By Eric Thomas
In a recent episode of The TradeMarke podcast, co-hosts Sarah Ghirardo and Eric Thomas sat down with the inspiring Tommy Mello, founder of A1 Garage Door Service and host of The Home Service Expert podcast. Tommy shared valuable insights from his personal and professional journey, focusing on leadership, personal branding, and the importance of maintaining balance between work and life.
Here’s a deep dive into some of the key takeaways from the episode:
Building Personal Brand: The Key to Success
Tommy emphasized that success in business goes beyond operations and marketing—it requires a strong personal brand. By focusing on building his personal brand, he has been able to position himself as a leader in the home service industry. Whether it’s through social media, his podcast, or speaking engagements, Tommy’s consistent presence has expanded his influence and credibility.
He highlighted that, like Grant Cardone, investing in your personal brand is essential for business longevity. “You can’t overdo it,” Tommy says, stressing the importance of standing for something and letting your brand speak for itself.
Investing in Health and Lifestyle for Business Growth
A significant part of Tommy’s journey has been about optimizing his personal life to improve business outcomes. From hiring a chef and a driver to focusing on health and wellness, Tommy shared how these lifestyle changes have allowed him to bring more energy and focus to his business. He’s embraced strategies like proper nutrition, working out, and sleep optimization—important components of what he calls a “better quality of life.”
This personal investment has led to tangible business benefits. As Tommy puts it, “The clearer my mind, the more efficient I am in making decisions and leading my team.”
Leadership through Delegation: Empowering the Team
A key strategy Tommy employs is effective delegation. Working with business expert Dan Martell, author of Buy Back Your Time, Tommy has honed the art of delegating tasks to focus on his strengths. He believes that hiring the right people and giving them autonomy to perform is the ultimate leadership strategy.
In fact, Mello shared his philosophy of building a business that operates even better when he’s not there. He’s actively working to make himself less crucial to the day-to-day operations, empowering his team to drive success. “If your team doesn’t need you, that’s the ultimate compliment,” he remarked.
Marketing that Focuses on Relationships
Tommy also delved into his marketing strategies, explaining how the focus has shifted from acquiring leads to building relationships. He underscored the value of branding and maintaining strong relationships with clients and team members alike. “Billionaires are lazy because they know who to call for what,” Tommy joked, highlighting the importance of having the right network.
By nurturing these relationships, Tommy has created a strong foundation for A1 Garage Door Service’s continued growth. The secret? Focusing on the “who” rather than the “how” to get things done.
Events that Impact: The Power of Networking and Learning
Tommy is not just a business owner—he’s also passionate about giving back to the industry. He discussed his upcoming event, the Home Service Freedom (HSF) Event, which features notable speakers like Jocko Willick and Ellen Rohr. This event, scheduled for September 25-27, promises to cover everything from mindset and fitness to business strategies, offering a holistic approach to success.
Tommy wants attendees to leave inspired, with actionable strategies that will transform their businesses and lives. For him, it’s all about creating impact, not just hosting another business conference.
Legacy: What Tommy Mello Hopes to Leave Behind
When asked about his legacy, Tommy reflected on his desire to be remembered as someone who made people’s lives better. Whether it’s through his team, business, or personal relationships, Tommy aims to elevate everyone he works with. He’s also passionate about creating a lasting impact that goes beyond financial success, focusing on the fulfillment of dreams and meaningful personal development.
Tommy Mello’s episode on The TradeMarke podcast is packed with inspiring stories and actionable insights for anyone in the trades or marketing industries. His emphasis on personal branding, health, delegation, and building meaningful relationships offers a blueprint for success that can be applied in various facets of life.
If you’re looking to elevate your business or personal life, tune into this episode for motivation, strategies, and a reminder that success comes from more than just working hard—it’s about working smart and living well.
Stay tuned for more episodes of The TradeMarke, where we continue to bridge the gap between the trades and marketing, one story at a time.