Contractors’ Stories Podcast

In this episode, Jim Klauck welcomes Eric Hope from Quality Electric, who shares his inspiring journey from a school project with batteries and buzzers to running his own successful electrical service company. Eric credits his seventh and eighth grade science teacher for sparking his interest in electricity, leading him to pursue a career as an electrician and eventually start his own company.
Eric discusses the importance of a properly grounded electrical system in homes, highlighting common mistakes homeowners make and the potential hazards they pose. He emphasizes the significance of taking an all-encompassing approach to ensure safety and service, particularly in older homes with outdated wiring.
Quality Electric focuses on residential services, helping homeowners ensure their electrical systems are safe and up-to-date. Eric talks about his vision for the company’s growth, including potential expansion into plumbing and HVAC services. He also shares insights on maintaining a strong company culture and quality customer service, even as the business scales.
Looking ahead, Eric is building a legacy for his family, particularly his young son, with the hope of either passing the business down or creating a sellable enterprise. Join us to learn more about how Eric balances growth, quality service, and future aspirations in the competitive world of electrical services.

Join Jim Klauck for an inspiring conversation with a dynamic businesswoman, Katie Smith, known as the "Boss Lady" as she shares her remarkable journey in the HVAC industry. Based in Indianapolis, Indiana, her company specializes in commercial and multifamily HVAC, plumbing, and drain services. In this episode, she discusses the challenges and rewards of serving a unique niche, where the focus is on property managers and landlords, rather than homeowners.
Discover the importance of building strong, ongoing client relationships and the intricacies of working within the multifamily sector, including budgeting and maintenance considerations. Learn about her dedication to continuous improvement and the significance of documenting processes for business growth and effective team management.
The Boss Lady also talks about her endeavors in media, including her podcast and her collaborative book project with Kevin Harrington, showcasing her authority and credibility in the industry. Tune in for valuable insights, tips for business success, and the resilience required to thrive in a competitive market.

Join Jim Klauck as he delves into the fascinating world of HVAC with Cory Huffman, who started his journey in the industry at the remarkable age of 13. Discover the evolution of HVAC technology from simple "fix or replace" solutions to modern systems controlled by your phone, and how Corey has been at the forefront of these changes.
Learn about the importance of proper system sizing and airflow management, and why having a skilled HVAC technician is crucial. Cory shares insights on the science of dehumidification and why it matters for your comfort.
In this episode, Cory also discusses his father's influence, his passion for teaching the nuances of HVAC to his team, and his aspirations to grow his family-owned business while maintaining a strong company culture. Explore Cory's leadership philosophy, blending technical expertise with effective motivational strategies, and his ambitious goal of expanding his company without losing its personal touch.
 
Contact Cory: Cold Factor Heating & Air Services

In this captivating podcast episode, join host Jim as he sits down with Fabian Flores, a seasoned electrician turned successful entrepreneur. Discover Fabian's inspiring journey, which began over two decades ago when he chose the electrical industry over traditional education, driven by influential mentors and a passion for the trade.
Fabian shares his transition from a young electrician to founding his own business at the age of 28, highlighting the challenges and ambitious mindset that propelled him forward. Learn about his commitment to investing in himself, his team, and his company, as he works towards scaling his business and delivering exceptional customer service.
Explore the unique dynamics of Fabian's two families: his supportive team at King Electric and his entrepreneurial family at home. Gain insights into the rewarding journey of mentoring employees, collaborating with his wife, and nurturing their children's entrepreneurial spirit.
Fabian reflects on the lessons learned from navigating the commercial and residential markets, emphasizing the importance of resilience and adaptability in business. This episode is a testament to the power of ambition, family, and perseverance in building a successful and fulfilling entrepreneurial career.
Visit King Electric's Website

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 Jim Klauck on Contractor Stories' as he welcomes self-made millionaire and industry titan, Alan O'Neill. This episode unveils Alan’s inspirational 20-year journey, shedding light on his transitions from a modest plumber to the CEO of a $100-million home service enterprise. Alan's story brings forth the importance of a strong team, unyielding dedication and a healthy work ethic.
It all started with Abacus Plumbing in 2003, which soon broadened to include air conditioning and electrical services. The Wrench Group was born from a merger of various service companies across numerous American cities, underscoring Alan's relentless dedication to business growth.
Despite his monumental success, Alan skillfully discusses the struggles of maintaining work-life balance. He weaves these challenges into his narrative with notable candor, expressing gratitude for his patient and understanding family. His entrepreneurial saga narrates invaluable advice for budding business enthusiasts and sheds light on the challenges entrepreneurs face while scaling their businesses.
Alan's foresight goes beyond the corporate realm—he values the importance of family and personal relationships. He imparts the significance of financial literacy and real-world experience, outlining their influence in business success. He also includes Dale Carnegie's "How to Win Friends and Influence People" as a timeless piece of recommended reading for all entrepreneurs.
Join us in this enlightening episode that polls the entrepreneurial terrain's ups and downs while offering invaluable insights and nuggets of wisdom.

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 episode of Contractor Stories, host Jim welcomes Ellen Rohr, a dynamic force in the home service industry. Ellen shares her journey from a theater-loving kid to a renowned figure in the home service sector, all while maintaining an infectious positive attitude. She discusses the importance of physical fitness, the impact of her upbringing, and the lessons she learned from industry legends.
Ellen reveals her secrets to staying optimistic, the significance of living in the present, and her passion for championing tradespeople. She emphasizes the importance of enterprise value in business and the need to engage with frontline workers to truly understand and improve company operations.
Tune in to learn how Ellen's unwavering optimism and dedication to continuous improvement have driven her success, and how you can apply these principles to your own life and business.
 
Contact Ellen - Website

Join host, Jim Klauck in a powerful episode of 'Contractors' Stories', featuring Joe Crisara, one of the most successful home service contractors in America. Struggles, trials, successes, and wisdom shape this inspiring journey, not to be missed by home service professionals. Joe's unique approach to business, impactful communication techniques and deep appreciation for the relationships he has nurtured over the years adds color to his narrative...
Uncle Joe's Book Pick: The E-Myth by Michael Gerber
The host gives us a glimpse of Uncle Joe's humble beginnings, discussing how his mother's resilient spirit paved his way to success. Follow his journey through financial hardships, the birth of his entrepreneurial spirit, and his rise to financial stability. With genuine gratitude, Joe acknowledges the guiding lights in his journey to enlightenment.
Joe Crisara delves into his transformative experiences, shedding light on lessons learned from influential figures, and the power of authenticity in personal and professional success. He shares personal anecdotes, placing emphasis on the importance of personal growth and continuous self-education, culminating in the discussion of his book, "What Should We Do?".
Finally, an engaging conversation about the importance of individuality and the significance of an organized system in a successful business sets a compelling note to this riveting episode. To wrap up, Joe shares a touching story of his son's school presidential run, reflecting the impact of his parenting style.
This insightful episode brims with invaluable lessons in overcoming adversities, cherishing meaningful relationships and personal growth. Take this opportunity to deep-dive into the inspiring journey of Joe Crisara and unearth gems of wisdom that are set to elevate your path to success in the contractor's world.

In this episode of Contractos' Stories with host - Jim Klauck, Tommy Mello delves into the essence of consistency and discipline in both personal and professional realms. He shares how doing hard things releases dopamine and serotonin, creating a euphoric feeling and fostering a sense of accomplishment. Tommy emphasizes the importance of walking, connecting with nature, and self-development to maintain mental and physical health.
Tommy also highlights the upcoming Home Service Freedom event in San Diego, featuring notable speakers like Jocko Willink and Steve Sims, who will cover topics ranging from discipline to AI and machine learning. The event promises a mix of mindset and tactical strategies aimed at helping attendees improve their lives and businesses.
Networking is a key focus, with Tommy encouraging attendees to build meaningful relationships and learn from peers. He also discusses the value of vendor partners and how they contribute to business success. Tommy's ultimate goal is to inspire others to lead better lives, both personally and professionally, by embracing discipline and building strong networks.
Tune in to hear more about Tommy's journey, his plans for the future, and why he believes in the power of helping others achieve their dreams.
Join us at Home Service Freedom in San Diego, CA - September 2th - 27th.  Register here - https://get.homeservicefreedom.com/freedom-event-2024