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OWNR OPS Podcast

OWNR OPS Podcast

By: Austin Gray @theownerop
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About this listen

Starting a business by offering a service to your local community is one of the greatest entrepreneurial opportunities of our time. While most people search for a remote job and try to build the next tech unicorn, you can start a business in your own back yard. Join your host, Austin Gray, as he shares tips from behind the scenes of starting and growing his own local service businesses in bite sized <10 min episodes. PLUS, tune in for special guest interviews, where Austin hosts other entrepreneurs who have started local service businesses in markets across the US.Austin Gray @theownerop Economics Leadership Management & Leadership
Episodes
  • How To Do SEO For Blue Collar Business
    Dec 19 2025

    💰Learn Google Business, Facebook Ads, and Automation tips for your Blue Collar Business ➡️ https://skool.com/ownrops


    Can AI actually run parts of your blue collar business better than you? Andy Walker thinks so—and he built the tools to prove it.


    In this episode, Austin Gray sits down with Andy, co-founder of Stryker Digital, who shares how he used ChatGPT, Claude, and Replit to build a custom retention system in just 10 days—something that would’ve taken 30 devs a full year.


    From SOP automation and speed-to-lead hacks to real-time customer health scores and AI lead qualification—this is a blueprint for the future of service-based businesses.


    You’ll learn:


    • Why “mega prompts” are the secret to getting elite AI outputs

    • How to automate SOP creation using ChatGPT’s Canvas tool

    • Andy’s AI sales system that flags churn risks before they happen

    • What tools and data you need to train an AI assistant

    • Why home service businesses are primed for an AI-powered takeover

    If you’re in HVAC, roofing, land clearing, or any service business—this episode gives you a look into how the pros are building the future with AI.


    🔥 Services We Use


    🔥We use Jobber to handle our estimates, scheduling, & invoicing➡️ Get 20% off Jobber here: https://go.getjobber.com/ownrops-youtube


    🚀 Get ranked #1 On Google With Stryker SEO: https://stryker-digital.com/?el=oo


    💰 Bookkeeping: Get 50% off bookkeeping for 3 months with the Home Service Bookkeeping Pros: https://dialedinbookkeeping.com/ownropsWant to learn more about starting and scaling your own service-based business?


    📩 Sign up for the OWNR OPS Newsletter: → https://ownrops.com/newsletterDon’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes with blue collar entrepreneurs sharing their best insights and growth tips!

    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 14 mins
  • How To Win More Jobs w/ Speed To Lead
    Dec 13 2025

    💰Learn Google Business, Facebook Ads, and Automation tips for your Blue Collar Business ➡️⁠ https://skool.com/ownrops⁠


    Can you really make 6 figures in 60 days—and still run a tight, high-ticket business? Steve Hunsaker proves it's possible.


    In this episode, Austin Gray sits down with Steve, founder of Valley Christmas Lights and Home Service Accelerator, who shares the exact systems, sales playbook, and paid ad strategies behind his explosive seasonal success.


    From postcard ROI and CRM attribution to speed-to-lead systems and why he won’t train competitors in his own market—this is a masterclass in building lean, profitable service ops.


    You’ll learn:


    • How Steve turned $5K in postcard ads into $28.5K in October sales

    • Why accurate lead tracking is non-negotiable for growth

    • The speed-to-lead system that outpaces every competitor

    • Why sticking to high pricing builds a better business long-term

    • How to avoid being “busy but broke” in seasonal services

    If you’re in lights, landscaping, junk removal, or any local service business—this episode is packed with tactical clarity.


    🔥 Services We Use 🔥


    We use Jobber to handle our estimates, scheduling, & invoicing ➡️ Get 20% off Jobber here:⁠ https://go.getjobber.com/ownrops-youtube⁠


    🚀 Get ranked #1 On Google With Stryker SEO:⁠ https://stryker-digital.com/?el=oo⁠


    💰 Bookkeeping: Get 50% off bookkeeping for 3 months with the Home Service Bookkeeping Pros:⁠ https://dialedinbookkeeping.com/ownrops⁠


    Want to learn more about starting and scaling your own service-based business?


    📩 Sign up for the OWNR OPS Newsletter: →⁠ https://ownrops.com/newsletter⁠


    Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes with blue collar entrepreneurs sharing their best insights and growth tips!

    Show More Show Less
    2 hrs and 27 mins
  • How to Price Land Clearing Jobs: 3 Rules for Better Clients and Profit (with Jacob Nefendorf)
    Dec 5 2025

    💰Learn Google Business, Facebook Ads, and Automation tips for your Blue Collar Business ➡️https://skool.com/ownrops


    How should land clearing operators price their jobs in 2025?


    In this episode, Austin Gray sits down with Jacob Neffendorf, founder of Land Clearing Growth, to unpack everything from day rates vs. project pricing to instant estimate tools, client education, and why pricing transparency actually drives better leads.


    Jacob shares what’s working right now across 120+ land clearing companies—from pricing psychology and “good, better, best” packages to avoiding tire kickers, improving qualification, and marketing smarter on Facebook.


    You’ll learn:


    • Why job-based pricing usually beats hourly or day rates

    • How to use estimate tools to qualify leads before you ever pick up the phone

    • The top mistakes new operators make when pricing their first few jobs

    • How to get local Facebook content ranking on Google

    • What mindset shift Jacob says will unlock better clients (and more profit)


      If you're in land clearing, fire mitigation, or any blue-collar service business—this episode is packed with tactical, field-tested insights you can apply today.


    🔥 Services We Use 🔥


    We use Jobber to handle our estimates, scheduling, & invoicing ➡️ Get 20% off Jobber here: https://go.getjobber.com/ownrops-youtube


    📞 QUO- Business Phone System That Scales With You: Get 20% off your first 3 months. https://www.quo.com/


    🚀 Get ranked #1 On Google With Stryker SEO: https://stryker-digital.com/?el=oo


    Want to learn more about starting and scaling your own service-based business?


    📩 Sign up for the OWNR OPS Newsletter: → https://ownrops.com/newsletter

    Show More Show Less
    46 mins
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