Tommy Mello, a driven entrepreneur and host of the Home Service Expert podcast, is set to headline ACCA 2025 as the keynote speaker. His passion for business success, combined with years of hard-earned experience, promises to deliver a high-energy session filled with practical tips HVACR contractors won’t want to miss.
Recently, Tommy joined ACCA president and CEO Bart James and vice president of membership, advocacy, and events Sean Robertson for a fireside chat session on what contractors can expect from his upcoming keynote.
From humble beginnings to a $200 million business
Tommy’s journey started with hard work and sacrifice. After his parents’ divorce, he worked to help support his mother, who took on multiple jobs. Initially, Tommy planned to become a dentist, but a conversation with a dentist burdened by debt changed his path. The dentist, at 47 years old, still owed $300,000. This realization inspired Tommy to shift gears and explore business opportunities instead.
He eventually entered the garage door industry, where he honed his skills, partially by studying the HVACR field. Tommy quickly learned that success boils down to three key elements: price, quality, and meeting the customer’s needs on their timeline. His business philosophy, developed over two decades, is built on learning from mistakes and never repeating them.
His story, Tommy shared, isn’t one of overnight success. “It’s a story of a lot of failures that formed into success. I’m the type of guy who jumps out of a plane and builds the parachute on the way down versus waiting for everything to be perfect. I just want to make the mistakes and not make the same ones twice.”
Building culture and investing in people
A major focus of Tommy’s is company culture—a critical element for contractors looking to scale. He encourages business owners to ask themselves one simple but powerful question: “Why would I work for me?” According to Tommy, creating a workplace where employees feel valued and supported is essential for long-term success.
“Do people love working for you?” he asks. “Will they promote you in the marketplace?”
Tommy believes that creating a positive company culture starts with expressing appreciation. He suggests regularly telling team members how much they’re valued. That way, when it’s time for constructive criticism, employees are more receptive. It’s a balance of respect and accountability that builds trust and loyalty.
The five Fs: A balanced approach to business
While Tommy is known for his work ethic, he also emphasizes balance. His philosophy revolves around the “Five Fs”: finance, fitness, family, faith, and future self. Each plays a vital role in creating a fulfilling life and successful business.
One key takeaway from Tommy’s approach is delegating financial tasks. “Finance is the only thing you can delegate,” he explains. By spending less time managing finances personally, contractors can focus on areas that require their direct attention, like culture and leadership.
What attendees can expect at ACCA 2025
When asked what attendees can expect to gain by attending his session at ACCA 2025, Tommy stressed the value of the knowledge he’ll share. He’s investing $2 million in personal coaching next year and plans to bring that expertise to the stage.
Attendees will learn how to generate leads, build a strong culture, and buy back their time, Tommy explained. Finding ways to be financially successful without sacrificing personal life is at the crux of his philosophy.
Tommy will also offer practical advice on essential business decisions, like choosing the right CRM, investing in talent, and avoiding unnecessary expenses. His keynote will focus on actionable strategies that contractors can implement immediately.
“I want my clients to win. I want my vendors to win. I want to win myself. But most of all, I want the people who work with me to win. In business, there doesn’t need to be a win-lose. We can all win,” Tommy said.
A special book signing for Gold and Silver Members
In addition to his keynote, Tommy will host an exclusive book signing for ACCA Gold and Silver members. His latest book, Elevate: Build a Business Where Everybody Wins, focuses on creating a business environment where success is shared. The signing offers a unique opportunity for attendees to meet Tommy and gain deeper insights into his philosophy. Bonus: All ACCA 2025 attendees will get their own copy of this book!
Don’t miss the chance to meet Tommy Mello and industry leaders
Connecting with the right people can open doors and accelerate growth. Tommy’s own podcast, which began as a way to solve his own business challenges, has evolved into a platform for industry leaders to share their insights.
By attending ACCA 2025, contractors will gain access to Tommy’s hard-earned knowledge, including tips on making the phone “ring off the hook” and strategies for success across different markets. His session promises to inspire and energize attendees, leaving them ready to expand their business’ potential.
For Gold and Silver members, the book signing with Tommy Mello is a highlight not to be missed. It’s a chance to get a signed copy of Elevate and engage with Tommy in a more personal setting.
Tommy’s passion for helping others succeed will be at the heart of his ACCA 2025 keynote. With actionable insights, a focus on culture, and a commitment to shared success, Tommy is ready to inspire the next generation of HVACR leaders.
Mark your calendars and get ready to learn from one of the industry’s most dynamic voices.
Register for ACCA 2025 now at acca2025.com
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