The Flywheel Effect

Why Most Trade Businesses Stay Stuck, and How to Break Out

VITAL Episode 48

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0:00 | 1:02:53

In this episode of The Flywheel Effect, hosts Brent Sonnek-Schmelz and Matt Bernath sit down with Randy Warner, Founder of Adhesion Co. They explore how service businesses grow faster when they fix process before they chase tools. Randy argues that automation only works when the business already knows how leads, quotes, jobs, and cash should move.

He zeroes in on one core issue: speed to lead. Randy explains why the first company to respond often wins, even at a higher price. He walks through the systems that cut response time, assign leads fast, and keep sales moving. He also pushes back on custom quoting, saying most companies need productized offers, fewer line items, and clearer outcomes.

The conversation ends on execution. Randy explains why owners resist slowing down to build systems, why teams resist new habits, and why better process improves cash flow, review capture, and long-term scale for real growth.