When did you realize your business needed systems, and what did you implement first?
At what point did you realize your business needed systems instead of just hard work, and what was the first system you put in place? For me, it was when things started slipping even though we were working harder than ever. Jobs were getting missed, communication wasn’t as tight, and everything still depended on me being involved. That’s when it clicked that effort wasn’t the problem, structure was. The first system I really put in place was around job flow. Clear process from estimate to scheduling to execution, so the crew wasn’t guessing and I wasn’t constantly putting out fires. Once that was in place, everything started to run smoother and it took a lot of pressure off me.Weekly virtual networking
We’re trying something new in the community! Starting March 17, we’re hosting a weekly 30-minute networking session for home service pros across all industries. Join one session or all four—no commitment. These will run once a week until April 7 while we pilot the idea. 👉 Link to join: https://meet.google.com/vmf-xjiw-iad 👈 The goal is simple: bring a challenge and get ideas from other pros. Format: • Quick intros • Everyone shares one challenge • Group feedback and ideas • Quick wrap-up 🕒 Tuesdays at 11:30 AM ET ⏱️ 30 minutes Interested? Comment below then we'll invite you and send you a reminder email with the link!
To Market or to Not
Hi all! This is my first post, so I would like to introduce myself before diving in. My name is James Benedetto, and I am an arborist and tree care company owner out of Columbus, Ohio. My company's name is Arborist Solutions, and we have been in business since May of 2019. We haven't quite eclipsed the $1 million mark yet, but we have come close. This post is not to tell you how to run your business; everyone's aspirations are different. In 2019, our dream was to become the best tree care company in the history of the world. By 2020, we realized that business isn't just about your own dream; it's about doing what clients and tree owners want. Then, around 2023, things clicked: we realized we can have our dream if we make it our clients' dream, too. So, how does this relate to marketing? Having a clear vision and picking your end goal will dictate what marketing, if any, you should do. If you are willing to do anything someone will pay for, you will want to market aggressively. But if you want to pick and choose the work you do, selective marketing, or even no marketing, might be the better route. As an arborist, winters get slow every year. However, this past winter, we kept a normal workload the entire season. It wasn't because of expensive Google Ads, flyers, or a lead machine. We stayed busy simply by using Jobber's Marketing Suite ($1,000/year) and relying on a strong clientele we've built trust with over the last few years. In fact, we haven't paid for any ads outside of Jobber since 2024. Right now, we are booking consultations (just the consultations, not even the work) into the first week of May. We help make our clients' dreams come true by aligning their goals with our own focus on tree preservation and health. This means we don't have to guess how our clients think because we educate them to think more like us. If you just do whatever a client tells you to do, how can they rely on you for professional, honest advice? If you meet with a client who wants to preserve their trees at any cost, and then their neighbor hires you to clear-cut their lot, what does that do to your image? You can't work for everyone, and honestly, realizing that is the absolute best thing you can do for your business. So, if you want to grow to be the next Asplundh, market hard and do whatever pays. But if you want to be the expert in your field, pick a specialty and fly!What’s the fastest way you’ve grown your business?
Some owners grow by adding more jobs. Others take over existing clients or even buy another business. What’s worked best for you? In this episode of Masters of Home Service, Savannah Revis talks about: What can go wrong (and right) when you buy a business How to spot red flags before taking over clients What helps customers stay after the handoff Never miss an episode of Masters of Home Service. Subscribe on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.
🔥 Entrepreneurs — What’s ONE lesson you wish you’d learned earlier?
I’ve noticed that everyone’s entrepreneurial journey looks wildly different. Some people jump in and figure it out as they go, others spend months planning before they take the first step. But every entrepreneur I meet has at least one “I wish someone had told me this sooner” moment.Work/Life Balance. What does that look like?
I searched the forums and didn't find a good conversation regarding the work/life balance topic (link if you know of one). I found a great topic started by bedellmgmt a while ago about how he had to let go of his hobbies and the pursuit to get some back. How do you maintain a healthy balance in your life beyond work? Do you dive headfirst into your business and try to connect with family whenever you can? If this sounds familiar, how does your family feel about it—do they understand and support you? And perhaps the more profound question is this: Do you believe your company thrives because it takes priority, or do you think its success comes from achieving that work-life harmony? Many of us grapple with these dilemmas. I’ve experienced both sides myself. For me, one of my most important values has always been to provide for my family. Over 20 years ago, that meant putting in long hours—sometimes up to 100 a week—to achieve success. Unfortunately, it also meant missing out on precious moments with my kids, family, and friends. While I built a business that supports us financially, I often found myself thinking, "Why doesn't anyone seem to recognize the effort I'm putting in?" This focus on work led to some tensions at home because I was so absorbed in my career. They wanted me, and I was confused because I thought that was what I was giving them. Have you ever experienced that? And if you did, how did you overcome it?
From weekend side hustle to full-time: what would you start with?
Hey everyone We’re in NJ and exploring starting a weekend home service business that could eventually replace full-time income. My husband comes from road service and gas station inventory work—very hands-on, problem-solving, and customer-facing. The plan is to start on weekends, replace overtime first, and grow from there. For those who’ve done it: - What service did you start with on weekends? - What would you do differently if you were starting again? - Any service you wish you hadn’t tried? Would love to hear real stories and lessons learned.What’s hardest to keep under control as your business grows?
As your business grows, whether you’re solo or leading a team, what’s been the hardest thing to keep on track? Have you built a system for it yet, or are you still figuring it out? In this episode of Masters of Home Service, ryaantuttle and WiringByron covers: Why getting busier without systems creates more chaos The importance of locking in cash flow, business plans, and org charts before growth Simple processes (like estimating and invoicing) that make scaling easier Want to put these tips into action? Download our free business scaling readiness checklist. Never miss an episode of Masters of Home Service. Subscribe on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.
