The Empowerment Project: Grow Your People, Grow Your Business

by Chad Peterman

Overview

Empowered Employees Are the Key to Business Growth

Many business leaders focus only on satisfying their customers as the best way to grow their business. Makes sense, right? Chad Peterman, President and CEO of Peterman Brothers, sees it differently. In his engaging new book, The Empowerment Project, Peterman delves into the concept of empowering employees by creating a supportive corporate culture, giving employees the authority to make decisions, providing training and career path planning, and showing employees that mistakes are opportunities for learning and growth.

In Peterman’s view, an outgrowth of employees feeling empowered and trusted is that they will provide excellent customer service, and through satisfied customers, the business will experience nonstop growth. His results speak for themselves. In 1986, Chad’s father started Peterman Heating, Cooling & Plumbing, a one-man operation in Beech Grove, IN. Chad and his brother Tyler joined his father in 2011 and took the company to the next level, with 600 employees across 11 locations and revenues of $110 million.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781642258615
Publisher:	Advantage Media Group, Inc.
Publication date:	04/09/2024
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	94
File size:	3 MB

About the Author

CHAD PETERMAN is President and CEO of Peterman Brothers, a thriving home services company based in Indianapolis. IN. In 1986, Chad’s father started Peterman Heating, Cooling & Plumbing. Chad and his brother Tyler joined the company in 2011 and took it to the next level with 600 employees across 11 locations and revenues of $110 million. Chad believes that for a business to grow, leaders must focus on their greatest asset: their employees.

Table of Contents

Introduction

Chapter 1: Culture Is a Verb

An Empowering Culture
Paradigm Shift
Spreading Positivity
Personal Empowerment
Many Decision-Makers
Develop Future Managers
Show Your Gratitude
Case Study: Crystal Valley Comfort

Chapter 2: Stop Doing and Start Trusting

Ask the Right Questions
Hire People Who Are Smarter than You
Handle Trust Issues
Don’t Try to Fix People
Case Study: The Level of Trust Affects Morale

Chapter 3: Put Employees First

Training Comes First
Help People Improve
Make It Personal

Chapter 4: Cultivate Leaders

Getting Out of the Way
Move Up and Lose Power
Leaders Must Lead Themselves
It Takes Confidence
A Positive Outlook
Looking for Leaders
Learning to Lead

Chapter 5: Hire for Values; Teach Skills

The All-Important Interview
Abundant Opportunities
Managing Dreams
Everyone Is a Leader

Chapter 6: Delivering the Skills: Top Tech

Labor Shortage
Focused Instruction
Building a Workforce

Chapter 7: Prioritize Recruitment

The Challenges of Recruiting
Recruiting Makes an Impact
How Our Team Works
It’s All About Culture

Chapter 8: Sharing Empowers Everyone

Sharing Is Essential
Touring the Facilities
Relying on Outside Sources
There Are Limits

Chapter 9: Five Roadblocks to Empowerment

Roadblock to Empowerment #1: Lack of Trust
Roadblock to Empowerment #2: Fear of Failure
Roadblock to Empowerment #3: Inadequate Communication
Roadblock to Empowerment #4: Ego and Insecurity
Roadblock to Empowerment #5: Not Being Present

What People are Saying About This

From the Publisher

"Sound strategies, fiscal responsibility, and marketing well is all important for a successful business. But Peterman Brothers has put genuine and meaningful empowerment for every member of the team as the top priority. They’ve become one of the fastest growth and well-beloved organiza- tions in America, and Chad will humbly deliver the simple yet effective secret to that success that will transform your organization."

Jonathan Bancroft
President, Morris-Jenkins; Author, Mr. Jenkins Told Me...Forgotten Principles That Will Grow Any Business

"The Empowerment Project by Chad Peterman is a compelling read that resonates with my experiences as a fellow business owner in the industry. Chad’s story highlights his experience of growing Peterman Brothers by putting his employees first while emphasizing that creating and maintaining a positive work culture is an ongoing process that requires intentional effort and long-term commitment. If you’re a fellow service industry business owner struggling with growth and positive culture this is a great read for you!"

Aaron Gaynor
Owner and CEO, Eco Plumbers, Electricians, and HVAC Technicians; GetEco.com

"Chad Peterman has earned the nickname 'Perfect Chad' for a reason. The challenges of making partnerships work, particularly when succeeding one’s own father in a family business, are expansive.

I attribute his humility, kindness, and capacity for learning and application as key factors in his achievements. Together with his brother, they have propelled the Peterman brand to new heights, without sacrificing the culture, morals, or quality that define their family’s business.

I wholeheartedly endorse this book for anyone who may find themselves navigating similar circumstances. For those who inherit their family’s business, Chad’s insights offer invalu- able guidance on the path to excellence. And for fathers approaching retirement, Chad’s father’s perspective challenges conventional thinking and is a testament to embracing the transition of leadership."

Travis Ringe
ProSkill Services

"This book, The Empowerment Project, is a masterclass in transformative leadership. It is now clear to me how Chad Peterman has built one of the fastest growing admirable businesses in the home service industry. From cultivating future managers to handling trust issues, each section is a strategic blueprint for building empowering cultures and high-performing teams. Through real-world case studies, Chad navigates industry pitfalls, offering invaluable insights for executives and managers seeking to drive organizational success. This book is a must-read, providing practical strategies for fostering growth, enhancing communication, and creating dynamic workplaces. Chad’s people-centric approach is a game-changer for those shaping vibrant, innovative teams. Backed by Gallup insights, he emphasizes the importance of prioritizing employees’ well-being, both personally and professionally, setting the stage for a guide that is not just about business success but also about creating positive, inclusive cultures that drive sustained organizational achievement. Each page is a testimonial to Chad’s commitment to fostering continuous improvement and putting employees first. A resounding 'Great Job!' to Chad and his dynamic team!

Ken Goodrich
Founder and Chairman, Goettl Home Services

"Luck is when preparation meets opportunity, and this is a perfect playbook on how to create your own luck both professionally and personally. Chad shares a number of successful tactics to help you be prepared by showing that if you genuinely care, trust, and push yourself and others to constantly be better, you can and will win!"

Chris Yano
CEO, RYNO Strategic Solutions; Host, To the Point Home Services Podcast; RYNOss.com

"The Empowerment Project encapsulates the heart of our family business. It beautifully emphasizes that fostering personal growth within our team is as vital as their professional development. This book embodies the essence of valuing people, enriching both our company culture and the lives of our employees. Highly impactful!"

Trey McWilliams
CEO, Blue Cardinal Home Services Group

"There is always much to be learned from an individual that is vulnerable enough to share their challenges as well as their victories. I applaud Chad for writing this book to educate and empower others through his story. Read this with a notepad to capture your ideas as you will find yourself inspired and empowered as you read Chad’s story."

Julian Scadden
President, CEO, Nexstar Network