The TradeMarke

Bringing you insights, stories, and strategies from the heart of the industry. Whether you’re a trade professional, a marketing expert, or somewhere in-between–this is the place for you.We’re here for the big ideas, the game changers, and the everyday successes. At the Trademarke: we’re with the trades, and for the trades.

The TradeMarke is a business podcast hosted by Unknown Host, with 241 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80.

Unknown Host hosts The TradeMarke, a business show with 241 episodes published.

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  Episode #246

  The Hallway Is the Real Conference: Networking Tips That Actually Work

  Sep 24, 202641 min

  Conference season is here, and if you're heading to an event this fall, this one's for you. Jennifer from Evolve AC & Heating, Shauna Brown, and Katy Higgins from True Pros join Sarah to talk about how to actually make conferences worth the time and money — especially if networking doesn't come naturally to you. What we cover: - How to network at a conference when you're an introvert (you don't have to work the room) - Picking three weekly "rocks" — the few things that actually move the needle - The shiny-object trap: why most people come home with twenty ideas and implement zero - Why the most important session happens in the hallway, not the keynote - Beating change fatigue by bringing a teammate with you - Real connections beat business cards — use LinkedIn while you're there - How to pick the right conference for where your business is right now Quotable moments (real, from the episode): "Sometimes the most important session is the one that occurs in the hallway between the classrooms... that is how we all built this sense of community." "If you don't think about what you're going to the conference for, every presentation will seem like they're solving a problem for you — but it might not even be one that you have." "You can make five meaningful connections or you can collect 50 business cards. Which one's going to do you more good?" Connect with the guests: - Shauna Brown — lifelong trades operator; helped build a heating & cooling company in West Texas - Jennifer — co-owner of Evolve Air Conditioning, Heating & Plumbing, Las Vegas NV (family-owned, 9th year) - Katy Higgins — owner & founder of True Pros Plumbing, Heating & Air, Utah If this episode helped you, share it with someone who's heading to a conference this season — and tag @thetrademarke so we can say thanks. Subscribe to The TradeMarke wherever you listen: - Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1aggVfIOhDDRxYGTQGq4CJ - Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/id1542842220 - YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheTradeMarkePodcast-hl8qj

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  The TradeMarke

  AI, Data Centers, and the Future of the Trades with Eddie McFarlane

  Jul 24, 202634 min

  Eddie McFarlane returns to The TradeMarke Podcast for a wide-ranging conversation on the forces reshaping the trades right now: tariffs, refrigerant transitions, and an administration that keeps everyone guessing. But the real focus is what's next. Sarah and Eric dig into the AI data center boom, why it matters for HVAC and electrical contractors specifically, and why most people are using AI like a search engine instead of a thinking partner. Eddie shares why clean data beats more dashboards, how to actually get value out of tools like Claude, and why the fundamentals of good business still decide who wins. Plus: the Fosbury Flop, dirty data confessions, and a challenge to rethink data centers as a trades opportunity, not just a headline.

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  Episode #243

  The Future of Referrals in the Trades with Chelsea Fusselbaugh

  Jun 24, 202625 min

  In this episode of The TradeMarke Podcast, hosts Sarah Ghirardo and Eric Thomas sit down with Chelsea Fusselbaugh, Co-Founder of TradeEngage , to explore how referral marketing is transforming the home services industry. Chelsea shares how TradeEngage helps contractors turn word-of-mouth referrals into a scalable growth engine by connecting businesses, customers, and communities through a modern referral platform. The conversation dives into reducing customer acquisition costs, creating trusted referral networks, owning the customer relationship, and why referrals remain one of the most powerful growth channels available. The trio also discusses the role of AI in building smarter business systems, the future of community-driven marketing, and how contractors can leverage partnerships to grow without becoming overly dependent on paid advertising. Whether you're an HVAC, plumbing, electrical, or home service business owner, this episode will challenge the way you think about referrals, marketing spend, and long-term growth. Topics Covered: Building a referral flywheel that compounds over time Reducing customer acquisition costs Creating strategic partnerships with complementary trades Turning customers into brand advocates AI's impact on home service businesses Why trust and community still win in a digital world Listen now and discover how to turn your best customers and partners into your most valuable growth channel.

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  Episode #242

  Why Integrity Beats Price in the World's Biggest AC Market

  May 22, 202629 minS0

  <p >Houston, TX is the number one air conditioning city in the entire world. That means it's also one of the most cutthroat HVAC markets on the planet, dominated by private equity rollups, aggressive pricing games, and technicians who are taught to sell first and serve second.</p> <p >Donnivin Brown isn't playing that game.</p> <p >In this episode of The TradeMarke Podcast, Eric sits down with Donnivin, founder of Southern Comfort Heating and Air in Houston, TX, to talk about what it actually takes to build a values-driven trades business in a market stacked against the little guy...

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  Episode #240

  The Supply Chain, the Consumer Shift, and Why Your Brand Isn't Your OEM

  May 22, 202646 minS0

  <p >Max Benbrook, founder of Winsupply in Austin, Texas, joins Sarah and Eric to break down what five years of supply chain disruption has really taught the HVAC industry. From the just-in-time collapse during COVID to the slow death of OEM brand loyalty, Max pulls no punches on where contractors are leaving money on the table and what it takes to actually win in today's market.</p> <p >The conversation goes deep on procurement inefficiency, why 80% of contractors still won't show pricing online, and how the shift toward younger homeowners is changing everything about the sales conversation. Max also shares...

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