In this conversation, Tommy Mello and Brian Sooy discuss the critical aspects of branding, marketing, and leadership in the home services industry. They explore the importance of clarity in branding, the need for differentiation in a competitive market, and the balance between branding and direct response marketing. Brian shares insights on creating memorable customer experiences, the role of storytelling in branding, and the significance of data-driven decision-making. They also touch on building a strong company culture and the mindset of ownership that can drive success in business.

In this episode, Tommy Mello interviews Zach Deering, co-founder of Mantle, an AI-powered sales platform for home services. They discuss the evolving landscape of home services, the importance of creating a shopping experience for homeowners, and how technology can enhance sales processes. Zach shares insights from his background at Amazon and McKinsey, emphasizing customer obsession and the need for simplicity in business. The conversation also touches on generational differences in shopping behavior, the role of financing in home services, and the future of AI integration in the industry.

Learn more about Mantel: www.usemantel.com

Mantel Homeowner Shopping Attitudes Report https://www.usemantel.com/survey

In this conversation, Vince Nardo shares his extensive experience in the home services industry, discussing the challenges and strategies involved in breaking into new markets, the complexities of private equity, and the importance of grassroots marketing. He emphasizes the need for a strong company culture, effective marketing strategies, and team alignment to drive growth. Vince also reflects on the significance of recognizing and retaining talent, as well as the importance of having a plan for life after selling a business.

00:00 Breaking into New Markets

02:04 Vince Nardo's Journey in Home Services

05:36 The Challenges of Private Equity

10:06 Grassroots Marketing Strategies

12:54 Establishing a Strong Business Foundation

17:22 The Importance of Culture in Business

23:44 Marketing as the Core of Business Success

30:05 Aligning Teams for Growth

37:29 Recognizing and Retaining Talent

53:21 Life After Selling a Business

Grant Winstead is an expert in home service, renovations, leadership, coaching, and sales based in the Washington DC-Baltimore area. He is the CEO of Renovation Experts and operates as a transformational coach. With over 40 years of experience, Grant has built his multi-million dollar company from the ground up, starting as a door-to-door canvasser. Throughout the interview, Grant shares his personal journey from a challenging upbringing in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to becoming a successful home service operator. He emphasizes the importance of mindset over tactics in achieving growth and success. Grant discusses overcoming obstacles, the impact of mentorship, and the critical role of self-belief. He also touches on his current focus on coaching and mindset development, detailing his 12-week coaching program designed to help individuals and entrepreneurs break limiting beliefs and achieve their highest potential.

00:00 Introduction to Grant Winstead

02:35 Grant's Early Life and Career Beginnings

08:59 Transition to Leadership and Mentorship

17:47 The Importance of Mindset in Success

25:42 Sales Strategies and Overcoming Obstacles

28:51 The Role of Mindset in Achieving High Performance

35:00 The Importance of Self-Belief in Interviews

35:57 Challenges in Finding Driven Individuals

38:00 The Role of Family Support

40:47 The Power of Repetition and Curriculum

45:45 The Will to Win and Discipline

59:22 The Role of Books and Mentors

In this conversation, Dillon Georgian shares his journey in the turf industry, emphasizing the importance of leadership, operational efficiency, and the balance between family and business. He discusses his transition from retail to distribution, the significance of equity incentives, and the need for a resilient mindset in entrepreneurship. Dylan also highlights the role of technology and systems in modern business, the importance of purpose, and the desire to give back to the community. His insights provide valuable lessons for aspiring entrepreneurs and established business leaders alike.

In this conversation, Tommy Mello interviews Johnny Conklin, founder and managing partner of 16 South Capital Partners. They discuss the importance of partnerships in business, the evolving landscape of private equity, and the role of founders in driving success. Johnny shares insights from his journey in private equity, emphasizing the need for authenticity, transparency, and a focus on non-economic goals. He explains the unique approach of 16 South Capital, which prioritizes legacy preservation and team culture over traditional leverage strategies. The conversation also touches on the misconceptions surrounding private equity and the importance of preparing for life after a sale.