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What does it really take to grow a multi-trade home service business in one of the most competitive markets in the country? In this episode of To the Point, we sit back down with Yossi Wachtel, founder of Monkey Wrench Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electric.
From launching the company with a single truck to building a $25M+ operation in Los Angeles, Yossi shares how consistency, culture, and customer experience continue to fuel his success. Whether it’s leading through crisis or launching new trades, Yossi brings a practical, people-first approach to growth!
Staying Grounded While Scaling Up
When Yossi Wachtel started Monkey Wrench in 2007, his goal was simple: Treat people right. That principle still drives the business today, even as it’s grown into a multi-trade powerhouse.
Through major challenges like the Palisades wildfires, Yossi led with empathy.
Instead of chasing other high-revenue projects, he continued to focus on people. He hand-delivered coffee and donuts to first responders and wrote personal letters to customers who lost their homes because it was the right thing to do.
Yossi’s growth strategy is rooted in simplicity, service, and smart execution. Here’s what stood out:
- Staying focused on residential service, even after losing $3.4M from wildfire zones
- Letting empathy guide leadership during hard times
- Launching HVAC and electrical by serving existing customers first
- Driving 74% of revenue from loyal, returning clients
- Bootcamp training for installers to improve communication and customer experience
- Using LinkedIn to build personal connection and brand visibility
Building More Than a Business
Yossi Wachtel’s story proves that true success isn’t just measured in revenue or market share. It’s built in the quiet, consistent choices: fixing a phone prompt because one caller struggled, showing up for first responders, or handwriting letters to customers.
These aren’t flashy moves, they’re human ones. And in a world where home service businesses are growing faster than ever, the companies that lead with empathy and intention are the ones that last.
“The value you provide isn’t just in the work, it’s in how you treat people at every touchpoint.” – Yossi Wachtel
Want more real talk from leaders scaling the right way? Don’t miss our episode with Brad Bacon, who took his plumbing business to $30M by sticking to his values and focusing on the customer experience.
No shortcuts. No excuses. No. Zero. Days.
