Welcome back to “Born for the Trades”, the home service podcast where captivating stories of industry leaders and their successes come to life. Hosted by Shreya, today’s episode, "Scaling to Profit: How Brian Mcdermott Travels While His Business Thrives”, features an insightful conversation with Brian Mcdermott, a distinguished leader in the plumbing and heating sector.

Brian Mcdermott, the driving force behind ProStar Plumbing & Heating, has propelled his company to an impressive $4 million in revenue while maintaining a strong net profit. Known for his exceptional system implementations, Brian not only ensures the thriving operation of his business but also enjoys ample personal time. In this episode, he shares the strategies and systems that have made this balance possible.

Listeners will hear about Brian’s journey from the early days of starting ProStar to the milestones that defined its success. He provides a behind-the-scenes look at the pivotal moments that shaped his company’s growth.

Brian also offers a candid review of Rilla, a system integral to his business operations. Whether it’s discussing the benefits or the challenges faced, his honest feedback is invaluable for anyone considering this tool.

One of the highlights of Brian’s success is his ability to travel and enjoy personal pursuits while managing a thriving business. He discusses how he achieves this balance, offering insights into maintaining both business efficiency and personal fulfillment.

For listeners aiming to scale their own businesses, Brian provides practical advice tailored to various stages of growth. Whether a business is at $1 million or struggling with profitability at $10 million, his guidance is geared toward overcoming challenges and achieving financial success.

Brian also delves into the unique business mindset prevalent in Canada, offering perspectives on how Canadian business owners can break free from limiting beliefs and reach their full potential.

Finally, for those eager to learn from successful industry figures, Brian is open to sharing his expertise. He explains how listeners can connect with him for valuable insights and mentorship.

Tune in to this episode of Born for the Trades for a mix of practical advice, inspirational stories, and expert knowledge. Brian Mcdermott’s journey is sure to provide motivation and valuable lessons for anyone in the trades or interested in business growth.

Support the show

In this compelling episode of the "Born for the Trades" podcast, host Mandeep sits down with Mike Agugliaro, a true powerhouse in the home service industry. Mike’s remarkable journey from electrician to empire builder offers invaluable insights for anyone interested in scaling their business and achieving peak performance in every aspect of life.

Mike Agugliaro’s career trajectory is nothing short of extraordinary. Starting as an electrician, Mike transformed his modest beginnings into a $32 million per year home services business, encompassing electrical, HVAC, plumbing, and more. His business acumen caught the attention of private equity, leading to a successful acquisition in 2017. However, Mike's ambitions didn’t stop there. He went on to build one of the leading training organizations for home service professionals, coaching over 1,000 business owners and 20,000 service industry experts. After exiting this venture in 2020, he founded FuDog Group, focusing on peak performance and business mastery.

During the podcast, Mike shares his secrets to explosive growth and success. He reveals the key strategies that drove his business to new heights, emphasizing the importance of innovative thinking and relentless execution. Mike delves into the challenges he faced while scaling his business, offering practical advice on overcoming obstacles and maintaining high standards across diverse service offerings.

A significant portion of the conversation focuses on the art of balancing various service areas—electrical, HVAC, and plumbing—to ensure top-notch quality. Mike’s approach to integrating these services while upholding exceptional standards provides a valuable framework for listeners in similar industries.

Mandeep also taps into Mike’s expertise in attracting private equity investment. Mike outlines critical factors that make a home service business appealing to investors, providing actionable insights for owners looking to position their companies for acquisition.

Mike offers guidance for those transitioning from technician roles to business ownership. He highlights essential skills and mindset adjustments necessary for successful ownership and leadership.

Additionally, Mike draws on his extensive experience training business owners to discuss common pitfalls and mistakes he has observed. His advice on avoiding these missteps is invaluable for anyone looking to elevate their business and personal performance.

Throughout the episode, Mike’s passion for personal development and mastery is evident. He speaks on his commitment to martial arts, having earned a Jin Sei Ryu Budo black belt, and how these principles of discipline and focus extend into his business practices and personal life. His role as an author of 28 books and a sought-after speaker further underscores his expertise in scaling, selling, and running successful companies.

In summary, this episode of "Born for the Trades" with Mike Agugliaro is a treasure trove of knowledge for entrepreneurs and business owners. From scaling a multi-million-dollar business to mastering personal and professional performance, Mike’s insights are both practical and inspirational. Tune in to discover how you can apply his strategies to achieve extraordinary success in your own ventures.

Don’t forget to subscribe to “Born for the Trades - A Home Service Podcast” on your favorite platform, and follow us on social media for updates, behind-the-scenes content, and more. Thank you for listening!

Support the show

Welcome to the latest episode of the "Born for the Trades" podcast, where we dive deep into the stories of industry leaders and trailblazers. In this episode, titled "Building a $17 Million Legacy: Ted Fox on Transforming a Family Business into a Home Services Powerhouse," Shreya sits down with Ted Fox, the visionary behind Fox Plumbing Heating Cooling Electrical.

Ted Fox, along with his father Ted Fox Sr., founded Fox Plumbing Heating Cooling Electrical in 1999, operating out of a modest single-car garage and a home office. What began as a small, family-run business has grown into a significant player in the home services industry, with annual revenues soaring to $17 million. This transformation didn’t come without its challenges and strategic moves, which Ted shares candidly in this insightful conversation.

In the podcast, Ted reflects on the early days of working alongside his father. He discusses the unique dynamic of their partnership and the lessons learned from running a family business. Ted reveals some of the toughest challenges they faced in those formative years, including financial constraints and scaling issues, and how he overcame them with perseverance and strategic problem-solving.

When Ted took over the reins of Fox Plumbing Heating Cooling Electrical in 2012, his vision was clear: to reimagine and elevate the brand. He shares the strategic plans he implemented to grow the business, focusing on creating a better workplace, providing career development opportunities, and enhancing the customer experience. His approach involved significant investments in training and development, which played a crucial role in scaling the company to its current success.

Ted also delves into the importance of training and development in fostering a high-performing team. With over 100 employees, he emphasizes how crucial it is to provide continuous learning and support to ensure exceptional customer service. He outlines the software solutions Fox Plumbing Heating Cooling Electrical has adopted and how these technologies have streamlined operations and contributed to the company’s success.

For those looking to maximize ROI from training and software investments, Ted offers practical advice. He explains how to effectively leverage these tools to enhance team performance and achieve substantial business growth. Ted’s insights on creating a positive company culture and providing career opportunities are precious for business owners aiming to build a motivated and dedicated workforce.

Reflecting on his journey, Ted shares a piece of advice he would give his younger self if he could go back to 1999. He also offers guidance for aspiring entrepreneurs in the home services industry, drawing from his own experiences and the strategies that led to his impressive $17 million revenue milestone.

This episode of "Born for the Trades" provides a comprehensive look at how vision, strategy, and a commitment to excellence can transform a small family business into a thriving industry leader. Tune in to hear Ted Fox’s inspiring story and gain valuable insights for your own entrepreneurial journey.

Don’t forget to subscribe to “Born for the Trades - A Home Service Podcast” on your favorite platform, and follow us on social media for updates, behind-the-scenes content, and more. Thank you for listening!

Support the show