Want $200M Results? Start with a 5-Year Plan
Episode Summary
In this episode, Rob sits down with Dan Donnelly, seasoned energy, real estate, and startup investor, and founder of Donnelly Mechanical. Dan shares how he built one of NYC’s top commercial HVAC firms by putting people first—offering sweat equity to key team members, building a culture of accountability, and hiring strategically to scale. He also reveals what really made the company attractive to buyers, and why aligning your team, systems, and personal goals is essential for long-term success.
Key Takeaway
You can’t grow—or sell—a great company without a strong team. Building a business that runs without you means investing in people, staying ahead of the market, and having a five-year plan that aligns your business strategy with your personal goals.
Questions I ask Dan:
01:33 What were the top drivers that led to the success of Donnelly Mechanical?
12:26 When you made your partners responsible for key parts of the business, did you have to train them up, or were they already prepared for those roles?
17:59 What did you learn from selling Donnelly Mechanical that business owners should know?
27:03 With all the communication tools we have today, what should business owners be doing about it?
29:14 You were already successful when you joined Vistage, why was it still important to seek feedback and keep learning?
More About Dan Donnelly:
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Dan Donnelly
Daniel T. Donnelly is a seasoned specialty MEP, energy, and indoor air quality consultant with decades of experience in the building service industry. A certified LEED AP O&M, WELL AP, CEM, and more, Dan brings deep technical expertise to his work with businesses, real estate ventures, and startups. He’s also a successful real estate investor and the founder of Donnelly Mechanical, one of NYC’s leading commercial HVAC firms, which he built and sold in a major exit.