Contractors’ Stories Podcast

🚀 Is Google Still King for Home-Service Leads in the Age of AI?
On today’s episode, Jim Klauck sits down with Dennis Yu, renowned digital marketing expert, to tackle a question every contractor is asking: Does Google still dominate lead generation as AI tools like ChatGPT and Google Gemini rise?
Dennis breaks down why Google’s hardware, data, and ecosystem advantage continues to make it a powerhouse — while also explaining how the search and discovery landscape is becoming more fragmented than ever.
🔧 What contractors will learn in this episode:• Why real-world trust, reviews, and reputation matter more than ever• How to centralize your content and digital assets for maximum leverage• Using AI agents to repurpose videos, radio, and podcasts at scale• When to hire and empower a marketing lead instead of relying on agencies• How to spot and avoid AI scams, fake outreach, and deepfakes• Combining local operations + reputation + AI-driven distribution to win
⚠️ Dennis and Jim also issue a clear warning about fraudulent AI marketing tactics and explain how smart operators protect their brand while using AI responsibly to grow revenue.
This episode is packed with practical, no-nonsense strategies for contractors who want to stay ahead — not get fooled — in today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape.
🎧 Listen now and learn how to build a brand that survives algorithm changes and thrives with AI.
Contact Dennis: Dennis Yu
 
#ContractorsStories #JimKlauck #DennisYu #DigitalMarketing #HomeServiceMarketing #AIForContractors #GoogleSearch #ChatGPT #MarketingStrategy #LocalBusiness #ReputationMarketing #ContractorSuccess
 

Join us on this riveting episode of Contractor Stories as Jim Klauck sits down with Lance Bachmann, a self-made millionaire who rose from a troubled childhood in the foster care system to become a successful entrepreneur and business leader.
Lance shares his candid journey, detailing the adversities he faced and how they shaped his relentless drive to succeed. From his early years grappling with abuse and insecurity to his transformation into a powerhouse in the home services industry, Lance's story is a testament to the power of resilience and determination.
We delve into his life-changing decisions, his philosophy on winning, and the pivotal role of mentorship and relationships in his career. Whether you're a budding entrepreneur or a seasoned business owner, Lance's insights on leveraging relationships, taking decisive action, and maintaining an unwavering focus on goals will inspire and empower you.
Don't miss this powerful episode filled with raw honesty, practical advice, and the kind of wisdom that only comes from a life fully lived.

Join host Jim Klauck on the Contractors' Stories Podcast 🎧 as he sits down with Amanda Perkins from Endless Energy ⚡ in Marlborough, MA. Amanda shares her personal journey 🛤️ — weaving her life experiences into her role at Endless Energy. From overcoming challenges 💪 to helping homeowners create more efficient, comfortable spaces 🏡, Amanda’s story is inspiring, insightful, and packed with practical takeaways for anyone in the home services industry 🛠️.
✨ Don’t miss this episode filled with motivation and industry wisdom!
Amanda Perkins, COO of Endless Energy, discusses how the company evolved from solar and water treatment into a full home services provider offering HVAC, plumbing, electrical, insulation and home energy assessments, and how they scaled to $16M through systems, metrics and strong culture.
She shares leadership lessons on hiring, training, documented SOPs, relationship-building, and the importance of empathy in managing teams, plus her advice for operators and a call to connect for peers seeking operational insights.
 
Amanda's contact Information:
amandap@goendlessenergy.com
#ContractorsStories #EndlessEnergy #HomeServices #EnergyEfficiency #HVAC #InspiringStories #WomenInBusiness #ContractorLife #PodcastInterview #HomeImprovement #Leadership #MarlboroughMA
 
 

In this episode, Jim welcomes Michael E. Gerber, the renowned small business guru and author of the E-Myth series, to discuss his groundbreaking insights into small business success. With over 34 books to his name, Michael delves into the critical elements that can transform a struggling business into a thriving enterprise.
Michael shares the inspiring story of Ken Goodrich, an HVAC contractor who turned his business around by religiously applying the principles from "The E-Myth Revisited." Michael emphasizes the importance of working on your business, not just in it, and highlights the significance of creating a system that operates with integrity, much like McDonald's.
Throughout the conversation, Michael outlines his Eightfold Path to business success, starting with a dream, vision, purpose, and mission, followed by developing a job, practice, business, and enterprise. He also discusses the importance of consistent branding and how small business owners can avoid common pitfalls by following a proven formula.
For those eager to dive deeper into Michael's teachings, he offers mentoring, coaching, and the Dreaming Room, a unique program designed to help entrepreneurs discover their dreams and build their businesses systematically.
Join Jim and Michael as they explore the timeless principles that can help any small business owner achieve extraordinary results.
 
Get Michael Gerber's Best Selling Book - "The E Myth Revisted" on Amazon.
Contact Michael Gerber - michael@michaelegerber.com

In this captivating episode of Contractor Stories, host Jim Klauck sits down with Brian Davis of Dayco Systems to explore a unique journey from military service to becoming a key player in the HVAC and plumbing industries. Brian shares his experiences and the innovative approach Dayco takes to distinguish itself in a competitive market.
Discover how Dayco Systems, based in Acworth, Georgia, builds strong community ties and expands its services offerings while maintaining a focus on customer loyalty and satisfaction. Brian also delves into the future of trades, the impact of AI on the industry, and his commitment to giving back through education and community involvement. Tune in to gain insights from Brian's inspiring story and learn how Dayco is striving to be more than just another name in the directory.
 
Contact Brian Davis : brian@daycosytstems.com

Want to grow your HVAC business and actually make the phone ring?
Discover how Direct Response Radio campaigns with Jim Klauck at Check A Pro deliver powerful results for home service contractors.
In this episode, Jim breaks down the advantages of Direct Response Radio including:
🔥 How to target motivated homeowners📞 Why radio drives calls, not just brand awareness💡 Real-world results from HVAC contractors just like you🎯 Why this advertising method works even better in 2025
Whether you’re just getting started or ready to scale your HVAC company, this is the game-changing strategy you’ve been waiting for!
Join Jim Klauck and Victor Rancour as they discuss the transformative impact of traditional marketing methods in the HVAC industry. Victor shares his journey of rediscovering radio advertising, leading to significant business growth and competitive advantage.
Learn how stepping away from the digital rush and embracing radio has yielded hundreds of leads and substantial revenue gains.
Find out why traditional media still holds power and how it can help your business stand out in a crowded market.
#HVACMarketing #HomeServiceSuccess #DirectResponseRadio #CheckAPro #JimKlauck #TheRadioPitchman #ContractorMarketing #GrowYourBusiness #LocalLeadGen #HomeServicesAdvertising #RadioAdvertising #MarketingTips2025

In this episode of Contractor Stories, host Jim sits down with Kevin Lipps, the CEO of Lipps Electric, to delve into the exciting journey of transforming a family business into a thriving modern enterprise. Kevin shares insights about working alongside his brothers, the strategic shift towards residential services, and the pivotal role of cash flow and customer relationships.
Kevin reveals the impact of his corporate experience and formal education on his leadership style, and how his strategic approach has catalyzed significant company growth. Discover how the rebranding with a unique mascot, 'Lippy,' and collaboration with industry experts like Dan Antonelli have played crucial roles in elevating the company's profile.
The conversation also explores the importance of effective delegation and decision-making in business growth. Kevin shares his philosophy on learning from failures, setting priorities, and the continuous journey of self-improvement. He emphasizes the power of strong branding to foster team unity and customer recognition.
Tune in to learn from Kevin Lipps' unique blend of family tradition, corporate savvy, and entrepreneurial spirit as he shares his story of innovation, growth, and personal development.

In this episode of Contractor Stories, host Jim welcomes Glen Blavet from Halo Water Systems to discuss the booming industry of water treatment and its potential as a profit center for contractors. As the driving force behind Halo Water Systems, Glen shares insights into expanding business opportunities by offering top-notch water quality solutions. Learn how contractors can tap into the burgeoning demand for water filtration and purification systems, backed by the promise of consistent and recurring revenue streams.
Glen explains how Halo caters exclusively to plumbing, heating, and HVAC contractors, emphasizing the importance of customer retention and proprietary products. Delve into Halo's comprehensive training programs designed to equip technicians with the skills necessary to provide exceptional water treatment services to homeowners. Discover the significant benefits of having a water quality solution as part of a contractor's repertoire, enhancing both business value and customer satisfaction.
 
For more information about Halo Water Systems and to contact Glen Blavet click here - Halo Water Systems

In this episode of Contractors' Stories, host Jim Klauck speaks with Dustin Bower, a young and dynamic entrepreneur in the roofing and remodeling industry. Dustin shares his journey from humble beginnings to becoming a successful business owner with a focus on serving customers and building lasting relationships. He discusses his company's efficient processes, the importance of integrity in business dealings, and how prioritizing customer service has resulted in repeat business and referrals.
Dustin also highlights his strategic steps for scaling his business, such as attending industry events, rebranding, and implementing operational systems. He emphasizes the significance of having a servant mindset, investing in his team's growth, and the positive outcomes of providing value beyond transactions.
Listeners will gain insights on leadership, the importance of a customer-first approach, and how transparency and accountability play a crucial role in creating a trusted brand in the home service industry.

Join us in this captivating episode of Contractor Stories as we delve into the inspiring journey of Scott Klintworth, the driving force behind D3S Service, a thriving appliance repair business. Scott shares the unique challenges and triumphs of scaling his family-oriented company, which started from humble beginnings to become a nationwide service handling over $10 million in warranty and direct-to-consumer appliance repairs annually.
In a candid conversation, Scott discusses the pivotal role of family and partnership in his business endeavors, the ambitious shift towards direct customer engagement, and the valuable lessons learned about balancing professional aspirations with personal life. With insights into maintaining a successful business while fostering family bonds, this episode is a treasure trove of knowledge for entrepreneurs and home service enthusiasts alike.