đĄ Deep Discussion
What core belief about running a home-service business did you have when you started that has since been completely overturnedâand how has that single mindset shift reshaped the way you lead, hire, or serve customers today? Ill start give you my answer first: When I launched Mr. Backflow I was convinced that ââif youâre the best technician in town, the phone will ring.â I poured every waking hour into mastering test gauges, pressure zones, and relief-valve anatomyâbut assumed marketing, storytelling, and team culture were secondary noise. Spoiler: being a backflow Jedi means nothing if homeowners donât know what a backflow preventer is, why it fails, or who to trust when it leaks. My once-sacred beliefâââskill sells itselfââgot obliterated in year one. Hereâs how flipping that mindset rewired the whole company: Lead with clarity, not jargon â⢠We turned boring reports into photo-rich âdevice health cardsâ that read like a mechanicâs inspection sheet. â⢠Instagram reels now explain âWhy that brass thing by your hose bib mattersâ in 15 seconds. âResult: service calls doubled and we collect a 5-star review on 4 out of every 5 jobs. Hire for empathy first, wrenches second â⢠New techs must role-play explaining a failed check valve to a curious grandma before they ever pick up a tester. â⢠I can train the plumbing; I canât fake patience and good vibes. âResult: callbacks dropped 30 %, morale skyrocketed, and customers ask for techs by name. Systemize the story â⢠Automated email/SMS drip educates clients on backflow law, seasonal tips, and what to expect on-site. â⢠Team tablets generate on-the-spot quotes with âgood / better / bestâ optionsâzero mystery pricing. âResult: average job value is up 18 % because clients actually understand the upsell. Bottom line: the skill is still non-negotiable, but *communication* is the real differentiator. Once I stopped assuming expertise was enoughâand started speaking human, hiring empathetic pros, and packaging our knowledge in bite-size waysâMr. Backflow went from a one-man wrench show to the go-to clean-water problem solver in Carlsbad.Time for Hobbies!
When I started my business, I made the choice to give up some of the hobbies I enjoyed to make more time for my business to flourish. I've most recently started to pursue those forgotten hobbies - and it's reminded me of what a journey life can be! Going forward, I am going to make more of an effort to pursue my passions outside of work, hoping to create a little more balance in life. What about you? How are you making time for hobbies in 2025 (and beyond)?
Real Talk: The Ups and Downs of Running a Business
Letâs start a real conversation â no filters, no fluff. Whatâs it really been like running your business? Iâm talking about the mistakes that taught you lessons, the wins that made it all feel worth it, the burnout you didnât expect, and the goals that keep you going even on the tough days. Whether youâre just starting or deep in the game, your story can inspire someone else (and maybe theirs will help you too). Drop your honest take below đ Letâs build something real â together.
Advice for new owners
Iâve been in customer service and other areas for years including public safety, but I am still trying to figure the best way to start/set up my business. I understand the management process, logistics side and other aspects following that including being an intern. I guess what Iâm asking is if someone can give me advice on that area to help broaden my horizons and vision of owner/employee I should say. I am looking into the home services side, ie lawn care, landscape, concrete, pressure washing, outdoor construction (gazebos, arbor), etc. Iâm open minded accepting and grateful for any advice or criticism from everyone. Thank you in advance. Najee ReynoldsHereâs a quick lesson I learned the hard way
I thought Iâd save a few bucks by loading all the old lava rock from a landscape renovation onto my standard open-bed trailer instead of renting a dump trailer. Loading was a breezeâgravity did half the work. Unloading? Different story. Without a hydraulic lift, every single rock had to be shoveled out by hand. Four hours later, I finally rolled awayâsore, sweaty, and wishing Iâd spent the extra cash. Take it from me: the right equipment turns a back-breaking afternoon into a five-minute button-press. Think twice, rent once, and keep your profit (and your spine) intact.
Looking for a grant
Looking for a grant to fund my lawn care business I already have over 35 customers. Both my mowers have broke down and left me basically stranded having to borrow one from my dad to get jobs done . It's something I love to do help people give great prices it's not about the money it's about helping people for me . I hope to get this grant it would grow my business significantly.
