In this episode of the Stand By Generator podcast, host Jim Swetman shares valuable insights on maximizing ROI from the upcoming 2026 Generac Dealer Conference. Drawing from over 20 years of experience attending these conferences, Jim emphasizes the importance of approaching the event not just as a consumer but as a connector. He discusses the evolution of the conference from informal local gatherings to a large-scale event with thousands of attendees, highlighting the shift in focus from product updates to meaningful business connections. Jim provides practical tips for attendees, such as arriving early, identifying key business challenges, and engaging in strategic conversations with fellow dealers to gain insights and solutions.

Jim also stresses the significance of post-conference follow-up, encouraging attendees to review their notes, implement actionable ideas, and maintain relationships with other dealers. He shares personal anecdotes about how he learned to charge appropriately for maintenance visits and motivate technicians through incentive programs. By the end of the episode, listeners are equipped with a clear game plan to ensure they get the most out of their investment in the conference, ultimately aiming for a 5 to 10X return on their time and money spent.

Keywords:

Generac Dealer Conference, ROI, business networking, dealer insights, maintenance programs, conference strategies, dealer relationships, industry tips, business growth, Power Alliance

In this episode of The Standby Generator Podcast, host Jim Swetman flips the script — answering a series of AI-generated and dealer-submitted questions about business growth, scaling, leadership, and strategy in the standby generator industry.

Drawing from over 20 years of experience owning and scaling a generator dealership in Upstate New York, Jim shares hard-earned lessons about growing too fast, building a strong team, and creating systems that allow a business to thrive long-term.

You’ll hear actionable insights on:

• How to scale a generator dealership without losing focus

• The most common mistakes business owners make when growing too quickly

• How to hire, train, and retain top generator technicians

• Why customer feedback and transparency are key to growth

• Lessons in leadership, delegation, and communication

• How to build a strong company culture during periods of rapid expansion

• Practical steps to stay motivated and proactive during slow seasons

Jim also opens up about real challenges — from handling mass power outages to managing burnout — and offers practical advice for every standby power dealer looking to grow sustainably.

If you’re a generator dealer, operations manager, or entrepreneur in the trades, this episode is packed with practical strategies and personal stories that will help you scale smarter, lead stronger, and build a more resilient business.

SEO Keywords:

standby generator business growth, generator dealership scaling, generator dealer success tips, power outage preparedness, generator business marketing, leadership for trades businesses, Power Alliance, SOPs for generator companies, scaling a generator company, Jim Swetman podcast, generator business strateg

In this episode of the Standby Generator podcast, host Jim Swetman interviews Keith Williams, a former standby generator technician. They discuss Keith's journey in the industry, the importance of maintenance visits, customer relationships, and the need for continuous education for technicians. Keith shares insights on identifying generator issues, efficient pricing strategies, and the significance of maintenance contracts. The conversation emphasizes the technician's perspective and the challenges faced in the field, including the need for proper tools and equipment. They also touch on the importance of recognizing when a generator needs replacement and how to communicate that to customers effectively.

Takeaways

The perfect maintenance visit starts with preparation the night before.

Basic hand tools are sufficient for generator maintenance.

Technicians can identify issues from a distance.

Educating customers on malfunctions is crucial.

Having pricing for parts ready improves efficiency.

Maintenance contracts provide priority service for customers.

Building relationships with customers enhances service quality.

Continuous education is vital for technicians' effectiveness.

Batteries are often the weakest link in generators.

Management should listen to technicians' field experiences.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Standby Generators

01:53 Keith's Journey as a Standby Generator Technician

05:24 The Perfect Maintenance Visit

09:18 Identifying Generator Issues

12:15 Efficient Pricing and Customer Communication

14:35 The Importance of Maintenance Contracts

16:47 Building Customer Relationships

19:33 The Need for Continuous Education

22:12 Handling Customer Concerns

25:35 Understanding the Technician's Perspective

29:13 Identifying When to Replace Generators

Keywords: standby generator technician, generator dealer operations, generator maintenance visit, Generac training, Kohler service, generator replacement tips, generator business management