Digital Social Hour Episode Summary

Episode: From Hockey Dreams to $250K: The Home Service Hustle | Adam Chapman DSH #1181
Release Date: February 14, 2025
Host: Sean Kelly
Guest: Adam Chapman

Introduction

In this riveting episode of Digital Social Hour, host Sean Kelly welcomes Adam Chapman, a former semi-professional hockey player turned successful entrepreneur in the home services industry. Adam shares his transformative journey from the ice rink to building a thriving business that generates six figures annually.

From Hockey Aspirations to Career-Affecting Injury

Adam Chapman opens up about his early life, deeply rooted in hockey. "My whole life was hockey. I was not a business guy at all. It was just straight NHL or bust and got pretty close," he admits at [00:31]. His promising sports career faced a sudden halt due to a severe concussion sustained during a fight on the ice. Reflecting on this pivotal moment, Adam recounts, "I was 20 years old... next thing you know, I'm being told by the team doctor, hey, like, you're not playing hockey here for at least another year. And then the team, it's pro, it's a business. They said, hey, see ya."

This life-altering injury left Adam feeling lost and uncertain about his future. With no backup plan beyond hockey, he faced homelessness and isolation, as his mother was residing in a local care facility.

Transition to Entrepreneurship

Adam's path to entrepreneurship began during his rehabilitation. "A school reached out to me during that time and said, hey, we saw you got injured, come here, we'll pay for your rehab, we'll give you somewhere to stay," he explains at [21:06]. This support system helped him shift his focus from sports to business, leading to the foundation of his home services venture.

Graduating with academic honors, Adam realized that business offered more control over his destiny compared to the uncertainties of professional sports. "Business, it's. If you suck, it's your own fault," he emphasizes at [22:43], highlighting his preference for the accountability and autonomy that entrepreneurship provides.

Building a Successful Home Service Business

Adam details how he started his business from scratch, often facing financial hardships. "I started with basically ground zero. I was sleeping in my car and then I went door to door, collected deposit money, used that money throughout the winter to buy my equipment," he shares at [04:03]. His initial investments were minimal, purchasing basic tools like a squeegee and scrubber to begin window cleaning services.

Within two years, Adam's business skyrocketed. "My first year I did 55,000, but that was from April until mid-August because I was in universities... Then my second year, we did the 100, 140. And then by university and graduated about 260," he proudly states at [28:01]. His company, Pad Pal, now projects revenues of approximately $250,000 from services like Christmas light installations alone by [13:12].

Home Service University: Empowering Entrepreneurs

Two years ago, Adam founded Home Service University, a platform designed to educate and mentor aspiring entrepreneurs in the home services sector. "It's really cool to see guys from all over the place and some guys come in and they're struggling, and to see them a year later be able to go from either losing their job or maybe only making like 40k a year to working for themselves, making a hundred thousand dollars a year," he explains at [11:15].

One notable success story includes a husband and wife duo who built a business generating $25,000 monthly by leveraging Adam's training in Christmas light installations. "They make more Christmas lights. So it was something that we'd considered," Adam mentions at [12:12].

Strategies for Success in Home Services

Adam attributes his success to several key strategies:

1. Service Diversification and Upselling: "What we'll do is get a client for window cleaning and then we'll upsell them gutter cleaning and then get them on Christmas lights," he explains at [09:28]. This approach maximizes revenue per customer and ensures repeat business.

2. Effective Marketing: Utilizing a mix of door-to-door sales, social media content, Facebook and Google ads, and surprisingly effective yard signs, Adam has built a strong brand presence. "Yard signs, people call. Call yard signs, and they work really well," he highlights at [15:14].

3. Quality and Reputation: Emphasizing high-quality service ensures customer satisfaction and loyalty. "If you do good work, people are going to refer you business," Adam states at [10:36]. Building a robust online presence with positive Google reviews further cements trust with potential clients.

4. Scalability and Replicability: Adam's business model is easily replicable across different regions, allowing for rapid expansion without significant variations in service offerings. "Copy paste. The same systems, the same strategies and they're doing really well," he notes at [08:52].

Industry Insights and Future Prospects

Adam provides valuable insights into the home services industry, noting its resilience against automation. "AI is not at the point where it can replace them yet," he asserts at [03:19], emphasizing the enduring need for physical labor in services like window cleaning and Christmas light installations.

He also discusses the varying demands based on geographical locations. For instance, soft washing is more prevalent in coastal areas like California and Florida, whereas Adam's operations in places like Vegas focus on services like holiday lighting and gutter cleaning.

Overcoming Challenges and Personal Growth

Adam candidly discusses the challenges he faced, from battling a life-threatening injury to navigating the complexities of starting a business with limited resources. "It's been a lot of work and yeah, it's... we have a good reputation," he reflects at [11:11], acknowledging the perseverance required to build a reputable and profitable enterprise.

He also touches upon handling difficult customers, stressing the importance of maintaining a stellar reputation over short-term financial losses. "Reputation is more important than the couple hundred bucks," Adam advises at [17:54], underscoring the long-term benefits of customer satisfaction.

Personal Reflections and Future Aspirations

Beyond business, Adam shares his love for outdoor activities like swimming and cliff jumping, although he admits to steering clear of extreme adventures. He expresses his admiration for the entrepreneurial spirit in the United States compared to Canada, noting, "Guys are go getters," and highlighting the cultural differences in risk-taking and business ambitions.

Looking ahead, Adam plans to continue expanding his services and potentially franchising his business model. "We haven't started franchising. It's something that we've considered," he states at [08:52], indicating his vision for broader reach and impact.

Conclusion

Adam Chapman's inspiring journey from a shattered hockey career to a flourishing business empire exemplifies resilience, adaptability, and strategic thinking. Through Home Service University, he empowers others to achieve similar success, making significant contributions to the home services industry. Sean Kelly's engaging conversation with Adam offers listeners invaluable lessons on entrepreneurship, overcoming adversity, and the relentless pursuit of one's passion.

Notable Quotes

• Adam Chapman [00:31]: "My whole life was hockey. I was not a business guy at all. It was just straight NHL or bust and got pretty close."

• Adam Chapman [04:03]: "I was sleeping in my car and then I went door to door, collected deposit money, used that money throughout the winter to buy my equipment."

• Adam Chapman [11:15]: "It's really cool to see guys from all over the place and some guys come in and they're struggling, and to see them a year later be able to go from either losing their job or maybe only making like 40k a year to working for themselves, making a hundred thousand dollars a year."

• Adam Chapman [22:43]: "Business, it's. If you suck, it's your own fault."

• Adam Chapman [03:19]: "AI is not at the point where it can replace them yet."

• Adam Chapman [17:54]: "Reputation is more important than the couple hundred bucks."

For those inspired by Adam's story and interested in pursuing their own home services business, visit home service university or connect with Adam on social media (@AdamChapC).