Karen Balko, co-owner of Vector Services, discusses her journey from financial struggles to scaling a $6.7 million HVAC and electrical company in the Twin Cities. She emphasizes the power of servant leadership, sharing how answering customer calls at 2 AM has built trust. Karen highlights the importance of a strong brand and company culture in attracting talent. The couple's insights on navigating growth, personal anecdotes, and the humor in their challenges offer invaluable lessons for aspiring entrepreneurs in the home services industry.
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question_answer ANECDOTE
Humble Start and Partnership
Tom started from humble beginnings in 2014, earning just $5 to decide between gas or food.
He met Karen during this tough time, and together they began building their company, Vector Services.
insights INSIGHT
Trades Enable Access and Growth
The trades industry allows people without wealth or formal education to succeed through will and drive.
Partnerships and family involvement are common success factors in trades businesses like Vector Services.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Rapid Expansion and Branding
Vector Services expanded quickly, going from no electrical department and no branded vehicles to 27 wrapped vehicles within a year.
Their team grew from two electricians to eight, signaling significant growth and investment in brand visibility.
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Published in 1937, 'Think and Grow Rich' is a seminal work in the self-help genre. The book is the result of over twenty years of research by Napoleon Hill, who studied the habits and achievements of more than 500 successful individuals, including Andrew Carnegie, Thomas Edison, and Henry Ford. Hill distills their wisdom into thirteen principles that, when practiced with persistence and faith, can transform dreams into reality. These principles include the power of desire, faith, specialized knowledge, organized planning, and the role of the subconscious mind. The book emphasizes the importance of maintaining a positive mental attitude, setting clear and specific goals, and taking consistent action to achieve success. It also explores the concept of the 'Master Mind' alliance and the need to overcome fears and doubts to achieve one's objectives.
What does it take to grow a home services business from nothing to over $6.7 million in revenue? On this episode of Around the CAMPfire, CAMP Digital CEO Katie Donovan sits down with Tom and Karen Balko to unpack their incredible journey of grit, growth, and getting it done.
From barely affording gas money to now leading a booming HVAC and electrical company in the Twin Cities, Tom and Karen share how they built a high-trust brand, scaled a rock-solid team, and stayed committed to servant leadership—answering customer calls at 2 AM and rolling up their sleeves when it matters most.
Whether you're a home service business owner, industry leader, or rising entrepreneur, this story is your blueprint for scaling with intention and heart.
Can't Stop the Growth 