The home services industry has always been essential, but today it’s more dynamic than ever. Families want reliable plumbing, heating, cooling, and electrical work, and they want it fast.
At the same time, owners face the hard task of growing while maintaining culture and customer trust. Some chase fast expansion, while others focus on steady profit.
Either way, the question remains: how do you build a business that lasts in such a competitive space?
That’s where the story of Sammy Ayoub stands out. Sammy is the President of Apex Plumbing, Heating and Air Pros, Allied Communications Corp, and Business Owner at AMPD Accessory Group.
He never worked for anyone else and started building businesses as a teenager. He grew a wireless retail network into 250 Boost Mobile stores with 750 employees before shifting into the trades in 2021.
What started with plumbing soon expanded into excavation, HVAC, and electrical. In just four years, Apex crossed $50 million in revenue and recently opened in Dayton, Ohio.
Sammy says the keys were smart branding, disciplined operations, strong hiring, and a culture of accountability and open communication.
In this article, we’ll look at the lessons behind that journey. You’ll see how good systems, strong recruiting, and call centers keep growth steady. You’ll learn why culture protects against toxic employees and why marketing spend can’t be an afterthought.
Most of all, you’ll discover what it really takes to grow a home services business with focus, hard work, and consistency.
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How a Wireless Entrepreneur Built a Scalable Home Services Business?
Growth often comes from knowing when it’s time to change course. Sammy Ayoub built one of the country’s largest prepaid wireless dealer networks, running 250 Boost Mobile stores with 750 employees.
But after Sprint shifted to Dish, business slowed. He wanted something more stable. Home services caught his eye because it felt recession-proof, pandemic-proof, and easier to manage with teams under one roof.
Starting with Plumbing
Ayoub chose to build from scratch instead of buying an existing company. That way, he could shape the culture, policies, and brand from the ground up. His first step was hiring a licensed plumber, but the early focus on commercial projects didn’t go far.
Waiting for bids left him frustrated. He switched to residential plumbing, and that gave the business real momentum. By March 2021, Apex Plumbing officially launched with three trucks and a small crew.
Smart Early Decisions in a Home Services Business
Several moves paid off quickly:
- Strong branding with Dan Antonelli’s KickCharge Creative gave Apex instant credibility.
- ServiceTitan software organized inventory and operations from the start.
- Direct hiring by Ayoub set the culture, with him personally recruiting the first 110 employees.
These choices built a foundation that was ready to grow.
Expansion into New Trades
Growth followed year by year. When a nearby company closed, Ayoub seized the chance to add excavation. In 2023, HVAC came in. Electrical followed in 2024. By 2025, Apex expanded beyond Columbus with a new location in Dayton, Ohio.
Ayoub’s story shows that experience carries over when paired with smart systems and the right people. With focus and consistency, expansion isn’t luck. It’s the natural result of building on solid ground.
How Call Centers Drive Stability in a Home Services Business?
Call centers play a different role in HVAC than in plumbing or electrical. Plumbing runs steady year-round. HVAC is tied to weather, which means calls can dry up or surge fast. Technicians sit idle without a strong call center, and customers drift elsewhere.
How Call Centers Drive Stability
The call center isn’t just about answering phones. It’s about keeping crews moving and customers cared for.
Three areas matter most.
- Make the most of every call. If someone calls for plumbing, ask about heating or cooling needs, too. With the right script and incentives, service reps can create extra value.
- Plan outbound work. HVAC needs outbound calls for tune-ups and memberships. Booking these weeks in advance keeps work flowing during slow months.
- Stay ahead on warranties. After busy seasons, warranty requests stack up. Handling them before the next rush prevents chaos when demand spikes again.
When a call center works this way, it protects revenue and reduces wasted hours.
Why Recruiting Isn’t Just HR
Recruiting is more than filling seats. It sets culture. The first hires shape how the whole company works. That’s why recruiting should be treated like sales. Candidates must see opportunity, trust leadership, and buy into the vision.
Asking smart questions during interviews reveals what competitors do well and where they fail. That insight helps refine offers and close the right people.
The Edge of a Fresh Perspective
Coming from outside the trades can be a strength. Without fixed habits, leaders stay open to ideas and adjust faster. Listening to employees, testing their suggestions, and dropping outdated practices keeps the business moving forward.
Strong leadership here means guiding, not bossing. Managers should act as coaches and partners, building a place where people want to stay.
How to Handle Toxic Employees in a Home Services Business?
Every workplace faces people who interview well but later disrupt the team. The strongest protection is a healthy culture paired with real accountability.
Set the Right Cultural Tone
Culture isn’t written on walls. It’s seen in how people act each day. Leaders shape it through respect, energy, and consistency. No yelling. No belittling. Managers must set the standard, and everyone else will follow.
Simple actions help:
- Team events with families included
- Recognition for milestones and wins
- Small celebrations like breakfasts
- Perks such as a gym or barber visits
When the environment feels positive, those who don’t fit stand out quickly.
Hold People Accountable the Right Way
Accountability works best when it feels like support, not punishment. Weekly meetings give space to review results, share wins, and discuss challenges. If someone slips for a few days, a simple talk may fix it.
If the pattern repeats, then the steps need to be more formal. But one line is clear: people who spread negativity must go. Protecting culture always comes first.
Keep Policies Flexible as the Business Grows
Growth means new services and new challenges. Each department needs clear expectations and basic standards. But policies can’t be fixed forever.
They must change with the business. Leaders need to review them often and adjust before small issues grow.
Small Details Reinforce Culture in a Home Services Business
Even small touches build pride and trust:
- Branded trucks, even in small fleets
- Strong visibility in the community
- Professional look that reassures customers
These details look simple, but send a clear message inside and outside the company.
A strong culture, fair accountability, and flexible systems stop one toxic person from hurting the whole team.
What Drives Real Home Services Business Growth?
There’s no shortcut to growth. Success comes from asking questions, acting on advice, and working hard daily.
Ask the Right Questions and Act on Them
Curiosity matters, but only if you follow through. Two kinds of people don’t grow: those too proud to ask and those too shy to ask. Asking is only half the job.
Acting on the answer is what counts. Ideas without execution are useless. Pick a few solid ones, put them into practice, and watch progress happen.
Growth Requires Heavy Investment
Expanding a company takes money and commitment. Spending just two or three percent on marketing isn’t serious growth. The right amount depends on goals, finances, and risk tolerance.
Strong growth usually means higher investment:
- 15–20 percent: solid for aggressive growth in established markets
- 25 percent or more: common when entering a new market
- Lower spend: fine for owners who value stability and profit over speed
The real key is not the number. It’s having a clear plan, using professionals, and making every dollar count.
Growth Isn’t for Everyone
Not every owner wants or needs rapid expansion. A $5 million business with healthy profits can provide a great life.
Scaling to $50 million brings stress, risk, and constant pressure. Owners need to decide which path matches their goals and limits.
Prioritize Learning and Hustle in a Home Services Business
Growth demands more than money. It takes time and effort. Leaders must prioritize learning, listening to podcasts, visiting larger shops, and studying what works.
Hobbies can wait. Businesses grow when owners stay involved, guide teams closely, and work harder than anyone else.
The truth is clear. Growth comes from hustle, smart spending, and consistent action. There’s no magic shortcut.
Conclusion
Running a home services business takes more than skill in the trades. It takes vision, discipline, and a willingness to put in the hard work. Sammy Ayoub’s story proves that growth comes from clear choices.
He built strong branding, set up systems early, and hired people who believed in the culture. Those moves gave his company the strength to expand fast and stay steady when things got tough.
Culture plays a big role, too. A company grows when people enjoy where they work and feel respected. Small touches, like recognition and fair accountability, make a big difference.
They protect the team from negativity and keep morale high. When employees feel valued, customers notice, and trust grows.
Growth also demands smart spending and constant learning. Owners can’t rely on shortcuts or guesswork. They need to study, ask questions, and act on advice.
They also need to invest in marketing and be present in daily operations. It isn’t easy and comes with stress, but that’s the cost of real progress.
In the end, success looks different for everyone. Some owners want scale. Others want a steady, profitable company that supports their life. Both paths are valid, as long as they’re chosen with intention and carried out with focus.
FAQs
What skills help most when starting a home services business?
Strong people skills and clear communication help just as much as trade knowledge. Owners also need discipline in finance, hiring, and planning.
How important is location for a home services business?
Location shapes growth. A dense area brings more calls, while smaller towns may limit volume. However, strong branding and service can overcome limits.
Should a home services business buy or lease vehicles?
Both options work. Leasing lowers upfront costs, but buying builds long-term value. The choice depends on cash flow and growth plans.
How can a home services business stand out in a crowded market?
Consistency matters. Branded trucks, clean uniforms, and professional service make a lasting impression. Customers trust what feels reliable.
What role does training play in a home services business?
Ongoing training keeps teams sharp. It improves customer service, boosts safety, and helps technicians confidently upsell.
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