Welcome to
The Fix-It Academy
“The Fix-It Academy — Business, Branding, Ethics & Modern Marketing for Ohio Contractors.”
MARKETING & BUSINESS CE CLASS # 112425
⭐ THE FIX-IT ACADEMY — MISSION STATEMENT
Our mission is to elevate Ohio’s contracting industry by delivering continuing education that is practical, ethical, and genuinely valuable to modern contractors. We believe CE should do more than meet state requirements — it should improve a contractor’s skills, confidence, business practices, and ability to serve customers with honesty and professionalism.
The Fix-It Academy is committed to teaching real-world marketing, communication, and business strategies while maintaining strict alignment with the Ohio Revised Code and all ethical standards. Our goal is to help contractors grow their businesses, protect their licenses, and build long-term customer trust through integrity-driven practices both online and offline.
We ensure every workshop is engaging, comfortable, and useful — so contractors leave not only with CE hours, but with the tools, knowledge, and mindset to thrive in today’s competitive marketplace.
⭐ SECTION 1 — Ethical Business Practices Under Ohio Revised Code
Length: 2 Hours
When something becomes a “deceptive trade practice.”
This module covers the Ohio laws contractors must follow to market, advertise, communicate, and sell services ethically. Includes real examples and mistakes that can cost a contractor their license.
Topics Include:
- What Ohio Laws & Administrative Rules says about
- The word “FREE” —
when you can and cannot use it (Rule 109:4-3-04)
- The word “PRIZES” —
when you can and cannot use it (Rule 109:4-3-06)
- Exclusions and Limitations in advertisements
when you can and cannot use it ( Rule 109:4-3-02 )
- When something becomes a “deceptive trade practice”
- Avoiding exaggerated or misleading claims
- Avoiding bait-and-switch tactics
Rule (Rule 109:4-3-03).
- Ethical upselling
- Protecting the public and your license
Learning Outcomes
Contractors understand:
- How to run an honest marketing program
- What advertising language can get them fined or suspended
- How to promote offers without violating Ohio consumer laws
- How to protect themselves while still marketing effectively
⭐ SECTION 2 — Advertising Regulations & Consumer Protection Laws
Length: 3 Hours
The difference between “lifetime warranty” and “limited warranty.”stimates.”
This section focuses on how contractors should legally advertise in Ohio.
Topics Include:
- The Ohio Consumer Sales Practices Act (CSPA)
- Misleading or unsubstantiated claims
- Pricing accuracy
- The truth about “$0 service calls,” “free tune-ups,” and “free estimates”
- Required disclosures when using discounts, coupons, or promotions
- Using testimonials legally
- Before/after photos rules
- Written vs spoken offers
- The difference between “lifetime warranty” and “limited warranty”
Learning Outcomes:
Contractors walk away able to market confidently without violating state law.
💼 2. BUSINESS & MARKETING MASTER CLASS
⭐ SECTION 3 — Understanding Today’s Customer
Length: 1 Hour
- Why homeowners buy the way they do
- The psychology of modern service customers
- Competing against box companies
- Building trust fast
- Why small contractors win more when they market right
⭐ SECTION 4 — Online Marketing for Contractors (Beginner to Advanced)
Length: 1.5 Hours
Digital Marketing Breakdown
- Google Business Profile setup & ranking
- Getting reviews (ethically and legally)
- Why reviews convert better than ads
- Local SEO basics
- Website trust factors (photos, bio, story, badges)
- Facebook content that actually works
- Creating simple online offers
- What NOT to do online
- How to appear bigger & more professional instantly
⭐ SECTION 5 — Offline Marketing for Contractors
Length: 1 Hour
Real-world tactics that still work:
- Postcards & direct mail
- Door hangers
- Yard signs
- Referral cards
- Partnerships with local businesses
- Vehicle branding that sells
- How to create a “local celebrity” effect
- The power of consistent branding