Can't Stop the Growth

How do you build a winning culture in the skilled trades? Chad sits down with Wyatt Smith, founder of Upsmith, to explore how gamification, recognition, and smart incentives can boost productivity and team morale. From real-world success stories to tips for celebrating behaviors that drive results, this episode is packed with ideas to take your team to the next level.   Additional Resources:  Connect with Wyatt on LinkedIn Learn more about UpSmith Chad on LinkedIn Chad Peterman | CEO | Author Peterman Brothers Website More on PeopleForward Network Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn   Key Takeaways: Recognition Drives Results: Consistently affirming employees’ contributions fosters engagement and performance. Focus on Inputs, Not Just Outputs: Shifting conversations to the behaviors driving results—rather than just outcomes—leads to meaningful progress. Tailored Contests Matter: Segmenting competitions (e.g., for rookies versus veterans) ensures fair opportunities and higher motivation across all team members.  

In this episode, Chad explores the key ingredient to great leadership: ownership. He breaks down how taking true responsibility—not pointing fingers—empowers leaders to inspire their teams and drive real results. With five practical steps, you can learn how to set clear goals, create accountability, and motivate your team like never before. If you're ready to elevate your leadership game and make a lasting impact, this episode is for you! Additional Resources:  Chad on LinkedIn Chad Peterman | CEO | Author Peterman Brothers Website More on PeopleForward Network Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn  Key Takeaways: Ownership over Blame: Ownership starts when leaders focus on what they can control instead of attributing missed targets to others. One-on-One Connections: Individual meetings with team members allow leaders to understand personal challenges and provide targeted support. Motivation through Investment: Showing employees that their leaders are committed to their financial and personal success increases motivation and accountability.  

In this episode of Around the Campfire, Megan sits down with Jeff Wright and Margot Schaffer from Nexstar to talk smart budgeting and brand strategy for home service businesses heading into 2025. They share why a budget should be more than numbers—it should tell your company’s story. Discover practical tips for maximizing customer retention, aligning marketing and operations, and leveraging existing customers to grow without overspending. Planning your 2025 budget? Don’t miss this insightful conversation!   Additional Resources: Chad on LinkedIn Chad Peterman | CEO | Author Peterman Brothers Website Connect with Megan Bedford Connect with Katie Donovan Learn More About CAMP Digital Connect with our Sponsor, GoodLeap More on PeopleForward Network Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn    Things to listen for: The Power of Brand Awareness – Discover why brand recognition is crucial for customer retention and how it can guide your marketing spend. Customer Retention Tactics – Get insights on retention strategies that reduce acquisition costs and drive profitability. Aligning Marketing and Operations – Find out how breaking down silos between departments ensures a seamless customer experience. Multi-Trade and Cross-Selling Opportunities – Hear tips on leveraging multi-trade services to maximize revenue from existing customers.

In this episode of Can’t Stop the Growth, Chad Peterman dives deep into the challenges (and wins!) of leading remote teams with Matt Tait, CEO of Decimal. With 85 employees across five countries, Matt’s mastered intentional leadership, accountability, and culture—even when teams are miles apart. They unpack how to: Reinforce values daily so they’re lived, not just listed. Balance empathy and accountability for a culture that’s both people-centered and high-performing. Create clear, transparent communication that doesn’t leave room for guesswork. If you’re leading a remote or decentralized team, this episode offers actionable insights to keep your people connected, accountable, and aligned—no matter where they are. Additional Resources:  Connect with Matt on LinkedIn Discover Decimal Chad on LinkedIn Chad Peterman | CEO | Author Peterman Brothers Website More on PeopleForward Network Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn  Key Takeaways: Intentional Culture Building in Remote Teams: Leading remote teams requires intentionality—reinforce values consistently so they become ingrained behaviors. As Matt puts it, he acts as the “Chief Repeating Officer” to keep Decimal’s values front and center for his widely dispersed team. Balance Empathy with Accountability: A people-first culture doesn’t mean compromising on accountability. Matt and Chad discuss how holding individuals accountable can actually reinforce the team’s morale by keeping everyone aligned and focused on common goals. Address Conflict Directly for Stronger Teams: Conflict avoidance can erode trust and productivity. Effective leaders lean into uncomfortable conversations and model healthy conflict resolution, strengthening team cohesion and organizational health.

In this episode, Chad sits down with Alec Stefanovski, Editor of Homepros, to discuss key shifts in the home services industry. From navigating HVAC regulations to the latest in tech and AI, Alec shares insights on private equity's influence and strategies for staying adaptable. Perfect for leaders looking to stay informed on trends and smart growth in a rapidly evolving industry.   Additional Resources:  Connect with Alec on LinkedIn Subscribe to the Homepros Newsletter Chad on LinkedIn Chad Peterman | CEO | Author Peterman Brothers Website More on PeopleForward Network Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn  Key Takeaways Adaptation and Technology: The HVAC and home services sectors are ripe for innovation, especially around tech and AI for improving operations, yet careful selection and management of these tools are crucial. Tech Integration Over Adoption: New tech tools like AI for call centers can enhance efficiency, but successful integration depends on using them purposefully and ensuring real ROI. Economic Uncertainty’s Impact: Despite economic ups and downs, essential services like HVAC retain demand resilience, making them a solid investment and career choice.

Join Josh and Andy for part two of an insightful conversation with Landon Brewer, diving deep into the entrepreneurial journey, specifically focusing on scaling businesses in the home services industry. Landon shares hard-earned lessons about leadership, overcoming imposter syndrome, and navigating the complex transition from startup to a thriving enterprise. In case you missed it, listen to part one here. Josh Teekell and Andy Fuselier from SmartAC.com are revolutionizing the way we think about HVAC and plumbing through technology. Addtional Resources:  Chad on LinkedIn Chad Peterman | CEO | Author Peterman Brothers Website Connect with Andy Fuselier Connect with Josh Teekell Learn more about SmartAC.com Connect with our Sponsor, GoodLeap More on PeopleForward Network Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn Key Takeaways:  Imposter Syndrome: Even at the peak of success, many leaders feel unsure of their worthiness, especially when others look to them for leadership. Scaling Requires Specialized Skills: The skills needed to grow a company from zero to $50 million are not the same ones required to scale to $300 million or beyond. Adaptability: Entrepreneurs must be willing to pivot, evolve, and recognize when it’s time to hand over responsibilities to more specialized leaders.  

In this popular re-release, Ron Kitchens joins Chad to discuss the transformative power of recognition and mentorship. He shares how acknowledging team contributions in meaningful ways can uplift the entire organization. Tune in for an insightful conversation on workplace communication, mentorship, and the impact of recognizing others' contributions. Additional Resources:  Chad on LinkedIn Chad Peterman | CEO | Author Peterman Brothers Website More on PeopleForward Network Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn Connect with Ron on LinkedIn Wichita Falls Chamber Learn more about Uniquely You Key Takeaways Mentorship Matters: Having a mentor can change lives by opening up resources and giving the confidence to succeed. Communication as Culture: Great companies aren't just about profit; they build their success on a foundation of culture and caring, recognizing that validating and engaging employees is central to thriving, especially during tough times. Purposeful Leadership: It takes clear purpose, vulnerability, and balance between personal self-care and commitment to organizational goals.  

What’s the secret to scaling multiple home service businesses across four states? Hint: It’s not just about the bottom line. Chad chats with Lee Downing, who grew from running a single HVAC business to owning 12 home service franchises. Lee reveals his secret: it's all about putting people first. He breaks down how focusing on culture, not just profits, helped him scale quickly while building a lasting business. If you're ready to rethink how you lead and grow, this episode is a must-listen. Additional Resources:  Chad on LinkedIn Chad Peterman | CEO | Author Peterman Brothers Website More on PeopleForward Network Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn Key Takeaways Franchise Success: Lee’s journey from a single HVAC franchise to owning 12 franchises, focusing on cross-trade expansion. Culture as a Core Value: Building a successful business starts with a strong, people-centered culture. Invest in your people and hold them accountable. Leadership & Accountability: Leadership isn't just about giving directions—it's about servant leadership and providing support for your team to succeed.  

Are your leads slipping through the cracks? In this episode Around the CAMPfire, Megan Bedford chats with Ryan Fenn, CEO of Chiirp, an automation platform that’s helping home service businesses stay on top of their leads. Ryan shares how his own entrepreneurial journey led him to discover the power of follow-up automation—especially when it comes to texting. They dive into why being quick to respond (Speed to Lead, anyone?) and using multiple touchpoints can make all the difference in customer engagement. If you're a home services pro and curious about smart ways to boost leads, this conversation offers simple, actionable ideas to try today. Additional Resources: Chad on LinkedIn Ryan Fenn on LinkedIn Visit Chiirp Chad Peterman | CEO | Author Peterman Brothers Website Connect with Megan Bedford Connect with Katie Donovan Learn More About CAMP Digital Connect with our Sponsor, GoodLeap More on PeopleForward Network Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn  Key Takeaways:  Speed to Lead is Critical – Responding to customer inquiries within one minute can significantly improve conversion rates. Multi-Touch Strategy for Maximum Engagement – Use text, email, and voicemail to reach customers at different stages of their journey and re-engage lost leads. Automation for Efficiency – Chirp automates follow-ups so your team can focus on high-value tasks. 

This re-release is not only one of our most popular episodes, but also one of Chad’s favorites. Join Chad as he shares timeless principles he learned from his dad—lessons rooted in integrity, empowerment, and, yes, even the kind of compassion you wouldn't expect from a guy who runs a tight ship. From the grit of waking up early to the art of leading with humility, Chad breaks down what it means to lead by example and believe in the people around you. Additional Resources:  Chad on LinkedIn Chad Peterman | CEO | Author Peterman Brothers Website More on PeopleForward Network Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn Key Takeaways: Integrity is foundational: “Do what you say and lead by example.” It's more than just words; it’s about action. Compassion in leadership: Leadership is not only about guiding but also showing genuine care for the people you lead. Empowerment and trust: Giving people room to explore, make mistakes, and grow is critical to building a strong, motivated team.