2019 Service World Expo

With over 40 speakers, a number of phenomenal networking events, and an exhibit hall that provided the best deals all year. Service World Expo’s expansion is an industry game changer. The event attains greater attendance every year due to efforts to deliver a pathway to success with top-of-the-line training, networking with thought leaders, and a product showcase that features more than 170 exhibitors who present their newest and most popular products and services.

“We have been absolutely overwhelmed with the consistent growth and satisfaction of our attendees.” Said Jamie Ramsey, Event Manager of Service World Expo. “We devote our time to make sure our contractors leave with new ideas and best practices to implement in their businesses when they get home.” 

“Wow I can’t believe how great this show has become with so much to learn.  Attending this year made the biggest difference for owners and their teams.” said Chris Hunter, of Hunter SuperTechs in Ardmore, Oklahoma. “I never miss an opportunity to attend, knowing that Service World Expo always reaches above and beyond to teach me, and help me continue to grow.”

Seminars included highly sought after topics such as training, marketing, technology, operations, finance, and newly launched remodeling. Among the many introductions was a new book by E-Myth author, Michael Gerber and contractor Ken Goodrich. The book is the newest in the bestselling E-Myth series.

 Many contractors took advantage of show specials and sales by exhibitors with a plethora of deals to save thousands, far exceeding the cost of attendance. There were also a number of giveaways that were both shocking and extraordinary. A great example is Forrest Dunning, winner of a new Dodge Ram from Scorpion.

Luke Williams, one of the world’s leading business thinkers on innovation strategy, said companies that focus on incremental innovation instead of game-changing, disruptive innovation will differentiate themselves right out of business. Williams said companies need to be consistently making bold moves, even at the very peak of their success. Kelly Schols founded CPI Plumbing in Washington, and grew it to more than $6 million in revenue. He strategically implemented systems and put strong leaders in place at CPI that have allowed him to recently sell the company to them. While building CPI, Kelly also had a personal goal to find a way to create true financial freedom for himself and his family, which he ultimately accomplished. He suffered tremendous setbacks when his wife died of heart failure in 2012, and then, in 2014, when he had to undergo heart surgery. He spoke of his inspirational path back to health and family, with lessons for leading your business down the right financial preparedness path.

Lisa McCarthy, chief operating officer at Out of the Box Technology, and a co-founder of Recur360, joined with Service Nation consultant, Vicki LaPlant, in defining “Break Even,” in a fun interactive way, to teach the components of this essential accounting concept, and illustrate practical methods to improve break-even. They proved to the audience that numbers do not have to be mysterious or boring.

General Session keynote presenter Michael Gerber, author of the business development and entrepreneurial masterpiece, “The E-Myth,” described the essential truths to be found in his various E-Myth books. Now, in “The HVAC E-Myth,” which he wrote with Ken Goodrich, CEO of Goettl Air Conditioning & Plumbing, and serial entrepreneur who has built and monetized over 24 businesses. Goodrich and Gerber discussed the principles of “E-Myth’s Eightfold Path” and how Goodrich has repeatedly applied them to build new and turnaround broken businesses.

Expo breakout sessions were organized by category: operations, sales and marketing, training and technology, recruiting and remodeling. Some of those presenters included: Frank Besednjak, Joe Cunningham, Chris Layne, Adam Thompson, contractors Ryan and Angie Snow, Todd Liles, Dan Antonelli, and many more.