From Homeless Teen to $10 Million in HVAC Sales
For Sean Mitchell, success in the trades didn’t come easy. In this episode of the CertainPath™ podcast, Sean shares how his journey from homelessness to becoming one of the top HVAC sales professionals in the country shaped his drive, focus, and approach to selling.
“I know what it’s like to go to bed hungry,” Sean says. “That’s what I’m running from—and that’s what pushes me to win every day.”
Sean’s story isn’t just inspirational—it’s a blueprint for HVAC contractors, plumbing contractors, and electrical contractors who want to transform their sales teams and grow their business with purpose.
🎧 Watch the full episode: HVAC Sales Secrets: How Sean Mitchell Went from Homeless to $10M in Sales
The Power of Consistency in HVAC Sales
Sean attributes his $10 million sales milestone to one thing—consistency. He built a system that allowed him to run four to five calls every day and close nearly every one of them.
This kind of structure can be achieved with the right contractor management software, HVAC business software, and strong leadership. Tools like CertainPath’s contractor management services help business owners streamline scheduling, follow-ups, and tracking to make consistency second nature.
Setting Yourself Up for Success
Sean’s daily success didn’t happen by chance. Every morning, he reviewed his call list, researched customers, and prepared a strategy before stepping into the home.
His preparation process mirrors what top home improvement contractors, roofing contractors, and plumbing businesses can implement to raise close rates:
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Know your customer’s needs before arriving.
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Lead with empathy, not pressure.
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Focus on long-term trust, not one-time sales.
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Use data from HVAC business software to improve performance.
Sean’s method embodies what HVAC coaches and business coaching for trades contractors teach every day: preparation breeds confidence—and confidence sells.
Mindset Over Mechanics: The Real Secret to Sales
Sean’s story isn’t just about systems—it’s about mindset. From being homeless to earning more than most HVAC technician salaries, Sean understood that success starts with believing it’s possible.
“All I had to do was think about what I was running from,” he explains. “Then I’d become the beast I needed to be.”
This mindset can transform an average HVAC technician into a top performer, or help a struggling roofing business or electrical contractor regain momentum.
Why Coaching Matters in the Trades
Behind every great performer is great coaching. Whether you’re growing a plumbing business, expanding commercial HVAC services, or developing your electrical contractor software, guidance from an experienced trades business coach can accelerate success.
CertainPath™ offers HVAC business coaching, plumbing sales training, and electrical business coaching designed to help contractors implement repeatable systems—just like Sean’s—and build long-term profitability.
Key Takeaways for Contractors
Sean’s rise from hardship to high performance offers clear lessons for every contractor and technician:
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Consistency is everything – Treat every call like your best opportunity.
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Preparation pays off – Know your numbers, customers, and goals.
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Mindset wins – Believe in the value you bring to every home.
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Use tools that scale – Leverage contractor management software to track and improve performance.
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Invest in coaching – Partner with HVAC coaches and business coaching for trades to elevate your entire team.
Watch the Full Episode
🎧 Dive deeper into Sean Mitchell’s story on the CertainPath™ Podcast:
👉 HVAC Sales Secrets: How Sean Mitchell Went from Homeless to $10M in Sales