Freedom Blueprint for Home Services | HVAC, Plumbing, Electrical, Leadership, Business Growth

Justin Deese | Home Service Industries
  • 5.0 (16)
  • ENTREPRENEURSHIP
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Welcome to the Freedom Blueprint Podcast! Host Justin Deese delivers practical advice from his decades in the home service industry. Each week, discover strategies for success, avoid pitfalls, and hear real-life stories. Join our community to learn and grow together. Featuring guests like Tommy Mello from Home Service Experts, Tersh Blissett and Josh Crouch from Service Business Mastery, Jerod Williams from Wealthy Plumbers and Ara Mahdessian CEO of Service Titan. Visit www.FreedomBlueprintPodcast.com for more. Empowering leaders, fostering growth and a positive mindset. Your journey to success in plumbing, HVAC, and electrical starts here!

  1. 134 | Why the Trades Still Win: Careers, Culture, and Freedom with Jeff Mudd

    1D AGO

    134 | Why the Trades Still Win: Careers, Culture, and Freedom with Jeff Mudd

    Show InformationEpisode Number: 134 Date: February 20, 2026 Duration: 13:27 Recorded Live: PHCC Conference – San Diego, CA Host Contact InformationHost: Justin Deese Website: JustinDeese.com Contact: podcast@JustinDeese.com Guest Contact InformationGuest: Jeff Mudd Company: The Trades Podcast Guest Website: https://thetradespodcast.com/ Podcast: The Trades Podcast Podcast Link: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-trades-podcast/id1574731261 SummaryRecorded live at the PHCC Conference in San Diego, this episode of the Freedom Blueprint Podcast features a candid conversation with Jeff Mudd, host of The Trades Podcast and longtime advocate for skilled trades careers. Jeff shares his journey from hands-on repair work and termite inspections to business ownership—and eventually to podcasting as a way to promote the trades to younger generations. Together, Justin and Jeff unpack the skilled labor shortage, the stigma that’s surrounded the trades for decades, and why that narrative is finally starting to change. The conversation dives deep into career paths vs. jobs, building culture inside service businesses, financial freedom through trades ownership, and why intentional leadership matters more than ever. Jeff also explains how podcasting became an unexpected but powerful platform to recruit, educate, and elevate the trades nationwide. TakeawaysWhy the skilled trades offer financial and time freedom most careers don’tHow stigma pushed generations away from trades—and why it’s reversingThe difference between giving someone a job and building a career pathWhy owners must be intentional about training, raises, and advancementThe real economics behind service businesses (and common misconceptions)How podcasting became a powerful advocacy tool for the trades Chapters00:00 – Live from PHCC San Diego 01:15 – Jeff’s background in the trades 02:10 – Why he started The Trades Podcast 03:00 – Changing perceptions of trades careers 03:55 – Financial freedom in the trades 05:00 – Owner vs. employee perspectives 06:15 – Building culture and career paths 07:30 – Training people even if they may leave 08:45 – Helping people grow beyond your business 09:35 – Moving from San Diego to Tennessee 10:45 – Podcasting, semi-retirement, and impact 11:45 – Final thoughts from PHCC Keywords#FreedomBlueprintPodcast #TheTradesPodcast #SkilledTrades #TradesCareers #TradeLeadership #PHCC #HomeServiceBusiness #TradesIndustry #BlueCollarCareers #WorkforceDevelopment #TradeCulture #ServiceBusiness #ContractorLife #TradesEducation Mentioned in this episode: SERVICE MANAGER ACADEMY 2026 WWW.SERVICEMANAGERTRAINING.COM

    14 min
  2. 133 | Miss Mini Split: Grit, Motherhood, and Building an HVAC Business the Right Way

    3D AGO

    133 | Miss Mini Split: Grit, Motherhood, and Building an HVAC Business the Right Way

    Show Information Episode Number: 133 Date: February 18, 2026 Duration: 14:42 Recorded Live: PHCC Conference – San Diego, CA Host Contact Information Host: Justin Deese Website: JustinDeese.com Contact: podcast@JustinDeese.com Guest Contact Information Guest: Rachel Evans Company: Evans HVAC Instagram: @MissMiniSplit Summary In this live episode of the Freedom Blueprint Podcast, Justin Deese sits down with Rachel Evans, founder of Evans HVAC and the voice behind the Instagram brand Miss Mini Split, recorded on-site at the PHCC Conference in San Diego. Rachel shares her unconventional path into the HVAC industry—learning electrical theory hands-on, earning her California contractor’s license in record time, and launching her business while raising young children. She opens up about what it’s really like to be a female HVAC business owner in a male-dominated industry, including taking her baby to job sites and building credibility through technical excellence rather than sales tactics. This conversation dives into grit, motherhood, mentorship, and why Rachel is committed to building an HVAC company rooted in quality, integrity, and long-term customer relationships—not high-pressure sales models. Takeaways Why mastering electrical theory and fundamentals creates better technicians and ownersHow Rachel earned her California contractor’s license faster than mostWhat it’s like building an HVAC business while being a hands-on momThe reality of being a female leader in the tradesHow “Miss Mini Split” grew organically on InstagramWhy quality-focused contractors stand out in a PE-driven market Chapters 00:00 – Recording live from PHCC San Diego 01:15 – Rachel’s approach to quality over sales 02:40 – What “new” really means in the trades 03:45 – Why she chose HVAC 04:30 – Early mentorship and learning electrical theory 05:50 – Getting licensed in California 07:15 – Starting the business as a mom 08:25 – Being a female HVAC owner 10:05 – The birth of “Miss Mini Split” 11:40 – Vision for the future of Evans HVAC 12:55 – Where to follow Rachel Keywords #FreedomBlueprintPodcast #MissMiniSplit #WomenInTrades #HVACBusiness #HVACLife #FemaleEntrepreneur #TradesIndustry #PHCC #HomeServiceBusiness #HVACOwner #ContractorLife #SkilledTrades #BlueCollarSuccess #HVACCalifornia #TradeLeadership Mentioned in this episode: SERVICE MANAGER ACADEMY 2026 WWW.SERVICEMANAGERTRAINING.COM

    16 min
  3. 132 | Old-School Plumbing Values in a High-Tech World with Cody McLeod

    5D AGO

    132 | Old-School Plumbing Values in a High-Tech World with Cody McLeod

    Show InformationEpisode Number: 132 Date: February 16, 2026 Duration: 09:54 Host Contact InformationHost: Justin Deese Website: JustinDeese.com Contact: podcast@JustinDeese.com Guest Contact InformationGuest: Cody McLeod Company: Utility Plumbing Services Guest Website: https://utilityplumbingservices.com/ SummaryIn this live episode of the Freedom Blueprint Podcast, Justin Deese sits down with Cody McLeod, owner of Utility Plumbing Services, recorded on-site at PHCC San Diego & Del Mar. Cody shares his journey as a second-generation plumber, growing up in the trades, partnering with his father, and eventually stepping out to build his own modern plumbing company. The conversation dives into blending old-school business principles with new-school technology, including automation, AI, and service software—without losing the fundamentals that built the trades. They also discuss Cody’s growing leadership role in the industry, including his upcoming appointment to the PHCC California State Board, and his passion for giving back through high school career days to change the narrative around skilled trades. This episode is packed with real-world insight for plumbing, HVAC, and home service business owners navigating growth, technology, and leadership in today’s market. Key TakeawaysWhy old-school business values still matter in a tech-driven service industryHow Cody transitioned from a family partnership to sole ownershipPractical ways automation and AI are improving customer experienceWhy empowering employees matters more as a 100% ownerHow trade careers offer opportunity without massive student debtThe importance of industry involvement through PHCC leadership Chapters00:00 Live from PHCC San Diego & Del Mar01:00 Cody’s background as a second-generation plumber02:00 Leaving the family business and starting fresh03:00 Old-school business mindset meets modern technology04:00 Automation vs. AI in service businesses05:30 Joining the PHCC California State Board06:30 Giving back through high school career days08:00 Why the trades are a powerful career path today Keywords#FreedomBlueprintPodcast #JustinDeese #CodyMcLeod...

    11 min
  4. 131 | PHCC San Diego Recap and why 2026 is already moving fast

    FEB 9

    131 | PHCC San Diego Recap and why 2026 is already moving fast

    Show InformationEpisode Number: 131 Date: February 09, 2026 Duration: 36:27 Host Contact InformationHost: Justin Deese Website: JustinDeese.com Contact: podcast@JustinDeese.com Guest Contact InformationGuest: Kristen Deese Company: Virtual CFO for the Trades Guest Website: JustinDeese.com Gift to listeners: N/A SummarySix weeks into 2026, Justin and Kristen Deese sit down to unpack a whirlwind start to the year—conference travel, frozen pipes, live podcasting at PHCC San Diego, and a major family decision they never saw coming. On December 31st, just hours before the new year, they officially purchased East Hill Pizza in Pensacola—alongside their kids. In this episode, they pull back the curtain on why they said yes, how leadership transitions really affect teams, and what happens when you apply home service business principles to an entirely different industry. From DISC profiles and team psychology to scorecards, food cost controls, and why vocabulary matters more than you think—this conversation is packed with lessons for any business owner thinking about growth, legacy, or acquisitions. Key Takeaways Why involving your team early builds trust during ownership transitionsThe power of giving people the numbers they controlHow small operational tweaks can drive massive financial impactWhy most employees fear change—and how language can reduce resistanceWhat restaurant ownership revealed about leadership across industriesHow to build a business your kids can grow into—not inherit as a mess Chapters00:00 – Welcome & why 2026 already feels wild02:30 – PHCC San Diego: live podcasts, chaos, and air horns08:20 – Handling distractions and pressure as a leader11:50 – Frozen pipes, Florida problems, and real life12:40 – The “family business” conversation with the kids14:30 – Why East Hill Pizza caught their attention18:20 – Buying a business fast (and what that really means)21:30 – Leading a team through an ownership transition24:45 – Scorecards, transparency, and immediate results27:30 – Applying home service principles to restaurants31:45 – What’s next for the business and the family Keywords#FreedomBlueprintPodcast #FamilyBusiness #BusinessAcquisition...

    36 min
  5. 130 | Why Comparing Your Numbers Is Holding You Back (And What to Focus on Instead)

    FEB 2

    130 | Why Comparing Your Numbers Is Holding You Back (And What to Focus on Instead)

    Show InformationEpisode Number: 130 Date: February 02, 2026 Duration: 10:50 Host Contact InformationHost: Justin Deese Website: JustinDeese.com Contact: podcast@JustinDeese.com SummaryToo many business owners are busy, exhausted, and frustrated—yet still falling short of their goals. In this episode of the Freedom Blueprint Podcast, Justin Deese breaks down a critical leadership mistake: confusing goals with priorities. Justin explains why comparing your numbers to other businesses is dangerous, how different accounting methods skew benchmarks, and why progress—not comparison—is the true measure of success. Using simple sports analogies and real-world business examples, he shows how championship teams win by protecting priorities, not just dreaming about outcomes. If you want clarity, focus, and real momentum in your business, this episode will help you stop chasing noise and start executing the plays that actually move the scoreboard. Key TakeawaysGoals define the destination, but priorities determine daily executionMost owners fail not because of bad goals—but unclear prioritiesBusiness KPIs are rarely measured the same way across companiesComparison without context leads to distraction and poor decisionsConsistency in the right actions beats chasing the latest tacticProgress against your own metrics matters more than outside benchmarks Chapters00:00 – Why comparing numbers is misleading 02:30 – Goals vs. priorities explained with sports analogies 06:15 – Why being busy doesn’t equal progress 09:40 – The danger of KPI comparison in business 13:10 – Average ticket, labor, and margin misunderstandings 18:45 – Why you’re only competing against yourself 22:30 – How to align goals with real priorities 26:00 – The true “silver bullet” for business growth 29:10 – Action steps to regain clarity and focus 32:00 – Final takeaway: change priorities to change results Keywords#FreedomBlueprintPodcast #BusinessLeadership #GoalsVsPriorities #HomeServiceBusiness #BusinessClarity #LeadershipDevelopment #EntrepreneurMindset #ServiceBusinessGrowth #BusinessExecution #LeadershipFocus #ConsistencyWins #StopComparing #WinningTheDay #JustinDeese Mentioned in this episode: SERVICE MANAGER ACADEMY 2026 WWW.SERVICEMANAGERTRAINING.COM

    12 min
  6. 129 | From Construction Chaos to Service Freedom: How Easy Peazy Plumbing Built a Brand That Wins

    JAN 26

    129 | From Construction Chaos to Service Freedom: How Easy Peazy Plumbing Built a Brand That Wins

    Show InformationEpisode Number: 129 Date: January 26, 2026 Duration: 16:56 Host Contact InformationHost: Justin Deese Website: JustinDeese.com Contact: podcast@JustinDeese.com Guest Contact InformationGuest: Zach Smith Company: Easy Peazy Plumbing SummaryIn this episode of the Freedom Blueprint Podcast, Justin sits down with Zach Smith, owner of Easy Peazy Plumbing, to unpack what it really takes to transition from new construction to a profitable, scalable residential service business. Zack shares his journey from managing large construction crews and chasing slow-paying contracts to building a fully branded plumbing and septic service company serving rural and underserved markets in Florida and Alabama. Together, they dive into why busy doesn’t always mean profitable, the mindset shift required to leave construction behind, and why residential service is an entirely different business — not just a different job. This conversation is packed with real-world lessons on branding, market selection, customer avatars, team transitions, and how married business partners can thrive when they lean into their strengths. If you’re stuck in the construction grind or wondering if service is the next move for your trade business, this episode is a must-listen. TakeawaysWhy construction work can drain cash flow even when revenue looks strongThe brutal reality of losing most of your team when transitioning to serviceWhy residential service plumbing requires a completely different mindset and skill setHow branding can instantly separate you from “chuck-in-a-truck” competitorsThe power of choosing underserved markets instead of saturated metrosWhy not every customer is your customer — and why that’s a good thingHow married business partners can balance visionary vs. integrator roles Chapters00:00 — Welcome & Meet Zack from Easy Peazy Plumbing 01:30 — Why Rural Markets Can Be a Hidden Goldmine 04:00 — Leaving Construction: When Busy Isn’t Profitable 05:45 — The Cash Flow Nightmare of New Construction 08:55 — Losing 15 Employees During the Transition 10:20 — Why Service Plumbing Is a Different Trade 12:55 — Branding, Customer Experience & Market Positioning 14:50 — What’s Next for Easy Peazy Plumbing Keywords#EasyPeazyPlumbing #PlumbingBusiness #HomeServiceBusiness #ConstructionToService #TradeBusinessGrowth #PlumbingEntrepreneur #ServiceBusiness #BrandingInTrades #FreedomBlueprintPodcast #MarriedBusinessOwners Mentioned in this episode: SERVICE MANAGER ACADEMY 2026 WWW.SERVICEMANAGERTRAINING.COM

    18 min
  7. 128 | Owning Your Business Isn’t Fun Anymore? This Is How You Fix It in 2026

    JAN 19

    128 | Owning Your Business Isn’t Fun Anymore? This Is How You Fix It in 2026

    Show InformationEpisode Number: 128 Date: January 19, 2026 Duration: 08:13 Host Contact InformationHost: Justin Deese Website: JustinDeese.com Contact: podcast@JustinDeese.com SummaryWhen was the last time owning your business was actually fun? In this solo episode of the Freedom Blueprint Podcast, Justin Deese kicks off 2026 with an honest conversation most business owners avoid — burnout. Not the kind caused by laziness or failure, but the kind that comes from being strong for too long. Justin challenges the idea that “more” is always better and reframes success around clarity, simplicity, alignment, and joy. Drawing from personal experience and real conversations with business owners, he outlines three practical steps every owner must take if they want to enjoy owning their business again — without quitting, selling, or burning everything down. If your business feels heavy, draining, or misaligned, this episode will help you reset and refocus on why you started in the first place. TakeawaysBurnout doesn’t mean you’re weak — it means you’ve been carrying too much for too longIf it’s not fun anymore, it’s not sustainableComplexity kills joy and simplicity creates spaceBurnout is usually a misalignment problem, not a workload problemReconnecting with your real why changes everythingStrong leadership means calling out what’s broken — starting with yourselfSmall changes can create massive shifts in energy, clarity, and results Chapters00:00 – When Did Owning Your Business Stop Being Fun?02:10 – Why “More” Isn’t the Answer in 202605:30 – Burnout Isn’t Weakness — It’s Misalignment08:40 – Step 1: Call It Out11:45 – Step 2: Simplify Everything15:30 – Step 3: Reconnect With Your Why19:20 – A Personal Story on Burnout and Realignment25:10 – Start, Stop, Continue: A Simple Reset Exercise28:40 – The 2026 Challenge: Build a Business You Enjoy Owning Again Keywords#FreedomBlueprintPodcast #BusinessOwnerBurnout #LeadershipDevelopment #EntrepreneurMindset #ServiceBusinessOwner #BusinessClarity #AvoidBurnout #BusinessGrowth #HomeServiceBusiness #OwnerFreedom #SimplifyYourBusiness #StrongLeadership #JustinDeese Mentioned in this episode: SERVICE MANAGER ACADEMY 2026 WWW.SERVICEMANAGERTRAINING.COM

    9 min
  8. 127 | The Future of Women in HVACR | Jane Sidebottom on Leadership, Growth & Opportunity

    JAN 12

    127 | The Future of Women in HVACR | Jane Sidebottom on Leadership, Growth & Opportunity

    Show Information Episode Number: 127 Date: January 12, 2026 Duration: 35:37 Host Contact InformationHost: Justin Deese Website: JustinDeese.com Contact: podcast@JustinDeese.com Guest Contact InformationGuest: Jane Sidebottom Company: Women in HVACR Guest Website: https://www.womeninhvacr.org SummaryIn this episode of the Freedom Blueprint Podcast, host Justin Deese sits down with Jane Sidebottom, incoming President of Women in HVACR, to discuss her journey through the trades, her leadership path, and the future of women in the HVACR industry. Jane shares how early exposure to facilities management shaped her career, her experience working with industry giants like Trane and Carrier, and how she and her husband built a successful consulting firm impacting nearly $1 billion in industry revenue. The conversation dives deep into the mission and growth of Women in HVACR, including mentorship, leadership development, scholarships, and how the organization is helping contractors and companies attract, develop, and retain women across all roles — from technicians to executives. Jane also outlines the organization’s five-year vision, leadership strategy, and why creating clear career pathways is essential for the future of the skilled trades. Key TakeawaysWhy Women in HVACR has seen explosive growth over the last five yearsThe real challenges companies face when recruiting and retaining women in the tradesHow mentorship is accelerating confidence, leadership, and career growthWhy leadership vision matters more than ever in industry associationsHow contractors can better support women technicians and leadersThe massive opportunity for women entering HVACR today Chapters00:00 – Welcome & Introduction to Jane Sidebottom 01:10 – Jane’s Early Exposure to the Trades 03:50 – Building a Consulting Business in HVACR 06:00 – What Is Women in HVACR? 09:00 – Why the Organization Has Grown So Rapidly 12:20 – Jane’s Path to Becoming President 13:45 – Leadership Vision & Five-Year Strategy 16:30 – Retaining Women in the Trades 19:00 – The Power of Mentorship 22:15 – Real Stories from Scholarship Recipients 26:30 – Opportunities for Women in HVACR Careers 28:10 – How to Get Involved with Women in HVACR 30:00 – Events, Conferences & What’s Next Keywords#FreedomBlueprintPodcast #JaneSidebottom #WomenInHVACR #HVACLeadership #WomenInTheTrades #HVACIndustry #TradeCareers #HVACMentorship #SkilledTrades #ContractorLeadership #HVACR #IndustryLeadership #TradesEducation #WomenInBusiness Mentioned in this episode: SERVICE MANAGER ACADEMY 2026 WWW.SERVICEMANAGERTRAINING.COM

    36 min
See All (135)

Trailer

5
out of 5
16 Ratings

About

Welcome to the Freedom Blueprint Podcast! Host Justin Deese delivers practical advice from his decades in the home service industry. Each week, discover strategies for success, avoid pitfalls, and hear real-life stories. Join our community to learn and grow together. Featuring guests like Tommy Mello from Home Service Experts, Tersh Blissett and Josh Crouch from Service Business Mastery, Jerod Williams from Wealthy Plumbers and Ara Mahdessian CEO of Service Titan. Visit www.FreedomBlueprintPodcast.com for more. Empowering leaders, fostering growth and a positive mindset. Your journey to success in plumbing, HVAC, and electrical starts here!

Information