Want to grow your HVAC, plumbing, or roofing business using AI, lead generation, and marketing automation? In this episode of Owned and Operated, we dive into how artificial intelligence is transforming the home service industry. Host John Wilson sits down with James Zaner from Modernize to explore cutting-edge strategies for using AI-powered tools to generate high-quality leads, automate operations, and expand into new markets. Whether you're a contractor, service business owner, or operator looking to scale, this episode is your playbook for growth through AI integration, customer segmentation, and smart marketing systems.

Discover how top-performing service businesses are leveraging AI for business growth, customer acquisition, and operational efficiency. James shares how Modernize uses tools like ChatGPT, CRM systems, and AI automation to improve sales productivity, nurture long-term customer value, and drive sustainable expansion. From optimizing lead generation funnels to implementing AI agents and marketing tech stacks, you’ll learn exactly how to modernize your service business and stay ahead in a competitive market.

🚨 In This Episode, We Cover:

🔹 How Modernize uses AI to scale lead generation and improve ROI

🔹 Real-world applications of ChatGPT and automation in business operations

🔹 The importance of customer segmentation and CRM in growth

🔹 Why modernizing traditional trades is crucial for future-proofing

🔹 How to align marketing strategy with long-term customer value

🔹 Market expansion tactics driven by smart data and AI

💼 Special Thanks to Service Scalers!

We’ve been partnering with Service Scalers to maximize our Local Service Ads (LSAs) and optimize our Google My Business profiles, and the results have been incredible. With hundreds of thousands in sales and 900+ calls in a single week, GMBs are now our top-performing organic lead channel.

Want to learn how Service Scalers can do the same for you?

🔗 Check them out here:

💼 Shoutout to Avoca AI!

Looking to train your call center and improve technician performance? Avoca AI helps teams identify issues, improve call quality, and drive results from start to finish.

🔗 Schedule a demo

🎙️ Episode Host:

🗣️ John Wilson

🎙️ Episode Guest:

🗣️ James Zayner

📢 Enjoyed the episode?

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Contact Owned and Operated:

• info@ownedandoperated.com
• Visit the website for more information

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• John's YouTube Channel
• Weekly Newsletter

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John Wilson, CEO of Wilson Companies
Jack Carr, CEO of Rapid HVAC

Looking to supercharge your business growth through smarter marketing, AI integration, and automation? In this episode of Owned and Operated, we sit down with Sam Preston and Ethan Wright from Service Scalers to dive deep into the strategies that are transforming small and medium-sized businesses. Whether you're just starting to invest in digital marketing or optimizing operations with AI, this episode is packed with actionable advice to drive profitability and efficiency.

Sam and Ethan share what’s working right now in digital marketing—from leveraging long-tail keywords to integrating AI agents that improve customer service and business operations. You’ll hear how to build a brand that stands the test of time, how automation boosts lead generation, and why customer retention is more important than ever for scaling sustainably.

🚨 In This Episode, We Cover:
🔹 The real advantages and challenges of implementing AI in marketing
🔹 Why strong brand-building is critical for long-term success
🔹 How to optimize your lead generation process for profitability
🔹 Customer retention strategies that fuel sustainable growth
🔹 Automation tactics that streamline operations and boost efficiency
🔹 Emerging marketing trends: long-tail keywords and AI agents

💼 Shoutout to Avoca AI!

Looking to train your call center and improve technician performance? Avoca AI helps teams identify issues, improve call quality, and drive results from start to finish.

🔗 Schedule a demo:

Shout Out to FieldPulse 🚀

FieldPulse is an incredible Field Service Management platform that helps you save hours each week while keeping your operations running smoothly. If you're looking to streamline your processes, stay competitive, and focus on what truly matters, FieldPulse is a game-changer!

📅 Book your demo:

🎙️ Episode Hosts:

🗣️ John Wilson – @WilsonCompanies

🎙️ Episode Guests:

🗣️ Sam Preston
🗣️ Ethan Wright

📢 Enjoyed the episode?

✅ Like, Comment & Subscribe for weekly content on growing and scaling service businesses, smart operations, marketing strategies, and much more

Send Us Mail!

Contact Owned and Operated:

• info@ownedandoperated.com
• Visit the website for more information

More Ways To Connect with O&O

• John's YouTube Channel
• Weekly Newsletter

Leave a Review

John Wilson, CEO of Wilson Companies
Jack Carr, CEO of Rapid HVAC

From Investment Banking to HVAC Ownership: Will’s First 90 Days Scaling a Service Business
Looking to scale your HVAC or home service business effectively? In this episode of Owned and Operated, we sit down with Will, a former investment banker who’s now leading an HVAC company, to unpack real strategies for rapid, sustainable growth in the trades. Whether you’re acquiring your first business or streamlining operations post-acquisition, this episode is packed with actionable advice.

🚨 In This Episode, We Cover:
🔹 Why wearing too many hats can kill your growth
🔹 What Will changed in the first 90 days of ownership
🔹 How to create a pricing model that actually works
🔹 Managing uncertainty in a post-tariff environment
🔹 The difference in leading white-collar vs. blue-collar teams
🔹 How to tackle inefficiencies without losing momentum
🔹 The must-have elements of a long-term growth plan

Shout Out to FieldPulse 🚀
FieldPulse is an incredible Field Service Management platform that helps you save hours each week while keeping your operations running smoothly. If you're looking to streamline your processes, stay competitive, and focus on what truly matters, FieldPulse is a game-changer!

📅Book your demo:

💼 Shoutout to our Owned and Operated Pro program. We’ve built Owned and Operated Pro for operators who are serious about growth. It's the behind-the-scenes pass to real acquisition strategies, deep dives into operations, and the exact tools we're using to scale service businesses.

🔗 Unlock exclusive content, private AMAs, and tactical playbooks here:

🎙️ Episode Hosts:
🗣️ John Wilson – @WilsonCompanies

🗣️ Jack Carr – @thehvacjack

🎙️ Episode Guest:
🗣️ Will Schryver – LinkedIn

📢 Enjoyed the episode?
✅ Like, Comment & Subscribe for weekly content on growing and scaling service businesses, smart operations, and real-world leadership strategies.

Send Us Mail!

Contact Owned and Operated:

• info@ownedandoperated.com
• Visit the website for more information

More Ways To Connect with O&O

• John's YouTube Channel
• Weekly Newsletter

Leave a Review

John Wilson, CEO of Wilson Companies
Jack Carr, CEO of Rapid HVAC