Starting Over Twice with Dan Platta

Did you know you are 70% more likely to beat your competition just by picking up the phone within the first two rings? For James Hatfield, former contractor and the leader of LiveSwitch, winning in the trades starts with simple things most business owners still skip. In this episode, Angela Chanowsky welcomes back her good friend James for season five. James shares the story of cold calling contractors live on stage, how he went from painting houses to building and selling a tech company, and why business owners with 20 to 30 years of experience are the best people to use AI. Angela and James dive into: Why answering the phone is the easiest fix most businesses ignoreHow virtual estimates help you bid, win, and get paid fasterUsing video to protect yourself from false damage claimsLiveSwitch’s new app for on site documentation with AIWhy experienced “old heads” get the best results from AIHow to get everything out of your head and train your teamWhy you should try to fire yourself every yearBeing like Sam Walton and spending more time with your customers If you feel stuck in your business and can’t take a real vacation, this conversation will show you how to train your team, use AI, and get your freedom back. About James Hatfield: James is responsible for running LiveSwitch. He is a former contractor who owned painting and powerwashing companies for commercial and residential clients. He has extensive leadership experience across diverse roles and technology areas, with companies ranging from fast growing startups to Fortune 500 enterprises. Before LiveSwitch, James was president of sales for Sageworks. He holds a B.S. in Business Management from North Carolina State University. Episode Highlights: “We pay thousands and thousands of dollars to our marketing companies so the phone will ring. And the most ironic thing is, we don’t pick it up.”“Not every dollar is a good dollar.”“Convenience, we love it. So be convenient.”“If you have 20 or 30 years of experience, you are the best candidate for AI on this planet.”“Here’s what pride smells like: nobody can do this as good as me.”“I try to fire myself multiple times every year.”“Success is watching another person on your team do the job just as good as you, or better.”“Your customers have the answer to the test.” Links and Resources: LiveSwitch: https://www.liveswitch.com/Connect with James on LinkedIn: James HatfieldBook mentioned: Making Money Is Killing Your Business by Chuck Blakeman Let’s Stay Connected! Follow Angela on: Instagram: @angelachanowskyFacebook: @AngelaChanowskyLinkedIn: Angela ChanowskyYoutube: @AngelaChanowsky Loved this episode? Don’t forget to: Subscribe and leave a reviewShare it with a business owner who is ready to fire themselves from the jobs they don’t loveTag Angela and James. We want to hear your biggest takeaway!

Angela sits down with her good friend Howard Partridge, international business coach and president of Phenomenal Business Coaching. Howard went from growing up on welfare and arriving in Houston with 25 cents in his pocket to owning six successful businesses. He has also written 16 books. In this episode, Howard breaks down ideas from his newest book, Referrals Made Simple. He explains why most business owners love referrals but have no plan for getting more of them, and shares his simple system for building real relationships that keep sending you great clients. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why referrals are a strategy, not a lucky breakThe 3 parts of Howard’s referral system: nurture your network, reward referrals, and build referral partnersWhy “behavior rewarded is behavior repeated”The one question that makes anyone instantly likable at a networking eventHow one of Howard’s clients grew to $52 million a year through referrals alone, with no advertisingThe biggest marketing mistake small businesses make (not staying in touch with past clients)How a virtual assistant can run your follow up so no relationship slips through the cracks About Howard Howard Partridge is an international business coach and president of Phenomenal Business Coaching, which helps small business owners stop being a slave to their business by transforming it into a predictable, profitable, turnkey operation. Since 1998, Howard has helped small business owners around the world dramatically improve their businesses by implementing systems. Phenomenal Business Coaching has served members in over 100 industries in 20 countries. Favorite Quotes: “All of business and all of life is about relationships.”“Behavior rewarded is behavior repeated.”“Everybody wants referrals, but almost nobody has a system.”“AI stands for artificial intelligence. First word being artificial. People are starving for real relationships.”“The people who have big, beautiful gardens are the people who plant a lot of seed.”“Always be networking. Not selling, just building relationships. The sale will come because people buy from those that they know, like, and trust.” Links and Resources: Get free videos, webinars, and resources: www.HowardPartridge.comFollow Howard on Instagram: @howardpartridgeFollow Howard on Facebook: Howard PartridgeFollow Howard on LinkedIn: Howard PartridgeFollow Howard on YouTube: Howard PartridgeBook mentioned: Referrals Made Simple: How to Build a Predictable Stream of High Quality Clients Without Advertising by Howard Partridge (includes $2,500 in bonus resources via the QR code inside)Book mentioned: Building a StoryBrand by Donald MillerBook mentioned: How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie Let’s Stay Connected! Follow Angela on: Instagram: @angelachanowskyFacebook: @AngelaChanowskyLinkedIn: Angela ChanowskyYouTube: @AngelaChanowsky Loved this episode? Don’t forget to: Subscribe and leave a reviewShare it with a business owner who wants more referrals without spending more on adsTag Angela and Howard. We want to hear your biggest takeaway!

What if the life you are grinding for never shows up on “the other side”? For Laura Kelly, entrepreneur and founder of Life 2.0, how you feel along the journey decides how you feel when you get there. In this episode, Angela Chanowsky sits down with her good friend Laura to talk about her path from clinical psychology to coaching leaders at Dell and Eli Lilly, to helping grow nine home service companies with her husband Josh. Laura shares why she finally went out on her own, how she helps leaders get out of their own way, and why waiting to be happy “someday” is a trap. Angela and Laura dive into: The regret minimization framework and the Five Wishes exerciseWhy a person can’t be influenced when they feel judgedThe daily progress report: turning an annual revenue goal into daily winsWhy your team needs to feel safe telling you the truth“Flip your cup”: why giving only works from the overflowGetting your blood work done as the P&L for your bodyWhy every new level of your business needs a new version of you If you are achieving a lot but still feel tired or stuck, this conversation will help you see what is holding you back and how to build a life you enjoy every day. About Laura Kelly: Laura Kelly is an entrepreneur, speaker, and founder of Life 2.0, a personal development company helping ambitious people build lives that feel as good as they look. Her career spans corporate leadership development, software, entrepreneurship, and business growth. Early on, she worked with organizations like Google, Dell, EMC, and Eli Lilly, building business growth events and leadership development programs. She later helped grow a software company through a successful exit before cofounding Clover, a coaching and consulting company that grew to more than $10 million in annual revenue. But after achieving many of the things she once believed would bring happiness, Laura faced a harder question: Why doesn’t success always feel like success? Episode Highlights: “Sometimes you just need to borrow someone else’s belief in you.”“Your business is a vehicle to lead you closer to the life you want. Nothing more, nothing less.”“A person can’t be influenced if they simultaneously feel judged.”“It’s only in the overflow that you can sustainably give.”“How you feel along the journey determines how you feel at the destination.”“You will never take your business to the next level until you become the next best version of yourself.”“There is no perfect blueprint. It’s about helping you identify your way.” Links and Resources: Life 2.0: www.life20.comFollow Laura on LinkedInBook mentioned: Five Wishes by Gay Hendricks Let’s Stay Connected! Follow Angela on: Instagram: @angelachanowskyFacebook: @AngelaChanowskyLinkedIn: Angela ChanowskyYoutube: @AngelaChanowsky Loved this episode? Don’t forget to: Subscribe and leave a reviewShare it with a business owner who is tired of waiting to enjoy their lifeTag Angela and Laura. We want to hear your biggest takeaway!

What does it take to walk away from a six figure corporate job, take a 3x pay cut, and then start over again? For Dan Platta, founder of Best Damn Bookkeeping, it came down to one lesson: pick your head up before you spend years running with your eyes closed. In this episode, Angela Chanowsky sits down with one of her oldest friends in the industry. Dan shares how he went from corporate finance to running seven home service businesses, why missing his daughter’s birthday made him sell everything, and how he built a 25 person bookkeeping team in just three years. Angela and Dan dive into: Why the “what ifs” are never as scary as we make themThe moment Dan realized he was the dad missing birthdaysThe 3 things every business partner should bring to the tableWhy the businesses with the best people always win“We’re not a family. We’re a high performing team.”What to do when your business starts to feel “spicy” and reactiveDan’s 4 step people system: hiring, training, reviews, and leadership developmentWhy you should keep the parts of your business you love If you’ve been grinding with your head down for too long, this conversation will remind you that you have permission to design your own life and business. About Dan Platta: Dan Platta is the Nerd responsible for all of the other Nerds at Best Damn Bookkeeping. Dan has done the corporate world thing, he has spent a number of years scaling home service businesses, and now he spends his days obsessing about the finances of small business owners, and his nights obsessing about dad jokes he can embarrass his kids with. So, if you like taking your business seriously but not taking yourself too seriously, and you like talking about business, then buckle up and let’s have some fun nerding out on business with Dan! Episode Highlights: Leaving the corporate world and taking a 3x pay cut to join small businessRunning window cleaning, pressure washing, and maid service companies for seven yearsBuilding a million dollar bookkeeping business, then starting over to make it his ownGrowing Best Damn Bookkeeping to 25 people in three years, many through Unique GeniusLetting team leaders pick and fire their own team membersBuilding an org chart for $5 million in revenueCelebrating 500 episodes of Home Service Happy Hour“It’s never been about the money. It’s been about the people and the opportunity.”“The ones that get the best people win.”“If you give away what you love in your business, then you’re not gonna love your business.” (Angela) Links and Resources: Best Damn BookkeepingBest Damn Bookkeeping on FacebookFollow Dan on FacebookHome Service Happy Hour, live every Wednesday at 4 PM ET on Facebook (Angela is a regular guest!)Home Service Happy Hour PodcastHome Service Happy Hour on YouTubeHome Service Happy Hour on InstagramHome Service Happy Hour on TikTokTool mentioned: People Analyzer from EOSBooks mentioned: Never Lose a Customer Again by Joey Coleman, Extreme Ownership by Jocko Willink and Leif Babin, The Culture Code by Daniel Coyle, All In by Adrian Gostick and Chester Elton Let’s Stay Connected! Follow Angela on: Instagram: @angelachanowskyFacebook: @AngelaChanowskyLinkedIn: Angela ChanowskyYoutube: @AngelaChanowsky Loved this episode? Don’t forget to: Subscribe and leave a reviewShare it with a business owner who has been grinding with their head down too longTag Angela and Dan. We want to hear your biggest takeaway!

How do you go from $2,000 in the bank to $100,000 payroll weeks in six years? For Ryan Culp, founder and CEO of Marvelous Lights, it came down to one rule: if you want to double your business, you have to become double the leader. In this episode, Angela Chanowsky sits down with Ryan to talk about his path from studying theology to building a permanent lighting company across six markets. Ryan shares how he grows leaders from within, why he has invested over $135,000 in coaching, and why the standard in your business is whatever you allow to slip through. Angela and Ryan dive into: Why Ryan says he would not hire the version of himself from 2020How vision boards help him connect every leader’s dreams to company goalsWhy character beats skill set when hiring leadersThe “concentrate” idea: why core values get watered down at every levelWhy 10x growth means changing the business, not just doing more of the sameWhen to move on from a coach, and when your team outgrows their rolesWhy your personal life shapes how well you lead If you feel stuck doing everything in your business, this conversation will show you how to level up your thinking and build a team that makes good decisions without you in the room. About Ryan Culp: Ryan is the founder and CEO of Marvelous Lights, a permanent exterior lighting company. Started in Charlotte in 2020, it now operates across six markets in the Carolinas and Texas. He has built, sold, and shut down businesses, and brings a first principles approach to growth. Episode Highlights: Growing from $2,000 in the bank to a business on track for $6 to $7 million this yearWhy permanent lighting is only 10% of the business. The rest is sales, marketing, and leadership.How one operations manager grew into sales, then sales manager, then general managerKeeping his salary at $40,000 for years to reinvest in himself and the businessWhy you should put a time limit on every coaching program“Whatever you tolerate is the real standard.”“Everything I want is on the other side of conversations I don’t want to have.” Links and Resources: Marvelous Lights: @marvelouslights Follow Ryan on Instagram: @ryantculpFollow Ryan on Facebook: Ryan T Culp Book mentioned: 10x Is Easier Than 2x by Dan Sullivan and Dr. Benjamin Hardy Let’s Stay Connected! Follow Angela on: Instagram: @angelachanowskyFacebook: @AngelaChanowskyLinkedIn: Angela ChanowskyYoutube: @AngelaChanowsky Loved this episode? Don’t forget to: Subscribe and leave a reviewShare it with a business owner who is ready to stop being the bottleneckTag Angela and Ryan. We want to hear your biggest takeaway!

Season 5 is here, and we are kicking it off big! Welcome to the very first episode of Season 5 of Unique Genius. New season, new stories, same mission: helping business owners lead well, grow strong, and stay true to who they are. And we could not think of a better guest to open the season than Bill Rossell. In this episode of Unique Genius, Angela Chanowsky sits down with Bill Rossell, CEO of LB Capital, for an honest talk about leadership, discipline, and why relationships beat rivalry every time. Bill leads a portfolio of about 19 companies, including 16 roofing partners across the U.S., Pink Collars, Titan Pro Technologies, and Build It to Sell It. His roofing platform just hit nearly $14 million in monthly revenue, and he is aiming for $20 million a month by the new year. But this is not just a growth story. Bill opens up about beating colon cancer, getting sober four years ago, and how gratitude and simple daily habits made him a better leader. Angela and Bill dive into: Bill's path from the U.S. Navy to restaurants, digital marketing, YellowPages.com, and the tradesSelling multiple companies to private equityThe three goals behind every LB Capital company: profitable P&Ls, growth every year, and a winning cultureWhy sharing knowledge with peers works better than attacking competitorsHow to set clear expectations, coach in the moment, and hold people accountableWhen caring about someone means coaching them out of the roleWhy leaders must teach people skills in a world full of screens If you are building a team, leading people, or trying to grow without losing yourself, this episode will give you a clear and practical way forward. About Bill Rossell: Bill Rossell is the CEO of LB Capital, a portfolio of about 19 companies serving the home service and roofing industry. A U.S. Navy veteran, Bill built his career across restaurant operations, digital marketing, YellowPages.com, and the trades, and has sold multiple companies to private equity. Bill leads with an abundance mindset. He believes in open collaboration, high standards, and real human connection. He is also the force behind Build It to Sell It, an event built to educate, inspire, and give business owners ideas they can use right away. Episode Highlights: How a roofing platform grew to nearly $14 million in monthly revenueWhy relationships, not competition, drive long term growthSobriety, cancer recovery, and the daily habits that build disciplineSmall wins that matter: make your bed and move your body every daySituational leadership: coach based on each person's skill and commitmentWhy eye contact, handshakes, handwritten notes, and video messages still win Build It to Sell It 2026: 📍 The Diplomat, Hollywood, Florida 📅 December 7 to 9 🎤 Speakers include James Dumolin, Inky Johnson, Mark Shapiro, Carrie Kelch, and Ellen Rohr 🎟️ Podcast listeners get 15% off with code UG15 Links and Resources: Build It to Sell ItLB Capital Let's Stay Connected: Follow Angela on Instagram: @angelachanowsky Loved this episode? Don't forget to: Subscribe and leave a reviewShare it with a business owner who is ready to lead and growTag Angela and Bill. We want to hear your biggest takeaway!

In this episode of the Unique Genius Podcast, Angela Chanowsky interviews Jonathan, who shares his unique journey from growing up in a religious cult to becoming a leader in the AI hiring space. Jonathan discusses the lessons he learned about leadership, human potential, and the power of beliefs. He emphasizes the importance of challenging limiting beliefs in both personal and professional contexts, and how these beliefs can significantly impact success and growth.

In this inspiring episode of Unique Genius, Angela Chanowsky chats with Jen McKee, founder of Kee Hart Marketing and the powerhouse behind the Show Up, Stand Out, Scale framework, for a real talk on showing up online, building a brand with heart, and scaling with soul. Jen shares how she transitioned from restaurant manager to award-winning marketing agency owner, why the trades became her niche of choice, and how social media can turn everyday moments into brand magic. Whether you’re a business owner overwhelmed by content creation or a marketing pro trying to stand out, this episode is for you. Angela and Jen dive into: Jen’s journey from burnout in hospitality to building a creative business on her termsHow she niched down into the trades and why it changed everythingThe biggest mindset shifts that helped her go from solo freelancer to agency CEOWhy social media is about documenting, not performingThe difference between balance and harmony as a business ownerLessons in leadership, team-building, and delegation for long-term growth If you’ve ever felt stuck in your story, unsure of what to post, or intimidated by “doing it right,” this conversation will give you the permission and push to start showing up as your whole self. About Jen McKee: Jen McKee is a social media strategist and the founder of Kee Hart Marketing, a 5x award-winning agency specializing in content for home service businesses. Honored as a 2024 40 Under 40 recipient, Jen is known for helping businesses grow their brand and attract top talent through her signature framework: Show Up, Stand Out, Scale. Jen is also the host of The Kee to Growth Podcast, a mentor to marketing pros in the trades, and a sought-after speaker on all things digital storytelling. She’s built her business around authenticity, consistency, and impact and is passionate about helping others do the same. Episode Highlights: “It’s not about perfection, it’s about presence.” The overlooked power of organic content for home service businesses Why the best social media strategy is simply documenting your day The $10 task trap and how Jen scaled with a five-hour hire From fear to freedom: how letting go helped Jen grow a 17-woman team Links & Resources: Visit: www.keehartmarketing.com Follow Angela on Instagram: @angelachanowsky Let’s Stay Connected: Loved this episode? Don’t forget to: Subscribe + leave a review Share it with someone building their brand or their business Tag Angela and Jen—we want to see how you’re showing up online!

In this powerhouse episode of Unique Genius, Angela Chanowsky sits down with Ashton Buswell, a true “OG” of door-to-door sales, VP of Sales Acceleration at LGCY Power, and the founder of the Foundational Selling System. From cutting across lawns to closing 149 deals in one quarter, Ashton has earned his stripes in the most intense sales environments. But behind the numbers is a deeply intentional leader, one who’s just as committed to family, faith, and personal growth as he is to breaking records in solar. Angela and Ashton get real about: The early grind: from wrestling mats to satellite sales How Ashton built a 1% sales career through discipline, not just talent The role of rejection, resilience, and daily reps in long-term sales success Sales as sport: why tracking, competition, and coaching never stop Building harmony between high performance and personal life How the Foundational Selling System is changing the game for new reps and seasoned pros This isn’t just a sales episode, it’s a masterclass in mindset, leadership, and building something that lasts. Whether you’re new to sales or scaling a team, Ashton’s story will sharpen your skills and reset your drive. About Ashton Buswell: Ashton Buswell is a seasoned veteran in the door-to-door sales world. Since 2005, he’s sold everything from satellites and alarms to solar and became one of the few reps in the world with over 1,000 personal solar installs. As VP of Sales Acceleration at LGCY Power, Ashton leads a team that closes more than 2,500 deals per month. He’s also the founder of the Foundational Selling System, a high-impact sales training and community platform built for reps who are ready to grow with integrity, discipline, and real-world tools. Ashton is a proud husband, father of four daughters, and a competitive athlete, most recently representing the U.S. in the Masters Wrestling World Championships in Croatia. He believes sustainable success starts with personal harmony across marriage, fitness, faith, and purpose. Episode Highlights: “Sales is the closest thing to sports I’ve found outside of a stadium.” Why hard work beats slick talk and how Ashton became elite without being a ‘natural’ How to reflect after every ‘no’ and build lifelong skills from rejection The power of community in sales: why reps need a space to grow, vent, and win What it really means to align your life with your mission and live it out loud Links & Resources: Visit: www.foundationalsellingsystem.com Follow Ashton on Instagram: @ashtonbuswell Follow Angela on Instagram: @angelachanowsky Let’s Stay Connected: Loved this episode? Don’t forget to: Subscribe + leave a review Share this with someone in sales or on their way to mastery Tag Angela and Ashton on social—we want to hear your biggest takeaways!

In this empowering episode of Unique Genius, host Angela Chanowsky sits down with Angie Snow, Principal Industry Advisor at ServiceTitan and a celebrated force in the HVAC and plumbing industry. From her beginnings as a schoolteacher to becoming a co-owner of a successful HVAC business, Angie’s story is one of bold pivots, industry leadership, and a passion for empowering others, especially women in the trades. Whether she’s transforming call centers into profit centers or mentoring future leaders, Angie brings clarity, warmth, and strategy to everything she does. Angela and Angie dive into: Angie’s pivot from teaching to owning an HVAC companyHow to scale a family business while raising a familyWhat it means to create a “culture of excellence” inside a home service businessTraining CSRs to become strategic assetsThe evolution of women in plumbing, HVAC, and leadership rolesWhy coaching and mentorship are game changers in business growth Whether you’re a contractor, a leader in the trades, or just someone navigating your own career pivot, this episode is packed with actionable insight and inspiration. About Angie Snow: Angie Snow is a respected leader in the HVAC and plumbing industry, currently serving as Principal Industry Advisor at ServiceTitan, where she leads customer and product training initiatives. With over 17 years in the HVAC space, she has helped transform call centers into profit centers and led strategic growth across operations, finance, and marketing. As former co-owner of Western Heating, Air & Plumbing, Angie earned top industry recognition, including the Service World Woman of the Year Award and being named one of the Top Women in HVAC. She is a certified John Maxwell Team Member, founder of Snow Business Coaching, and a leadership coach with Go Time Success Group. Angie actively supports Women in HVACR, Women in Plumbing and Piping (WIPP), and Lady Titans, leading the way for women in the trades with coaching, speaking, and mentoring. Episode Highlights: “I’m a woman in the trades, that’s me in a nutshell.” From classroom to call center: how Angie built a multi-million dollar HVAC company Training CSRs to drive revenue and elevate the customer experience What women bring to leadership in the home services space How legacy, culture, and community shape lasting success Links & Resources: 🌐 Learn more: www.snowbusinesscoaching.com 📲 Follow Angela on Instagram: @angelachanowsky Let’s Stay Connected: Loved this episode? Don’t forget to: ✔️ Subscribe + leave a review 📤 Share this with a woman in the trades—or anyone ready to lead with purpose 📣 Tag Angela and Angie on social and share your takeaways