The Service Standard

Letting an Employee Use a Company Vehicle Cost Me Thousands

In this episode of The Service Standard, Cory Adams shares a hard lesson about liability in a home service business. After allowing an employee to use a company vehicle, a minor accident turned into a much bigger financial and insurance issue than expected. This episode breaks down: • Company vehicle liability risks • Insurance exposure in service businesses • Employee driving policies • Protecting your business from avoidable risk • Balancing generosity with responsibility as a business owner If you run a landscaping, lighting, HVAC, plumbing, roofing, or other home service company, this conversation is critical. Small decisions can carry major financial consequences. Leadership isn’t just about helping people — it’s about protecting the business that supports everyone.

Most Men Don’t Need a Pastor — They Need Someone to Go First

Leading men at work is one thing. Leading them spiritually? That scared me. This week I started an optional Bible study with my employees — and honestly, I didn’t feel qualified to lead it. In this episode, I talk about: • Feeling unqualified but responsible • Why most men don’t need a pastor — they need someone to go first • Why I made it optional • What leadership really looks like as a dad and business owner If you’re a man trying to lead better — at home, at work, or spiritually — this conversation is for you. Subscribe for weekly conversations on faith, fatherhood, leadership, and becoming a better man without pretending to be perfect.

Inconsistent in Business? Here’s What It’s Really Costing You

In this episode of The Service Standard, Cory Adams talks about the real cost of inconsistency in a home service business. If you run a service-based company — landscaping, lighting, HVAC, roofing, plumbing, pressure washing — this episode is a direct conversation about discipline, systems, and execution. We break down how inconsistent marketing, inconsistent leadership, and inconsistent follow-through quietly destroy growth in small businesses. You’ll learn: • Why inconsistent marketing stalls revenue • The hidden cost of inconsistent leadership • How discipline builds momentum • Why systems matter more than motivation • How to raise the standard in your service business Growth doesn’t come from bursts of effort. It comes from consistent execution. If you’re building a home service company and want to grow profitably, this episode is for you.

How to Build Trust in a Competitive Market | Lauren Maxwell of CrossCountry Mortgage

In this episode of The Service Standard, Cory Adams sits down with Lauren Maxwell of CrossCountry Mortgage to talk about building trust in a competitive industry. Mortgage is relationship-driven — just like home services. Lauren shares what it takes to grow a career through consistency, credibility, and long-term client relationships. For home service business owners, this episode covers: • Building trust before the sale • Growing through referrals • Staying competitive in crowded markets • Career growth through discipline • Leading with service over pressure Strong businesses are built on relationships. And trust compounds. Subscribe to The Service Standard for real conversations about leadership, growth, and building profitable service companies the right way.

Starting a Movement from Nothing | Zach & Anajah Bakker on Leadership & Community

In this episode of The Service Standard, Cory Adams sits down with Zach and Anajah Bakker to talk about starting something from nothing. What began as a simple beach Bible study turned into a growing community — built through courage, consistency, and conviction. For home service business owners, this episode is about: • Taking initiative before you feel ready • Leading without a formal title • Building community from zero • Staying consistent when growth is slow • Conviction in public spaces Every strong business starts with someone willing to go first. Leadership isn’t about size. It’s about responsibility. Subscribe to The Service Standard for real conversations about leadership, growth, and raising the standard in the trades.