Tommy Mello's Secrets to Scaling Home Service Businesses | The Kitchen Table Podcast

A recent guest on an episode of "The Kitchen Table" podcast was Tommy Mello, the host Ken Bayen's industry hero. Tommy owns A1 Garage Door Service, a multi-million dollar business. He's also created several companies, written books, and hosted a podcast called "Home Service Expert." His first book is "Home Service Millionaire," and his most recent publication is "Elevate: Build a Business Where Everybody Wins."

Major Lessons and Advice from Tommy Mello:

1. Building and Investing in Multiple Ventures:

   - Tommy discusses his involvement in various ventures, highlighting his family office TMV which invests in technology and works alongside A1 Garage Door. His focus on technology aims to revolutionise the industry and keep his businesses ahead of the competition.

2. Importance of Innovation and Development:

   - He emphasises the strategic development of new technologies and innovation within his companies, underlying his vision of staying ahead of competitors and ensuring exponential growth.

3. Leveraging Personal Brand to Scale Business:

   - Tommy understands the value of personal branding. By enhancing his brand, he aims to indirectly support and grow A1 Garage Door Service, since his success contributes to his company's reputation and vice versa.

4. Understanding Financial Growth and Metrics:

   - He has insights into financial concepts such as earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) and company multiples. He highlights the potential of growing businesses organically and through acquisitions to amplify financial growth.

5. Delegation and Team Building:

   - Tommy advises entrepreneurs to delegate tasks to build a formidable team. Using the resource "The Seven Power Contractor" by Al Levi, Tommy underscores the need for operational manuals and systems for efficient delegation and organizational structuring.

6. Branding and Marketing:

   - Tommy shares the story of how rebranding A1 Garage Door by working with Dan Antonelli significantly increased his business metrics. He champions the idea that investing in your brand can yield long-term dividends and improve overall company performance.

7. Focus on Core Strengths:

   - Mentioning the books "Who Not How" by Dr. Benjamin Hardy and Dan Sullivan, Tommy encourages business owners to hire for their weaknesses and focus on their strengths to become elite in their field.

8. Knowing Your Numbers and Continuous Learning:

   - He stresses the necessity of thoroughly understanding business metrics and continuously reviewing company performance to make informed decisions.

9. Recruiting Top Talent and Creating Culture:

   - Emphasizing the significance of recruiting A-players, Tommy promotes creating a workplace culture where employees' dreams are acknowledged, and they are incentivized to succeed.

10. Giving Back and Seeking Mentors:

    - Tommy believes in the principle of reciprocity and the value of mentorship. He suggests entrepreneurs should seek successful individuals in their field and learn from them rather than attempting to reinvent the wheel.

11. Adapting and Overcoming Business Setbacks:

    - Tommy shares his journey of trial and error, recognizing that adapting to setbacks and learning from mistakes has been crucial to his success.

12. Investing in Self-Development and Health:

    - Towards the end of the discussion, Tommy touches on his commitment to self-improvement, health, and setting an example not only in business but also in personal well-being.

Conclusion:

Guest Tommy Mello imparts a wealth of advice revolving around technological advancement, financial acumen, strategic scaling, branding, delegation, continuous learning, and personal development. His multidimensional approach to entrepreneurship and creating a winning business culture where everyone's dreams are considered and valued showcases his expertise and dedication to the industry.