Shows / The Catalyst for the Trades
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…
Episodes
- The Catalyst for the Trades
Video Marketing for Contractors: Build Trust, Authority & AI Search Visibility
Your logo tells homeowners your company’s name. Your videos can show them why they should trust you. For HVAC, plumbing, electrical, roofing, and other home…
- The Catalyst for the Trades
Hiring for the Trades: AI, Pay Transparency & Better Candidates | Amy Fink & Dan Fleisher
More applicants won’t fix a hiring process that loses good people before the interview. Amy Fink of Built By the Trades returns to Catalyst for the Trades…
- The Catalyst for the Trades
Contractor Marketing in the AI Search Era: Google Local Services Ads, SEO & Rebranding Risks
How should contractors adapt their marketing as AI search changes how homeowners find and choose a service company? In this episode of The Catalyst for the…
- The Catalyst for the Trades
HVAC Contractor Forum: A New Event for Learning From Other Contractors
ACHR News’ first HVAC Contractor Forum brings residential HVAC contractors together to learn from experienced operators, discuss business challenges, and…
- The Catalyst for the Trades
Are You the Bottleneck? How to Build a Business That Runs Without You | Amy Fink
What would completely stop if you disappeared from your business for two weeks? That question can expose exactly where your company still depends too heavily…
- The Catalyst for the Trades
WordPress Hacked? What to Do After a Hack | Jennifer Bagley & Chris Heney
WordPress Hacked? What to Do After a Hack (and Why Updates Aren't Enough) What would you do if you learned your website has been hacking your own customers?…
- The Catalyst for the Trades
Your AI Dashboard Is Wallpaper: AI Vaporware, WET Code & What Contractors Are Actually Buying
AI is making it easier than ever to build software that looks finished. For contractors and home service business owners, that creates a new problem: How do…
- The Catalyst for the Trades
Building Better Trades Businesses With the Right Tools at the Right Time
What happens when technology is built around the problems contractors are actually facing every day? Jennifer Bagley sits down with Charlie Vecchio of Built by…
- The Catalyst for the Trades
From ChatGPT to AI-Powered Operations: Matthew Palmieri on Building Smarter Trade Businesses
What happens when AI moves beyond prompts and starts becoming part of how you actually run the business? In this episode of Catalyst for the Trades, Jennifer…
- The Catalyst for the Trades
As AI Gets Better, Your People Need to Get Better Too
AI can make your business faster, more efficient, and more consistent. But if the technology keeps getting better while your people stay the same, what happens…
- The Catalyst for the Trades
Build a Business Worth Buying Before You’re Ready to Sell
Most home service business owners don’t need to decide today whether they’ll eventually sell. They do need to build a company that could be sold. In this…
- The Catalyst for the Trades
Built by the Trades: AI for Contractors, ServiceTitan Automation & the Future of Home Service Technology
Artificial intelligence is changing the trades, but the biggest opportunity isn't replacing technicians. It's helping contractors build smarter systems…
- The Catalyst for the Trades
AI, Authority & the Future of Home Service Marketing with Casey Eberhart
What happens when AI changes the rules of marketing faster than most contractors can keep up? In this episode of The Catalyst for the Trades, Jennifer Bagley…
- The Catalyst for the Trades
Your Website Site Is an ADA Lawsuit Waiting to Happen
AI-powered attorneys are now filing automated ADA lawsuits, and the average settlement costs $52,000. Is your website exposed? In this episode of Catalyst for…
- The Catalyst for the Trades
Last Chance to Register | The Trades Event That Builds Your $10M+ Plan | May 5-7
Last Chance to Register | Climb to $10M+ | May 5-7 | Houston, Texas Are you a trades business owner stuck under $10M? This is the event that changes that. Join…
- The Catalyst for the Trades
Climb to $10M: Inside the Workshop Event That Will Transform Your Business
Sick of conferences that pump you up but don’t move the needle? Jennifer Bagley welcomes guest Chuck Staszkiewicz for a candid, behind-the-scenes look at Climb…
- The Catalyst for the Trades
AI, Leadership & Next-Level Growth: Cameron Herold’s Playbook for Contractors
Most contractors are either ignoring AI or getting distracted by flashy tools they don’t actually need. In this episode, Jennifer Bagley talks with Cameron…
- The Catalyst for the Trades
AI-First Growth for the Trades: Builder Market with Louis Vierra and Brett Taylor
Most contractors know the feeling: you pay for leads that five other companies get, you chase calls late, and your software stack keeps growing—but not your…
- The Catalyst for the Trades
Women in Charge: How AI and Automation Are Powering Home Service Growth
How do women in the trades go from underfunded marketing and clunky tech to dominating their local markets with AI and automation? In this episode of Catalyst…
- The Catalyst for the Trades
From HVAC Technician to Tech-Savvy CEO: Robert Leath on Building a Future-Ready Trades Business with AI
In this episode of Catalyst for the Trades, Jennifer Bagley is joined by Robert Leath, founder of a thriving HVAC business, and his dedicated account…
- The Catalyst for the Trades
What It Really Takes to Be a Woman in Business | Honest Leadership in the Trades with Kathryn Elizabeth & Laura Kelly
What does authentic leadership actually look like for women in the trades? In this episode of Catalyst for the Trades, host Jennifer Bagley sits down with…
- The Catalyst for the Trades
Gregg Schonhorn on Maximizing Business Value in the Trades: Preparing to Sell, AI, and Building for the Future
How do you build a home service business that thrives today and is ready for a profitable exit tomorrow? In this episode of Catalyst for the Trades, Gregg…
- The Catalyst for the Trades
Contractor Accounting Made Simple with Meaghan Likes of Likes Accounting
CPA Meaghan Likes, founder of Likes Accounting, shares proven tips to help contractors clean up their books, simplify ServiceTitan integration, and gain…
- The Catalyst for the Trades
AI, Agents & The Future of Marketing: Remy Skerjanz’s Playbook for Outbound Success
AI is already transforming how businesses connect and grow. In this episode, Jennifer Bagley sits down with Remy Skerjanz, co-founder of Sales Blaster AI, for…
- The Catalyst for the Trades
Next-Level Septic Business: How Courtney Van Delden Supplee Uses AI, Automation & Data to Scale Van Delden Wastewater Systems
Running a successful septic company for 88 years takes more than experience — it takes innovation. In this episode of Catalyst for the Trades, host Jennifer…
- The Catalyst for the Trades
Command the Room & Grow Your Business: Casey Eberhart’s Blueprint for Trade Success
Ready to future-proof your trade business and increase its value? In this high-impact episode of Catalyst for the Trades, Jennifer Bagley sits down with…
- The Catalyst for the Trades
Reinventing SEO & Web Strategy: AI Transformation with Seth Humble
AI is rewriting the rules of SEO and digital marketing. In this episode, Jennifer Bagley talks with Seth Humble about how AI search is transforming how home…
- The Catalyst for the Trades
Branding That Works: Crystal Williams on Contractor Growth, Strategy & Accountability
Is your marketing all over the place—or all dialed in? This week, Jennifer Bagley sits down with Crystal Williams, co-founder of Lemon Seed Marketing and a…
- The Catalyst for the Trades
Beyond Products: Denise Corbin’s Winsupply HVAC Summit Empowers Contractors in Austin
Ready to break away from business as usual and spark success in a challenging market? In this episode, Denise Corbin—president of Winsupply—joins Jazmin…
- The Catalyst for the Trades
Jazmin Ramirez: AI Marketing Strategies and Growth Insights for Contractors
What does it take to lead and grow in a fast-changing trades industry? In this episode of Catalyst for the Trades, Jennifer Bagley interviews Jazmin Ramirez…
- The Catalyst for the Trades
Victoria Schaefer Talks TACCA Live: Texas HVAC Conference, Contractor Growth & Future of the Trades
Get an insider’s look at Texas Air Conditioning Contractors Association (TACCA) and the upcoming TACCA Live HVAC industry event in Conroe, Texas. Camille…
- The Catalyst for the Trades
From Zero to $22 Million: Vince Heuser’s Blueprint for Explosive Home Service Growth
What does it really take to break free from flat growth and scale your contracting business into the millions? In this inspiring episode, Vince Heuser shares…
- The Catalyst for the Trades
CRM Success in the Trades: Celia Church’s Guide to Data, Implementation, and Next-Level Growth
Thinking about switching CRM platforms or struggling to get the most out of your current system? In this must-listen episode, CRM and Service Titan consultant…
- The Catalyst for the Trades
Smart Accounting Moves: Devin Nordgran’s Financial Strategies for Contractors
Know your numbers and make them work for you. In this must-hear episode, Jennifer Bagley sits down with Devin Nordgran, Tax Associate at Squire, to unpack…
- The Catalyst for the Trades
Transforming Digital Marketing with AI: Chelsea Nodine’s Blueprint for Smarter Systems
Is AI the future of digital marketing, or just another buzzword? In this episode, Chelsea Nodine—Senior Director of Digital Transformation at CI Web…
- The Catalyst for the Trades
Level Up Your Business: Billy Gregus on AI, Marketing, and Making Partnerships Work
Ready to future-proof your contracting business? In this power-packed episode, Billy Gregus—owner of Integrity Refrigeration & A/C—joins Jennifer Bagley and…
- The Catalyst for the Trades
Trailblazing the HVAC Industry: Brittany Doering on Community, Growth, and Conference Success
Ready to level up your HVAC business and network with the best in Texas? In this jam-packed episode of Catalyst for the Trades, host Jennifer Bagley sits down…
- The Catalyst for the Trades
Level Up Your Roofing Business: Joel Viera on Tech, Talent & the Western Roofing Expo
What’s really shaping the future of roofing in 2025 & 2026? In this episode, Joel Viera of the Western States Roofing Contractors Association joins host…
- The Catalyst for the Trades
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…
- The Catalyst for the Trades
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…
- The Catalyst for the Trades
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…
- The Catalyst for the Trades
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…
- The Catalyst for the Trades
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…
- The Catalyst for the Trades
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…
- The Catalyst for the Trades
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…
- The Catalyst for the Trades
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…
- The Catalyst for the Trades
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…
- The Catalyst for the Trades
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…
- The Catalyst for the Trades
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…
- The Catalyst for the Trades
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…
- The Catalyst for the Trades
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…
- The Catalyst for the Trades
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…
- The Catalyst for the Trades
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…
- The Catalyst for the Trades
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…
- The Catalyst for the Trades
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…
- The Catalyst for the Trades
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…
- The Catalyst for the Trades
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…
- The Catalyst for the Trades
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…
- The Catalyst for the Trades
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…
- The Catalyst for the Trades
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…