The 7-Power Contractor® Radio
Welcome to The 7-Power Contractor® Radio, a radio show for plumbing, heating, cooling, electrical and other service contracting business owners. Our mission is to help run your contracting business with less stress and more success. I'm your host, Al Levi, business consultant, All episodes are under 10 minutes so you can listen and learn on the fly. Enjoy and if you have any questions or comments I'd love to hear them...email me at al@7powercontractor.com. Love the show? Please leave us a review wherever you listen.
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Does Group Learning Work?
03/17/2026
Does Group Learning Work?
Does group learning work? Absolutely! It can be challenging, but the reward is worth it. Learn more in this episode! Notice to listeners: The information in this book, along with the forms and structures provided, are meant to serve as a helpful reference guide for the plumbing, heating, cooling, electrical, and other contracting industries. The host of and contributors to this podcast take no responsibility for compliance with the laws or regulations that govern your specific business. The responsibility for making sure everything is compliant (among other things) is 100 percent yours. Before you implement any new information or forms, please check with your own trusted business advisers, including your own attorney, to make certain that the forms and the information you plan to implement will comply with all relevant laws, customs, and regulations.
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Does Distance Learning Work?
03/03/2026
Does Distance Learning Work?
Does distance learning work? Short answer – yes! But it has to be set up right. Learn more in this episode! Notice to listeners: The information in this book, along with the forms and structures provided, are meant to serve as a helpful reference guide for the plumbing, heating, cooling, electrical, and other contracting industries. The host of and contributors to this podcast take no responsibility for compliance with the laws or regulations that govern your specific business. The responsibility for making sure everything is compliant (among other things) is 100 percent yours. Before you implement any new information or forms, please check with your own trusted business advisers, including your own attorney, to make certain that the forms and the information you plan to implement will comply with all relevant laws, customs, and regulations.
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You Can't Pick What's Fair
02/17/2026
You Can't Pick What's Fair
No, contractor stings on TV aren't fair. But you can't pick what's fair. If you have policies and procedures in place, you're prepared and on stronger ground if and when you're caught in a TV sting. Notice to listeners: The information in this book, along with the forms and structures provided, are meant to serve as a helpful reference guide for the plumbing, heating, cooling, electrical, and other contracting industries. The host of and contributors to this podcast take no responsibility for compliance with the laws or regulations that govern your specific business. The responsibility for making sure everything is compliant (among other things) is 100 percent yours. Before you implement any new information or forms, please check with your own trusted business advisers, including your own attorney, to make certain that the forms and the information you plan to implement will comply with all relevant laws, customs, and regulations.
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Attitude vs Behavior
02/03/2026
Attitude vs Behavior
You can't evaluate your employees based on attitude – that's subjective. You need to evaluate them based on something objective – behavior. Notice to listeners: The information in this book, along with the forms and structures provided, are meant to serve as a helpful reference guide for the plumbing, heating, cooling, electrical, and other contracting industries. The host of and contributors to this podcast take no responsibility for compliance with the laws or regulations that govern your specific business. The responsibility for making sure everything is compliant (among other things) is 100 percent yours. Before you implement any new information or forms, please check with your own trusted business advisers, including your own attorney, to make certain that the forms and the information you plan to implement will comply with all relevant laws, customs, and regulations.
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Who Should Buy the Tools?
01/20/2026
Who Should Buy the Tools?
Who should buy the tools – you or your techs? Here are some things to consider when making this decision. Find more resources at . Notice to listeners: The information in this book, along with the forms and structures provided, are meant to serve as a helpful reference guide for the plumbing, heating, cooling, electrical, and other contracting industries. The host of and contributors to this podcast take no responsibility for compliance with the laws or regulations that govern your specific business. The responsibility for making sure everything is compliant (among other things) is 100 percent yours. Before you implement any new information or forms, please check with your own trusted business advisers, including your own attorney, to make certain that the forms and the information you plan to implement will comply with all relevant laws, customs, and regulations.
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The Right Way to Build Field Supervisors
01/06/2026
The Right Way to Build Field Supervisors
What's the right way to build field supervisors? It's important that you don't appoint them but instead make ways for them to qualify for the position. Find more resources at . Notice to listeners: The information in this book, along with the forms and structures provided, are meant to serve as a helpful reference guide for the plumbing, heating, cooling, electrical, and other contracting industries. The host of and contributors to this podcast take no responsibility for compliance with the laws or regulations that govern your specific business. The responsibility for making sure everything is compliant (among other things) is 100 percent yours. Before you implement any new information or forms, please check with your own trusted business advisers, including your own attorney, to make certain that the forms and the information you plan to implement will comply with all relevant laws, customs, and regulations.
/episode/index/show/7powercontractor/id/39611730
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The Right Way to Bring Your Kids into the Business
12/16/2025
The Right Way to Bring Your Kids into the Business
What's the right way to bring your kids into the business? Remember, you owe them an opportunity, not a guarantee. Find more resources at . Notice to listeners: The information in this book, along with the forms and structures provided, are meant to serve as a helpful reference guide for the plumbing, heating, cooling, electrical, and other contracting industries. The host of and contributors to this podcast take no responsibility for compliance with the laws or regulations that govern your specific business. The responsibility for making sure everything is compliant (among other things) is 100 percent yours. Before you implement any new information or forms, please check with your own trusted business advisers, including your own attorney, to make certain that the forms and the information you plan to implement will comply with all relevant laws, customs, and regulations.
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Spending vs Investing
12/02/2025
Spending vs Investing
Spending money vs investing money – what's the difference? The key difference is that the money you invest will come back to you. Find more resources at . Notice to listeners: The information in this book, along with the forms and structures provided, are meant to serve as a helpful reference guide for the plumbing, heating, cooling, electrical, and other contracting industries. The host of and contributors to this podcast take no responsibility for compliance with the laws or regulations that govern your specific business. The responsibility for making sure everything is compliant (among other things) is 100 percent yours. Before you implement any new information or forms, please check with your own trusted business advisers, including your own attorney, to make certain that the forms and the information you plan to implement will comply with all relevant laws, customs, and regulations.
/episode/index/show/7powercontractor/id/39228465
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Don't Waste Your Marketing Dollars
11/18/2025
Don't Waste Your Marketing Dollars
How do you spend your marketing dollars well so you don't waste them? It all depends on these three things. Notice to listeners: The information in this book, along with the forms and structures provided, are meant to serve as a helpful reference guide for the plumbing, heating, cooling, electrical, and other contracting industries. The host of and contributors to this podcast take no responsibility for compliance with the laws or regulations that govern your specific business. The responsibility for making sure everything is compliant (among other things) is 100 percent yours. Before you implement any new information or forms, please check with your own trusted business advisers, including your own attorney, to make certain that the forms and the information you plan to implement will comply with all relevant laws, customs, and regulations.
/episode/index/show/7powercontractor/id/38825255
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Where Great Branding Begins
11/04/2025
Where Great Branding Begins
How do you begin branding (or rebranding) your contracting company? It all starts with your trucks. Learn why here! Notice to listeners: The information in this book, along with the forms and structures provided, are meant to serve as a helpful reference guide for the plumbing, heating, cooling, electrical, and other contracting industries. The host of and contributors to this podcast take no responsibility for compliance with the laws or regulations that govern your specific business. The responsibility for making sure everything is compliant (among other things) is 100 percent yours. Before you implement any new information or forms, please check with your own trusted business advisers, including your own attorney, to make certain that the forms and the information you plan to implement will comply with all relevant laws, customs, and regulations.
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The 60 Day Rule
10/21/2025
The 60 Day Rule
The 60 Day Rule helps restore trust with your team, and it helps you set expectations so that your staff will accept change. Here's how it works. Find more resources at . Notice to listeners: The information in this book, along with the forms and structures provided, are meant to serve as a helpful reference guide for the plumbing, heating, cooling, electrical, and other contracting industries. The host of and contributors to this podcast take no responsibility for compliance with the laws or regulations that govern your specific business. The responsibility for making sure everything is compliant (among other things) is 100 percent yours. Before you implement any new information or forms, please check with your own trusted business advisers, including your own attorney, to make certain that the forms and the information you plan to implement will comply with all relevant laws, customs, and regulations.
/episode/index/show/7powercontractor/id/38493255
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Buyer's Remorse and How to Handle It
10/07/2025
Buyer's Remorse and How to Handle It
How do you deal with buyer's remorse? Start acting proactively, not reactively. If you do enough work on the front end, it's less likely you'll have to deal with buyer's remorse on the back end. Find more resources at . Notice to listeners: The information in this book, along with the forms and structures provided, are meant to serve as a helpful reference guide for the plumbing, heating, cooling, electrical, and other contracting industries. The host of and contributors to this podcast take no responsibility for compliance with the laws or regulations that govern your specific business. The responsibility for making sure everything is compliant (among other things) is 100 percent yours. Before you implement any new information or forms, please check with your own trusted business advisers, including your own attorney, to make certain that the forms and the information you plan to implement will comply with all relevant laws, customs, and regulations.
/episode/index/show/7powercontractor/id/38493250
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How to Manage After Hours Calls
09/16/2025
How to Manage After Hours Calls
Are you a 24/7/365 shop? You might be wondering how you should manage after hours calls. Here's some advice. Notice to listeners: The information in this book, along with the forms and structures provided, are meant to serve as a helpful reference guide for the plumbing, heating, cooling, electrical, and other contracting industries. The host of and contributors to this podcast take no responsibility for compliance with the laws or regulations that govern your specific business. The responsibility for making sure everything is compliant (among other things) is 100 percent yours. Before you implement any new information or forms, please check with your own trusted business advisers, including your own attorney, to make certain that the forms and the information you plan to implement will comply with all relevant laws, customs, and regulations.
/episode/index/show/7powercontractor/id/37959540
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Your Managers Should Do Nothing... At First
09/02/2025
Your Managers Should Do Nothing... At First
If you're trying to get your company in order, don't start with training your managers. Start with those at the bottom, and work your way up. Once they're trained, then you can then focus on your managers' KPIs. Find more resources at . Notice to listeners: The information in this book, along with the forms and structures provided, are meant to serve as a helpful reference guide for the plumbing, heating, cooling, electrical, and other contracting industries. The host of and contributors to this podcast take no responsibility for compliance with the laws or regulations that govern your specific business. The responsibility for making sure everything is compliant (among other things) is 100 percent yours. Before you implement any new information or forms, please check with your own trusted business advisers, including your own attorney, to make certain that the forms and the information you plan to implement will comply with all relevant laws, customs, and regulations.
/episode/index/show/7powercontractor/id/37959510
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General Managers – What Should They Do?
08/19/2025
General Managers – What Should They Do?
Having general managers is important. But they, just like everyone else, must have their own KPIs. Find more resources at . Notice to listeners: The information in this book, along with the forms and structures provided, are meant to serve as a helpful reference guide for the plumbing, heating, cooling, electrical, and other contracting industries. The host of and contributors to this podcast take no responsibility for compliance with the laws or regulations that govern your specific business. The responsibility for making sure everything is compliant (among other things) is 100 percent yours. Before you implement any new information or forms, please check with your own trusted business advisers, including your own attorney, to make certain that the forms and the information you plan to implement will comply with all relevant laws, customs, and regulations.
/episode/index/show/7powercontractor/id/37678160
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What is Power Napping?
08/05/2025
What is Power Napping?
Busy day? A 15 to 20 minute power nap will get you recharged and ready for the second half of your day. Notice to listeners: The information in this book, along with the forms and structures provided, are meant to serve as a helpful reference guide for the plumbing, heating, cooling, electrical, and other contracting industries. The host of and contributors to this podcast take no responsibility for compliance with the laws or regulations that govern your specific business. The responsibility for making sure everything is compliant (among other things) is 100 percent yours. Before you implement any new information or forms, please check with your own trusted business advisers, including your own attorney, to make certain that the forms and the information you plan to implement will comply with all relevant laws, customs, and regulations.
/episode/index/show/7powercontractor/id/37678150
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What's a Call Booking Funnel?
07/15/2025
What's a Call Booking Funnel?
Do your CSRs have a call booking funnel? Here's what that is and why it's needed. Notice to listeners: The information in this book, along with the forms and structures provided, are meant to serve as a helpful reference guide for the plumbing, heating, cooling, electrical, and other contracting industries. The host of and contributors to this podcast take no responsibility for compliance with the laws or regulations that govern your specific business. The responsibility for making sure everything is compliant (among other things) is 100 percent yours. Before you implement any new information or forms, please check with your own trusted business advisers, including your own attorney, to make certain that the forms and the information you plan to implement will comply with all relevant laws, customs, and regulations.
/episode/index/show/7powercontractor/id/37228320
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Will They Leave if I Train Them?
07/01/2025
Will They Leave if I Train Them?
A lot of business owners are concerned that if they begin training their employees, they'll leave. In reality, when staff is trained properly, they actually stay, because they learn how they can grow in your company. Learn more in this episode. Notice to listeners: The information in this book, along with the forms and structures provided, are meant to serve as a helpful reference guide for the plumbing, heating, cooling, electrical, and other contracting industries. The host of and contributors to this podcast take no responsibility for compliance with the laws or regulations that govern your specific business. The responsibility for making sure everything is compliant (among other things) is 100 percent yours. Before you implement any new information or forms, please check with your own trusted business advisers, including your own attorney, to make certain that the forms and the information you plan to implement will comply with all relevant laws, customs, and regulations.
/episode/index/show/7powercontractor/id/37228305
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Acquiring a Company? Here's What to Consider.
06/17/2025
Acquiring a Company? Here's What to Consider.
If you're acquiring a new company, here's what you need to consider to make your acquisition successful. Notice to listeners: The information in this book, along with the forms and structures provided, are meant to serve as a helpful reference guide for the plumbing, heating, cooling, electrical, and other contracting industries. The host of and contributors to this podcast take no responsibility for compliance with the laws or regulations that govern your specific business. The responsibility for making sure everything is compliant (among other things) is 100 percent yours. Before you implement any new information or forms, please check with your own trusted business advisers, including your own attorney, to make certain that the forms and the information you plan to implement will comply with all relevant laws, customs, and regulations.
/episode/index/show/7powercontractor/id/36798880
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The 4 Steps of Corrective Action
06/03/2025
The 4 Steps of Corrective Action
Every shop needs a plan of corrective action to help get employees back on track. The 4 Steps of Corrective Action is the best plan to use. Learn more here! Notice to listeners: The information in this book, along with the forms and structures provided, are meant to serve as a helpful reference guide for the plumbing, heating, cooling, electrical, and other contracting industries. The host of and contributors to this podcast take no responsibility for compliance with the laws or regulations that govern your specific business. The responsibility for making sure everything is compliant (among other things) is 100 percent yours. Before you implement any new information or forms, please check with your own trusted business advisers, including your own attorney, to make certain that the forms and the information you plan to implement will comply with all relevant laws, customs, and regulations.
/episode/index/show/7powercontractor/id/36798890
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Urgent vs. Important
05/20/2025
Urgent vs. Important
Urgent vs. Important – what's the different? The two are not the same, and you need to know the difference. Listen in to find out more! Notice to listeners: The information in this book, along with the forms and structures provided, are meant to serve as a helpful reference guide for the plumbing, heating, cooling, electrical, and other contracting industries. The host of and contributors to this podcast take no responsibility for compliance with the laws or regulations that govern your specific business. The responsibility for making sure everything is compliant (among other things) is 100 percent yours. Before you implement any new information or forms, please check with your own trusted business advisers, including your own attorney, to make certain that the forms and the information you plan to implement will comply with all relevant laws, customs, and regulations.
/episode/index/show/7powercontractor/id/36446050
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Rent or Own?
05/06/2025
Rent or Own?
Asking, "Should I rent or own my company building?" Good question. Here's what you should consider. Find more resources at . Notice to listeners: The information in this book, along with the forms and structures provided, are meant to serve as a helpful reference guide for the plumbing, heating, cooling, electrical, and other contracting industries. The host of and contributors to this podcast take no responsibility for compliance with the laws or regulations that govern your specific business. The responsibility for making sure everything is compliant (among other things) is 100 percent yours. Before you implement any new information or forms, please check with your own trusted business advisers, including your own attorney, to make certain that the forms and the information you plan to implement will comply with all relevant laws, customs, and regulations.
/episode/index/show/7powercontractor/id/36446015
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Where Did the Money Go? with Ellen Rohr
04/25/2025
Where Did the Money Go? with Ellen Rohr
Why owners must own the financial manager box on the org chart and how contractors do much harder math in their job than is required to understand their accounting and financials. [:008 ] The value of Ellen's best selling book, "Where Did the Money Go?" [3:05 ] A budget tells you what you need to hit your goals—but only if the numbers you're using to create it are right. [7:49] The three most important KPIs you need to track. [12:07] The two reports that allow you to track those three things. Cost of goods sold. [16:03 ] Who you need to help you figure out your financial situation. [20:40] Real world accounting vs. tax accounting [22:17] Getting your team in on the game [24:09] Getting to a "Known Financial Position" or KFP, keeping reports up to date, and reviewing them weekly so you can make better more profitable financial decisions. [31:14] The 1-page dashboard report updated weekly that tells you everything you need to know. [37:57] The process of getting to a Known Financial Position. Fixing the easy stuff first. [40:36] How Frank J. Blau, Jr. tackled the low self esteem issue in the contracting industry. [52:49] How charging the right price gives you the ability to give bad customers their money back and focus on serving the good customers. [54:00] Script for building value for the right price with a customer. [55:00] Resources and People Mentioned (Schedule a demo) (Amazon) by Ellen Rohr and Helena Bouchez (Amazon) by Al Levi (Amazon) The Home Service Expert Podcast with Tommy Mello Find more resources at . Notice to listeners: The information in this book, along with the forms and structures provided, are meant to serve as a helpful reference guide for the plumbing, heating, cooling, electrical, and other contracting industries. The host of and contributors to this podcast take no responsibility for compliance with the laws or regulations that govern your specific business. The responsibility for making sure everything is compliant (among other things) is 100 percent yours. Before you implement any new information or forms, please check with your own trusted business advisers, including your own attorney, to make certain that the forms and the information you plan to implement will comply with all relevant laws, customs, and regulations.
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Should I or My Company Own the Building?
04/15/2025
Should I or My Company Own the Building?
Wondering if you or your business should own your building? Good question. Listen in for some ideas. Find more resources at . Notice to listeners: The information in this book, along with the forms and structures provided, are meant to serve as a helpful reference guide for the plumbing, heating, cooling, electrical, and other contracting industries. The host of and contributors to this podcast take no responsibility for compliance with the laws or regulations that govern your specific business. The responsibility for making sure everything is compliant (among other things) is 100 percent yours. Before you implement any new information or forms, please check with your own trusted business advisers, including your own attorney, to make certain that the forms and the information you plan to implement will comply with all relevant laws, customs, and regulations.
/episode/index/show/7powercontractor/id/35951340
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You Need a Price Book
04/01/2025
You Need a Price Book
You need your own price book, not someone else's. Don't believe me? Here's why... Find more resources at . Notice to listeners: The information in this book, along with the forms and structures provided, are meant to serve as a helpful reference guide for the plumbing, heating, cooling, electrical, and other contracting industries. The host of and contributors to this podcast take no responsibility for compliance with the laws or regulations that govern your specific business. The responsibility for making sure everything is compliant (among other things) is 100 percent yours. Before you implement any new information or forms, please check with your own trusted business advisers, including your own attorney, to make certain that the forms and the information you plan to implement will comply with all relevant laws, customs, and regulations.
/episode/index/show/7powercontractor/id/35951300
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The Power of Time Tracking
03/18/2025
The Power of Time Tracking
Do you know where your day goes? If you answer honestly, probably not. Start by filling out a time tracking sheet. You'll be surprised where your time is really going. Find more resources at . Notice to listeners: The information in this book, along with the forms and structures provided, are meant to serve as a helpful reference guide for the plumbing, heating, cooling, electrical, and other contracting industries. The host of and contributors to this podcast take no responsibility for compliance with the laws or regulations that govern your specific business. The responsibility for making sure everything is compliant (among other things) is 100 percent yours. Before you implement any new information or forms, please check with your own trusted business advisers, including your own attorney, to make certain that the forms and the information you plan to implement will comply with all relevant laws, customs, and regulations.
/episode/index/show/7powercontractor/id/35522920
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Job vs Career: Which Do You Offer?
03/04/2025
Job vs Career: Which Do You Offer?
Do you offer a job or a career? Employees aspire to have a career, and they need to understand their opportunities for growth within your company. Show them their career path using your org chart. Find more resources at . Notice to listeners: The information in this book, along with the forms and structures provided, are meant to serve as a helpful reference guide for the plumbing, heating, cooling, electrical, and other contracting industries. The host of and contributors to this podcast take no responsibility for compliance with the laws or regulations that govern your specific business. The responsibility for making sure everything is compliant (among other things) is 100 percent yours. Before you implement any new information or forms, please check with your own trusted business advisers, including your own attorney, to make certain that the forms and the information you plan to implement will comply with all relevant laws, customs, and regulations.
/episode/index/show/7powercontractor/id/35522875
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Divisions Create Divisiveness
02/18/2025
Divisions Create Divisiveness
Having many divisions in your company can create divisiveness among employees. Get rid of all the divisions, simplify, and help your employees feel like a team. Find more resources at . Notice to listeners: The information in this book, along with the forms and structures provided, are meant to serve as a helpful reference guide for the plumbing, heating, cooling, electrical, and other contracting industries. The host of and contributors to this podcast take no responsibility for compliance with the laws or regulations that govern your specific business. The responsibility for making sure everything is compliant (among other things) is 100 percent yours. Before you implement any new information or forms, please check with your own trusted business advisers, including your own attorney, to make certain that the forms and the information you plan to implement will comply with all relevant laws, customs, and regulations.
/episode/index/show/7powercontractor/id/35326425
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Let Go of Perfection
02/04/2025
Let Go of Perfection
No one can be a 10 out of 10 in all 7 areas of their business. But you don't have to be a 0 out of 10 in any of them either. So if you can let go of perfection, you're going to have wildly great success. Find more resources at . Notice to listeners: The information in this book, along with the forms and structures provided, are meant to serve as a helpful reference guide for the plumbing, heating, cooling, electrical, and other contracting industries. The host of and contributors to this podcast take no responsibility for compliance with the laws or regulations that govern your specific business. The responsibility for making sure everything is compliant (among other things) is 100 percent yours. Before you implement any new information or forms, please check with your own trusted business advisers, including your own attorney, to make certain that the forms and the information you plan to implement will comply with all relevant laws, customs, and regulations.
/episode/index/show/7powercontractor/id/35109210
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How to Bring People on after an Acquisition
01/21/2025
How to Bring People on after an Acquisition
You just closed an acquisition, and now new people are arriving at your company. How do you bring them on properly? Here's a tip! Notice to listeners: The information in this book, along with the forms and structures provided, are meant to serve as a helpful reference guide for the plumbing, heating, cooling, electrical, and other contracting industries. The host of and contributors to this podcast take no responsibility for compliance with the laws or regulations that govern your specific business. The responsibility for making sure everything is compliant (among other things) is 100 percent yours. Before you implement any new information or forms, please check with your own trusted business advisers, including your own attorney, to make certain that the forms and the information you plan to implement will comply with all relevant laws, customs, and regulations.
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