The Leadership Skill That Gets More Valuable as AI Takes Over

The Leadership Skill That Gets More Valuable as AI Takes Over

Author: Tommy Mello: $200 Million Founder|Forbes, Inc., Entrepreneur Columnist May 16, 2026 Duration: 1:30:47

🚀 FREEDOM 2026 Get your Tickets Today! https://homeservicefreedom.com/

The biggest myth in home service technology? That software solves problems. It doesn't. People do.

Tommy sits down with Richard Kohberger — the go-to ServiceTitan expert and founder of Blue Collar Nerd — for one of the most honest conversations about technology, leadership, and what it actually takes to build a great home service company in the AI era.In this episode you'll learn:

— Why most companies use ServiceTitan wrong

— and what it actually looks like when you use it right

— The truth about AI replacing CSRs and what to do about it before it happens to you

— Why adding more AI to your business means your people need MORE human attention, not less

— The four metrics every home service owner should know cold

— Why emotional intelligence is the most underrated skill in home service leadership

-- 🕐 TIMESTAMPS 🕐 --

00:00 - Introduction 

00:34 - Richard's Background and Blue Collar Nerd Origin

03:08 - Why Investors Are Rushing Into Home Service

06:02 - Advanced ServiceTitan Integrations

10:31 - When to Get on ServiceTitan

13:50 - AI-First Software and What's Coming

17:46 - Tommy's AI-Written Radio Ad Live

21:16 - Social Media vs Traditional Advertising

28:03 - The A1 Garage Model vs HVAC

32:28 - Which Industry Would Richard Build In?

36:12 - Tommy's 2017 Trifecta and Podcast Origin

38:49 - SOPs: SweetProcess vs Trainual

41:13 - AI Supporting People Not Replacing Them

44:41 - Technology Changing Leadership and Culture

47:52 - Longevity Science and Fasting

51:03 - Skills the Next Generation of Operators Needs

54:14 - EQ vs IQ in Leadership

58:42 - Rapid Fire: The Four Metrics Every Owner Must Know

1:09:08 - Die With Zero and Tommy's Philanthropy Plans

1:13:53 - Get Clear on Your WHY 1:17:35 - Is "I'm Doing It for My Family" Really True?

1:23:39 - Meditation, Facing Fears, and Final Thoughts

🚀 FREEDOM 2026 Get your Tickets Today! https://homeservicefreedom.com/

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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
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