Episode Overview
Ismael Valdez burst onto the scene as owner and CEO of Nexgen Air Conditioning, Heating, and Plumbing. He’s a Renaissance man who built an off-the-charts successful contracting business from scratch. Now he’s offering another game-changer for the trades.
And while his new product is on the cutting edge of technology, Valdez reiterates that every success in business begins with doing right by clients.
“We’re always keeping in mind that, at the end of the day, we are a service-based business,” he says. “And we want to make sure that the customer is always satisfied with our options.”
Valdez recognizes that the economy can be a rollercoaster ride, and he has advice for business owners who think they have to go it alone.
“Find a little niche group of people that are in the trades that are going to help you through these rough times,” he says. “Because there is a storm coming whether people see it or not.”
Valdez chooses to be realistic rather than negative: “There's a storm coming, so we all got to hold tight together, and we all got to make sure that we make it and not leave anybody behind.”
He’s full of advice that has worked for him in the past but circles back to one key strategy: incentivizing employees.
The way you incentivize technicians and sales guys is by paying them properly,” Valdez says.
And to cover the cost of paying higher commissions, price yourself appropriately, he says.
Keep an eye out for Valdez’s new technology–available exclusively at first to ServiceTitan users. It’s a logo-ed thermostat that’s connected to your CRM. Not only does it offer predictive maintenance, it directs customers back to your company for a technician visit.
Stay tuned for more about the new thermostat that’s also a marketing channel.
Ismael Valdez recently joined ServiceTitan’s Jackie Aubel on the “Toolbox for the Trades” podcast, which included Valdez’s thoughts on:
[03:47] Valdez’s advice to contractors who are struggling
[05:44] The importance of knowing your numbers
[12:19] The BASIC plan and what it entails
[20:51] How to manage your labor costs
[30:19] How NUVE is a game-changer
To hear more stories from the trades, subscribe to Toolbox for the Trades on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google, or anywhere you get podcasts.
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