In this powerhouse episode, Chris Yano sits down with Ismael Valdez, former CEO of NexGen, founder of Nuve, and straight-talking industry disruptor, to break down the REAL issues plaguing contractors today—and what it actually takes to grow and lead a successful home services business in 2025 and beyond. This isn't just another podcast episode. It's a masterclass in leadership, accountability, AI, branding, and the future of the trades. From calling out fake mentors and lazy operators to talking billion-dollar visions, robotic labor, and how personal branding is becoming a business necessity—this is the episode you didn't know you needed. 🔥 KEY TAKEAWAYS:Why most contractors operate like employees, not CEOs—and how to fix itThe accountability gap killing growth in small to mid-sized businessesWhy contractors are losing leads due to poor online reviewsThe rise of AI and robotics in trades: what’s coming and what to do about itThe future of branding (both personal and company) in an AI-dominated worldWhat separates real mentors from the frauds in the home services spaceHow Nuve is changing the game by listening to contractor feedback in real time ⏱️ TIMECODES:00:00 - Intro & Ishmael’s return00:51 - The economy, interest rates, and the outlook for 202602:05 - The real impact of immigration policies on the trades04:49 - Why Ishmael is still grinding after a big exit06:17 - Nuve’s mission and learning from contractor feedback08:00 - Yelp, Google, and the brutal truth about reviews10:01 - Every contractor messes up—what matters is how you respond14:45 - Most “CEOs” still think like employees17:08 - The rise of fake mentors & predatory coaches in the industry21:00 - Nobody is coming to save you—do the work24:14 - AI and the future of CSR & dispatch26:09 - Robotics in trades: the change is coming faster than you think31:06 - Brand is everything: company + personal brand strategy36:11 - Why you MUST get on camera (or find someone who will)42:05 - Why most contractors suck at social media—and how to fix it44:52 - The metric that matters most in social: SHARES47:30 - Final thoughts & actions to take now 🔗 MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:Nuve: https://www.nuvehome.com/Prolific Brand Design: https://prolificbranddesign.com/ Thank you to our Sponsors! Rilla: https://www.rilla.com/tothepointChiirp: https://chiirp.com/Contractor Commerce: https://www.contractorcommerce.com/ryno/Bluon: https://www.bluon.com/get-demo?referral_code=ToThePointAvoca.ai: https://avoca.ai/r/tothepoint 🙌 CALL TO ACTION:Found this episode valuable? Then stop what you're doing and:✅ Subscribe to the podcast💬 Drop a comment below with your biggest takeaway🔁 Share this episode with a contractor who needs to hear it Let’s keep building—together. No. Zero. Days.

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