The service industry ended 2025 under pressure. Costs rose, buyer behavior shifted, and noise increased across every channel. Contractors faced more advice than ever, yet less clarity on what actually works.
Podcasts, events, and tools continued to multiply, but results only followed when ideas were turned into action. In that environment, year-end reflection matters. It creates space to separate the signal from distraction. It also forces an honest look at what helped, what failed, and what deserves more focus going forward.
The insights in this article come from our hosts, Tersh Blissett and Joshua Crouch, who spend their days speaking with service business owners and hearing what real life looks like in the field. They wanted to share what we did in 2025, what we learned, and what we will build in 2026.
Tersh Blissett, Co-Founder & Chief Experience Officer at Trade Automation Pros, CEO of Service Emperor, Co-Host & Founder of Service Business Mastery Podcast, brings years of experience in the trades and understands how things work on the ground. Josh Crouch, Founder of Relentless Digital Marketing Solutions & Co-Host of Service Business Mastery Podcast, adds a clear view of how people use tools, systems, and better habits to make work smoother.
In this article, you will learn what the 2025 results actually show and why those numbers matter. You will learn how Josh and Tersh think about focus, engagement, and implementation. You will see how they judge events, tools, and AI without hype.
You will also learn about the lessons from earlier years that still hold true today. Finally, you will get a clear view of what they are building for 2026 and how contractors can stay connected and involved
Get your FREE 14-day trial at callrail.com/sbmpod
Our Sponsors:
Our Affiliates:
2025 Results And What You Helped Us Build
We saw strong growth in 2025, and you were instrumental in driving it. This year, we had almost 1.3 million downloads. We now have just under 4 million downloads all-time. We also released nearly 50 episodes and interviewed over 50 guests this year.
YouTube grew with the show. We had over 129,000 views on our podcast videos in 2025. That represents an approximately 18 percent increase over last year. We surpassed 2,000 hours of watch time and gained over 4,400 new subscribers. That subscriber jump was close to a 1,000 percent increase.
Here is the quick snapshot:
- Almost 1.3 million downloads in 2025
- Just under 4 million downloads all time
- Nearly 50 episodes released in 2025
- 50 plus guests interviewed in 2025
- 129,000 YouTube views and 2,000 watch hours
- 4,400 plus new YouTube subscribers
What those stats prove
We do not treat stats as a trophy. We treat them as feedback. They tell us the topics matter. They also tell us the format works. Contractors want real examples and clear actions.
We started this podcast for that exact reason. We wanted access to people who had already made mistakes. We wanted to learn from the good, bad, and ugly. Then we wanted to share those lessons so you can move faster.
Community beats content
The biggest win is not the download count. The biggest win is the community it represents. We hear from you through comments, DMs, texts, and in-person talks. Those conversations shape what we cover next.
We also see something else. The people who achieve the best results are those who engage and implement. They do not just listen. They take one idea and apply it. That is why we continue to ask you questions. We want you involved, not passive.
What we want from you next
If you only answer three things, answer these:
- Which episode helped you the most in 2025?
- What topic do you want us to cover more in 2026?
- Which events are you attending in 2026?
Your answers help us build better episodes. They also help us meet you face-to-face.
Lessons from 2025 about focus and taking action
Tersh brought up a point that shows up everywhere. Two companies can join the same best practice group. One grows fast, and one does not. The group did not change. The behavior changed.
Engagement drives outcomes. Speed of action drives outcomes. Implementation drives outcomes. That is also why the podcast helps when you use it correctly. You do not need to agree with everything. You need one strong move, you do.
Focus beats noise
There is too much advice online. You can follow ten voices and get ten directions. That creates mixed signals. Mixed signals create confusion. Confusion stops action.
We see the same pattern with homeowners. Homeowners get too many options and freeze. Contractors often fall into the same trap when they pursue too many strategies. So we push focus on purpose.
Our focus rule for contractors:
- Pick one method you trust for this season.
- Commit long enough to see results.
- Ignore side ideas until you finish the plan.
- Review weekly and adjust one move.
How to use an event without wasting it
We attend many events, and we often see the same mistake. People collect notes and feel productive. Then they return home and make no changes.
We give the same instructions in our sessions. Pick two or three things from the entire event. Go home and implement them immediately. Use that same rule with episodes.
A simple implementation routine:
- Write down one takeaway you will test this week.
- Decide the first step before you close your notes.
- Put that step on your calendar with a deadline.
- Inform one team member about the changes that will occur.
Old lessons still pay
Tersh also shared something we believe. Old lessons still work. He discussed revisiting early episodes. He listened again and found “gold” he forgot.
He mentioned a classic example. Google Business Profile, which used to have different names, still matters. Contractors still skip basics that drive calls. So the lesson stays valuable.
If you want growth, you do not need a new trick every week. You need consistent execution on proven moves.
What we learned about AI in 2025 and what is real?
AI stayed loud in 2025. But we also saw fatigue grow. People feel tired of the buzzword. Contractors also feel jaded because vendors burned them before. That is why we test tools. We do not want to recommend something that fails in real work.
We have spent a lot of money testing tools through the podcast and Trade Automation Pros. Some tools were a complete bust.
Our standard for any tool
We judge tools with one simple standard. A tool must make the day easier. If it adds steps, it fails.
A tool earns a place when it does these things:
- Saves time every day
- Cuts repeat tasks
- Captures details people forget
- Fits the current workflow
- Works without a heavy setup
A tool that impressed us
Tersh shared a tool that stood out, and it was recommended at our event. It is called the B Computer. It is a small wearable that captures conversations and sends you a summary. It can also suggest tasks and reminders.
The value is not hype. The value is simple. It gives you a clear record of your day. It helps you remember what you would forget.
For contractors, that kind of digital memory can help in real ways:
- You keep better notes from team talks.
- You track follow-ups you might skip.
- You reduce mental clutter during busy weeks.
The Mantle conversation and the referral reminder
One of our biggest surprises came from a conversation with a company called Mantle. They shared survey data from roughly 420 to 430 homeowners. They asked where homeowners find contractors.
Google ranked at the top. That part did not shock us. What surprised us was how high referrals and prior relationships ranked. That matters because many contractors spend a significant amount on marketing. Meanwhile, trust still drives decisions.
If you want to use that insight, keep it practical.
Three ways to build referral strength:
- Ask for reviews and referrals right after a win.
- Follow up with past customers on a schedule.
- Treat the customer experience like a growth system.
AI search will keep evolving. However, referrals can help you stay steady through market fluctuations.
As AI advances, people will stand out more
As AI voice and AI chat grow, your people will stand out more. Your difference will be human quality, not software access.
So we treat automation as support, not replacement. We want tech to remove repetitive work. Then we want your team to spend time on what needs judgement and care.
What are we building for 2026 and how to connect with us?
We said it on the episode, and we mean it. For many contractors, 2025 felt like the most challenging year since the COVID-19 pandemic. A lot hit at once.
Tariffs, price increases, new equipment, new rules, AI noise, and shifting buyer behavior all stacked together. That kind of year forces clarity. It also forces better systems.
Phone Tap and why we care about it
We have been developing an AI product called Phone Tap. We also learned we needed help managing it correctly. So we brought on a third founder, Bill Brown. Bill has a software engineering background. We do not.
So he helps us build faster and build cleaner. We also care who the product serves. Smaller contractors often get overlooked. Many vendors chase bigger budgets. We want Phone Tap to help contractors who run lean and truly need assistance.
When the phone fails, everything fails. Missed calls, slow follow-ups, and poor tracking can all kill revenue. So we want Phone Tap to support contractors where it hurts most.
Tap Accelerator and guided help.
We also plan to grow Trade Automation Pros. We started with a DIY course and community. But we learned something fast. Many contractors need a guide, not another pile of information.
So we built a “done with you” path called Tap Accelerator.
What we focus on inside the program:
- Improve the process first
- Automate what repeats
- Delegate what a system can handle
- Keep humans on work that needs judgment
What tends to improve when contractors do this well:
- Faster response times
- Fewer dropped tasks
- Less office burnout
Conclusion
Service Business Mastery experienced growth in 2025 due to the community’s continued engagement. The results show strong reach across podcasts and YouTube. The lessons from 2025 also stayed consistent. Focus beats noise, and action beats information.
In 2026, we will focus on building tools and guidance that eliminate repetitive work. It will also focus on maintaining a human touch in our service. Strong systems should give teams time back. That time improves customer experience and business stability.
FAQs
What is the best way to get value from each episode?
Pick one takeaway tied to your current problem. Assign a first step and a due date. Review results within two weeks.
What growth channels mattered most in 2025?
Google remained a top discovery channel. Referrals and prior relationships also ranked very high in homeowner data.
How should contractors judge AI tools in 2026?
Judges tools by time saved and reliability. Avoid tools that add steps or create extra work.
What is Tap Accelerator in plain terms?
It provides guided help to improve processes, automate repetitive tasks, and delegate tasks correctly. It supports real execution, not theory.
How can contractors stay connected with Service Business Mastery in 2026?
Share your biggest 2025 win and your 2026 plans through our community channels. Additionally, please share the events you will be attending and the topics you would like covered.
Resources And People Mentioned:
Join the Service Business Mastery Facebook Group for more updates!
This Episode is Kindly Sponsored By:
- Sera (visit their website)
- UpFrog (visit their website)
- CallRail (visit their website)
- CompanyCam (visit their website) Visit CompanyCam and use code SBM for a free 2-week trial, 1:1 training and account setup, and 50% off your first two months!
- MarketStorm (visit their website)
- Lace (visit their website)
- priceguide (visit their website)
Affiliate Links:
- Castmagic (visit their website)
- StreamYard (visit their website)
- IfTTT- 10 Percent off! (visit their website)
- ZyraTalk (Visit their website)
