In this episode, Dennis Yu discusses mindset shifts necessary for local service success while climbing in the Dolomites. He shares insights on how to achieve personal and professional growth while scaling up local service businesses.
If you’re a young adult or the parent of one, consider joining High Rise Academy to learn marketing skills that get results: https://highriseinfluence.net/high-rise-academy/
Thinking of applying to our $7,500 AI Apprentice program? Before you step into the dojo, run yourself through this scorecard. It’s designed to separate builders from spectators and show you whether you’re ready to thrive in our high-velocity environment.
Use the table below to assign yourself points in each area. Then total your score to see where you stand.
| Category | Points Range |
|---|---|
| Tool Curiosity | 0–30 |
| Execution Velocity | 0–25 |
| Grit & Follow‑Through | 0–20 |
| Documentation | 0–15 |
| Attitude Toward Change | 0–10 |
Age isn’t the issue — mindset is. Younger applicants often adapt faster because they’re used to experimenting with new tools. But anyone with curiosity, humility and the will to tinker can become a builder. Use this scorecard honestly and decide if you’re ready to dive into our AI Apprentice program.
What do you get when you combine a day of grind with a Vegas food crawl? A behind-the-scenes look at how Jack Wendt and I turn a trip into content gold. We started at Eataly on the Strip for authentic Italian bites before diving into the mind-bending optical tricks at the Paradox Museum. Between the attractions we were talking shop about building brands and training our young agency apprentices – because when you love what you do, the line between work and play blurs.
From there, we hopped to a couple of comedy clubs to soak in some laughs and share stories from the trenches. And because no Vegas day is complete without overindulgence, we wrapped up with an all-you-can-eat sushi feast that tested our appetite and our ability to keep a straight face on camera.
Check out the full video above for the unfiltered, whirlwind day in Vegas — then head over to Jack Wendt for more of his adventures. For my insights on marketing, building agencies and making the phone ring for local businesses, visit Dennis Yu. Let us know your favorite Las Vegas spots in the comments — maybe we’ll feature them next time.
In this video, Jack and Dennis discuss how young adults can help fix the digital marketing for their parents’ businesses. They share practical insights into advertising, content creation, and SEO fundamentals.
If you’re a young adult looking to build real marketing skills and serve local businesses, check out the High Rise Academy program to get hands-on training and mentorship.
Every time someone tags me in Basecamp, I get two emails for the same message: one for the post, and one for the mention.
Multiply that by dozens of projects, and you’ve just doubled the noise in an inbox that already gets over a thousand emails a day.
I manage 1,000 emails a day. Every unnecessary ping pulls me away from the high-value work that keeps everything moving: strategy, client relationships, training, and developing the next generation of digital leaders.
Tagging me in Basecamp might seem like a quick way to get my attention, but it actually creates friction.
It breaks the system we built to keep communication smooth, focused, and accountable.
If I’m subscribed to a Basecamp thread, I already get the message.
Basecamp is where we document work.
We always practice RACI:
When you tag someone just to make sure they “saw it,” you’re bypassing that structure.
It’s like cutting across traffic because you don’t feel like waiting for the light; it might save a second, but it causes chaos.
We created the Level 1 Guide to make this process easy for new folks and anyone who hasn’t worked in a high-functioning team before. It’s all spelled out, who does what, where updates go, and how to communicate clearly without creating extra noise.
Following these systems is about protecting focus.
Every time you skip the system, you create work for someone else and that ripple effect slows everyone down.
Don’t tag me in Basecamp.
If I need to be looped in, assign the task to the right person and let the process work.
If it’s truly urgent, use the proper channels.
We win by running clean systems, not by shouting louder in the digital hallway.
Congratulations, you’ve got your first client!
That’s a huge milestone. But here’s the thing: the easiest time to keep a client happy is before they’re upset. Once things spin out of control, you’re in damage-control mode and that’s exhausting.
When you care early, communicate often, and follow the right process, you won’t have to “save” accounts. You’ll grow them.
Our clients don’t stay because of contracts.
They stay because we drive real results, and they feel cared for.
Retention happens when you:
We don’t hide behind a one-year lock-in. Clients stay with us because they want to, not because they have to.
This isn’t just another framework or template; it’s a mindset.
Every week, you’ll move through these three steps:
It doesn’t matter whether you’re running Google Ads, Facebook, SEO, or content. The same process applies everywhere.
Your goal? Drive more qualified phone calls that lead to real customers for your client.
Every Friday (or Thursday if you’re ahead), send your optimization report.
Even if you don’t have big changes to announce, your consistency shows you care.
Clients should never wonder, “What’s happening?”
The moment they stop hearing from you, they assume you’ve stopped caring. And that’s the #1 reason clients leave, not bad performance, but lack of perceived care.
If you’re sick, traveling, or have weak Wi-Fi, still message them. Even a quick “Hey, I’ll send the update tomorrow, just want you to know I’m on it” goes a long way.
Stuff breaks, websites crash, ads stop running, Google updates happen.
That’s life in digital marketing.
When things go sideways:
Most clients are understanding, especially compared to their last three agencies that ghosted them or sent useless, automated reports.
When you care, analyze, and take action, you stand out instantly.
You’re part of a team now, and eventually, you’ll lead one.
But before you manage others, master the process yourself.
Do the work first. Learn the system.
Then, when your teammates get stuck, you’ll know how to guide them.
That’s how we grow.
Weekly reports aren’t just for clients; they’re feedback loops for you.
Sometimes clients will say:
“This looks awesome, great job!”
Or even:
“Turn the marketing down, we’re booked out for two weeks!”
Other times, they’ll raise concerns. That’s fine too. It keeps communication alive and helps you improve faster than any course ever could.
No one ever becomes “done learning.”
Even the most experienced marketers keep refining how they use data and tools.
Treat every week like another rep in the gym, small, steady improvements that add up over time.
Remember: you don’t win by sprinting. You win by showing up consistently.
Client success isn’t about being a “guru.” It’s about being reliable, thoughtful, and proactive.
Do what you say you’ll do, communicate clearly, and improve week after week.
That’s how you build a career. That’s how you make clients stay.
And that’s how you win, one Friday report at a time.
Congrats, you’ve joined the program.
Now that you’re officially inside, here’s the exact roadmap so you don’t feel lost staring at 140+ courses, 27 tools, and a pile of skills you think you “don’t have yet.” Let’s cut through the noise.
By now, you should have an email inviting you to our Office Hours Facebook Group.
If it didn’t arrive, give it a few minutes; it’s on the way.
This group is where everything happens:
We use Facebook because local service business owners live on Facebook.
If you want clients, you should too.
To get fully connected, knock these out immediately:
— Accept your Basecamp invite. Projects, training, assignments, and your Weekly MAA reports live here.
— Join the ChatGPT business account. Full access to our shared tools and workspace.
— Join the private Office Hours Facebook group. This is your real support channel.
— Subscribe to the Dennis Yu YouTube channel.
Every Thursday at 11 AM EST, I drop the Marketing Mechanic episode.
Every Friday, by 5 PM Eastern, you’ll submit your MAA report in Basecamp.
It takes 5 minutes.
And here’s the raw truth:
People who submit consistently in the first 3–4 weeks succeed.
People who don’t, never do.
Even if you were sick, traveling, busy, or didn’t get access to a client account, you can always report something:
Two minutes of effort is enough.
It’s about building the habit.
This isn’t a solo sport.
Inside the Office Hours group, you’ll find people:
Reach out. Build relationships.
Many of our best agencies started from connections made here.
You get access to tools that the public doesn’t:
When we teach something publicly, you get the implementation version.
That’s a massive advantage; use it.
If you’re a young adult, you probably live on your phone.
Nothing wrong with that, but handle client email on a laptop, not your thumbs.
Install Boomerang for Gmail (free is fine).
It helps you:
Email is where real business happens.
You need to treat it seriously.
We have training on:
Including:
If you do this well for your parents’ business or first client, you will get more.
And when you’re reliably executing, we’ll promote you and send an opportunity your way.
(Not because you bought the program, but because you earned it.)
There’s a giant free Facebook group called Digital Marketing with Dennis Yu (44k+ members).
That’s not your support channel.
Your help and team support are inside Office Hours, the private group.
Stay there.
Record a simple cell-phone introduction and post it in the Office Hours group.
No scripts.
No fancy camera.
No “I need to get ready first.”
Just you, talking for 60 seconds:
If we were sitting around a dinner table at a mastermind, you’d introduce yourself.
This is the same thing.
Do it now. Don’t overthink it.
Colby Joseph Davis’s journey in the trades began when he was still a teenager. Working alongside his father in the plumbing business and later in pool renovation, roofing and painting, he learned the value of craftsmanship, customer service and honesty early on. Those hands‑on experiences across multiple trades would shape his entrepreneurial vision.
In 2013 he founded Davis Painting, and under his leadership the company has become one of Pennsylvania and New Jersey’s fastest‑growing residential and commercial painting firms. Davis Painting is known for its spotless trucks, coordinated uniforms and meticulous job‑site preparation—details Colby insists on because, as he says, “People notice the little things”. By hiring for character as much as skill and instilling pride in every team member, he’s built a brand that stands for excellence in every brushstroke.
Seeing a fragmented home‑services industry ripe for consolidation, Colby launched Indy Capital and its operating arm, Indy Brands. Through Indy Brands, his team acquires, scales and sells top‑performing home‑service companies—including Davis Painting, SUDS Power Washing, Light Your Night and Honest Roofing. He admits he never expected to start his own private‑equity firm, but after spotting a need for honesty, integrity and high‑quality service in the sector he knew it was time.
From apprentice to entrepreneur, Colby Joseph Davis shows what’s possible when vision, craftsmanship and care for people come together.
If you’d like to learn more about Colby Joseph Davis’s approach to leadership, check out our post on his leadership philosophy here: https://dennisyu.com/earning-respect-the-leadership-philosophy-of-colby-joseph-davis/
For more on how he built his painting empire, read this article: https://jackwendt.com/from-paintbrush-to-portfolio-how-colby-joseph-davis-built-a-multi-state-painting-empire-and-beyond/
Discover the launch of Indy Capital and Indy Brands in our previous post: https://highriseinfluence.net/launching-indy-capital-a-new-chapter-for-home-services/
In 2024, Colby Joseph Davis formally launched Indy Capital, turning his vision for a consolidated home‑services powerhouse into reality. Indy Capital isn’t just another private‑equity firm; it is structured as a public markets investment and real‑estate holding company with a home‑services division, Indy Brands. The goal is to build, acquire and sell best‑in‑class home‑service companies under one roof.
What sets Indy Capital apart is its focus on marketing and operational excellence. Its growth will be fueled by Marketing Now, the in‑house marketing agency led by CMO Brandon Roman Cruz, who brings 15 years of digital media experience to the table. This central marketing engine ensures each portfolio brand—whether painting, power washing or roofing—gains maximum exposure and lead flow.
Davis’s passion for home services was ignited at a young age working with his father, and he has carried that appreciation for tradespeople into Indy Capital’s mission. “I never thought I would launch my own PE firm with the main focus on home services,” he recently remarked, “but after seeing the void in the space and the need for honesty, integrity and high‑quality companies, I knew it was time to do this.” By establishing clear core values and investing heavily in training and career growth, Indy Capital aims to set a new standard in an industry often associated with high turnover.
Key takeaways for home‑service entrepreneurs:
Local Service Spotlight (LSS) is more than just another marketing package — it’s a productized content and distribution platform designed to turn home‑service business owners into local celebrities. Led by the team at High Rise Influence, LSS combines proven PR, SEO and social media strategies with AI‑driven tools and trained operators to generate calls, reviews and rankings for contractors.
At the heart of LSS is a triangle flywheel of content, distribution and proof. Training through the HRI Academy certifies young adults in the Content Factory system so they can produce high‑quality articles, videos and other media. Agencies leverage these trained operators along with SOPs and dashboards to serve niche verticals like HVAC, landscaping and plumbing. The software layer — Your Content Factory (YCF) evolving into LSS — provides the directory, logic engine and publishing automations that tie everything together.
LSS offers a tiered path for contractors to get involved:
Several factors make LSS unique:
By turning real‑world proof — project photos, interviews, job‑site videos — into compelling content and distributing it strategically, LSS helps contractors dominate their local search results. The more members join, the stronger the network becomes: authentic content leads to editorial distribution, which creates measurable ROI and drives more content.
Ready to become a local celebrity? Claim a free listing in our directory, upgrade to a Spotlight Site or Locl Spotlight subscription, or train a young adult in your team through our AI Apprentice program.
At the heart of LSS is a triangle flywheel of content, distribution and proof. Training through the HRI Academy certifies young adults in the Content Factory system so they can produce high‑quality articles, videos, and other media. Agencies leverage these trained operators along with SOPs and dashboards to serve niche verticals like HVAC, landscaping and plumbing. The software layer—Your Content Factory (YCF) evolving into LSS—provides the directory, logic engine and publishing automations that tie everything together.
LSS offers a tiered path for contractors to get involved:
Several factors make LSS unique:
By turning real‑world proof—project photos, interviews, job‑site videos—into compelling content and distributing it strategically, LSS helps contractors dominate their local search results. The more members join, the stronger the network becomes: authentic content leads to editorial distribution, which creates measurable ROI and drives more content.
Ready to become a local celebrity? Claim a free listing in our directory, upgrade to a Spotlight Site or Local Service Spotlight subscription, or train a young adult in your team through our AI Apprentice program. High Rise Influence is building a network of local authorities, and we’d love for you to be part of it.
