trades, but the biggest opportunity isn't replacing technicians. It's helping contractors build smarter systems, automate operations, improve profitability, and make better business decisions. In this episode of Catalyst for the Trades, Jennifer Bagley is joined by Paul Wiese and Charlie Vecchio from Built by the Trades to explore how AI is transforming HVAC, plumbing, electrical, garage door, roofing, and home service businesses through practical automation—not hype. From AI-powered pricing and budgeting to ServiceTitan automation, review management, online quoting, and service scheduling, this conversation dives into the technology that's helping contractors operate more efficiently while improving the customer experience. Paul also shares why enterprise-grade AI requires far more than a weekend prototype, explaining the importance of security, infrastructure, SOC compliance, and building software that can scale with growing businesses. In this episode, you'll learn: How AI is changing the future of the home services industry Why automation is becoming essential for growing HVAC, plumbing, electrical, and garage door companies The difference between AI prototypes and enterprise-grade software How Profit Wizard automates pricing using real business overhead and profitability How ServiceDash helps contractors fill technician capacity with real booked service calls How TrueQuote brings transparent online pricing to contractor websites Why Google Reviews and reputation management are becoming even more important in AI search How Budget Genius uses historical business data to improve forecasting and budgeting Why contractors should rely on data, KPIs, and math instead of guesswork when making business decisions What business owners should know before investing in AI software for their company Whether you're already using AI in your business or you're evaluating where to begin, this episode offers practical insights into the next generation of technology built specifically for the trades. Connect with Today's Guests Built by the Trades Website: https://builtbythetrades.com Paul Wiese Email: paul@builtbythetrades.com Charlie Vecchio Email: charlie@builtbythetrades.com Learn More The Catalyst for the Trades Website: https://www.catalystforthetrades.com Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe to "The Catalyst for Trades" on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your preferred platform. Share this episode with aspiring and established leaders, and stay tuned for more insights on driving business success and personal leadership growth.

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AI, Authority & the Future of Home Service Marketing with Casey Eberhart

What happens when AI changes the rules of marketing faster than most contractors can keep up? In this episode of The Catalyst for the Trades, Jennifer Bagley is joined by longtime friend, strategist, and business consultant Casey Eberhart for a candid conversation about where the industry is headed, and why most contractors are still playing yesterday's game. Together, they explore why AI isn't just changing marketing tactics. It's changing how homeowners discover businesses, how trust is built, and why your personal brand may soon become one of your company's biggest competitive advantages. They also dive into the evolution from traditional SEO to AI search, why transparency is becoming a business advantage, and how forward-thinking contractors can position themselves several moves ahead of the competition. In This Episode Why AI is a bigger business shift than the early days of the internet The difference between chasing AI tools and building an adaptable AI strategy How personal brands influence business visibility and AI search results Why your website, social media, podcasts, reviews, and content all work together as one connected digital ecosystem The case for transparent pricing—and why hiding prices may be costing you sales How customer-first website experiences outperform traditional service-page marketing Why every member of your team can strengthen your company's authority online Using podcasts, local partnerships, and content collaborations to build market dominance How AI helps business owners make better strategic decisions using real market data instead of opinions Why contractors who think three to five moves ahead will outperform competitors still focused on today's playbook Memorable Quotes "Don't get emotionally attached to any given tool. Get emotionally attached to the process." "Most of your competitors don't know how to play checkers. This is five-dimensional chess." "You can be right, or you can be rich. Pick one." "Your first 50 videos are going to suck. That's okay. Your competitors won't even make it to five." Resources Mentioned Connect with Casey on Facebook Jennifer Bagley's book Hands Up JenniferBagley.com Connect with Jennifer on Facebook Hydra OS CI Web Group Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe to "The Catalyst for Trades" on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your preferred platform. Share this episode with aspiring and established leaders, and stay tuned for more insights on driving business success and personal leadership growth.

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Your Website Site Is an ADA Lawsuit Waiting to Happen

AI-powered attorneys are now filing automated ADA lawsuits, and the average settlement costs $52,000. Is your website exposed? In this episode of Catalyst for the Trades, host Jazmin Ramirez sits down with Jennifer Bagley for a no-nonsense breakdown of what ADA website accessibility actually means for home service businesses right now. Jennifer shares why most websites—whether built on WordPress, Webflow, or other popular platforms—are a compliance minefield, how Google's AI crawlers and DOJ requirements are essentially the same checklist, why retrofitting old sites doesn't work, and what a future-proof digital strategy actually looks like.She also shares the uncomfortable truth: with 52% of Google searches now ending in zero clicks, the website itself may no longer be the destination, and your compliance and discoverability strategy needs to reflect that. If you're still running a patchwork WordPress site, or assuming a modern web platform setup protects you, this episode is your wake-up call. Disclaimer: This episode is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult a qualified attorney for guidance specific to your situation. Timestamps: 00:00 — Meet Your Hosts: Jazmin Ramirez and Jennifer Bagley kick off a new era of Catalyst for the Trades 00:29 — ADA 101: What it is, who it protects, and why it goes all the way down to your site's code 02:24 — The WordPress Problem: Why themes, plugins, and third-party code make compliance nearly impossible to control 06:01 — The Branding Trap: How a $60,000 rebrand can fail every ADA color contrast requirement 08:10 — ADA & SEO Are the Same Thing: Why Google's AI crawlers and DOJ requirements are nearly identical checklists 12:19 — Automated Lawsuits Are Here: How AI lets attorneys mass-file ADA suits — and why the $52K average settlement should get your attention 22:07 — The Most Common Violations: Untagged images, broken forms, poor contrast, and third-party integrations that leave you exposed 29:38 — Whose Responsibility Is It? Everyone's — from the business owner to the SEO team to the account manager 35:01 — Stop Nodding, Start Asking: Building a culture of curiosity and accountability around compliance 36:45 — Why Retrofitting Doesn't Work: The R22 refrigerant analogy and the real cost of patching a broken site 43:53 — Future-Proofing with Hydra: Why a decoupled, AI-ready platform is the only long-term answer Guest Details: Host: Jazmin Ramirez Executive Director of Growth, CI Web Group Jazmin leads growth strategy at CI Web Group and co-hosts Catalyst for the Trades, bringing contractor-focused perspective to complex digital topics. Host: Jennifer Bagley CEO, CI Web Group | Co-founder, Just Start AI Jennifer Bagley is a digital marketing strategist and one of the home services industry's most forward-thinking voices. She helps HVAC, plumbing, and electrical companies navigate ADA compliance, AI-driven search, and the technical foundations of a durable digital presence. Relevant Links: CI Web Group Just Start AI Get Your Free ADA Compliance Report & Upgrade to Hydra DOJ ADA Web Guidance (Title III) Pro tip from Jennifer: Go to Google and search "How does ADA compliance compare to Google AI crawler requirements?" — the overlap will change how you think about both. Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe to "The Catalyst for Trades" on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your preferred platform. Share this episode with aspiring and established leaders, and stay tuned for more insights on driving business success and personal leadership growth.

Last Chance to Register | The Trades Event That Builds Your $10M+ Plan | May 5-7

Last Chance to Register | Climb to $10M+ | May 5-7 | Houston, Texas Are you a trades business owner stuck under $10M? This is the event that changes that. Join host Jennifer Bagley alongside Chuck & Dana Staszkiewicz, Craig Wendel, Crystal Williams, Lindsey Beckstrom, and Paul Childers — six industry experts covering every cogwheel of your trades business — for a 3-day war room style workshop designed to find the holes, fix the gaps, and build your real plan to climb to $10M and beyond. This is NOT another conference. No PowerPoints. No stages. Just hands-on, in-the-weeds work on YOUR business. 📍 REGISTER NOW → https://climbtoriches.ciwebgroup.com/ 📅 May 5-7 | Houston, Texas | Limited Seats 🛠️ WHAT HAPPENS AT THIS EVENT: Hot seat sessions where experts dig into YOUR specific business problems VIP Day with M&A advisor Craig Wendel (VIP day only — don't miss it) Hands-on war room workshops — you leave with your actual plan built Branding & digital strategy deep dives with Crystal Williams HR, recruiting & onboarding breakthroughs with Lindsey Beckstrom Capital, credit & lending clarity with Paul Childers M&A, deal structure & exit strategy with Craig Wendel Business operations & growth strategy with Chuck & Dana Staszkiewicz A 356-data-point entity platform — released for the FIRST TIME at this event Optional hog hunt on Day 3 for networking and adventure Small intimate setting — real conversations, real results 💡 WHO THIS IS FOR: ✅ Trades business owners doing $500K–$50M+ in revenue ✅ HVAC, plumbing, electrical, roofing, pest control & more ✅ Owners who are stuck in the day-to-day and can't break through ✅ Anyone who wants to sell, scale, or future-proof their business ✅ One ticket = 3 people can attend (bring your GM or manager!) ⚠️ TOP PROBLEMS WE SOLVE AT THIS EVENT: Cash flow & budgeting issues Owner dependency & key man risk Recruiting & hiring in today's market Predatory lending & bad deal structures Branding & marketing that actually moves the needle SOPs, KPIs & financial visibility Exit planning & M&A preparation Not knowing what you don't know 🎯 WHAT MAKES THIS DIFFERENT: Most conferences leave you with a notebook full of ideas you never use. This event leaves you with a plan you built yourself, surrounded by experts who helped you build it. Small pockets. Real conversations. Actual application. "Walk in stuck. Leave climbing to $10M+" 📲 CONNECT WITH OUR EXPERTS: 🔹 Jennifer Bagley 🔹 Chuck & Dana Staszkiewicz 🔹 Craig Wendel 🔹 Crystal Williams 🔹 Lindsey Beckstrom 🔹 Paul Childers 📌 REGISTER BEFORE SEATS CLOSE → https://climbtoriches.ciwebgroup.com/ Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe to "The Catalyst for Trades" on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your preferred platform. Share this episode with aspiring and established leaders, and stay tuned for more insights on driving business success and personal leadership growth.

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Climb to $10M: Inside the Workshop Event That Will Transform Your Business

Sick of conferences that pump you up but don’t move the needle? Jennifer Bagley welcomes guest Chuck Staszkiewicz for a candid, behind-the-scenes look at Climb to $10M—the high-accountability, workshop-driven event hosted by The Opus & Golds Group. Jennifer and Chuck unpack what makes it different: capped attendance, curated experts, real implementation time, and a strict no-selling environment. You’ll hear how the agenda flows like a business supply chain—connecting marketing, sales, operations, HR, and finance—so you leave with clarity, content assets, and a plan your team can execute immediately. They dig into identity work for CEOs, adventure-based learning that cements lessons, and practical frameworks for maximizing any event before, during, and after you attend. If you lead a home service company and want results you can measure—not just motivation—this episode is your roadmap. Seats are capped for maximum access and accountability. Bring your leadership team and leave with a plan, content assets, and systems you can execute immediately. Register now at climbtoriches.ciwebgroup.com Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction and catch-up 01:32 - Rethinking events: fixing what’s broken 02:52 - Small groups, big impact 04:23 - The expert lineup and session themes 07:22 - VIP Day and identity shifting 08:43 - Adventure learning in the field 12:47 - Bring your leaders, multiply results 15:07 - Strategic flow: supply chain logic for growth 16:40 - War-room style, real conversations 18:18 - Leave with marketing assets 20:13 - How to maximize any event 24:45 - High-Leverage Actions (HLA) 28:06 - Cross-industry insights 32:33 - The promise of Climb to $10M 33:07 - VIP ticket giveaway 35:35 - 2024 growth mindset. 40:18 - Event details and registration Guest: Chuck Staszkiewicz Founder, The Opus & Golds Group A serial entrepreneur with deep home service operations experience, Chuck focuses on practical systems and implementation that break plateaus and drive scale. Host: Jennifer Bagley Founder & CEO, CI Web Group; Featured Speaker at Climb to $10M A leading strategist on AI, marketing, and scale, Jennifer helps home service businesses implement systems, content, and tech for measurable growth. Relevant Links: Register for Climb to $10M (May 5-7): https://climbtoriches.ciwebgroup.com CI Web Group: https://www.ciwebgroup.com Find Chuck Staszkiewicz on Facebook for VIP ticket giveaway Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe to "The Catalyst for Trades" on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your preferred platform. Share this episode with aspiring and established leaders, and stay tuned for more insights on driving business success and personal leadership growth.

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AI, Leadership & Next-Level Growth: Cameron Herold’s Playbook for Contractors

Most contractors are either ignoring AI or getting distracted by flashy tools they don’t actually need. In this episode, Jennifer Bagley talks with Cameron Herold, the operational expert who helped build 1-800-GOT-JUNK and mentored industry leaders like Tommy Mello. They discuss why the "old-school" basics—like answering the phone and having branded trucks—matter more than ever in an automated world. You will learn how to identify which AI tools actually increase your profit margins, how to hire a team that embraces technology, and why your leadership style is the one thing that can't be replaced by a bot. What You’ll Learn The Revenue Filter: Why you should only use AI for tasks that directly increase sales or gross margins. The 3-Tier Growth Path: Why a small shop shouldn’t try to use the same automation as a $50M company. Hiring for the Future: A simple "Laptop Test" to make sure your next hire can actually use technology to save you time. Beating "Price Shopping": How to use ChatGPT in the house with the customer to upsell maintenance agreements and air purification. The Leadership Gap: Why delegating AI is smart, but "abdicating" (ignoring it and hoping someone else handles it) will kill your business. Timestamps 00:00 – Jennifer’s experience: Moving from a 320-person team to a 47-person AI-first company. 04:10 – Cameron’s background: Scaling residential painting and junk removal to billion-dollar levels. 08:27 – The Danger Zone: Why moving too slow—or too fast—with AI can hurt your business. 11:00 – The Interview Secret: How to see if a candidate is actually tech-savvy in 5 minutes. 18:44 – Customer Savvy: How to stop clients from using AI to talk you down on price. 21:20 – Bronze, Silver, Gold: A realistic roadmap for contractor technology. 33:16 – Easy Wins: Automating Google reviews to win more local jobs. 40:03 – Performance Reviews: Using AI agents to give your team unbiased feedback. 51:14 – Soft Skills: Why being a good boss is still your most valuable skill. 56:38 – The Big Picture: Taking care of your people and your customers first. About Cameron Herold Cameron Herold is a world-renowned business coach and the founder of the COO Alliance. He specializes in helping "second-in-command" executives run the day-to-day operations of high-growth companies. He has authored seven business books and has a deep history in the home services industry. Free AI Mentor: AskCameron.ai Website: CameronHerold.com Training: InvestInYourLeaders.com Next Steps Organize Your Tech: Visit Cameron’s websites and bookmark them for your next leadership meeting. Review Your Reviews: If you aren't using an automated system to get Google reviews, make that your priority this week. Subscribe: Follow Catalyst for the Trades on your favorite podcast app for more interviews with industry experts. Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe to "The Catalyst for Trades" on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your preferred platform. Share this episode with aspiring and established leaders, and stay tuned for more insights on driving business success and personal leadership growth.

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AI-First Growth for the Trades: Builder Market with Louis Vierra and Brett Taylor

Most contractors know the feeling: you pay for leads that five other companies get, you chase calls late, and your software stack keeps growing—but not your margins. Builder Market’s Founder Brett Taylor and Co-Founder Louis Vierra come from the trades. They built an AI-first platform that keeps things simple: a free listing that customers can trust, pro-to-pro networking, a built-in CRM and pricebook, financing, and access to exclusive leads. You choose your zip codes and categories. You pay only for the real leads delivered. You get support when you set it up. Pair that with speed-to-lead automation and AI-first websites and content and you’ve got a system that responds in seconds, shows proof the customer can see, and builds visibility in both search and AI assistants. Less noise. More booked jobs. Timestamps 00:00 – Why the old model hurts contractors 01:16 – Brett and Louis: from jobsite to software 06:07 – What’s broken with Angie/Yelp and fragmented tech 10:24 – What Builder Market actually does (in plain English) 14:19 – Pricebooks, templates, and financing that don’t slow you down 15:23 – Find subs and GCs fast; work together in channels 17:16 – Claim your listing; setup in minutes; live help 20:21 – Consumer tools: AI planning, renderings, DIY guidance, product recs 22:04 – Becoming a trusted data source for AI assistants 25:50 – How exclusive vs. shared leads work; real-time auctions 28:36 – Speed-to-lead: reply in under 5 minutes (or in seconds with AI) 32:30 – Training and the Hydra ecosystem: content, agents, automation 36:09 – Third‑party validation + AI content = more visibility 40:04 – Why AI‑first beats legacy SaaS 42:00 – Using AI instead of adding office headcount 43:21 – Value-first approach and open feedback 44:44 – Costs: free to join; category-based lead pricing 47:19 – Disputes and refunds that respect pros 48:27 – 641,000+ pages indexed; tight geo coverage 50:07 – Brand mentions and content built with partners 53:29 – Final steps: claim, configure, connect Guest Details - Louis Vierra, Co‑Founder, Builder Market — Veteran GC; patents in construction project management; built Struxure, the engine behind Builder Market. - Brett Taylor, Founder, Builder Market — Entrepreneur focused on fair, open pro-homeowner communication and smarter lead distribution. Relevant Links - The Builder Market - Just Start AI - Catalyst for the Trades Podcast - OnePath AI - Hydra (CI Web Group) - Pulse (CI Web Group) Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe to "The Catalyst for Trades" on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your preferred platform. Share this episode with aspiring and established leaders, and stay tuned for more insights on driving business success and personal leadership growth.

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Women in Charge: How AI and Automation Are Powering Home Service Growth

How do women in the trades go from underfunded marketing and clunky tech to dominating their local markets with AI and automation? In this episode of Catalyst for the Trades, host Jennifer Bagley sits down with three powerhouse home service entrepreneurs—Courtney Van Delden Supplee (Van Delden Wastewater Systems), Amanda Casteel (Cherry Blossom Plumbing), and Stephanie Allen (AirWorks Solutions). You’ll hear real stories of growth from women-led businesses in HVAC, plumbing, and septic services. The conversation dives into hard-won lessons on failed marketing investments, the leap from WordPress to Webflow, and how embracing AI content, dashboards, and automation turned their marketing from a liability into a lead machine. These women get candid about tech transitions, brand control, data-driven decisions, and how being first to adopt AI-powered web platforms gave them a 12-month head start on their competition. Timestamps: 00:00 – Meet the Guests: Women Redefining the Home Services Industry 01:20 – Business Beginnings: Legacy, Pivots & Pandemic Launches 09:42 – Marketing Lessons: Tracking ROI, Attribution, and Broken Promises 20:28 – Why They Left WordPress: Moving to AI-Driven Web Platforms 29:33 – The 120-Day Ramp: Planning for Momentum and SEO Visibility 32:24 – AI vs. Human Marketing: Dashboards, Control & Training Smart Agents 35:00 – Trial and Error: Teaching AI, Managing Risk, and Staying Agile 40:33 – Content Repurposing at Scale: Blogs, Social Media & Link Building 45:00 – Brand Control: Managing Digital Assets and Image Guidelines 50:13 – Future-Focused: Compliance Automation and Smarter Processes 57:40 – Final Thoughts: Leadership, Feedback, and Scaling Together Guest Details: Courtney Van Delden Supplee Co-owner, Van Delden Wastewater Systems Fourth-generation owner of a septic services company in San Antonio, Courtney modernized a legacy business through AI-driven marketing, CRM tech, and deep customer trust. Amanda Casteel Co-owner, Cherry Blossom Plumbing Launched during the pandemic, Amanda helped scale Cherry Blossom Plumbing with smart digital strategies, strong client relationships, and a relentless focus on tech and transparency. Stephanie Allen CEO, AirWorks Solutions HVAC and plumbing leader from Alabama, Stephanie blends law and business acumen with grassroots and AI-based marketing to run a fast-growing, family-focused service brand. Relevant Links: Van Delden Wastewater Systems Cherry Blossom Plumbing AirWorks Solutions CI Web Group Catalyst for the Trades Podcast Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe to "The Catalyst for Trades" on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your preferred platform. Share this episode with aspiring and established leaders, and stay tuned for more insights on driving business success and personal leadership growth.

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From HVAC Technician to Tech-Savvy CEO: Robert Leath on Building a Future-Ready Trades Business with AI

In this episode of Catalyst for the Trades, Jennifer Bagley is joined by Robert Leath, founder of a thriving HVAC business, and his dedicated account executive, Vee Nettles. Robert shares his raw and inspiring journey from working for a large corporation to risking it all to build his own company from the ground up. He offers a transparent look at the challenges and triumphs of entrepreneurship, from securing funding and establishing a strong brand to embracing cutting-edge AI technology. This conversation is a masterclass in modern trades leadership, covering the importance of a high-quality brand, the power of building genuine customer relationships, and the transformative impact of AI on marketing and operations. Robert's story is a powerful reminder that with the right mindset, a willingness to learn, and a commitment to excellence, anyone in the trades can build a successful and future-proof business. Key Topics & Timestamps 00:00 – Introductions: Meet Robert Leath and Vee Nettles 00:38 – The Leap of Faith: Robert's journey from employee to entrepreneur 03:25 – Funding the Dream: The risk and reward of self-funding 05:31 – Building a Premium Brand: Why high standards matter from day one 06:20 – Adapting to Technology: The evolution from traditional marketing to AI 29:00 – The Impact of AI: A flood of new leads from unexpected places 31:00 – The Power of Education: Why continuous learning is non-negotiable 44:00 – The Human Element: Why customer relationships are still king 01:22:00 – Final Advice: Why you just need to start Guest Details Guest: Robert Leath Title: Founder & CEO Robert Leath is a testament to the modern trades entrepreneur. After years in the HVAC industry, he took the bold step of starting his own company, building it on a foundation of high standards, exceptional customer service, and a forward-thinking approach to technology. His story is one of resilience, growth, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. Guest: Vee Nettles Title: Senior Account Executive Vee Nettles is a key partner in Robert's success story. As a senior account executive at CI Web Group, she has helped guide Robert's business through the ever-changing landscape of digital marketing, from traditional websites to the new frontier of AI. Her expertise and dedication have been instrumental in helping Robert's business thrive. Relevant Links AirPoint Heating & Air Conditioning Catalyst for the Trades Just Start AI CI Web Group Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe to "The Catalyst for Trades" on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your preferred platform. Share this episode with aspiring and established leaders, and stay tuned for more insights on driving business success and personal leadership growth.

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What It Really Takes to Be a Woman in Business | Honest Leadership in the Trades with Kathryn Elizabeth & Laura Kelly

What does authentic leadership actually look like for women in the trades? In this episode of Catalyst for the Trades, host Jennifer Bagley sits down with Laura Kelly and Kathryn Elizabeth for a direct, no-filter conversation about leadership, self-respect, and showing up fully as a woman in business. The discussion covers what it means to lead with honesty, even when it’s uncomfortable. Laura and Kathryn share real experiences with criticism, self-doubt, public speaking, and breaking outdated expectations—especially in male-dominated industries like HVAC, plumbing, and the trades. You’ll hear practical insights on setting boundaries, navigating feedback, building confidence, serving others without losing yourself, and surrounding yourself with people who support your growth. This episode is for women in business, female trades professionals, and leaders who want to build impact without pretending to be someone they’re not. Key Topics Covered Authentic leadership in the trades Women in business and entrepreneurship Handling criticism and public visibility Self-respect, boundaries, and leadership mindset Overcoming self-doubt and fear Values-driven leadership Community, support systems, and personal growth Timestamps 00:00 – Authenticity and speaking truth in business (Laura Kelly & Kathryn Elizabeth) 03:00 – Handling criticism and swearing on stage 04:40 – Why leadership often means breaking the rules 05:04 – Self-respect and setting boundaries as a leader 07:30 – Being “heart-less” without being heartless (Kathryn Elizabeth) 10:44 – Authenticity, service, and leadership responsibility 11:56 – Confronting self-doubt and doing hard things anyway 13:00 – Behind the scenes of public speaking (Jennifer Bagley) 14:46 – Why serving from the stage isn’t about you 17:31 – Showing up for your audience—even if it’s one person 18:46 – Values, behavior, and creating a rich life (Laura Kelly) 22:08 – Progress over perfection and bouncing back 23:11 – The power of community and support systems 25:12 – Final thoughts: choose who you surround yourself with Guest Details Laura Kelly Industry leader and speaker known for her direct approach to leadership, tough conversations, and personal growth. Laura helps business owners and leaders identify their core values and build fulfillment in both life and work. Kathryn Elizabeth CEO, business builder, and speaker focused on real-world leadership. Kathryn is known for her honest take on decision-making, team building, and consistency, and for empowering women in the trades to lead with confidence. Host Jennifer Bagley Founder of CI Web Group and host of Catalyst for the Trades. Jennifer helps trades businesses grow through clear strategy, strong leadership, and authentic marketing. Relevant Links Connect with Kathryn Elizabeth Follow Laura Kelly Catalyst for the Trades CI Web Group Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe to "The Catalyst for Trades" on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your preferred platform. Share this episode with aspiring and established leaders, and stay tuned for more insights on driving business success and personal leadership growth.

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Gregg Schonhorn on Maximizing Business Value in the Trades: Preparing to Sell, AI, and Building for the Future

How do you build a home service business that thrives today and is ready for a profitable exit tomorrow? In this episode of Catalyst for the Trades, Gregg Schonhorn of SF&P Advisors joins Jennifer Bagley to share proven strategies for maximizing business value, preparing to sell, and staying ahead with AI and tech adoption. Gregg combines 20+ years of Wall Street experience with deep knowledge of HVAC, plumbing, electrical, and roofing industries. He breaks down financial skills contractors need, the right time to sell, and common myths about industry multiples. This episode also covers how AI will impact websites, marketing, and lead generation—plus what business owners can do now to stay competitive. If you’re thinking about selling your contracting business or want to build a more valuable company, this conversation is packed with clear, actionable advice. Key Topics & Timestamps 00:00 – Introduction: Meet Gregg and the story behind the episode. 02:48 – Career Path: From Wall Street to trades advisor. 07:24 – What SF&P Advisors Does: M&A and exit planning for contractors. 09:37 – Industry Multiples & Market Timing: When to sell your business. 13:03 – Building to Sell: What separates high-value companies. 17:15 – AI in Home Services: How tech is reshaping marketing. 26:13 – The Future of Websites: AI training data and agentic tools. 33:23 – New Business Models: Lead gen companies and tech-driven contractors. 35:13 – Marketing Mindset: Why every trades business needs a CMO. 36:44 – Cutting Through the Noise: Avoiding bad advice. 41:07 – Personal Moments: Golf, family, and friendship. 44:50 – When to Talk to Gregg: Preparing for valuation and due diligence. 47:18 – Fractional CFOs: Why they’re critical for scaling. 49:52 – Final Takeaways: Build relationships. Take action. Guest Details Guest: Gregg Schonhorn Title: Senior Advisor, SF&P Advisors Gregg Schonhorn has more than two decades of Wall Street experience and now helps HVAC, plumbing, electrical, and roofing companies plan and execute successful exits. As a senior advisor at SF&P Advisors—an M&A firm with over $3.7B in closed deals—he’s known for straightforward guidance, deep industry knowledge, and helping contractors make smart, strategic decisions about selling, scaling, or staying independent. Relevant Links SF&P Advisors Connect with Gregg Schonhorn on Facebook Catalyst for the Trades Podcast The Opus & Golds Group CI Web Group Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe to "The Catalyst for Trades" on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your preferred platform. Share this episode with aspiring and established leaders, and stay tuned for more insights on driving business success and personal leadership growth.

Contractor Accounting Made Simple with Meaghan Likes of Likes Accounting

CPA Meaghan Likes, founder of Likes Accounting, shares proven tips to help contractors clean up their books, simplify ServiceTitan integration, and gain financial clarity. In this episode of Catalyst for the Trades, Meaghan and Stephanie Allen of AirWorks explain how to turn accounting chaos into clarity, make data-driven decisions, and build a profitable, scalable business. In this conversation, Jennifer Bagley, CEO of CI Web Group and co-founder of Just Start AI, sits down with Meaghan and Stephanie to break down: Why clean books are non-negotiable—and how to get there, even if you’re starting in a “spaghetti mess” The keys to successful ServiceTitan integrations (without breaking your accounting) Proactive business decisions using data, not just hope Practical ways to safeguard profits regardless of market conditions Real talk about industry trends, growth versus profit, and the power of collaboration 👉 If you’re a contractor or owner/operator wanting clear financials, smarter systems, and a community of support to help you win—this is a must-listen episode. Timestamps 00:00 – Intro & Guest Intro: Meaghan Likes | Likes Accounting 04:05 – Cleaning Contractor Books: From “Worst Books Ever” to Clean Accounting 08:10 – ServiceTitan Integration Tips: Touchless Setup with QuickBooks 16:20 – Data-Driven Contractor Decisions: Growth, Profit & Trades Insights 25:12 – Leadership in the Trades: Team Building & Surviving Slowdowns 31:00 – AI & Automation in Contractor Accounting 39:07 – Key Takeaways 2024–2026: Contractor Profit & Growth Strategies Meaghan Likes Founder & CPA, Likes Accounting Meaghan Likes is an award-winning CPA and founder of Likes Accounting, specializing in accounting for contractors and the trades. She is recognized for helping businesses move from chaos to clarity, leading the way in ServiceTitan integrations, and building data-driven tools that help owners make proactive, profitable decisions. Stephanie Allen Owner & Operator, AirWorks Solutions | Co-Founder, Just Start AI Stephanie Allen has grown AirWorks Solutions into a leading HVAC company by focusing on top-tier systems and people. As co-founder of Just Start AI, she champions collaboration and technology to support contractors with practical financial strategies, strong operations, and clear paths to growth. Relevant Links: Likes Accounting Box for the Trades AirWorks Solutions ServiceTitan Catalyst for the Trades CI Web Group Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe to "The Catalyst for Trades" on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your preferred platform. Share this episode with aspiring and established leaders, and stay tuned for more insights on driving business success and personal leadership growth.

AI, Agents & The Future of Marketing: Remy Skerjanz’s Playbook for Outbound Success

AI is already transforming how businesses connect and grow. In this episode, Jennifer Bagley sits down with Remy Skerjanz, co-founder of Sales Blaster AI, for an inside look at what’s truly changing in digital marketing, lead generation, and customer experience. Remy breaks down his partnership journey with Max, why they bet on AI voice and agentic technology, and how their tools help businesses outperform competitors in a future where AI agents do the booking, research, and heavy lifting. From helping a major political campaign harness AI outbound calling to building scalable, performance-based solutions for clients, Remy reveals exactly where agencies and trades businesses need to adapt—and what happens to those who don’t. If you want to know what “agentic optimization” really means, or how to future-proof your company against the rapid pace of change, don’t miss this episode. Ideal for agency owners, marketers, tech-savvy trades professionals, and any entrepreneur ready to embrace the next wave of AI-driven business. Timestamps: 00:00 — Introduction & Welcoming Remy Skerjanz 01:09 — Remy’s Early Entrepreneurial Journey & Meeting Max 05:18 — Building a Partnership: Philosophy & Contracts 06:27 — Turning Down a Big Money Offer to Build Their Own Path 07:06 — AI Success in Politics: Kennedy Campaign Story 09:31 — The AI Shift: When Everything Changed 10:05 — Impact of AI on Google Search and Digital Marketing 11:09 — AI Agents & the Agentic-Ready Future 12:21 — Humans vs. AI Agents: Where Businesses Struggle 13:48 — AI for Customer Support: The Case for Real Impact 16:20 — What Agentic Optimization Means for Businesses 18:43 — How Sales Blaster AI Scales & Stays Ahead of Change 22:21 — Outbound AI, Platform Agnosticism, and Performance-Based Approaches 24:23 — Jennifer’s Support & The Importance of Young Innovators 27:15 — Can You Trust AI? Guardrails, Hallucinations, and Best Practices 31:56 — Training AI vs. Training Humans 32:24 — Remy’s Framework: Purpose-Driven, Modular AI Architecture 34:04 — Human in the Loop: When to Rely on People 35:44 — Architecting Systems & Staying Agentic-Ready 37:22 — Shared Memory, Multiple Agents & What’s Next in AI Tools 39:34 — What’s Coming Next: SaaS and Opportunities with Sales Blaster AI 42:07 — Building a Podcast Fast: Lessons in Modern Content Marketing 43:05 — Final Thoughts & Advice for Trades and Agencies Guest Details: Remy Skerjanz Title: Co-founder of Sales Blaster AI Background: Remy is a serial entrepreneur and innovator in the agentic AI and outbound automation space. After a start in commercial real estate and a stint providing pre-foreclosure data—and teaching himself digital marketing—he partnered with Max, a government tech team alumnus, to build scalable AI tools. Together, they developed voice and outbound agents, scored political campaign wins, and committed to helping businesses become agentic-ready. Remy is also the co-host of The Autonomous Growth Show and an advocate for performance-driven, high-leverage AI adoption. Relevant Links: Sales Blaster AI The Autonomous Growth Show Podcast Catalyst for the Trades Podcast CI Web Group The Opus & Golds Group Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe to "The Catalyst for Trades" on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your preferred platform. Share this episode with aspiring and established leaders, and stay tuned for more insights on driving business success and personal leadership growth.