Rich Jordan | Strongpoint

SMB lesson: Day after acq. announcement, heard rumblings that our senior plumber felt job-insecure and betrayed by the transaction. Big problem when my largest vulnerability is the skilled trade talent.

I'd say this is starting off well 📈👀

Wrapping up 1st day on-site at our newest partner brand today. Super strong team punching above their weight. Got in the truck for a handful of service calls. Very impressed. Ours to screw up.

Looking to move one of my service businesses into a new location. 10k sqft min, up to 30k Ample parking (>30 spaces) High traffic count preferred Monmouth County, NJ Leased Anyone here know someone that can help? Trying to move quickly on this.

Know what's way worse than possibly offending a couple people? No one knowing who you are.

PSA: if you start or buy an HVAC company in Southern California, you're gonna have a bad time.

The trick is to market to people while they think they are being entertained.

Worth mentioning: If you're an owner that's gotten yourself into trouble, there are a few of us here that may be able to bail you out. The earlier you reach out, the more feasible it'll be. Could save your house and your team's jobs.

As a small biz leader, one of your most important responsibilities is terminating bad fits. Because you're usually the only one who can. When you drag your feet, your team is looking to you and you're letting them down. Act.

There's one avatar of a small business buyer I keep running into: ☑️ Wife pregnant w/ 1st kid ☑️ Good paying job, but disenchanted ☑️ Fatherhood has them seeking time freedom, higher income, "generational wealth" I respect these guys, but damn do they make me nervous for them

Unusual but useful barometer: What % of your team's scheduled meetings get postponed or cancelled?

Most recent biz had a single global team member with little/no oversight when we took reins. Put him under a strong leader of ours that has an entirely remote team. Started asking questions to understand his scope. Guy "gets typhoid fever" and has to resign that same day. lmao

Stop "selling" and start advising.

Now apply this thought to your small business team - and do something about it.

Doesn't get talked about much, but an important point of focus in a new acquisition is to hunt down the terrorists. Is there someone on the team who is a bonafide asshole? Mean? Nasty to others? Do the right thing. Send them packing. No Assholes.

Your customers aren't cheap, they just don't think you're valuable enough.

Talked to a guy today who bought a small plumbing co last month. Starts the convo: "This is the worst job ever! My senior plumber just quit. How do you guys do this?!" Left the call better than I found him (and I believe he'll do well), but this journey is not easy folks.

Good vibes with the Sanford team and their families tonight 🎇🎆🇺🇸

If the guarantees made in your marketing don't make your team nervous, they're also not getting your customer's attention.

If you're not physically getting in the trucks with your team on a regular basis, you don't actually have a grip on: The customer experience you're providing The quality of work you're providing The pulse of the team The good ideas your team may have The friction your team is…

If you own a home service business, tattoo this on your brain: "All the answers are in the van."