The TradeMarke

Growing Your HVAC Business Through Acquisitions

Live Oak bank was founded in 2008 in Wilmington, NC. They focused on supplying loans to Veterinary practices when they first got their start. 
Jordan touches upon how acquisitions and working capital can help grow your business. The founder of Live Oak wanted to provide financing to the HVAC and plumbing space because he understood the need for HVAC and plumbing businesses and their vital role they play in keeping communities comfortable.
What makes Live Oak different is the fact that they give loans based on cash flow of the business and not the collateral.
Live Oak is dedicated to the doers. They say "small business is the backbone of our country. It drives jobs, creates prosperity and boosts local economies. We’re proud to contribute to that growth by investing in America’s small business owners. When you bank with Live Oak, you can be proud too."
 

How to Build a Thriving HVAC Business in 2022

On this episode we are joined by Tom Peregrino of Service Nation.
In this episode Eric and Tom touch upon the importance of being a better leader and how leadership directly influences the organization. Tom puts emphasis on leadership by saying, "The better the leader, the better the organization. In order to build a thriving HVAC business, you must work from the ground up. A business can only be as good as the leader allows it to be. Tom and Eric also discuss the importance and influence that culture has on whether or not your contractors stay for decades or leave after a few months. 
About Service Nation:
Service Nation Inc was founded in July 2002 as The Service Roundtable. We started with 200 members which, for year one, we considered quite the achievement. It was and remains a revolutionary organization founded by a collaboration of leading contractors to share information and help other contractors improve their sales, marketing, operations and profitability.
 

The Importance of Knowing Your Numbers

On this episode, we are joined by John Michel from BDR
BDR is a company focused on coaching and training exclusively in the HVAC space.
BDR’s business coaching services help you increase your business profitability, cash flow, and personal wealth. They help business owners build a strong, self-sustaining company where employees are well paid and morale is high.
We discuss the importance of making sure you have a marketing strategy centered around your maintenance program, giving your staff the tools to sell, and being upfront about costs on your website. 
 

Strategies for Managing Busy Season Demand

Kiss shoulder season goodbye!
On this episode, we are joined by Alyssa Lavik in our part 2 segment with our friends at Schedule Engine
Alyssa and I discuss some strategies for training effective CSR's, how to prioritize jobs without losing leads, and how if you fail to plan, you plan to fail.
We also discuss Will Smith and King Richard. It all makes sense and is relevant, I promise!

Spring HVAC Strategies to get the Phone Ringing

On this episode, we bring back Marketing Real Talk for its 3rd segment! We talk about the 4 things to do to get your phone ringing as the shoulder season wraps up. (spring is on the horizon, we promise!)
Eric's expert advice include:
1. Using a 3 month tiered system
2. Replacement strategy
3. Duct cleaning
4. Home inspection offer
Eric breaks out his singing skills to let y'all know where Rival is headed in the next couple weeks--stay tuned.

Marketing Made Simple: Back to the Basics

On our ONE-HUNDREDTH episode, we are bringing back another installment of 'Marketing Real Talk.' 
Eric talks Girl Scout Cookies, (what is your favorite cookie?) the importance of the right message and the importance of creating a want or a need.
The basics of marketing and the key to success is getting the right message to the right person, and the right offer at the right time.
Eric talks about the importance of creating a want or a need in the trade industry.
A special thank you to all of our loyal listeners as we celebrate out 100th episode of The Smart HVAC Marketing Podcast.
 

How to Create A Successful Marketing Campaign

On this episode, we are joined by Eric! He's hopping on here solo today to kick-off a new segment which he is affectionately and appropriately calling "Marketing Real Talk." 
Eric goes over the 4 steps on how to create a successful marketing campaign. The steps include:
Knowing your audience
Knowing your objectives
Having a strategy
Tactics
Join our private Facebook group today to join the discussion and stay up to date with the podcast!

The Importance of Having a Website That Can Scale

On this episode we are joined by Matt Kratos, our newest addition to the Rival Digital team. He's a website creating, coding master! Welcome to the team, Matt!

Strategies for Re-Engaging Your Existing Customer Base

On this episode, we are joined by Sarah Ghirardo from Service Titan.
We chat about how to utilize the slower months and to always keep improving and adapting; starting with your existing, loyal customers. 
Sarah touches on the importance of having consistency in your messaging, incorporating memberships, and cleaning up your marketing plan if it is not working for your business. 
 

How to Make the Most of Your Marketing Budget This Year

On this episode, we are joined by Crystal Williams of Lemon Seed Marketing.
We discuss the importance of investing in a quality mascot, how to focus on engagement, rather than overselling and seeing marketing as an investment. 
Eric also brings back the "Hold my beer" segment!