CSTG 233: Simplifying Tech for Trades with James Hatfield
Release Date: 10/07/2025
Can't Stop the Growth
From poker tables in Vegas to leading a $65M home services empire—how did Mike Bruner scale without ever turning a wrench? Michael Bruner, co-founder of Iceberg Home Services, shares his incredible journey from a 5.5M business in 2019 to a 65M powerhouse in 2024, all without a technical background. This episode dives into the mindsets, leadership shifts, and tough decisions that fueled Iceberg’s exponential growth. From letting go of control and embracing mentorship, to prioritizing personal health and inspiring his team, Mike unpacks the habits and lessons that transformed both his...
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What if the secret to becoming a better leader isn’t getting more, but realizing you already have enough? ⏳ Andrew takes the mic to unravel one of the most transformative ideas from “The 15 Commitments of Conscious Leadership”: the shift from a scarcity mindset to one of abundance. Blending sharp insights with personal stories, Andrew challenges the deeply ingrained belief that we need more to be successful: more time, more money, more recognition. He breaks down the toxic myths of scarcity that keep us trapped in fear and comparison, and instead offers a refreshing, people-first lens...
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Every trades leader faces moments that test their grit. In this episode, former Navy SEAL turned business owner Dan Newell joins Chad Peterman to share how the lessons forged in SEAL training resilience, service, and accountability—apply directly to leadership in HVAC, plumbing, and home service businesses. Dan’s journey from ringing the bell in SEAL training to coming back, graduating #1 in his class, and later running his family’s custom cabinet shop is packed with wisdom for leaders building strong teams. He opens up about what it means to lead from the bottom up, how to “get your...
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What if work didn’t feel like work? In this solo episode, Chad Peterman breaks down how finding your purpose can completely transform not just your leadership, but your life. Too many trade leaders chase “work-life balance” and end up feeling guilty on both sides. Chad shares why that struggle disappears once you align who you are at home with who you are at work. From mindset to mission, this is a reminder that leadership isn’t about switching hats, it’s about becoming the same authentic, purpose-driven person in every environment. Leaders in HVAC, plumbing, and electrical: this...
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Ever feel like you’re great at your job…but not alive doing it? Andrew Hasty dives into what it really means to operate in your zone of genius: that magical space where time flies, energy flows, and work actually feels fun. He unpacks the four zones from Gay Hendricks’ “The Big Leap” (Incompetence, Competence, Excellence, and Genius) and reveals why so many leaders get stuck in the “good but not great” zone of excellence. 💡 Andrew challenges us to reflect on what truly lights us up, and how leaders can help their teams do the same. If you’ve ever wondered what work could...
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What happens when you give away 50% of your profits, hire people most companies overlook, and run your business on pure gratitude? Justin sits down with Katie Donovan, CEO of CAMP Digital, to talk about what happens when you lead with gratitude, share profits, and build a culture where people truly care. From second-chance hiring to the boldest bonus structure you’ve heard, Katie’s flipping traditional leadership on its head. They get real about imposter syndrome, mindset shifts, and why authenticity is the ultimate business advantage. This one’s fast-paced, people-first, and full of...
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Trade leaders win when appreciation becomes a system, not a slogan. In this solo lesson, Chad Peterman shares the 20-year story of a position coach’s handwritten note that flipped his mindset and how HVAC, plumbing, and home-service teams can use the same playbook to unlock belief, consistency, and effort. You’ll learn the four elements of effective appreciation, how to “close the coaching loop,” and a simple weekly cadence that raises performance without lowering standards. Additional Resources: Key Takeaways: Appreciation outruns perfection: Praise visible effort and progress...
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What if the worst mistakes of your past became the fuel for your greatest success? 🏆 Weldon Long’s story is anything but ordinary. From serving 13 years in prison to building and selling multiple multi-million-dollar companies, he proves that mindset and consistency can completely rewrite your future. In this episode, Weldon brings his raw honesty, sharp wit, and proven sales strategies to the table, showing how taking full responsibility, mastering the fundamentals, and pushing through the inevitable “bullshit” of life can turn setbacks into stepping stones. Expect lessons on...
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The hardest promise to keep is the one you make with yourself. In this solo episode, Chad Peterman kicks off a new series based on The 15 Commitments of Conscious Leadership, diving deep into one of the most important commitments a leader can make: practicing integrity. Integrity isn’t just about morality or “being a good person.” It’s about alignment between what you think, feel, say, and do. Chad explores how to make impeccable agreements, take full responsibility for your results, and repair relationships where trust has slipped. He also shares personal stories from leadership and...
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Trade leaders often obsess over cost per lead while ignoring the bigger picture. In this Around the CAMPfire episode, hosted by Katie Donovan (Camp Digital CEO), Neal Zamore, Head of Marketing at Storr Group, reveals a proven system for managing “cradle-to-grave” KPIs across marketing, operations, and leadership. From dissecting cost per advertising to spotting red flags in cancellation rates, Neal equips HVAC, plumbing, and electrical owners with practical tools to scale profitably. His insights blend big-company discipline with the grassroots tactics every trade leader can deploy...
info_outlineTechnology can either slow you down or unlock massive growth in your business. Too often, software in the trades is built by engineers who’ve never worked in the field leaving owners frustrated and teams overwhelmed.
In this episode of Can’t Stop the Growth, Chad Peterman sits down with James Hatfield, CRO of LiveSwitch and former home services entrepreneur, to discuss how technology should actually work for HVAC, plumbing, and trades leaders. James shares hard-earned lessons from running his own business, the pitfalls of over-engineered software, and how LiveSwitch is revolutionizing the industry with practical video tools that enhance efficiency, speed, and customer satisfaction.
If you’ve ever been burned by clunky tech or struggled to get your team on the same page, this conversation will help you rethink how technology integrates into your operations.
Don’t forget to use code GROWTH10 when booking a call with James.
Additional Resources:
Connect with James Hatfield
Set a meeting with James
Learn more about LiveSwitch
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Join The ARENA - a CSTG Community (powered by our media partner, PeopleForward Network)
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Chad Peterman | CEO | Author
Peterman Brothers Website
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Key Takeaways:
- Software should solve real problems: Too many tools are over-engineered. The best tech comes from people who’ve lived the trades.
- Pace your growth initiatives: Don’t burn out your team by trying to fix everything at once. Focus on the highest-value areas first.
- Use video to bridge gaps: From SOPs to customer education, short videos can effectively connect teams and enhance the customer experience.
- Speed is everything in sales: Virtual advisors and real-time video tools enable companies to close deals faster and serve customers more effectively.
- Integration matters: The best tech seamlessly integrates into existing systems, such as ServiceTitan, without adding complexity.
- Customer experience wins: Every decision, whether technical or process-related, should make life easier for both your team and your customers.