Psychology Tricks That Got My Business to $500M (David Royce)

Psychology Tricks That Got My Business to $500M (David Royce)

Author: Tommy Mello: $200 Million Founder|Forbes, Inc., Entrepreneur Columnist April 10, 2026 Duration: 51:43

David Royce is the founder and chairman of Aptive Environmental, one of the fastest-growing residential pest control companies in North America. Under his leadership, the company scaled to a $500M+ business operating across 30+ states and thousands of cities, with a team of over 6,000 employees.

Recognized by Forbes, Fortune, Inc., Entrepreneur, and The Wall Street Journal, David is a recipient of the Ernst & Young National Entrepreneur of the Year Award.

Beyond business, he brings a unique perspective by combining operational excellence with psychology, leadership development, and human behavior, helping founders scale not just their companies—but their lives with intention.

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For anyone running a home service business-be it plumbing, HVAC, or a dozen other trades-the daily grind can feel isolating. You’re solving problems for customers while wrestling with your own, from hiring the right technicians to figuring out which marketing actually works. That’s where The Home Service Expert Podcast comes in. Host Tommy Mello isn’t just another commentator; he’s a founder who has built his own companies to a staggering $200 million in revenue, and he shares his hard-won perspective as a columnist for major publications like Forbes, Inc., and Entrepreneur. Each episode feels like a direct conversation with the sharpest minds in the field. Tommy brings on leading entrepreneurs and specialists, not only from home services but from adjacent industries, to unpack the precise tactics that drive real growth. You’ll hear practical discussions that skip the theory and dive into applied knowledge, covering everything from leveraging new digital tools to executing scaling strategies that protect your company’s culture. The dialogue is built on a foundation of genuine experience, offering a sense of camaraderie and actionable advice for owners who are serious about building a legacy, not just a job. This podcast serves as a vital resource for turning operational challenges into your biggest opportunities.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

The Home Service Expert Podcast
Podcast Episodes
Insights from a Marketing Veteran with Megan Beattie [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:14:17
In this conversation, Megan Beattie, a seasoned marketing consultant, shares her insights on the importance of execution in consulting, the role of leadership in empowering young professionals, and the necessity of effec…
Why Most Deals Fail with Shark Tank's Kevin O'Leary [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 45:36
Kevin O'Leary is a seasoned entrepreneur, investor, and television personality best known as "Mr. Wonderful" on Shark Tank. Before he became "Mr. Wonderful," he was building software companies and collaborating with inno…
Keeping the Blue Collar Spirit Alive with RJ Magee [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 53:33
In this conversation, RJ Magee and Tommy Mello emphasize the importance of surrounding oneself with smarter individuals and maintaining a strong connection to the blue-collar workforce. They discuss the challenges faced…
The 4 Pillars of Leadership with Paul Kelly [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:02:51
In this conversation, Paul Kelly discusses the secrets to success that many people overlook. Tommy and Paul emphasize the importance of thinking critically and making informed decisions, which can lead to better outcomes…
The Art of Leadership: Build Trust Overnight with Jeff Hancher [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:00:56
Jeff Hancher is a USA Army veteran, bestselling author, and nationally recognized keynote speaker who helps leaders and organizations unlock elite performance. As the creator of the Firm FeedbackTM methodology, he guides…
Wealth Hacks and Motivation for Entrepreneurs with Tom Howard [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 51:59
In this episode, Tommy and Tom Howard discuss the responsibility of leadership, the need for immediacy in follow up calls, and how to be a good CEO. They also discuss how to succeed by doing difficult things. Timestamps:…