The Catalyst for the Trades
Are you driven to achieve more, push boundaries, and see real results in everything you do? The Catalyst is the podcast for the relentless go-getters, innovators, and leaders who are obsessed with turning vision into action. Join us as we dive deep into success stories, strategies, and insights from industry experts who have cracked the code on what it takes to ignite change and get results. Whether you're an entrepreneur, a business leader, or someone determined to excel, this podcast will fuel your obsession with success. Listen in and become the catalyst for your own results.
Episodes
31 episodes
Mike Disney on Building Trust, Recruiting Top Talent & Winning in the Trades
What does it really take to scale a successful HVAC, plumbing, or electrical business today? In this episode, industry expert Mike Disney shares the hard truths and powerful tactics he’s learned over a decades-long career, covering everythin...
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54:32
How AI Is Transforming Call Handling: Brad Scruggs on the Future of Home Service Communication
Missed calls are costing contractors serious money, but AI is changing the game. In this episode, Brad Scruggs, President & CMO of ZyraTalk, sits down with Jennifer Bagley to unpack how artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping custom...
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53:19
Building Predictable Freedom: Mike Abramowitz on Systems, Scaling & Founders’ Mindset in the Trades
What does it really take to build a trades business that runs without you—and gives your family the freedom you dreamed of? In this episode of Catalyst for the Trades, host Jennifer Bagley sits down with Mike Abramowitz: systems engineer, au...
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48:03
Unlocking Efficiency: AI Lead Management & Automation with Utku “Dave” Kaynar
In this episode of Catalyst for the Trades, host Jennifer Bagley welcomes Utku “Dave” Kaynar, CEO of OnePath, to take you deep inside the future of automation, lead management, and true profitability for the trades. Learn how AI-driven workf...
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53:22
Smart Decisions, Big Impact: Teasha Cable’s AI Strategies for Better Business
Ready to level up your decision-making and accelerate growth? In this episode of Catalyst for the Trades, host Jennifer Bagley sits down with Teasha Cable—tech visionary, AI expert, and founder of CModel—to uncover how AI-powered decision in...
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53:09
AI-Driven Success for Contractors: Lynn Wise’s Blueprint for the Future
Ready to future-proof your contracting business? AI is transforming everything from lead conversion to customer service and financial management in the trades. In this episode, Lynn Wise, founder of Contractor in Charge and One Path AI, join...
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45:06
No Excuses, Just Results: Stephanie Allen’s Real-World Guide to AI, Leadership, and Rapid Growth in the Trades
In this episode of Catalyst for the Trades, we sit down with Stephanie Allen, CEO of Airworks Solutions, to talk about what it takes to lead and thrive in today’s fast-changing trades industry. From her journey leading...
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50:24
From Tech to Titan: Jason Walker’s Playbook for Outshining Giants in HVAC
What does it really take to thrive as a new HVAC business in a crowded market? Jason Walker, founder of HVAC Masters of the Hustle, pulls back the curtain on his own journey from law enforcement to leading high-performing HVAC teams—and buil...
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48:25
From Gym Floors to HVAC Superstar: Tyler Dixon’s Leap Into Trades Sales
Ready for a real-world success story that proves the trades are wide open for ambitious go-getters? On this episode of Catalyst, hosts Jennifer Bagley and Chuck Staszkiewicz welcome Darren Dixon, an HVAC industry legend, and his son, Tyler D...
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54:03
Future-Proofing Contracting: Paul Redman on Tech, AI, and the New Customer Experience
Is your contracting business ready for the next wave of technology? In this forward-thinking episode, Jennifer Bagley and Chuck Staszkiewicz sit down with Paul Redman, CEO of Contractor Commerce, to talk about what it really takes to stay co...
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53:09
Relentless Growth: Sam Wakefield’s Sales Transformation & Follow-Up Tactics for the Trades
Motivation means nothing if you can’t execute. In this episode, Sam Wakefield, creator of Close It Now and catalyst of transformative sales events like “Relentless: The Ultimate Sales Transformation”, pulls back the curtain on what actually ...
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45:13
40 Years in the Trades: Raul Rodriguez on Building People-Centered, Resilient Service Companies
What does it take to build a thriving, people-first business in the home services industry—and keep it growing for nearly 40 years? In this candid episode, Raul Rodriguez (Founder & President of Power Pro Plumbing) joins hosts Jennifer B...
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51:25
From Retail to Trades: Dana Staszkiewicz on Business Growth, Process, and Women in Leadership
What does it take to scale a family-owned trades business from $12M to $20M in just three years? In this episode, Dana Staszkiewicz, co-founder of Opus and Gold, joins host Jennifer Bagley to share what really happens behind the scenes of ex...
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46:08
The Power of Choice: Why Menu Pricing Changes Everything with Danielle Putnam
In this episode of Catalyst for the Trades, Jennifer Bagley sits down with Danielle Putnam, President of The New Flat Rate, to talk strategy, pricing, and how contractors can stop giving away their profits. Danielle br...
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55:05
Stand Out Online: Jen McKee’s Social Media Tips for Contractors
Social media doesn’t have to be overwhelming—or a waste of time. In this episode, Jen McKee, founder of Kee Hart Marketing, shares what actually works for contractors trying to grow online. From personal branding and content ideas to time-sa...
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52:22
Fast-to-Cash Products and Smarter Sales with Karen Sager
In this episode of Catalyst for the Trades, co-host Chuck Staszkiewicz sits down with Karen Sager, President of Micro Mesh Gutter Guards, to talk about product innovation, contractor profitability, and strategies for s...
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50:27
From the Call Center to the C-Suite: Denise Swafford's Journey of Scaling Success in the Trades
Join us for an inspiring episode of The Catalyst for the Trades, featuring Denise Swafford, Chief Commercial Officer at P1 Service Group. Denise shares her incredible career journey, starting from humble beginnings in the call center to reac...
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41:55
How a Navy Veteran Created One of New Jersey's Trusted Plumbing Brands
Join us on this episode of The Catalyst for the Trades as we sit down with Ray Reyes, a former Navy veteran turned successful plumbing entrepreneur. Ray shares his inspiring journey of building New Jersey Pipe Doctor from the ground up, high...
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46:49
Building Your Business with an Exit in Mind: Strategic Insights for Home Service Entrepreneurs
In this episode of "Catalyst for the Trades," hosts Jennifer Bagley and Chuck Staszkiewicz dive deep into the strategic planning necessary for building a home service business with a future sale or exit in mind. The hosts engage in a rich di...
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48:12
Navigating Industry Transformation: AI, Consumer Trends, and Strategic Business Models
Join host Jennifer Bagley, CEO of CI Web Group, and her guests, Darren Dixon, CEO and founder of fyxify, and George Donaldson, CEO of Fix-It Group, as they discuss the transformative landscape of the home services industry in this engaging e...
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58:25
Unleashing Success: Trey McWilliams on Mastering Growth and Leadership in Home Services
Join Jennifer Bagley as she hosts Trey McWilliams, CEO of McWilliams & Sons and founder of Blue Cardinal Home Services Group, in this enlightening episode of "Catalyst for the Trades." Discover the journey of this third-generation leader...
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47:57
Mastering the Trades: Mark Evans on Building Wealth, Legacy, and Financial Freedom
In this episode of Catalyst for the Trades, hosts Jennifer Bagley and Chuck Staszkiewicz sit down with Mark Evans, a seasoned entrepreneur, investor, and wealth-building expert. Mark shares his journey in the trades an...
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45:32
Building a $100M Business: George Donaldson on Scaling, Leadership, and Exit Strategies in Home Services
In this episode of "Catalyst for the Trades," hosts Jennifer Bagley and Chuck Staszkiewicz are joined by George Donaldson, a leading figure in the home services industry known for scaling the Fix It Group from $1.7 million to $100 million. T...
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55:22
Adapting to Consumer Behavior: Leveraging AI and Digital Tools in the Trades with Josh Koplin
In this episode of The Catalyst for the Trades, Jennifer Bagley sits down with Josh Koplin, co-founder of Eden, to explore the evolving landscape of consumer behavior in the trades industry. The discussion focuses on how businesses can lever...
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45:23
From Comedy to AI: How Sebastian Jimenez is Revolutionizing Sales in the Trades
Episode Summary: In this episode of The Catalyst for the Trades, we engage in an enlightening conversation with Sebastian Jimenez, CEO of Rilla. Drawing striking parallels between tech entrepreneurship and stand-up comedy, Sebastian delves i...
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51:32