The Site Shed
The Site Shed is a global podcast for tradies and trade-based business owners, designed to educate and inform around the topics that matter most in running a business.
Hosted by former plumber and digital agency owner Matt Jones, the podcast covers real-world conversations on apprenticeships, marketing, systems, technology, hiring, leadership, and more — all tailored to the trades.
Each episode features practical insights, honest lessons, and expert guests from across the industry. Whether you're a plumber, builder, electrician, landscaper, or any hands-on business owner, you'll find ideas and experiences you can apply straight away.
If you're ready to work smarter, not harder, The Site Shed offers tools, ideas, and perspectives to help your business move forward.
The Site Shed
500 staff and 440 trucks on the road. Not Your Average Plumbing Company | ft. John Akhoian | Ep. 460
In this episode, host Matt Jones is joined by a familiar face—John, the CEO of Rooter Hero from Los Angeles. It’s been nearly six years since John last appeared on the show, and a lot has changed in that time. Together, Matt and John take a deep dive into the incredible growth journey of Rooter Hero, which has more than doubled in size since 2019, now boasting over 500 employees and 440 vehicles on the road.
Timestamps:
00:00 Company Doubles in Size
03:24 Futuristic Business Strategy Planning
08:53 Consolidating Units Challenges Backend
10:29 Learning Business Expansion Strategies
15:48 AI Integration in Business Operations
18:19 AI Streamlines Job Applicant Screening
22:26 Promoting Trade Careers Over Tech
25:48 Maximizing Maintenance for Business Growth
29:29 Commercial vs. Residential Tech Differences
32:46 Future Business Expansion Possibility
33:57 Expanding Beyond California
Takeaways:
- The #1 mindset shift you need before attempting big growth
- How quarterly strategy, EOS/Traction, and external coaches help manage a massive team
- Real-world ways AI & automation are transforming hiring, onboarding, and daily ops
You'll get an inside look at how John leads a rapidly scaling business, the evolution of his role as CEO, and the challenges of executing change at scale. The conversation covers everything from the impact of technology and AI in streamlining operations, to the importance of structured planning and the influence of operating systems like Gino Wickman’s EOS.
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