In this episode of the Service MVP Podcast, host Joe Crisara sits down with Aaron Gainer, founder and CEO of Eco Plumbers, Electricians, and HVAC Technicians—one of the fastest-growing home service companies in the country. From a bankrupt plumber sleeping on his mom’s couch to scaling a business projected to hit $100 million in revenue by 2025, Aaron shares his raw, real, and remarkably strategic journey.

This episode is packed with takeaways for anyone seeking expert-level sales coaching, business leadership training, and insight into how to grow your service business using vision, education, and relentless execution.

Be sure to check out the full episode on our YouTube channel—just click the link below to watch the podcast in action!: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vw7hYv9k2L0

From Couch to Conglomerate: Aaron’s Humble Start

Aaron’s story begins with a $50 loan from his sister and a borrowed service truck. After losing everything during the 2006–2007 housing crash—including his first business—he hit rock bottom. But a promise to his 3-year-old son changed everything: “This won’t be your life.”

Instead of giving up, Aaron doubled down on his vision—and started a new journey. That led to the creation of Eco Plumbers, which today is a high-growth, multi-location powerhouse leading the way in professional services sales training, customer service development, and business innovation.

Link to the Eco's website: https://geteco.com/

3 Pitfalls to Avoid If You Want to Grow Your Business

Aaron outlines three major traps that can sink a service business—and how to avoid them:

1. No Clear Vision

“If you don't know where you're going, every day feels like chaos.”

Aaron credits his success to casting a massive, audacious vision: $100 million in revenue within 10 years. That long-range goal provided the fuel for everything that followed. He recommends service professionals start by attending business leadership seminars, sales seminars, and even online learning for business—anything to expand your vision and mindset.

2. Underestimating the Power of People

Instead of naming his business “Eco Plumbing, Electrical & HVAC,” Aaron focused on the people who do the work: Eco Plumbers, Eco Electricians, and Eco HVAC Technicians.

“People don’t say I need ‘plumbing.’ They say ‘I need a plumber.’ That mindset shift has to happen if you're going to deliver great customer service sales training and scale a brand that resonates.”

That philosophy led to the creation of Eco University, a hands-on e-learning training program that has graduated over 140 service professionals—many of whom entered the trades for the first time.

3. Standing Still

“You don’t need to be perfect. Just move.”

Aaron emphasizes that execution beats planning. He warns against falling into “analysis paralysis,” especially in a world overflowing with sales training guides, virtual sales coaching, and elearning development companies.

Instead, he advises to start now—and refine your strategy as you go.

Sales Coaching + Vision = Real Transformation

Aaron credits part of his transformation to Service MVP’s Total Immersion Training, a program he enrolled in over 12 years ago:

“Joe Crisara taught me how to sell. That sales coaching certification changed my entire trajectory.”

He pairs his sales coaching services with tools like sales learning management systems and customer relationship management courses to keep his team sharp.

Weekly Accountability: The Secret Sauce to Scaling

At the heart of Eco’s culture is a weekly leadership accountability meeting. Hosted by VP of Operations Byron, this 9:15 AM Monday ritual includes every department head and market manager.

What makes it special?

• Every manager sets their own goals

• They review sales KPIs, projections, and actuals

• Cross-department collaboration is encouraged

• Game plans are built together, not dictated

“We don’t win in silos. We win as one team,” says Aaron.

This level of team integration is what turns sales coaching companies into sales performance coaching powerhouses.

What Happens After $100 Million?

Aaron’s not stopping at 9 figures.

His next targets?

• $250 million in multi-trade expansion across Ohio

• A billion dollars under management

• A legacy built on business training workshops, sales seminars, and customer service excellence

Key Takeaways for Service Pros

If you're a home service contractor, this episode is your blueprint for transformation. Here’s what you can apply today:

• Attend top sales seminars or enroll in an in-person sales training to expand your vision

• Invest in your people through customer service training courses and online customer service training

• Build your brand around the people who perform the service—not just the trades

• Don’t wait—start now. Learn as you go.

• Commit to weekly business leadership workshops with your team to stay aligned and accountable

Want to Grow Like Eco Plumbers?

Join the Service MVP Club for just $99/month and gain access to:

• Self-paced, expert-guided service sales training

• Live sales coaching seminars with Joe Crisara

• Downloadable tools, scripts, and guides

• Role-based content for techs, CSRs, and managers

• Progress tracking and real-time support

???? Sign up today to unlock sales and customer service training that drives real results.