The Home Service Expert Podcast
Tommy Mello: $200 Million Founder|Forbes, Inc., Entrepreneur Columnist
The Home Service Expert podcast is the No. 1 podcast for ambitious home service entrepreneurs, whether they are in plumbing, HVAC or another niche. In this show, Tommy Mello, a $200M business founder, will talk with the best entrepreneurs and experts in the home service industry and beyond, to share insights that have made them successful: from the newest marketing tools to the best scaling strategies. Previous podcast guests include Terry Nicholson (former national trainer of NYSE-listed home services company), Craig Smith (President of HomeAdvisor, a home services marketplace valued at $2B+), Cameron Herold (former COO of three $100M+ companies), etc.
Episodes
Mentioned books
13 snips
Jan 12, 2026 • 55min
Unlocking Sales Potential Through Financing with Justin Hatcher
In this conversation, Justin Hatcher, President of One& Fund and a 20-year veteran in home improvement and finance, shares insights into integrating financing into sales strategies. He highlights the importance of cultivating a positive business culture and effective marketing for contractors. Discussing consumer financing, Justin explains how using multiple lenders can significantly boost sales rates. He also provides valuable advice for young entrepreneurs, emphasizing the necessity of embracing failure as part of the journey.
57 snips
Jan 5, 2026 • 1h 3min
From Turf to Triumph: A Leader's Journey with Dillion Georgian
Dillon Georgian, an entrepreneur in the artificial turf industry, shares his fascinating journey from retail to distribution. He emphasizes the significance of operational efficiency and leadership development. Dillon discusses the impact of equity incentives on team alignment and provides insights on preparing for business exits to boost valuation. With a focus on resilience, he explores how technology can enhance operations and the balance of entrepreneurship with family life. His experiences and strategies are a treasure trove for aspiring leaders.
10 snips
Dec 29, 2025 • 1h 11min
Unlocking the Secrets of Private Equity with Johnny Conklin
Johnny Conklin, founder of 16 South Capital Partners, shares his vast experience in private equity focused on field service businesses. He highlights the critical role of effective budgeting and technology in the HVAC industry. The discussion covers the importance of recruiting talent, successful marketing strategies, and the impact of customer reviews. Johnny also explores the challenges of the California market, the debate between acquisitions and new ventures, and the value of mentoring in shaping business success.
52 snips
Dec 22, 2025 • 1h 15min
Building Wealth Through Private Equity in Home Services with Richard Lewis and Adam Hanover
Richard Lewis, founder of Redwood Services, and Adam Hanover, co-founder of Union Main Group, delve into private equity's role in home services. They discuss their 'build-to-hold' strategy, emphasizing long-term partnerships over quick profits. The duo highlights the importance of preserving local company culture while scaling and the strategic use of technology to enhance operations. They also tackle common misconceptions about private equity and share valuable lessons for entrepreneurs regarding sustainable growth and investment. This conversation offers a refreshing perspective on building wealth in the service sector.
30 snips
Dec 15, 2025 • 1h 14min
Insights from a Marketing Veteran with Megan Beattie
Megan Beattie, a marketing consultant with nearly two decades of experience, dives into the vital role of execution in consulting and leadership. She discusses the significance of scripts and ethical canvassing techniques, emphasizing that effective training is crucial for sales success. Megan shares insights on overcoming delegation challenges and the positive impact of personal experiences on leadership. The conversation also explores the future of AI in business and the importance of investing in training for sustainable growth.
12 snips
Dec 8, 2025 • 46min
Why Most Deals Fail with Shark Tank's Kevin O'Leary
Kevin O'Leary, known as 'Mr. Wonderful' from Shark Tank, shares his wealth of experience as an entrepreneur and investor. He discusses why home services make a resilient sector for investment and emphasizes the importance of predictable recurring revenue. O'Leary also talks about leveraging technology to boost marketing efficiency and warns against the pitfalls of private equity in service businesses. His advice on listening, building a trustworthy brand, and owning failures provides valuable insights for aspiring entrepreneurs.
53 snips
Dec 1, 2025 • 1h 2min
How To Earn Trust and Influence According to Renowned Psychologist Robert Cialdini
Renowned social psychologist Robert Cialdini, author of the bestselling book 'Influence', shares insights on ethical persuasion and influence. He introduces key principles like reciprocity and commitment, revealing techniques to boost compliance and trust. Notably, he highlights the new principle of unity, emphasizing the power of 'we' language in fostering collaboration. Cialdini also discusses the emotional drivers behind human behavior and the importance of transparent metrics for building credibility. His clever anecdotes illustrate the practical applications of these concepts.
17 snips
Nov 24, 2025 • 54min
Keeping the Blue Collar Spirit Alive with RJ Magee
RJ Magee, CEO of Sierra Group, shares insights from over 15 years in the home service industry. He discusses the importance of hiring smarter individuals and staying connected to the blue-collar workforce. RJ highlights leadership lessons, including servant leadership and effective communication. He addresses the impact of AI on operations and the significance of performance pay for technicians. Personal experiences profoundly shaped his approach, especially after a family tragedy, steering him towards fostering employee growth and community impact.
19 snips
Nov 17, 2025 • 1h 3min
The 4 Pillars of Leadership with Paul Kelly
In this insightful chat, Paul Kelly, a former CPA turned successful home-services executive, shares his journey from growing Parker & Sons to national prominence. He emphasizes critical thinking for better outcomes and the importance of ongoing training in enhancing decision-making. Paul outlines the four pillars of effective leadership—think, implement, operate, and lead—and discusses how to build a people-first culture. He also highlights the value of equity programs in creating wealth for employees and the risks of industry consolidation.
18 snips
Nov 10, 2025 • 1h 1min
The Art of Leadership: Build Trust Overnight with Jeff Hancher
In this conversation, Jeff Hancher, a U.S. Army veteran and bestselling author, shares his insights on leadership development. He emphasizes the importance of discovering your 'why' and effective feedback as first steps in nurturing leaders. Jeff also discusses delivering tough conversations, the significance of one-on-one meetings, and the need for a coaching mindset over a traditional boss role. His personal journey reveals how invested leadership can transform lives and elevate organizational culture.
