Marketing Without Rules

In this episode of Marketing Without Rules, host Lewis Vandervalk interviews Zac Garside, President of Prolific Brand Design. They dive deep into the hunter mindset, creative marketing strategies and the biggest mistakes contractors make when trying to stand out.

Zac shares actionable insights on boosting email deliverability, crafting captivating campaigns that actually get replies, and building long-term relationships with you...

In this episode of Marketing Without Rules, host Lewis Vandervalk welcomes Chris Scoville, founder and CEO of Improvifi, to break down what they’d do to launch a home service business from scratch. 

Using a fictional brand called “Generator King”, Lewis and Chris brainstorm creative marketing strategies, branding tactics and referral-based growth plans that any local service business owner can use. 

They discuss the importanc...

What if every job you completed quietly brought in 3, 4, even 5 more without running ads or chasing cold leads?

In this free training, Marketing Without Rules host Lewis Vandervalk reveals the exact local marketing strategy that service pros are using to multiply their jobs using trust, visibility, and smart systems.

This week's episode is a special encore replay episode of a workshop Lewis hosted in June of 2025.

In t...

In this episode of Marketing Without Rules, host Lewis Vandervalk sits down with Mitch Smedley, owner of Smedley Plumbing and co-founder of Trade Wins, to unpack the real story behind what it takes to grow a trades business and why most owners stay stuck in the field longer than they should.

From turning a plumbing van into a go-kart and strapping a 12-foot skeleton to a service vehicle… to hiring a full-time videographer and...

In this episode of Marketing Without Rules, host Lewis Vandervalk sits down with Joseph Hughes from Contractor Dynamics to unpack the real reason most contractors fail at marketing and what to do instead. Sponsored by Blue Crocus Solutions, the conversation unpacks Joseph’s journey from struggling entrepreneur to a highly sought-after marketing educator in the roofing space.

Joseph reveals how his early failures shaped his approach,...

In this episode of Marketing Without Rules, host Lewis Vandervalk sits down with Adam Sand, roofing entrepreneur and founder of Roofing Business Partner to unpack what it really takes to build a service business that grows without depending on you.

Adam shares his journey from being an operator in a roofing company to founding the Roofing Business Partner, a consulting firm focused on helping roofing companies streamline operati...

In this episode of Marketing Without Rules, host Lewis Vandervalk is joined by Chris Weir, the founder of Spartan Junk Removal, one of Maryland’s fastest-growing junk removal companies. Chris shares his unique journey from summer jobs in junk removal to building a purpose-driven business rooted in strong core values and community connections.

They dive into the real-world challenges of running a local service business, including tea...

In this episode of 'Marketing Without Rules,' host Lewis Vandervalk welcomes back Barry Hartman, co-founder and CEO of 505-Junk, (a $6 million+ junk removal company) and founder of Bolt Accelerator. 

They discuss the concept of 'vivid vision' in both personal and professional realms, emphasizing the importance of clearly defining future goals. Barry shares his journey of crafting a vivid vision, the iterations ov...

In this episode of 'Marketing Without Rules,' host Lewis Vandervalk engages in an enlightening conversation with Dan Platta, a blue collar dude who actually makes bookkeeping exciting. The discussion kicks off with Dan sharing his recent experience of being hacked on Facebook and the chaos that ensued. (don’t click sketchy links in messenger, people)

Dan explains the critical importance of bookkeeping for businesses, emphasizing tha...

In this episode of Marketing Without Rules, host Lewis Vandervalk interviews Chris Chisholm, Marketing Director of Allied Junk Partners (comprised of  Fire Dogs, Joseph's Junk Removal, Lug Away, and Junk Bear)

Chris shares his journey from being a fireman to starting a junk removal business and eventually moving into marketing. He discusses the importance of building a strong brand, the efficacy of grassroots marketing efforts like ...

In this episode of Marketing Without Rules, host Lewis Vandervalk chats with Al Levi, known as the Seven Power Contractor. Al shares his expertise on simplifying and systematizing contracting businesses using a robust seven-part framework. These 'seven powers' include planning, operating, financial, marketing, sales, staffing, and leadership. By implementing these principles, contractors can turn their chaotic operations in...

In this episode of 'Marketing Without Rules,' host Lewis Vandervalk chats with James Hatfield, Chief Revenue Officer at Live Switch, about innovative strategies to grow home service businesses. 

James reveals how leveraging Live Switch for virtual estimates can save time, increase closing rates, and extend service areas without needing to drive to every job site. He shares personal anecdotes from his days as a painting a...

In this episode of Marketing Without Rules, host Lewis Vandervalk welcomes Brandon Vaughn, a Guinness World Record holder and renowned entrepreneur, who has scaled multiple service businesses and inspired over 20,000 business owners. 

They discuss Brandon's unique approach to differentiating his businesses through exceptional customer experiences and innovative marketing strategies. They delve into Brandon's treadmill jo...

In this episode of Marketing Without Rules, Lewis Vandervalk sits down with Matt Plapp, the CEO of America's Best Restaurants, to discuss innovative and out-of-the-box marketing strategies. 

The conversation covers a wide range of topics such as the importance of creating entertaining content on social media, retention strategies for businesses, and the concept of 'aim and expect' versus 'hope and pray' in marketing. Matt shares ane...

In this episode of 'Marketing Without Rules', host Lewis Vandervalk welcomes seasoned AI consultant and digital strategist Jonathan Mast. Jonathan discusses how AI has revolutionized his ability to hyperfocus and achieve more, which led him to create 'White Beard Strategies.' 

He shares his journey of leveraging AI to amplify his brand, grow his business, and build a community of 400,000 entrepreneurs learning about AI. Jonathan pro...

In this episode of 'Marketing Without Rules,' host Lewis Vandervalk sits down with seasoned keynote speaker, comedian, author, and digital storyteller Sebastian Rusk.

With over 15 years of experience in building online communities and founding the Podcast Launch Lab in 2016, Sebastian shares his insights on how podcasting can be a powerful tool for business growth and networking. 

The conversation delves into the challenges and bene...

In this episode of 'Marketing Without Rules,' host Lewis Vandervalk welcomes social media and advertising expert Dennis Yu to discuss the innovative 'Dollar-A-Day' marketing strategy. 

Sponsored by Blue Crocus Solutions, this insightful conversation explores how home service businesses can leverage simple one-minute videos and minimal advertising budgets to significantly boost their online presence and engagement. 

Dennis shares acti...

In this episode of Marketing Without Rules, hosted by Lewis Vandervalk and sponsored by Blue Crocus Solutions, Lewis sits down with Dan, the owner of Dan's Holloway. Dan shares unique marketing strategies for his junk removal business—most notably, his consistent weekend donut deliveries to local furniture stores to nurture relationships and build a powerful referral network.

He breaks down the importance of business special...

In this episode of 'Marketing Without Rules', host Lewis Vandervalk speaks with James, the creator of the YacDaddy app that turns job site photos into cash through an innovative approach to content marketing. The show, sponsored by Blue Crocus Solutions, delves into how James transitioned from running a marketing agency to developing the YacDaddy app, which automates the process of creating SEO-optimized content and social media po...