The GPS Podcast - Navigating Small Business Growth

In this special episode of the GPS Podcast, we’re joined by Kelley Dolan, Violand Business Development Advisor, and Jim Eckard, CFO of Thomasville Restoration, to unpack the Restoration Industry Association’s Cost of Doing Business Report powered by KnowHow.
 
Together, they dive into what the data reveals about profitability, labor costs, technology investments, and the real challenges restoration companies face in 2025 and beyond. Whether you’re an owner, manager, or financial leader, this conversation will help you benchmark your business and make more strategic, data-driven decisions.
 
Download RIAs Cost of Doing Business Report: https://www.costofrestoration.com/download-the-report
 
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Apple: https://apple.co/42EB8Vp
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/40Ne6ZW
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3Q3viW7
iHeartRadio: https://bit.ly/3Ene5o6
 
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What’s the real secret behind earning 5-star Google reviews and loyal customers? It’s not discounts—it’s trust. In this episode of the GPS Podcast, we sit down with Ed Marchiselli, founder and CEO of The Seal, to talk about how service businesses can build credibility, earn authentic reviews, and win customers for life.
 
Key Takeaways:
How building genuine trust leads to long-term customer loyalty
How to ask for (and get) more Google reviews the right way
The connection between technician soft skills and reputation
How to handle negative reviews without hurting your brand
 
Learn more about The Seal: https://theseal.com/
Secure your spot at Violand's Business Planning Retreats before time runs out! https://violandplanning.com/
 
Listen on:
YouTube: https://bit.ly/4hJfqUz
Apple: https://apple.co/42EB8Vp
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/40Ne6ZW
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3Q3viW7
iHeartRadio: https://bit.ly/3Ene5o6
 
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Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ViolandManagement
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/violand-management-associates
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/violand_management/

AI isn’t here to replace the trades — it’s here to make them better. In this episode of the GPS Podcast, we’re joined by LiveSwitch CRO James Hatfield and Violand’s Kelley Dolan to talk about how AI + live video are reshaping workflows in restoration, HVAC, plumbing, and beyond.
We dig into:
How LiveSwitch tools streamline jobsite documentation and reporting
Why AI-powered workflows save time and reduce costly callbacks
The balance between human connection and technology in the trades
What owners and managers should know when adopting AI
If you’re curious about how technology can support your team, improve efficiency, and build stronger customer trust, this episode is packed with insights you can put to work right away.
 
Register for Violand's Business Planning Retreats: https://bit.ly/3IsY95O
 
About LiveSwitch: LiveSwitch is the world-leading communications platform for small businesses and entrepreneurs. We provide world-class technologies to help small businesses thrive–directly saving them money, making them money, saving them time, and helping them serve their customers better. Virtual estimates, on-site documentation, and AI built for small businesses are some of the many offerings we provide. We use innovative video and photo technologies to achieve this.
Book a Demo: https://book-a-demo.referral-factory.com/uuZqB0mu
Website: https://www.liveswitch.com/
Start your free trial: https://www.liveswitch.com/contact-signup
Coupon: Use code "GPS10" for 10% off at checkout!
 
Listen on: Apple: https://apple.co/42EB8Vp
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/40Ne6ZW
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3Q3viW7
iHeartRadio: https://bit.ly/3Ene5o6
 
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Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ViolandManagement
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/violand-management-associates
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/violand_management/

Starting a business is never easy. Starting one with only $5,000, no safety net, and a baby on the way? That’s exactly what Marvin Williams faced when he founded Recon Restoration. His story is about more than building a business—it’s about resilience, faith, and finding purpose through second chances.
 
In this episode of The GPS Podcast, we sit down with Marvin to hear how he:✔ Overcame addiction and personal setbacks to rebuild his life✔ Took the leap with just $5K to start Recon Restoration✔ Balanced urgency and rapid growth without burning out the team✔ Built a culture of second chances and community involvement
 
Whether you’re starting a business, chasing a dream, or overcoming your own challenges, this podcast will inspire you to keep moving forward.
 
Register for Violand's Business Planning Retreats: https://bit.ly/3IsY95O
Learn more about Recon Restoration: https://reconrestorationms.com/
 
Listen on:
YouTube: https://bit.ly/4hJfqUz
Apple: https://apple.co/42EB8Vp
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/40Ne6ZW
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3Q3viW7
iHeartRadio: https://bit.ly/3Ene5o6
 
Follow us on socials!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ViolandManagement
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/violand-management-associates
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/violand_management/

Jeff Jones welcomes advisor Rob Curran to the GPS Podcast to explore how trades industry companies can succeed in commercial sales by developing strong teams and effective leadership. Rob shares lessons from his experience in operations and sales, offering practical guidance on managing long sales cycles, avoiding common mistakes, and building lasting client relationships. This episode provides leaders with clear strategies to grow their commercial business and create a sustainable sales division.
 
Register for Violand's Business Planning Retreats: https://bit.ly/3IsY95O
 
Listen on:
YouTube: https://bit.ly/4hJfqUz
Apple: https://apple.co/42EB8Vp
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/40Ne6ZW
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3Q3viW7
iHeartRadio: https://bit.ly/3Ene5o6
 
Follow us on socials!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ViolandManagement
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/violand-management-associates
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/violand_management/

On this episode of The GPS Podcast, Jeff Jones welcomes entrepreneur Chris Garrison for a conversation on building thriving businesses in the blue collar world. Chris shares his journey from starting a small cleaning company to running multiple profitable ventures, creating a community of over 230,000 business owners, and developing systems that make growth sustainable. This episode is packed with insights on leadership, opportunity, and staying focused in a world full of distractions.
 
Register for Violand's Business Planning Retreats: https://bit.ly/3IsY95O
Learn more about Absolute Cleaning & Restoration: https://absolutecleaningms.com/
Learn more about Blue Collar Millionaire: https://bluecollarmillionaire.net/
 
Listen on:
YouTube: https://bit.ly/4hJfqUz
Apple: https://apple.co/42EB8Vp
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/40Ne6ZW
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3Q3viW7
iHeartRadio: https://bit.ly/3Ene5o6
 
Follow us on socials!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ViolandManagement
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/violand-management-associates
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/violand_management/

Are you struggling to attract and retain Gen Z or Millennial technicians in your restoration, construction, or home services business? In this episode of the GPS Podcast, Jeff Jones sits down with Larry Wilberton and Eric Sprague from Super Tech University to discuss proven strategies for hiring, coaching, and keeping top talent in the trades. Discover how soft skills training, team culture, and modern leadership can help you build a five-star workforce and stand out in today’s competitive market.
 
Register for Violand’s Business Planning Retreats: https://bit.ly/3IsY95O
Learn more about Super Tech University: https://supertechu.com/
 
Listen on:
YouTube: https://bit.ly/4hJfqUz
Apple: https://apple.co/42EB8Vp
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/40Ne6ZW
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3Q3viW7
iHeartRadio: https://bit.ly/3Ene5o6
 
Follow us on socials!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ViolandManagement
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/violand-management-associates
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/violand_management/

What does it take to buy a magazine and turn it into a leading voice in the restoration industry? Michelle Blevins, owner of C&R Magazine, shares her story of entrepreneurship, team building, and industry innovation. Learn about the challenges and rewards of running a media business in the trades, the power of great content, and the key issues facing restoration professionals today.
 
Ready to reach the next level in your business? Schedule your free consultation: https://bit.ly/violand-coaching
Register for The 2025 Violand Executive Summit: https://bit.ly/violand-summit
Check out C&R Magazine: https://www.candrmagazine.com/
 
Listen on:
YouTube: https://bit.ly/4hJfqUz
Apple: https://apple.co/42EB8Vp
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/40Ne6ZW
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3Q3viW7
iHeartRadio: https://bit.ly/3Ene5o6
 
Follow us on socials!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ViolandManagement
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/violand-management-associates
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/violand_management/

In this episode of the GPS Podcast, we sit down with Jorge Villalobos of The Best Restoration. Jorge shares his incredible journey, from overcoming challenges as an immigrant to building a thriving company with a strong team and a commitment to quality.
 
Learn how mentorship has played a key role in Jorge's success, and discover strategies for finding the right mentors, fostering a supportive company culture, and scaling your restoration or carpet cleaning business for long-term growth. Get ready to be inspired by Jorge's story and gain valuable insights to help you achieve your own entrepreneurial dreams.
 
Ready to reach the next level in your business? Schedule your free consultation: https://bit.ly/violand-coaching
Register for The 2025 Violand Executive Summit: https://bit.ly/violand-summit
 
Listen on:
YouTube: https://bit.ly/4hJfqUz
Apple: https://apple.co/42EB8Vp
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/40Ne6ZW
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3Q3viW7
iHeartRadio: https://bit.ly/3Ene5o6
 
Follow us on socials!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ViolandManagement
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/violand-management-associates
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/violand_management/

AI is no longer a futuristic fantasy – it's transforming the trades today. In this episode of the GPS Podcast, we explore practical AI applications for small businesses in restoration, plumbing, HVAC, and more. Discover how to use AI to generate leads, improve customer communication, optimize operations, and even handle HR tasks. The time to implement AI into your business is now. Find out what you need to know to stay competitive in 2025 and beyond.
 
Ready to reach the next level in your business? Schedule your free consultation: https://bit.ly/violand-coaching
Register for The 2025 Violand Executive Summit: https://bit.ly/violand-summit
 
Listen on:
YouTube: https://bit.ly/4hJfqUz
Apple: https://apple.co/42EB8Vp
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/40Ne6ZW
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3Q3viW7
iHeartRadio: https://bit.ly/3Ene5o6
 
Follow us on socials!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ViolandManagement
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/violand-management-associates
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/violand_management/