How Contractors Can Automate Their Business Without Losing Control

In this episode of the Service Business Mastery Podcast, host Tersh Blissett sits down with Ari Meisel, Founder of Less Doing and creator of the Optimize, Automate, Outsource framework. Ari is a globally recognized expert in business automation, productivity systems, and operational efficiency, with deep hands-on experience in the construction and skilled trades.

Ari shares how extreme burnout and a Crohn’s disease diagnosis forced him to redesign how he worked, leading to a system that allowed him to reclaim time, reduce stress, and build a business that runs without constant owner involvement. This conversation dives deep into automation for service businesses, decision-making systems, and what it really means to become a replaceable founder.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How to identify automation opportunities in your service business

• Why automating decisions is more powerful than automating tasks

• The “Replaceable Founder” mindset every business owner needs

• How automation reduces stress and increases scalability

• Real-world systems for reclaiming time without sacrificing growth

If you’re an HVAC, plumbing, electrical, or home service business owner feeling stuck in daily operations, this episode breaks down practical automation strategies, how to identify repetitive work, and how small system changes compound into massive time freedom.

Timestamps ⏰

[00:00] "Ari's Impact on Email Automation"

[06:15] "Masonry, Hardship, and Health Struggles"

[07:25] "Optimize, Automate, Outsource Strategies"

[12:32] Building Sustainable Generational Businesses

[15:45] "Optimize, Automate, Outsource Effectively"

[19:43] "Prioritizing Revenue in Business"

[22:24] "Automation Enhances the Human Element"

[25:52] "Asynchronous Communication Explained"

[29:20] "Benefits of Solo Voice Recording"

[30:46] "Creativity Comes with Movement"

[36:38] Flexible Work Beyond Boundaries

[39:12] iPhone Screenshot Automation Exploration

[41:32] "Apps I've Used for Years"

[46:54] Building Apps and Voice AI

[47:38] "Switching to MEM AI Tools"

[52:05] "Retirement via Automation Skills"

[54:53] "Connect with Ari for Insights"

Follow the Host and Guest:
Tersh Blissett: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tershblissett/
Josh Crouch: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josh-crouch/
Ari Meisel: https://www.linkedin.com/in/productivity-coach-entrepreneur/ 

 Connect with us on:

• LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/service-business-mastery
• TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@servicebusinessmastery
• Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/groups/servicebusinessmasterypodcast
• Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/servicebusinessmasterypodcast

This episode is kindly sponsored by:

• UpFrog

• CallRail

• CompanyCam Visit CompanyCam and use code SBM for a free 2-week trial, 1:1 training and account setup, and 50% off your first two months!

• MarketStorm

• priceguide

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