The TradeMarke

Scaling Sweat Equity: Tim Brown on DIY Marketing for Small Trades Businesses

Welcome back to another episode of The TradeMarke! In this exciting edition, the spotlight is on Tim Brown from Hook Agency.
Join hosts Sarah Ghirardo and Eric Thomas as they dive into the unique challenges and strategies in the trade marketing arena. With a special focus on the growing importance of organic marketing and the role of content creation, this episode offers valuable advice for businesses aiming to scale up.
Whether you're a seasoned marketer or a trade professional, discover practical tips on generating authentic content, addressing customer queries, and leveraging SEO to boost your business's visibility. Don’t miss Tim's candid thoughts on entering new markets with humility and his take on the competitive spirit in marketing for home services.

Beyond the Call: The Role of Empathy in Customer Service

Welcome back to another episode of The Trademarke Podcast, where hosts Sarah Ghirardo and Eric Thomas bring warmth to the world of trades and marketing. As the season transitions to what we fondly call 'blankie season' (also known as shoulder season), we dive into engaging conversations that are sure to keep you both entertained and informed.
This episode features a special guest, Valerie Garcia from Colair, a residential heating & air conditioning company serving customers throughout South Texas, who brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table. Valerie, known for wearing many hats, shares her journey in business and marketing, emphasizing the importance of empathy and servant leadership in creating exceptional customer experiences.
Listen in as Valerie discusses the intricacies of call-by-call management, the significance of customer satisfaction, and the power of marketing in business growth. She also sheds light on her role as the 'Ambassador of Fun' and how she manages a dynamic team of CSRs to ensure seamless operations.
Join us for a heartwarming conversation filled with insights, strategies, and a touch of humor as we explore the intersection of trades and marketing. Whether you're a trade professional or a marketing expert, this episode is packed with valuable takeaways to elevate your game.

Miranda Hufford’s Inspirational Journey into The Trades

Join Eric Thomas and Sarah Ghirardo as they dive into an inspiring conversation with Miranda Hufford from Red Barn Service on this episode of The Trademark. Eric & Sarah uncover Miranda's unique journey from co-owning a restaurant to managing operations at Red Barn Service, a company known for its innovative approach in the HVAC and electrical trades.
Discover how Miranda's past experiences have shaped her business acumen and how Red Barn Service has grown under her and Samuel's leadership. From tackling challenges like rebranding and weather disruptions to leveraging technology and data for better decision-making, Miranda shares valuable insights into running a successful trade business.
Get a glimpse into Red Barn's community-focused initiatives, such as their exciting AC and furnace contests, and their plans for further community engagement. Plus, hear about Miranda's experience stepping out of her comfort zone and embracing new opportunities.
Tune in for an engaging discussion that highlights the power of teamwork, innovation, and community involvement in the trades industry. Whether you're a trade professional or a marketing expert, this episode offers a wealth of knowledge and inspiration.
This episode is proudly sponsored by Mail Shark, to learn more about their services please visit www.themailshark.com

Tawnya Strittmatter's Journey of Triumph, Teamwork, and Giving Back

Welcome to another riveting episode of The TradeMarke! Join hosts Sarah Ghirardo and Eric Thomas as they dive into the exciting world of trades and marketing. This week, they are thrilled to have Tawnya Strittmatter on the show, discussing her unique journey from growing a successful HVAC and plumbing business to serving on the board of the Joseph Groh Foundation.
Tawnya shares her inspiring story of working alongside her visionary husband, Joe, to expand their business, ultimately selling it to private equity. She discusses the challenges and triumphs of their journey, highlighting the importance of teamwork and community in the trades industry.
The episode also explores the impactful work of the Joseph Groh Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting tradespeople facing life-altering accidents and injuries. Tanya explains how the foundation provides essential resources and assistance, helping individuals regain their independence and continue thriving in their communities.
Discover how you can contribute to this meaningful cause and learn about upcoming events like the Service World Expo and golf tournaments, where proceeds benefit the foundation. Don't miss this episode filled with insights, inspiration, and a call to action for business owners to support their teams and communities.
Resources mentioned in this episode:
The Private Equity Playbook: Management’s Guide to Working with Private Equity

Immersive Training & Leadership in the Trades: A Chat with Felicity Monsees

Welcome to another exciting episode of The TradeMarke, your go-to podcast for everything marketing in the trades! In this episode, hosts Sarah Ghirardo and Eric Thomas are joined by the incredible Felicity Monsees. Together, they delve into the intriguing world of trades marketing, exploring insights, stories, and strategies that unite the trades and marketing industries.
The conversation kicks off with a fun icebreaker about favorite road trip candies, setting the stage for an engaging and informative discussion. Felicity shares her unique journey into the chimney industry and how she founded Hearthside Hustle, a business dedicated to helping clients with proper SOPs, employee buy-in, and effective marketing strategies.
Discover the importance of immersive training for frontline staff, and how virtual reality is revolutionizing training in the chimney industry. Felicity also emphasizes the significance of building company culture, employee confidence, and having hard conversations to eliminate workplace drama.
Join us for an episode filled with valuable insights, laughter, and a deep dive into the world of trades marketing. Don't forget to leave us a review, share the episode with a friend, and let us know your thoughts!

Balancing Business and Life: Tommy Mello's Game-Changing Strategies for Success

Welcome to another dynamic episode of The TradeMarke! Today, we have the extraordinary Tommy Mello, founder of A1 Garage Door Service and host of The Home Service Expert podcast, joining Sarah Ghirardo and Eric Thomas. Tommy shares his inspiring journey, personal growth, and how he balances life and business with passion and efficiency.
In this episode, Tommy discusses the importance of personal branding, the power of relationships in marketing, and the game-changing strategies that have propelled his success. He also opens up about his lifestyle changes, from hiring a chef and a driver to focusing on health and wellness, and how these have positively impacted his business and personal life.
Tommy's insights on leadership, delegation, and creating a legacy are invaluable for anyone looking to elevate their game in the trades and marketing industries. Plus, don't miss his exciting updates on upcoming events and innovative marketing tools that are set to revolutionize the industry.
Tune in for a conversation filled with actionable advice, heartfelt stories, and the motivation to make your mark in the trades. Whether you're a trade professional, a marketing expert, or somewhere in between, this episode is packed with inspiration and strategies to help you succeed.
Stay connected with us for more engaging conversations and innovative ideas. 
Resources from the show:
Home Service Freedom Event 2024
Buy Back Your Time by Dan Martell

How Strong Leadership Can Positively Impact Your Marketing Efforts With Ryan Redding

Welcome back to another episode of the TradeMarke Podcast! This week, we are thrilled to have Ryan Redding from Levergy back on the show. Ryan joins hosts Sarah Ghirardo from Remarkable and Eric Thomas from Rival Digital to dive into the pivotal topic of leadership and its impact on marketing.
In this episode, Ryan shares his expertise on how effective leadership can make or break your marketing efforts. Before diving deep into the subject, we get to know Ryan's coffee preferences, revealing his passion for high-quality, self-brewed coffee.
The discussion highlights the importance of operational excellence and customer retention. Ryan emphasizes that great marketing cannot overcome poor operations, stressing the need for business owners to focus inward and improve their internal processes.
Listeners will gain valuable insights into how small gestures, like bringing treats for pets or moving trash cans, can create memorable customer experiences. The episode also explores the concept of turning problems into opportunities, empowering teams to make decisions and learn from their outcomes.
Tune in to learn how to deliver exceptional service, retain customers, and create a vision that attracts high-quality team members. This episode is packed with actionable strategies and inspiring stories that will leave you eager to implement new ideas in your own business.

Mastering Local SEO in the Trades: Secrets to Success with Josh Crouch

Welcome back to another episode of The TradeMarke Podcast! In this episode, hosts Sarah Ghirardo and Eric Thomas sit down with Josh Crouch, Founder of Relentless Digital and Host of Service Business Mastery, to discuss his journey from accounting to the trades and the valuable lessons he learned along the way.
Discover the importance of focusing on operations, leveraging AI and automation, and the power of cohesive marketing strategies. Josh shares insights into Google Business Profiles, local SEO, and the evolving landscape of marketing in the trades. Whether you're a trade professional, a marketing expert, or somewhere in between, this episode is packed with actionable advice and strategies to help you succeed.
Don't miss this engaging conversation that bridges the gap between trades and marketing, providing you with the tools and knowledge to make your mark. Tune in now!

From Heating and Cooling to Community Building: Shauna Brown's Inspiring Journey

Welcome back to another exciting episode of The TradeMarke Podcast! This week, we are thrilled to have a very special guest, Shauna Brown from On The Double Heating and Cooling. Shauna shares her incredible story and the powerful lessons she has learned along the way.
In this episode, hosts Sarah Ghirardo and Eric Thomas dive deep into Shauna's journey, discussing her roots in the HVAC industry, the challenges she and her business faced, and the pivotal changes that led to their recent success. Shauna also opens up about the importance of mental, spiritual, and physical health for business owners, and how she balances her personal life with her professional responsibilities.
Additionally, Shauna shares her passion for community involvement and how On The Double Heating and Cooling makes a difference in their local area. From supporting kids with disabilities to participating in local events, Shauna's commitment to her community is truly inspiring.
Tune in for an episode filled with insights, heartfelt stories, and practical advice for anyone in the trades and marketing industries. Don't forget to subscribe and leave us a review to let us know your thoughts!

Navigating Changes To Google's Algorithm with Award Winning Industry Marketing Experts

Welcome to another exciting episode of The Trademarke Podcast where we dive into Google's latest changes and how they impact marketers and consumers alike. This episode features special guests Johnny Wenzel, Ryan Redding, and Matt Tyner who share their insights on the evolving landscape of search engines.
We kick off with a light-hearted conversation about secondhand embarrassment before diving into the serious topic of Google's new AI-driven search features. Johnny and Ryan discuss the implications of Google's Search Generative Experience (SGE), and how it’s transforming the way search results are displayed.
The conversation takes a deeper turn as we explore the complexities of digital literacy, consumer behavior, and the psychological aspects of marketing. Ryan Redding, the CEO of Levergy shares his cynical yet realistic views on Google's recent changes, while Johnny offers a balanced perspective on the potential benefits and pitfalls of AI in search.
Matt Tyner from Bone Dry Roofing jumps in to share his observations from the roofing industry, emphasizing the importance of human-centric marketing and the challenges of navigating constant algorithm changes. We also touch on the controversial Google leak and its implications for SEO and digital marketing strategies.
Join us for a thought-provoking discussion that covers everything from the ethical considerations of AI to practical tips for staying ahead in a rapidly changing digital landscape. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the future of search, marketing, and consumer behavior.