The Power of Community and Networking in Business Expansion
Release Date: 04/15/2025
Jen McKee Hosts Carrie Kelsch on Building a Multimillion Dollar Garage Door Empire
The Kee To Growth
In this episode of the Kee to Growth Podcast, host Jen McKee sits down with Carrie Kelsch, founder of A Plus Garage Doors, to delve into Carrie's entrepreneurial journey. As a single mother and mortgage broker, Carrie transitioned into the garage door industry by founding her own company in 2005. From the challenges of starting from scratch to the exciting growth her business has experienced, Carrie shares candid details of her path to success. This conversation is an inspiration for entrepreneurs, highlighting the importance of adaptability and innovation in any business. Carrie...
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Social Media Unlocked: Rachel Pedersen's Journey and Marketing Ecosystem Explained
The Kee To Growth
In this exciting episode of the Kee to Growth podcast, host Jen McKee welcomes Rachel Pedersen, a renowned social media queen known for her brilliant marketing strategies. Jen dives into her personal journey with Rachel, describing how Rachel's content on TikTok became a pivotal inspiration and learning source. Rachel Pedersen, a Minnesota-based mom and wife, shares insights into her multi-million dollar business empire built majorly through organic social media, revealing the power of content creation in transforming businesses. Jen and Rachel explore the depth of Rachel's marketing ecosystem...
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Creative Marketing Strategies from Dennis the Apprentice at AHR Expo
The Kee To Growth
In this episode of the Kee to Growth podcast, Jen McKee hosts Dennis the Apprentice, who shares his journey from owning a plumbing and heating company in Seattle to becoming a prominent figure in the trades industry through innovative marketing strategies. Dennis, with his extensive experience, discusses how he transitioned from traditional marketing methods like the Yellow Pages to embracing the power of digital marketing, particularly social media. His early adoption of Google AdWords and creative approaches, such as using campaign-style signs, illustrate his knack for standing out in the...
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Building a Billion-Dollar Business: Insights from Kimberly Kean on Marketing and Hiring
The Kee To Growth
In this episode of the Kee to Growth podcast, host Jen McKee sits down with Kimberly Kean, also known as the Margin Creator. Kimberly shares her journey from owning family businesses, Jean Johnson Plumbing and Heating and a Zoom Drain franchise, to now focusing on coaching other business owners. With her extensive experience in scaling businesses to seven and eight figures, Kimberly offers valuable insights into navigating the challenges of business ownership and creating a balanced life. Kimberly dives deep into the concept of being a Margin Creator, explaining how business owners can create...
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Transforming HVAC Marketing: Josh Crouch on AI, Automation, and Growth
The Kee To Growth
In this episode of the Kee to Growth podcast, host Jen McKee sits down with Josh Crouch, CEO and founder of Relentless Digital, a digital marketing company specializing in the trades, including HVAC, plumbing, and electrical services. Josh shares his journey from working in the HVAC industry to starting his own digital marketing agency, emphasizing the importance of understanding SEO and utilizing digital tools to enhance business growth. He discusses how his deep dive into improving Google presence led him to develop strategies that significantly benefit his clients. The conversation shifts...
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Leveraging TikTok and YouTube: Michael Johnson's Guide to HVAC Success
The Kee To Growth
In this episode of the Kee to Growth podcast, host Jen McKee sits down with Michael James Johnson, the owner of AC Man in Fayetteville, North Carolina. Michael shares his journey from serving in the United States Air Force to becoming a successful HVAC business owner. He emphasizes the importance of community involvement and explains how leveraging social media has contributed significantly to his business growth. Michael recounts his early days in business, discussing how he utilized old-school marketing tactics before transitioning to social media. Michael dives deep into his social media...
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Crystal Williams on Building a Memorable Brand in Home Services
The Kee To Growth
In this episode of the Kee to Growth Podcast, host Jen McKee engages in a lively conversation with Crystal Williams, a renowned figure in the trades industry. Crystal, known for her podcast, events, and work with women in HVACR, shares her journey and passion for helping contractors build impactful brands. They delve into Crystal's background in her family's heating, air conditioning, and plumbing business, where she honed her skills in branding and community engagement. Her experiences highlight the importance of having a strong brand identity that reflects a company's story and values....
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The Power of Community and Networking in Business Expansion
The Kee To Growth
In this episode of the Kee to Growth Podcast, Jen McKee sits down with Derek Cormier, founder of Climate Experts, to explore the innovative strategies that have propelled his business to success. Derek shares his journey from being a police officer in South Florida to diving back into the trades, ultimately leading to the establishment of his own HVAC company. He highlights the importance of grassroots marketing strategies, community involvement, and building strong referral networks in the early stages of Climate Experts. Derek's focus on customer care and incentivizing referrals played a...
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Exploring Niche Podcasting and Automation with Tersh Blissett
The Kee To Growth
In this exciting episode of the Kee to Growth Podcast, host Jen McKee welcomes Tersh Blissett, the founder of the Service Business Mastery Podcast and a seasoned entrepreneur in the service trades industry. Jen and Tersh dive deep into Tersh's diverse journey from launching his first service company, TriStar Mechanical, to co-hosting a major podcast and spearheading multiple business ventures. Tersh shares his experiences in building successful companies like TriStar Mechanical and Service Emperor in Savannah. He discusses how he juggles multiple roles, including his involvement in Skilled...
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How Katy Higgins Grew a Business from Scratch to $5 Million in 18 Months
The Kee To Growth
In this episode of the Kee to Growth Podcast, host Jen McKee talks with Katy Higgins, the mastermind behind True Pros, a burgeoning HVAC service business. The conversation delves deep into Katy's unique journey, which began unexpectedly in a garage and evolved into a multi-million dollar company with a solid customer base in less than two years. Katy shares her insights about navigating the challenges of starting a business without a plan and how her experience in heating and air prepared her for the entrepreneurial world. Katy provides valuable takeaways for other entrepreneurs, emphasizing...
info_outlineIn this episode of the Kee to Growth Podcast, Jen McKee sits down with Derek Cormier, founder of Climate Experts, to explore the innovative strategies that have propelled his business to success. Derek shares his journey from being a police officer in South Florida to diving back into the trades, ultimately leading to the establishment of his own HVAC company. He highlights the importance of grassroots marketing strategies, community involvement, and building strong referral networks in the early stages of Climate Experts. Derek's focus on customer care and incentivizing referrals played a significant role in consistently doubling the business's revenue annually.
Derek also dives into his approach to marketing, including the decision to diversify his marketing efforts by partnering with specialized experts instead of relying on a single marketing company. He shares how this strategy allows him to hold each individual accountable and maintain a comprehensive view of marketing results. The discussion also covers Climate Experts' distinctive branding journey, featuring their unique mascot, Chili the penguin, which has become a recognized symbol in their community.
A major highlight of the episode is Derek's shift to leveraging Home Depot partnerships and expanding Climate Experts' services with additional trades such as plumbing and electrical. These decisions have helped maintain a steady flow of leads even in tightening market conditions. Recognizing the importance of employee investment, Derek shares insights into the Climate Experts Academy apprenticeship program, which focuses on training culture-fit individuals rather than experienced personnel, yielding strong team growth and satisfaction.
Finally, Derek discusses the impact of video marketing and social media on recruiting talent and engaging the community. By creating innovative and engaging content, Derek has been able to not only attract potential customers but also secure top-tier recruits for his expanding team. Jen and Derek also touch on the power of having clear goals and understanding one's customer base to drive successful marketing initiatives.