In this episode of Titan Talks, host Jonathan Stern interviews Josh Wagner, owner of Wagner’s Lift and Dock Shop, a leading boat lift and dock installation company in Southwest Michigan. Josh shares his journey from working for extra cash in 2008 to eventually taking over a business dealing with boat lifts and docks with his brothers. Despite early challenges, such as working in cold Michigan waters and handling heavy equipment, Josh’s determination and entrepreneurial spirit led him to grow and scale the business. Josh also highlights the role of a strong online presence, facilitated by Topline Pro, in expanding their customer reach and business operations. Josh envisions further growth while maintaining the commitment to excellence that has marked their journey so far.

This episode of Titan Talks features Steve Lockwood, the owner of Lockwood Finishes, a successful painting company located in Springfield, Illinois. The show discusses his start in the industry, how he came to realize that he was a professional, and how making 100 phone calls a day helped boost his business and client base in the early days. Steve shares insights on the importance of job costing, his pride in carrying the name Lockwood, and how having a website has transformed his business and brought him in front of people that didn’t know about his services.

In this episode of Titan Talks, Joe Hennessey, the owner of Hennessey Landscaping, shares his journey of starting his business. Hennessey’s passion for landscaping began in his early teens, providing lawn care and snow removal services in his neighborhood. After initially losing interest and attempting a different career path post-college, Joe reignited his passion for landscaping and eventually established Hennessey Landscaping in 2019. The company faced growth challenges, including a trial and error phase and adapting marketing strategies. Joe emphasizes the significance of digital marketing and having a robust online presence for growth. He experienced a substantial learning curve regarding business management beyond the classroom, highlighting the importance of investing in marketing and customer acquisition.