The Garage Door Heroes Podcast

In this episode of Garage Door Heroes, Robb Leishman sits down with the one and only Tommy Mello for a real, down-to-earth conversation about business, leadership, and the future of home services.Tommy shares stories from his early days of struggle, the lessons that shaped him, and how he built a culture where people want to work and grow. He opens up about why giving customers choices builds trust, why profit matters more than revenue, and how investing in people creates unstoppable teams.In this episode, you’ll discover:Why presenting options, not ultimatums, creates happier customersHow to build a winning culture that attracts and keeps great peopleThe role of training and systems in scaling a business the right wayHow embracing technology (and avoiding shiny distractions) keeps you aheadWhy asking for help and learning from others is a strength, not a weaknessAnd the mindset shift that turns competition into collaborationIf you’re looking for fresh perspective, honest wisdom, and a boost of motivation, this is the episode for you. Tune in, take notes, and get inspired to lead with purpose.

In this episode of Garage Door Heroes, Robb Leishman sits down with the legendary Roy Bardowell, a true scholar of the garage door industry with over 50 years of hands-on experience. From his start as an 11-year-old assembling opener parts to becoming one of the industry’s most trusted voices, Roy’s journey is nothing short of inspiring.He shares incredible stories of building companies from the ground up, navigating international markets, and mastering every part of the trade—from springs and tracks to full commercial systems. But beyond the technical, Roy opens up about the importance of tech support, safety standards, and continuous learning as cornerstones of long-term success.In this episode, you’ll discover:How Roy helped expand U.S. garage door operations into CanadaWhy tech support can make or break a product, no matter how good it isThe evolution of UL 325 safety standards and what they mean for installersLessons on resilience—from surviving lightning strikes to overcoming a life-changing strokeHow writing and mentoring have allowed Roy to continue giving back to the industryRoy’s story is a mix of grit, technical brilliance, and personal resilience. Whether you’re new to the industry or a seasoned pro, this conversation will leave you with knowledge, perspective, and motivation to keep learning and leading.

In this episode of Garage Door Heroes, Robb Leishman sits down with Tanner Leishman to break down one of the biggest challenges facing garage door companies today: Google advanced verification.What started as a last-minute pivot turned into a deep, practical walkthrough of how to navigate Google’s verification process the right way. If you want more calls, more leads, and better visibility in your market, this is something you can’t afford to ignore.Tanner shares real, step-by-step insight into how advanced verification works, why so many companies struggle with it, and what you need to do to get approved and stay compliant. From setting up your accounts properly to submitting the right documentation, this episode covers it all.What you’ll learn in this episode:✅Why Google puts the garage door industry under heavy scrutiny✅ The difference between LSA and PPC verification✅How to properly set up your Google accounts✅What documents and proof Google is actually looking for✅Common mistakes that get companies denied✅Why details matter more than ever when working with Google✅How to position your business to dominate search results in 2026Google is still the #1 source for high-intent leads in this industry. If you want to show up where customers are searching and calling, you need to understand how to play by their rules.If you got value from this episode, hit subscribe and share it with another garage door hero.Keep growing. Keep leading. Keep winning.

In this episode of Garage Door Heroes, Tanner Leishman steps in to break down one of the most important and misunderstood topics in garage door marketing today: Google Business Profile compliance.If you run a garage door company, this is not something you can afford to ignore. Tanner explains why a Google Business Profile suspension is often not a matter of if, but when, and what you can do right now to protect your visibility, your reviews, and your lead flow before a suspension happens.This episode covers why Google is so strict with garage door companies, how physical locations and service area businesses are treated differently, what documents and evidence Google expects, and the exact steps to take if your profile or account gets suspended.If your Google Business Profile is one of your biggest lead sources, this conversation can save you months of frustration and a serious loss in revenue.What you will learn in this episode:• Why Google aggressively enforces rules in the garage door industry • The difference between a physical location and a service area business • How Google determines whether your business is legitimate • The most common compliance mistakes that lead to suspension • What utility bills, legal documents, and photos Google wants to see • How to handle a profile suspension step by step • What to do if your actual Google account gets suspended • Why preventative compliance is always cheaper than recovery • How to prepare your business now so you are not scrambling laterFree resources mentioned in this episode:Physical Location Guide: legit5.com/physical-location-guideGBP Verification Guide: legit5.com/gbp-verificationGarage Door Heroes Podcast: legit5.com/podcastIf this episode helps you, subscribe and share it with another garage door hero.Keep growing.Keep leading.Keep winning.

In this episode of Garage Door Heroes, Robb Leishman sits down with Colin Thomas, owner of A1A Garage Door Service and Installation in the San Francisco Bay Area. Colin shares the real story of what happened when his Google Business Profile suddenly disappeared and how it nearly shut down his call flow overnight.For many garage door companies, Google is the lifeline of the business. When Colin’s profile was taken down after an address change triggered verification issues, his business lost almost all of its inbound calls. What followed was a stressful period where he had to rely on referrals while searching for a solution before things got worse.Colin explains how he navigated the situation, why reviews and Google presence matter more than ever, and what it means for garage door companies that depend on organic search to bring in customers.This conversation is a powerful reminder of how critical your Google Business Profile is and why every garage door company should treat it like one of its most valuable assets.What you will learn in this episode:• Why your Google Business Profile is one of the most important assets for a garage door company• How losing your Google listing can immediately impact call volume and revenue• The role reviews play in ranking inside Google’s local map pack• What steps are involved when a Google profile gets suspended or removed• Why asking for reviews consistently can transform your marketing results• The importance of leaning on the right experts when facing technical marketing problemsIf you run a garage door company and rely on Google for leads, this episode will open your eyes to just how powerful and fragile that system can be.Click here to schedule a Leadflow Acceleration Session with Robb:https://go.legit5.com/scheduleIf this episode helps you, hit subscribe and share it with another garage door hero.Keep growing.Keep leading.Keep winning.

The right team can take your business further than you ever imagined.In this episode of Garage Door Heroes, Robb Leishman sits down with his good friend Jody Underhill, founder of Talent on Tap and one of the most respected voices in home service recruiting and marketing. With a career that started on the floor of a power company warehouse and grew to executive leadership before launching multiple agencies, Jody has spent the last four years helping over 400 companies successfully place more than 6,000 hires.Jody shares how recruiting is really just marketing for employees, why culture is more than words on a wall, and how branding, reputation, pay, and values all play into attracting the right people. You’ll hear how to avoid “staph infections” on your team, the role of reviews in hiring and growth, and why core values like “give a shift” can transform a company from the inside out.What you’ll learn in this episode:Why recruiting is marketing, not just job postingsHow branding and reputation drive not only customers, but also new hiresWhy culture is how employees feel on Sunday night before Monday morningHow to make your company the “best known” choice in your marketFour criteria every company must nail to attract top talentHow to use reviews and customer experience to build a reputation that lastsThe EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating System) framework and why it worksClick here to schedule a Leadflow Acceleration Session with Robb: https://go.legit5.com/scheduleIf this episode helps you, hit subscribe and share it with another garage door hero. Keep growing, keep leading, and keep winning.

America’s Service Sales Coach and creator of Service MVP. Joe opens up about his journey from struggling contractor to trusted mentor, and shares how garage door pros can thrive in any market with the right mindset, pricing, and process. You will hear real stories, simple frameworks, and a first look at Joe’s AI option builder that helps techs create premium, mid-range, and economy menus in seconds.What you will learn:How to win in any economy by refusing to participate in negativityThe Pure Motive Service approach that builds trust and bigger ticketsTiered pricing that turns “just a tune up” into long term solutionsHow to diagnose the whole system and present options that customers loveWays AI can speed up options, improve consistency, and boost close rateThe leadership mindset that keeps your team focused on value and serviceIf this episode helps you, hit subscribe and share it with another garage door hero. Keep growing, keep leading, and keep winning.Schedule a Leadflow Acceleration Session with Robb: https://go.legit5.com/schedule

Success in this industry starts with people. Stay with us to the end and unlock a gift that can give your business a real boost.In this episode of Garage Door Heroes, host Robb Leishman sits down with Alisa Imperial-Lindsey, a powerhouse leader in the garage door world who has played pivotal roles at A1 Garage Door, Garage Door Freedom, and beyond. From her beginnings in hospitality and tribal casinos to building world-class training programs, guiding acquisitions, and mentoring shop owners, Alisa’s story is packed with lessons on leadership, culture, and collaboration.She shares why relationships are the real currency of business, how shop tours and knowledge-sharing can elevate the entire industry, and why she believes in challenging people to dream bigger than they thought possible. You’ll also hear about the growth of Garage Door Freedom, the importance of professionalizing the trades, and how events like Vertical Track are reshaping the future for independently owned companies.What you’ll learn in this episode:✅ Why culture and leadership are the backbone of lasting success✅ How shop tours and collaboration can transform your business✅ The role of training in building careers, not just jobs✅ Why professionalizing the industry benefits every dealer✅ The importance of community, accountability, and continuous learningClick here to schedule a Leadflow Acceleration Session with Robb: https://go.legit5.com/scheduleIf this episode helps you, hit subscribe and share it with another garage door hero. Keep growing, keep leading, and keep winning.

In this episode of Garage Door Heroes, Robb Leishman sits down with Matt Kuehlhorn, the founder of Cooler Garage Doors, to talk about resilience, focus, and what it takes to build a thriving business from the ground up.Matt’s story is one of grit and determination—he went bankrupt, started over with painting jobs, and eventually grew Cooler into a trusted garage door brand. From navigating tiny mountain markets to leading in larger hubs, Matt shares how he used smart branding, intentional marketing, and relentless focus to turn challenges into opportunities.In this episode, you’ll discover:How Matt rebuilt after bankruptcy and turned a small-town startup into a growth-driven companyWhy focusing on residential service and repair is the key to long-term profitabilityThe power of branding and marketing—tailoring your message for TV, social media, and community trustHow to overcome “shiny object syndrome” and double down on what truly worksMatt’s mindset strategies: daily visualization, intentional habits, and crafting a life beyond businessPractical advice for defining your sales process so you can stand out, build trust, and charge premium pricesMatt also dives into his Cooler Lifestyle Podcast—where he highlights health, community, and stories that go beyond garage doors—showing how business success can ripple out into every part of life.If you’re ready to be inspired and pick up strategies you can apply right away, this is the episode you won’t want to miss.

Episode 17: Five-Star Reputation Tools and Strategies with Mandeep BhallaToday’s episode of the Garage Door Heroes Podcast features industry leader and longtime friend of the show, Mandeep Bhalla. Host Robb Leishman sits down with Mandeep to dive into a powerful topic for 2025: How contractors can build a five-star reputation that drives real leads.In this episode, you’ll discover:Why online reputation is the most powerful referral system todayHow to collect and showcase reviews that actually generate new businessThe rising importance of video reviews and why Google is prioritizing themPractical strategies you can use right now to stay ahead of your competitionMandeep also shares his inspiring journey of growing up in the trades and introduces his new tool, Grow Reviews, which is changing the way contractors capture trust online through text and video reviews.This episode is packed with insights for garage door dealers, contractors, and home service pros who want to win more customers without overspending on ads.

Welcome to The Garage Door Heroes Podcast, Episode 12! 🚪🔧 I’m your host, Robb Leishman, and today we have a truly exciting episode for you! We’re thrilled to welcome the incredible Jarrett Buckelew to the Garage Door Heroes Stage. Jarrett has a deep-rooted history in the garage door industry, overcoming countless challenges along the way. Not only is he the owner of a highly successful garage door company, but he’s also the President of the Western Access Systems Association (WASA). In today’s episode, we’ll dive into Overcoming Challenges in the Garage Door Industry and learn how Jarrett was able to triple his revenue per ticket by implementing game-changing strategies with his technicians. Get ready for some valuable insights that could take your garage door business to the next level. Let’s jump in and hear from the man himself—Jarrett Buckelew! 🎙️💡 Stay tuned!

Join us for a highly anticipated exciting episode of The Garage Door Heroes Podcast!  This week, we have a special guest, the legendary Joe "Uncle Joe" Crisara, who will be sharing insights on "How to Storm Proof Your Garage Door Company."  Are you looking to boost your business's performance and create a win-win scenario for everyone involved? Joe's expertise lies in helping home service businesses foster a culture of sales among their team.  In this episode, we'll explore the importance of building a culture of sales in your Garage Door Company to ensure that your business not only survives the storm but grows in it. It's not just about increasing profits; it's about ensuring that your technicians earn more, your company thrives, and your customers receive top-notch service.  Don't miss this opportunity to learn from Joe and discover the secrets to transforming your garage door company into a sales-driven powerhouse. Tune in to The Garage Door Heroes Podcast and unlock the keys to success in your garage door business!

Join us for an incredible episode of The Garage Door Heroes Podcast, hosted by Robb Leishman! Our special guest for this episode is none other than Tommy Mello, the renowned owner and operator of A1 Garage Door Service and the host of the Home Service Expert podcast. Tommy Mello's Bio: With 70% of businesses failing due to lack of funding or debt, Tommy Mello, an entrepreneurial powerhouse, beat these odds when he transformed a one-man garage door service with $50,000 in debt into a thriving venture worth over $200M with over 750 employees in 21 states. But that's not all. He's also invested in and owns 14 other businesses spanning various categories. Today, Tommy is a leading voice on entrepreneurship and small business and regularly shares his insights in publications like Inc., Forbes, and Entrepreneur. Not only does he host The Home Service Expert podcast, which ranks among the top 0.1 % of all podcasts, but he's also a genuine embodiment of the American dream. Coming from humble beginnings with his parents working three jobs to provide for him, his entrepreneurship journey began early, learning from mowing lawns to shoveling snow. But it wasn't until he met his college roommate that his fate changed, not through a business class, but with a suggestion to start painting garage doors, eventually expanding to fixing and installing them to now owning A-1 Garage, the national leader in the garage door service and sales industry.

 Get Ready for an Inspiring Episode of The Garage Door Heroes Podcast!  Join us for another incredible episode of The Garage Door Heroes Podcast, where we will be honored to have the extraordinary Al Levi as our special guest. The title of this episode says it all - "Less Stress More Success in Your Garage Door Company."Al Levi is a business consultant, teacher, author, and successful former contractor who helps other contractors learn to run their businesses with less stress and more success with systems. His work has impacted numerous contractors, most recently through his online programs, The 7-Power Contractor® Signature Operating Manuals System and Signature Staffing System, and his book The 7- Power Contractor. For more information, contact al@7powercontractor.com or visit 7powercontractor.com/systems. Don't miss this exclusive opportunity to learn from a seasoned pro who has walked the path to success in the contracting industry.

This episode's Special Guest is the Great Deidre Ubelhart! Deidre's expertise in helping garage door companies manage their teams and increase employee retention is second to noneJoin us on this episode as Deidre talks us through some of the mindset changes that you need to have as a business owner to not only have long-term retention with your staff but also get "Employee Buy-In" in your company.

During this episode, Cody Johnson shares his secrets, insights, and real-world experiences on raising prices while still setting records, even in recent months. Discover how to implement these strategies in your own business and achieve exceptional growth. Garage Door Doctor in Houston is a family-owned and operated business. Founded by Cody’s father Vincent, and together with Cody’s Brother Ryan they have really captained their own ship in taking their business to new heights. Join us for this game-changing discussion! Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to learn from a true industry expert.

We are thrilled to have Tom Howard, the VP of Customer Experience at ServiceTitan, as our special guest. With a remarkable journey in the home service trades, Tom's expertise and insights are invaluable for all garage door service company owners. Here's a little about Tom Howard: Tom Howard started out in the home service trades when he was 15 years old after asking for a job from the AC and refrigerator repairman that came to his house. He has since bought and sold several companies and he currently owns HVAC and Plumbing shops in Fresno, Sacramento, and Beverly Hills, California as well as a Pest Control company in Fresno, California. The largest company produces over 24 million in annual revenue. His businesses are overseen by local management while he works full time as the VP of Customer Experience at ServiceTitan. Tom has a wife and 4 sons and they live in Las Vegas, NV. He holds a bachelor's degree in finance from Brigham Young University but finds that the school of hard knocks in the trades has taught him the most. This episode promises to be an enlightening discussion on customer experience, industry insights, and the secrets to success in the garage door service business. Don't miss out on this opportunity to gain invaluable knowledge from a seasoned professional!

Attention Garage Door Service Company Owners! Get Ready for an Epic Podcast Episode on Market Domination with Jody Underhill! The Garage Door Heroes Podcast proudly presents Jody Underhill, CEO of Rapid Hire Pro, in an engaging and informative live interview. Are you ready to conquer your market, no matter what the economy throws at you? Jody Underhill shares his tried-and-true strategies, insider tips, and success stories that will inspire and empower you. Join us for an action-packed session where we'll dive deep into the secrets of dominating your industry. This episode is designed exclusively for garage door service company owners who are determined to thrive and excel. Secure your spot now by commenting below with a emoji, and be prepared to revolutionize your business. See you at The Garage Door Heroes Podcast! Date: Thursday, June 22 Time: 2PM Eastern Location: The GDoor Heroes Facebook GroupTogether, let's rise above and become true market dominators!

Success in this industry starts with people. Stay with us to the end and unlock a gift that can give your business a real boost.In this episode of Garage Door Heroes, host Robb Leishman sits down with Alisa Imperial-Lindsey, a powerhouse leader in the garage door world who has played pivotal roles at A1 Garage Door, Garage Door Freedom, and beyond. From her beginnings in hospitality and tribal casinos to building world-class training programs, guiding acquisitions, and mentoring shop owners, Alisa’s story is packed with lessons on leadership, culture, and collaboration.She shares why relationships are the real currency of business, how shop tours and knowledge-sharing can elevate the entire industry, and why she believes in challenging people to dream bigger than they thought possible. You’ll also hear about the growth of Garage Door Freedom, the importance of professionalizing the trades, and how events like Vertical Track are reshaping the future for independently owned companies.What you’ll learn in this episode:✅ Why culture and leadership are the backbone of lasting success✅ How shop tours and collaboration can transform your business✅ The role of training in building careers, not just jobs✅ Why professionalizing the industry benefits every dealer✅ The importance of community, accountability, and continuous learningClick here to schedule a Leadflow Acceleration Session with Robb: https://go.legit5.com/scheduleIf this episode helps you, hit subscribe and share it with another garage door hero. Keep growing, keep leading, and keep winning.

In this inspiring episode, Robb Leishman sits down with industry veteran and longtime friend Mike Batoff—Chief Operations Officer at Howell Door in West Chester, PA—to talk shop, strategy, and what it really takes to thrive in the garage door industry.Mike’s story is a masterclass in hustle, heart, and high standards. From getting dropped off at service calls by his mom at age 13 to closing high-profit commercial contracts as a seasoned leader, his journey is packed with insight for both new and experienced garage door dealers.You’ll hear:How Mike launched his first business before he had a driver’s licenseThe power of listening to customers—and building trust from minute oneWhat happened when a major phone number disappeared after a business acquisitionWhy Howell Door teamed up with Legit5—and how they’re winning, even without the original phone lineTips on delivering consistent, relationship-first service that turns one-time callers into loyal brand advocatesMike and Robb also explore the deeper side of the business:What happens when things go wrong? How do you recover from mistakes? And how do you turn setbacks into defining moments for growth?Plus, you’ll hear the story of how a single sales call became a high-ticket win—not through pressure tactics, but by building trust, listening carefully, and delivering exactly what the customer wanted (even helping bring her trash cans in!).This episode is a real look at what it means to be a Garage Door Hero—the grit, the growth, the wins, and the heart that makes this industry more than just about doors.Whether you're in year one or year twenty, this is one you don’t want to miss.