From Plumber Apprentice to $100/M a Yr Home Service Biz
About this episode
Alan O’Neill shares his journey from a plumbing apprentice in Dublin to building a $100M+ home services business in the U.S.
Guest: Alan O’Neill – CEO, Abacus Plumbing (Abacus Plumbing, Air Conditioning & Electrical) Guest Links: Website: https://abacusplumbing.net/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/abacusplumbing This episode traces how Alan O’Neill went from a plumbing apprenticeship in Dublin to building a $100M+ home services business in the U.S., and why the trades are one of the most underrated wealth-and-impact vehicles in the country. It breaks down the rigor gap between European and U.S. apprenticeship systems, how early leadership opportunities accelerated his career, and why steady, disciplined growth can outperform chaotic “rocket-ship” scaling when you’re building something meant to last. The episode also explains how private equity can become a growth accelerator when used correctly, including what it unlocks when expanding into new trades, why adding HVAC was a turning point, and how “multiple exits” actually work when you roll equity forward instead of relying on earn-outs. It dives into a real definition of success that goes beyond money—changing family trees by turning overlooked apprentices into six-figure tradespeople and future business owners—plus practical leadership lessons…
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