Fm Evolution

SummaryIn the latest episode of Service Evolution, host Jim Robinson sits down with former NFL long snapper and Super Bowl champion Brett Goode for a powerful conversation about life after football, transitioning to entrepreneurship, and the importance of building a winning culture—on and off the field.Brett’s story is one of perseverance and adaptability. After years of rigorous discipline as a professional athlete, Brett faced the daunting task of reinventing himself once his football career ended. He describes how, after dealing with injuries and the unique challenges of that transition, he spent time focusing on self-discovery before launching himself into new ventures. Guided by the same drive and work ethic that took him to the NFL, Brett entered the insurance industry, became a licensed real estate agent, and eventually founded a pest control franchise, Mosquito Squad, in Northwest Arkansas.What stands out in this episode is Brett’s commitment to continuous improvement and his belief in doing the littl

In this special 40th Anniversary episode of the Service Evolution podcast, Jim Robinson takes listeners on a heartfelt journey through his entrepreneurial story and the founding of CGP. Starting from humble beginnings, Jim recounts how as a child, necessity drove him to learn hands-on repair skills that ultimately shaped his destiny. By the age of twelve, he had the vision to lead a company, long before fully understanding what that meant. Over the years, Jim’s relentless belief in serving others and fixing anything laid the groundwork for CGP’s unique approach and lasting impact in the facilities services industry.Jim discusses the evolution of the business, from early days without any competition, through significant growth, and ultimately to building long-term relationships with major clients. He shares the importance of carefully choosing which clients to work with, prioritizing core values like respect, service, and mentoring both employees and customers. CGP’s culture revolves around serving others as y

SummaryIn the latest episode of Service Evolution, host Jim Robinson sits down with James Hatfield, the chief revenue officer at LiveSwitch, to explore innovative solutions that are simplifying operations for service businesses. Whether you’re in contracting, facility management, or leading large teams across multiple locations, this episode is packed with practical tech insights you can’t afford to miss.James shares his journey from running a painting and power washing company to launching groundbreaking technology aimed at streamlining project documentation and communication. Frustrated by the inefficiencies he faced as a contractor, James partnered up to create tools that transform how contractors interpret their finances and manage their work. Their tech journey led them to LiveSwitch, a powerful platform that’s now setting new standards for real-time, remote video assistance and documentation.LiveSwitch stands out for its effortless user experience, requiring nothing more than sending a text message to s

SummaryIn the latest episode of Service Evolution, host Jim Robinson sits down with powerhouse marketer and marketing director of IDIQ, Sarah Williams, to unravel the unique challenges and strategies for marketing in the trades. With decades of industry experience and a proven track record, Sarah delivers a goldmine of actionable insights for business owners looking to level up their marketing game.One central theme is the gap that trade professionals often face when bridging hands-on expertise with modern marketing best practices. As Sarah points out, knowing your craft inside and out doesn’t automatically translate into knowing how to run meta ads, execute effective email campaigns, or navigate the ever-evolving digital landscape. She emphasizes the importance of targeting marketing efforts locally, since most trade businesses serve specific geographic areas where word-of-mouth and community relationships still reign supreme.Additionally, Sarah and Jim dive deep into how the trades differ from other industr

SummaryIn the latest episode of Service Evolution, host Jim Robinson dives into the evolving world of fire protection with JC Mosquera, President and CEO of National Fire Protection. This insightful conversation uncovers how cutting-edge technology and AI are poised to transform fire safety as we know it.JC, a seasoned expert with humble beginnings as a technician, shares how his hands-on experience shaped his customer-first approach. His company isn’t just focused on compliance; they’re at the forefront of innovation, working directly with the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) to develop AI-driven solutions. Imagine a future where AI-powered cameras can detect smoke at the vapor stage, preventing disasters before sprinklers are even triggered. This isn’t science fiction; JC reveals his team is preparing to beta test these systems in retail environments later this year.Beyond the technology, the conversation highlights JC’s commitment to leadership and empowering others. He’s building more than just

SummaryIn part two of this episode of Service Evolution, Jim Robinson continues his deep-dive conversation with Nathan Whittacre, CEO of Stimulus Technologies. If you missed part one, it’s worth circling back! This follow-up builds on their discussion and delivers even more actionable insight for leaders trying to make sense of today’s rapidly changing tech landscape.Nathan and Jim tackle the common challenge of technology overwhelm. Many business owners chase the latest software or gadgets, only to find they don’t solve real problems. Nathan stresses the importance of starting with clear business objectives, then finding the right and necessary tech solutions that serve your goals. It’s about working smarter, not harder, and not letting flashy trends distract from core business needs.A major highlight of the episode is Nathan’s pragmatic approach to cybersecurity. He simplifies what can often feel like an overwhelming topic, explaining that most breaches start with compromised emails. As a result, businesses

SummaryIn this episode of Service Evolution, Jim Robinson is joined by Nathan Whittacre, CEO of Stimulus Technologies, to explore the journey of building a tech-driven company from the ground up, the evolving landscape of AI, and the importance of authentic leadership.Nathan shares how his passion for technology, ignited as a teenager, became the launching pad for Stimulus Technologies—now celebrating thirty years in business. He emphasizes the seismic shifts in how businesses use technology, recalling a time when email and internet access were rare in daily operations. Nathan’s story is a testament to adaptability and learning by doing; much of his business acumen, he admits, was acquired outside the classroom.Tech leadership, Nathan asserts, is about authenticity, continuous learning, and fostering a strong company culture. He candidly discusses pitfalls, like chasing every new opportunity at the expense of focus, and reveals that saying “no” can be as vital as innovation. AI, the current “white rabbit,” is

SummaryIn this episode of Service Evolution, Jim Robinson sits down again with Matt Hackett, Director of Operations at CGP, to peel back the curtain on what it means to keep projects—and people—moving in the world of service and construction. This isn’t just about fixing problems; it’s about reassuring, communicating, and building trust with clients when they need it most.Matt brings his years of operations experience to the table, sharing how his team at CGP approaches the whirlwind of client pain points. From major plumbing disasters to everyday maintenance issues, his philosophy stays the same: meet clients where they’re at, validate their concerns, and over-communicate every step of the way. The result is clarity, confidence, and a feeling among clients that they’re truly being cared for.A highlight of the episode is the story of a monumental rescue at a prominent restaurant, where CGP turned around what was forecasted as a four-month shutdown to get the business back up in just seven weeks. Matt and Jim

SummaryIn this episode of Service Evolution, Jim Robinson is joined by Debi Kensell from the Restaurant Facility Management Association (RFMA) to dive deep into the powerful spirit of giving embodied by the RFMA Gives initiative. Debi shares the heartfelt origins of RFMA Gives, spotlighting how the board’s vision in 2010 transformed a traditional member organization into a force for good—dedicated to leaving every host city better than they found it after each annual conference.Throughout the conversation, Debi and Jim recount moving stories from past projects, from supporting addiction recovery centers to uplifting organizations like soup kitchens and community-focused cafes. Debi emphasizes how the program has grown over seventeen years, not just enhancing facilities for those in need but also forging meaningful connections among volunteers, vendors, and restaurateurs. The conversation highlights how competitors within the industry set aside rivalry to work side by side, adding another dimension to the even

SummaryIn this episode of Service Evolution, Jim Robinson sits down with Matt Hackett, Director of Operations at CGP, for an inspiring conversation on leadership, overcoming adversity, and the power of company culture to unlock potential.Matt’s journey is a testament to resilience—rising from teenage homelessness to leadership through a mindset that transforms challenges into opportunities. Throughout the discussion, Matt emphasizes the importance of surrounding yourself with supportive, growth-oriented people and constantly seeking new knowledge. This thirst for learning is matched by CGP’s ongoing investment in employee education, from leadership seminars to hands-on training.The episode explores CGP’s culture, focusing on its four Cs: commitment, courage, capability, and confidence. Employees are encouraged to make decisions, learn from mistakes, and grow together. This culture of autonomy and trust is not just rhetoric—it’s reflected in team promotions from within and mentorship at every level. Additional

SummaryIn this episode of Service Evolution, Jim Robinson and Neil McQuiston discuss the significance of attending industry conferences, focusing on the benefits of networking, building relationships, and the importance of being present and engaged during these events. In today’s fast-paced business environment, industry conferences are more than just a line item on the calendar—they’re a powerful investment in growth, networking, and brand visibility. In this conversation, they share insights from recent conferences, emphasizing the need for clarity in communication, the value of follow-ups, and the importance of professionalism in appearance. The discussion also touches on the necessity of enjoying the experience and making the most of the opportunities presented at these gatherings.Drawing from their recent experiences at shows like SPECS and RIFMA, Jim and Neil highlight how every handshake, elevator pitch, and face-to-face meeting can help ignite new partnerships or strengthen existing ones. Trade shows

SummaryIn this episode of Service Evolution, the discussion centers around balancing innovation with tried-and-true business principles, particularly in an industry where the fundamentals—like construction and maintenance—remain largely unchanged, even as technology revolutionizes efficiency and project management. Jim shares how CGP utilizes cutting-edge scheduling and communication tools to streamline renovations and satisfy stringent client deadlines, illustrating the company’s commitment to leveraging new tech while honoring the craft’s core values.A significant portion of the conversation delves into the importance of client and employee feedback. Jim emphasizes the need for open, candid communication with clients, including regular quarterly business reviews, and how CGP uses the highest expectations from their toughest clients as a company-wide standard to ensure consistent excellence. He also discusses the value of being able to "fire" abusive clients, underscoring the company's confidence in its inte

SummaryIn this episode of Service Evolution, host Jim Robinson steps into the guest seat for a deep dive interview led by producer Bryan Fittin. With over forty years of experience in the construction and maintenance industry, Jim shares his remarkable journey from fixing lawnmowers as a kid to owning and leading CGP Maintenance and Construction Services. He reveals how a childhood vision of becoming a CEO set him on a path of entrepreneurship, eventually building a company renowned for its consistent client relationships, innovation, and strong core values.Jim discusses the early challenges, resourcefulness, and milestones that have shaped CGP, from starting with handwritten invoices and losing money in its first year to growing into a twenty-five-million dollar company. Throughout the conversation, Jim emphasizes the importance of meeting both the needs and wants of clients—going beyond simply fixing things to making clients look good and feel valued.Listeners get a behind-the-scenes look at the company’s c

SummaryIn this episode of Service Evolution, host Jim Robinson discusses the importance of building strong vendor relationships and how to maximize these partnerships for better service and pricing. He emphasizes the need for clarity in communication when selecting facility service providers. By being crystal clear about your needs and expectations upfront, you can better assess whether a vendor can meet your demands and create a strong alignment. Jim provides examples from his own experiences, highlighting the critical role of communication and reliability in maintaining successful vendor relationships.Jim also touches on negotiation strategies for facility managers, explaining that understanding the true value of the service being provided is crucial. He encourages setting clear expectations and understanding market demands to ensure fair pricing without compromising service quality. Additionally, Jim discusses identifying red flags that suggest a vendor may not be the right fit, such as poor communication

SummaryIn this episode of Service Evolution, host Jim Robinson explores the intricacies of crisis leadership across sectors like retail, hospitality, and facility management. The discussion pivots on the necessity of guiding teams through crises while promoting independence to reduce reliance on leadership during emergencies. Communication and repetition are underscored as vital tools in skill development and effective crisis management, echoing Tony Robbins' sentiment: "Repetition is the mother of skill."The conversation highlights the significance of morale maintenance, suggesting spontaneity as a means to alleviate stress and invigorate office atmospheres. Simple acts, such as buying lunch or coffee, are presented as ways to reset team dynamics and improve morale. Jim shares a poignant story of inadequate crisis handling—a property fire where the manager's failure to communicate escalated tenant stress—contrasting it with more successful management stories where calm conduct and organized communication wer

SummaryIn this episode of Service Evolution, host Jim Robinson delves into the pressing issue of the skills gap in the trades and crafts industries. The discussion kicks off with Jim exploring why there's a shortage of skilled tradespeople, suggesting that the allure of technology and phones might be drawing young people's attention away from traditional crafts. He emphasizes the importance of reigniting passion and enthusiasm for trades, stressing that finding passion in one's work can lead to a fulfilling career.Jim also talks about the role of trade schools and the necessity of teaching both technical and soft skills to inspire the next generation. He shares his personal excitement about building a new fifteen hundred square feet training facility in the Phoenix area, aiming to provide hands-on learning opportunities. Jim underscores the urgency of introducing students, even from elementary level, to the potential and value in trades, positioning crafts as a valid alternative to college.The episode touches

SummaryIn this episode of Service Evolution, host Jim Robinson is recording live from the 2025 RFMA Annual Conference in Las Vegas. Speaking to Luiz Flores and Rick Miller, Jim explores the dynamic world of autonomous leadership and hears the personal journeys of each guest. Jim kicks off the episode by emphasizing the critical need for strong leadership in today's world, highlighting how it begins at home and extends into professional environments.Luis, the first guest, shares his experience of embracing discomfort to grow as a leader and how autonomy has fostered his development. He underscores the life-changing impact of this leadership style, which encourages creativity and freedom to explore innovative ideas. Furthermore, Luis appreciates how autonomy empowers individuals to navigate challenges, create solutions, and ultimately realize their full potential.Additionally, Rick, an old friend and mentor of Jim, offers a seasoned perspective on autonomous leadership. He discusses the importance of maintainin

SummaryIn this episode of Service Evolution, host Jim Robinson explores the importance and impact of giving back to the community, particularly within the construction trade, sharing an emotional personal story about his own experience with homelessness at a young age and how receiving a small act of kindness—a warm winter jacket—had a profound effect on his life. This pivotal moment propelled Jim to consistently seek ways to give back, which he emphasizes is vital for personal growth and community development.Jim discusses the significance of philanthropy in business, stating that successful companies should incorporate giving back into their core values. He introduces the idea that philanthropy isn't just about financial contributions but also about using one’s unique talents and skills to benefit others.This episode also highlights the impact of collective efforts through organized charity events and partnerships, such as with the Restaurant Facility Management Association (RFMA), which organizes soup kitc

SummaryIn this episode of Service Evolution, host Jim Robinson shares invaluable insights on staying motivated and navigating economic challenges, revealing how his company has thrived for almost forty years. He emphasizes the significance of operating a cash-oriented business, as it provides financial freedom and insulation from the noise created by social and economic rhetoric. This principle has kept CGP thriving without a single year of revenue decline. Economic challenges are viewed not as threats but as information to guide business decisions.Central to Jim's perspective is the concept of having only a "Plan A." Drawing inspiration from Tom Cruise, Jim argues that having a Plan B ultimately leads to settling for it. By committing fully to Plan A, one is forced to navigate through trials and tribulations, driving results and achieving success. This approach fosters a culture of dedication and relentless pursuit of goals among his employees.Additionally, Jim underscores the importance of setting goals and

SummaryIn this episode of Service Evolution, host Jim Robinson dives deep into the transformative power of human resources with none other than the three-time MVP award-winning HR powerhouse, Maria Johnson. With her remarkable approach to hiring and fostering a culture rooted in compassion and values, Maria is changing the game in the corporate world.From the outset, Jim sets the tone by highlighting Maria's exceptional ability to integrate gut instinct with professional insight in hiring practices. Maria's journey into her current role began with meticulous research and an initial interview with the company's CFO, where she felt an immediate connection that resonated with her personal and professional values. This pivotal moment solidified her resolve to join a company that truly values HR as a service-oriented department.A central theme of the episode is the concept of "second chance hiring"—a practice that Maria champions passionately. Her approach is predicated on the belief that everyone, regardless of t