Building a $7M+ Home Services Empire From Scratch: Jeremy Newman

The Early Days: From Humble Beginnings to a Multi-Million-Dollar Vision

Jeremy’s journey didn’t start in a fancy boardroom. Like many of us, he began with a simple idea and a burning desire to create something lasting. After a few missteps in life—what he humorously calls "flunking out of Law lawn care business school"—Jeremy got his start in restoration by taking on small water-damage jobs. With only a truck, some paint brushes, and his wife by his side, he taught himself the trade with a little help from a friendly stranger on a message board.

Key Takeaway:
Success often starts with jumping in and learning as you go. It’s about building real-world experience and not being afraid to ask for help when you need it.

Building Relationships: The Power of In-Person Interaction

One of the most striking aspects of Jeremy’s story is how much he emphasizes human connection. Whether it was knocking on doors or striking up conversations at a local supply house, he made it a point to meet plumbers and other industry professionals face-to-face. These relationships eventually formed the backbone of his lead generation strategy.

Instead of relying solely on the latest digital tricks, Jeremy told me, “Just show up and talk to the owner; make them understand that we’re here to help—no gimmicks, just solutions.” That old-fashioned approach—back when a simple handshake could open the door to a new lead—is something worth remembering in today’s fast-paced digital world.

Key Takeaway:
Don’t underestimate the value of in-person connections. A genuine conversation can lead to long-term partnerships and referrals that no social media campaign can match.

Overcoming Challenges: Personal Growth Fuels Business Success

Every entrepreneur faces moments of hardship, and for Jeremy, the path was anything but smooth. Early in his journey, managing a 24/7 emergency business was incredibly taxing. I learned that he once guarded the phone so fiercely that for eight straight years, he wouldn’t let anyone else handle a call because every lead was golden.

A pivotal moment came when his wife was diagnosed with breast cancer. That heart-wrenching experience forced him to reexamine not only his business practices but also his personal life priorities. It was through this challenge that he embraced the importance of delegating, building a strong organizational structure, and ultimately stepping back to focus on mentoring the next generation.

Key Takeaway:
Embrace your hardships as they often bring clarity. Sometimes, the toughest challenges force you to develop systems and a team that can take your business to the next level.

The Role of Family and Faith in Business

Jeremy’s story is as much about family and personal growth as it is about business expansion. Running a family business isn’t just about sharing the workload—it’s about passing on values, from work ethic to integrity. He recounted early days where his kids would help out on job sites and how his vision of a “porch” symbolized a place of learning and legacy for generations to come.

His faith plays a key role, too. In moments of doubt or fatigue, his spiritual grounding offered him the strength and clarity to continue forging ahead. This blend of family values and spiritual insight has become a cornerstone of his leadership style.

Key Takeaway:
Your personal values shape your business. Lean on your family and your faith to navigate the hardships and to inspire your team to embrace excellence and passion in every project.

Diversification and Adaptation: Expanding the Business Model

Starting as a small restoration outfit, Jeremy recognized early on that diversification was vital. By leveraging relationships with plumbers—which often were the first point of contact when water damage struck—he built a symbiotic model that fed leads from one business into another. Later, when he saw the potential in addressing additional pain points, he expanded into plumbing and even touched on construction services.

He highlighted how the operational challenges differ between emergency response for restoration versus the more transactional nature of the plumbing business. Yet, the core principle remains the same: solve problems and exceed customer expectations.

Key Takeaway:
Diversification isn’t about spreading yourself too thin; it’s about leveraging your strengths in one area to create multiple revenue streams while enhancing the customer experience.

Digital Marketing vs. Door-to-Door: Finding the Right Balance

One of the more interesting parts of our conversation involved his take on digital marketing. While Jeremy acknowledges the power of digital channels—like SEO, Google Ads, and targeted Facebook campaigns—he also stresses the pitfalls of lack of transparency in the digital marketing realm. Many agencies boast impressive metrics, but what really matters is a measurable return: more phone calls and lead form submissions from actual local customers.

At Crown Restoration, while digital marketing plays its part, traditional methods like door-to-door interactions and building genuine relationships still hold a strong presence. In a world obsessed with data, Jeremy reminds us that trust and credibility come through personal interactions and consistent service.

Key Takeaway:
Combine the best of both worlds. Use digital marketing to reach a broad audience, but don’t neglect the personal touch that can truly build lasting relationships and drive quality leads.

Looking Ahead: Mentorship and the Next Generation

As I wrapped up the interview, Jeremy’s eyes lit up when discussing his plans for the future. With nearly 20 years in the business, he’s now focused on mentoring his children and passing down his legacy. His vision is clear: create a sustainable, family-driven business that not only thrives financially but also inspires others to lead with passion and excellence.

He shared that his schedule has evolved—from being on call 24/7 to a more strategic role where he can focus on vision, coaching, and personal growth. For anyone stuck in the day-to-day grind, his message is powerful: learn to step back, set clear KPIs, and trust your team to carry the torch forward.

Key Takeaway:
Mentorship and delegation are not signs of weakness—they're the keys to long-term success. Empower your team, invest in coaching, and eventually, you’ll free yourself to focus on what truly matters: mentoring the next generation of leaders.

Final Thoughts: Advice for New Local Business Owners

If there's one piece of advice I’d take away from my conversation with Jeremy, it’s simple yet profound: find a coach, hire your weaknesses, and surround yourself with experts who can drive lead generation and growth. While hard work is non-negotiable, knowing when to delegate, when to ask for help, and when to lean into your personal values can make all the difference in scaling your business.

As someone who lives and breathes the ethos of genuine relationship-building, I found Jeremy’s journey incredibly refreshing. His story serves as both inspiration and a practical roadmap for any local business owner aiming to transition from small-time operations to a multi-million-dollar enterprise.

Stay passionate, stay engaged, and always remember: success is built one relationship at a time.

P.S. Check out the full episode here: