In this episode
From $1.5M to $100M in 12 Years. Meet Tom Howard
- How Tom scaled his company from $1.6M to over $100M in annual revenue
- His $50M+ acquisition success story—buying failing businesses and flipping them profitably
- Why U.S. private equity is paying 10–20x profits—and how Aussie tradies can get ready
- The key role of technology (like ServiceTitan) in tracking, scaling, and performance optimization
- Why mindset, goal-setting, and the “Roger Bannister effect” are game-changers for trade growth
What does it take to scale a trade business from $1.5 million to over $100 million—all without investors?
In this mind-blowing episode of The Site Shed, Matt Jones chats with Tommy Howard, one of the most dynamic figures in the U.S. trades scene. Tommy shares his journey from humble beginnings cleaning trucks to building a multi-brand empire in HVAC, plumbing, and roofing—all while turning around underperforming businesses and unlocking massive growth.
If you’ve ever wondered what’s really possible in the trades, this episode will smash every mental ceiling you’ve had.
Key Takeaways
- Private equity is coming to Australia: If you’re not prepared, you’ll be competing with those who are.
- You’re in the data business: Track everything—calls, conversions, jobs, marketing ROI—to unlock predictable, scalable growth.
- Pay your team more: Top-performing techs earning $300k+? That’s how you win the talent war.
- Think big: Limiting beliefs are your biggest ceiling. Aim higher, plan smarter, execute relentlessly.
- Use incentives to drive performance: Bonus structures aligned to KPIs helped fuel Tom’s 100% year-over-year growth.
Who Should Listen?
- Trade business owners looking to scale fast
- Operators curious about acquisitions or preparing for sale
- Teams struggling with recruiting and retention
- Founders ready to move from “on the tools” to strategic CEO
- Anyone who thinks $10M is “as big as it gets”
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