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The Catalyst for the trades podcast

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Most contractors know the feeling: you pay for leads that five other companies get, you chase calls late, and your software stack keeps growing—but not your margins.

AI-First Growth for the Trades: Builder Market with Louis Vierra and Brett Taylor

With Jennifer Bagley,

Builder Market — Veteran GC

How do women in the trades go from underfunded marketing and clunky tech to dominating their local markets with AI and automation? In this episode of Catalyst for the Trades, host Jennifer Bagley sits down with three powerhouse home service entrepreneurs—Courtney Van Delden Supplee (Van Delden Wastewater Systems), Amanda Casteel (Cherry Blossom Plumbing), and Stephanie Allen (AirWorks Solutions).

Women in Charge: How AI and Automation Are Powering Home Service Growth

With Jennifer Bagley,

Stephanie Allen

AirWorks Solutions

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.

From HVAC Technician to Tech-Savvy CEO: Robert Leath on Building a Future-Ready Trades Business with AI

With Jennifer Bagley,

Founder of a thriving HVAC business

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.

What It Really Takes to Be a Woman in Business | Honest Leadership in the Trades with Kathryn Elizabeth & Laura Kelly

With Jennifer Bagley,

Industry leader and speaker

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 Schonhorn on Maximizing Business Value in the Trades: Preparing to Sell, AI, and Building for the Future

With Jennifer Bagley,

Gregg Schonhorn

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.

Contractor Accounting Made Simple with Meaghan Likes of Likes Accounting

With Jennifer Bagley,

Likes Accounting

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From Toolbelt to Top Floor: The Best Business Podcasts for Contractors

Discover the best business podcast for contractors to scale operations, boost profits, and master trends like AI and sustainability.

Published

Why your HVAC business needs a coach to stop the bleed

Discover business coaching for HVAC owners: Stop the bleed, boost profits 30-40%, conquer hiring struggles, and scale sustainably in 2025!

Published

Long-Term Vision Planning for Trade Business Owners

Build your 5-year business roadmap for contractors: Achieve strategic growth, financial stability, and long-term success with proven steps.

Published

The Ultimate List of Executive Development Workshops

Discover top executive development workshops in professional education. Boost leadership, skills, and career growth with proven programs and trends.

Published