What’s Your Exit Strategy? How to Build a Home Service Business That Doesn’t Rely on You

If your business can’t run without you, you don’t own a business—you own a job you can’t quit.

As technology, automation, and competition intensify in the trades, home service business owners face a defining question: Are you building a real company—or just staying busy?

In our latest CI Web Group webinar, CEO Jennifer Bagley sat down with Chuck and Dana Staszkiewicz, co-founders of The Opus & Golds Group. After successfully exiting their own multi-million dollar company, they now coach contractors across the country on how to build businesses that scale, sell, or finally give you your time back.

Whether you're planning to grow, exit, or simply take control of your schedule, this conversation gives you the blueprint.

Why This Matters Right Now

Most owners are buried in Q4 chaos. Year-end planning. Missed goals. Constant emergencies. And before they know it, another year has passed—and the business still depends on them for everything.

This episode is about breaking that cycle and taking back control—by building a business that runs on systems, data, and strategy. Chuck and Dana bring clarity, direction, and hard-earned advice for business owners who want to move from reactive to proactive, and from working in the business to building something beyond themselves.

Key Takeaways From the Episode

1. Plan Like It's Already 2026

The most successful contractors are already working on next year. From Q4 wrap-ups to January kickoffs, learn how to align your budget, team, and strategic plan around long-term goals—not just short-term busyness.

2. Focus Is a Skill—Not an Accident

“More time” isn’t the answer. More focus is. Chuck shares how to guard your calendar, train your team to protect your time, and build an environment where saying “no” creates momentum.

3. Metrics Over Mayhem

Relying on instinct or gut feelings is a thing of the past. Top companies are running on clear KPIs—cost per lead, booking rates, conversion rates, and market caps. If you’re not tracking it, you’re guessing.

4. Accountability That Actually Works

Accountability isn’t about writing people up. Dana outlines how to create quarterly goals, mentor for performance, and establish a culture of ownership—driven by data, not discipline.

5. AI Is Not the Enemy—It’s the Advantage

From instant response to full-system automation, future-ready businesses are using AI to reduce chaos, eliminate excuses, and boost efficiency. Those who delay will fall behind.

6. Rediscover the “Why” Behind Your Business

Most owners started for freedom—time, profit, lifestyle. But somewhere along the way, that gets buried. This episode challenges you to revisit your purpose and build your strategy around it.

7. Emerging Opportunities: Data Centers and Infrastructure

Want to grow your ticket size and market position? The rise of AI infrastructure means a surge in demand for skilled trades—especially in commercial HVAC, plumbing, and electrical. But only if your brand and offer are ready for it.

8. Strength in Numbers: Collaboration Over Competition

The trades are changing. Leading businesses are teaming up, co-bidding on large projects, and forming strategic partnerships to expand their capabilities. If you want to scale, you don’t have to do it alone.

Don’t Wait Until You’re in Trouble

Many contractors don’t ask for help until they’re out of cash, out of time, or completely overwhelmed. By then, it’s harder—and more expensive—to turn things around.

“The best time to fix your business is when you don’t need to,” Chuck shared. “Don’t wait until you’re drowning.”

What This Means for Your Business

Now is the time to:

• Audit your data and operations
• Revisit your market strategy
• Build your 2026 growth plan
• Get focused on what really drives profitability
• Stop spinning—and start scaling

Whether you're looking to exit in the next few years or just want your evenings back, this episode is a roadmap for home service business owners ready to lead with intention and grow on purpose.

Meet the Experts

Jennifer Bagley
CEO & Founder, CI Web Group
Jennifer leads CI Web Group, an AI-powered marketing agency helping HVAC, plumbing, and electrical companies grow with speed and sustainability. Her proprietary 12 Step Roadmap to Accelerated Results has helped thousands of contractors expand their markets and increase profitability through strategy, automation, and brand visibility.

Chuck Staszkiewicz
Co-Founder, The Opus & Golds Group
Chuck scaled All Hours Plumbing to $20 million before its successful sale in 2023. Today, he helps business owners drive growth through operational clarity, process refinement, and leadership development. His approach is honest, practical, and rooted in experience.

Dana Staszkiewicz
Co-Founder, The Opus & Golds Group
Dana specializes in team development, accountability structures, and strategic planning. She works with companies to create high-performing cultures built on transparency, coaching, and clear expectations. Her insight helps owners lead with clarity and confidence.

Ready to Take Action?

If you’re ready to future-proof your business and build a company that runs without you, start with one of these two paths:

Need a digital marketing strategy and visibility audit?

Schedule a strategy session with CI Web Group to review your market position, tech stack, and brand readiness for 2026.

→ Schedule a strategy session

Need operational clarity and a custom growth plan?

Book a free call with The Opus & Golds Group to evaluate your systems, people, and structure—and get a practical roadmap for scaling or exiting your business.
→ Book with The Opus & Golds Group