In this episode of The TradeMarke Podcast, hosts Sarah Ghirardo and Eric Thomas sit down with the brilliant duo behind Titan Advisor Gurus – Jess Kralemann and Kim Rahn – to dive deep into the hidden power (and common pitfalls) of ServiceTitan.

Jess, the marketing systems expert, and Kim, the operations and accounting wizard, share their insider tips on how contractors can unlock the full potential of ServiceTitan. From Marketing Pro setup, SMS automation, and underused tools like postcards, to the complexities of membership billing, data cleanup, and price book overload, this conversation covers it all.

If you're struggling with unsold estimates, buried campaign numbers, or accounts flooded with duplicate customer records, Jess and Kim break down how to streamline your processes, organize your CRM, and finally start seeing ROI from your ServiceTitan investment.

You’ll also hear:

• Why most contractors fail to fully implement Marketing Pro

• The real cost of poor accounting setup

• How data hygiene is just as important as personal hygiene

• Why onboarding the right way saves you time and money later

• And how to start winning with automation – one button at a time

Whether you're just onboarding with ServiceTitan or looking to optimize your current setup, this episode is packed with practical advice you can take action on today.

🎧 Tune in, laugh a little (yes, even about taxes), and walk away with the clarity you need to level up your business operations.

In this episode of The TradeMarke Podcast, hosts Sarah Ghirardo and Eric Thomas welcome industry legend and current Chairman of ACCA, Eddie McFarlane, for a candid, insightful, and inspiring conversation on the future of the trades.

With over 25 years of experience in HVAC—from starting as a helper in the field to co-founding Schedule Engine, and now leading Sealer Services and shaping national HVAC standards at ACCA—Eddie brings unmatched perspective on what it takes to lead and thrive in today’s rapidly evolving industry.

Together, we dig into the big issues contractors are facing today: the refrigerant transition (R-454B vs R-32), regulatory uncertainty, inflation-driven pricing shifts, and the real consequences of misinformation spreading through Facebook groups and online forums. Eddie outlines why now, more than ever, HVAC leaders need to step up, seek real answers from trusted sources, and lean into their communities for support—not panic.

He shares ACCA’s evolving mission to equip contractors with the education, engineering standards, and advocacy they need to stay ahead, including updates on load calc protocols, quality installation guidelines, and refrigerant handling best practices. You’ll also hear why contractors must shift from reactive mode to proactive leadership, and how to do it.

Plus, the episode explores SalesPro, a new human-first training platform built by industry veterans like Eddie, Sarah, and Jerry Rollins. Far from your typical sales course, this tool is rooted in empathy, mental health, real-life experience, and the idea that your best salespeople aren’t born—they’re built.

Whether you’re running a $2M or $20M shop, managing a growing team, or just want clarity during uncertain times, this episode is packed with takeaways:

• How to forecast smarter and communicate better with your distributors

• What contractors should be telling customers right now

• Why collaboration, not isolation, is the key to future-proofing your business

• The power of quality installations and third-party validation in today’s market

• The difference between healthy conflict and toxic relationships—in sales and leadership

If you're in the trades, this is a must-listen. And if you’re not yet plugged into ACCA, now’s the time.

👉 Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and follow us for more unfiltered conversations on the intersection of trades and marketing.

In this episode of The TradeMarke Podcast, we sit down with Jonathan Mast from White Beard Strategies, an AI enthusiast and automation expert, to explore how artificial intelligence is reshaping the marketing landscape. Jonathan breaks down the tools and strategies that can help businesses of all sizes thrive in this new era of data-driven decision-making and automation.

Discover the latest trends in AI-powered marketing, the opportunities many businesses are missing out on, and how to integrate these innovations into your brand-building efforts. Jonathan also shares his vision for the future of marketing roles and the skills you need to stay ahead in a rapidly changing industry. Whether you’re a seasoned marketer or just getting started, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you harness the power of AI for your personal and professional brand.

In this episode of The TradeMarke Podcast, hosts Sarah Ghirardo and Eric Thomas sit down with legendary sales trainer Jerry Rollins—the founder of the Be Good Do Good Group and one of the most respected voices in home service sales coaching. From managing restaurants and opening 14 Longhorn Steakhouse locations to training thousands of technicians and CSRs across 27 states, Jerry shares the mindset, systems, and stories that have helped him transform sales teams and grow businesses nationwide.

You'll hear:

• How Jerry uses real-life ride-alongs and AI tools to refine team performance

• Why consistent processes beat talent alone

• The story behind the $8,000 sale that made it all worth it

• The importance of building trust in the home

• His thoughts on mindset, leadership, and giving back to the trades

Whether you're a business owner, service manager, or frontline salesperson, this episode is packed with tactical advice and inspiration to help you grow your business—and your people.

📲 Connect with Jerry: jerryrollins@bgdggroup.com

Join hosts Sarah Ghirardo and Eric Thomas on The TradeMarke Podcast as they dive into an inspiring conversation with Michael and David Katz from Trio Heating, Air, and Plumbing. In just three and a half years, the Katz brothers transformed their HVAC business from startup to a projected $15 million in revenue, thriving in the competitive San Jose market. Discover their actionable strategies for overcoming slow seasons, leveraging AI for customer engagement, and mastering door-knocking campaigns that drive leads without breaking the bank. From incentivizing technicians to building customer loyalty through memberships, this episode is packed with practical tips for trade professionals and marketers alike.

Key Takeaways:

• Proven slow-season tactics, including outbound campaigns and quality control check-ins.
• How to use platforms like Thumbtack and Yelp to boost lead conversion.
• The power of shop tours and learning from industry peers to scale your business.
• Creative ways to motivate your team with bonuses and competitions.
• Why speed to implementation is the key to staying ahead in the trades.

Whether you're a trade business owner, HVAC professional, or marketing expert, this episode of The TradeMarke Podcast will equip you with the tools to grow your business and dominate your market. Tune in now for game-changing insights and don’t miss out on connecting with Michael and David for a shop tour at Trio Heating and Air!

In this episode of The TradeMarke Podcast, hosts Sarah Ghirardo and Eric Thomas dive deep into the world of customer service with Michelle Myers from The CSR Academy. Discover why Customer Service Representatives (CSRs) are the backbone of your trade business and how investing in their training can transform customer experiences and boost your bottom line.

Michelle shares actionable insights on navigating consumer expectations, building resilience, and creating a culture of growth through innovative training programs like The CSR Academy. From ride-alongs with technicians to mastering empathy on tough calls, this episode is packed with strategies to empower your CSRs and elevate your brand. Tune in to learn how to turn every customer interaction into a win for your business! Visit csracademy.com for more on their game-changing events and community.

In this episode of The TradeMarke Podcast, we’re joined by Donovan Ryckis, founder and CEO of Ethos Benefits, to uncover how trade businesses can revolutionize employee healthcare. Donovan explains how smarter healthcare strategies can reduce costs, improve employee satisfaction, and ultimately boost profitability.

In this stress-free and wildly insightful episode of The TradeMarke Podcast, Eric and Sarah sit down with the brilliant and unapologetically bold Melissa Broughton, founder of Busy Bee Advisors. Melissa is not your average tax professional—she’s a strategist, a myth-buster, and an advocate for small business owners who are tired of overpaying in taxes and underplaying their profits.

Melissa shares how a leap of faith (and a freak accident) led her to launch Busy Bee Advisors and build a boutique tax firm that actually gives a damn. From debunking outdated tax advice to sharing real strategies that help clients save 30–70% in taxes, Melissa brings the heat—and the receipts.

You’ll learn:

• Why most CPAs are glorified order takers (and how Melissa is changing that)

• How to actually write off that business trip to Mexico

• The power of proactive tax planning year-round—not just in April

• Tips for when to DIY your bookkeeping vs. when to hire help

• Her philosophy behind "The 4-Hour Bookkeeper" and how you can get a free copy

• Strategies to boost profitability and take control of your financial future

Plus, we talk feelings (yes, feelings) around money, taxes, and why women often approach financial conversations differently—and how Melissa is creating a space where everyone can feel confident and informed.

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by your business finances or like your tax pro speaks a language you don’t understand—this episode is for you.