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Katy Higgins, a pioneering force in the HVAC world, joins us to share her remarkable journey from telemarketer to a powerhouse owner of a $5 million enterprise. Katy's narrative is one of grit and perseverance as she overcame industry stereotypes to emerge as one of the first female comfort advisors in Northern Utah. Her dedication to continuous learning has not only driven her success but has also opened doors for countless other women in the HVAC field.

Our conversation with Katy unveils the secrets behind building a successful HVAC business, emphasizing the strength of team collaboration and operational efficiency. By likening a company to a wheel where every member plays a vital role, Katy shares insights on the challenges of scaling a business and the importance of trust and leadership within a team. She candidly discusses the unique obstacles of negotiating contracts and earning respect in a male-dominated industry, offering inspiration for those ready to challenge the status quo.

Mentorship and community stand as pillars in Katy’s entrepreneurial journey, as exemplified by her transformative engagement with Service Nation. Katy reflects on the invaluable mentorship and support network she found within this alliance, highlighting the core value of "excellence in every detail" that drives her business forward. Her recognition as "Woman of the Year" underscores the significance of finding a community that fosters growth and innovation. Join us as we celebrate Katy's achievements and explore the vital role of supportive allies in her continued success.

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What if AI could revolutionize your marketing strategy and boost your customer lifetime value? This episode features the insightful Eric Thomas, founder of Rival Digital, and marketing expert Sarah Gerardo, as they share their predictions for 2025, exploring the future of AI in marketing for trades like HVAC and plumbing. Together, we discuss the challenges and opportunities AI presents for smaller companies and the importance of maintaining a strong brand, simple website, and effective customer relationship management.

The conversation takes us on a journey through the evolving role of AI tools like ChatGPT, illustrating how they can enhance efficiency and creativity in marketing strategies. But despite the tech-forward focus, we emphasize that the key to success still lies in a customer-centric approach. We share real-world advice for businesses, particularly contractors, on addressing foundational issues like call center performance and customer experience before rushing into AI integration. Our discussion brings to life the story of a contractor who struggled not due to a lack of leads, but because of operational inefficiencies, thus painting a picture of where practical priorities should lie.

In a surprising twist, we also explore the resurgence of traditional marketing and community engagement. As the digital marketing landscape becomes more saturated and costly, the renewed value in joining local chambers of commerce and hosting community events becomes apparent. Through analogies that liken marketing to baking the perfect cake, we underline the necessity of blending brand awareness, call-to-action, and customer cultivation. Plus, we touch on the exciting potential of smart HVAC systems and influencer marketing to enhance customer experience through predictive maintenance and personalized services, showing how these strategies can set contractors apart in the post-COVID era. Join us for an enlightening episode that blends traditional wisdom with futuristic foresight.

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Tanya Strittmatter, a passionate advocate for the trades, shares her inspiring journey and the profound sense of community that binds the industry. Listen to Tanya as she recounts how her husband's legacy as a second-generation business owner shaped her path and fueled her mission to learn from past mistakes for collective success. We explore the role of organizations like Service Nation in fostering collaboration among contractors and celebrate the heartwarming support extended to Joseph Grove by the Joseph Groh Foundation after his life-altering accident. This episode is a testament to the trades industry's spirit of solidarity and generosity.

Discover how the Joseph Groh Foundation makes a tangible impact by providing grants to those in the home service industry facing disabilities or life-changing injuries. Learn about the foundation's simple, yet effective application process and the incredible work done by volunteers across 37 states. Tanya sheds light on the concept of luminary giving and the myriad ways business owners can weave charitable activities into their company culture, from participating in golf tournaments to making tax-deductible donations. Join us as we inspire listeners to engage with the foundation's mission and create meaningful community connections.

If you enjoyed this chat From the Yellow Chair, consider joining our newsletter, "Let's Sip Some Lemonade," where you can receive exclusive interviews, our bank of helpful downloadables, and updates on upcoming content.

Please consider following and drop a review below if you enjoyed this episode. Be sure to check out our social media pages on Facebook and Instagram.

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We'll see you next time, Lemon Heads!