Tommy Mello, owner of A1 Garage Door Service and host of the Home Service Expert podcast, shares insights on building wealth with recession-resistant, blue-collar service businesses. He discusses the importance of arbitrage, the success of home service businesses during pandemics and recessions, and the only 4 Key Performance Indicators he cares about. Tommy also shares his hiring strategies, his health regime, and the deal he made with Jesus during a difficult time. Learn about rebuilding wealth, using sales skills, and their favorite books, people, and quotes that have impacted their lives.
Wealth in blue-collar service businesses can be built by leveraging arbitrage and adapting to changing times.
Excellent customer service and creating a memorable experience are crucial for success in the home service industry.
Hiring top talent and fostering a positive company culture are key drivers of success in building a high-performing team.
Success in business and life requires adaptability, continuous learning, perseverance, and a clear vision.
Deep dives
Importance of Building a Better Life
Building a better life requires motivation and a shift in mindset. Success is not just about financial wealth, but also about creating memories and enjoying every day. The misconception that wealth equals a boring life is false. Being successful in business can be fun and exciting, allowing for luxurious experiences like first-class travel and creating lasting memories with loved ones.
Tommy Mello's Journey to Success
Tommy Mello, founder of A1 Garage Doors, shares his journey from humble beginnings to building a successful home service company. He started as a hustler, taking on various odd jobs as a child. As he grew older, he realized the importance of transitioning from being a grinder to a business leader. With hard work, discipline, and continuous learning, he transformed his garage door company into a million-dollar business with over 700 employees across multiple states.
The Key to Success: Focus on Customer Experience
Tommy Mello emphasizes the significance of excellent customer service and creating a memorable experience. He believes in going above and beyond to exceed customer expectations. A1 Garage Doors focuses on providing high-quality service, showing empathy, and building a trustworthy relationship with customers. By prioritizing the customer experience, A1 Garage Doors has been able to differentiate itself from competitors and build a loyal customer base.
Recruiting Top Talent and Building a Strong Team
Tommy Mello shares his approach to hiring and building a high-performing team. He emphasizes the importance of recruiting the best talent, even if it means hiring people smarter than himself. Mello suggests using platforms like LinkedIn to find experienced professionals in the industry. He also highlights the effectiveness of equity incentive programs and profit sharing to motivate and retain top-level executives. By hiring the right people and fostering a positive company culture, A1 Garage Doors has achieved remarkable success.
Building a Successful Home Service Business
In this podcast episode, Tommy Melo shares his insights and strategies for building a successful home service business. He emphasizes the importance of investing in people and creating a positive work culture. He also highlights the significance of delegation and building a team of experts. Tommy stresses the importance of customer service and the impact it has on the growth of a business. He shares valuable advice on finding companies for sale and making successful acquisitions. Tommy also talks about the importance of personal growth and taking care of oneself in order to be a successful leader.
The Power of Habits and Mindset
In this podcast episode, Tommy Melo discusses the power of habits and mindset in achieving success. He emphasizes the importance of focusing on the right habits and developing a positive mindset. Tommy shares personal anecdotes and experiences that have shaped his own habits and mindset. He highlights the significance of goals, discipline, and perseverance in overcoming challenges and achieving personal and professional growth. Tommy also encourages listeners to invest in themselves and prioritize their own well-being.
Creating a Legacy of Impact and Influence
In this podcast episode, Tommy Melo delves into the idea of creating a lasting legacy of impact and influence. He shares his thoughts on the importance of caring for others and being a positive force in their lives. Tommy discusses the significance of leading by example and investing in the success and growth of others. He stresses the importance of building strong relationships and surrounding oneself with positive and supportive people. Tommy also shares insights on the power of giving back and creating a positive ripple effect in the world.
The Keys to Success in Business and Life
In this podcast episode, Tommy Melo shares his keys to success in business and life. He highlights the importance of being adaptable and open to change. Tommy emphasizes the significance of continuous learning and personal growth. He discusses the power of perseverance and not being afraid to take risks. Tommy also stresses the importance of having a clear vision and goals, as well as building a strong network and support system. He encourages listeners to believe in themselves and their abilities, and to never stop striving for success.
Tommy Mello is the owner and operator of A1 Garage Door Service, one of the most successful home service businesses in the country. He also hosts the Home Service Expert podcast, was named a Top Entrepreneur Under 35, and owns and invests in several other businesses ranging from Christmas lights to mobile apps.
In this episode, Tommy breaks down how you can build wealth with recession-resistant, blue-collar service businesses – and how to have fun doing it. You'll learn how he went from $50,000 in debt to a massive exit and "life-changing" money, all while helping his team members achieve their own dreams and undergoing a personal evolution in his leadership, health, and faith.
Tommy also shares:
- Why arbitrage is the one business skill to rule them all - Why home service businesses thrive despite pandemics, recessions, and the advent of AI - Vanity metrics and the only 4 Key Performance Indicators (KPI's) he cares about - Why you should "always be recruiting," and why he doesn't worry about giving away secrets to his competition - The #1 mistake he sees people make when starting service businesses - How to hire A-players and motivate them with equity and other performance incentives - His religious faith and the "deal" he made with Jesus when his father was on the brink of death - His health regime: Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT), supplements, and massage - The health benefits he's experienced since abstaining from alcohol - Exactly what he'd do if he had to start over with no money
Tommy's Charitable Cause:
The Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security, an "independent, nonprofit organization that works to protect people's health from epidemics and pandemics and ensures that communities are resilient to major challenges." *
*All ad revenue from this episode is donated directly to the charity of the guest's choice
