Think Like an Owner

Епизоде

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  Ty Greneaux on Acadiana Garage Door's Family Legacy - EP.291 17.09.2026 42мин

  Alex Bridgeman and Ty Greneaux explore the human side of building and scaling a family business on Think Like an Owner. Ty shares how his late father-in-law Frank transformed not only Acadiana Garage Doors but also Ty's entire approach to leadership and life. What began with an awkward garage door opener installation evolved into a mentorship that shaped Ty's core philosophy: serve others, treat people with respect, and focus on impact over achievement. The conversation moves from personal transformation to practical business strategy, examining how Ty balanced honoring Frank's people-first culture while implementing the systems and processes needed to scale. They discuss: - Why treating people well matters more than operational efficiency alone - How to involve employees in major business transitions without losing trust - The value of hiring character over skills in trainable positions - What business owners can learn from asking candidates one difficult interview question - How serving others consistently creates both loyalty and long-term success This episode offers guidance for service business owners seeking to grow without sacrificing culture or relationships. Topics: (00:00:00) - Intro (00:01:00) - The awkward garage door opener install (00:03:51) - Frank's passing and its profound impact (00:05:54) - Shifting to a servant's heart (00:07:03) - Intentional investment in people's lives (00:08:36) - The awkward golf course business talk (00:11:06) - Leaving corporate for garage doors (00:12:17) - Frank's approach to treating people (00:15:34) - What stayed and what changed (00:16:00) - Building systems to support scaling (00:17:58) - Learning to manage stress differently (00:22:54) - The record sales vacation breakthrough (00:25:11) - Handing over control after acquisition (00:26:35) - Keeping employees motivated and engaged (00:27:54) - Involving the team in major decisions (00:29:42) - Vision for Acadiana's future (00:31:32) - Hiring the person not the skill (00:33:58) - The three interview questions (00:41:05) - Closing wisdom for business owners Links: Ty on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ty-greneaux-b8a65737/ Acadiana Garage Doors - https://acadianagaragedoors.com/
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  Hans Wright on Transforming Windsor Door - EP.290 15.09.2026 39мин

  Alex Bridgeman and Hans Wright explore the transformation of Windsor Door from a struggling regional garage door company into an integrated platform spanning manufacturing, installation, and service. Hans shares how his family acquired the business when it had declined from $250 million to just $7 million in revenue, then rebuilt it by focusing on transparency, vertical integration, and compound value creation. They discuss: - Why transparency with suppliers and customers became a core operating principle during the steel price crisis - How installing a high-speed, fully integrated production line changed manufacturing throughput and quality - Building a service and replacement business using decades of install data to engage homeowners prescriptively - The strategic decision to remain a niche manufacturer focused on the home builder market rather than becoming a full-line producer - Creating a product registration platform that turns new construction installations into long-term service relationships This episode offers insight into building enduring competitive advantages in traditional industries through thoughtful platform design and operational discipline. Hans and Alex discuss these topics on Think Like an Owner, a podcast focused on acquiring and growing small businesses ambitiously. Topics: (00:00:00) - Intro (00:01:26) - Joining the family garage door business (00:09:47) - Learning manufacturing the hard way (00:11:28) - Windsor Door acquisition and reset (00:14:16) - COVID disruption as opportunity (00:16:03) - Working capital crisis and transparency (00:20:07) - Building the high-speed production line (00:21:08) - Tour of the new manufacturing line (00:22:31) - Dealer acquisitions and Windsor America startup (00:28:17) - Building a compounding platform (00:30:51) - Leveraging install data for service (00:35:53) - Excited for service and replacement scaling Links: Hans on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/hans-wright-a35161a/ Windsor America - https://windsoramerica.com/
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  Brian Johnson on Refocusing Pioneer Overhead Door - EP.289 10.09.2026 1ч 4мин

  Alex Bridgeman and Brian Johnson explore the operations and customer experience challenges of running a garage door company. Johnson, who transitioned from 20 years in commercial lending to acquiring Pioneer Overhead Door in 2023, discusses the realities of buying a business with minimal office infrastructure and no prior industry experience. They discuss: - Building a training facility to ensure technicians learn away from customer homes - Shifting revenue mix from 85% commercial work to 60%, with service growth driving margins - Transforming the sales process from a 15-minute spring replacement to an hour-long educational experience that includes a 29-point inspection - Using recorded service calls and show-and-tell tactics to demonstrate value rather than compete on price alone - Testing AI phone answering systems and determining when human interaction still outperforms automation This episode offers practical insight for anyone operating or considering acquiring a home service business, particularly around balancing commercial projects with residential service work and redefining how value gets communicated to customers. Topics: (00:00:00) - Intro (00:00:55) - Building the training facility (00:03:09) - Shaping the customer experience (00:05:49) - Lessons from home service industries (00:07:51) - The technician as educator (00:09:38) - Background in finance and search (00:12:56) - Underwriting the deal and due diligence (00:14:58) - Day one challenges (00:17:33) - Shifting from commercial to residential service (00:18:54) - Working capital crunch in commercial installs (00:24:13) - Price versus value in service calls (00:31:02) - Preventative maintenance in commercial (00:38:36) - Refining the sales process (00:56:50) - Customer service and AI experiments (01:01:21) - Looking ahead to growth and culture Links: Brian on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-johnson-a435914/ Pioneer Overhead Door - https://www.pioneeroverhead.com/
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  Matt Weber on Developing Authentic Values at Alpha Overhead - EP.288 08.09.2026 39мин

  Matt Weber, a second-generation garage door business owner, joins Alex Bridgeman on Think Like an Owner to share his journey from working in his family's construction supply company at age ten to eventually acquiring and expanding Alpha Garage Doors across Montana. After nearly a decade away exploring different paths, including pursuing a history education degree, Matt returned to the family business in 2010 and has since grown it into a multi-location operation serving Billings, Butte, and Missoula. They discuss: - How rapid expansion without proper systems exposed foundational gaps that required rebuilding - Why effective delegation means staying out of operational details and trusting your team to execute - The process of developing authentic core values that work both as family principles and business culture - How assuming everything is about you as an owner damages relationships and undermines leadership - Why having a spouse involved in the business provides essential outside perspective and support This episode offers practical lessons for anyone leading a family business or managing fast growth while learning that sustainable success depends on building strong systems and remembering it's not all about the owner. Topics: (00:00:00) - Intro (00:00:54) - Growing up in the garage door business (00:02:52) - Leaving Montana and returning home (00:05:40) - Coming back to work in the family company (00:09:44) - Communication breakdowns with parents (00:11:12) - Leadership lessons: it's not about me (00:14:48) - Getting buy-in from the team (00:17:17) - Heroes and historical influences (00:18:06) - Core values rollout at Alpha (00:25:10) - Team reception and proving it (00:28:52) - Delegating operations to Jonathan (00:33:18) - Making it less lonely at the top (00:35:15) - Vision for regional expansion Links: Matt on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-weber-229518a2/ Alpha Overhead Door - https://alphaoverhead.com/
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  Alex Johantgen on Setting an Ambitious Vision at Rise and Shine - Ep.287 01.09.2026 40мин

  Alex Bridgeman and Alex Johantgen explore the journey of building Rise and Shine Garage Doors from two personal trucks to a fleet of over 20 vehicles projected to do $10–11 million in revenue. Johantgen shares how he and his business partner started the company in 2015 after selling a home and cashing out a 401(k), built early traction through door-to-door networking and Google reviews, and later rebranded from the generic "Garage Door Repair Company" to a memorable identity with eye-catching vehicle wraps. The conversation reveals how attending an industry conference in 2020 opened their eyes to what was possible and led them to implement structured systems, processes, and an eight-week technician training program. They discuss: - Why customer service ability matters more than technical experience when hiring technicians - How twice-weekly team meetings and a structured career ladder help maintain consistency across 100+ daily service calls - The surprising effectiveness of neighborhood-based direct mail campaigns tied to recent jobs, tracked through reverse lookup attribution - How building a training center and hiring a full-time trainer freed up leadership to focus on growth instead of daily operations - Why brand familiarity through billboards, radio, and vehicle wraps increases conversions when customers search on Google This episode offers a detailed look at scaling a service business through deliberate investments in training, marketing, and leadership development for owners in the trades. Topics: (00:00:00) - Intro (00:00:41) - How Alex got into garage doors (00:02:26) - Starting the business with Josh (00:03:43) - Rebranding to Rise and Shine (00:04:48) - Growth phases of the business (00:05:57) - The conference that changed everything (00:09:39) - Learning from other owners (00:12:00) - Building systems and training programs (00:19:48) - Career paths for technicians (00:23:48) - Hiring the right people (00:26:36) - Building the leadership team (00:29:33) - Marketing strategy evolution (00:39:11) - Looking ahead to the rest of the year Links: Alex Johantgen on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-johantgen-664b41102/ Rise and Shine Garage Doors - https://www.callriseandshine.com/
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  Building the AI-Native Enterprise: Leadership, Software, and Compounding with Mahesh Rajasekharan - EP.286 25.08.2026 42мин

  Mahesh Rajasekharan has spent over twenty-five years in supply chain and leads Cleo, a category leader in AI-driven supply chain orchestration serving more than five thousand customers globally. In this episode of Think Like an Owner, Alex Bridgeman, Rob Southern, and Mahesh explore how AI is fundamentally reshaping enterprise software and what it means to build an AI-native company. Mahesh shares how Cleo combines powerful intelligence with accumulated data, context, and domain expertise to close the gap between planning and execution in complex supply chain environments. They discuss: - Why AI amplifies existing strengths rather than creating value from weak foundations - How software production has shifted from humans writing code to humans defining problems while agents participate in building - The economic discipline required when allocating capital across frontier models, open-source alternatives, and purpose-built solutions - Why supply chain orchestration represents a structural opportunity to coordinate action across multi-enterprise ecosystems - How clarity of purpose, exceptional talent, and leading transformation from the front become even more critical in the AI era This episode offers practical insight for software leaders and business owners navigating technology transitions while maintaining long-term compounding growth. Topics: (00:00:00) - Intro (00:00:57) - Mahesh's background and Cleo's mission (00:03:20) - What AI-first actually means (00:07:21) - How AI transforms software development (00:11:01) - Enterprise software's shift to systems of action (00:13:41) - What executives misunderstand about AI (00:16:12) - From software features to business outcomes (00:19:10) - Supply chain orchestration as a category (00:24:31) - AI economics and smart capital allocation (00:29:55) - Leadership principles in the AI era (00:32:44) - Capital allocation across growth initiatives (00:37:09) - Building for the next decade (00:41:13) - Final thoughts on CEO leadership in AI Links: Mahesh Rajasekharan     LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/maheshrajasekharan/     Cleo — https://www.cleo.com/home
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  Crafting an Enduring Team with Dustin Winter - Ep.285 18.08.2026 1ч 17мин

  Alex Bridgeman and Dustin Winter explore the realities of building and scaling a garage door business in Minneapolis. Dustin shares how he transitioned from fifteen years in commercial banking to buying Metro Garage Door in 2020, drawn by the industry's stability, low cyclicality, and strong pricing control. The conversation covers how Metro has grown from 18 to 30 employees while more than doubling revenue and shifting from 12% to 52% commercial work. They discuss: - Why Metro moved away from commission-based pay to build customer trust and improve the technician experience - How cross-training all technicians on both residential and commercial work creates flexibility and compresses the cash conversion cycle - The strategy of scheduling preventative maintenance appointments at job completion to smooth revenue and retain customers - Why smaller tuck-in acquisitions offer better risk-adjusted returns than larger platform deals - How delivering materials to job sites early and billing immediately shortens working capital cycles on commercial projects This episode offers a practical look at service business economics for operators managing seasonal work, long sales cycles, and the tension between growth and leverage. Topics: (00:00:00) - Intro (00:01:17) - How Dustin bought Metro Garage Door (00:04:28) - Service vs sales revenue and seasonality (00:07:59) - Growing from 18 to 30 employees (00:09:04) - Shifting to 52% commercial work (00:10:01) - Working capital as a competitive moat (00:13:01) - Converting projects into service contracts (00:16:26) - Cross-training all technicians (00:23:34) - Eliminating commission-based pay (00:30:56) - Building a preventative maintenance program (00:38:00) - Benefits of scale and deeper teams (00:41:06) - Fast iteration with daily customer feedback (00:45:12) - Accelerating cash conversion cycles (00:53:36) - Tuck-in acquisition strategy (00:59:50) - Software implementation challenges Links: Dustin on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/metro-garage-door-mn/ Metro Garage Door - https://www.metrogaragedoor.com/
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  Right to Win EP.6: Building an Edge in Multi-Site Healthcare with Zach Jones - EP.284 11.08.2026 47мин

  Zach Jones discusses his experience acquiring and growing a gastroenterology practice in the Washington, DC area as the final episode of Think Like an Owner's Right to Win series. Alex Bridgeman and Zach explore how search entrepreneurs can build successful healthcare platforms through organic growth rather than M&A, and why this strategy creates unique competitive advantages against both physician-owned groups and private equity platforms. They discuss: - Why organic growth works better than acquisitions in provider-based healthcare businesses - How searchers can position themselves as credible partners to physician sellers who must stay post-transaction - The supply-demand imbalance in specialty care that makes physician recruitment more important than competing for patients - Why provider retention depends on preserving clinical independence and treating physicians as true partners - How private credit funds that focus on enterprise value creation enable more aggressive expansion than traditional bank lenders This episode offers practical insights for search entrepreneurs evaluating healthcare opportunities, particularly those interested in specialty care, ABA therapy, ambulatory infusion centers, or behavioral health. Topics: (00:00:00) - Intro (00:00:42) - Why physicians resist private equity partnerships (00:04:36) - From finance to healthcare entrepreneurship (00:06:19) - Why healthcare fits the search model (00:08:08) - Playing a different game than private equity (00:10:13) - Building trust with physician sellers (00:14:07) - Organic growth as competitive advantage (00:15:58) - Why M&A doesn't work in healthcare (00:18:11) - The supply-demand imbalance driving growth (00:20:04) - Capital efficient center expansion (00:29:11) - Hiring and retaining top physicians (00:34:33) - Learning the clinical business as CEO (00:39:09) - Expanding across multiple states (00:40:40) - Best healthcare subsectors for searchers Links: Zach on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/zacharydjones/ Pacific Lake Partners Trilogy Search Partners
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  Trevor Nix on Growing Multi-Gen Family Garage Business in Portland - EP.283 04.08.2026 1ч 10мин

  Alex Bridgeman and Rob Southern sit down with Trevor Nix, a third-generation garage door business owner in Portland, to explore what it takes to build and sustain a multi-generational family company. Trevor shares how his grandfather nearly quit after the first difficult year—until his grandmother convinced him to give it one more shot—and how that decision shaped nearly four decades of business. The conversation covers the evolution of the company through three name changes, the challenge of modernizing operations inherited from previous generations, and the strategic rebrand that cut down on costly misdirected leads. They discuss: - Why his grandfather almost walked away after year one and what changed his mind - How each generation pushed the business forward through technology adoption and fresh ideas - The expensive but essential rebrand from All About Doors to All About Garage Doors - Training technicians to balance technical skill with genuine customer service - Why he prioritizes employees who connect well with people over those who already know garage doors Trevor explains his incentive-based pay structure designed to reward quality work without commission pitfalls, the value of building team camaraderie through company-sponsored events, and why supporting his employees' families drives much of his daily work. This episode offers practical insights for anyone running or considering a service-based business where customer relationships and employee culture define long-term success. Topics: (00:00:00) - Intro (00:02:09) - How the family got into garage doors (00:03:37) - Starting the business and year one struggles (00:06:09) - Dad joins and business phases begin (00:08:09) - Business name changes and phone book to digital (00:10:30) - Rebranding with Kickcharge Creative (00:12:00) - Modernizing technology and multi-gen advantages (00:14:03) - Big decisions and working with family (00:19:21) - Implementing new systems and efficiency focus (00:23:28) - Training techs and customer interactions (00:46:01) - Tech compensation and incentive structure (00:56:51) - Why Portland's market supports many garage door companies (01:04:12) - Building company culture and employee events Show Platforms:   YouTube — https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC66QVDcbPlPO4IDG6eXbk1Q   Apple Podcasts — https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/think-like-an-owner/id1445929750?uo=4   Spotify — https://open.spotify.com/show/3Fbv9d4HpDwuO4MOPvgdvO Speaker Profiles:   Alex Bridgeman     LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-e-bridgeman/     Twitter / X — https://twitter.com/aebridgeman     Website — https://tlaopodcast.com/about/   Rob Southern     LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/robsouthern/ Companies:   All About Garage Doors - https://callallabout.com/
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  Andy Felice on Garage Door Marketing for Ambitious Owners - EP.282 28.07.2026 40мин

  Alex Bridgeman and Andy Felice explore the nuances of marketing in the garage door industry on Think Like an Owner. Felice explains how he transitioned from working with hundreds of clients across various industries to specializing exclusively in garage door companies after a consulting engagement with Tommy Mello's A1 Garage Doors. The conversation examines the operational realities of home service businesses and why specialization allows marketing agencies to deliver deeper value by understanding not just marketing tactics, but the underlying business mechanics that drive profitability. They discuss: - Why repair and replacement marketing require fundamentally different psychological approaches - How rising lead costs from private equity competition force businesses to increase average repair tickets above $1,000 - The database reactivation system that triggers outbound calls when past customers open emails - Why every technician should join a separate BNI chapter to generate consistent referral business - What makes a garage door company valuable for acquisition beyond revenue numbers This episode offers practical insight for anyone operating or investing in home service businesses where marketing success depends on operational excellence. Topics: (00:00:00) - Intro (00:00:51) - From door-knocking to garage door consulting (00:02:32) - Learning the industry through A1 Garage Doors (00:03:49) - The case for vertical specialization (00:07:23) - Understanding repair vs. replacement psychology (00:09:04) - Beyond marketing: Operations and consulting (00:12:20) - Sales training as lead conversion insurance (00:14:57) - Deep dive: Marketing rabbit holes (00:17:53) - Tommy Mello's sales process and recommended books (00:18:46) - Books every garage door owner should read (00:23:05) - The harsh truth about changing business models (00:26:17) - Market dynamics and geographic differences (00:30:40) - Evaluating acquisition targets (00:34:06) - Database reactivation and retention systems (00:38:37) - Join BNI: Andy's top advice Speaker Profiles:   Alex Bridgeman     LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-e-bridgeman/     Twitter / X — https://twitter.com/aebridgeman     Website — https://tlaopodcast.com/about/   Andy Felice     LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/andy-felice-7a38ba57/     Website — https://gdmarketinglab.com/ People:   Tommy Mello — https://www.tommymello.com/ Organizations:   BNI — https://www.bni.com/
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  Connecting the PNW at SeaPort Airlines with Kent Craford - EP.281 31.03.2026 40мин

  In this episode, Alex Bridgeman sits down with Kent Craford to unpack the evolution of SeaPort Airlines and the lessons learned from building and rebuilding a regional aviation business. Kent shares how a simple frustration with travel time between Portland and Seattle sparked the original idea, and how early missteps, capital constraints, and strategic pivots shaped the company's trajectory. The conversation explores the realities of operating in niche aviation markets, the pitfalls of government-subsidized routes, and how Kent applied hard-earned lessons from Alaska to relaunch SeaPort with a stronger foundation. Throughout, Kent offers a candid look at what it takes to build a durable transportation business in a challenging and highly operational industry. We discuss: How a commuter pain point led to the founding of SeaPort Airlines Why the Essential Air Service program often leads operators astray Lessons from scaling a regional airline in Alaska and rebuilding with better systems and capital The operational and cultural advantages of small aircraft and localized air travel What it takes to change customer behavior and build a new travel habit Links: Kent on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/kent-craford-2b070332/ SeaPort Airlines - https://flyseaportair.com/ Topics: (00:00:00) - Intro (00:00:51) - Kent's background and career (00:10:53) - The Essential Air Service Program (00:15:02) - Kent's experiences in Alaska (00:18:58) - Applying learnings to SeaPort in it's second iteration (00:26:27) - Customer feedback (00:30:41) - Developing route design (00:36:41) - The vision for SeaPort
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  Right to Win EP.5: Better Boards with Chris Hendriksen and Aaron Perrine - EP.280 24.03.2026 50мин

  In this episode, Alex Bridgeman is joined by Aaron Perrine and Chris Hendriksen to explore how boards can become a true competitive advantage for entrepreneurs. The conversation dives into the evolving role of boards within the ETA ecosystem, highlighting the growing demand for strong governance as the space expands. Drawing from recent industry discussions and their own experience, Aaron and Chris break down what separates high-performing boards from dysfunctional ones. They also share practical frameworks for building, managing, and evolving boards to better support CEOs over time. They discuss: Why board quality and CEO relationships are declining and how to fix it What a high-performing board actually feels like in practice How to think about board composition, roles, and timing during formation The importance of trust, chemistry, and engagement between CEOs and directors Why board evolution, feedback, and executive sessions are critical for long-term success Links: Boardroom Toolkit Pacific Lake Partners Trilogy Search Partners Topics: (00:00:00) - Intro (00:02:11) - Conference feedback and the state of Boards (00:07:19) - What are your goals for the next year regarding Boards? (00:12:36) - What does a well functioning board look like? (00:18:00) - How can Searchers effectively form a board? (00:25:27) - Best practices for forming a Board (00:35:34) - What are the personal reasons that you'd be excited to join a board? (00:43:20) - Recruiting new board members (00:45:57) - Closing thoughts
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  Crafting your Life and Business with Matt Kuehlhorn - EP.279 10.03.2026 58мин

  Matt Kuehlhorn joins Alex Bridgeman to share the unconventional journey behind building Kooler Garage Doors and the lessons he has learned about focus, leadership, and craftsmanship along the way. Matt explains how a business that started almost by accident evolved into a disciplined operation centered around service, systems, and intentional growth. The conversation explores how entrepreneurs mature alongside their companies, why focus can unlock new opportunities, and how communication and leadership shape both teams and customer experiences. Matt also reflects on the personal mindset shifts required to move from chaotic growth to sustainable profitability. They discuss: • How Matt used podcasting as a networking tool to build relationships in a new market • The accidental start of Kooler Garage Doors and the early years juggling multiple service lines • Why focusing on one core service unlocked growth, better culture, and operational clarity • The difference between "old school" contractor models and a homeowner focused service business • Communication frameworks Matt teaches his team to build trust and deliver better customer outcomes Links: The Kraft Your Life Radio Show - https://www.craftyourliferadio.com/ Matt on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewkuehlhorn/ Kooler Garage Doors - https://koolergaragedoors.com/grand-junction Topics: (00:00:00) - Intro (00:00:48) - Matt on his podcast backstory (00:03:47) - Crafting is Intention and attention (00:06:59) - Pivoting to garage doors (00:15:16) - Becoming laser-focused on one service (00:22:49) - Seasons in the life of a company (00:31:52) - V 1.0 of the company vs. today (00:38:49) - Strategic problem solving (00:40:57) - Customer service training and improvments (00:54:00) - Final thoughts
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  Future of Home Services with Workiz CEO, Didi Azaria - EP.278 24.02.2026 28мин

  In this episode of Think Like an Owner, Alex Bridgeman sits down with Didi Azaria to explore how firsthand experience in the trades led to building one of the leading automation platforms for home service businesses. Didi shares his journey from working as a locksmith in Los Angeles to founding a business intelligence company that scaled to hundreds of millions in ARR, and eventually launching Workiz. The conversation dives into how friction in communication, scheduling, and payments quietly kills service businesses and how AI driven automation is reshaping the industry. Didi also explains why he believes traditional CRMs should not exist and how a vision of "automate everything but the wrench" is guiding the future of home services. They discuss: Didi's path from technician to tech founder and the lessons learned from building his first company Why most leaders fail by trying to do everything and how defining your true strengths changes outcomes Eliminating CRM friction through AI dispatchers, automation, and invisible systems Turning home services into subscription style businesses with service agreements and upsells Using strategy as a filter to say no to feature requests and stay aligned with long term vision How AI driven tools like Workiz Genius are increasing revenue by improving communication and capture This episode is a must listen for operators and software founders who want to understand how automation, vision, and disciplined strategy can transform traditional service industries. Links: Workiz - https://www.workiz.com/ Didi on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/adiazaria/ Topics: (00:00:00) - Intro (00:00:29) - Didi's career background (00:02:57) - Pivoting from locksmithing into software (00:06:25) - What are your strongest skills? (00:07:42) - "CRMs shouldn't exist" (00:09:37) - Founding ideas behind Workiz (00:13:43) - What are ambitious home service business owners asking for from Workiz? (00:18:02) - Balancing feature requests and keeping the broader vision of the company aligned (00:19:59) - What excites you about the business for 2026? (00:23:01) - What does the organizational structure look like for home service businesses 3-5 years from now? (00:26:51) - What excites you the most for the future?
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  Right to Win Series EP.4: AMA with Lindsey Gray and Aaron Perrine - EP.277 06.02.2026 42мин

  In the fourth episode of the show's Right to Win series, host Alex Bridgeman is joined by Aaron Perrine and Lindsey Gray for an AMA-style conversation on search, investing, and operating small businesses. Drawing on real examples from recent deals, they unpack what separates strong searches from stalled ones, how investors evaluate searchers, and where value is actually created post-acquisition. The discussion blends tactical advice with candid reflections on boards, capital structures, and the realities of building durable businesses. They discuss: How searchers can identify and narrow industry theses before and during fundraising What investors look for when evaluating searcher talent beyond resumes Signs that a search is progressing well, including compounding learning and quality seller meetings Common deal pitfalls around quality, valuation, and defensibility How boards create value for first-time CEOs and evolving companies Links: Pacific Lake Partners Trilogy Search Partners Topics: (00:00:00) - Intro (00:01:54) - Fundraising and identifying industries (00:09:43) - Evaluating searcher talent (00:13:35) - Acquisition models and strategies (00:18:30) - Cap table construction and investor relations (00:20:28) - Navigating investor relationships (00:22:12) - Signs of a successful search (00:24:28) - Key metrics for searchers (00:27:14) - Lessons from recent deals (00:30:42) - Building an effective board (00:35:00) - Creating value in acquisitions (00:38:15) - Desert island CEO picks (00:39:48) - Sports rivalries and fun bets (00:41:45) - Conclusion and farewell
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  Building Trusted Brands with Dan Antonelli of Kickcharge Creative - EP.276 29.01.2026 1ч 9мин

  In this episode of Think Like an Owner, Alex Bridgeman sits down with Dan Antonelli to unpack why branding is the foundation of sustainable growth for home service businesses. Dan shares the long arc of building his firm through specialization, the discipline of saying no to the wrong work, and how focusing on being "five-mile famous" can dramatically reduce reliance on paid advertising. The conversation explores how brand decisions influence not just marketing efficiency, but recruitment, culture, and long-term enterprise value. We discuss: Why niching into home services unlocked scale, profitability, and clarity The difference between branding, marketing, and advertising and why brand must come first How strong brands lower customer acquisition costs over time The role of vehicles, mascots, color, and design in creating memorability Why internal culture and recruiting are deeply shaped by brand choices This episode is a must-listen for operators and founders who want to build a brand that drives growth, loyalty, and lasting competitive advantage. Links: KickCharge Creative - https://www.kickcharge.com/ Dan on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/danantonelli/ Topics: (00:00:00) - Intro (00:00:37) - Finding your niche in business (00:04:16) - The importance of branding in home services (00:05:32) - Making data-driven decisions (00:07:51) - Challenges and rewards of specialization (00:09:00) - The value of saying no (00:13:53) - Building brands that change lives (00:27:50) - The impact of branding on recruitment (00:32:30) - The power of a strong brand story (00:35:16) - Effective use of vehicles in branding (00:37:02) - The decline of phone numbers and QR codes (00:41:08) - The role of mascot branding (00:45:17) - The power of color in branding (00:53:36) - Retro vs. modern branding (01:01:49) - Customer experience and brand authenticity (01:07:31) - Final thoughts and recommendations
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  Right to Win EP.3: Learning to Fly with Jordan Huibers and Alvin Wong - EP.275 02.12.2025 41мин

  Alex Bridgeman is joined by Alvin Wong and Jordan Huibers on Think Like an Owner, exploring their long-standing partnership, the focused search that led them to Advanced Aircrew Academy, and the lessons they've carried into running the company. They walk through the origins of their collaboration, how a shared passion for aviation shaped their search thesis, and the discipline required to pursue only the opportunities that truly aligned with their experience and values. They also reflect on the emotional highs and lows of stepping away from a business they loved, only to return months later with deeper conviction and ultimately close the acquisition. Their discussion highlights themes of curiosity, humility, relationship building, and maniacal focus as tools that helped them through both the search and their first year as CEOs. They discuss: • How Alvin and Jordan developed their industry-focused search thesis and complementary roles within it • The emotional and practical challenges of walking away from an LOI and what ultimately brought them back • Lessons from navigating remote-team dynamics during their first year of ownership • The importance of curiosity, people-orientation, and focus as competitive advantages • Guidance for future searchers on prioritizing effectiveness over efficiency Links: Advanced Aircrew Academy - https://www.aircrewacademy.com/ Alvin on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/alvinwongto/ Jordan on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jordanhuibers/ Learn more about Alex and Think Like an Owner at https://tlaopodcast.com/ Topics: (00:00:00) - Intro (00:04:55) - The origin of Alvin and Jordan's relationship (00:08:16) - The Search and circling in on an industry focus (00:23:15) - The first few months on the ground post-close (00:30:47) - How the Search community helped Alvin and Jordan (00:33:46) - Taking a people-oriented approach to the business (00:36:51) - Advice for the listeners
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  What You Learn After 40 years of Leading Through Change with T.J. Coombs - EP.274 28.10.2025 57мин

  In this episode of Think Like an Owner, Alex Bridgeman sits down with T.J. Coombs, an experienced operator and turnaround expert with decades of leadership across industries including building products, manufacturing, and distribution. T.J. shares lessons from his 40-year career helping companies navigate transitions, execute turnarounds, and build strong leadership teams. He discusses his philosophy of defining success by when you leave, the importance of disciplined assessments, and the hands-on approach required to truly understand and improve a business. They discuss: • How defining success as "when you leave" creates accountability in leadership transitions • Why the best business insights often come from the shop floor, not the boardroom • The mindset and structure required to execute successful turnarounds • How effective CEOs balance strategic vision with time spent in the field • The future of the building products industry and the growing importance of service and technology Links: T.J. on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/tjcoombs/ Topics: (00:00:00) - Intro (00:01:48) - The drive to lead (00:05:12) - When you know you're work is done (00:07:04) - Evaluating WHO you want to work with (00:12:17) - "Staple yourself to an order" (00:15:46) - Favorite questions to ask in order to better understand a business (00:18:08) - How long do you typically spend as an interim CEO? (00:20:06) - Involvement in hiring the permanent CEO (00:23:13) - Leading a turnaround business (00:31:00) - The key jobs of a CEO (00:42:56) - The state of the Distribution and Install industries (00:54:41) - Advice to building supply leaders
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  Right to Win Series EP.2: Building Trust as Second-Time CEO with Dan Calano - EP. 273 21.10.2025 1ч 11мин

  In this second installment of the Right to Win series on Think Like an Owner, host Alex Bridgeman sits down with Dan Calano to unpack the lessons learned from his journey as a two-time search fund entrepreneur. Dan reflects on his first acquisition of Utility Cloud, navigating challenges like intellectual property disputes and customer concentration, and how trust, discipline, and process shaped his leadership. He then shares what it was like to sell the company, transition through an acquisition, and ultimately launch Grouper Companies and acquire Fleetflo for his second CEO chapter. They discuss: • Building trust with sellers through transparency, follow-through, and "show me" actions • The importance of hiring slowly, managing talent thoughtfully, and reducing organizational friction • Navigating customer concentration risk and recovering from COVID-era setbacks • The decision-making and emotional process behind selling a company • How Dan approached his second search and CEO role differently, focusing on autonomy, community, and process-driven risk-taking Links: Dan on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dcalano/ Fleetflo - https://fleetflo.com/index.html Pacific Lake Partners Trilogy Search Partners (00:00:00) - Intro (00:04:27) - Dan's background and career (00:10:03) - Building trust and overcoming challenges (00:23:19) - Navigating talent and reducing friction (00:33:01) - Deciding to sell Utility Cloud (00:37:51) - Reflecting on team and autonomy (00:40:23) - Post-acquisition role and insights (00:44:21) - Starting Grouper Companies (00:45:32) - Autonomy and community (00:50:36) - Second-time search and CEO experience (01:04:59) - Approach to risk and decision making (01:11:06) - Conclusion and final thoughts
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  Matt Risinger: The New Ways to Sell Building Supplies to Builders - EP.272 15.10.2025 50мин

  In this episode of Think Like an Owner, Alex Bridgeman sits down with homebuilder and content creator Matt Risinger to discuss how the builder-supplier relationship is evolving and how technology is reshaping the construction industry. Matt shares the story of founding Risinger Build and Build Show Network, detailing how content creation transformed his business and his approach to education within the trades. The conversation explores how trust, service, and transparency remain the cornerstones of effective supplier relationships, even as digital tools and AI change how materials are ordered and managed. They discuss: • How Matt built Risinger Build and transformed his blog into a thriving media company through YouTube • Why builder-supplier relationships depend on service and reliability over price • How purchasing groups helped small builders gain better pricing and leverage • The impact of new digital platforms on takeoffs and pricing transparency • The role of content in shaping homeowner expectations and industry standards through Build Show Network and the upcoming Build HD Standard Links: Build Show Network - https://buildshownetwork.com/ Risinger Build - https://www.risingerbuild.com/ Build Show on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/mattrisinger Topics: (00:00:00) - Intro (00:01:26) - Matt's journey: From builder to YouTube star (00:07:33) - The birth of The Build Show (00:13:06) - The importance of customer service in building (00:19:58) - Changes in the building supply industry (00:26:15) - The future of semi-custom home building (00:28:42) - Challenges in window and door sales (00:33:10) - The importance of detailed orders and communication (00:37:44) - The role of content in builder-supplier relationships (00:40:18) - Introducing the Build HD standard (00:45:45) - Upcoming events and reflections on the industry