Service Business Mastery for Skilled Trades: HVAC, Plumbing & Electrical Home Service

AI is everywhere right now. But most contractors don't actually understand how it works. In this episode of Service Business Mastery, Tersh Blissett and Joshua Crouch sit down with Jeff Torello, founder of Sinjun AI, to break down what AI really is, how it works under the hood, and why so much of the industry is getting it wrong. Jeff explains that AI isn't some all-knowing system. It's a probability engine that predicts the next word, with no real memory and no true understanding of context. If you've been confused, overwhelmed, or skeptical about AI, this episode will give you a grounded, practical understanding of what's real and what's hype. What You Will Learn in This Episode • How AI actually works behind the scenes • Why AI is a probability engine, not a thinking system • Why AI does not truly "remember" conversations • Why responses change every time you ask the same question • How context windows impact AI performance • Why long AI conversations lose accuracy over time • The biggest misconception about AI in the trades • Why you should focus on solving problems, not buying tools • How to identify real AI solutions vs marketing hype • How AI will change jobs instead of eliminating them • What "human-in-the-loop" AI systems look like • How AI agents will evolve into task-based execution systems Timestamps 00:00 What AI actually is (roulette analogy) 03:20 Jeff Torello's background and Sinjun AI 05:00 AI hype vs reality in the trades 07:10 Why you should start with problems, not tools 10:20 Why AI responses change every time 13:00 Why AI has no real memory 15:30 Context windows and why AI "forgets" 17:20 Why AI is only ~80% accurate 19:30 The emotional impact of AI on the workforce 22:00 Will AI replace jobs or create new ones? 24:00 The rise of human-in-the-loop systems 26:00 How AI agents will work in the future 30:00 The Gartner hype cycle explained 35:00 Why we're still early in AI adoption 38:00 Don't believe the hype Follow the Host and Guest Tersh Blissett: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tershblissett/ Joshua Crouch: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josh-crouch/ Jeff Torello: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jtorello/ Sinjun AI: https://sinjun.ai Connect with Us LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/service-business-mastery TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@servicebusinessmastery Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/servicebusinessmasterypodcast Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/servicebusinessmasterypodcast Register for NHPC26 in Columbus, OH (April 13-16) and save $270! Use code MASTERY for the $825 rate: nhpc26.org/svc-mastery | Registration deadline: April 9 This episode is kindly powered by: UpFrog: upfrog.com MarketStorm is an AI-powered advertising platform. Results vary by market, budget, and campaign configuration: https://marketstorm.ai/ Get Your 14-Day Free Trial with CallRail!: https://www.callrail.com/sbmpod CompanyCam: https://companycam.com/ Breezy: https://getbreezyapp.com/ Your calls hold the key to growing your business. PhoneTAP gives you instant AI analysis, real customer lifetime value, and tools to coach your team. Learn more: phonetap.ai/demo

Most contractors are still hiding their prices. But customers are already finding that information somewhere else. In this episode of Service Business Mastery, Tersh Blissett and Joshua Crouch sit down with Paul Redman, President of Contractor Commerce, to break down the real impact of transparent pricing in home service businesses. They discuss why pricing transparency is no longer optional, how AI search and Google are already surfacing pricing data, and why contractors who don't adapt risk losing control of the customer conversation. Paul shares how online pricing tools, conversational AI, and e-commerce experiences are changing the way homeowners shop for HVAC and plumbing services. They also dive into the biggest fears contractors have around showing pricing and why most of those fears are outdated. If you're wondering whether putting pricing on your website will hurt or help your business, this episode will completely change how you think about it. What You Will Learn in This Episode • Why customers ask about price before anything else • The real reason homeowners want pricing transparency • Why hiding your prices doesn't protect you anymore • How AI search and Google are already exposing pricing data • The difference between showing exact pricing and guiding expectations • How online pricing tools increase conversions and reduce friction • Why competitors already know your pricing • How transparent pricing reduces objections and builds trust • The role of financing in pricing presentation • How contractors can use pricing to capture leads earlier in the buying journey • Why owning the conversation is critical in modern marketing Timestamps 00:00 "AI E-Commerce for Contractors" 04:35 "Building Roots, Launching Dreams" 07:28 "Conversational Search and HVAC Insights" 11:09 "AI Transforming Buying Process" 15:17 Google's AC Estimate Feature 17:11 "Fear of Reviews Stalling Growth" 21:54 "Car Pricing and Consumer Reasoning" 23:45 "Conversational Commerce Second Opinion Tool" 27:53 "Answering Customer Price Questions" 30:26 "Call Tracking Maximizes Marketing" 34:25 "Legacy Version and Migration Options" 37:45 "Infuse: Streamlining Buyer Journey" 40:43 "Craigslist Goat Prank Unveiled" 44:02 "Balancing AI and Human Touch" 48:33 "Connect with Contractor Commerce" Follow the Host and Guest Tersh Blissett: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tershblissett/ Joshua Crouch: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josh-crouch/ Paul Redman: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-redman/ Contractor Commerce: https://www.linkedin.com/company/contractor-commerce/ Connect with Us LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/service-business-mastery TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@servicebusinessmastery Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/servicebusinessmasterypodcast Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/servicebusinessmasterypodcast Register for NHPC26 in Columbus, OH (April 13-16) and save $270! Use code MASTERY for the $825 rate: nhpc26.org/svc-mastery | Registration deadline: April 9 This episode is kindly powered by: UpFrog: upfrog.com MarketStorm is an AI-powered advertising platform. Results vary by market, budget, and campaign configuration: https://marketstorm.ai/ Get Your 14-Day Free Trial with CallRail!: https://www.callrail.com/sbmpod CompanyCam: https://companycam.com/ Breezy: https://getbreezyapp.com/ Your calls hold the key to growing your business. PhoneTAP gives you instant AI analysis, real customer lifetime value, and tools to coach your team. Learn more: phonetap.ai/demo

AI is no longer just automation or chatbots. It's becoming a real employee for service businesses. In this episode of Service Business Mastery, recorded live at AHR Expo 2026, Tersh Blissett sits down with Dennis Steele, co-founder of Podium, to talk about the rise of AI agents and how they're transforming HVAC and plumbing companies. From answering calls and booking jobs to handling angry customers and following up on estimates, AI agents are beginning to perform real work that previously required multiple team members. Dennis shares how Podium started by helping contractors get more Google reviews, how the platform evolved into a full communication system for trades, and why the new generation of AI agents can now handle complex tasks across phone calls, text messages, scheduling, and CRM data. They also discuss real-world examples of AI agents turning angry drivers into paying customers, managing after-hours calls, and helping companies scale without burning out their staff. If you're wondering whether AI will replace people or simply help service businesses run smarter and more efficiently, this episode breaks down what's actually happening right now. What You Will Learn in This Episode • What AI agents actually are and how they differ from chatbots • Why AI agents can now perform real human-level tasks • How AI employees can answer calls, texts, and book appointments • How AI agents help service businesses avoid missed calls and lost leads • A real story of an angry driver becoming a booked service call • How AI helps companies scale customer support without hiring more CSRs • Why consumer expectations are shifting because of AI • How AI agents can analyze business data to generate new jobs • How outbound AI will help fill service calendars automatically • Why AI employees need onboarding just like human employees • How companies can customize AI behavior with playbooks • What service business owners should know about AI security and voice cloning Timestamps 00:00 Introduction from AHR Expo 01:43 The origin story of Podium 03:00 What AI agents actually are 04:02 The shift from AI assistance to AI employees 06:05 How AI is changing customer expectations 07:13 Why human interaction still matters 08:15 Customers building relationships with AI agents 09:17 The angry driver story that turned into a booked job 10:16 How AI handles unlimited calls and scaling 11:28 Why after-hours calls are the biggest opportunity 12:11 AI outbound calling and membership follow-ups 13:17 Using data to generate new service opportunities 15:12 Customizing AI conversations with playbooks 18:37 When AI goes off script (opera singing story) 20:05 The origin of Podium's review platform 22:21 Building the communication platform for trades 24:10 The future of AI for service businesses 25:54 Onboarding and training your AI employee 28:47 Building strong company culture at scale 31:46 How to learn more about Podium 32:29 AI safety and voice cloning concerns Follow the Host and Guest Tersh Blissett: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tershblissett/ Josh Crouch: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josh-crouch/ Dennis Steele: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steeledennis/ Podium: https://www.podium.com/ Connect with Us • LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/service-business-mastery • TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@servicebusinessmastery • Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/servicebusinessmasterypodcast • Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/servicebusinessmasterypodcast

Marketing for home service businesses is evolving faster than ever. Rising lead costs, private equity competition, new AI-driven ad platforms, and changing consumer behavior are forcing contractors to rethink how they attract customers. In this episode of Service Business Mastery, Tersh Blissett sits down with Justin Riley, founder of UpFrog, to talk about what the future of marketing really looks like for HVAC, plumbing, and other home service companies. If you want to understand where marketing for home service businesses is heading and how to stay competitive in the years ahead, this episode is packed with practical insights. What You Will Learn in This Episode • Why lead generation alone is no longer enough for home service companies • The difference between lead generation and demand generation • How organic content impacts paid advertising performance • Why social media algorithms now reward brand engagement • How contractors can compete with private equity-backed companies • Why online pricing tools generate higher-value customers • The role giveaways and tune-up offers play in customer acquisition • Why brand awareness before equipment failure leads to better conversions • How AI tools are influencing marketing automation • The growing importance of marketing compliance and data management Timestamps 00:00 "Podcast Reunion and New Program" 09:46 "Algorithms Driving Content and Ads" 12:38 Prevention-Based HVAC Marketing Strategy 17:44 "Improving Sales Success Process" 21:51 Rethinking Business Profit Expectations 28:32 "Accelerating Business Growth Opportunities" 33:21 "Opti: Compliance Tool for Messaging" 38:00 TCPA Compliance and Risk Awareness 46:12 Scaling Through Demand Generation 48:52 "Creative Local Giveaway Ideas" 53:24 Cost Efficiency of Tune-Up Pricing 01:00:12 Marketing Costs and Growth Strategy 01:05:31 Economic Cycles and Industry Trends 01:08:26 "Uncertainty and Building Challenges" 01:17:10 "Opti: ServiceTitan-GoHighLevel Integration" 01:18:48 "Steps to Business Success" Follow the Host and Guest Tersh Blissett: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tershblissett/ Justin Riley: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justintriley/ UpFrog: https://www.linkedin.com/company/upfrog/ Connect with Us • LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/service-business-mastery • TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@servicebusinessmastery • Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/servicebusinessmasterypodcast • Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/servicebusinessmasterypodcast Register for NHPC26 in Columbus, OH (April 13-16) and save $270! Use code MASTERY for the $825 rate: nhpc26.org/svc-mastery | Registration deadline: April 9 This episode is kindly powered by: UpFrog: upfrog.com MarketStorm is an AI-powered advertising platform. Results vary by market, budget, and campaign configuration: https://marketstorm.ai/ Get Your 14-Day Free Trial with CallRail!: https://www.callrail.com/sbmpod CompanyCam: https://companycam.com/ Breezy: https://getbreezyapp.com/ Your calls hold the key to growing your business. PhoneTAP gives you instant AI analysis, real customer lifetime value, and tools to coach your team. Learn more: phonetap.ai/demo

Electrification is accelerating across North America. Rebates are expanding. Regulations are tightening. And HVAC contractors are being asked to deliver higher efficiency, lower emissions, and better comfort all at the same time. So where does dual fuel fit in? In this episode of Service Business Mastery, recorded live at AHR Expo, Tersh Blissett sits down with Matt Schlegel and Charles Hurd to break down how dual fuel heat pumps are becoming a powerful solution for commercial and residential contractors. If you're trying to navigate electrification, cold climate performance, rebate programs, and evolving control requirements, this episode gives you clarity and strategy. What You Will Learn in This Episode • What dual fuel heat pumps are and how they operate • The difference between single heat operation and simultaneous heating • Why electrification incentives are driving commercial demand • How dual fuel helps avoid expensive electrical upgrades • Why gas can outperform electric strip heat in extreme cold • How adjustable changeover temperatures impact comfort and cost • How to calculate annual operating costs and emissions impact • How Controls Verification Protocol affects inverter systems • The growing push toward communicating equipment • What AHRI 1380 demand response compliance means for contractors • How manufacturers are using AI to improve troubleshooting and service Timestamps 00:00 Adjustable changeover temperature explained 05:23 What dual fuel solves in commercial applications 08:12 Gas vs electric strip heat in extreme cold 12:24 Utility cost and emissions comparison tool 16:02 How thermostats and changeover logic work 23:39 Brand loyalty after COVID shortages 28:24 Refrigerant transition challenges 33:01 CVP and communicating systems 35:31 Future of proprietary thermostats 40:49 AI in HVAC troubleshooting 44:09 Automation vs AI hype 48:15 How to become a dealer How to become a YORK dealer https://www.york.com/dealers/become-a-contractor Follow the Host and GuestTersh Blissett: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tershblissett/ Josh Crouch: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josh-crouch/ Matt Schlegel: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-schlegel/ Charles Hurd: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlesrhurd/ Bosch: https://www.linkedin.com/company/boschhomecomfortgroup/ Connect with Us• LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/service-business-mastery • TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@servicebusinessmastery • Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/servicebusinessmasterypodcast • Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/servicebusinessmasterypodcast 👉 Enroll Today - https://bit.ly/3CZTDte🚀 Get Your 14-Day Free Trial with CallRail! 👉 Visit: https://www.callrail.com/sbmpod