The Standby Generator Podcast - With Jim Swetman

Episode #29 - Marketing & Lead Generation Strategy with Jason Reeves from 1-800-POWER

In this episode of the Standby Generator Podcast, host Jim Swetman [chatgpt://generic-entity?number=0] sits down with Jason Reeves [chatgpt://generic-entity?number=1], founder of 1-800-POWER [chatgpt://generic-entity?number=2], to discuss how standby generator dealers can increase lead volume, book more estimates, and close more installs using digital marketing. If you’re a Generac dealer, Kohler dealer, or Briggs & Stratton generator installer struggling to make the phone ring, this episode breaks down proven strategies for: Google Ads for generator companies Facebook & Instagram (Meta) ads for home service businesses Landing pages that convert generator leads Cost per lead & cost per acquisition tracking Weather-event marketing campaigns Service maintenance & recurring revenue marketing Scaling generator installation businesses Jason explains why online advertising for generator dealers is no longer optional—and how specialized marketing systems outperform generic agencies. From building irresistible offers to running storm-triggered ad campaigns, this episode outlines a 90-day roadmap to measurable growth. You’ll also learn why digital marketing must work alongside a strong sales process—and how dealers can compete with large HVAC companies and venture-backed generator competitors by staying visible year-round. If you want more generator installation leads, maintenance contracts, and scalable revenue, this is a must-listen episode.

Special Announcement - Tales from the Field: Launching the FIRST-Ever Generator Story Contest

In this special episode of the Stand By Generator Podcast, host Jim Swetman announces the launch of the first-ever Home Standby Generator Tales from the Field contest — and he wants to hear from you. If you’ve spent any time in the standby power industry, you know the stories. The unbelievable service calls. The wild installation days. The customers you’ll never forget. The trench you dug that hit something it definitely shouldn’t have. The weather that made you question every life decision. The Murphy’s Law moments that turn into shop legends. Now’s your chance to share them. From February 17 through April 15, submit your craziest (but true!) generator installation, maintenance, site survey, or customer call story to info@poweralliance.com for a chance to win $500 cash plus a $250 pizza party for your team. The best stories will be featured on upcoming episodes, and finalists will be highlighted for audience voting on LinkedIn — with Jim making the final call. Stories must be real, appropriate, and backed with proof. Whether you type it out, send an audio clip, or film yourself telling it, this is your opportunity to become a legend in the standby power world. Make us laugh. Make us cringe. Make us glad we weren’t on that job site. Submit your story and be part of the first generator story contest in the nation.

Episode #28 -The Smart Dealer’s Guide to Winning at the 2026 Rehlko Summit

Heading to the Kohler Dealer Conference or the RELCO Summit in Orlando? This episode of the Standby Generator Podcast is your strategic game plan. Industry veteran Jim Swetman shares how generator dealers can get real ROI from dealer conferences — not by collecting swag, but by making the shift from generator installer to energy company. Jim breaks down: * The growing shift toward the home energy ecosystem — generators, batteries, solar, microgrids, and connected energy solutions  * Why commercial generator work under 150kW is a major opportunity for residential-focused dealers  * How strong maintenance contracts and recurring service revenue create stability during slow installation cycles  * The importance of peer-to-peer learning among generator dealers and why hallway conversations matter more than keynotes  * What to watch for in manufacturer leadership, dealer culture, and long-term industry direction  Jim also shares the must-attend sessions for dealers focused on service profitability, succession planning, commercial growth, and operational efficiency — plus how to return from a conference with a 30-day execution plan that actually moves your business forward  If you’re in the standby generator industry, power systems, or building a service-driven generator dealership, this episode is a roadmap for long-term growth, higher margins, and increased business value.

Episode #27 - 2026 Generac Dealer Conference Recap: What Standby Generator Dealers Must Do Now

Fresh off the 2026 Generac Dealer Conference, Jim Swetman breaks down what Generac’s leadership message really means for standby generator dealers, installers, and home energy pros on the ground. In this episode of the Standby Generator Podcast, Jim translates the big-picture corporate strategy into real-world actions for dealers navigating shifting demand, tighter competition, and major growth opportunities in backup power, home standby generators, and the evolving home energy ecosystem.  With 2025 bringing fewer major outages and softer sales across the industry, Jim unpacks why Generac is doubling down on long-term growth, expanded capacity, and market awareness — and why dealers who kept marketing, building service agreements, and diversifying revenue are now best positioned for 2026. He explains the significance of the 6.5% U.S. home standby generator penetration rate, what that means for market saturation, and why increased dealer competition makes professionalism, branding, financing options, and customer experience more important than ever.  You’ll also hear insights on: * The growing role of generator monitoring (Fleet programs) and why maintenance contracts are becoming the foundation of stable dealership revenue * How Generac dealers can capitalize on national brand advertising with stronger local marketing * The rise of the home energy ecosystem — integrating generators, battery storage, solar, and energy monitoring — and which dealer sizes should lean in (or stay focused) * Why high-end homeowners are driving demand for battery backup systems alongside standby generators * What Generac’s push into commercial and industrial (C&I) power, data centers, and AI infrastructure could mean for local commercial generator opportunities * The importance of dealer training, operational systems, and differentiation as pricing pressure and complexity increase This episode is built for generator installers, power equipment dealers, electrical contractors, and home backup power professionals who want to grow market share, improve service revenue, and prepare for a potentially outage-driven 2026. If you’re in the standby generator business and want to turn conference takeaways into profit, this breakdown is for you.

Episode #26 - Unlocking the Secrets to Dealer Conference Success | Preparing for the Generac Dealer Conference

In this episode of the Stand By Generator podcast, host Jim Swetman shares valuable insights on maximizing ROI from the upcoming 2026 Generac Dealer Conference. Drawing from over 20 years of experience attending these conferences, Jim emphasizes the importance of approaching the event not just as a consumer but as a connector. He discusses the evolution of the conference from informal local gatherings to a large-scale event with thousands of attendees, highlighting the shift in focus from product updates to meaningful business connections. Jim provides practical tips for attendees, such as arriving early, identifying key business challenges, and engaging in strategic conversations with fellow dealers to gain insights and solutions. Jim also stresses the significance of post-conference follow-up, encouraging attendees to review their notes, implement actionable ideas, and maintain relationships with other dealers. He shares personal anecdotes about how he learned to charge appropriately for maintenance visits and motivate technicians through incentive programs. By the end of the episode, listeners are equipped with a clear game plan to ensure they get the most out of their investment in the conference, ultimately aiming for a 5 to 10X return on their time and money spent. Keywords: Generac Dealer Conference, ROI, business networking, dealer insights, maintenance programs, conference strategies, dealer relationships, industry tips, business growth, Power Alliance