The GPS Podcast - Navigating Small Business Growth
The GPS Podcast explores the real-life experiences of entrepreneurs who started from scratch and built thriving businesses. Tune in for authentic stories, valuable lessons, and actionable advice that will help you navigate your own business journey on your way to Growing Professional Skills. Powered by V Street: Drive your small business forward with the tools, information, guidance, and horsepower usually reserved for the big guys—all at the push of a button. Your road to a better business starts here: https://violand.com/vstreet/
Episodes
In this episode of the GPS Podcast, we sit down with Ross Driscoll Jr. of Driscoll & Driscoll and National E&S Insurance to discuss one of the most misunderstood parts of running a restoration company: insurance.
Ross explains the risks restoration contractors face today, the coverage gaps that often go unnoticed, and how changes in the insurance market are impacting restoration businesses across the country.
In this ep...
In this episode of the GPS Podcast, we sit down with Nicole Humber, President of Bravo Restoration & Construction, to talk about what it really looks like to take over a struggling restoration company and turn it into something sustainable and strong. Nicole shares the highs, the setbacks, and the leadership lessons that shaped her along the way.
This conversation is about resilience, culture, and what happens when you refuse...
In this episode of the GPS Podcast, we sit down with Shawn Jackson, Founder and President of Liberty Restoration, to discuss what it takes to build a construction and restoration business you actually enjoy showing up to. Shawn shares how focusing on the right team, having fun, and being the expert in the room has shaped his leadership style and supported long-term growth.
In this episode, you’ll learn: • Why enjoying the work ca...
In this episode of the GPS Podcast, we sit down with Kevin Hussey, Owner of United Fire & Water, for an in-depth discussion on leadership, culture, and growth in the restoration industry.
Kevin shares how his approach to leadership has evolved over time, why building the right team becomes critical as a business scales, and how focusing on data, accountability, and people has shaped the future of his business.
In this episo...
In this episode of the GPS Podcast, Bre Schmitten, Digital Marketing Specialist at Violand, breaks down key considerations for hiring and managing a digital marketing agency in the trades and home services.
The conversation focuses on what digital marketing is actually responsible for, how to evaluate performance, and why many businesses feel disappointed even when reports look good. This episode helps clarify expectations around...
In this episode of the GPS Podcast, advisor Josh Bachman builds on the fundamentals and dives into advanced business numbers that support better decision-making. The conversation focuses on trends, forecasting, cash flow, and key metrics — and how to use those insights strategically, not just understand them.
Takeaways: • Advanced metrics that influence smarter decisions • How to interpret trends instead of single data points • How...
In this episode of the GPS Podcast, advisor Josh Bachman helps owners get comfortable with their financials by breaking down the numbers in a simple, meaningful way. If you want to understand what your financials are really telling you, this conversation is the perfect place to start.
Takeaways: • How to interpret your P&L and core financial reports • What revenue, COGS, and expenses really say about performance • Common mistak...
What happens when restoration professionals find themselves on the other side of disaster? In this episode of the GPS Podcast, we talk with Justin Woodard of Woodard Cleaning & Restoration, Rhett Trotter and Jason Schroeck of Green Clean, and Tammy Stokes of Oklahoma Disaster Restoration about the unexpected reality of rebuilding after their own losses. They share how fires, tornadoes, and business interruptions tested their le...
In this special episode of the GPS Podcast, we’re joined by Kelley Dolan, Violand Business Development Advisor, and Jim Eckard, CFO of Thomasville Restoration, to unpack the Restoration Industry Association’s Cost of Doing Business Report powered by KnowHow.
Together, they dive into what the data reveals about profitability, labor costs, technology investments, and the real challenges restoration companies face in 2025 and beyond...
What’s the real secret behind earning 5-star Google reviews and loyal customers? It’s not discounts—it’s trust. In this episode of the GPS Podcast, we sit down with Ed Marchiselli, founder and CEO of The Seal, to talk about how service businesses can build credibility, earn authentic reviews, and win customers for life.
Key Takeaways:
- How building genuine trust leads to long-term customer loyalty
- How to ask for (and get) mor...
AI isn’t here to replace the trades — it’s here to make them better. In this episode of the GPS Podcast, we’re joined by LiveSwitch CRO James Hatfield and Violand’s Kelley Dolan to talk about how AI + live video are reshaping workflows in restoration, HVAC, plumbing, and beyond.
We dig into:
- How LiveSwitch tools streamline jobsite documentation and reporting
- Why AI-powered workflows save time and reduce costly callbacks
- The ba...
Starting a business is never easy. Starting one with only $5,000, no safety net, and a baby on the way? That’s exactly what Marvin Williams faced when he founded Recon Restoration. His story is about more than building a business—it’s about resilience, faith, and finding purpose through second chances.
In this episode of The GPS Podcast, we sit down with Marvin to hear how he: ✔ Overcame addiction and personal setbacks to rebuild...
Jeff Jones welcomes advisor Rob Curran to the GPS Podcast to explore how trades industry companies can succeed in commercial sales by developing strong teams and effective leadership. Rob shares lessons from his experience in operations and sales, offering practical guidance on managing long sales cycles, avoiding common mistakes, and building lasting client relationships. This episode provides leaders with clear strategies to grow...
On this episode of The GPS Podcast, Jeff Jones welcomes entrepreneur Chris Garrison for a conversation on building thriving businesses in the blue collar world. Chris shares his journey from starting a small cleaning company to running multiple profitable ventures, creating a community of over 230,000 business owners, and developing systems that make growth sustainable. This episode is packed with insights on leadership, opportunit...
Are you struggling to attract and retain Gen Z or Millennial technicians in your restoration, construction, or home services business? In this episode of the GPS Podcast, Jeff Jones sits down with Larry Wilberton and Eric Sprague from Super Tech University to discuss proven strategies for hiring, coaching, and keeping top talent in the trades. Discover how soft skills training, team culture, and modern leadership can help you build...
What does it take to buy a magazine and turn it into a leading voice in the restoration industry? Michelle Blevins, owner of C&R Magazine, shares her story of entrepreneurship, team building, and industry innovation. Learn about the challenges and rewards of running a media business in the trades, the power of great content, and the key issues facing restoration professionals today.
In this episode of the GPS Podcast, we sit down with Jorge Villalobos of The Best Restoration. Jorge shares his incredible journey, from overcoming challenges as an immigrant to building a thriving company with a strong team and a commitment to quality.
Learn how mentorship has played a key role in Jorge's success, and discover strategies for finding the right mentors, fostering a supportive company culture, and scaling your rest...
AI is no longer a futuristic fantasy – it's transforming the trades today. In this episode of the GPS Podcast, we explore practical AI applications for small businesses in restoration, plumbing, HVAC, and more. Discover how to use AI to generate leads, improve customer communication, optimize operations, and even handle HR tasks. The time to implement AI into your business is now. Find out what you need to know to stay competitive ...
What does it take to build a thriving business in the challenging environment of Alaska? In this episode of the GPS Podcast, Jeremy Hongslo, former owner of TCM Restoration, shares his inspiring story of leaving everything behind to live in a humble cabin and building a carpet cleaning business that evolved into a successful restoration company. Learn how he overcame obstacles, built a strong team, and discovered unique opportuniti...
Curious about what it’s really like owning a plumbing franchise? In this episode of the GPS Podcast, we sit down with Randy Anderson, owner of Roto-Rooter of NE Alabama, to discuss the realities of running a successful plumbing business. Randy shares his journey from aerospace engineering to franchise ownership, his top sales strategies, and what it takes to build a team and grow a trades business in today’s market.
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