CSTG 230: Chad Peterman vs. Tommy Mello | Who Wins the Automation Gauntlet?

Sep 16, 2025

In this dynamic discussion, Tommy Mello, founder of A1 Garage and automation enthusiast, pairs up with Ryan Finn, CEO of Chirp and automation expert for contractors. They dive into the crucial role of automation in home services. Key takeaways include the necessity of rapid customer contact to boost conversions and the importance of small wins through iterative testing. They also emphasize how automation can enhance company culture while improving customer experiences. Expect actionable insights to help businesses scale and innovate.

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INSIGHT

Automation Augments People Not Replaces Them

Chad defines AI and automation as tools to make people more efficient so they can focus on problem-solving and customer care.
He frames automation as augmenting human judgment, not replacing jobs.

INSIGHT

Adoption Determines Survival In AI Wave

Tommy predicts AI will evolve from improving ideas to generating them, shifting competitive advantage to adopters.
Early adopters who integrate AI into recruiting and marketing will outcompete slower firms.

ADVICE

Build Momentum With One Automation

Implement one simple automation first (e.g., text leads immediately) and expand from there as you learn what works.
Lean on experts to set up click-based automations that replace manual tasks and scale quickly.

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Automation isn't the future—it's happening right now. The question is: will you dominate with it, or be dominated by those who do?

In this high-energy Can't Stop the Growth showdown, Chad Peterman goes head-to-head with Tommy Mello to tackle one of the hottest topics in home services: automation. From call centers to lead follow-up, recruiting, and customer experience, you'll hear exactly how the industry's top leaders are leveraging AI and automation to scale faster, serve better, and protect their culture.

Here's what you'll take away from this conversation:

Speed to Lead = Speed to Cash – Why contacting customers within 60 seconds changes everything
Automation Protects Culture – Tools that reduce chaos while empowering your people
Measure What Matters – Focusing on booked calls, conversions, and retention over vanity metrics
Small Wins Stack Fast – How market leaders test, tweak, and iterate daily

👉 Want the full Automation Playbook from this event? It's available exclusively inside The Arena. Join today and grab your copy: https://cantstopthegrowth.com

Connect with Chad:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chad-m-peterman/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chadmpeterman

Learn more about: Chad Peterman - https://chadmpeterman.com/

Peterman Brothers - https://www.petermancareers.com/

The People Forward Network - https://peopleforwardnetwork.com/ Key Takeaways:

Automation Is About Efficiency, Not Replacement AI isn't here to take jobs—it's here to make your people more efficient, freeing them up to focus on problem-solving and customer care.
Speed to Lead = Speed to Cash Contacting a lead within 60 seconds can 4x your chances of booking. After five minutes, conversion drops sharply.
Customer Experience Can Be Automated Without Losing the Human Touch Chad's "owner handshake" videos show how automation can scale personal connection and protect company culture.
Recruiting Needs Automation Too Automated follow-ups with tech applicants increase engagement and keep the pipeline full, even when candidates respond after hours.
AB Testing Is the Secret Weapon Tommy stressed that no automation is "set it and forget it." Constant testing and tweaking can double results.
Don't Chase Every Shiny Tool Start small, focus on one business problem, and find the right partners to implement practical solutions.
AI in Call Centers Is a Game-Changer At Peterman Brothers, 40% of calls are now handled by AI, freeing CSRs to focus on high-value conversations and boosting booking rates.