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Starting a business is never easy — especially when you're jumping into a brand-new industry.
Tyler Griffin, founder of Swift Pro, understands this all too well.
With a background in solar energy and team building, Tyler launched his new HVAC and plumbing company in a ruthlessly competitive market: Northern Virginia.
Despite having no prior experience in plumbing, Tyler’s strong values and growth mindset helped him overcome the steep learning curve.
In this post, we’ll dive into the lessons Tyler learned while launching Swift Pro, the strategies he used to build momentum, and how he’s creating a business rooted in values, people-first leadership, and unstoppable growth.
1. Start with a Clear Vision and Core Values
When Tyler decided to launch Swift Pro, he did so with a strong sense of purpose.
His vision was clear: he wanted to build the best blue-collar business to work for in Northern Virginia.
This ambitious goal was not just about revenue — it was about building a place where people feel valued, supported, and empowered.
Why Vision Matters in Business
Having a clear vision helps you navigate challenges and setbacks, which are inevitable when starting a business. Tyler’s vision didn’t just guide his decisions; it became the foundation for everything his business stands for — from the way his team interacts with customers to the type of services they provide.
By aligning every aspect of the business with his core values, Tyler has created a company culture that thrives on trust, mutual respect, and dedication to exceptional service.
2. Building a Brand That Reflects Legitimacy
One of the first moves Tyler made with Swift Pro was investing heavily in branding and legitimacy.
From the moment he launched, Tyler focused on building a professional and memorable presence.
This included wrapping his vans, creating a cohesive brand, and ensuring that his team looked polished and professional on the job.
The Importance of First Impressions
In the highly competitive home services industry, first impressions are everything.
By showing up with branded uniforms and vehicles, Swift Pro was able to stand out and build credibility fast.
Tyler knew that even in the early stages, looking professional would create trust with potential customers.
3. Generating Momentum Early On
When you're starting a business, momentum is crucial.
Tyler’s first few weeks were spent hustling to get those first few customers, and he didn't cut any corners.
He offered services to friends and family, and aggressively asked for reviews.
By focusing on building a solid customer base from day one, Swift Pro quickly gained momentum.
Why Customer Reviews Matter
Customer reviews are one of the most powerful marketing tools for local service businesses.
Tyler didn’t just ask for five-star reviews — he aimed to get raving fan reviews that were detailed and genuine.
This helped Swift Pro quickly build a strong online reputation.
However, Tyler faced a setback when Google shut down his business profile early on.
But instead of giving up, he quickly pivoted to Yelp and Angie’s List, diversifying his review strategy to avoid putting all his eggs in one basket.
4. The People-First Approach
Tyler’s goal is to make Swift Pro the best place to work in Northern Virginia.
He’s building a team that values hard work, trust, and collaboration.
By focusing on creating an exceptional work culture, Tyler is able to attract and retain top talent.
Creating a Strong Company Culture
A positive company culture starts with leadership.
Tyler doesn’t just manage his team; he fosters mentorship and collaboration.
Whether it's celebrating wins or tackling challenges together, Swift Pro’s team is constantly working to improve and build relationships that are grounded in respect and trust.
By prioritizing a people-first approach, Tyler is setting his business up for sustainable growth and success.
5. Overcoming Challenges in the Early Days
Starting a business comes with inevitable obstacles.
For Tyler, it was navigating the HVAC and plumbing industry without prior experience.
But thanks to his previous success in the solar industry and his ability to build strong teams,
Tyler was able to pivot and launch Swift Pro successfully.
Tyler’s story is a great reminder that success in one industry doesn’t automatically guarantee success in another.
The key to thriving in any field is being willing to learn, adapt, and stay true to your values.
6. Hire for Strengths, Not Just Experience
Tyler believes in hiring people who are stronger than him in areas where he’s not an expert.
For example, when building out the operations side of the business, Tyler quickly hired an operations manager who was skilled at systems and processes — something that Tyler wasn’t as proficient in.
The Power of Mentorship and Growth
Tyler’s approach to mentoring is another important factor in Swift Pro’s success.
One of his new salespeople, a 25-year-old, lives in Tyler’s basement while learning the ropes of the business.
Tyler believes in the power of life-on-life mentorship, which helps the team understand the core values of the company and build their skills from the ground up.
7. Balancing Work and Life as an Entrepreneur
As an entrepreneur, finding balance between work and family is often challenging.
Tyler’s advice? Be all in — with your business and your family.
From the very start, Tyler involved his family in the process of building Swift Pro.
This helped align the family’s vision and mission with the company’s goals, ensuring they stayed united through the long, tough days.
Tyler’s son, for example, is working at the business this summer.
This involvement strengthens the family bond while instilling the same work ethic and values that Tyler believes in.
8. Scaling the Business with Smart Systems
As Swift Pro grows, Tyler is focusing on scaling with smart systems.
One of the tools he uses is ServiceTitan, a software that helps streamline operations.
By implementing this system, Tyler was able to improve the job costing, scheduling, and invoicing processes, helping his team stay efficient and focused on serving customers.
Why Systems Are Key to Scaling
Without proper systems in place, growth can quickly become overwhelming.
Tyler’s emphasis on integrating systems early on ensures that Swift Pro is ready to scale and handle increasing demand without losing sight of what matters most: the customers and the team.
The Power of Purpose-Driven Entrepreneurship
Tyler Griffin’s journey with Swift Pro is a great example of how starting a business with the right vision, values, and people-first approach can lead to success.
By focusing on building a strong brand, creating momentum, and hiring the right people, Tyler is not just growing a business — he’s building a legacy.
If you're looking to start or grow your own service-based business, remember this: success isn’t about shortcuts or overnight wealth.
It's about hard work, commitment to your mission, and building strong relationships with both your team and your customers.
🎧 Listen to the Full Episode
Want the full breakdown of how Tyler built Swift Pro from scratch?
Tune in to the full conversation:
👉 Available on:
Spotify | Apple Podcasts | YouTube
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