CPA Meaghan Likes, founder of Likes Accounting, shares proven tips to help contractors clean up their books, simplify ServiceTitan integration, and gain financial clarity. In this episode of Catalyst for the Trades, Meaghan and Stephanie Allen of AirWorks explain how to turn accounting chaos into clarity, make data-driven decisions, and build a profitable, scalable business.

In this conversation, Jennifer Bagley, CEO of CI Web Group and co-founder of Just Start AI, sits down with Meaghan and Stephanie to break down:

• Why clean books are non-negotiable—and how to get there, even if you’re starting in a “spaghetti mess”
• The keys to successful ServiceTitan integrations (without breaking your accounting)
• Proactive business decisions using data, not just hope
• Practical ways to safeguard profits regardless of market conditions
• Real talk about industry trends, growth versus profit, and the power of collaboration

👉 If you’re a contractor or owner/operator wanting clear financials, smarter systems, and a community of support to help you win—this is a must-listen episode.

Timestamps

00:00 – Intro & Guest Intro: Meaghan Likes | Likes Accounting

04:05 – Cleaning Contractor Books: From “Worst Books Ever” to Clean Accounting

08:10 – ServiceTitan Integration Tips: Touchless Setup with QuickBooks

16:20 – Data-Driven Contractor Decisions: Growth, Profit & Trades Insights

25:12 – Leadership in the Trades: Team Building & Surviving Slowdowns

31:00 – AI & Automation in Contractor Accounting

39:07 – Key Takeaways 2024–2026: Contractor Profit & Growth Strategies

Meaghan Likes
Founder & CPA, Likes Accounting
Meaghan Likes is an award-winning CPA and founder of Likes Accounting, specializing in accounting for contractors and the trades. She is recognized for helping businesses move from chaos to clarity, leading the way in ServiceTitan integrations, and building data-driven tools that help owners make proactive, profitable decisions.

Stephanie Allen
Owner & Operator, AirWorks Solutions | Co-Founder, Just Start AI
Stephanie Allen has grown AirWorks Solutions into a leading HVAC company by focusing on top-tier systems and people. As co-founder of Just Start AI, she champions collaboration and technology to support contractors with practical financial strategies, strong operations, and clear paths to growth.

Relevant Links:

• Likes Accounting
• Box for the Trades
• AirWorks Solutions
• ServiceTitan
• Catalyst for the Trades
• CI Web Group

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