The Boardroom Buzz: Grow, Sell, or Exit

Hosted by The Boardroom Buzz

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255

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Jul 2026

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About the show

Boardroom Buzz is the straight-talk playbook for owners who built their service businesses from the crawlspace up and want to master the next move—whether that’s doubling down on growth or preparing for a life-changing exit. Hosted by Jason & Jeremy Julio—“The Blue-Collar Twins” who turned a service-truck start-up into a multimillion-dollar success—and mentored by veteran deal-maker Paul Giannamore, the show turns boardroom finance into stories you’d swap over a tailgate. Expect 40-minute deep-dives that unwrap one real transaction and one valuation lever you can pull today, plus quick “Market Pulse” riffs that flag shifts every operator should watch. If you’re a majority or significant-minority owner eyeing the $5 M–$100 M revenue range, tune in for gritty war stories, step-by-step tactics, and the confidence to choose your own endgame. New episodes every Thursday. Presented by POTOMAC M&A .

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60 recent

July 9, 2026Episode 2471 hr 3 min

The Surprising Power of Core Values and Community Engagement in Business Growth

In this episode of Boardroom Buzz, Bill and Sarah share their inspiring journey from starting their pest control company in a basement to achieving over ten million dollars in annual revenue. They discuss the importance of core values, strategic growth, community engagement, and building a strong team to sustain their success. Whether you're an entrepreneur or a seasoned business owner, their insights on leadership, scaling, and maintaining culture are invaluable. Main Topics: How Sarah's family legacy shaped the start of Thomas Pest Control and their acquisition strategy The critical role of sales experience in scaling their business Implementing EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating System) for clarity and growth Community involvement and why they support cerebral palsy awareness Building a scalable service center model and local satellite branches Leadership structure, team promotions, and retention strategies Harnessing AI tools like Tasklet, X-ray, and role play platforms for training and performance Inside the sales process: inside vs. outside sales teams, leads, and customer relationships The importance of trucks, branding, and truck maintenance for reputation Personal dynamics of working with a spouse and maintaining work-life balance Long-term visions: expansion, acquiring more businesses, and innovative projects like pest control planes Additional Highlights: The strategic importance of community involvement and giving back Building a leadership pipeline through internal promotions Embracing AI tools for continuous improvement and training Maintaining culture and customer service excellence amidst rapid growth Long-term vision: innovation, expansion, and brand-building strategies Ready for boardroom-level help with your own business? • Grow, sell, or exit your service company with Potomac: https://www .potomaccompany.com Connect with the hosts: • Blue Collar Twins – Jason & Jeremy Julio: https://bluecollartwins.com Connect with Paul: • Paul Giannamore – Managing Director & M&A advisor at Potomac: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulgiannamore

July 2, 2026Episode 24659 min

From Burnout to Breakthrough: How Small, Strategic Changes Took This Business from Struggling to Dominating

Explore Brian Hopkins’ journey from firefighter to successful entrepreneur in pest control and pool care industries. Gain insights into organic growth, strategic branding, team management, and adapting to industry challenges without heavy marketing. In this episode: How Brian leveraged relationships in the pest control and pool industries to grow his businesses The parallels between pest control and pool service models Strategies for organic growth and community engagement Challenges faced during business transitions and solutions implemented The importance of branding, professional appearance, and customer service Practical tips on route management, hiring, and tech training The significance of leveraging technology and digital reviews for business expansion Long-term goals: scaling operations and potential franchise opportunities Ready for boardroom-level help with your own business? • Grow, sell, or exit your service company with Potomac: https://www .potomaccompany.com Connect with the hosts: • Blue Collar Twins – Jason & Jeremy Julio: https://bluecollartwins.com Connect with Paul: • Paul Giannamore – Managing Director & M&A advisor at Potomac: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulgiannamore

June 26, 2026Episode 24557 min

The Hidden Truth About Scaling a Saturated Pest Control Market

Discover how Luke transitioned from an FBI analyst to leading a booming pest control business, scaling to nearly $24 million in revenue. Gain insights on effective marketing, team management, and the mindset needed to transform challenges into growth opportunities. Key Topics Luke’s unconventional career journey from FBI analyst to pest control business owner Building a premium brand through high-end service and pricing Leveraging digital marketing channels like SEO, pay-per-click, and automation Structuring and scaling team hierarchies for rapid growth The importance of KPIs and data-driven decision-making Handling operational crises like catalytic converter thefts and staff turnover Strategic leadership traits: accountability, motivation, and detailed involvement Personal health and maintaining work-life balance amidst rapid expansion Future goals: aiming for a $100 million revenue by 2032 Ready for boardroom-level help with your own business? • Grow, sell, or exit your service company with Potomac: https://www .potomaccompany.com Connect with the hosts: • Blue Collar Twins – Jason & Jeremy Julio: https://bluecollartwins.com Connect with Paul: • Paul Giannamore – Managing Director & M&A advisor at Potomac: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulgiannamore

June 11, 2026Episode 24450 min

Why Avoiding Debt Made Byron Barnes the Youngest Millionaire Pest Control CEO

Explore Byron's inspiring story of taking over his family's pest control business at 22, navigating debt, and growing it to a $5 million company through innovative micro acquisitions, branding, and community-focused culture. Discover his insights on leadership, managing growth, and using modern tools like AI to enhance customer service. In this episode: Byron shares how he took over his family's pest control company at age 22 after his father's passing The challenges of transforming an insolvent business into a thriving enterprise His unique approach to micro acquisitions and organic growth strategies Building a strong brand with branded trucks and local marketing efforts The importance of customer service and community engagement in business success His perspective on using AI responsibly for customer interactions and marketing Lessons learned about managing people and cultivating a positive work culture Ready for boardroom-level help with your own business? • Grow, sell, or exit your service company with Potomac: https://www .potomaccompany.com Connect with the hosts: • Blue Collar Twins – Jason & Jeremy Julio: https://bluecollartwins.com Connect with Paul: • Paul Giannamore – Managing Director & M&A advisor at Potomac: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulgiannamore

May 28, 2026Episode 24348 min

How Asking 'Why Not?' Transformed My Business and Can Change Yours Too

Most pest control companies get stuck doing the same thing day after day. Tim Whitt, a 40-year veteran in the industry, reveals how a mindset shift, similar to fighting insect behavior, can elevate your business to the next level. From humble beginnings as a termite helper to building a multimillion-dollar franchise, Tim shares the exact strategies that turned small-town pest control into a scalable, innovative empire. You’ll discover: How to leverage niche markets like lawn care to diversify your revenue streams and redefine your service categories. The importance of protecting your business name and intellectual property before scaling. Why adopting a ‘why not’ mindset can unlock explosive growth and new opportunities. Practical steps on hiring for character, building leadership, and succession planning to secure your company’s future. How to confront the negative “bloodsuckers” in your business, internal or external, and turn them into opportunities for improvement. Tim’s insights are about more than pest control, they’re about mindset shifts, strategic branding, and creating a culture that repels the pests of poor leadership and internal sabotage. His story of moving from corporate routines to owning his own franchise is a blueprint for entrepreneurs everywhere who want to challenge the status quo. If you're ready to turn your passion into a thriving, scalable business—this episode is your must-listen. Perfect for service business owners, aspiring entrepreneurs, or anyone tired of doing what everyone else does, Tim’s advice will inspire you to ask: Why not? Guest Tim Whitt is a serial entrepreneur, author of Infested, and founder of Pied Piper Pest Control. Known for his innovative approach and candid insights, he’s helping operators rewrite the rules of the industry, and his franchise model is just getting started. Tune in and discover how to fight the pests that threaten your business, and more importantly, how to prevent the ones hiding within. Ready for boardroom-level help with your own business? • Grow, sell, or exit your service company with Potomac: https://www .potomaccompany.com Connect with the hosts: • Blue Collar Twins – Jason & Jeremy Julio: https://bluecollartwins.com Connect with Paul: • Paul Giannamore – Managing Director & M&A advisor at Potomac: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulgiannamore

May 21, 2026Episode 24243 min

The Truth About Building a Relational Business in a Transactional World

Jeremy and Jason Julio host The Boardroom Buzz with guest David DeStefano of Digital Building Consultants, who shares his upbringing in Detroit and Kentucky roots, early entrepreneurial moments, and lessons from union commercial roofing in New York City. He describes starting a residential roofing business in college, how wrestling taught self-reflection and persistence, and how faith shifted his focus from “provisions” to purpose after business and personal lows. DeStefano emphasizes relational client service, integrity, and caring for employees’ families, while explaining NYC’s complex waterproofing environment and high insurance costs. He discusses building multiple entities including an AI platform and “Digital Dave” digital-twin concept centered on shared data ownership, advising businesses to learn prompting, protect data, and adopt AI strategically for long-term advantage. You'll learn: Detroit Roots and Hustle Grandpa’s Roofing Lessons Wrestling Mindset for Business Faith Shift and Hard Lessons Relationships Build Trust NYC Roofing and Waterproofing Insurance and Mega Projects Hiring Ownership Mindset Vision And Integrity First AI Crossroads And Data Ownership Prompting And Team Enablement Finding Aligned People Therapy And Staying Grounded AI Implementation And Privacy Discipline And Market Opportunity Ready for boardroom-level help with your own business? • Grow, sell, or exit your service company with Potomac: https://www .potomaccompany.com Connect with the hosts: • Blue Collar Twins – Jason & Jeremy Julio: https://bluecollartwins.com Connect with Paul: • Paul Giannamore – Managing Director & M&A advisor at Potomac: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulgiannamore

May 14, 2026Episode 24150 min

How a 100-Year Family Business Evolved Through Generations of Challenges

On The Boardroom Buzz, the Blue Collar Twins interview Ralph Citarella Jr., president of Bayonne Exterminating, about the company’s 100-year history and his path into the family business. He explains the firm was founded in 1926 by Harry Albert and purchased by his grandfather on May 1, 1945 after World War II, then grown by Ralph’s parents through added employees and involvement in the New Jersey Pest Management Association (NJPMA). Ralph describes leaving the business during his parents’ divorce, bartending after graduating from TCNJ in 2002, and returning at 26 as a managing partner with a goal to reach $1M revenue, learning from early mistakes like building his own website. He discusses industry professionalism, regulation, consolidation, succession issues, his NJPMA leadership roles, earning board-certified entomologist credentials, current operations (six technicians, $1.4M revenue), marketing limits, customer mix, and prioritizing family and sustainable growth. Century Old Company Origins Dad Returns And Expands Why Stay In New Jersey Ralph Jr Early Work Years Coming Back At 26 First Big Goals And Mistakes Trade Associations And Compliance Industry Future And Consolidation Corporate Buyout Fallout Legacy Reputation Pressure Mentors And Association Support Running The Business Daily Content Marketing Next Step Ready for boardroom-level help with your own business? • Grow, sell, or exit your service company with Potomac: https://www .potomaccompany.com Connect with the hosts: • Blue Collar Twins – Jason & Jeremy Julio: https://bluecollartwins.com Connect with Paul: • Paul Giannamore – Managing Director & M&A advisor at Potomac: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulgiannamore

May 7, 2026Episode 24050 min

The Surprising Shift from Commercial Dominance to Residential Profitability

Carmen Reno of Anchor Pest Control (East Brunswick, NJ) joins Boardroom Buzz to share how he bought a one-person, $130K business in 2005 after leaving IT for hedge funds, then grew it to $8.5M last year with a goal of $11M. He discusses evolving from a commercial-heavy model (multifamily and former restaurant work) toward more residential and wildlife services due to cash-flow delays in commercial receivables, plus the strategic value of recurring revenue and high-margin one-time work. Reno covers rebranding with a new logo inspired by his former bed bug dog, billboards across Middlesex/Monmouth, heavy social media, and building a review-driven culture that produced roughly 12,000+ Google reviews. He highlights EOS, hiring a CFO and strong leaders, using Clipboard CRM, AI tools for sales coaching and call handling, key KPIs, and lessons from two failed acquisitions, plus his view that technology and consolidation will widen the gap between small and large operators. You'll learn: Anchor Origins From IT to Pest Control Commercial vs Residential Shift Scaling to Eight Figures Rebrand and Billboards EOS and Leadership Structure Training SOPs and AI CRM Efficiency with Clipboard Owner Role and NJPMA Mosquitoes and Seasonal Service CFO Discipline at Five Million Hiring for Culture Fit Borrowing from HVAC and Roofing Building a Review Culture KPIs and Lead Targets AI Phones and Virtual Assistants Planning the Exit Strategy Shifting to Residential and Wildlife Advice and Acquisition Mistakes Ready for boardroom-level help with your own business? • Grow, sell, or exit your service company with Potomac: https://www .potomaccompany.com Connect with the hosts: • Blue Collar Twins – Jason & Jeremy Julio: https://bluecollartwins.com Connect with Paul: • Paul Giannamore – Managing Director & M&A advisor at Potomac: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulgiannamore

April 23, 2026Episode 23949 min

How Failure Fueled Allan Draper's Multi-Million Dollar Success in Pest Control

Allan Draper shares how he entered pest control through his brother Brent’s door-to-door success, their failed early attempt to launch Freedom Pest Control, and Allan’s detour through banking and law school before quitting his legal job to cofound Proof in 2014–2015. He explains why they chose Detroit, how door-to-door jumpstarted early revenue, and how they bootstrapped with $100K while reinvesting profits and paying themselves modestly. Draper discusses lessons from repeated failures, self-doubt, and the importance of extreme ownership, resilience, and isolating what a leader can control. He outlines Proof’s growth to roughly 120 trucks, the decision to add partners for sales recruiting, and how he replaced himself operationally to pursue other ventures. Draper also describes building Bug Bucks from a 2020 Facebook group into a media/community platform and conference focused on peer networking, plus his routines, goals, and focus on legacy. You'll learn about: Failure Mindset Shift Ownership Lessons Launching Proof in Detroit Bootstrapping and Growth Partners and Stepping Back Aha Moments and New Ventures Why Building Wins Risk Tolerance and Stress Fitness and Matt Rogers What Is Bug Bucks Bug Bucks Con Networking Mentors From Afar Daily Routine and Journaling Disconnecting and Online Advice Confidence Through Failure Ready for boardroom-level help with your own business? • Grow, sell, or exit your service company with Potomac: https://www .potomaccompany.com Connect with the hosts: • Blue Collar Twins – Jason & Jeremy Julio: https://bluecollartwins.com Connect with Paul: • Paul Giannamore – Managing Director & M&A advisor at Potomac: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulgiannamore

April 9, 2026Episode 23851 min

From Big Ponds to Big Leaps: Eric Triplett's Story of Innovation and Tenacity

Jeremy and Jason Julio interview Eric Triplett (“The Pond Digger”) about building and scaling a Southern California pond and aquatic business, surviving stage-four HPV-related tonsil cancer diagnosed in 2015, and the leadership lessons that followed. Triplett recounts noticing a swollen tonsil, facing seven surgeries over roughly three years, and temporarily shutting down his stressful construction division while setting longtime employees up with their own contractor licenses, then focusing on retail, service, and recurring maintenance. He explains how his fish obsession led from aquariums to ponds, the origin of the “Pond Digger” name, his patents (including the Helix Pond Skimmer), and a business model that includes substantial monthly and seasonal maintenance. He discusses podcasting and content creation (The Deep End, Pod House), using AI for marketing, studying DISC/Enneagram, and pursuing growth to $12M by aligning company goals with employee goals. You'll learn about: Eric's Diagnosis And Mindset Business Pivot During Treatment Origin Of The Brand Scaling And Market Realities Recurring Revenue Maintenance Surviving 2008 And Learning Business Manufacturing Patents And Products Content Journey And Podcast Rebrand Pod House Rules Goals and Team Alignment Born to Teach Scaling Systems and Delegation Leadership Psychology Tools Cancer Mindset Shift Starting in a New Market Using AI for Marketing Legacy and Exit Strategy Ready for boardroom-level help with your own business? • Grow, sell, or exit your service company with Potomac: https://www .potomaccompany.com Connect with the hosts: • Blue Collar Twins – Jason & Jeremy Julio: https://bluecollartwins.com Connect with Paul: • Paul Giannamore – Managing Director & M&A advisor at Potomac: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulgiannamore