What happens when a microbiologist, ex-aquarium cleaner, and former pizza shop owner jumps headfirst into chimney repair?
You get Joe Ochal AKA: Joe the Mad Chimney Scientist — a Philly-based powerhouse who turned his failures into fire, building a $5 million chimney empire with 17 trucks on the road. In this episode, Joe drops the blueprint on scaling niche service businesses, escaping the truck, and finally becoming the boss.
This is gritty. This is raw. This is what real entrepreneurship looks like.
If you’ve ever doubted whether the long road of failure can lead to freedom — this episode will change your mind!

🔥 What Makes This Episode Must-Watch For YOU:
-From hustling aquariums to owning the chimney game — how Joe pivoted through failure and found gold in brick and mortar (literally).
-Built a $5M service business by mastering a trade most people didn’t even know they needed.
-Got out of the truck just 2 weeks ago — and he’s already unlocked more growth than the last 2 years
-Historic restoration expert — repairing 1700s walk-in fireplaces and monuments with NASA-grade knowledge.
-Failed pizza shop, tanked service biz, moved in with his parents — and still bounced back harder.
-Now managing a full sales team while learning how to lead, delegate, and build systems that scale.
-Heartfelt leadership lessons — on being a present father, empowering teams, and letting go of control.
-Real talk on why most entrepreneurs NEVER escape the daily grind — and how Joe broke the cycle.
-The truth about social media, shiny metrics, and focusing on real business over likes.

Follow my guest at:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chimneyscientists/
Website: https://chimneyscientists.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chimneyscientists/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thechimneyscientists

Follow me on all Social Media: @LanceBachmann
Exit Rich: Home Service Secrets with Lance Bachmann

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December 3-5, 2025
JW Marriott - Marco Island, FL

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Podcast

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-roofing-ceo-playbook-build-it-to-sell-it-with/id1778011846

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/56A2PiqKz3NP6sj1nfSloP?si=f44f4d095aa64406&nd=1&dlsi=98967f24de074a6a

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