Powering Success: Future Proofing Your Generator Company

Scaling a Service-First Generator Company with Dan Popp of PM Tech

Dan Popp of PM Tech joins the podcast to share how a company founded by mechanics grew into a 54-person generator service business with nearly 4,000 recurring service agreements. Dan explains why PM Tech has always led with service before sales, how Michigan’s auto industry and work-from-home culture have shaped demand, and what it takes to expand into new markets like Dayton, Ohio and Indianapolis. The conversation also covers PM Tech’s recent electrical contractor acquisition, the challenges of technician recruitment as data centers enter the market, and how better marketing execution through jamgrfx.com helped turn a long-standing pain point into a source of new leads.

Face-To-Face Sales that close: Kevin Keller's Generator Growth Playbook

Kevin Keller of GPOD Generators shares how a simple, personal sales process helped him grow from a few installs a year to more than 200. In this episode, he breaks down why face-to-face meetings, fast follow-up, Facebook lead discipline, and relationship-first selling are the keys to winning more generator jobs.

How Safe Haven Power Builds Scalable Generator Businesses in Tough Markets

In this episode of Powering Success, John Tedesco sits down with Michael Bright, partner and operations lead at Safe Haven Power, a fast-growing, family-owned Generac dealer based in Houston. Safe Haven Power operates in one of the most challenging generator markets in the country—tight install spaces, intense competition, complex permitting, and extreme weather. Michael breaks down what it really takes to scale a generator business the right way without sacrificing quality, service, or integrity. In this episode, we cover: * Why generator installs are construction projects, not simple electrical jobs * How Safe Haven handles tight-space and rooftop generator installs * Fair, transparent pricing in competitive markets * Building a true turnkey install experience * Transitioning from install-heavy to service-driven recurring revenue * The importance of communication, service, and process when scaling * Why maintenance is the future of generator businesses This episode is a must-watch for generator dealers, installers, and contractors looking to grow smarter, scale sustainably, and build long-term value in their business. 🎧 Subscribe to Powering Success for more real conversations with generator industry leaders. 🌐 Learn more at generatorseo.com

Scaling a Generator Business with Big-Box Retailers | Chris Shaffer of Aquatech Mechanical

In this episode of Powering Success: Future-Proofing Your Generator Company, John Tedesco sits down with Chris Shaffer, owner of Aquatech Mechanical, to unpack what it really takes to build and scale a professional generator installation and service business. Chris shares how Hurricane Sandy pushed him into generators, why he chose to specialize, and how Aquatech became a trusted installation partner for major retailers like Costco and Lowe’s. The conversation dives deep into operational discipline, inspections, service standards, and how Generac’s latest technology is reshaping the industry. Topics covered include: * The evolution of the generator market since 2012 * Retail-driven generator installs and cash-flow realities * Why specialization beats “storm chasing” * Grid instability, AI power demand, and future backup solutions * Marketing lessons from Angi, Facebook, Google, and referrals * What today’s educated generator buyer expects This episode is a must-listen for generator dealers, electricians, and service company owners focused on long-term growth and operational excellence. 🔗 Learn more at: https://www.generatorseo.com

Inside Generator Power Systems (GPS) — How Two Friends Built Minnesota’s Go-To Backup Power Company

In today’s episode, John sits down with Jesse and Ryan, lifelong friends and business partners who built Generator Power Systems (GPS) — one of Minnesota’s most respected generator installation and service companies. GPS was born as a spin-off from Jesse’s family business, Jim’s Electric, founded in 1976. What started as a small electrical shop slowly transformed into a specialized generator company that now handles everything from residential standby units to large municipal and industrial backup systems. The guys share their story of coming up in the electrical trade, learning the generator business just before Y2K, and eventually realizing they needed to treat the company like a real business—with processes, systems, a dedicated salesperson, and a marketing strategy. This episode is packed with real talk about running a seasonal trade, managing a small team, balancing installs vs. service work, and why generator demand continues to skyrocket across the Midwest.