Contractors’ Stories Podcast
Contractors’ Stories is a deep dive into the lives of home service contractors from all walks of life. Learn what makes successful business owners tick in the home service world. The host, Jim Klauck has been interviewing contractors for 20 years on his radio show, The Check A Pro Radio Show, and now brings the stories of contractors to life in this podcast – Contractors’ Stories. Tune in every week for a new episode, where we learn about the contractor that built the successful home service company.
Episodes

Tuesday Aug 12, 2025
Unleashing Small Business Success: Michael E. Gerber's Proven Path
Tuesday Aug 12, 2025
Tuesday Aug 12, 2025
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

Thursday Jul 03, 2025
From the Army to HVAC: Brian Davis' Unexpected Journey
Thursday Jul 03, 2025
Thursday Jul 03, 2025
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

Thursday Jun 12, 2025
The Hidden Power of Direct Response Radio: An HVAC Success Story
Thursday Jun 12, 2025
Thursday Jun 12, 2025
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

Wednesday Apr 09, 2025
From Family Legacy to Modern Success: Kevin Lipps' Entrepreneurial Journey
Wednesday Apr 09, 2025
Wednesday Apr 09, 2025
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.

Saturday Mar 29, 2025
Saturday Mar 29, 2025
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

Tuesday Mar 25, 2025
From Humble Beginnings to Roofing Mogul: Dustin Bower's Inspiring Journey
Tuesday Mar 25, 2025
Tuesday Mar 25, 2025
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.

Tuesday Mar 18, 2025
Scott Klintworth's Appliance Repair Business Story
Tuesday Mar 18, 2025
Tuesday Mar 18, 2025
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.

Wednesday Mar 05, 2025
Unlocking the Secrets of Effective Advertising with Ryan Chute - The Wizard of Ads
Wednesday Mar 05, 2025
Wednesday Mar 05, 2025
In this episode, my guest Ryan Chute from The Wizard of Ads delves into the intricate world of advertising, sharing key insights about the transformational power of brand messaging and effective marketing strategies. We explore the importance of building a long-lasting brand identity beyond mere lead generation, highlighting how empathy and competence are crucial elements for establishing trust with clients.
Ryan shares his personal journey from retail to becoming a partner at Wizard Academy, where he learned to balance sales activation with brilliant brand marketing. He emphasizes the value of radio and television as powerful mediums, debunking the myth that traditional media is dead, and providing a fresh perspective on digital marketing challenges.
Discover how small businesses, especially in the home service sector, can thrive by simplifying their marketing efforts and focusing on the relationship factor to convert leads into loyal customers. This episode is a must-listen for those ready to shift their marketing strategy towards a more holistic, empathetic approach.
Click Here To Contact Ryan Chute

Monday Feb 24, 2025
The Journey from Junk to Entrepreneurial Success - Jake Still
Monday Feb 24, 2025
Monday Feb 24, 2025
Join us in this enlightening episode as Jake, the founder of Junk Rescue, shares his inspiring journey from college graduate to successful entrepreneur. Discover how he combined his marketing skills with a passion for hands-on work, ultimately creating a thriving junk removal business that not only declutters homes but also transforms lives.
Listen as Jake discusses the therapeutic impact of removing clutter, the importance of speed and convenience, and how his business offers a unique, experience-driven service. He reflects on the challenges and rewards of entrepreneurship, including the development of franchising systems and the value of community and shared vision among employees.
This episode delves into the mental and physical benefits of decluttering, the evolving landscape of home services, and Jake's dedication to helping individuals grow within his company. Whether you're an aspiring business owner or simply looking to simplify your life, Jake's journey offers valuable insights and inspiration.
Connect with Junk Rescue

Thursday Feb 13, 2025
From Dairy Farms to HVAC Success: Nathan Shafer's Journey
Thursday Feb 13, 2025
Thursday Feb 13, 2025
Join us on this episode of Contractor Stories as we dive into the inspiring journey of Nathan Shafer, the driving force behind Shafer Heating and Cooling. Growing up in a family business founded by his father and grandfather, Nathan's path wasn't always clear-cut. Originally considering a career in medicine, he ultimately embraced his roots in the HVAC industry. Learn how this family business, which began as Shafer Mobile Home Service, evolved into a successful heating and cooling enterprise, thanks to Nathan's leadership and vision.
Facing burnout from wearing too many hats, Nathan reveals how hiring a coach transformed his business and personal life. By focusing on working on the business rather than in it, he helped Shafer Heating and Cooling reach new heights, making the Inc. 5000 list twice. Nathan's journey highlights the importance of mentorship and continual growth, not only in business but also in life.
Now, Nathan shares his expertise by coaching other business owners, helping them implement effective systems and achieve their dreams. Discover why he believes business is a sport, requiring the right coaching to succeed, and learn how he balances his drive for success with family life and community involvement.
Contact Nathan:
Shafer Heating & Cooling, LLC
https://www.shaferhvac.us/
nathan@shaferhvac.us
Phenomenal Business Coaching, Powered by Zig Ziglar
https://phenomenalbusinesscoaching.com/nathan/
nathan@phenomenalbusinesscoaching.com
There is free training website you can sign up for, and yo can schedule a free consultation by scheduling at https://letsmeet.io/nathanshafer/free-consultation-call
Also, feel free to reach out directly to Nathan on his personal phone number - (937) 402-1817.

Learn From The Pros In Home Improvement
Contractors’ Stories is a deep dive into the lives of home service contractors from all walks of life. Learn what makes successful business owners tick in the home service world. The host, Jim Klauck has been interviewing contractors for 20 years on his radio show, The Check A Pro Radio Show, and now brings the stories of contractors to life in this podcast – Contractors’ Stories. Tune in every week for a new episode, where we learn about the contractor that built the successful home service company.