Phil Furlong’s journey from HVAC technician to marketing agency owner is a testament to perseverance, adaptability, and the power of a strong support system. Phil, the founder of Skill Trade Marketing, shares the challenges he faced in mastering digital marketing, the invaluable support of his wife, and his vision for helping niche businesses succeed in an ever-evolving digital landscape.
1. Phil, you started in the HVAC industry. What inspired you to transition from hands-on work to digital marketing?
I started my career in HVAC, which was comfortable for me since I enjoyed the technical challenges. But after becoming an HVAC business owner, I quickly realized that delivering quality service was only part of the equation. Success also depended on consistently finding clients and generating leads, and that’s where the challenge lay. Marketing was a world I knew little about, but I dove into it because I knew it was essential for my business to thrive. Over time, learning SEO, web development, and lead generation became my new focus.
2. What were some of your biggest challenges when learning digital marketing?
The learning curve was intense. I spent countless hours studying, watching tutorials, and experimenting with digital tools. There were times when technical issues or complex concepts like SEO algorithms left me feeling overwhelmed. One night, I was watching a webinar about domain registrars, hosting, and DNS settings, and by the end, I felt completely lost. It was my wife Crystal’s support that helped keep me going. Her unwavering belief in me reminded me that I’d overcome challenges before, and I could do it again. Enrolling in a top marketing and SEO training course was also a turning point, as it gave me real-world insights and confidence.
3. You’ve mentioned that your wife’s support was crucial during tough times. How did her encouragement impact your journey?
My wife Crystal was—and still is—my rock. During moments of self-doubt, her calm reassurance reminded me of my capabilities and determination. There were days when I questioned if I could truly master everything needed to run a successful marketing business, but her belief in me never wavered. Her support was what helped me persevere through the frustrations and push through moments when giving up felt easier.
4. What advice would you give to someone transitioning into a new field or starting a business from scratch?
Embrace the uncertainty and be prepared to fail. I had to navigate a steep learning curve, especially moving from HVAC work to marketing. The learning curve was filled with doubt, confusion, and self-doubt, but I wish someone had told me that those feelings are normal. Also, having a strong support system is essential—people who believe in your vision will lift you up when you’re down. Lastly, keep learning and adapting. You don’t need to know everything right away, but your willingness to grow and learn will set you apart.
5. What was a proud moment for you in building Skill Trade Marketing?
One of my proudest moments was signing my first client. It was a validation of all the hard work and learning I had invested in the agency. But the real pride came when I was able to rank them on page 1 of Google for the top keywords in their niche. Seeing them achieve their growth goals was incredibly rewarding, as I knew my efforts directly contributed to their success. That first win gave me the confidence to keep pushing forward.
6. What’s your vision for the future of Skill Trade Marketing?
I want to continue scaling my agency to help more businesses, especially in trades like plumbing, HVAC, electrical, landscaping, and commercial cleaning, reach their full potential. Our current niche website is Skill Trade Marketing, and I’m focused on refining our strategies to keep our clients ahead in their industries. Beyond that, I aim to become a trusted resource for business owners—not only in delivering results but also in educating them on sustainable growth. My goal is to create lasting partnerships where we grow together year after year.
7. What impact do you hope to make in the lives of your clients?
I want to empower business owners, especially in niche industries, with the tools and knowledge they need to succeed. My hope is to transform how small businesses approach their online presence, showing them that with the right strategy, they can compete and thrive. My clients’ success is my success, and I’m committed to helping them achieve long-term growth and sustainability.
Final Thoughts
Phil Furlong’s journey shows that even the steepest learning curves can be overcome with perseverance, support, and a commitment to growth. From the HVAC industry to SEO, Phil has turned his experience and insights into a thriving agency dedicated to helping niche businesses grow online.
To learn more about Phil’s work, visit furlongseomarketing.com.