Episodi

  • Scaling Pest Control: Adam Caraceon AI, Growth Strategies, and Freedom in Business
    Jun 19 2026

    In this episode of the Big Hitters podcast, Andrew Hathaway speaks with Adam Carace, owner of Pest End, a pest control company based in New Hampshire. Adam shares the origins of Pest End, which started in 1977, and how it has grown significantly under his leadership. The conversation delves into the strategies that have contributed to their growth, including a focus on local service, effective marketing, and the integration of technology such as AI and virtual assistants. Adam discusses the challenges faced in the pest control industry, particularly with emerging pests like rats and ticks, and emphasizes the importance of customer service and team dynamics in driving success. The episode concludes with insights into the future of AI in the pest control industry and the collaborative nature of the business community. In this engaging conversation, Adam Carace and Andrew Hathaway explore the rapid evolution of AI tools, particularly Claude, and their impact on business growth. They discuss the importance of strategic partnerships, navigating tax strategies for increased profitability, and the role of executive assistants in enhancing productivity. The dialogue emphasizes the need for high-quality talent and the potential of AI to maximize efficiency in business operations. The conversation concludes with a commitment to collaboration and finding the right resources to support business owners.

    Support our Sponsors:

    🤝 Thank you to Paul Maskill of Blue Collar Business Advisors. Blue Collar Business Advisors helps home service business owners create consistent, positive cash flow through fractional CFO services.

    Website: https://thebluecollaradvisors.com/

    Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paul_maskill/

    Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulmaskill/

    🤝 Thank you to Brian Dukes of Exitwise. Exitwise is a full-service M&A advisory firm that helps business owners sell their companies for more money.

    Website: https://www.exitwise.com

    Follow on Instagram: N/A

    Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brdukes/

    🤝 Thank you to Joe Work of 10xnerds. 10xnerds saves business owners cash by analyzing their outgoing expenses, trimming the expense fat, and optimizing the cash flow.

    Website: https://10xnerds.com/

    Follow on Instagram: N/A

    Connect on LinkedIn: N/A

    🤝 Thank you to Michael Rutkowski of Rutkowski Law Firm. Rutkowski Law Firm helps Michigan business owners protect their personal and business assets by designing and implementing comprehensive estate and asset protection plans.

    Website: https://rutkowskilawfirm.com/

    Follow on Instagram: N/A

    Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.facebook.com/rutkowskilawfirm/

    🤝 Thank you to Silas Lagoy of Forgemark LLC. Forgemark LLC is a fractional family office financial planning company that specializes in merging real estate, business, and finance to create holistic wealth management plans for its clients.

    Website: https://forgemarkprivatewealth.com/

    Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/silaslagoy/

    Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/silas-lagoy-senior-marketing-director-421b9b1bb/

    Stream on Other Platforms:

    📺 Big Hitters on Youtube

    🎙️ Big Hitters on Spotify

    🎧 Big Hitters on Apple Podcasts

    Connect with Andrew:

    Follow on Instagram

    Follow on Facebook

    Follow on TikTok

    Connect on LinkedIn

    Hathaway Companies Website

    Virtual Assist Website

    Freedom AI Website

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    28 min
  • Scaling Plumbing Success: Gustavo Suarez on AI, Customer Service, and Business Freedom
    Jun 18 2026

    In this episode of the Big Hitters podcast, Chase Megyeri speaks with Gustavo Suarez, the owner of Leak Wranglers, who discusses the journey of his plumbing business from its inception to its current state. They explore the rapid growth of the company, the challenges faced along the way, and the lessons learned in managing operations and marketing. Gustavo shares insights on the importance of understanding financials, the significance of customer service, and the strategies implemented to streamline operations and ensure profitability. In this conversation, Gustavo Suarez discusses his multifaceted role in his plumbing business, emphasizing the importance of marketing strategies, customer experience, and the integration of AI in operations. He shares insights on managing growth, financial challenges, and his aspirations for future expansion, including the impact he hopes to have on his employees and the community. The discussion highlights the significance of virtual assistants in streamlining business processes and enhancing productivity.

    Support our Sponsors:

    🤝 Thank you to Paul Maskill of Blue Collar Business Advisors. Blue Collar Business Advisors helps home service business owners create consistent, positive cash flow through fractional CFO services.

    Website: https://thebluecollaradvisors.com/

    Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paul_maskill/

    Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulmaskill/

    🤝 Thank you to Brian Dukes of Exitwise. Exitwise is a full-service M&A advisory firm that helps business owners sell their companies for more money.

    Website: https://www.exitwise.com

    Follow on Instagram: N/A

    Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brdukes/

    🤝 Thank you to Joe Work of 10xnerds. 10xnerds saves business owners cash by analyzing their outgoing expenses, trimming the expense fat, and optimizing the cash flow.

    Website: https://10xnerds.com/

    Follow on Instagram: N/A

    Connect on LinkedIn: N/A

    🤝 Thank you to Michael Rutkowski of Rutkowski Law Firm. Rutkowski Law Firm helps Michigan business owners protect their personal and business assets by designing and implementing comprehensive estate and asset protection plans.

    Website: https://rutkowskilawfirm.com/

    Follow on Instagram: N/A

    Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.facebook.com/rutkowskilawfirm/

    🤝 Thank you to Silas Lagoy of Forgemark LLC. Forgemark LLC is a fractional family office financial planning company that specializes in merging real estate, business, and finance to create holistic wealth management plans for its clients.

    Website: https://forgemarkprivatewealth.com/

    Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/silaslagoy/

    Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/silas-lagoy-senior-marketing-director-421b9b1bb/

    Stream on Other Platforms:

    📺 Big Hitters on Youtube

    🎙️ Big Hitters on Spotify

    🎧 Big Hitters on Apple Podcasts

    Connect with Andrew:

    Follow on Instagram

    Follow on Facebook

    Follow on TikTok

    Connect on LinkedIn

    Hathaway Companies Website

    Virtual Assist Website

    Freedom AI Website

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    38 min
  • Building Trust in the Trades: Karen Crnkovich on Culture and Transparency at DMC
    Jun 18 2026

    In this episode of the Big Hitters podcast, Andrew Hathaway speaks with Karen Crnkovich, owner of DMC Service, a commercial heating, cooling, and plumbing company. Karen shares her journey in the trades, the challenges of running a business, and her commitment to transparency and integrity in pricing. She discusses the importance of building a strong team, the difficulties in hiring skilled labor, and her innovative approach to company culture. Additionally, Karen reveals her political aspirations and the need for fiscal responsibility in local government, emphasizing the importance of community engagement and transparency.

    Support our Sponsors:

    🤝 Thank you to Paul Maskill of Blue Collar Business Advisors. Blue Collar Business Advisors helps home service business owners create consistent, positive cash flow through fractional CFO services.

    Website: https://thebluecollaradvisors.com/

    Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paul_maskill/

    Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulmaskill/

    🤝 Thank you to Brian Dukes of Exitwise. Exitwise is a full-service M&A advisory firm that helps business owners sell their companies for more money.

    Website: https://www.exitwise.com

    Follow on Instagram: N/A

    Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brdukes/

    🤝 Thank you to Joe Work of 10xnerds. 10xnerds saves business owners cash by analyzing their outgoing expenses, trimming the expense fat, and optimizing the cash flow.

    Website: https://10xnerds.com/

    Follow on Instagram: N/A

    Connect on LinkedIn: N/A

    🤝 Thank you to Michael Rutkowski of Rutkowski Law Firm. Rutkowski Law Firm helps Michigan business owners protect their personal and business assets by designing and implementing comprehensive estate and asset protection plans.

    Website: https://rutkowskilawfirm.com/

    Follow on Instagram: N/A

    Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.facebook.com/rutkowskilawfirm/

    🤝 Thank you to Silas Lagoy of Forgemark LLC. Forgemark LLC is a fractional family office financial planning company that specializes in merging real estate, business, and finance to create holistic wealth management plans for its clients.

    Website: https://forgemarkprivatewealth.com/

    Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/silaslagoy/

    Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/silas-lagoy-senior-marketing-director-421b9b1bb/

    Stream on Other Platforms:

    📺 Big Hitters on Youtube

    🎙️ Big Hitters on Spotify

    🎧 Big Hitters on Apple Podcasts

    Connect with Andrew:

    Follow on Instagram

    Follow on Facebook

    Follow on TikTok

    Connect on LinkedIn

    Hathaway Companies Website

    Virtual Assist Website

    Freedom AI Website

    Mostra di più Mostra meno
    29 min
  • Building Greatness: Elia Kirby on Arts Growth, Team Leadership, and Authenticity
    Jun 18 2026

    In this episode of the Big Hitters podcast, Chase Megyeri speaks with Elia Kirby, founder of Great Northern Way Scene Shop, who discusses the evolution of the arts community in Vancouver, the challenges and growth of his business, and the impact of digital transformation on the industry. He emphasizes the importance of community engagement, the gig economy, and the positive trends towards inclusivity and environmental awareness in the arts. In this conversation, Elia Kirby discusses the significance of authenticity in business, sharing insights from his experiences in the creative industry. He reflects on memorable projects, the impact of public art on community engagement, and offers advice for aspiring entrepreneurs. Elia emphasizes the importance of leadership, team cohesion, and supporting local talent while addressing generational shifts in the workforce.

    Support our Sponsors:

    🤝 Thank you to Paul Maskill of Blue Collar Business Advisors. Blue Collar Business Advisors helps home service business owners create consistent, positive cash flow through fractional CFO services.

    Website: https://thebluecollaradvisors.com/

    Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paul_maskill/

    Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulmaskill/

    🤝 Thank you to Brian Dukes of Exitwise. Exitwise is a full-service M&A advisory firm that helps business owners sell their companies for more money.

    Website: https://www.exitwise.com

    Follow on Instagram: N/A

    Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brdukes/

    🤝 Thank you to Joe Work of 10xnerds. 10xnerds saves business owners cash by analyzing their outgoing expenses, trimming the expense fat, and optimizing the cash flow.

    Website: https://10xnerds.com/

    Follow on Instagram: N/A

    Connect on LinkedIn: N/A

    🤝 Thank you to Michael Rutkowski of Rutkowski Law Firm. Rutkowski Law Firm helps Michigan business owners protect their personal and business assets by designing and implementing comprehensive estate and asset protection plans.

    Website: https://rutkowskilawfirm.com/

    Follow on Instagram: N/A

    Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.facebook.com/rutkowskilawfirm/

    🤝 Thank you to Silas Lagoy of Forgemark LLC. Forgemark LLC is a fractional family office financial planning company that specializes in merging real estate, business, and finance to create holistic wealth management plans for its clients.

    Website: https://forgemarkprivatewealth.com/

    Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/silaslagoy/

    Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/silas-lagoy-senior-marketing-director-421b9b1bb/

    Stream on Other Platforms:

    📺 Big Hitters on Youtube

    🎙️ Big Hitters on Spotify

    🎧 Big Hitters on Apple Podcasts

    Connect with Andrew:

    Follow on Instagram

    Follow on Facebook

    Follow on TikTok

    Connect on LinkedIn

    Hathaway Companies Website

    Virtual Assist Website

    Freedom AI Website

    Mostra di più Mostra meno
    38 min
  • Mastering Luxury Catering: Tim Mitchell on AI, Client Relationships, and Scaling
    Jun 18 2026

    In this episode of the Big Hitters podcast, Chase Megyeri speaks with Tim Mitchell, founder and CEO of Monja Catering Company, who shares his journey in the catering industry, emphasizing the importance of luxury events and client relationships. He discusses the evolution of his business, the challenges faced in catering logistics, and how leveraging technology, particularly AI, is transforming operations. Tim highlights the significance of details in creating memorable experiences and the role of relationships in sustaining business growth. In this conversation, Tim Mitchell discusses the transformative impact of AI on business efficiency, sharing insights into his daily routine as a founder, the importance of building a personal brand, and memorable events he has catered. He also highlights the role of virtual assistants in enhancing productivity and business growth.

    Support our Sponsors:

    🤝 Thank you to Paul Maskill of Blue Collar Business Advisors. Blue Collar Business Advisors helps home service business owners create consistent, positive cash flow through fractional CFO services.

    Website: https://thebluecollaradvisors.com/

    Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paul_maskill/

    Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulmaskill/

    🤝 Thank you to Brian Dukes of Exitwise. Exitwise is a full-service M&A advisory firm that helps business owners sell their companies for more money.

    Website: https://www.exitwise.com

    Follow on Instagram: N/A

    Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brdukes/

    🤝 Thank you to Joe Work of 10xnerds. 10xnerds saves business owners cash by analyzing their outgoing expenses, trimming the expense fat, and optimizing the cash flow.

    Website: https://10xnerds.com/

    Follow on Instagram: N/A

    Connect on LinkedIn: N/A

    🤝 Thank you to Michael Rutkowski of Rutkowski Law Firm. Rutkowski Law Firm helps Michigan business owners protect their personal and business assets by designing and implementing comprehensive estate and asset protection plans.

    Website: https://rutkowskilawfirm.com/

    Follow on Instagram: N/A

    Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.facebook.com/rutkowskilawfirm/

    🤝 Thank you to Silas Lagoy of Forgemark LLC. Forgemark LLC is a fractional family office financial planning company that specializes in merging real estate, business, and finance to create holistic wealth management plans for its clients.

    Website: https://forgemarkprivatewealth.com/

    Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/silaslagoy/

    Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/silas-lagoy-senior-marketing-director-421b9b1bb/

    Stream on Other Platforms:

    📺 Big Hitters on Youtube

    🎙️ Big Hitters on Spotify

    🎧 Big Hitters on Apple Podcasts

    Connect with Andrew:

    Follow on Instagram

    Follow on Facebook

    Follow on TikTok

    Connect on LinkedIn

    Hathaway Companies Website

    Virtual Assist Website

    Freedom AI Website

    Mostra di più Mostra meno
    34 min
  • Mastering IT Scalability: David McKernan on AI, Systems, and Entrepreneurial Growth
    Jun 18 2026

    In this episode of the Big Hitters podcast, Andrew Hathaway speaks with David McKernan, co-founder of Limitless Technical Solutions, discussing the company's rapid growth, service offerings, and the challenges faced in the IT industry. David shares insights on personal development through coaching, the importance of AI integration, and the impact of daily non-negotiables on his productivity. The conversation highlights the significance of word-of-mouth marketing and the need for effective systems in place to sustain growth.

    Support our Sponsors:

    🤝 Thank you to Paul Maskill of Blue Collar Business Advisors. Blue Collar Business Advisors helps home service business owners create consistent, positive cash flow through fractional CFO services.

    Website: https://thebluecollaradvisors.com/

    Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paul_maskill/

    Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulmaskill/

    🤝 Thank you to Brian Dukes of Exitwise. Exitwise is a full-service M&A advisory firm that helps business owners sell their companies for more money.

    Website: https://www.exitwise.com

    Follow on Instagram: N/A

    Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brdukes/

    🤝 Thank you to Joe Work of 10xnerds. 10xnerds saves business owners cash by analyzing their outgoing expenses, trimming the expense fat, and optimizing the cash flow.

    Website: https://10xnerds.com/

    Follow on Instagram: N/A

    Connect on LinkedIn: N/A

    🤝 Thank you to Michael Rutkowski of Rutkowski Law Firm. Rutkowski Law Firm helps Michigan business owners protect their personal and business assets by designing and implementing comprehensive estate and asset protection plans.

    Website: https://rutkowskilawfirm.com/

    Follow on Instagram: N/A

    Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.facebook.com/rutkowskilawfirm/

    🤝 Thank you to Silas Lagoy of Forgemark LLC. Forgemark LLC is a fractional family office financial planning company that specializes in merging real estate, business, and finance to create holistic wealth management plans for its clients.

    Website: https://forgemarkprivatewealth.com/

    Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/silaslagoy/

    Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/silas-lagoy-senior-marketing-director-421b9b1bb/

    Stream on Other Platforms:

    📺 Big Hitters on Youtube

    🎙️ Big Hitters on Spotify

    🎧 Big Hitters on Apple Podcasts

    Connect with Andrew:

    Follow on Instagram

    Follow on Facebook

    Follow on TikTok

    Connect on LinkedIn

    Hathaway Companies Website

    Virtual Assist Website

    Freedom AI Website

    Mostra di più Mostra meno
    32 min
  • Scaling Trades and Faith: Jason Parris on Equity, Technology, and Spiritual Leadership
    Jun 18 2026

    In this episode of the Big Hitters podcast, Andrew Hathaway speaks with Jason Parris who shares his journey from aspiring nurse to successful entrepreneur, detailing the founding of Paris Painting and Olive Holdings. He discusses the unique challenges of the painting industry, particularly around equity and scaling businesses. Jason emphasizes the importance of cash flow and a buy-and-hold strategy in investments. He also highlights the integration of technology and AI in business operations, while sharing his personal passions for running, family, and spirituality. The discussion touches on the role of faith in business and the challenges of navigating the spiritual landscape in today's world. In this conversation, Andrew Hathaway and Jason discuss the emerging movement of spiritual leadership within the blue-collar workforce, emphasizing the need for a reformation in church models and the importance of empowering individuals in the marketplace. They explore the challenges of education and parenting in today's society, particularly regarding the influence of public schools. The discussion also touches on the slow adoption of technology in the trades and the potential for strategic partnerships to enhance business growth and community impact.

    Support our Sponsors:

    🤝 Thank you to Paul Maskill of Blue Collar Business Advisors. Blue Collar Business Advisors helps home service business owners create consistent, positive cash flow through fractional CFO services.

    Website: https://thebluecollaradvisors.com/

    Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paul_maskill/

    Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulmaskill/

    🤝 Thank you to Brian Dukes of Exitwise. Exitwise is a full-service M&A advisory firm that helps business owners sell their companies for more money.

    Website: https://www.exitwise.com

    Follow on Instagram: N/A

    Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brdukes/

    🤝 Thank you to Joe Work of 10xnerds. 10xnerds saves business owners cash by analyzing their outgoing expenses, trimming the expense fat, and optimizing the cash flow.

    Website: https://10xnerds.com/

    Follow on Instagram: N/A

    Connect on LinkedIn: N/A

    🤝 Thank you to Michael Rutkowski of Rutkowski Law Firm. Rutkowski Law Firm helps Michigan business owners protect their personal and business assets by designing and implementing comprehensive estate and asset protection plans.

    Website: https://rutkowskilawfirm.com/

    Follow on Instagram: N/A

    Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.facebook.com/rutkowskilawfirm/

    🤝 Thank you to Silas Lagoy of Forgemark LLC. Forgemark LLC is a fractional family office financial planning company that specializes in merging real estate, business, and finance to create holistic wealth management plans for its clients.

    Website: https://forgemarkprivatewealth.com/

    Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/silaslagoy/

    Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/silas-lagoy-senior-marketing-director-421b9b1bb/

    Stream on Other Platforms:

    📺 Big Hitters on Youtube

    🎙️ Big Hitters on Spotify

    🎧 Big Hitters on Apple Podcasts

    Connect with Andrew:

    Follow on Instagram

    Follow on Facebook

    Follow on TikTok

    Connect on LinkedIn

    Hathaway Companies Website

    Virtual Assist Website

    Freedom AI Website

    Mostra di più Mostra meno
    36 min
  • Scaling Home Services: Tommy Mello on Profit, Faith, and Delegation in Business
    Jun 17 2026

    In this episode of the Big Hitters podcast, Andrew Hathaway speaks with Tommy Mello, founder of A1 Garage Doors. He shares his remarkable journey from painting garage doors at 22 to leading a multi-million dollar business. He discusses the challenges he faced, the importance of having a great team, and how private equity has played a role in his growth. Tommy also shares a personal story about faith and family that has shaped his business philosophy. He emphasizes the significance of understanding business metrics and encourages entrepreneurs to dream big while being realistic about the hard work involved. Additionally, he talks about his coaching program and the upcoming Home Service Freedom event, aimed at helping others in the home service industry succeed. In this engaging conversation, Tommy Mello shares insights on the home service industry, emphasizing the importance of profit, networking, and hiring for hospitality over technical skills. He discusses how faith influences his business decisions and the significance of creating memorable experiences with family. Mello also highlights the role of AI and virtual assistants in enhancing business efficiency, while advocating for collaboration within the industry. The discussion wraps up with a focus on the future of blue-collar work and the importance of creating impact and freedom for business owners.

    Support our Sponsors:

    🤝 Thank you to Brian Dukes of Exitwise. Exitwise is a full-service M&A advisory firm that helps business owners sell their companies for more money.

    Website: https://www.exitwise.com

    Follow on Instagram: N/A

    Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brdukes/

    🤝 Thank you to Joe Work of 10xnerds. 10xnerds saves business owners cash by analyzing their outgoing expenses, trimming the expense fat, and optimizing the cash flow.

    Website: https://10xnerds.com/

    Follow on Instagram: N/A

    Connect on LinkedIn: N/A

    🤝 Thank you to Michael Rutkowski of Rutkowski Law Firm. Rutkowski Law Firm helps Michigan business owners protect their personal and business assets by designing and implementing comprehensive estate and asset protection plans.

    Website: https://rutkowskilawfirm.com/

    Follow on Instagram: N/A

    Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.facebook.com/rutkowskilawfirm/

    🤝 Thank you to Silas Lagoy of Forgemark LLC. Forgemark LLC is a fractional family office financial planning company that specializes in merging real estate, business, and finance to create holistic wealth management plans for its clients.

    Website: https://forgemarkprivatewealth.com/

    Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/silaslagoy/

    Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/silas-lagoy-senior-marketing-director-421b9b1bb/

    Stream on Other Platforms:

    📺 Big Hitters on Youtube

    🎙️ Big Hitters on Spotify

    🎧 Big Hitters on Apple Podcasts

    Connect with Andrew:

    Follow on Instagram

    Follow on Facebook

    Follow on TikTok

    Connect on LinkedIn

    Hathaway Companies Website

    Virtual Assist Website

    Freedom AI Website

    Mostra di più Mostra meno
    42 min