Episode 238: The End Result of Unsexy is Success

Things have changed a lot in the home services industry over the last few years. After a period where all you had to do to make money was pick up the phone, we’re seeing some stagnation and challenges – but with a bright forecast ahead. That’s why we had to bring on returning guest Julian Scadden, President & CEO of Nexstar!

Alongside guest co-host Chad Peterman, host Chris Yano talks to Julian about the current landscape and challenges of the home services industry, what he’s paying attention to, and what Nexstar is seeing give their members success now and positioning them for the future.

The Fundamentals Always Win

Julian speaks to the fact that over the last 12-18 months, things have tightened up a little bit. Lending rates are pretty high, there’s an upcoming election, and across the board he’s hearing contractors saying that call counts are down. What Julian believes is the key is focusing on how you’re managing the assets you have.

The blocking and tackling; the fundamentals are what sets you up for growth. Contractors who have been focused on the fundamentals are doing well right now, or at least staying steady. There’s always some dead weight to cut and efficiency to gain. Plus, with new technologies and AI, gaining that efficiency is becoming easier than ever. While it may not be the “sexy” answer, it’s the one that’s going to get you trending in the right direction.

Wanna know the “secret sauce to success”? Julian thinks that the contractors who are successfully combining the blocking and tackling with emerging technologies have a hyper-accelerant in their hands.

• What’s changed since Julian’s first appearance
• The current state of the home services industry
• What Nexstar members are doing to find success
• How all best practices groups are elevating home services
• Leveraging technology to improve processes
• Understanding how to leverage a board of directors or peer group
• The importance of taking advice and following the program
• Knowing where you’re taking your business – including an exit strategy
• Why a large number of uncomfortable perspectives and conversations can be a key component of growth
• A focus on creating a culture of effective communication going in both directions in your business
• And more!

“Unsexy” Doesn’t Mean Unsuccessful

While things like inventory and focusing on the fundamentals might not be sexy, we’re heard it time and time again on the podcast. The blocking and tackling with a bit of innovation sprinkled in is what really cultivates success no matter what the market is doing. You have to be willing to look in the mirror and do the hard work. And whether it’s Nexstar or another best practices group, find something with a playbook that has worked, try it out, and give it a fair try.

Did you know? The Super Meeting 2024 is coming up fast! It’s going to be held from September 24th-27th at Walt Disney World Dolphin Resort in Orlando, FL. There’s still time to sign up!