

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

21 snips
Mar 21, 2025 • 1h 4min
From Convict to CEO - A Journey of Transformation with Weldon Long
Weldon Long, an ex-con turned inspirational entrepreneur and author, shares his incredible journey of overcoming adversity. He emphasizes the power of mindset shifts and personal responsibility in achieving success. The conversation highlights the importance of transparency in sales and building trust with customers. Weldon also discusses the impact of storytelling and effective client communication on business growth, as well as the profound effects of transformative literature on personal development. His insights inspire listeners to embrace their own journeys.

14 snips
Mar 14, 2025 • 1h 7min
The Path to Meaningful Change with JD Ploetz
JD Ploetz, a long-time area manager at Tommy Mello's company and author of "Nothing Changes When Nothing Changes," shares valuable insights into leadership and personal growth. He reflects on his transition from technician to manager, emphasizing the need for strong leadership and team culture. JD discusses actionable strategies for financial stability and the importance of accountability within teams. He also explores how embracing change and utilizing AI can drive both personal and professional growth, making this conversation a treasure trove of wisdom for anyone in the trades.

56 snips
Mar 7, 2025 • 54min
The Art of Building Trust in Marketing with John Jantsch
John Jantsch, marketing guru and founder of Duct Tape Marketing, shares his insights on building trust in marketing for small businesses. He emphasizes the importance of a strong marketing foundation and effective customer relationship tools. John discusses the balance between self-reliance and seeking guidance in entrepreneurship. He also offers strategies for navigating consumer expectations and leveraging AI in marketing. Plus, he highlights the role of influential literature in shaping marketing perspectives.

17 snips
Feb 28, 2025 • 43min
Staying Competitive by Adopting AI to Optimize Efficiency
Boris Valkov is the Co-founder and CEO of Lace, a tech leader specializing in AI for the home service sector. He discusses how small businesses can adopt AI for a competitive edge, emphasizing the importance of integrating technology while maintaining customer empathy. The conversation dives into optimizing call centers, enhancing booking accuracy, and leveraging data analysis for efficiency. Boris also highlights how innovative software solutions can significantly boost ROI and how small companies can harness agility to outperform larger competitors.

56 snips
Feb 21, 2025 • 56min
Q&A With Tommy - Stop Trading Time for Money: How to Build a Self-Sustaining Business
Discover the essential mindset shift needed for personal and professional growth. Learn how delegation and hiring create a thriving company culture. Embrace imperfection in marketing for quicker results and stronger relationships. Navigate the complexities of service businesses with effective financial management and clear communication. Explore the power of collaboration and real-world experience to build loyalty. Finally, find inspiration in leadership, accountability, and continuous personal development.

30 snips
Feb 14, 2025 • 1h 1min
Hustle vs. Leadership: The Right Moves that Change Everything for Your Business
DJ Carroll, CEO of Carroll Media and expert in sales psychology, shares valuable insights on leadership and business success. He discusses the importance of involving younger employees in content creation and the potential of social media. The conversation dives into overcoming mediocrity through strategic hiring and pricing, while emphasizing personal growth and effective marketing. DJ also explores AI integration, the balance of business sales, and the shift from hustle to leadership, highlighting how discipline and mentorship can transform careers.

23 snips
Feb 7, 2025 • 1h 9min
Building a Winning Culture: Lessons from a Former Addict and Elite Athlete
Tony Hoffman, Founder of PH Wellness and a former BMX Elite Pro, shares his incredible journey from addiction to recovery. He highlights the power of community and mentorship in overcoming personal struggles. The conversation dives into the complexities of addiction, emphasizing the need for self-awareness and honesty in the recovery process. Tony also discusses leadership evolution, focusing on collaboration and personal development, and the importance of discipline and supportive environments for achieving success.

44 snips
Jan 31, 2025 • 1h 1min
Re-Air: Buying Back Your Time with Dan Martell
Dan Martell, a serial entrepreneur and the founder of SaaS Academy, shares his inspiring journey from troubled teen to successful business coach. He discusses the powerful concept of 'buying back your time' to improve work-life balance and strengthen personal connections. Martell emphasizes the importance of self-belief, effective decision-making, and the need to tackle higher quality challenges for real growth. His insights into integrating personal struggles with entrepreneurial spirit reveal how authenticity and self-valuation can drive success.

58 snips
Jan 24, 2025 • 1h 2min
Q&A With Tommy - Doubling Down on Core Markets and Rethinking Expansion Strategies
Discover the keys to strategic hiring that align with company vision and foster client relationships. Learn how exceptional customer experience can boost call center efficiency and enhance online reputation. Explore essential strategies for market expansion and how to structure team compensation. Delve into the mindset for success in home services, focusing on self-awareness and brand consistency. Uncover insights into the asphalt industry and actionable tips for maximizing workforce performance and continuous improvement.

35 snips
Jan 17, 2025 • 1h 31min
The Homegrown Advantage: Why Training From Scratch Beats Hiring Experience
In this conversation, Chris Lee and Daryl Kelly, co-founders of Solgen Power, discuss their impressive journey scaling a solar energy giant to over $200 million in revenue. They share insights on the advantages of developing homegrown talent versus hiring experienced professionals, emphasizing the value of nurturing internal skills for loyalty and success. Topics like navigating growth through strong partnerships, the importance of KPIs for trust-based leadership, and the role of social media in personal and business development enrich the dialogue.