Tommy Mello, a master at turning home services businesses into multimillion-dollar ventures, walks us through his incredible journey from Michigan to entrepreneurial success. He shares how he utilized podcasting to educate himself on crucial business elements like call center training, HR, and finance. Tommy’s dedication to his team is evident as he recounts living alongside his technicians to understand their needs better and ensuring they had new vehicles before he did. His story is one of resilience, continuous learning, and a commitment to both personal and professional growth.

Reminisce with us about the mid to late 90s as Tommy discusses opening multiple Hooters locations across Michigan and the vibrant culture of Detroit during that era. His entrepreneurial spirit shines as he recounts starting a landscaping business, flipping over 1200 cars, and even buying and selling Bowflex machines. We dive into the challenges and successes of building a garage door service company, highlighting the importance of empathy, effective marketing, and technological transitions. Key moments like switching to ServiceTitan CRM and consulting with Al Levy to streamline operations are pivotal to his business transformation.

Tommy also opens up about navigating private equity in blue-collar industries, emphasizing the significance of maintaining company culture during acquisitions. He stresses the value of customer service, mentorship, and ethical business practices, balancing customer satisfaction with employee well-being. From mastering marketing strategies to setting ambitious growth targets, Tommy shares actionable insights for business growth and leadership transformation. This episode is brimming with valuable lessons and inspiring stories that reflect Tommy’s innovative spirit and dedication to excellence.

Highlights:

(01:55 - 02:38 ) Entrepreneurial Growth Through Podcasting

(05:56 - 06:59 ) Breaking the Cycle of Unfulfilling Life

(09:15 - 10:15 ) Garage Door Painting Business Success

(15:09 - 15:50 ) Maximizing Marketing ROI With CRM

(23:40 - 24:26 ) Hiring People Who Care

(32:42 - 33:57 ) Success Leaves Clues

(41:09 - 41:57 ) Client Satisfaction and Company Growth

(48:29 - 49:40 ) Garage Door ROI and Passion

(53:16 - 54:33 ) Living 110% for a Legacy

(01:01:03 - 01:01:50 ) Learning Financial Side of Business

CHAPTERS 

(00:00 ) - From Drifter to Success

(03:46 ) - Entrepreneurial Journey and Business Success

(13:23 ) - Business Growth and Leadership Transformation

(17:39 ) - Strategies for Business Growth and Expansion

(23:40 ) - Building Client Relationships Through Affiliates

(34:53 ) - Private Equity and Business Acquisitions

(42:13 ) - Building Trust and Client Relationships

(51:18 ) - Embracing Life and Self-Improvement

(59:35 ) - Importance of Customer Service and Mentoring

💬 Did you enjoy this podcast episode? Tell us all about it in the comment section below!

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💯 About John Gafford: After appearing on NBC's "The Apprentice", John relocated to the Las Vegas Valley and founded several successful companies in the real estate space.

➡️ The Gafford Group at Simply Vegas, top 1% of all REALTORS nationwide in terms of production. Simply Vegas, a 500 agent brokerage with billions in annual sales Clear Title, a 7-figure full-service title and escrow company.

➡️ Streamline Home Loans - An independent mortgage bank with more than 100 loan officers. The Simply Group, A national expansion vehicle partnering with large brokers across the country to vertically integrate their real estate brokerages.

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🎧 Stream The Escaping The Drift Podcast with John Gafford Episode here:

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