In this episode of Catalyst for the Trades, Jennifer Bagley is joined by Robert Leath, founder of a thriving HVAC business, and his dedicated account executive, Vee Nettles. Robert shares his raw and inspiring journey from working for a large corporation to risking it all to build his own company from the ground up. He offers a transparent look at the challenges and triumphs of entrepreneurship, from securing funding and establishing a strong brand to embracing cutting-edge AI technology.

This conversation is a masterclass in modern trades leadership, covering the importance of a high-quality brand, the power of building genuine customer relationships, and the transformative impact of AI on marketing and operations. Robert's story is a powerful reminder that with the right mindset, a willingness to learn, and a commitment to excellence, anyone in the trades can build a successful and future-proof business.

Key Topics & Timestamps
00:00 – Introductions: Meet Robert Leath and Vee Nettles
00:38 – The Leap of Faith: Robert's journey from employee to entrepreneur
03:25 – Funding the Dream: The risk and reward of self-funding
05:31 – Building a Premium Brand: Why high standards matter from day one
06:20 – Adapting to Technology: The evolution from traditional marketing to AI
29:00 – The Impact of AI: A flood of new leads from unexpected places
31:00 – The Power of Education: Why continuous learning is non-negotiable
44:00 – The Human Element: Why customer relationships are still king
01:22:00 – Final Advice: Why you just need to start

Guest Details
Guest: Robert Leath
Title: Founder & CEO
Robert Leath is a testament to the modern trades entrepreneur. After years in the HVAC industry, he took the bold step of starting his own company, building it on a foundation of high standards, exceptional customer service, and a forward-thinking approach to technology. His story is one of resilience, growth, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.

Guest: Vee Nettles
Title: Senior Account Executive
Vee Nettles is a key partner in Robert's success story. As a senior account executive at CI Web Group, she has helped guide Robert's business through the ever-changing landscape of digital marketing, from traditional websites to the new frontier of AI. Her expertise and dedication have been instrumental in helping Robert's business thrive.

Relevant Links

• AirPoint Heating & Air Conditioning
• Catalyst for the Trades
• Just Start AI
• CI Web Group

Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe to "The Catalyst for Trades" on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your preferred platform. Share this episode with aspiring and established leaders, and stay tuned for more insights on driving business success and personal leadership growth.

What does authentic leadership actually look like for women in the trades?

In this episode of Catalyst for the Trades, host Jennifer Bagley sits down with Laura Kelly and Kathryn Elizabeth for a direct, no-filter conversation about leadership, self-respect, and showing up fully as a woman in business.

The discussion covers what it means to lead with honesty, even when it’s uncomfortable. Laura and Kathryn share real experiences with criticism, self-doubt, public speaking, and breaking outdated expectations—especially in male-dominated industries like HVAC, plumbing, and the trades.

You’ll hear practical insights on setting boundaries, navigating feedback, building confidence, serving others without losing yourself, and surrounding yourself with people who support your growth.

This episode is for women in business, female trades professionals, and leaders who want to build impact without pretending to be someone they’re not.

Key Topics Covered

• Authentic leadership in the trades
• Women in business and entrepreneurship
• Handling criticism and public visibility
• Self-respect, boundaries, and leadership mindset
• Overcoming self-doubt and fear
• Values-driven leadership
• Community, support systems, and personal growth

Timestamps

00:00 – Authenticity and speaking truth in business (Laura Kelly & Kathryn Elizabeth)
03:00 – Handling criticism and swearing on stage
04:40 – Why leadership often means breaking the rules
05:04 – Self-respect and setting boundaries as a leader
07:30 – Being “heart-less” without being heartless (Kathryn Elizabeth)
10:44 – Authenticity, service, and leadership responsibility
11:56 – Confronting self-doubt and doing hard things anyway
13:00 – Behind the scenes of public speaking (Jennifer Bagley)
14:46 – Why serving from the stage isn’t about you
17:31 – Showing up for your audience—even if it’s one person
18:46 – Values, behavior, and creating a rich life (Laura Kelly)
22:08 – Progress over perfection and bouncing back
23:11 – The power of community and support systems
25:12 – Final thoughts: choose who you surround yourself with

Guest Details

Laura Kelly

Industry leader and speaker known for her direct approach to leadership, tough conversations, and personal growth. Laura helps business owners and leaders identify their core values and build fulfillment in both life and work.

Kathryn Elizabeth

CEO, business builder, and speaker focused on real-world leadership. Kathryn is known for her honest take on decision-making, team building, and consistency, and for empowering women in the trades to lead with confidence.

Host

Jennifer Bagley

Founder of CI Web Group and host of Catalyst for the Trades. Jennifer helps trades businesses grow through clear strategy, strong leadership, and authentic marketing.

Relevant Links

• Connect with Kathryn Elizabeth
• Follow Laura Kelly
• Catalyst for the Trades
• CI Web Group

Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe to "The Catalyst for Trades" on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your preferred platform. Share this episode with aspiring and established leaders, and stay tuned for more insights on driving business success and personal leadership growth.

How do you build a home service business that thrives today and is ready for a profitable exit tomorrow? In this episode of Catalyst for the Trades, Gregg Schonhorn of SF&P Advisors joins Jennifer Bagley to share proven strategies for maximizing business value, preparing to sell, and staying ahead with AI and tech adoption.

Gregg combines 20+ years of Wall Street experience with deep knowledge of HVAC, plumbing, electrical, and roofing industries. He breaks down financial skills contractors need, the right time to sell, and common myths about industry multiples.

This episode also covers how AI will impact websites, marketing, and lead generation—plus what business owners can do now to stay competitive.

If you’re thinking about selling your contracting business or want to build a more valuable company, this conversation is packed with clear, actionable advice.

Key Topics & Timestamps

• 00:00 – Introduction: Meet Gregg and the story behind the episode.
• 02:48 – Career Path: From Wall Street to trades advisor.
• 07:24 – What SF&P Advisors Does: M&A and exit planning for contractors.
• 09:37 – Industry Multiples & Market Timing: When to sell your business.
• 13:03 – Building to Sell: What separates high-value companies.
• 17:15 – AI in Home Services: How tech is reshaping marketing.
• 26:13 – The Future of Websites: AI training data and agentic tools.
• 33:23 – New Business Models: Lead gen companies and tech-driven contractors.
• 35:13 – Marketing Mindset: Why every trades business needs a CMO.
• 36:44 – Cutting Through the Noise: Avoiding bad advice.
• 41:07 – Personal Moments: Golf, family, and friendship.
• 44:50 – When to Talk to Gregg: Preparing for valuation and due diligence.
• 47:18 – Fractional CFOs: Why they’re critical for scaling.
• 49:52 – Final Takeaways: Build relationships. Take action.

Guest Details

Guest: Gregg Schonhorn
Title: Senior Advisor, SF&P Advisors

Gregg Schonhorn has more than two decades of Wall Street experience and now helps HVAC, plumbing, electrical, and roofing companies plan and execute successful exits. As a senior advisor at SF&P Advisors—an M&A firm with over $3.7B in closed deals—he’s known for straightforward guidance, deep industry knowledge, and helping contractors make smart, strategic decisions about selling, scaling, or staying independent.

Relevant Links

• SF&P Advisors
• Connect with Gregg Schonhorn on Facebook
• Catalyst for the Trades Podcast
• The Opus & Golds Group
• CI Web Group

Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe to "The Catalyst for Trades" on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your preferred platform. Share this episode with aspiring and established leaders, and stay tuned for more insights on driving business success and personal leadership growth.