The Home Service Expert Podcast

🚀 FREEDOM 2026 Get your Tickets Today! https://homeservicefreedom.com/ Peter Thomas built $8 billion in real estate — then lost $70 million when his silent partner went bankrupt. At 87 years old, he's sharp, happy, and still building. Tommy gets the real story: how Peter faced 18 creditors with nothing, negotiated every single one, and rebuilt from zero. The lesson? Your skill set and your network are the two things no collapse can ever take from you. -- 🕐 TIMESTAMPS 🕐 -- 00:00 Peter Thomas introduction 01:15 Century 21 Canada 1974 01:34 Built $8 billion 02:13 Biggest failures discus

🚀 FREEDOM 2026 Get your Tickets Today! https://homeservicefreedom.com/ Joe Crisara has trained thousands of home service technicians — and the number one thing he hears is that they don't want to be called salespeople. In this episode, Joe breaks down why that resistance is costing your team money, your customers their options, and your business its potential. The fix isn't motivation. It's finishing the sentence. Joe's system, built over decades working with plumbers, HVAC techs, electricians, and garage door companies, is simple: make a friend, diagnose the whole system, build premium,

🚀 FREEDOM 2026 Get your Tickets Today! https://homeservicefreedom.com/ John Block didn't build Unity Partners by being the smartest guy in the room. He built it by making sure he never was. As the founder of one of the fastest-growing private equity firms in home services, John has a framework that most operators never hear — and it has nothing to do with hustle, willpower, or grinding harder than everyone else. In this episode, John breaks down why chasing revenue is the wrong game, what private equity actually looks for before acquiring a home service company, and the one mindset shif

🚀 FREEDOM 2026 Get your Tickets Today! https://homeservicefreedom.com/ Dr. Benjamin Hardy is one of the world's leading organizational psychologists — PhD, bestselling author of 10X Is Easier Than 2X, and Dan Sullivan's writing partner. In this episode, Tommy sits down with Dr. Hardy to break down why you don't need to be ready to start, how your future self is already waiting for you to decide, and the one mindset shift that separates the operators who scale from the ones who stay stuck. ⏱ TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Start Before You're Ready 02:54 Welcome and Introductions  04:31 Tommy's H

🚀 FREEDOM 2026 Get your Tickets Today! https://homeservicefreedom.com/ The biggest myth in home service technology? That software solves problems. It doesn't. People do. Tommy sits down with Richard Kohberger — the go-to ServiceTitan expert and founder of Blue Collar Nerd — for one of the most honest conversations about technology, leadership, and what it actually takes to build a great home service company in the AI era.In this episode you'll learn: — Why most companies use ServiceTitan wrong — and what it actually looks like when you use it right — The truth about AI replacing CSRs and

🚀 FREEDOM 2026 Get your Tickets Today! https://homeservicefreedom.com/ Most home service companies don't fail from a lack of opportunity — they fail because they lose focus. Tommy sits down with Yarin Gaon, a growth advisor who has mentored over 397 businesses through Chicago and SCORE and helped company after company break through the $1M–$10M plateau.  Yarin's framework is built on one core idea: the path of least resistance always wins. In this episode you'll learn: — Why your current business model might not be the version worth scaling — How to find the 20% of your operation dri

🚀 FREEDOM 2026 Get your Tickets Today! https://homeservicefreedom.com/ 💎 Top 5 Takes for this Episode! 1. People overestimate what they can do in one or two years — and massively underestimate what they can do in five to ten. Stick with the boring work. 2. Blue collar is the new rich. AI won't replace the trades. Private equity loves scalable home service. Most people couldn't name three flooring companies. That's the opportunity. 3. The real game isn't revenue — it's enterprise value. Lifestyle businesses extract cash. Legacy businesses build an asset worth selling. 4. Master the

🚀 FREEDOM 2026 Get your Tickets Today! https://homeservicefreedom.com/ 💎 Top 5 Takes for this Episode! There are two types of business owners — those who build for cash flow, and those who build enterprise value to sell.  Know which one you are before you start. More marketing never fixes a broken operation. Fix your booking rate, cancellation rate, and conversion rate first. Then scale spend. A players today can become C players in two years. The business grows, the people don't always grow with it. Watch for it. Never take on work outside your lane just because it's a big dollar. S

Learn more about Lace.ai here: https://lace.ai Boris Valkov is a seasoned software engineer and entrepreneur with a track record of building and scaling products at some of the world's most influential tech companies. He previously worked at Facebook and Slack, where he contributed to high-impact systems used by millions of users globally. He is the co-founder of Lace.ai, an AI-driven platform focused on helping businesses unlock insights from their data and improve performance through automation and smarter decision-making. With deep expertise in artificial intelligence, machine learnin

David Peterson is Senior Vice President of Sales at Annuity, a powerhouse in the home improvement industry. With over 15 years of experience, David has scaled multi-brand platforms to nearly 1,000 sales representatives and helped grow Mad City Windows from a regional player to a $300 million+ powerhouse before its acquisition. David is a proven expert in in-home selling, KPI-driven management, and building repeatable sales systems that deliver consistent results. From overcoming early career challenges to leading a billion-dollar company's sales strategy, David shares insights on leadership,

Josey Parks is a CEO, venture entrepreneur, and one of the most forward-thinking voices at the intersection of blue-collar industry and technology. As the founder of multiple companies spanning roofing, construction, and AI—including Total Home Roofing, RFX, Roofix, Think Unlimited, and Cognitive Contractor—Josey has built a reputation as a true category creator in the trades. A former Inc. 5000 honoree and one of the youngest leaders to make a major impact in roofing, Josey has been featured on CNBC's Blue-Collar Millionaires and This Old House and was named "Roofing's Fearless Visionary" b

Shawn and Kaitlin Feurer are the founders of Shawn Feurer Consulting, a mindset and performance coaching company based in Draper, Utah, helping business owners across the U.S. and Canada unlock higher levels of execution, leadership, and growth. Together, they've built a reputation for blending mindset mastery with real-world business strategy—helping entrepreneurs break through internal limitations and scale companies that actually last. Shawn, known as The Universal Mindset Disruptor, is the creator of The Inner Blueprint™ and brings over two decades of entrepreneurial experience, includin

Email [email protected] to get your first wrap FREE! Tim Hilcove is the founder of SmartWrap, a Phoenix-based vehicle wrap and branding company he launched in 2009 alongside his father. Over the past 15+ years, Tim has helped businesses across the country transform their vehicles into high-performing marketing assets: combining design, messaging, and strategy to generate real, measurable growth. With a background in design, production, and marketing, Tim has built SmartWrap into a full-service operation, producing and installing thousands of wraps annually through an in-house model that prio

David Royce is the founder and chairman of Aptive Environmental, one of the fastest-growing residential pest control companies in North America. Under his leadership, the company scaled to a $500M+ business operating across 30+ states and thousands of cities, with a team of over 6,000 employees. Recognized by Forbes, Fortune, Inc., Entrepreneur, and The Wall Street Journal, David is a recipient of the Ernst & Young National Entrepreneur of the Year Award. Beyond business, he brings a unique perspective by combining operational excellence with psychology, leadership development, and human beh

Brian Franco is a visionary entrepreneur, dealmaker, and private equity investor widely known as "The M&A Guy." He is the Founder and Managing Partner of Meritage Partners, where he has spent over two decades guiding founders, private equity groups, and strategic acquirers through transformative mergers and acquisitions—helping generate billions in successful exits. Brian is the author of Inevitable Exit, a definitive guide to business succession, strategy, and legacy, and the creator of Empire Builder Studio, a platform focused on scaling companies and preparing them for liquidity events. H

Larry John Wright Advertising (LJW) is a full-service creative and media strategy firm based in Mesa, Arizona, helping growth-focused companies turn marketing into measurable revenue. Founded in 1982, LJW specializes in combining strategic media buying with strong creative execution—placing campaigns across television, radio, billboards, streaming, digital, and social platforms. With in-house production studios creating thousands of ads each year, LJW helps clients move faster, control costs, and maintain consistent messaging. With decades of experience and a proven track record across indus

*]:pointer-events-auto scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]" dir="auto" data-turn-id= "request-69613627-173c-832c-8fdb-fe44b5158e91-2" data-testid= "conversation-turn-38" data-scroll-anchor="true" data-turn= "assistant"> Nate Fischer is a technologist and the CTO of Local Optics, a digital marketing and SEO company focused on helping home service businesses dominate their local markets. With a background in software development and search engine optimization, Fischer has built his career at the intersection of data, automation, and performance-driven mark

Ryan Fenn is an entrepreneur and the founder and CEO of Chiirp, a software company focused on helping home service businesses convert more leads into booked jobs. A lifelong entrepreneur, Fenn built his career from the ground up—starting with a windshield repair business he launched with just a few hundred dollars and scaling it into a multi-location operation. Through his early experience in sales and home services, Fenn identified a major gap in the industry: most companies weren't losing revenue because of poor marketing, but because of inconsistent and slow follow-up with leads. This insi

Interested in a complimentary market scan or ads workshop from Valpak? Click here: http://asktommypodcast.com/Valpak In this episode of The Mello Millionaire, Tommy sits down with Dan from Valpak, a marketing expert with over 30 years of experience helping local businesses generate leads and grow through targeted direct mail and data-driven marketing strategies. While many marketers focus only on digital advertising, direct mail continues to be one of the most powerful and underutilized lead generation tools, especially for home service businesses. Valpak has evolved from the iconic blue env

In this episode, we sit down with Ara Mahdessian, co-founder and CEO of ServiceTitan, the software platform that revolutionized how home service businesses operate. Born out of the frustrations of running his family's plumbing business, Ara set out to build technology specifically designed for contractors. What started as a solution for small service companies has grown into a billion-dollar software and one of the most powerful platforms in the home services industry. This episode dives into the story behind ServiceTitan, the challenges of building SaaS for trades businesses, and how technolo

Brigham Dickinson is the co-founder and president of Power Selling Pros, a company that helps home service businesses turn more incoming calls into booked jobs through world-class customer service and call-handling training. After years of studying top-performing service companies, Brigham developed proven systems that help CSRs and office teams deliver exceptional customer experiences that drive revenue and loyalty. Today, Power Selling Pros works with contractors across the country to improve call conversion, increase bookings, and build cultures centered on the "Pattern for Excellence." Br

In this conversation, Rob Anderson shares his insights on the importance of company culture, customer service, and effective recruitment strategies in the home services industry. He emphasizes the need for businesses to focus on making customers happy and creating a positive work environment for employees. Rob discusses the significance of data-driven decisions, the impact of partnerships, and the challenges posed by private equity. He also highlights the importance of leadership development, emotional intelligence, and the art of storytelling in building relationships with clients and partner

Tommy Mello hosts a Super Bowl day episode of The Home Service Expert with Ismael Valdez, founder of VE and NextGen (Anaheim), discussing how to scale home service businesses through disciplined marketing, sales process mastery, and operational execution. Ishmael explains how he would evaluate investing in a $20M company by first assessing the energy and leadership of the C-suite/upper management, then reviewing data systems like CRM/ServiceTitan and financials, contrasting this with smaller $4 - $5M owner-driven businesses. They discuss the importance of competitiveness, infrastructure, and r

In this conversation, Tommy Mello and Brian Sooy discuss the critical aspects of branding, marketing, and leadership in the home services industry. They explore the importance of clarity in branding, the need for differentiation in a competitive market, and the balance between branding and direct response marketing. Brian shares insights on creating memorable customer experiences, the role of storytelling in branding, and the significance of data-driven decision-making. They also touch on building a strong company culture and the mindset of ownership that can drive success in business. 00:00

In this conversation, Tommy Mello interviews Benjy, a data analytics expert, discussing the critical role of data in AI and marketing. They explore how businesses can leverage customer data for targeted marketing strategies, the importance of consistent marketing efforts, and the future implications of AI on the workforce. Benjy shares insights on understanding customer personas and the necessity of viewing marketing as an investment rather than a cost. The discussion also touches on the evolving landscape of AI and its potential impact on human roles in various industries.   00:00 The Impor

In this episode, Tommy Mello interviews Zach Deering, co-founder of Mantle, an AI-powered sales platform for home services. They discuss the evolving landscape of home services, the importance of creating a shopping experience for homeowners, and how technology can enhance sales processes. Zach shares insights from his background at Amazon and McKinsey, emphasizing customer obsession and the need for simplicity in business. The conversation also touches on generational differences in shopping behavior, the role of financing in home services, and the future of AI integration in the industry. L

In this conversation, Vince Nardo shares his extensive experience in the home services industry, discussing the challenges and strategies involved in breaking into new markets, the complexities of private equity, and the importance of grassroots marketing. He emphasizes the need for a strong company culture, effective marketing strategies, and team alignment to drive growth. Vince also reflects on the significance of recognizing and retaining talent, as well as the importance of having a plan for life after selling a business. 00:00 Breaking into New Markets 02:04 Vince Nardo's Journey in Ho

Grant Winstead is an expert in home service, renovations, leadership, coaching, and sales based in the Washington DC-Baltimore area. He is the CEO of Renovation Experts and operates as a transformational coach. With over 40 years of experience, Grant has built his multi-million dollar company from the ground up, starting as a door-to-door canvasser. Throughout the interview, Grant shares his personal journey from a challenging upbringing in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to becoming a successful home service operator. He emphasizes the importance of mindset over tactics in achieving growth and succ

In this conversation, Tommy Mello interviews Justin Hatcher, an expert in sales and financing within the home improvement industry. They discuss the significant impact of financing on sales success, the importance of integrating financing into the sales process, and the challenges faced by private equity firms in the home improvement sector. Justin shares his journey from working in home improvement to creating a multi-lender financing platform, emphasizing the need for a strong business culture and effective marketing strategies. The discussion also touches on the future of financing in the i

In this conversation, Dillon Georgian shares his journey in the turf industry, emphasizing the importance of leadership, operational efficiency, and the balance between family and business. He discusses his transition from retail to distribution, the significance of equity incentives, and the need for a resilient mindset in entrepreneurship. Dylan also highlights the role of technology and systems in modern business, the importance of purpose, and the desire to give back to the community. His insights provide valuable lessons for aspiring entrepreneurs and established business leaders alike.

In this conversation, Tommy Mello interviews Johnny Conklin, founder and managing partner of 16 South Capital Partners. They discuss the importance of partnerships in business, the evolving landscape of private equity, and the role of founders in driving success. Johnny shares insights from his journey in private equity, emphasizing the need for authenticity, transparency, and a focus on non-economic goals. He explains the unique approach of 16 South Capital, which prioritizes legacy preservation and team culture over traditional leverage strategies. The conversation also touches on the miscon

In this conversation, Richard Lewis and Adam Hanover, founders of Redwood Services, discuss their unique approach to private equity in the home services industry. They emphasize the importance of partnerships, culture, and a long-term investment strategy that prioritizes the growth and success of local businesses. The discussion covers their backgrounds, the philosophy behind their 'build to hold' strategy, and the significance of operational excellence and leadership in achieving sustainable growth. They also address the perception of private equity and the role of technology in enhancing bus

In this conversation, Megan Beattie, a seasoned marketing consultant, shares her insights on the importance of execution in consulting, the role of leadership in empowering young professionals, and the necessity of effective sales techniques. She emphasizes the value of scripts, training, and ethical canvassing in sales, while also discussing the challenges of delegation and the impact of personal experiences on leadership. The discussion touches on the future of AI in business and the importance of investing in training and leadership for sustainable growth. 00:00 The Importance of Execution

Kevin O'Leary is a seasoned entrepreneur, investor, and television personality best known as "Mr. Wonderful" on Shark Tank. Before he became "Mr. Wonderful," he was building software companies and collaborating with innovators like Steve Jobs — experiences that sharpened his belief that clarity, product focus, and disciplined execution separate real businesses from the noise. After selling his first company in one of the biggest tech acquisitions of its era, O'Leary launched O'Leary Ventures, a diversified investment firm that backs founders who value data over ego and performance over postur

Robert Cialdini is a world-leading psychologist and bestselling author whose groundbreaking research on the science of influence has shaped modern understanding of persuasion and decision-making. Often called the godfather of influence, he introduced the now-classic principles of persuasion that guide leaders, marketers, and communicators around the globe. He is the author of the seminal books Influence and Pre-Suasion, which have sold millions of copies and been translated into dozens of languages. Cialdini's work continues to define best practices in ethical persuasion, earning him recogniti

In this conversation, RJ Magee and Tommy Mello emphasize the importance of surrounding oneself with smarter individuals and maintaining a strong connection to the blue-collar workforce. They discuss the challenges faced by general managers and operators, highlighting the need for effective communication and understanding of the trades to ensure organizational success.   00:00:00 Cold Open 00:00:11 Title Sequence 00:00:31 Show Notes VO 00:01:17 Intro Into Interview 00:26:46 Insertion Edit 00:27:55 Interview Resumes 00:52:54 Outro

In this conversation, Paul Kelly discusses the secrets to success that many people overlook. Tommy and Paul emphasize the importance of thinking critically and making informed decisions, which can lead to better outcomes. The speakers also highlight the value of ongoing training and the potential for individuals to improve their thinking skills, ultimately transforming their actions and results.   00:00:00 Cold Open 00:00:07 Title Sequence 00:00:26 Show Notes VO 00:01:12 Intro Into Interview 00:30:47 Insertion Edit 00:32:02 Interview Resumes 01:02:12 Outro

Jeff Hancher is a USA Army veteran, bestselling author, and nationally recognized keynote speaker who helps leaders and organizations unlock elite performance. As the creator of the Firm FeedbackTM methodology, he guides executives and teams to communicate with clarity, embrace bold leadership, and build high-performing, feedback-driven cultures. Through workshops, masterminds, and transformational keynotes, Jeff inspires actionable change, helping leaders elevate their teams, scale performance, and leave a lasting impact on their organizations and communities. Timestamps: 00:00:00 Cold Open

The conversation delves into the psychology of buyers, emphasizing that individuals do not purchase solutions for problems they are unaware of. It highlights the importance of salespeople addressing the problems their products solve. Additionally, it explores the perception of value in purchases, illustrating how personal biases affect the way individuals view the cost of their own purchases versus those of others. 00:00:00 Cold Open 00:00:10 Title Sequence 00:00:30 Show Notes VO 00:01:15 Intro Into Interview 00:41:05 Outro

Scott Clary is a serial entrepreneur, brand strategist, and the creator and host of the top-ranked Success Story podcast, where he's interviewed some of the world's most influential entrepreneurs, leaders, and visionaries. With an impressive career advising startups and building global brands, Scott has become a go-to voice on growth, leadership, and the mindset required to win in today's competitive landscape. At the heart of Scott's work is a deep belief that success is far more than financial achievement — it's about ownership, purpose, and the relentless pursuit of meaningful goals. He sh

In this episode, Tommy and Tom Howard discuss the responsibility of leadership, the need for immediacy in follow up calls, and how to be a good CEO. They also discuss how to succeed by doing difficult things.   Timestamps: 00:00:00 Cold Open 00:00:10 Title Sequence 00:00:29 Show Notes VO 00:01:15 Intro Into Interview 00:51:20 Outro

In this conversation, Tommy Mello interviews Peter Roth, a seasoned entrepreneur and expert in the call center industry. They discuss the challenges and strategies of cold calling, the importance of lead management, and the nuances of targeting the right audience in home services. Peter shares insights on building and managing call centers, the role of AI in sales, and the significance of personal branding in business. The discussion also touches on Peter's experiences in the solar and HVAC industries, as well as his journey in the cigar business. The conversation concludes with thoughts on th

In this episode, Peter Meyerhoff shares his incredible journey from a troubled youth and time in prison to becoming a successful entrepreneur, motivational speaker, and advocate for change. Peter discusses the pivotal moments that led to his transformation, including overcoming addiction, finding purpose, and building a new life dedicated to helping others. His story is one of resilience, redemption, and the power of mindset in achieving personal and professional success. 00:00 From Addiction to Redemption 03:08 The Journey Through Crime and Prison 05:54 Life Lessons from Solitary Confineme

In this conversation, Tommy Mello and Cameron Herold discuss the importance of caring for employees, the challenges of entrepreneurship, and the significance of employee happiness in driving business success. They explore the differences between coaching and mentoring, the need for optimizing business operations, and the role of leadership in fostering a strong company culture. The discussion also touches on personal growth, the search for meaning beyond work, and the impact of influential books on leadership perspectives.   00:00 Caring for Employees: The Foundation of Success 04:49 The Re

In this episode of The Home Service Expert podcast, host Tommy Mello interviews Leo Pareja, CEO of eXp Realty, discussing his journey in real estate, the impact of technology and AI on the industry, and the importance of branding and visibility in business. They explore the future of real estate, the challenges posed by AI and automation, and the need for human interaction in a rapidly changing workforce. Leo shares insights on finding purpose beyond success and the significance of prioritizing family and experiences over material achievements. 00:00 Introduction to the Home Service Expert Po

In this conversation, Tommy Mello and Alisa Imperial discuss the importance of belief in business, the challenges faced in the home services industry, and the critical role of trust and delegation. They emphasize the need for a fun training culture, the value of pricing and customer experience, and the impact of mentorship on business growth. The discussion also highlights the significance of community collaboration and leadership in achieving success, as well as the importance of continuous learning and giving back to the community. 00:00 The Importance of Belief in Business 02:54 Navigatin

In this conversation, Tommy Mello and Benji Carlson discuss the current state of the blue collar economy, emphasizing the bullish outlook for trades and the impact of AI as a growth enabler. They explore the talent shortage in the industry, the need to attract younger workers, and the importance of personal development and performance-based pay. The discussion highlights strategies for making trades appealing again and the necessity of evolving business practices to meet the demands of a changing workforce. 00:00 The Bullish Blue Collar Economy 04:31 AI as an Enabler for Growth 10:50 The Ta

In this conversation, Tommy Mello and Ryan Lee discuss the essential elements of business success, including the importance of mindset, pricing strategies, and building a strong team. They explore the challenges of partnerships, the significance of intentional living, and the need for effective marketing strategies. The discussion emphasizes learning from mistakes, the role of systems in business, and the impact of leadership on company culture. They also touch on financial strategies for sustainable growth and the importance of continuous learning and networking in the business landscape.

In this conversation, Tommy Mello and Tim Brown discuss the intricacies of home service marketing, emphasizing the importance of niche marketing, community engagement, and the balance between SEO and PPC strategies. They explore the challenges faced by home service businesses, the significance of building relationships, and the value of enterprise planning. The discussion also touches on the role of humor in marketing and the necessity of understanding one's market. Tim shares insights from his book, 'How to Become a Hometown Hero,' and highlights the importance of giving back to the community

In this conversation, Tommy Mello interviews Dave Yoho, a pioneer in the home improvement industry, discussing the keys to sales success, the importance of understanding human behavior, and effective communication techniques. They explore how to build a winning team, the role of personality in sales, and the necessity of adapting sales techniques to meet customer needs. The discussion emphasizes the significance of creating a positive company culture and the impact of effective communication on customer relationships. Don't forget to register for Tommy's event, Freedom 2025! This is the even