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
Building a Business That Thrives Without You with Mike Andes [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 58:41
Tommy sits down with Mike Andes, CEO of Augusta Lawn and host of the Home Service Millionaire podcast. Mike discusses his journey in the landscaping industry, the challenges of franchising, and the importance of building…
From Convict to CEO - A Journey of Transformation with Weldon Long [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:03:39
In this episode, Tommy talks with Weldon Long, an ex-con turned successful entrepreneur, author, and CEO. Weldon shares his journey of overcoming adversity and the powerful mindset shifts that fueled his success. They di…
The Path to Meaningful Change with JD Ploetz [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:06:30
In this episode, JD Ploetz, a long-time area manager at Tommy's company, shares his journey as a seasoned leader and manager, growth, leadership, and overcoming challenges in the trades industry. JD reflects on his early…
The Art of Building Trust in Marketing with John Jantsch [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 53:34
In this episode, Tommy speaks with John Jantsch, a marketing expert and founder of Duct Tape Marketing, about the critical role of marketing in small business success. John is an expert at creating marketing strategies,…
Staying Competitive by Adopting AI to Optimize Efficiency [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 42:36
Boris Valkov is the Co-Founder & CEO at Lace, and a technology leader with expertise in artificial intelligence and machine learning. With a background in engineering leadership at top tech companies, he is dedicated to…
Re-Air: Buying Back Your Time with Dan Martell [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:01:10
This week we're re-airing an episode from 2023 with business LEGEND Dan Martell. Dan Martell is the founder and CEO of SaaS Academy. He is a serial entrepreneur, investor, and coach who has helped thousands of entreprene…