Owned and Operated - A Plumbing, Electrical, and HVAC Business Growth Podcast

Most home service businesses are using AI the wrong way.
In this episode of Owned and Operated, John Wilson and Jack Carr break down how AI is actually changing the trades and why the biggest opportunity isn't replacing technicians, but removing the operational friction that slows growing companies down. They share how they're using AI across acquisitions, accounting, purchasing, reporting, dispatch, and marketing while keeping the human experience at the center of the business.
They also discuss why venture capital is pouring money into home services, how AI is creating a new wave of EBITDA expansion, the software they're replacing with custom-built AI tools, and why the companies that embrace AI as a force multiplier, not a replacement for people, will have the biggest advantage over the next decade.
In This Episode:
• Why home services has become an AI "safe haven" for investors
• What AI should never replace inside your business
• Using AI to reduce friction instead of cutting headcount
• Replacing expensive SaaS tools with custom AI solutions
• How AI is transforming acquisitions and multi-location growth
• Why accounting is the biggest bottleneck in scaling through M&A
• The balance between automation and human customer experience
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🔗 CONNECT
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John Wilson → https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnbwilson1/
Jack Carr → https://www.linkedin.com/in/jack-carr-770b84117/
Breaking $5M Workshop → https://www.ownedandoperated.com/upcoming-events/oao-workshop-breaking-5-million
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💰 SPONSORS
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Avoca
See how Avoca helps home service companies book more jobs with AI that handles calls, texts, follow ups, and dispatching without adding more chaos.
Book a demo: https://www.avoca.ai/partners/oao 
Quo
Keep every customer conversation in one place with Quo. Calls, texts, and voicemails are shared across your team so nothing slips through the cracks and no opportunities are missed.
Learn more: https://quo.com/owned
Send Us Mail!
More Ways To Connect with O&O
John's Podcast YouTube Channel
Owned and Operated Newsletter 
Bonus Videos From John
Leave a Review
John Wilson, CEO of Wilson Companies
Jack Carr, CEO of Rapid HVAC

📌 Disclaimer: Some links may include UTM parameters or affiliate relationships, meaning we may earn a commission if you make a purchase. Episodes may feature sponsors, but all opinions expressed are our own.

Most home service businesses aren't sold for what they're capable of being worth.
In this episode of Owned and Operated, John Wilson and Will Schryver  reveal what separates a business that sells for a premium from one that gets discounted. From leadership and systems to pricing, technology, and operational maturity, they explain what buyers actually look for and why preparing for an exit should start years before you plan to sell.
They also dive into the current acquisition market, the influx of private equity and family office capital, why AI is accelerating investment into the trades, and the lessons Will has learned since leaving investment banking to buy and grow his own HVAC business.
In This Episode:
Why EBITDA alone doesn't determine your business value
The biggest mistakes owners make before selling
Investment banker vs. business broker: what's the difference?
Growing an HVAC company from $1.5M to $3M in 18 months
Why private equity is investing heavily in home services
How AI is making the trades even more valuable
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 🔗 CONNECT
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John Wilson → https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnbwilson1/

Will Schryver → https://x.com/Will_Schryver

Breaking $5 Workshop → https://www.ownedandoperated.com/upcoming-events/oao-workshop-breaking-5-million
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 💰 SPONSORS
————————————————
Avoca
See how Avoca helps home service companies book more jobs with AI that handles calls, texts, follow ups, and dispatching without adding more chaos.
Book a demo: https://www.avoca.ai/partners/oao

Quo
Keep every customer conversation in one place with Quo. Calls, texts, and voicemails are shared across your team so nothing slips through the cracks and no opportunities are missed. Learn more: https://quo.com/owned 
Send Us Mail!
More Ways To Connect with O&O
John's Podcast YouTube Channel
Owned and Operated Newsletter 
Bonus Videos From John
Leave a Review
John Wilson, CEO of Wilson Companies
Jack Carr, CEO of Rapid HVAC

📌 Disclaimer: Some links may include UTM parameters or affiliate relationships, meaning we may earn a commission if you make a purchase. Episodes may feature sponsors, but all opinions expressed are our own.

What does it really take to build a home service business from the ground up?
In this episode of Owned and Operated, John Wilson sits down with Ryan and Aaron Osterkamp of Quality Comfort Home Services to unpack the journey from one technician working out of a house to a company targeting more than $9 million in annual revenue.
They discuss the early years of wearing every hat, the decision to bring on an in-house marketing leader years before most companies their size would, why investing in leadership accelerated growth, and the challenges that come with letting go as the business scales. They also share how they've built a strong company culture, approached hiring, and continue reinvesting in the business for the next stage of growth.
In This Episode:
Building an HVAC business from one truck to a $9M goal
Why they hired an in-house marketing director early
The leadership hires that unlocked growth
Creating a culture that retains great employees
When to reinvest versus take money out of the business
The hardest parts of delegating as an owner
Deciding between growing HVAC or expanding plumbing
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🔗 CONNECT
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John Wilson → https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnbwilson1/

Ryan + Erin Osterkamp → https://myqualitycomfort.com/about-us/

Breaking $5 Workshop → https://www.ownedandoperated.com/upcoming-events/oao-workshop-breaking-5-million
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💰 SPONSORS
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Contractor Commerce

Your website should do more than generate leads. Contractor Commerce lets homeowners shop, compare options, and book online so they choose your business before they contact the competition. Learn more: https://www.contractorcommerce.com/?utm_source=oao&utm_medium=podcast

Yelp

Looking for more qualified leads beyond Google? See how contractors are using Yelp to reach homeowners who are ready to book and diversify their lead generation. Learn more: https://business.yelp.com/campaign/ownedandoperated/
Send Us Mail!
More Ways To Connect with O&O
John's Podcast YouTube Channel
Owned and Operated Newsletter 
Bonus Videos From John
Leave a Review
John Wilson, CEO of Wilson Companies
Jack Carr, CEO of Rapid HVAC

📌 Disclaimer: Some links may include UTM parameters or affiliate relationships, meaning we may earn a commission if you make a purchase. Episodes may feature sponsors, but all opinions expressed are our own.

Managing the leadership challenges that come with being a CEO can be surprisingly lonely.
In this solo episode, John Wilson reflects on the last decade of leading Wilson Companies from a team of seven employees to more than 220. He shares the lessons that only come with experience, including imposter syndrome, difficult decisions, the weight of responsibility, and why leadership often feels different than people expect.
If you're leading a growing company or stepping into a leadership role, this episode offers an honest look at what it really takes to grow as a CEO.
In this episode:
 Why you never really feel ready to be a CEO 
 How leadership challenges change as your business grows 
 The hidden cost of difficult decisions 
 Why success often feels different than expected 
 How to avoid becoming the bottleneck 
 Why your business can only grow as fast as you do 
Watch this episode early on the John Wilson YouTube channel:
https://www.youtube.com/@JohnWilsonOAO
Send Us Mail!
More Ways To Connect with O&O
John's Podcast YouTube Channel
Owned and Operated Newsletter 
Bonus Videos From John
Leave a Review
John Wilson, CEO of Wilson Companies
Jack Carr, CEO of Rapid HVAC

📌 Disclaimer: Some links may include UTM parameters or affiliate relationships, meaning we may earn a commission if you make a purchase. Episodes may feature sponsors, but all opinions expressed are our own.

Google search is changing. AI is changing how homeowners find contractors. And the marketing strategies that worked just two years ago aren't enough anymore.
In this episode of Owned and Operated, John Wilson sits down with Service Scalers CEO Sam Preston to break down what's actually working in HVAC marketing in 2026. From AI search and Google Business Profile optimization to Meta, Reddit, Yelp, and content marketing, they discuss where home service companies should be investing and where they're wasting money.
They also dive into rising lead costs, why many HVAC companies are struggling this year, and the marketing playbook operators should follow to stay ahead as search continues to evolve.
Whether you're trying to generate more calls today or prepare your business for the next wave of AI-driven search, this episode is packed with practical strategies you can implement immediately.
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In This Episode:
• Why Google and AI search are changing home service marketing
• The biggest marketing opportunities heading into 2026
• Why Google Business Profile is still the highest ROI channel
• How AI is reshaping SEO and content strategy
• Why Meta and social content are becoming more valuable than ever
• The growing importance of Yelp, Reddit, and other high-authority platforms
• The marketing metrics every contractor should track weekly
• The biggest mistakes HVAC companies are making today
• How to prepare your business for the future of AI-powered search
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🔗 CONNECT
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John Wilson → https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnbwilson1/
Sam Preston → https://www.linkedin.com/in/sampreston/ (update if needed)
Owned and Operated → https://www.ownedandoperated.com
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💰 SPONSORS
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Comfort Connect

Turn one installation into years of repeat business with Comfort Connect. Give homeowners flexible payment options, stay connected after the job, and create new recurring revenue opportunities. Learn more: https://bit.ly/4wGXqSX

Yelp

Looking for more qualified leads beyond Google? See how contractors are using Yelp to reach homeowners who are ready to book and diversify their lead generation. Learn more: https://business.yelp.com/campaign/ownedandoperated/
Send Us Mail!
More Ways To Connect with O&O
John's Podcast YouTube Channel
Owned and Operated Newsletter 
Bonus Videos From John
Leave a Review
John Wilson, CEO of Wilson Companies
Jack Carr, CEO of Rapid HVAC

📌 Disclaimer: Some links may include UTM parameters or affiliate relationships, meaning we may earn a commission if you make a purchase. Episodes may feature sponsors, but all opinions expressed are our own.