In this episode of Titan Talks, Jonathan Stern interviews Chaz Smith, the owner of the Dig It Tree Company based in Mason, Ohio. Chaz discusses the journey of his business from its inception in 2011, detailing the decision to move from Wilmington to Mason for better opportunities and the challenges of low-quality equipment and marketing mishaps they initially faced. Despite these early setbacks, Dig It Tree Company has achieved success, largely attributed to effective marketing strategies with Topline Pro and focusing on quality service within a 30-40 mile radius. Chaz shares insights into the industry’s evolution, particularly the impact of the emerald ash borer epidemic, and stresses the importance of adapting to changes and maintaining high standards. The conversation also touches on the challenges of finding committed employees and outlines Chaz’s aspirations for the company’s growth without expanding beyond their community, aiming to build a reputable local business.

In this episode of Titan Talks, Jonathan Stern interviews Aaron Allred, owner of Hollywood Detail, an auto detailing service in Northport, Alabama. Allred shares his journey of how he started in auto detailing while working at the fire department and how the business grew rapidly to the point where he had to build a shop at his house. The conversation covers topics such as adjusting the business during the COVID-19 pandemic, focusing on niche services, dealing with dissatisfied customers, and the importance of word-of-mouth marketing. Allred also discusses his goals for the future, which include expanding his team and potentially teaching others in the industry.

In this episode of Titan Talks, host Jonathan Stern interviews Cale Schindler, owner of Fayette Property Solutions, a landscaping contractor based in Fayetteville, Georgia. Started in 2018 by Cale and his father, the company offers both residential and commercial services, with many larger scale projects. Cale shares the company’s origin story, noting that it began with him assisting a neighbor at age 17, and eventually evolved into a father-son enterprise. Initially, they invested $40,000-$45,000 in equipment without having any customers. He explains that they manage to perform work equal to a six-eight person crew efficiently due to superior teamwork and communication. The show concludes with a rapid fire round in which Cale shares his plan for the future, champions customer service and open communication as keys to the success, and admits his biggest regret was not quitting his day job sooner.