AI for Business Owners

AI Automations for Tradespeople to Explode Productivity using Zapier with Tersh Blissett

In this episode of AI for Business Owners, Jeff Torello [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jtorello/] sits down with Tersh Blissett [https://www.linkedin.com/in/tershblissett/], owner of multiple HVAC, plumbing, and electrical companies and Co-Founder & Chief Experience Officer of Trade Automation Pros [https://www.linkedin.com/company/tradeautomationpros/], Chief Executive Officer of Service Emperor [https://www.linkedin.com/company/icebound/], and Co-Host & Founder at Service Business Mastery [https://www.linkedin.com/company/service-business-mastery/]. Tersh shares his journey from the Air Force and engineering school into the skilled trades, and how a simple Excel automation project sparked a long-term passion for optimizing business processes. The conversation is about how automation and AI are reshaping service businesses, especially in the trades. Tersh explains how contractors can streamline operations by integrating CRMs, automation tools, and AI-powered systems into everyday workflows. Jeff and Tersh also explore the hype surrounding AI, the difference between automation and true AI solutions, and why many business owners are suddenly eager to adopt these technologies. The episode highlights the importance of optimizing workflows before automating them and discusses the real-world challenges of implementing AI tools inside growing companies. Key Takeaways: * Automation First, AI Second: Many business problems can be solved with simple automation before jumping into complex AI systems. * Process Optimization Matters: Businesses should optimize processes before attempting to automate them. * AI Adoption Is Driven by FOMO: Many companies are adopting AI quickly due to fear of falling behind. * AI and Software Are Closely Linked: In many cases, AI is simply another evolution of traditional software solutions. * The Future of AI in Business: AI will continue improving rapidly, making today the "worst" it will ever perform. Noteworthy Quotes: * "I started automating things because I was tired of spending hours every day doing manual reports." – Tersh Blissett * "AI isn't the solution to every problem—sometimes it's just software solving a business need." – Jeff Torello * "Before you automate a process, make sure it's optimized first." – Tersh Blissett * "People are adopting AI quickly because they're afraid of getting left behind." – Tersh Blissett * "Today is the worst AI will ever perform—it's only going to get better from here." – Jeff Torello Key Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction and sponsor message 01:36 - Tersh Blissett's background and business ventures in the trades 02:47 - From Air Force and engineering to HVAC and service businesses 07:38 - AI hype vs real business value 11:51 - SEO, AI search, and how businesses appear in generative results 14:04 - AI agents and the future of automated purchasing 20:42 - Local AI models vs cloud AI tools 34:06 - Managing data, storage, and digital assets 42:41 - When business owners should hire experts instead of doing it themselves 44:00 - The rapid acceleration of AI development FOLLOW OUR GUEST TERSH BLISSETT: * Tersh Blissett LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tershblissett/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/tershblissett/] * Trade Automation Pros LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tradeautomationpros/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/tradeautomationpros/] * Trade Automation Pros Website: https://tradeautomationpros.com/ [https://tradeautomationpros.com/] * Service Emperor LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/icebound/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/icebound/] * Service Emperor Website: https://serviceemperor.com/ [https://serviceemperor.com/] * Service Business Mastery LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/service-business-mastery/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/service-business-mastery/] * Service Business Mastery Website: https://servicebusinessmastery.com/ [https://servicebusinessmastery.com/] FOLLOW OUR HOST JEFF TORELLO: * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jtorello/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jtorello/] * Website: https://sinjun.ai/ [https://sinjun.ai/] FOLLOW SINJUN AI: * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sinjunai/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/sinjunai/] * Website: https://sinjun.ai/ [https://sinjun.ai/] * X (Twitter): https://x.com/sinjunai [https://x.com/sinjunai] * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sinjun.ai/ [https://www.instagram.com/sinjun.ai/] * Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Sinjun-AI/ [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61574199257683] * YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SinjunAI [https://www.youtube.com/@SinjunAI] FOLLOW AI FOR BUSINESS OWNERS PODCAST: * Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3yi0lfb6ZtSuqRvKh6a2e1?si=88f9e649d1f546c8 [https://open.spotify.com/show/3yi0lfb6ZtSuqRvKh6a2e1?si=88f9e649d1f546c8] * YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AIforBizOwners [https://www.youtube.com/@AIforBizOwners] * Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/ai-for-business-owners/id1823255627 [https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/ai-for-business-owners/id1823255627]

AI and Real Estate: How Real Estate Pros Can Use AI Without Losing the Human Touch with Olgierd Minkiewicz

In this episode of AI for Business Owners, Jeff Torello [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jtorello/] sits down with Olgierd Minkiewicz [https://www.linkedin.com/in/olgierdminkiewicz/], President of Polymathy Inc. [https://www.linkedin.com/company/polymathyinc/], and Relationship Manager USA at CC Global Advisory [https://www.linkedin.com/company/ccglobaladvisory/], a seasoned real estate professional and global advisor based in New York City. Olgierd shares his insights into the fast-paced, competitive world of Manhattan real estate and explores how AI is beginning to play a role in enhancing real estate practices. From CRM systems to AI-driven avatars, the conversation dives into the ways AI is reshaping everything from client communication to property tours. While Olgierd embraces the use of AI to handle mundane tasks and improve productivity, he also emphasizes the irreplaceable value of personal relationships and human judgment in real estate transactions. The discussion touches on the balance between automation and authentic interaction in an industry that requires trust and personal rapport. Key Takeaways: * AI as a Productivity Tool: AI enhances real estate workflows by automating tasks like scheduling and client reminders. * Human Touch Matters: Building relationships and trust with clients remains crucial in real estate, despite AI's growing role. * AI's Future Role: Agentic AI avatars may handle first-touch interactions, but human creativity and decision-making are still irreplaceable. * Balancing Automation and Personalization: AI can handle repetitive tasks, but complex decisions require personal involvement. * Privacy Concerns: With AI tools managing sensitive data, maintaining privacy and security is essential for real estate professionals and clients. Noteworthy Quotes: * "In real estate, people buy a relationship, not just a property." – Olgierd Minkiewicz * "AI automates tasks, but nothing beats the human touch when it comes to relationships." – Olgierd Minkiewicz * "Real estate agents have been around for over 100 years for a reason—we're still needed." – Olgierd Minkiewicz * "CRMs use AI to help me stay connected, but they can't replace real human relationships." – Olgierd Minkiewicz * "AI avatars may be the future, but human interaction will always be at the heart of business." – Olgierd Minkiewicz Key Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction and sponsor message 02:12 - Olgierd's background and journey into real estate 05:30 - The competitive nature of Manhattan real estate 10:20 - How AI enhances productivity in real estate (CRM, social media automation) 15:00 - The importance of maintaining a personal connection in a tech-driven world 20:35 - AI avatars and agentic AI in real estate: A glimpse into the future 27:40 - Privacy and security concerns with AI tools in real estate 34:50 - The balance between automation and human creativity in decision-making 42:10 - Olgierd's thoughts on the future of AI in real estate and beyond FOLLOW OUR GUEST OLGIERD MINKIEWICZ: * Olgierd Minkiewicz LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/olgierdminkiewicz/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/olgierdminkiewicz/] * CC Global Advisory LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ccglobaladvisory/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/ccglobaladvisory/] * CC Global Advisory Website: https://ccglobaladvisory.com/en/ [https://ccglobaladvisory.com/en/] * Polymathy Inc. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/polymathyinc/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/polymathyinc/] * Polymathy Inc. Website: https://polymathyinc.com/ [https://polymathyinc.com/] FOLLOW OUR HOST JEFF TORELLO: * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jtorello/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jtorello/] * Website: https://sinjun.ai/ [https://sinjun.ai/] FOLLOW SINJUN AI: * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sinjunai/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/sinjunai/] * Website: https://sinjun.ai/ [https://sinjun.ai/] * X (Twitter): https://x.com/sinjunai [https://x.com/sinjunai] * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sinjun.ai/ [https://www.instagram.com/sinjun.ai/] * Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Sinjun-AI/ [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61574199257683] * YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SinjunAI [https://www.youtube.com/@SinjunAI] FOLLOW AI FOR BUSINESS OWNERS PODCAST: * Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3yi0lfb6ZtSuqRvKh6a2e1?si=88f9e649d1f546c8 [https://open.spotify.com/show/3yi0lfb6ZtSuqRvKh6a2e1?si=88f9e649d1f546c8] * YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AIforBizOwners [https://www.youtube.com/@AIforBizOwners] * Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/ai-for-business-owners/id1823255627 [https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/ai-for-business-owners/id1823255627]

AI Will Save Real Estate from Outdated Permits and Broken Processes with Ari Rastegar

In this episode of AI for Business Owners, Jeff Torello [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jtorello/] sits down with Ari Rastegar [https://www.linkedin.com/in/arirastegar/], Founder and CEO of Rastegar Capital [https://www.linkedin.com/company/rastegarcapital/], an attorney and real estate investor, to discuss the impact of AI on the real estate industry. Ari shares his journey from being an attorney to running a successful real estate investment company, managing billions of dollars across numerous projects. The conversation explores the challenges of the real estate industry, particularly its outdated processes, and how AI and technology are beginning to revolutionize everything from construction to land development. Together, they talk about the role AI can play in streamlining operations, improving productivity, and solving long-standing problems in real estate. Key Takeaways: * AI as a Tool, Not a Replacement: AI enhances productivity by handling repetitive tasks, not replacing jobs. * AI in Construction: 3D printing and robotics are reducing build times and costs in construction. * Real Estate's Outdated Processes: Permitting and zoning inefficiencies can be addressed with AI and digital tools. * Shortening Build Time: AI and robotics reduce construction timelines, leading to cost savings. * AI for Land Scanning: AI aids in quickly identifying lucrative land development opportunities. * Human-AI Synergy: AI complements human expertise, enhancing decision-making rather than replacing it. Noteworthy Quotes: * "AI is a really fucking good assistant." – Ari Rastegar * "The AI is a really good advisor, but it's not making executive decisions without oversight." – Ari Rastegar * "You have to shorten the time frame to save on financing costs and interest. It's a profound savings that can then be passed along to the end user." – Ari Rastegar * "AI is probability software. It predicts outcomes, it doesn't guarantee them." – Jeff Torello * "I think we're right at the tipping point where we have software that can help with land site scanning, blueprint renderings, and 3D printing." – Ari Rastegar Key Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction and sponsor message 01:52 - Ari's background and transition from attorney to real estate investor 06:08 - Innovations in construction, including 3D printing and robotics 13:40 - How AI is improving land site analysis and blueprint renderings 20:12 - The importance of human intelligence in AI decision-making 26:46 - The outdated permitting process and AI's potential to expedite it 28:58 - The future of AI in real estate and construction 35:30 - Final advice for business owners on adopting AI FOLLOW OUR GUEST ARI RASTEGAR: * Ari Rastegar LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arirastegar/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/arirastegar/] * Rastegar Capital LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/rastegarcapital/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/rastegarcapital/] * Rastegar Capital Website: https://www.rastegarcapital.com/ [https://www.rastegarcapital.com/] FOLLOW OUR HOST JEFF TORELLO: * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jtorello/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jtorello/] * Website: https://sinjun.ai/ [https://sinjun.ai/] FOLLOW SINJUN AI: * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sinjunai/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/sinjunai/] * Website: https://sinjun.ai/ [https://sinjun.ai/] * X (Twitter): https://x.com/sinjunai [https://x.com/sinjunai] * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sinjun.ai/ [https://www.instagram.com/sinjun.ai/] * Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Sinjun-AI/ [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61574199257683] * YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SinjunAI [https://www.youtube.com/@SinjunAI] FOLLOW AI FOR BUSINESS OWNERS PODCAST: * Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3yi0lfb6ZtSuqRvKh6a2e1?si=88f9e649d1f546c8 [https://open.spotify.com/show/3yi0lfb6ZtSuqRvKh6a2e1?si=88f9e649d1f546c8] * YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AIforBizOwners [https://www.youtube.com/@AIforBizOwners] * Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/ai-for-business-owners/id1823255627 [https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/ai-for-business-owners/id1823255627]

The Trades Business Owners Are Wasting Time on AI Without Strategy with Julian Scadden

In this episode of AI for Business Owners, Jeff Torello [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jtorello/] sits down with Julian Scadden [https://www.linkedin.com/in/julianscadden/], President & CEO of Nexstar Network [https://www.linkedin.com/company/nexstarnetwork/], to connect two powerful themes: the resurgence of skilled trades and the rise of AI in business. Julian shares his journey from plumber to consultant for over 1,000 home service companies, while Jeff breaks down what AI actually is, and isn't. Together, they challenge the hype, discuss the risks of bolt-on AI solutions, and explain why strategy must come before tools. Whether you run a service business or are just curious about AI in action, learn how to use AI effectively while keeping strategy at the center of business decisions. Key Takeaways: * Trades Are Resurging: Market forces and workforce shortages are bringing renewed value to skilled labor. * Craftsmanship Builds Leaders: Discipline, repetition, and pride in work translate directly into better business decisions. * AI is Probability Software: It predicts outcomes, it doesn't guarantee them. * Strategy Before Technology: Identify pain points and goals before investing in AI tools. * Avoid Version One Mistakes: Most AI products are still early-stage software; integration matters more than excitement. Noteworthy Quotes: * "You don't get to respawn in business. Sometimes it's permadeath." – Julian Scadden * "If a tool is truly revolutionary, all your competitors will buy it too." – Jeff Torello * "AI lives between zero and one. It's probability, not certainty." – Jeff Torello * "Most people research software 80% and integration 20%. That should be reversed." – Julian Scadden * "You're going to pay either way, so get expert help." – Julian Scadden Key Timestamps: [00:00] Introduction and sponsor message [04:10] The resurgence of skilled trades and workforce shortages [06:22] Shop class, craftsmanship, and character development [13:01] Lottery mindset vs. earned success [16:25] AI: savior or villain? [20:54] The danger of bolt-on AI tools [30:32] The "version one" software problem [34:03] Integration, feedback loops, and long-term thinking [37:00] Final advice for business owners FOLLOW OUR GUEST JULIAN SCADDEN: * Julian Scadden LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jtorello/https://www.linkedin.com/in/julianscadden/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/julianscadden/] * Nexstar Network LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/nexstarnetwork/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/nexstarnetwork/] * Nexstar Network Website: https://www.nexstarnetwork.com/ [https://www.nexstarnetwork.com/] FOLLOW OUR HOST JEFF TORELLO: * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jtorello/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jtorello/] * Website: https://sinjun.ai/ [https://sinjun.ai/] FOLLOW SINJUN AI: * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sinjunai/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/sinjunai/] * Website: https://sinjun.ai/ [https://sinjun.ai/] * X (Twitter): https://x.com/sinjunai [https://x.com/sinjunai] * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sinjun.ai/ [https://www.instagram.com/sinjun.ai/] * Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Sinjun-AI/ [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61574199257683] * YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SinjunAI [https://www.youtube.com/@SinjunAI] FOLLOW AI FOR BUSINESS OWNERS PODCAST ON: * Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3yi0lfb6ZtSuqRvKh6a2e1?si=88f9e649d1f546c8 [https://open.spotify.com/show/3yi0lfb6ZtSuqRvKh6a2e1?si=88f9e649d1f546c8] * YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AIforBizOwners [https://www.youtube.com/@AIforBizOwners] * Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/ai-for-business-owners/id1823255627 [https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/ai-for-business-owners/id1823255627]

How Lawyers Can Use AI Without Losing Trust or Breaking Ethics with Christy Zlatkus

In this episode of AI for Business Owners, host Jeff Torello [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jtorello/] sits down with Christy Zlatkus [https://www.linkedin.com/in/christy-zlatkus/], CEO and founding attorney of Z Family Law, LLC [https://www.linkedin.com/company/z-family-law-llc/], to explore the intersection of artificial intelligence and the legal field. Christy shares her journey of cautiously integrating AI into her law practice, where efficiency meets ethical concerns, and authenticity remains central to client relationships. Christy discusses how AI tools like ChatGPT have enhanced her personal branding, helped streamline administrative tasks, and aided in legal research. She also highlights the importance of maintaining attorney-client confidentiality and the challenges of introducing AI without compromising the human touch. This episode is a must-listen for law professionals, business owners, and anyone interested in how AI can empower industries while maintaining integrity and authenticity. Key Takeaways: * The AI Journey in Law: How Christy started integrating AI cautiously into her practice and the lessons learned along the way. * AI as a Productivity Tool: Using AI to brainstorm ideas, improve personal branding, and streamline administrative processes. * Confidentiality and Ethics in Legal AI: The importance of client confidentiality and the safeguards necessary to ensure compliance. * Authenticity vs. Efficiency: How businesses can balance the efficiency of AI with the authenticity that clients value. * The Role of AI in Client Experience: Exploring how AI can improve client response times without losing the personal touch. Noteworthy Quotes: * "AI can be a powerful force multiplier, but you can't check your brain at the door." – Christy Zlatkus * "AI shouldn't replace humans in law; it should amplify their work, just like a paralegal would." – Jeff Torello * "The key is to use AI as a sounding board, not a crutch." – Christy Zlatkus * "Authenticity is about ensuring that the tools we use align with who we are and the values we uphold in our practice." – Christy Zlatkus * "If you let AI do everything without oversight, you're heading for trouble. But if you use it wisely, it can save time and money." – Jeff Torello Key Timestamps: [00:00] – Introduction and welcome to Christy Zlatkus [02:16] – Christy's journey with AI in the legal field [03:43] – How AI helps with personal branding and brainstorming ideas [05:11] – The risks of relying on AI without critical thinking [08:41] – Using AI for legal research: benefits and challenges [12:29] – The importance of confidentiality and ethics in AI for law [15:11] – Balancing efficiency with the authenticity of client relationships [17:10] – The future of AI in law: improving client experience without losing the personal touch [25:44] – Authenticity in personal branding: how to use AI without losing your voice [42:25] – Final thoughts: leveraging AI to enhance client service without compromising integrity FOLLOW OUR GUEST CHRISTY ZLATKUS: * Christy Zlatkus LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christy-zlatkus/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/christy-zlatkus/] * Z Family Law, LLC LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/z-family-law-llc/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/z-family-law-llc/] * Z Family Law, LLC Website: https://www.zfamilylaw.com/ [https://www.zfamilylaw.com/] FOLLOW OUR HOST JEFF TORELLO ON: * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jtorello/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jtorello/] * Website: https://sinjun.ai/ [https://sinjun.ai/] FOLLOW SINJUN AI ON: * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sinjunai/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/sinjunai/] * Website: https://sinjun.ai/ [https://sinjun.ai/] * X (Twitter): https://x.com/sinjunai [https://x.com/sinjunai] * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sinjun.ai/ [https://www.instagram.com/sinjun.ai/] * Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Sinjun-AI/ [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61574199257683] * YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SinjunAI [https://www.youtube.com/@SinjunAI] FOLLOW AI FOR BUSINESS OWNERS PODCAST ON: * Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3yi0lfb6ZtSuqRvKh6a2e1?si=88f9e649d1f546c8 [https://open.spotify.com/show/3yi0lfb6ZtSuqRvKh6a2e1?si=88f9e649d1f546c8] * YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AIforBizOwners [https://www.youtube.com/@AIforBizOwners] * Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/ai-for-business-owners/id1823255627 [https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/ai-for-business-owners/id1823255627]