In this episode of the Prime Partners podcast, Oksana Vlasenko, Vice President at Recruit4Business, discuss the critical aspects of hiring in the home service industry. They explore the challenges of finding skilled labor, the importance of recognizing red flags in candidates, and the traits that indicate a strong fit for a company. Oksana shares insights on the hiring process, including the significance of assessments, interviews, and onboarding. The conversation emphasizes the need for a structured approach to hiring while balancing speed and thoroughness to ensure the right candidates are selected.

• 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest
• 04:04 Overview of the Recruiting Landscape
• 06:36 Emerging Trends in Skilled Trades
• 09:04 Identifying Red Flags in Candidates
• 13:54 Assessing Candidates During Interviews
• 15:47 Red Flags in Assessments and References
• 18:42 Addressing Red Flags with Candidates
• 20:33 Common Mistakes in the Hiring Process
• 25:45 Importance of Onboarding Process
• 31:42 Identifying A Players vs. Worker Bees
• 37:31 Balancing Speed and Thoroughness in Hiring
• 41:29 Recruit for Business Overview and Best Practices

In this episode of BDR's Prime Partners Podcast, we sit down with Nathan Keller, Chief Sales Officer at Free2Grow, to unpack how Artificial Intelligence (AI) is shaking up the home service industry (especially HVAC, plumbing, and electrical)—without losing the human touch. From debunking myths to showing how AI voice solutions can enhance branding and personalization, Nathan makes a compelling case for why contractors shouldn't fear the bots.

The conversation explores the evolution of AI-driven call services, how they stack up against traditional models, and what it takes to implement these tools to benefit your team and customers.

Whether you're just curious or already testing AI tools, you'll walk away with a clear understanding of the next wave of innovation—and how to make it work for you. Tune in to discover how AI is redefining service, not replacing it. You'll learn what's possible today, what's coming next, and how to take your first (or next) step forward.

• 00:00 Introduction
• 04:49 The Transformation of AI in Call Answering
• 11:11 Differences Between Traditional and AI Call Services
• 14:36 Branding and Personal Touch in AI Services
• 17:58 About Free2Grow
• 19:34 Data Analytics and Performance Insights in AI
• 21:32 Future Directions in AI Technology

In this episode of the Prime Partners Podcast, Ryan Fenn, CEO and founder of CHIIRP, discusses the importance of follow-up in business, particularly in the trades. Ryan shares his entrepreneurial journey, the significance of speed to lead, and how automation can enhance customer relationships. The conversation emphasizes the need for authenticity in marketing and the role of empathy in follow-up strategies. Ryan also highlights the tools and resources available through CHIIRP to help contractors improve their lead conversion rates and maximize their existing customer databases.

• 00:00 Introduction
• 06:17 The Importance of Following Up
• 09:06 Metrics and Benchmarks in Lead Conversion
• 12:07 Speed to Lead: A Critical Factor
• 15:17 Authenticity in Customer Interactions
• 19:54 Empathy in Marketing and Follow-Up Strategies
• 29:17 Utilizing Automation for Effective Communication
• 33:03 About CHIIRP
• 36:33 Final Thoughts