Ed O'Connell

Ed O’Connell is a nationally recognized, business coach specializing in the plumbing, HVAC, and electrical home-services industries; plus he’s rather good-looking for the number of Earthwalk years (83-&-a-half) he’s survived. With decades of experience in the trades, Ed helps service contractors achieve sustainable growth by focusing on operational BASICS, leadership development, and practical execution.

His journey is one of remarkable transformation, even if he does say so hisself: After serving in the U.S. Air Force during the Vietnam era, Ed spent a decade (the 1970’s) living on the streets, then, with the help & support of the Veterans Administration, he began rebuilding his life. Previously he had worked his way thru college – the University of San Francisco - as a plumber, and, after finally coming in off the streets, he used that background to found O’Connell Plumbing in Marin County, California. To say he initially failed in that endeavor would be an understatement, but by eventually partnering up with Service Nation Alliance, he & Rebecca turned a in-debt company into a debt-free, semi-multi-million success story.

Admittedly, at the heart of that journey was his wife and business partner of over 36 years, Rebecca Kleiner, whom he met in one of the best dating outfits ever, Alcoholics Anonymous. Together, they built a company rooted in integrity, perseverance, and service … but mostly Bec’s integrity, perseverance, & service. When Rebecca began showing symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis, they chose to sell the business to a venture-capital outfit - putting her health first without hesitation. Now, except for his continued association with the Service Nation, Ed and Rebecca are happily semi-retired up in the Sierra mountains of California where he enjoys mountain biking, kayaking, swimming, fishing, any other adventure the outdoors offers, & irritating his neighbors.

Jus a few of Ed’s biz and personal accomplishments include:

Award-winning business coach for Service Nation.

Moderator of two Service Nation Advisory Boards, leading high-level mastermind groups for growth-minded contractors.

Recently added being a moderator of the 7 Pillar “Operations” group for the Service Nation.

Former owner of a thriving, debt-free plumbing company that, along with his wife, he built and sold successfully.

Over 36 years of marriage and business partnership with Rebecca Kleiner, and over 46 years of sobriety.

Last: The main reason the Service Nation has an HR department.

Today, Ed draws from both personal and professional experience to coach contractors through real-world business challenges. His forward-thinking approach emphasizes operational discipline, clear accountability, and practical application of business principles focused on the home services industry.

His philosophy is simple and hard-earned: 1.) “Success is built by doing the BASICS consistently; 2.) Keep It Simple Sunshine (KISS); & finally # 3.) ‘Tis better – much better! – to ask for forgiveness rather than permission!