logo
episode-header-image
Aug 21
55m 47s

#235 He built a $100M HVAC business, her...

JOHN WILSON
About this episode

In this episode of Owned and Operated, John Wilson sits down with Chad Peterman, president of Peterman Brothers, to dive deep into what it takes to scale a home service company to nine figures.

Chad shares how he and his team grew Peterman Brothers from $20M to $100M, expanding across multiple Midwest markets while navigating the challenges of recruitment, infrastructure, and market entry. From pooling install labor to centralizing processes and managing service lines, Chad breaks down the systems that allowed Peterman Brothers to scale while maintaining operational excellence.

The conversation also explores leadership and communication tools, staff training and licensing programs, and the advantages of launching new locations strategically. Chad even offers a look at what’s next — including potential ancillary service expansions and how AI could shape the future of home service operations.

If you’re serious about scaling your HVAC or home service business, this episode is packed with playbook-level insights.


🔨Sponsored by WeSupplyTrades — Thousands of Plumbing, HVAC, and Hydronics parts shipped fast. Sign up free, save big, and get 20% off your first order with code OWNED20 Here

📞Sponsored by OpenPhone — the AI-powered business phone built for growing teams. Never miss a call, never miss a customer. Get 20% off your first 6 months when you start your free trial today here!

💼 Shoutout to Avoca AI!
Looking to train your call center and improve technician performance? Avoca AI helps teams identify issues, improve call quality, and drive results from start to finish.
 🔗 Schedule a demo

🎙️ Host:
John Wilson
🎙️ Guest:
 Chad Peterman 

Send Us Mail!

More Ways To Connect with O&O

Leave a Review

John Wilson, CEO of Wilson Companies
Jack Carr, CEO of Rapid HVAC

📌 Disclaimer: Some links may include UTM parameters or affiliate relationships, meaning we may earn a commission if you make a purchase. Episodes may feature sponsors, but all opinions expressed are our own.

Up next
Oct 9
#249 How to Build a National Septic Pumping Empire (The 2025 Playbook)
John sits down with Micah Findley (HomeField) to talk about building a national brand in one of the most overlooked trades: The Septic Pumping Business. From pricing thousand-gallon pumps to dump fees, grease traps, and service agreements, this is the real playbook for scaling a ... Show More
58m 40s
Oct 8
Entry & Exit #1 How to Build, Scale & Sell a Security/Fire Business
Welcome to Entry & Exit — the new Owned and Operated series for builders in the security & life-safety world. Hosts Stephen Olmon and Collin Trimble share how they grew Alarm Masters from under $2M to ~3× revenue, including +50% RMR growth in Year 1.From recurring revenue (RMR) t ... Show More
52m 12s
Oct 7
#248 Inside the $150M Operator Playbook: How Sierra Scaled Fast
Live from Pantheon, John sits down with RJ Magee (Sierra) and Tyson Chen (Avoca AI) to talk about the future of technology in home service — from AI call centers to multi-location growth and ServiceTitan integration.RJ shares how Sierra grew to 6 companies across 5 states through ... Show More
22m 4s
Recommended Episodes
Apr 2025
How An Online Marketer Raised $100M For His Business | Brian Moran
In this episode of The Wealthy Way podcast, I sit down with Brian Moran, the founder of SamCart, an eCommerce platform that helps business owners sell products, maximize profits, and build long-term customer relationships. We dive into Brian's journey, the birth of SamCart, ... Show More
1h 37m
Dec 2024
Rebuilding a £150k/month Meat Business After a £1.5M Setback
In this episode, James and JB discuss the journey of a £150K/month meat broker working to rebuild after a £1.5M setback. They explore the challenges and strategies for recovery and growth. Videos mentioned in the podcast: Importing Products from Istanbul: https://www.youtube.com/ ... Show More
52m 15s
Jan 2025
How to 4x a Contracting Business in 3 Years
Mike Heath bought a garage door installer from owners who didn't use email. He grew sales fast, but profits came harder.Topics in Michael’s interview:Passing on a commercial cleaning businessAcquiring a garage door business with silent partnersInstalling an operator on day oneMes ... Show More
1h 33m
Feb 2022
How He Went From Sales To Real Estate | Confronting Elliot Smith
On today’s podcast I had Elliot Smith on and he talked a lot about his journey through mental health, what is was like going through depression and anxiety, as well as building his 98 unit rental portfolio, a VA company, and a wholesaling company. Along with that, we discussed hi ... Show More
50m 24s
Sep 2024
Meet the Man Who Did Over $4B in Acquisitions - Roland Frasier 💵 EP 86
Roland is a "recovering attorney" and the co-founder and principal of five different companies recognized by Inc. Magazine as some of the fastest-growing in e-commerce, e-learning, real estate, and SaaS sectors. As a serial entrepreneur, he has founded, scaled, or sold more than ... Show More
32m 57s
Feb 2024
The Model Works: Reflections of a Plumbing Business Buyer
Doug Johns reflects on his balance sheet, lifestyle, and new identity as business owner after 9 quarters in the seat. Topics in Doug’s interview:His wife's involvement in the businessWorking 60 hours a week His experience with ROBS structure and buyoutSlowdown in home services in ... Show More
1h 34m
Aug 17
Plumbing & Heating Business at £1.5M - Is Expansion the Right Move? (4k)
Sign up to Revolut Business at http://www.revolut.com/rb/james before 30th September 2025 and top up your account to receive a £200 welcome bonus. Fees and T&Cs apply.This week, James and JB look at a £1.5M plumbing and heating business trying to decide whether to open more branc ... Show More
1h 1m
Jun 2022
Why Do I Keep Going?
In this episode of The Business Broadcast I am interviewed by Will Polston from Make It Happen. He wanted to have a conversation about the way I think for his podcast. I thought this discussion was so interesting I had to put it here on our podcast for you to have a listen. Make ... Show More
53m 24s
Jun 2024
The Garage Door Billionaire: How Tommy Mello Built A $260M Service Company
Tommy Mello, owner and operator of A1 Garage Door Service, shares his journey, personal learning and key advice on how he built and scaled his $260M company from scratch. Find out more about Tommy: Podcast: The Home Service Expert Instagram: @officialtommymello Website: www.tommy ... Show More
45m 30s
May 2024
$40k / MONTH Through Selling Pine Trees & Pickleball w/ Andrew Giancola (VAULT)
This episode is a replay from Nov 2, 2023. You Want $10k+ / Month In Passive Cash-Flow So You Can Quit Your Job & Travel The World Right? 👔🏝️ If So - Check Out The Action Academy Community / Schedule A Free 15 Minute Coaching Call With Our Team Here! Want The Step-By-Step Manua ... Show More
47m 58s