To The Point - Home Services Podcast Use Trends To Give Your Business a Personality & Stand Out
Oct 7, 2025
Derek Cormier, owner of Climate Experts in Melbourne, Florida, shares his inspiring journey from police officer to thriving contractor. He emphasizes the power of social media in building a brand and attracting talent, revealing how humor on platforms like TikTok slashed recruiting costs by 60%. Derek suggests that smaller contractors lean into authenticity, focus on brand awareness over direct leads, and create engaging content without needing a large budget. His advice encourages all contractors to embrace their unique personalities to stand out.
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From One Truck To A $10M Shop
- Derek restarted Climate Experts from scratch in 2019 after a failed family partnership and grew it quickly.
- He now runs HVAC, plumbing, and electrical and budgets to $10M with a GM and COO in place.
Hard Trades Protect Margins
- Derek learned that harder-to-enter trades produce better long-term businesses because they limit competition.
- He purposely pursued HVAC because it requires technical skill, tools, and willingness to work hot attics.
Add Trades The Smart Way
- Before adding service lines, visit shops already doing them and learn their pitfalls.
- Keep core business staffed and create dedicated teams for new trades rather than shoehorning existing techs.
