Freedom Blueprint for Home Services | HVAC, Plumbing, Electrical, Leadership, Business Growth 132 | Old-School Plumbing Values in a High-Tech World with Cody McLeod
Show Information
Episode Number: 132
Date: February 16, 2026
Duration: 09:54
Host Contact Information
Host: Justin Deese
Website: JustinDeese.com
Contact: podcast@JustinDeese.com
Guest Contact Information
Guest: Cody McLeod
Company: Utility Plumbing Services
Guest Website: https://utilityplumbingservices.com/
Summary
In 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 Takeaways
- Why old-school business values still matter in a tech-driven service industry
- How Cody transitioned from a family partnership to sole ownership
- Practical ways automation and AI are improving customer experience
- Why empowering employees matters more as a 100% owner
- How trade careers offer opportunity without massive student debt
- The importance of industry involvement through PHCC leadership
Chapters
- 00:00 Live from PHCC San Diego & Del Mar
- 01:00 Cody’s background as a second-generation plumber
- 02:00 Leaving the family business and starting fresh
- 03:00 Old-school business mindset meets modern technology
- 04:00 Automation vs. AI in service businesses
- 05:30 Joining the PHCC California State Board
- 06:30 Giving back through high school career days
- 08:00 Why the trades are a powerful career path today
Keywords
#FreedomBlueprintPodcast #JustinDeese #CodyMcLeod #UtilityPlumbingServices #PHCC #PHCCSanDiego #PlumbingBusiness #HomeServiceBusiness #Trades #SkilledTrades #ServiceIndustry #PlumbingLife #SecondGenerationContractor #TradeLeadership #ServiceBusinessGrowth #Automation #AIInTrades
Mentioned in this episode:
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