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.

CPA Meaghan Likes, founder of Likes Accounting, shares proven tips to help contractors clean up their books, simplify ServiceTitan integration, and gain financial clarity. In this episode of Catalyst for the Trades, Meaghan and Stephanie Allen of AirWorks explain how to turn accounting chaos into clarity, make data-driven decisions, and build a profitable, scalable business.

In this conversation, Jennifer Bagley, CEO of CI Web Group and co-founder of Just Start AI, sits down with Meaghan and Stephanie to break down:

• Why clean books are non-negotiable—and how to get there, even if you’re starting in a “spaghetti mess”
• The keys to successful ServiceTitan integrations (without breaking your accounting)
• Proactive business decisions using data, not just hope
• Practical ways to safeguard profits regardless of market conditions
• Real talk about industry trends, growth versus profit, and the power of collaboration

👉 If you’re a contractor or owner/operator wanting clear financials, smarter systems, and a community of support to help you win—this is a must-listen episode.

Timestamps

00:00 – Intro & Guest Intro: Meaghan Likes | Likes Accounting

04:05 – Cleaning Contractor Books: From “Worst Books Ever” to Clean Accounting

08:10 – ServiceTitan Integration Tips: Touchless Setup with QuickBooks

16:20 – Data-Driven Contractor Decisions: Growth, Profit & Trades Insights

25:12 – Leadership in the Trades: Team Building & Surviving Slowdowns

31:00 – AI & Automation in Contractor Accounting

39:07 – Key Takeaways 2024–2026: Contractor Profit & Growth Strategies

Meaghan Likes
Founder & CPA, Likes Accounting
Meaghan Likes is an award-winning CPA and founder of Likes Accounting, specializing in accounting for contractors and the trades. She is recognized for helping businesses move from chaos to clarity, leading the way in ServiceTitan integrations, and building data-driven tools that help owners make proactive, profitable decisions.

Stephanie Allen
Owner & Operator, AirWorks Solutions | Co-Founder, Just Start AI
Stephanie Allen has grown AirWorks Solutions into a leading HVAC company by focusing on top-tier systems and people. As co-founder of Just Start AI, she champions collaboration and technology to support contractors with practical financial strategies, strong operations, and clear paths to growth.

Relevant Links:

• Likes Accounting
• Box for the Trades
• AirWorks Solutions
• ServiceTitan
• 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.

AI is already transforming how businesses connect and grow. In this episode, Jennifer Bagley sits down with Remy Skerjanz, co-founder of Sales Blaster AI, for an inside look at what’s truly changing in digital marketing, lead generation, and customer experience.

Remy breaks down his partnership journey with Max, why they bet on AI voice and agentic technology, and how their tools help businesses outperform competitors in a future where AI agents do the booking, research, and heavy lifting.

From helping a major political campaign harness AI outbound calling to building scalable, performance-based solutions for clients, Remy reveals exactly where agencies and trades businesses need to adapt—and what happens to those who don’t. If you want to know what “agentic optimization” really means, or how to future-proof your company against the rapid pace of change, don’t miss this episode.

Ideal for agency owners, marketers, tech-savvy trades professionals, and any entrepreneur ready to embrace the next wave of AI-driven business.

Timestamps:

00:00 — Introduction & Welcoming Remy Skerjanz
01:09 — Remy’s Early Entrepreneurial Journey & Meeting Max
05:18 — Building a Partnership: Philosophy & Contracts
06:27 — Turning Down a Big Money Offer to Build Their Own Path
07:06 — AI Success in Politics: Kennedy Campaign Story
09:31 — The AI Shift: When Everything Changed
10:05 — Impact of AI on Google Search and Digital Marketing
11:09 — AI Agents & the Agentic-Ready Future
12:21 — Humans vs. AI Agents: Where Businesses Struggle
13:48 — AI for Customer Support: The Case for Real Impact
16:20 — What Agentic Optimization Means for Businesses
18:43 — How Sales Blaster AI Scales & Stays Ahead of Change
22:21 — Outbound AI, Platform Agnosticism, and Performance-Based Approaches
24:23 — Jennifer’s Support & The Importance of Young Innovators
27:15 — Can You Trust AI? Guardrails, Hallucinations, and Best Practices
31:56 — Training AI vs. Training Humans
32:24 — Remy’s Framework: Purpose-Driven, Modular AI Architecture
34:04 — Human in the Loop: When to Rely on People
35:44 — Architecting Systems & Staying Agentic-Ready
37:22 — Shared Memory, Multiple Agents & What’s Next in AI Tools
39:34 — What’s Coming Next: SaaS and Opportunities with Sales Blaster AI
42:07 — Building a Podcast Fast: Lessons in Modern Content Marketing
43:05 — Final Thoughts & Advice for Trades and Agencies

Guest Details:

Remy Skerjanz
Title: Co-founder of Sales Blaster AI
Background: Remy is a serial entrepreneur and innovator in the agentic AI and outbound automation space. After a start in commercial real estate and a stint providing pre-foreclosure data—and teaching himself digital marketing—he partnered with Max, a government tech team alumnus, to build scalable AI tools. Together, they developed voice and outbound agents, scored political campaign wins, and committed to helping businesses become agentic-ready. Remy is also the co-host of The Autonomous Growth Show and an advocate for performance-driven, high-leverage AI adoption.

Relevant Links:

• Sales Blaster AI
• The Autonomous Growth Show Podcast
• Catalyst for the Trades Podcast
• CI Web Group
• The Opus & Golds 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.

Running a successful septic company for 88 years takes more than experience — it takes innovation.
In this episode of Catalyst for the Trades, host Jennifer Bagley and strategist Vee Nettles talk with Courtney Van Delden Supplee, owner of Van Delden Wastewater Systems, about how she’s keeping her fourth-generation business thriving with AI, automation, and data-driven marketing.

Courtney shares how switching to CI Web Group’s AI-enabled website platform and adopting tools like Manus AI and Cortex helped modernize operations, boost SEO, and streamline team workflows. She opens up about transforming company culture, making bold technology decisions, and using AI to manage everything from social media to work orders.

If you’re a home service business owner, septic contractor, or trades professional, this episode will show you how to future-proof your business with AI optimization, smart automation, and digital transformation strategies built for the trades.

Timestamps

01:00 – Intro: Meet Jennifer Bagley, Vee Nettles, and guest Courtney Van Delden Supplee

01:58 – Company History: Van Delden’s 88-year journey and Courtney’s path to ownership

03:42 – Leadership Challenges: Building a team-first culture and long-term career growth

05:17 – Partnering With CI Web Group: Why Van Delden upgraded to an AI-enabled website

07:26 – SEO Impact: Growth after migration and measurable results from digital upgrades

08:50 – Business Agility: How Courtney manages fast-paced decisions and tech adoption

15:06 – AI-Era SEO: Using customer language, blogs, and local keywords to drive calls

20:30 – AI Social Media Automation: Leveraging Manus AI and Cortex for marketing

28:02 – Workflow Optimization: Managing 40+ daily work orders with AI and automation

33:28 – Model Context Protocol: Building custom AI systems for back-office operations

39:44 – AI in Daily Ops: How automation drives performance, bonuses, and efficiency

41:05 – ChatGPT vs Multi-Agent Tools: The next phase of AI integrations for contractors

43:09 – AI Search Optimization: Why businesses must adapt beyond traditional Google search

47:32 – Final Takeaways: Courtney’s advice for trades owners—embrace AI and start now

Guest Details

Courtney Van Delden Supplee
Owner, Van Delden Wastewater Systems
Fourth-generation leader of an established Texas-based septic company. Courtney is redefining what it means to run a legacy business by embracing AI tools, automation, and data-driven marketing to enhance customer service, efficiency, and profitability.

Resources & Links

• Van Delden Wastewater Systems (vdwws.com)
• CI Web Group
• Catalyst for the Trades Podcast
• Just Start AI Community
• Manus AI

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.

Ready to future-proof your trade business and increase its value? In this high-impact episode of Catalyst for the Trades, Jennifer Bagley sits down with revenue strategist Casey Eberhart—known as The Ideal Networker—for a straight-talk discussion on building lasting, profitable companies in the trades.

Drawing on decades of experience buying, selling, and advising service businesses, Casey shares why owning digital assets matters more than ever, how to leverage content and community to attract customers, and the three must-have assets every HVAC, plumbing, and home service business needs to grow—or get acquired.

You’ll hear how modern marketing, automation, and AI are changing the game for contractors, and why visibility through your website, community, and YouTube channel is key to long-term success.

Packed with real-world examples, proven strategies, and actionable tech insights, this episode is a must-listen for anyone serious about scaling a trade business in 2025 and beyond.

Timestamps:
00:00 – Intro & Meet Casey Eberhart
03:09 – Why Commanding Attention Grows Your Bottom Line
04:44 – Getting Uncomfortable: Why Owners Must Show Up Online
05:22 – M&A Insights: What Investors Look For
06:38 – Case Study: Social Content That Actually Works
09:00 – Outsourcing Smart: Get Your Team Creating Content
10:06 – Brand Visibility + AI = Next-Level Marketing
13:28 – Automate Reviews for Social Proof
14:05 – Compounding Content Assets: The Power of YouTube & Google
15:22 – Modern Marketing Baseline vs. Fax-Machine Tactics
20:06 – The Trifecta: Website, Community, YouTube
25:57 – Content Strategy: Targeted Videos for Any Audience
28:39 – Hyperlocal Visibility: Interviewing Local Businesses
34:27 – Building Real Relationships & Permanent Assets
36:37 – The ROI of Content vs. Buying Leads
41:26 – Community Resource: Just Start AI
45:04 – Major in What You Own, Minor in What You Rent
48:39 – Speed, Focus, and Execution
52:04 – Closing Thoughts & Where to Connect

Guest Details:
Casey Eberhart
Title: Revenue Strategist

About: Casey Eberhart—also known as The Ideal Networker—is a speaker, business coach, and entrepreneur who helps leaders and sales professionals build profitable connections through strategic networking and follow-up systems. He runs workshops such as Networking Riches and Networking Next Level, and leads the Expand The Network community. With a background spanning industries from amusement parks to film production and real estate, Casey teaches practical methods for identifying the right relationships, creating influence, and turning conversations into business growth

Relevant Links:

• Just Start AI Community
• Catalyst for the Trades Podcast
• 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.

AI is rewriting the rules of SEO and digital marketing. In this episode, Jennifer Bagley talks with Seth Humble about how AI search is transforming how home service businesses show up, rank, and convert online.

Seth shares his journey from the oil fields of Texas to leading AI integration, SEO innovation, and Webflow adoption at one of the most forward-thinking agencies in the trades. They break down how AI-driven search, intelligent automation, and strategic platform shifts are giving contractors a real competitive edge.

Listeners will learn why visibility is changing, how to adapt fast, and what performance-focused strategies are driving growth in the AI era.

What You’ll Learn

• How AI search is changing SEO for contractors
• Why moving from WordPress to Webflow boosted performance
• The impact of AI-driven content and real-time visibility reporting
• How trades businesses can lead—not follow—as AI search evolves

Timestamps

• 00:00 — Introduction
• 04:12 — The AI Shift in SEO
• 09:43 — Evolving with AI
• 12:29 — Strategic Shifts at CI Web Group
• 22:05 — The Move to Webflow
• 28:35 — Content at Scale
• 32:53 — Changing Demand vs. Changing Discovery
• 36:06 — AI Search Visibility Reporting
• 40:39 — Outcomes Over Outputs
• 44:33 — Final Takeaways

Guest: Seth Humble

• Title: Director of Product & Production at CI Web Group
• Background: 20+ years of writing and over a decade in SEO. Seth has led AI-powered production innovation, platform migration to Webflow, and next-gen visibility reporting for home service and contractor businesses.

Resources & Links

• Catalyst for the Trades Podcast
• CI Web Group
• The Opus & Golds 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.