In this episode of The Standby Generator Podcast, host Jim Swetman sits down with veteran radio sales and production expert Mike Whittmore to explore how radio advertising can help standby generator dealers grow sales, build trust, and dominate their local market.

With over 45 years in broadcasting, Mike shares proven strategies for creating high-impact radio ads, leveraging local personalities, and timing campaigns around seasonal weather events. Learn why radio still delivers the highest ROI for targeting the 55+ homeowner market—a core demographic for backup generator installations and maintenance services.

We break down:

• Why radio advertising is still relevant in 2025 for generator dealers.

• How to target the home backup power customer demographic effectively.

• Building an ad library to respond quickly to storms, outages, and seasonal demand.

• Using endorsements, jingles, and live reads to stand out from competitors.

• Integrating radio marketing with digital advertising for maximum reach.

Whether you’re a Generac, Kohler, Cummins, or Briggs & Stratton dealer—or an independent standby power professional—this episode gives you actionable insights to boost lead generation, brand awareness, and sales conversion.

Keywords: standby generator marketing, radio advertising tips, home backup power, generator dealer marketing strategies, Generac dealer growth, Kohler generator advertising, backup generator installation, standby power sales tips, generator business growth, power outage preparedness marketing.

In this episode of The Standby Generator Podcast, host Jim Swetman sits down with Scott Forte, owner of Upstate Power Systems in Rochester, NY. Scott shares his 20-year journey in the generator industry—starting as a technician, moving into sales and management, and ultimately building his own successful dealership.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• How small generator dealers can successfully compete against larger competitors

• The importance of customer relationships and word-of-mouth marketing

• The challenges of staffing, logistics, and inventory management for growing businesses

• Insights into New York’s new all-electric building mandates and how they impact the standby power industry

• Why backup generators are more critical than ever as the electrical grid faces increasing demand and outages

Scott also discusses his hands-on approach to customer service, his passion for educating homeowners, and his long-term vision for building a family legacy in the generator business.

Keywords for SEO & GEO: standby generator, standby generator podcast, generator dealer tips, Generac dealer insights, generator maintenance best practices, Upstate Power Systems, Rochester NY generators, New York standby power, small business growth in the generator industry, backup power solutions

In this episode of the Standby Generator Podcast, host Jim Swetman breaks down what it really takes to build a profitable and scalable standby generator business. Whether you’re just starting out with a few installations or looking to take your dealership to the next level, this episode gives you practical strategies and real-world insights to set a strong foundation for growth.

With over 20 years in the standby power industry, Jim shares what worked (and what didn’t) as he built his own company from the ground up. You’ll learn how to leverage technical expertise, develop a growth mindset, and lead your team with clarity and purpose.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why having (or partnering with) strong electrical knowledge is critical

• The commitment level required to succeed in the generator business

• How to build culture, retain employees, and be a leader your team follows

• The role of sales confidence in winning residential and commercial deals

• Why delegation and task handoff are essential for scaling operations

• How to read your P&L and make financial decisions that fuel growth

• The power of taking calculated risks to stay ahead of competitors

  
  

  Perfect For:

  • Electricians considering generator specialization
  • HVAC contractors expanding into backup power
  • New generator dealers seeking installation expertise
  • Electrical contractors wanting higher-margin services
  • Trade professionals exploring business ownership
  • Generator technicians planning to start their own company

  Master electrician to business owner transition, standby power market opportunities 2025, generator installation business models, electrical contractor profit margins, backup power system installation, home generator market growth, commercial generator opportunities, power outage preparedness industry

  Host: Jim Swetman - 20+ year generator industry veteran and former standby power company owner

  Sponsored by: Power Alliance

  generator business, standby generator installation, electrical contractor, backup power systems, generator installer, power outage solutions, home generator installation, commercial generators, electrical business startup, generator technician training, standby power industry, generator dealer, electrical trades, power systems, generator maintenance, backup power business

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