Every day, contractors wrestle with shrinking margins, tough competition, and the constant pressure to stand out in a crowded market. But what if you could break free from the cycle of just scraping by and actually build a business that gives you freedom, profit, and peace of mind?
In this episode, Joe Crisara sits down with Kevin Hill and Jason Noel from CEO Warrior to unpack the exact strategies that separate struggling businesses from wildly successful ones. They reveal the mindset, systems, and approach that can transform your business from a daily grind to a well-oiled machine that practically runs itself.
What You’ll Learn:
- Why most service businesses struggle and how simplicity changes everything.
- Learn The Warrior’s secret to creating an unstoppable accountability culture in your team.
- The critical difference between telling employees what to do versus coaching them.
- How successful entrepreneurs escape the daily grind and build scalable systems.
- The art of creating value that makes price irrelevant to your customers.
- Why technology can’t replace the human experience in service businesses.
- The mindset shift that transforms good contractors into exceptional business leaders.
Key Moments:
00:00 Intro
03:10 The Power of Simplicity and Consistency in Business
04:09 Understanding True Accountability in Leadership
08:47 The Owner’s Journey: Systems for Business Growth
13:09 The Importance of Sales and Communication Skills
17:15 The Value of Coaching and Mentorship for Entrepreneurs
21:46 Future of Home Service Businesses and Technology Challenges
Running a home service business is about far more than fixing broken systems or delivering great craftsmanship. It’s about surviving—and thriving—in a high-pressure environment where margins are shrinking, competition is intensifying, and the demands on business owners never seem to let up.
Too often, entrepreneurs in the trades are stuck doing everything themselves—working longer hours with less reward, constantly putting out fires, and feeling trapped in a business that was supposed to give them freedom. But there’s another way. And it starts with a shift in mindset.
Clarity Over Complexity: Why Simplicity Wins
In the rush to grow, many contractors fall into the trap of overcomplicating their operations—chasing trends, adding tools they don’t need, or reinventing systems instead of refining them.
According to Kevin, successful businesses thrive on clarity and focus. They grow by getting laser-specific about what matters most and eliminating anything that doesn’t move the business forward. He believes that simplicity isn’t a lack of ambition—it’s the discipline to do what works, repeatedly and reliably.
Accountability as Empowerment
Accountability is often misunderstood as micromanagement or punishment. But in a high-performance business, it’s a tool for empowerment. True accountability means setting clear expectations, defining measurable goals, documenting commitments, and following up with regular coaching conversations. It creates a culture of ownership where your team understands not just what to do—but why it matters. And when accountability is seen as a path to growth, not criticism, performance skyrockets.
From Technician to Strategic Leader
For most contractors, the business starts with their own two hands. But as the company grows, continuing to operate as the technician becomes a bottleneck.
To build a business that scales, you must step into the role of architect. That means developing systems, delegating with confidence, and shifting your time toward strategy instead of tasks. Working on the business instead of in it is the key to breaking the cycle of burnout and building something that can thrive without your constant involvement.
Build Value That Outshines Price
Jason reveals why building value will always outshine price. He explains that if your only differentiator is price, you’re already in trouble. Competing on price alone commoditizes your services and puts constant pressure on your margins.
The businesses that win long-term focus on creating a powerful value proposition—one so compelling that customers see them as the obvious choice, regardless of cost. This could be through unmatched customer service, guaranteed results, a branded process, or an unforgettable client experience. When value is clear, price becomes a secondary conversation.
The Power of Coaching and Mentorship
Leading a business can be isolating. You’re the one everyone turns to, but who do you turn to when you’re stuck?
Coaching fills that gap. Having a mentor who understands the unique challenges of home service businesses can help you avoid costly mistakes, stay focused on your goals, and accelerate your progress. It’s not about having all the answers—it’s about being surrounded by the right questions, and the people who help you answer them.
Using Technology With Purpose
New technologies like AI and automation promise efficiency—but they’re only as useful as the systems they support.
Before layering on tools, contractors must first ensure they have the right processes in place. The goal of tech isn’t to replace people—it’s to amplify the human experience, reduce friction, and improve service delivery. The best-run businesses use technology to serve their customers better, not just to keep up with trends.
The Path Forward: Strategy, Structure, and Self-Leadership
There’s no shortcut to building a sustainable, scalable business—but there is a proven path. It requires a willingness to challenge old beliefs, a commitment to consistent improvement, and the courage to invest in yourself as a leader.
The Warrior Mindset isn’t about grinding harder—it’s about getting strategic. It’s about building the systems, team, and structure that support your growth, free your time, and allow you to build a business that truly serves your life.
Learn more how CEO Warrior can help your service business…
It’s easy to get insight from CEO Warrior, so we can help you scale your business and bring you back on track. Simply SCHEDULE A FREE STRATEGY CALL and one of our Growth Advisors will be in touch.
About the host:
Joe Crisara was once a struggling home service contractor with a failing business. He assumed the only way to create higher value was to work for a lower price. But when things looked most bleak, Joe had an a-ha! moment. Not only did it change his life – it skyrocketed his business. Today, Joe helps thousands of home service pros transform their customer service and sales through his “Pure Motive Service” approach.
You can find Joe’s podcast HERE
Watch this episode on YouTube