Next Level Pros
#148: Can the Trades Take You Farther Than a Degree // Dustin Van Orman, Ismael Valdez // Next Level Pros
23 May 2025
Welcome to a new episode of Next Level Pros! Today’s episode is a powerhouse roundtable featuring Ismael Valdez and Dustin Van Orman, two giants in the trades game who have each scaled service businesses to over $100 million in revenue. They join Chris and the team to talk about the real impact of private equity in the trades, the myths, the opportunities, and how the right mindset and sales driven culture can launch your business from $2M to $100M+. If you’ve been skeptical, or scared about private equity, this episode might just change your mind.Highlights:“AI won’t replace the trades. People still want humans in their homes.”“The loudest voices attract the most labor.”“We don’t have an information problem. We have an accountability problem.”“You’re not selling out. You’re building up.”Timestamps: 00:00 Welcome & Introductions03:12 From Zero to $108M: Ismael’s Growth Story08:30 The Private Equity Boom in Trades13:10 Tackling the Labor Shortage19:45 California vs. Washington: Tough Markets, Big Upsides26:30 Sales-Driven Culture: The Real Growth Lever32:58 How to Attract Top Sales Talent39:15 Picking the Right Coach (and Avoiding Scams)45:00 The Power of Accountability & Coaching51:25 What Drives These Founders TodayWant me to teach you how to grow your business? Text me! 509-374-7554Want access to more of my content? Click the link below for all of our latest updates and events!https://linktr.ee/nextlevelprosWant to be a guest on our show? Apply here!https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1YlkVBSluEKMTg4gehyUOHYvBratcxHV5rt3kiWTXNC4/viewform?edit_requested=trueWatch my latest PodcastApple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/next-level-pros/id1687030281Spotify- https://open.spotify.com/show/1e0cL2vI1JAtQrojSOA7D2?si=95980cd4e55a437aYouTube- https://www.youtube.com/@NextLevelPros
Full Episode
Are you afraid that private equity will ruin your trades business? Think again. We'll reveal how top pros like Dustin Van Orman and Ishmael Valdez turned private equity into a powerhouse, scaling to $500 million and beyond. Learn how to spot real opportunities and avoid the scammers in the best practice and coaching groups.
Don't miss this insider's guide to winning with private equity in the trades. All right, welcome to another episode of Next Level Pros. Super excited. We have incredible guests in the studio today. It's a unique experience. All four of us have been involved in private equity in one way or the other in the trades. And so super excited.
We've got Mr. Ishmael Valdez, and we've got Dustin Van Norman here on the show. Welcome to the show, boys. Thank you. Excited to have you. Thanks, guys. Yeah, dude. Thanks for traveling up. It's been a good time. So let's get a quick brief synopsis. If you can give me like just the 60 second version of your story. I know you came from different backgrounds in the trades. If you can go into that.
My name is Ishmael Valdez. I've been in the trades for about 15 years. Just had a successful exit on a plumbing and air conditioning company about four years ago. Grew probably the fastest air conditioning and plumbing business in the nation. It took us six years and four months to exit that business.
So what are we talking from zero to what were you doing in revenue?
We did zero to $108 million in revenue in six years and four months. All plumbing. We started with 8-track and then bolted on the plumbing side on it. We're about to get electric over.
You know, that's probably the closest to competing with us, Daryl. Is that right? Yeah. I mean, zero to 233 in four and a half years. Let's go, baby. Just got to give you some crap. No, that's sweet, man. In the HVAC, you said you were in plumbing as well?
Yes, sir.
Nice. That's awesome. So all three of the main trades going on with that.
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