How Dean Phillips grew a brand new business with no online presence into a thriving damp proofing business in under 6 months – and became KillerEdge's first success story.
£0
Marketing Spend
6 Months
To Full Pipeline
100%
Organic Leads
The Moment Everything Changed
Before Dean Phillips became a business success story, he was already a hero. While working a job nearby, Dean spotted smoke billowing from a neighbouring property and didn't hesitate. He rushed in, helping rescue a family trapped inside their burning home.
Read the full storyDean Phillips
North East Damp Proofing
That day showed what kind of man Dean is – someone who acts when it matters, someone who doesn't run from a challenge. But while he had heart, he was struggling like so many tradesmen in the North East.
"KillerEdge played a huge role in helping me take North East Damp Proofing to the next level. The guidance was clear, practical, and built around real-world experience, not theory. What stood out most was the focus on doing things properly — positioning the business as a trusted authority, attracting the right type of enquiries, and building something sustainable. KillerEdge helped sharpen my thinking, improve how the business presents itself online, and gave me the confidence to grow with purpose. It’s been a genuine catalyst for progress."
— Dean Phillips
Sound familiar? Dean was ambitious to start a company, knew his craft inside out but had been let down many times by SEO companies and so called experts.
A Chance Encounter
Enter David Sessford – an IT guy with a vision. David had spent years in the tech world, but he'd noticed something: tradesmen were getting absolutely hammered by marketing companies charging a fortune for leads that went nowhere.
David had a different idea. What if he could teach tradesmen to generate their own leads? What if instead of paying forever, they could build something that belonged to them?
Someone willing to trust the process. Someone who'd put in the graft to make it work.
The KillerEdge Vision
David's original concept
Dean and David met through mutual connections. One was a hands on tradesman. The other was a tech guy with a system to test. It was the perfect match. Dean agreed to be KillerEdge's first client – the proof that this approach could actually work.
The Transformation
Month 1-2
David built a professional website for North East Damp Proofing. Not just any website – one designed from the ground up to rank on Google. Proper SEO structure, local focus, service pages that actually explained what Dean does.
Month 2-3
Set up Google My Business properly. Started creating content that answered the questions real customers were asking. "How do I know if I have rising damp?" "What causes condensation in my home?" Real helpful content, not salesy nonsense.
Month 3-4
The phone started ringing. Not paid leads. Not referrals from mates. Actual strangers finding Dean on Google and calling him directly. The first proof that the system worked.
Month 5-6
Result a full pipeline. All organic. All from people who found Dean through the content and website David had built. The experiment was a massive success.
“Seeing customers find me on Google and call ready to book was a real turning point. The enquiries were strong, the work was solid, and my diary quickly filled weeks ahead.”
— Dean Phillips, North East Damp Proofing
Dean's success story didn't end with a full pipeline. It was just the beginning.
Dean proved the system worked. Now he's part of KillerEdge, helping other tradesmen understand what's possible. He's living proof that this isn't just theory – it's a proven path to building a real business.
When new tradesmen join KillerEdge, Dean's there to tell them straight – what worked, what didn't, and what they need to do to get results. No sugarcoating. Just honest advice from someone who's been exactly where they are.
"I tell every tradesman the same thing – if you're sick of the feast and famine, if you're tired of paying agencies who don't deliver, then this is the answer. I was the test case, and now I'm helping others do exactly what I did."
Dean Phillips
KillerEdge Advisor & Founder of North East Damp Proofing
What every tradesman can learn from this story
The lead generation agencies want you dependent on them forever. Build your own online presence and those leads belong to you – no monthly fees, no shared leads with competitors.
Dean didn't get results overnight. It took months of building, learning, and trusting the process. But now he has an asset that keeps delivering – not a monthly bill that never stops.
Dean didn't just get given leads – he learned how the whole system works. Now he can adapt, improve, and grow his business on his own terms. Knowledge beats dependency every time.
Dean was always skilled at damp proofing. But being invisible online meant no one could find him. Technical ability plus online visibility equals a thriving business.
Dean started exactly where you are now. The question is – are you ready to stop ducking and diving and start building something real?