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

Justin Deese | Home Service Industries
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Apr 13, 2026 • 1h 8min

142 | Why Your Hiring Sucks (And It’s Costing You Millions) with Jonathan Whistman

Show InformationEpisode Number: 142Date: April 13, 2026Duration: 01:07:35Host Contact InformationHost: Justin DeeseWebsite: JustinDeese.comContact: podcast@JustinDeese.comGuest Contact InformationGuest: Jonathan WhistmanCompany: WhoHire / The Sales BossGuest Website: https://thesalesboss.comGift to listeners: Free resources + hiring frameworks (via website)🎯 SummaryIn this episode of the Freedom Blueprint Podcast, Justin Deese sits down with Jonathan Whistman—author of The Sales Boss and co-author of Unrecruitable—to break down one of the biggest lies in business: “there are no good people.”Jonathan shares why most companies don’t actually have a people problem—they have a system and leadership problem. From his unique background studying human behavior to building predictive hiring technology, he explains how top-performing companies consistently hire A-players while others stay stuck with churn, underperformance, and frustration.You’ll learn how to think differently about hiring, leadership, and culture—and how to build a team your competitors can’t steal.💡 TakeawaysMost businesses don’t have a hiring problem—they have an environment problemThe best companies don’t find great people… they build systems that create themYour business is always sending signals—whether you realize it or notHiring mistakes can cost your business millions in lost revenueA-player teams aren’t luck—they’re the result of intentional hiring processesIdentity drives performance more than motivation or trainingIf your team isn’t performing, it’s time to look in the mirror—not blame the market🧭 Chapters00:00 – Introduction & how Justin met Jonathan02:00 – The story behind The Sales Boss04:00 – The 4 levers of performance (B.O.S.S. framework)06:30 – Jonathan’s background & understanding human behavior10:00 – The danger of unconscious beliefs in business12:30 – Why “people problems” exist in every company15:00 – Building a team that competitors can’t steal19:00 – The Think, Feel, Act framework explained23:00 – Why most businesses fail at culture and hiring27:00 – Real-world example of fixing a broken hiring system31:00 – The truth: “People don’t want to work for YOU”33:00 – The hidden cost of bad hires (58% revenue gap)39:00 – How WhoHire uses AI to predict top performers45:00 – Data-driven hiring vs gut-based hiring52:00 – Why hiring should always be happening59:00 – Hiring in groups vs one-off hiring1:03:00 – Treat every hire like a $500K decision1:05:00 – Final thoughts & how to connect with Jonathan🔑 Keywords#Hiring #Leadership #HomeServiceBusiness #HVAC #PlumbingBusiness #Electricians #BusinessGrowth #TeamBuilding #APlayers #Recruiting #Entrepreneurship #SalesLeadership #CompanyCulture #FreedomBlueprint #JustinDeese #WhoHire #SalesBoss #Unrecruitable #BusinessCoaching #ScalingBusinessMentioned in this episode:HomeServiceHoorah.com/ Get your tickets before they SELLOUT!
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Apr 6, 2026 • 14min

141 | Stop Wasting 30% of Your HVAC Revenue (Fix This One Thing First)

Show InformationEpisode Number: 141Date: April 06, 2026Duration: 13:06Host Contact InformationHost: Justin DeeseWebsite: JustinDeese.comContact: podcast@JustinDeese.comGuest Contact InformationGuest: Jarrod ScottCompany: AerosealGuest Website: https://aeroseal.com/SummaryIn this episode of the Freedom Blueprint Podcast, Justin Deese sits down live at ACCA with Jarrod Scott, National Director of Sales & Business Development at Aeroseal, to unpack one of the most overlooked profit leaks in the HVAC industry—ductwork.While most contractors focus on selling high-efficiency systems, they often ignore the fact that leaky ducts can destroy performance, comfort, and efficiency. Jarrod breaks down how Aeroseal technology helps contractors recover lost system capacity, improve homeowner comfort, and unlock new revenue streams.Justin also shares a powerful real-world sales breakthrough: why simply calling Aeroseal “duct repair” transformed their ability to sell the service and skyrocketed results.If you’re an HVAC, plumbing, or home service business owner looking to increase ticket size, improve customer satisfaction, and stand out in your market—this is a must-listen.TakeawaysMost HVAC systems lose significant efficiency due to leaky ductworkEven the best installs fail when connected to poor duct systemsAeroseal helps recover system capacity and improve comfort instantlySimplicity sells: calling it “duct repair” dramatically increases close ratesContractors are sitting on untapped revenue inside existing homesMembership customers create the perfect opportunity to introduce this serviceCompanies with strong sales processes benefit most from adding AerosealThe best contractors focus on total home comfort—not just equipment installsChapters00:00 – Introduction from ACCA Live Event00:45 – What is Aeroseal and Why It Matters02:00 – The Hidden Problem: Leaky Duct Systems03:00 – Why Contractors Struggle to Sell It03:30 – The Breakthrough: “Duct Repair” Simplicity04:30 – The Origin Story of Aeroseal06:30 – Real Contractor Story: Stolen Equipment & Dealer Support07:30 – The Power of the Aeroseal Contractor Community08:45 – How to Get Started with Aeroseal09:00 – Who This Is Right For (Ideal Contractor Size)10:30 – Final Thoughts + YouTube Demo CalloutKeywords#HVAC #HVACBusiness #HomeServices #ContractorLife #HVACSales #DuctRepair #Aeroseal #IndoorComfort #HVACMarketing #ServiceBusiness #Entrepreneurship #BlueCollarBusiness #HVACProfit #HomeComfort #ACCA #FreedomBlueprintPodcastMentioned in this episode:HomeServiceHoorah.com/ Get your tickets before they SELLOUT!
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Mar 30, 2026 • 46min

140 | From Exit to Rebuild: Why This HVAC Entrepreneur Started Over (And What He’s Doing Differently) Joe Strittmatter

Show InformationEpisode Number: 140Date: March 30, 2026Duration: 44:55Host Contact InformationHost: Justin DeeseWebsite: JustinDeese.comContact: podcast@JustinDeese.comGuest Contact InformationGuest: Joe StrittmatterCompany: Rite NOWGuest Website: https://callritenow.com/SummaryIn this episode of the Freedom Blueprint Podcast, Justin Deese sits down with returning guest Joe Strittmatter, a second-generation HVAC entrepreneur who previously built and sold a successful home service company before launching a brand-new one from scratch.Broadcasting from Denton, Texas during Justin’s RV podcast road show, Joe shares the lessons he learned from building, selling, and now rebuilding a home service business with his son. The conversation dives deep into profitability vs. revenue, private equity in the trades, marketing strategy, operational efficiency, and how innovation can create a competitive advantage in the HVAC and plumbing industry.Joe explains why he focuses heavily on net profit instead of vanity revenue numbers, why many contractors struggle with labor and material costs, and how thinking differently about service areas, marketing, and maintenance plans can transform a company’s profitability.They also explore the power of branding, creative customer experience, and breaking traditional industry rules, including Joe’s unconventional ideas for maintenance plans and customer retention strategies.If you’re a home service entrepreneur trying to grow your HVAC, plumbing, electrical, or garage door company, this episode delivers practical insights on leadership, profitability, and building a smarter business model.TakeawaysWhy focusing on net profit instead of revenue can dramatically change your business strategy.What happens when contractors chase $10M revenue but ignore margins.Lessons learned from selling a home service company to private equity.Why service area management can dramatically improve billable efficiency.The difference between running a construction-based HVAC company vs. a service company.How branding and marketing investment early can accelerate growth.Why Joe’s company is targeting 30% net profit.The power of thinking differently about maintenance plans and customer experience.How innovation, not size, often creates the biggest competitive advantage.Why entrepreneurs should challenge industry assumptions and “color outside the lines.”Chapters00:00 – Introduction and the Freedom Blueprint road show01:25 – Joe’s background as a second-generation HVAC entrepreneur03:00 – Selling his HVAC company to private equity05:30 – Why he decided to start another home service company07:00 – Revenue vs. profit in the trades industry10:00 – The impact of social media “revenue bragging” in business11:00 – Launching a new HVAC & plumbing company with his son12:20 – Marketing strategy and making a big brand splash13:30 – Why knowing your numbers is critical17:00 – Structuring a company for efficiency from day one20:00 – Acquisition vs. starting new locations23:00 – The real cost structure behind HVAC installs26:00 – Increasing customer lifetime value through service29:30 – Training the next generation of trades leaders32:20 – Advice for contractors struggling in today’s market34:30 – Thinking differently about maintenance plans37:00 – Innovation and building a unique customer experience39:00 – The “cost pricing” business experiment41:00 – Using strategy to win more customers in a competitive marketKeywords#FreedomBlueprintPodcast #JustinDeese #JoeStrittmatter #HVACBusiness #HomeServiceBusiness #HVACEntrepreneur #TradesBusiness #ServiceBusiness #HVACContractor #PlumbingBusiness #BusinessLeadership #Entrepreneurship #SmallBusinessGrowth #ServiceIndustry #HomeServices #HVACSales #PrivateEquityInTrades #TradesLeadership #ContractorBusiness #HVACSuccess #HVACMarketing #TradesEntrepreneurMentioned in this episode:HomeServiceHoorah.com/ Get your tickets before they SELLOUT!
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Mar 23, 2026 • 55min

139 | From Zero to Booked Out for 2 Weeks: How Jered Williams Launched Wahoo Plumbing

Show InformationEpisode Number: 139Date: March 23, 2026Duration: 54:27Host Contact InformationHost: Justin DeeseWebsite: JustinDeese.comContact: podcast@JustinDeese.comGuest Contact InformationGuest: Jered WilliamsCompany: Wahoo Plumbing / Wealthy PlumberGuest Website: https://wealthyplumber.comTickets to HomeService Hoorah homeservicehoorah.comSummaryIn this episode of the Freedom Blueprint Podcast, Justin Deese sits down with entrepreneur Jered Williams, founder of Wealthy Plumber and the newly launched Wahoo Plumbing.Jered shares the real story behind launching his new plumbing company—from selling previous businesses to starting again from scratch with a smarter strategy. Within two days of launching ads, Wahoo Plumbing was already booked out a week and a half, forcing them to shut off marketing while they hired technicians.Justin and Jered dive deep into the realities of building a home service company, including marketing strategies for contractors, the importance of core values and hiring the right people, and how understanding your numbers can completely change the trajectory of your business.They also discuss practical strategies any contractor can use today to generate more calls—from Facebook marketing and PPC campaigns to leveraging local community groups and video content.If you're a plumbing, HVAC, or electrical contractor trying to grow from one truck to multiple trucks, this episode is packed with tactical advice you can implement immediately.TakeawaysWhy Jered started another plumbing company after selling previous businessesThe biggest mistake contractors make when launching marketing campaignsHow Wahoo Plumbing booked a week and a half of calls in just two daysThe difference between demand capture, demand creation, and brand awarenessWhy most contractors misunderstand their marketing mathHow to calculate the number of calls you actually need to hit revenue goalsThe power of Google reviews and how to generate them quicklySimple Facebook strategies that can generate calls for freeWhy understanding your numbers is the key to growing from 1–3 trucks to a scalable companyChapters00:00 Introduction and the Freedom Blueprint road show01:10 Why Jered launched Wahoo Plumbing03:00 The real reason entrepreneurs start another business06:00 Lessons learned from scaling a $5M plumbing company08:00 Why core values and hiring matter more than SOPs12:30 The difference between tactical vs strategic business growth15:20 Marketing strategies that generated calls immediately19:00 How Wahoo Plumbing booked a week of calls in two days21:00 Demand capture vs demand creation marketing24:00 How reviews impact Google rankings27:30 Choosing the right marketing partners31:00 Why contractors must track booking rates and marketing metrics34:30 The future of AI search and contractor marketing41:30 Free marketing strategies using Facebook groups45:00 Video marketing ideas contractors can start today49:00 The Home Service Hoorah event announcementKeywords#FreedomBlueprintPodcast #HomeServiceBusiness #PlumbingBusiness #HVACBusiness #ContractorMarketing #ServiceBusinessGrowth #HomeServiceMarketing #PlumbingMarketing #Entrepreneurship #SmallBusinessGrowth #LeadGeneration #FacebookMarketing #LocalSEO #GoogleReviews #HomeServiceLeadership #ServiceBusinessOwners #TradeBusiness #ContractorSuccess #WealthyPlumber #WahooPlumbingMentioned in this episode:HomeServiceHoorah.com/ Get your tickets before they SELLOUT!
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Mar 16, 2026 • 36min

138 | Your Technicians Aren’t Bad at Sales… They’re Just Not Practicing (The AI Tool Changing Everything)

Show InformationEpisode Number: 138Date: March 16, 2026Duration: 35:32Host Contact InformationHost: Justin DeeseWebsite: JustinDeese.comContact: podcast@JustinDeese.comGuest Contact InformationGuest: Josh MartinCompany: FieldSpark (Powered by 34Labs)Guest Website: www.3fourlabs.comGift to listeners: Free Demo of FieldSpark AISummaryAre your technicians truly bad at sales… or are they just undertrained?In this episode of the Freedom Blueprint Podcast, Justin sits down with Josh Martin from FieldSpark to talk about one of the biggest challenges in the home service industry: consistency in the field.Most companies train once a week… then release technicians into the wild and hope for the best. The result? As many brands as you have trucks.Josh explains how FieldSpark is using AI-powered role play and real-time coaching to help HVAC, plumbing, roofing, and electrical companies:Reinforce consultative sellingImprove closing conversationsIncrease average ticketsBuild consistency across teamsScale without losing controlIf you're growing from $2M to $10M and struggling with trust, performance management, or technician confidence — this conversation will hit home.TakeawaysSales isn’t manipulation — it’s education.Most technicians struggle with the transition from problem to price.Repetition is the mother of skill — practice matters.AI role play allows techs to practice without pressure.Consistency is critical when scaling.Transparency beats micromanagement.Reinforcement creates better results than correction.A-players want feedback and tools to improve.Technology doesn’t replace people — it empowers them.The companies embracing AI will grow faster than those resisting it.Chapters00:00 – Welcome & Why This Conversation Matters02:00 – What Is FieldSpark?04:45 – Why Technicians Struggle With Sales06:30 – AI Role Play: The Game-Changing Feature10:00 – The Problem With Traditional Sales Training13:30 – Scaling, Trust, and Brand Consistency16:30 – Coaching vs. Micromanaging19:00 – Reinforcing Winning Behaviors21:00 – Helping A-Players Level Up24:00 – Custom Scripts & Process Control27:00 – What’s Coming Next for FieldSpark29:00 – The Vision Behind 34Labs32:00 – AI in the Home Service Industry34:00 – Final Thoughts on Embracing TechnologyKeywords#FreedomBlueprintPodcast #HomeServiceBusiness #HVACBusiness #PlumbingBusiness #ElectricalContractor #RoofingContractor #ServiceBusinessGrowth #FieldServiceManagement #TechnicianTraining #SalesTraining #AIinBusiness #FieldSpark #34Labs #ConsultativeSelling #HomeServiceLeadership #ScalingYourBusiness #ServiceManager #CloseMoreDeals #IncreaseAverageTicket #BusinessSystemsMentioned in this episode:HomeServiceHoorah.com/ Get your tickets before they SELLOUT!
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Mar 9, 2026 • 11min

137 | Freedom Is Engineered: How to Build a Business That Runs Without You

Show InformationEpisode Number: 137Date: March 9, 2026Duration: 10:31Host Contact InformationHost: Justin DeeseWebsite: JustinDeese.comContact: podcast@JustinDeese.comSummaryIn this solo episode of the Freedom Blueprint Podcast, Justin Deese shares a powerful lesson about what real freedom looks like for business owners, and why most entrepreneurs accidentally build businesses that trap them instead of serving them.As Justin prepares for a three-week RV road trip with his wife Kristen, traveling from Florida to Las Vegas for the ACCA Conference and across the Southwest, he reflects on a six-month RV journey his family took nearly a decade ago. That trip became a real-world test of whether their businesses were built to operate independently or if everything depended on them.What they discovered changed how Justin thinks about leadership, systems, and business ownership. The companies didn’t just survive while they were gone, they thrived. That experience reinforced a powerful principle: freedom in business doesn’t happen by accident. It is engineered.Justin breaks down the three essential elements required to build a company that allows owners to step away without chaos: strong leadership, clear systems, and personal clarity about what freedom actually means.Whether you want to scale your home service company, create more margin in your life, or simply stop being the bottleneck in your business, this episode will challenge you to rethink how your company is structured and what kind of freedom you are truly building.Takeaways• Freedom in business must be intentionally designed, not hoped for• If your company cannot operate without you, you don’t own a business—you own a job• Leadership depth is the first step toward real freedom• Clear roles, scorecards, and expectations allow leaders to succeed without constant oversight• Systems create stability and allow businesses to operate consistently• Owners must define what freedom personally means to them• Trying to build someone else’s version of success leads to frustration• Identifying and removing bottlenecks is key to scaling your businessChapters00:00 Introduction and upcoming RV adventure02:10 What freedom really means for business owners04:10 The danger of accidentally building a business that owns you06:00 The six-month RV trip that tested the business model08:30 The moment Justin realized freedom is engineered10:20 Building leadership instead of dependency13:00 Why systems create freedom and scalability15:20 Getting clarity on your version of freedom17:30 The three keys to designing a freedom-based business19:00 Action step: Identify your biggest bottleneckKeywords#FreedomBlueprintPodcast #JustinDeese #HomeServiceBusiness #ServiceBusinessGrowth #LeadershipDevelopment #BusinessSystems #EntrepreneurFreedom #ServiceCompanyLeadership #HVACBusiness #PlumbingBusiness #ElectricalContractor #SmallBusinessLeadership #ScaleYourBusiness #BusinessOwnership #EntrepreneurMindsetMentioned in this episode:HomeServiceHoorah.com/ Get your tickets before they SELLOUT!
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Mar 2, 2026 • 42min

136 | If You're Still Waiting on the Phone to Ring… You're Already Behind | Jimmy Speyer

Show InformationEpisode Number: 136Date: March 02, 2026Duration: 41:35Host Contact InformationHost: Justin DeeseWebsite: JustinDeese.comContact: podcast@JustinDeese.comGuest Contact InformationGuest: Jimmy SpeyerCompany: GlasshouseGuest Website: https://glasshouse.bizGift to listeners: Free live demo of Glasshouse platformSummaryIn this episode of the Freedom Blueprint Podcast, Justin Deese sits down with returning guest Jimmy Speyer, Founder & CEO of Glasshouse, to talk about one of the biggest challenges facing home service businesses in 2026 — rising customer acquisition costs.Jimmy explains why relying solely on Google and paid ads is becoming more expensive every year (what he calls the “digital Yellow Pages problem”) and how contractors can shift from reactive marketing to proactive neighborhood-level outreach.But this episode goes deeper than marketing.Jimmy also shares powerful leadership lessons from growing Glasshouse from 1 employee to 18 in just two years, including:How to hire for alignment, not just skillWhy most companies hire wrongThe importance of core values and mission clarityHow to manage rapid growth without breaking cultureWhy transparency and weekly team communication matterIf you’re a plumbing, HVAC, electrical, or home service business owner looking to grow smarter in 2026, this episode is packed with practical strategy and leadership insights.TakeawaysCustomer acquisition through Google Ads continues to get more expensive every year.Waiting for homeowners to search is reactive marketing.Proactive outbound neighborhood outreach creates demand instead of waiting for it.Speed to lead isn’t enough — speed to creating the lead matters.Hiring mistakes are expensive financially and culturally.Involve your team in defining core values.Growth requires constant communication and transparency.Meet with your team weekly to maintain alignment during change.Define your culture clearly — and hire only people who match it.Leadership is repetition. Say the mission until you're tired of hearing it.Chapters00:00 – Welcome Back Jimmy Speyer03:00 – The “Google Tax” and Rising Ad Costs06:00 – Proactive vs Reactive Customer Acquisition10:00 – Why Homeowners Aren’t Thinking About Your Business12:30 – Growing Glasshouse from 1 to 18 Employees15:00 – Hiring for Alignment (The Right Way)18:00 – Interview Questions That Reveal Character23:00 – Why Consensus Hiring Doesn’t Work27:00 – Managing Rapid Growth & Team Communication31:00 – Building Mission, Vision & Core Values35:00 – Leadership Lessons from Scaling Fast38:30 – Final Thoughts & How to Connect with GlasshouseKeywords#FreedomBlueprintPodcast #HomeServiceBusiness #HVACBusiness #PlumbingBusiness #ElectricalContractor #ContractorMarketing #CustomerAcquisition #OutboundMarketing #LeadershipDevelopment #CompanyCulture #HiringRight #CoreValues #BusinessGrowth #EntrepreneurLeadership #GlasshouseSoftware #JustinDeese #JimmySpeyerMentioned in this episode:HomeServiceHoorah.com/ Get your tickets before they SELLOUT!
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Feb 23, 2026 • 56min

135 | From Ditches to Millions: 40+ Years of Hard-Won Lessons in the Trades with Joe Cunningham

Show InformationEpisode Number: 135Date: February 23, 2026Duration: 55:21Host Contact InformationHost: Justin DeeseWebsite: JustinDeese.comContact: podcast@JustinDeese.comGuest Contact InformationGuest: Joe CunninghamCompany: TAC – Technical & Sales Training | Home Service ChecklistGuest Website: www.homeservicechecklist.comGift to listeners: Scholarship certificates for TAC technician training (details in episode)SummaryIn this episode of the Freedom Blueprint Podcast, Justin Deese sits down with industry legend Joe Cunningham, a veteran with over 40 years in plumbing, HVAC, training, and business development.Joe shares his journey from digging ditches as a young apprentice to helping build the first publicly traded HVAC roll-up, training over 35,000 technicians, and creating some of the highest-producing selling techs in the industry.The conversation dives deep into why fundamentals still matter, how contractors scaled long before CRMs and software, and why checklists—not more tech—are often the missing link to higher tickets, fewer callbacks, and happier customers.Joe also breaks down:The philosophy behind TAC technician trainingWhy most tech training failsHow the Home Service Checklist app forces consistency, accountability, and profitabilityWhy slowing techs down actually increases revenueHow call-by-call management changes everythingThis episode is packed with timeless lessons for plumbing, HVAC, and electrical contractors looking to scale without losing quality.Key TakeawaysThe most successful service businesses still win by mastering the basicsChecklists prevent missed opportunities, callbacks, and lost customersTraining techs how to think beats training them what to replaceDoor-to-door hustle built million-dollar businesses long before Google AdsFewer calls per day can lead to higher tickets and less burnoutSystems create freedom—software just supports themDeclined repairs are future revenue if documented correctlyChapters00:00 – Welcome & Joe’s 40+ year journey03:00 – Learning the trades the hard way08:30 – Selling HVAC door-to-door11:45 – Financing collapse & pivot to training15:30 – Contractor Success Group & Service Experts20:30 – Why technology doesn’t replace fundamentals25:45 – The problem with traditional technician training31:00 – Inside TAC’s 10-day technician bootcamp37:30 – Why most checklists fail41:00 – Home Service Checklist app explained47:00 – Call-by-call management & higher tickets52:00 – Final lessons from a lifetime in the tradesKeywords#FreedomBlueprintPodcast #JoeCunningham #HVACBusiness #PlumbingBusiness #HomeServiceGrowth #ServiceBusinessSystems #TechnicianTraining #SellingTechs #HomeServiceChecklist #ContractorLeadership #TradesEntrepreneur #HVACSales #PlumbingSuccess #ServiceNation #ServiceRoundtable #TACTrainingMentioned in this episode:HomeServiceHoorah.com/ Get your tickets before they SELLOUT!
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Feb 20, 2026 • 14min

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

Show InformationEpisode Number: 134Date: February 20, 2026Duration: 13:27Recorded Live: PHCC Conference – San Diego, CAHost Contact InformationHost: Justin DeeseWebsite: JustinDeese.comContact: podcast@JustinDeese.comGuest Contact InformationGuest: Jeff MuddCompany: The Trades PodcastGuest Website: https://thetradespodcast.com/Podcast: The Trades PodcastPodcast Link: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-trades-podcast/id1574731261SummaryRecorded 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 tradesChapters00:00 – Live from PHCC San Diego01:15 – Jeff’s background in the trades02:10 – Why he started The Trades Podcast03:00 – Changing perceptions of trades careers03:55 – Financial freedom in the trades05:00 – Owner vs. employee perspectives06:15 – Building culture and career paths07:30 – Training people even if they may leave08:45 – Helping people grow beyond your business09:35 – Moving from San Diego to Tennessee10:45 – Podcasting, semi-retirement, and impact11:45 – Final thoughts from PHCCKeywords#FreedomBlueprintPodcast #TheTradesPodcast #SkilledTrades #TradesCareers #TradeLeadership #PHCC #HomeServiceBusiness #TradesIndustry #BlueCollarCareers #WorkforceDevelopment #TradeCulture #ServiceBusiness #ContractorLife #TradesEducationMentioned in this episode:HomeServiceHoorah.com/ Get your tickets before they SELLOUT!
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Feb 18, 2026 • 15min

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

Show InformationEpisode Number: 133Date: February 18, 2026Duration: 14:42Recorded Live: PHCC Conference – San Diego, CAHost Contact InformationHost: Justin DeeseWebsite: JustinDeese.comContact: podcast@JustinDeese.comGuest Contact InformationGuest: Rachel EvansCompany: Evans HVACInstagram: @MissMiniSplitSummaryIn 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.TakeawaysWhy 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 marketChapters00:00 – Recording live from PHCC San Diego01:15 – Rachel’s approach to quality over sales02:40 – What “new” really means in the trades03:45 – Why she chose HVAC04:30 – Early mentorship and learning electrical theory05:50 – Getting licensed in California07:15 – Starting the business as a mom08:25 – Being a female HVAC owner10:05 – The birth of “Miss Mini Split”11:40 – Vision for the future of Evans HVAC12:55 – Where to follow RachelKeywords#FreedomBlueprintPodcast #MissMiniSplit #WomenInTrades #HVACBusiness #HVACLife #FemaleEntrepreneur #TradesIndustry #PHCC #HomeServiceBusiness #HVACOwner #ContractorLife #SkilledTrades #BlueCollarSuccess #HVACCalifornia #TradeLeadershipMentioned in this episode:HomeServiceHoorah.com/ Get your tickets before they SELLOUT!

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