Titan Talks

In this episode of Titan Talks, Sam from Topline Pro sits down with Jake Pisher of Helpful Badger Handyman Services in Portland, Oregon. Jake shares how a background in nursing — specifically caring for dementia patients — led him unexpectedly into the handyman world, after a side hustle in fix-and-flip real estate revealed just how unreliable contractors could be. What started as helping friends with small repairs quickly outgrew his day job, and Helpful Badger was born. He talks about the wide range of services the company offers, from grab bar and ramp installations for aging-in-place clients to punch list work for remodeling companies, and why knowing your limits is just as important as knowing your craft. Jake also shares his vision for growing Helpful Badger into a preventative maintenance subscription model — helping busy homeowners protect their investments before small problems become expensive ones. Throughout the conversation, Jake and his business partner Kelsey's healthcare roots shine through in their approach to customer care: playing the long game, standing behind their work, and treating every home like their own.Topline Pro is an AI-powered platform that helps home service pros get more customers, book more jobs, and spend less time on admin work. The all-in-one software builds and manages professional websites, automates scheduling, and optimizes Google visibility to keep businesses growing 24/7. Designed for busy service professionals, Topline Pro handles lead generation, payments, and communication so owners can focus on their craft. With affordable tools and powerful automation, Topline Pro is redefining how pros run and scale their businesses.Check out our socials: Website: https://www.toplinepro.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gettoplinepro/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GetToplinePro/ Check out Helpful Badger: https://prosite.prophone.com/m/vC/Helpful-Badger/index

In this episode of Titan Talks, host Sam Dushay interviews Anthony Beyo, owner of United Exteriors in Tampa. Anthony shares his journey from serving in the Army to starting his own construction company, driven by a commitment to customer satisfaction and quality work. He emphasizes the importance of a servant leader mentality, both in serving clients and supporting employees. The conversation highlights United Exteriors' growth strategy, focusing on referrals and high-quality craftsmanship, as well as the challenges and rewards of entrepreneurship. Anthony's dedication to his work and vision for the future of his company are inspiring.1. (00:00) - Introduction to Titan Talks2. (01:30) - Meet Anthony Beyo from United Exteriors3. (03:00) - From Army to Construction: Anthony's Journey4. (06:00) - The Importance of Customer Satisfaction5. (08:30) - The Entrepreneurial Spirit: Rent a Kid Landscaping6. (11:00) - United Exteriors Today: Operations and Team7. (14:00) - The Role of Referrals in Business Growth8. (16:30) - Anthony's Hands-On Leadership Style9. (19:00) - The Servant Leader Mentality10. (21:30) - Hiring and Maintaining a Skilled Workforce11. (24:00) - Challenges of Business Growth and Trust12. (27:00) - The Importance of Quality and Trust in Construction13. (29:30) - Handling Unforeseen Issues in Construction14. (32:00) - The Role of Topline Pro in United Exteriors' Growth15. (34:30) - Marketing Strategies and Competition16. (37:00) - Future Goals for United Exteriors17. (39:00) - Advice for Aspiring Business Owners18. (42:00) - Closing Thoughts and Farewell

In this episode of Titan Talks, host Sam Dushay interviews Kevin Stallman, owner of Stallman Drywall and Painting. Kevin shares his journey from learning drywall from a VHS tape to running a successful family business in Morris, Minnesota. He emphasizes the importance of family involvement, a strong work ethic, and maintaining a growth mindset. Kevin also discusses the impact of partnering with Topline Pro for marketing, which has significantly expanded their business reach. He offers advice to new business owners, stressing the importance of staying true to oneself and surrounding oneself with good people. 1. (00:00) - Introduction to Titan Talks 2. (01:15) - Kevin Stallman's Journey into Drywall 3. (03:30) - The Family Behind Stallman Drywall 4. (05:45) - Working with Your Spouse: Challenges and Rewards 5. (08:00) - Current Business Landscape and Booking 6. (10:15) - What Sets Stallman Drywall Apart 7. (12:30) - The Role of Marketing and Topline Pro 8. (14:45) - Memorable Projects and Customer Relationships 9. (17:00) - Learning from Mistakes: A Smooth Finish Story 10. (19:15) - Capturing and Showcasing Quality Work 11. (21:30) - Team Dynamics and Daily Operations 12. (23:45) - Adapting to Minnesota Winters 13. (25:00) - Future Growth and Expansion Plans 14. (27:15) - Advice for Aspiring Business Owners

In this episode of Titan Talks, host Sam Dushay interviews Joe Kellems, owner of Honey Bee Blues, a business specializing in honey bee removal and relocation in Pittsburgh. Joe shares his journey from a general handyman to a bee removal specialist, driven by local demand and his passion for beekeeping. He discusses the challenges and intricacies of bee removal, including unexpected obstacles like electrical wires in hives. Joe highlights the impact of media exposure on his business and stresses the importance of an open-minded entrepreneurial approach and effective partnerships for business success. The episode concludes with Joe's insights on expanding his business into bee product creation and his future aspirations. (00:00) - Introduction to Honey Bee Blues (02:00) - Overview of Honey Bee Removal Services (04:00) - Transition from Handyman to Beekeeping (06:00) - Relocating Honeybees to the Apiary (08:00) - Beekeeping and PTSD: A Personal Journey (10:00) - Business Administration and Marketing Challenges (12:00) - Impact of Topline Pro on Business Visibility (14:00) - The Power of News Stories in Business Growth (16:00) - Challenges in Honeybee Removal (18:00) - Homeowner Reactions to Hive Removals (20:00) - The Origin of Honey Bee Blues Name and Logo (22:00) - Exploring Bee Products and Future Business Plans (24:00) - Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs (26:00) - Closing Remarks and Final Thoughts

In this episode of Titan Talks, Sam Dushay interviews Kevin Anstaett, owner of Anstaett's Tree Service, about his unconventional path into the tree service industry. Kevin shares how he overcame his fear of heights and became a self-taught expert, emphasizing the importance of prompt customer service and leveraging technology to streamline operations. He discusses his business philosophy of maintaining a small, efficient team and investing in reliable equipment to ensure continuous service. Kevin also highlights the significance of word-of-mouth and repeat business in sustaining growth and success. (0:00) - Intro and Origin Story (6:30) - Overcoming Fear of Heights (10:00) - Building a Tree Service Business (14:00) - Importance of Prompt Customer Service (18:30) - Technology's Role in Business Operations (22:00) - Maintaining a Small, Efficient Team (26:00) - Marketing and Word-of-Mouth Success (30:00) - Investing in Reliable Equipment (34:00) - Future Plans and Business Philosophy (37:00) - Closing Remarks

In this episode of Titan Talks, Curtis Gaines, owner of Right Price, Right Choice Lawn Care Services, shares his journey from starting with a push mower borrowed from his grandmother to running a successful landscaping business. Curtis discusses the transition from a stable job at Walmart to full-time entrepreneurship, emphasizing the importance of consistency, communication, and a supportive family. He highlights the evolution of his marketing strategies from flyers to leveraging Google, social media, and a professional website. Curtis also reflects on the personal growth and freedom that comes with being a business owner and his goal of leaving a legacy for his children and grandchildren. (00:00) - Introduction(01:00) - Curtis’s Origin Story: From Push Mower to Business Owner(03:00) - Transition to Commercial Landscaping(04:30) - Leadership Traits and Leaving Walmart(06:00) - The Scary Leap to Full-Time Business(07:30) - Family Support and Entrepreneurial Influence(09:00) - Challenges of Starting a Business in the Fall(10:30) - Evolution of Marketing: From Flyers to Social Media(13:30) - Current Team and Recent Big Projects(15:00) - Key Qualities in New Team Members(16:00) - Challenges in Finding Committed Employees(17:00) - Top Ways to Acquire New Customers(18:30) - Managing Multiple Roles and Responsibilities(19:30) - Importance of Customer Reviews and Feedback(20:00) - Decision to Get a Website and Its Impact

In this episode of Titan Talks, host Jonathan Stern speaks with Cameron Williams, owner of Camco Commercial Door Company. Cameron shares his journey as a fourth-generation garage door professional and discusses his transition from residential to commercial doors, including specialized projects like airplane hangar doors. He emphasizes the importance of gaining leads, leveraging social media and digital tools like Topline Pro for marketing. Cameron also touches on the challenges of managing a growing team and his aspirations to expand the business further in the coming years. Cameron concludes by reflecting on his proudest moments, particularly successful large-scale installations. (0:00) - Introduction and Welcome(1:05) - Cameron’s Origin Story(2:45) - Starting Camco Commercial Doors(4:25) - Splitting from the Family Business(6:00) - Early Challenges: Gaining Leads(7:00) - Marketing Approaches Before Topline Pro(8:40) - Leveraging Facebook Groups for Leads(10:15) - Getting Reviews from Customers(11:30) - Transition to Commercial Doors(13:10) - Current State of Camco Commercial Doors(15:00) - Managing and Growing the Team(17:00) - Future Goals for the Business(18:20) - Upgrades in Equipment and Machinery(19:20) - Process of Handling New Leads(20:25) - Challenges in Closing Leads(21:40) - Evolution of the Garage Door Industry(23:40) - Rapid Fire Round: Personal Growth(24:10) - Biggest Mistake: Marketing Investment(24:50) - Personal Goals and Financial Freedom(25:40) - Proudest Moments at Camco

In this episode of Titan Talks, host Jonathan Stern interviews John Ross, the owner of LeafTide Solutions, a pressure washing and cleaning company based in Richmond, Virginia. John discusses his journey from dissatisfaction in a sales job to starting his own pressure washing business, LeafTide Solutions. Using his past experience with chemical applications from a car wash job and relentless self-education through YouTube and supplier support, John has grown his business significantly while leveraging modern marketing tools like Topline Pro’s before-and-after photo feature. John emphasizes the importance of detailed and personal customer service in his business approach and expresses aspirations to expand his company and provide free services to veterans. As the business approaches its first anniversary, John is booked solid through May and is cautiously optimistic about future growth, hoping it will afford him more family time. (00:00) - Introduction and Welcome(02:30) - John Ross’s Background and Entry into Pressure Washing(08:15) - Transition from Sales to Starting LeafTide Solutions(13:00) - Challenges of Establishing a Business and Learning New Skills(18:30) - The Role of Digital Tools in Business Promotion(23:45) - Current State and Future Plans of LeafTide Solutions(28:20) - Strategies for Building Customer Base and Importance of Online Presence(32:45) - Closing Thoughts and Future Aspirations