The Brian Buffini Show

S2E376 Revenue is Vanity, Profit is Sanity - an Interview with Tommy Mello

The Brian Buffini Show

Show Notes

In this episode, Tommy Mello shares with Brian the story of how sheer grit, hard work, and strong relationships helped him build a company valued at $2B, A1 Garage Door Service. Tommy discusses his humble, blue-collar background, where he worked on a series of jobs including busing tables, lifeguarding, bartending, and flipping cars —until a roommate introduced him to the garage door industry. Tommy started there first as a painter, before becoming the “go-to guy” for multiple companies, and eventually launching his own business. He also shares how the relationships he developed with mentors and other important people in his life informed how he treats the employees at his own company. Tommy also discussed the strategies he has learned and used along the way, including the key performance indicators (KPIs) that help him to continue to create business success. YOU WILL LEARN:

How to move from hustle to leadership by building systems, processes, and accountability. A simple KPI framework to reverse-engineer your budget and start the year with momentum. The four questions he uses to help create a superior, client-service experience every time, no matter the customer’s budget.

MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

The E-Myth by Michael Gerber The Ultimate Sales Machine: Turbocharge Your Business with Relentless Focus on 12 Key Strategies by Chet Holmes The Richest Man in Babylon by George S. Clason Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor E. Frankl How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie

NOTEWORTHY QUOTES FROM THIS EPISODE: “Profitability is the lifeblood of a company.” — Tommy Mello “If I could help you get to your goals, can you help me in return? But I'll make sure I show up first. And man, that worked wonders.” — Tommy Mello “We never say the word ‘expensive’. We say ‘top of the line.’ We never say ‘cheapest’. We say ‘builder grade.” — Tommy Mello "I’m the best I’ve ever been, but the worst I’ll ever be—because tomorrow I’m going to be 1% better.” — Tommy Mello “If I were to talk to my younger self, I would say, ‘Don't worry about what everyone else says. Don't be afraid of someone saying no. Don't be afraid of rejection. Don't worry. The only person you've got to worry about is yourself.’” — Tommy Mello

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