The Blue Collar Trades Show Explores What Really Builds a Franchise Powerhouse with Horsepower Brands CEO Tony Hulbert

Most people think franchise success comes down to finding the right brand.

Tony Hulbert says they're looking at the wrong thing.

In Episode 6 of The Blue Collar Trades Show, host Troy Latuff sits down with the CEO of Horsepower Brands to discuss what actually separates successful franchise owners from those who struggle—and the answer has less to do with the franchise itself and more to do with the person running it.

As the leader of one of the fastest-growing organizations in the home services space, Hulbert has seen firsthand what happens when two franchisees are given the same systems, the same support, and the same opportunities, yet produce dramatically different results.

Why does one thrive while another struggles?

That question drives much of the conversation.

Throughout the episode, Hulbert shares his journey to becoming CEO of Horsepower Brands and offers a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to build and scale businesses in industries such as HVAC, plumbing, and electrical services. Along the way, he challenges some of the most common assumptions people make about franchise ownership.

Many prospective franchise owners believe success is tied to previous industry experience, natural sales ability, or entrepreneurial instincts. Hulbert explains why those factors often matter less than people think and discusses the traits that consistently show up among top-performing franchisees.

The conversation then shifts to one of the biggest topics impacting businesses today: artificial intelligence.

While many business owners still view AI as a simple automation tool, Hulbert believes its impact will be far greater. From improving customer interactions and streamlining operations to helping service businesses deliver a better overall experience, AI is rapidly changing the way home services companies operate.

For contractors, franchise operators, and business owners across the skilled trades, the discussion provides a practical look at how emerging technology is already influencing the future of service businesses.

Rather than replacing people, Hulbert explains how AI can help teams become more efficient, more responsive, and ultimately more effective at serving customers.

The episode explores:

The myths about franchising that continue to mislead buyers
The characteristics shared by successful franchise owners
Why some operators outperform others despite having identical systems
The growing role of AI in home services businesses
How technology is improving customer experience and operational efficiency
What the future may hold for HVAC, plumbing, electrical, and other service industries

Whether you're considering franchise ownership, currently operating a home services business, or simply curious about how technology is reshaping the trades, this episode offers valuable insights from one of the industry's leading executives.

Watch or listen to The One About Building A Franchise Powerhouse With Tony Hulbert on The Blue Collar Trades Show.

To learn more about The Blue Collar Recruiter, visit thebluecollarrecruiter.com.