39 | Molding a Family Business: Success Across Generations

Freedom Blueprint for Home Services | HVAC, Plumbing, Electrical, Leadership, Business Growth

Freedom Blueprint" Podcast Show Notes

Podcast Episode Title: Molding a Family Business: Success Across Generations at Tim Ferguson

Episode Number: 39

Date: June 17, 2024

Duration: 49:34

Host: Justin Deese

Contact: [email protected]

Guest: Jacob Hamilton from Tim Ferguson Plumbing, Heating, and Electrical

Summary

Jacob Hamilton, from Tim Ferguson Plumbing, Air, and Electric, shares his journey of joining the family business and eventually becoming the general manager. He discusses the transition from nursing to the trades and how skills like sense of urgency and documentation from his nursing background have helped him in the service industry. Jacob also talks about the process of selling the business and partnering with private equity, highlighting the positive experience he has had with Leap Service Partners. He emphasizes the importance of having access to industry experts and tools, as well as the value of accountability and collaboration among the owners. In this conversation, Jacob Hamilton discusses the importance of culture in a business and how he took on the responsibility of setting the tone for his company. He emphasizes the need to hire for attitude and train for aptitude, as technical skills can be taught. Jacob also highlights the challenge of attracting the next generation to the trades and the need for businesses to adapt to their preferred communication channels, such as TikTok. Lastly, he advises focusing on developing decision-making skills and being able to make quick decisions in a fast-paced world.

Takeaways

Skills acquired in one industry can be transferable to another, such as the sense of urgency and documentation skills from nursing that have helped Jacob in the service industry.

Having access to industry experts and tools, as well as a supportive and collaborative partnership, can greatly benefit a business.

Documenting processes and having clear systems in place is crucial for smooth operations and continuity, especially during transitions or when key team members are absent.

Accountability and transparency among owners can drive performance and encourage continuous improvement. Culture is one of the most important aspects of a business and should be intentionally cultivated.

Hiring for attitude and training for aptitude is a successful approach, especially in industries facing a shortage of skilled workers.

The next generation has more choices than ever before and businesses need to adapt to their preferred communication channels.

Developing strong decision-making skills and being able to make quick decisions is crucial in a fast-paced world.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Tim Ferguson Plumbing, Air, and Electric

02:02 Jacob's Transition from Nursing to the Trades

06:47 The Importance of Sense of Urgency in the Service Business

08:57 Transitioning from Nursing to Running a Home Service Business

15:36 Selling the Business and Partnering with Private Equity

25:44 The Size of the Team and the Importance of Culture

29:31 The Shift in Mindset of the Younger Generation in the Trades

31:03 Recruiting for Attitude and Personality in the Trades

31:55 The Importance of Effective Training

33:13 Hiring for Attitude, Training for Aptitude

36:05 Challenges of Recruiting the Next Generation

42:47 The Need for Efficient Decision-Making in Business

Keywords

Plumbing, HVAC, Air Conditioning, Electrical, Contractor, Freedom Blueprint Podcast, Justin Deese, Kristen Deese, When Your Business Partner is Your Spouse, family business, plumbing, HVAC, electric, nursing, sense of urgency, documentation, private equity, partnership, Leap Service Partners, industry experts, tools, accountability, collaboration, culture, attitude, aptitude, hiring, training, next generation, trades, communication, decision-making