Can't Stop The Growth

Trade leaders often obsess over cost per lead while ignoring the bigger picture. In this Around the CAMPfire episode, hosted by Katie Donovan (Camp Digital CEO), Neal Zamore, Head of Marketing at Storr Group, reveals a proven system for managing “cradle-to-grave” KPIs across marketing, operations, and leadership. From dissecting cost per advertising to spotting red flags in cancellation rates, Neal equips HVAC, plumbing, and electrical owners with practical tools to scale profitably. His insights blend big-company discipline with the grassroots tactics every trade leader can deploy tomorrow. Additional Resources: Connect with Neal Zamore on LinkedIn Learn more about Storr Group Connect with Katie Donovan on LinkedIn Follow CAMP Digital on LinkedIn Learn more about CAMP Digital Join The ARENA - a CSTG Community (powered by our media partner, PeopleForward Network) Chad on LinkedIn Chad Peterman | CEO | Author Peterman Brothers Website Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn Learn more about PeopleForward Netw

Technology can either slow you down or unlock massive growth in your business. Too often, software in the trades is built by engineers who’ve never worked in the field leaving owners frustrated and teams overwhelmed. In this episode of Can’t Stop the Growth, Chad Peterman sits down with James Hatfield, CRO of LiveSwitch and former home services entrepreneur, to discuss how technology should actually work for HVAC, plumbing, and trades leaders. James shares hard-earned lessons from running his own business, the pitfalls of over-engineered software, and how LiveSwitch is revolutionizing the industry with practical video tools that enhance efficiency, speed, and customer satisfaction. If you’ve ever been burned by clunky tech or struggled to get your team on the same page, this conversation will help you rethink how technology integrates into your operations. Don’t forget to use code GROWTH10 when booking a call with James. Additional Resources: Connect with James Hatfield Set a meeting with James  Learn more

Ever walked out of a meeting knowing the real conversation was about to happen in the parking lot? That’s what happens when candor is missing, and I’ve been there too many times. In this episode, I’m digging into what it really means to speak with candor and why it’s one of the hardest but most important skills for leaders. We’ll talk about the cost of avoiding honesty, why “I feel” is so much more powerful than “you are,” and how small shifts in the way we communicate can completely change the trust and engagement on our teams. Speaking with candor isn’t about being brutally honest. It’s about being open, vulnerable, and willing to grow alongside your people. Let’s break it down together.

What if the biggest problem holding you back isn’t stress, addiction, or even failure…but your thinking? Ryan and Justin sit down with Todd Sylvester—mental fitness coach, author, and host of the Beliefcast Podcast—to uncover how shifting your mindset can change everything. From rewriting negative self-talk to embracing accountability, Todd shares the same tools that helped Justin climb from his lowest point to living with purpose and confidence. This conversation is packed with raw stories, practical takeaways, and powerful reminders that the best feeling in the world is realizing… there’s nothing wrong with you.   Additional Resources: Listen to Win Your Mind, Win Your Market Join The ARENA - a CSTG Community (powered by our media partner, PeopleForward Network) Connect with Justin on LinkedIn Connect with Ryan on LinkedIn Learn more about Chiirp Connect with Chad on LinkedIn Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn Learn more about PeopleForward Network   Key Takeaways: The real issue is thinking, not su

Long hold times, missed calls, and frustrated customers are growth killers in the trades. In this episode, Chad sits down with Tyson Chen of Avoca and Matt Pozda of Call Dad to talk about how AI is transforming the way service companies handle call volume, book jobs, and keep CSRs motivated. They break down how trades leaders can strategically use AI to reduce turnover, increase booking rates, and keep technicians focused on high-value opportunities. More importantly, they show why AI isn’t about replacing people—it’s about optimizing them. From overcoming skepticism about customer experience, to training AI agents like team members, to leveraging data for smarter scheduling, this episode will challenge how you think about growth in HVAC, plumbing, and beyond.

☎️ Missed calls = missed opportunities. But what if AI could change that game forever? Brad sits down with Michelle Myers, co-founder of Pink Callers, to uncover how she’s reinventing the call center experience for home service businesses. From dedicated CSRs who feel like part of your team, to after-hours support that actually works, Pink Callers is flipping the script on traditional answering services. Michelle doesn’t shy away from the hot topic: AI. She shares how tools like Zyratalk, Dialpad, and Motion aren’t here to replace people, but to supercharge them. We’re talking about CSRs who go from answering phones to managing AI agents, multiplying their value and their paychecks

How do you take a business from zero to 82 locations in less than two years?

Automation isn’t the future—it’s happening right now. The question is: will you dominate with it, or be dominated by those who do? In this high-energy Can’t Stop the Growth showdown, Chad Peterman goes head-to-head with Tommy Mello to tackle one of the hottest topics in home services: automation. From call centers to lead follow-up, recruiting, and customer experience, you’ll hear exactly how the industry’s top leaders are leveraging AI and automation to scale faster, serve better, and protect their culture. Here’s what you’ll take away from this conversation: Speed to Lead = Speed to Cash – Why contacting customers within 60 seconds changes everything Automation Protects Culture – Tools that reduce chaos while empowering your people Measure What Matters – Focusing on booked calls, conversions, and retention over vanity metrics Small Wins Stack Fast – How market leaders test, tweak, and iterate daily

Want a fresh perspective on how trades transform lives and communities? Start here. In this special edition of Around the Campfire, Katie Donovan sits down with Ann Hill, President of African Children Today, and Richard Mutaawe, ACT’s on-site Program Director in Uganda. Together, they share how education, entrepreneurship, and trades training are creating lasting impact in one of the world’s hardest-hit regions. From schools where every child finishes primary education to carpentry shops, welding programs, and local businesses that sustain jobs, this conversation highlights the universal power of the trades to change futures. For HVAC, plumbing, and electrical leaders, it’s a reminder that the same values that grow your business—commitment, skill-building, and perseverance—are the very things that can transform communities worldwide. Additional Resources: Learn more about African Children Today Connect with Katie Donovan on LinkedIn Follow Camp Digital on LinkedIn Learn more about Camp Digital Join The ARENA

Every HVAC, plumbing, and electrical business hits the same wall: material costs balloon, trucks run short, and cash flow becomes unpredictable. In this episode of Can’t Stop the Growth, Chad Peterman sits down with Dave Wigder, co-founder of Ply, to explore how contractors can take control of their inventory and purchasing to unlock massive growth. Dave shares how Ply was built to give contractors visibility into their warehouses, trucks, and purchasing, while eliminating dead stock, wasted billable hours, and costly supply runs. He also explains how AI and supplier integrations are changing the future of materials management. If you’re leading a service business and want to stop losing money due to inefficiency, this conversation will provide you with the playbook to scale smarter. Additional Resources: Dave on LinkedIn Learn more about Ply Join The ARENA - a CSTG Community (powered by our media partner, PeopleForward Network) Chad on LinkedIn Chad Peterman | CEO | Author Peterman Brothers Website Follow Pe

Ever find yourself gearing up to prove you're right... instead of being curious? Andrew Hasty throws some metaphorical (and literal) darts at the ego

What if the darkest chapters of your life were the very thing that prepared you to build something extraordinary? In this episode, Ryan and Justin sit down with Chad Terrinoni, the powerhouse behind Hummingbird Heating & Cooling. Chad’s journey takes us from the chaos of addiction and jail time to building a multi-million-dollar HVAC brand that’s changing lives. His story is raw, real, and filled with lessons on resilience, rebranding, and the relentless mindset it takes to win in business and in life. If you’ve ever wondered how to turn pain into purpose, this conversation is one you won’t forget.   Additional Resources: Connect with Chad on LinkedIn Learn more about Hummingbird Heating & Cooling Listen to Win Your Mind, Win Your Market Join The ARENA - a CSTG Community (powered by our media partner, PeopleForward Network) Connect with Justin on LinkedIn Connect with Ryan on LinkedIn Learn more about Chiirp! Connect with Chad on LinkedIn Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn Learn more about Peop

Strong systems and great talent only go so far. Lasting success in home service businesses comes down to one thing: leadership. In this episode, Sean Glaze, speaker, author, and team-building expert, joins Chad Peterman to share powerful lessons from his book “What Effective Leaders Do”. Discover how culture is shaped one conversation at a time, why staying coachable is the key to growth, and the practical steps leaders can take to build trust, confidence, and high-performing teams. Whether you’re leading a growing HVAC, plumbing, or electrical company—or any service-based business—you’ll walk away with actionable strategies to improve your culture and create more effective leaders at every level. Additional Resources: Sean on LinkedIn http://toolboxstuff.com Learn more about https://stickycultures.com/ Join The ARENA - a CSTG Community (powered by our media partner, PeopleForward Network) Chad on LinkedIn Chad Peterman | CEO | Author Peterman Brothers Website Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn Learn mo

From $1M to a 500+ person home service powerhouse—Chad Peterman, President & CEO of Peterman Brothers and host of Can’t Stop the Growth, takes the guest seat in this special “tables turned” episode of AI Trade Talk. Chad shares exactly how his team scaled across 11 locations in HVAC, plumbing, and electrical, the strategies behind rapid growth, and why call center performance is the #1 growth lever in the trades. He also breaks down real-world AI applications that improve booking rates, boost efficiency, and drive revenue, without increasing marketing spend. If you’re ready to work smarter, serve better, and grow faster in the home service industry, this conversation is packed with actionable insights you can implement today. Additional Resources: Connect with Brad on LinkedIn Ready to Chat Smarter? Grab Your Free ZyraTalk Demo! Learn more about Zyratalk Join The ARENA - a CSTG Community (powered by our media partner, PeopleForward Network) Chad on LinkedIn Peterman Brothers Website Follow PeopleForward

What if the moment that broke you became the moment that built you? In this episode of “To the Point”, Chris and Chad welcome Sean Crane, founder of Unstoppable 365, whose journey from addiction and prison to elite leadership coach is nothing short of transformational. Sean shares how a defining moment in isolation led him to take radical ownership of his life, and how that decision became the foundation for a purpose-driven mission to help business leaders become unstoppable in every area of their lives. This conversation is a masterclass in the power of discipline, daily habits, and the courage to become who you were meant to be.   Additional Resources: Listen to the original episode! Learn more about To the Point Join The ARENA - a CSTG Community (powered by our media partner, PeopleForward Network) Connect with Chris on LinkedIn Chad on LinkedIn Chad Peterman | CEO | Author Peterman Brothers Website Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn Learn more about PeopleForward Network   Key Takeaways: Tr

Ever catch yourself complaining about a problem… then realize you might be part of it?

Want more leads and loyalty without wasting ad dollars? Start here. In this episode of Around the Campfire, Katie Donovan sits down with Jason Price, Director of Marketing at My Plumber Plus, to explore how AI and community-driven marketing are transforming growth for home service businesses. Jason breaks down how to think differently about brand, where AI fits in (and where it doesn’t), and why building a community outside the job creates loyalty that marketing dollars can’t buy. If you’re in HVAC, plumbing, or electrical and looking for fresh strategies that actually drive growth, this one’s packed with takeaways you can act on right now. Additional Resources: Connect with Jason Price on LinkedIn Learn more about My Plumber PLUS Connect with Katie Donovan on LinkedIn Follow Camp Digital on LinkedIn Learn more about Camp Digital Join The ARENA - a CSTG Community (powered by our media partner, PeopleForward Network) Chad on LinkedIn Chad Peterman | CEO | Author Peterman Brothers Website Follow PeopleForward N

What if your greatest leadership move isn’t something you do today, but how people talk about you years from now? Chad gets real about Maxwell’s final law, and why it’s less about your resume and more about the ripple effects of your daily choices. With personal stories and reflections on growing up in a no-nonsense household, Chad brings heart, humor, and some hard truths. From learning how to lead without a blueprint to grooming the next generation (and knowing when to hand them the baton

Home service business owners, HVAC and plumbing leaders, and contractors looking to build stronger teams, this episode is your blueprint for leading with impact. Former championship-winning basketball coach Jim Johnson shares powerful leadership lessons that apply directly to growing and scaling a home service company. From turning around toxic team dynamics to coaching underdogs into top performers, Jim unpacks the real difference between average and elite leaders—and how culture drives it all. Chad Peterman connects every story to what matters for trades business growth today: retention, communication, and empowering your people to lead. If you're building a high-performing team in HVAC, plumbing, or electrical, this episode is a must. Free Coaching for Home Service Pros Additional Resources: Jim Johnson on LinkedIn Jim Johnson’s Website Chad on LinkedIn Chad Peterman | CEO | Author Peterman Brothers Website Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn Learn more about PeopleForward Network Key Takeaways: Self

What happens when a former college football player brings locker room leadership to the trades? You get a family business turned industry powerhouse, and one heck of a growth story.