The Successful Contractor Podcast

In this powerful episode of The Successful Contractor, host Bob Houchin sits down with retiring coach, trainer, and mentor Michael Zeller — a man who’s impacted thousands of lives through his 40-year career in business, leadership, and service. This isn’t just a retrospective. It’s a masterclass in life and business.

 

From growing up in a working-class Long Island family to building a body shop, scaling through Enterprise Rent-A-Car, and eventually becoming one of the most beloved coaches at CertainPath, Michael shares the pivotal moments, lessons learned, and wisdom earned through decades of doing the hard work — and helping others do it better.

 

This conversation is filled with emotion, honesty, and insight that every contractor — from business owner to technician — needs to hear.

 

·        The values Michael’s parents instilled that shaped his lifelong work ethic

·        Why he walked away from his own business to take a trainee position — and never looked back

·        The power of staying humble and becoming a student, even after success

·        What makes a great manager — and why most owners get it wrong

·        The true reason great employees leave… and what to do to keep them

·        How to coach your team instead of bossing them around

·        The “cotton candy” of Michael’s career — and what lights him up

·        Why your team needs opportunity — and how giving it builds loyalty

 

Michael’s story is full of teachable moments, humor, and heart. If you’ve ever struggled with leadership, building culture, or wondering if you’re really making a difference, this episode is for you.

 

It’s not just a farewell. It’s a roadmap. And it’s one you’ll want to revisit again and again.

 

“We love you, Michael, and there’s nothing you can do about it.”

 

The Successful Contractor Podcast is a part of the CertainPath family.  CertainPath builds successful home service businesses—and has for 25 years.  We do it by providing contractors with a proven path to success, professional coaching, software solutions, and a member community of 1,100+ strong. Doubling your sales, with a 20% net profit, and an inspiring company culture is ALL possible.  Let us show you the way. With CertainPath, Success is Made Certain. Visit www.mycertainpath.com for more information. 

 

FOLLOW CERTAINPATH:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CertainPath

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/certainpath

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/certainpath/