Advertise on podcast: Freedom Blueprint for Home Services | HVAC, Plumbing, Electrical, Leadership, Business Growth

Show InformationEpisode Number: 130 Date: February 02, 2026 Duration: 10:50 Host Contact InformationHost: Justin Deese Website: JustinDeese.com Contact: [email protected] 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

Show InformationEpisode Number: 129 Date: January 26, 2026 Duration: 16:56 Host Contact InformationHost: Justin Deese Website: JustinDeese.com Contact: [email protected] Guest Contact InformationGuest: Zack Company: Easy Peasy Plumbing SummaryIn this episode of the Freedom Blueprint Podcast, Justin sits down with Zack, 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

Show InformationEpisode Number: 128 Date: January 19, 2026 Duration: 08:13 Host Contact InformationHost: Justin Deese Website: JustinDeese.com Contact: [email protected] 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

Show Information Episode Number: 127 Date: January 12, 2026 Duration: 35:37 Host Contact InformationHost: Justin Deese Website: JustinDeese.com Contact: [email protected] 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

Show InformationEpisode Number: 126 Date: January 05, 2026 Duration: 26:00 Host Contact InformationHost: Justin Deese Website: JustinDeese.com Contact: [email protected] Guest Contact InformationGuest: Michael De Silva Company: Plumbing Plus Location: San Diego, California PHCC San Diego Trades Expo- https://www.phccsd.org/trades-expo January 31, 2026- Del Mar Fairgrounds- Bing Crosby Hall SummaryWhat if answering a simple help-wanted ad changed the entire trajectory of your life? In this episode of the Freedom Blueprint Podcast, Justin Deese sits down with Michael De Silva, owner of Plumbing Plus in San Diego, to unpack an incredible journey — from teenage apprentice to owner of a $3M residential plumbing company. Michael shares how he entered the trades at just 19 years old, purchased the business at 28, and navigated the challenge of leading technicians old enough to be his parents. Together, they dive into leadership growth, technology adoption, industry community, and why staying put instead of chasing an extra dollar an hour changed everything. If you’re a home service business owner — or someone considering the trades — this episode is packed with real-world insight, humility, and hard-earned wisdom. TakeawaysHow long-term loyalty can outperform short-term pay increasesThe mindset shift required to move from technician to ownerWhy PHCC and industry communities accelerate growthLessons learned leading experienced technicians as a young ownerHow ServiceTitan and AI improved both customer and technician experienceWhy community involvement still beats “just running Google ads”What aspiring tradespeople should look for in a companyWhy the trades offer one of the strongest career paths today Chapters00:00 – Welcome to the Freedom Blueprint Podcast 01:00 – Michael’s start as a teenage apprentice 02:45 – Buying the business at 28 years old 04:30 – Standing out in a competitive San Diego market 06:00 – Transitioning from tech to owner 08:00 – Embracing ServiceTitan and new technology 11:00 – The power of PHCC and industry relationships 14:30 – What to expect at the PHCC San Diego Trade Show 17:00 – How AI is impacting the trades 19:30 – Advice for young professionals entering the trades 22:30 – Why staying loyal changed everything Keywords#FreedomBlueprintPodcast #PlumbingBusiness #TradesEntrepreneur #ServiceTitan #PHCC #HomeServiceBusiness #PlumbingLife #TradeSuccess #BlueCollarSuccess #ApprenticeToOwner #SanDiegoPlumber #ResidentialService #TradeLeadership #SkilledTrades #SmallBusinessGrowth Mentioned in this episode: SERVICE MANAGER ACADEMY 2026 WWW.SERVICEMANAGERTRAINING.COM

Show InformationEpisode Number: 125 Date: December 29, 2025 Duration: 21:01 Host Contact InformationHost: Justin Deese Website: JustinDeese.com Contact: [email protected] eBook: FreedomBlueprintPodcast.com/ebook Upcoming LIVE Event: FreedomBlueprintLIVE.com Virtual CFO for the trades: KristenDeese.com SummaryIn this special year-end solo episode of the Freedom Blueprint Podcast, Justin slows things down and gets real about the wins, losses, and lessons that shaped his year as a leader, husband, dad, and business owner. Instead of just talking highlights, he opens up about overcommitting, losing momentum in his routines, and walking through the grief of losing his mom—and how those moments reshaped his perspective on leadership and life. Justin shares five powerful lessons he’s taking into 2026: how your past can shape you without limiting you, why people are more than their struggles, how presence beats productivity, why independence is good but connection is better, and how gratitude can anchor you even in the hardest seasons. He also talks about the shift from trying to “hang your crap at the door” as a leader to becoming a true servant leader who pays attention to the human being behind the performance. On the win side, Justin celebrates his daughter’s move to college and the new empty-nester chapter with Kristen, a year packed with industry events and client visits, and the unexpected growth of the podcast from passion project to momentum engine. He shares the story behind hosting his own sold-out live event and previews Freedom Blueprint Live 2026 in Pensacola Beach—complete with Blue Angels energy. He also highlights the explosive growth of Kristen’s company, The Virtual CFO for the Trades, and how customer demand forced the business to grow in the best possible way. Justin closes with a simple but powerful assignment: take 10 minutes to write down your wins, losses, and lessons from the year. It’s not just an exercise—it’s a clarity tool that can reset your focus and fuel your leadership momentum going into 2026 and beyond. TakeawaysLosses—like overcommitting, losing routines, and even losing a loved one—can become the most valuable part of your leadership journey if you let them shape you instead of define you.Your past can build your leadership “muscles”: independence, grit, determination, problem-solving, and adaptability often come from hard early experiences.People are more than their struggles; as leaders, empathy is a superpower and we need to see the whole person, not just their hardest chapter.Presence beats productivity—small, intentional moments with your team create more impact than another item checked off your to-do list.Scorecards and Momentum Meetings (one-to-ones) aren’t “corporate,” they’re tools to reveal patterns and open human conversations with your team.Independence is great, but connection is greater—you don’t win alone; leadership is built on relationships and...

Show InformationEpisode Number: 124 Date: December 22, 2025 Duration: 18:07 Host Contact InformationHost: Justin Deese Website: JustinDeese.com Contact: [email protected] Guest Contact InformationGuest: Kate Hendrickson Contact: [email protected] Website: kate-hendrickson.com Additional Co-Host: Kristen Deese Contact: [email protected] Website: kristendeese.com SummaryIn this episode of the Freedom Blueprint Podcast, Justin Deese is joined by Kristen Deese and Kate Hendrickson for a behind-the-scenes conversation recorded while scouting the venue for Freedom Blueprint Live in Pensacola Beach. The trio dives into one of the most common frustrations in the home service industry — the belief that “nobody wants to work anymore.” Justin challenges that mindset and breaks down why hiring and retention issues are almost always leadership and culture problems, not labor shortages. They also preview what makes Freedom Blueprint Live different from typical conferences, explore leadership lessons inspired by the Blue Angels, and share a practical (and fun) discussion on how DISC personality styles can help leaders recognize and appreciate their teams in ways that actually matter — even down to gift-giving. Takeaways“Nobody wants to work” is a myth — strong leadership and clear expectations attract the right peopleCulture and retention are built intentionally, not by accidentMilitary leadership principles (like those used by the Blue Angels) translate directly to businessFreedom Blueprint Live is a working session, not a sit-and-listen eventUsing DISC helps leaders communicate, recognize, and reward team members more effectivelyAppreciation lands better when it matches the personality style of the person receiving it Chapters00:00 – Introduction and co-hosts 01:15 – Kate’s new Christmas novel Christmas Switch 03:17 – Recording on location and venue scouting 04:06 – Freedom Blueprint Live event overview 04:51 – Blue Angels leadership inspiration 07:00 – Busting the “nobody wants to work” myth 08:48 – Military leadership lessons and guest speakers 11:00 – DISC personality overview 13:28 – DISC-based recognition and gift-giving examples 16:00 – Final thoughts and event details Keywords#FreedomBlueprintPodcast #JustinDeese #KristenDeese #KateHendrickson #Leadership #Hiring #Retention #CompanyCulture #DISC #EmployeeRecognition #HomeServiceBusiness #HVAC #Plumbing #Electrical #ContractorLife #BusinessLeadership #FreedomBlueprintLive #BlueAngels #MilitaryLeadership #PensacolaBeach Mentioned in this episode: SERVICE MANAGER ACADEMY 2026 WWW.SERVICEMANAGERTRAINING.COM

Show InformationEpisode Number: 123 Date: 12/15/25 Duration: 31:55 Host Contact InformationHost: Justin Deese Website: JustinDeese.com Contact: [email protected] Guest Contact InformationGuest: Richard Kohberger (“Blue Collar Nerd”) Company: Blue Collar Nerd / ServiceTitan Guest Website: BlueCollarNerd.com SummaryIn this episode of the Freedom Blueprint Podcast, Justin reconnects with longtime friend and industry standout Richard Kohberger, better known as the Blue Collar Nerd. Richard shares how he went from being a self-described theater kid and tech geek to becoming a key voice in the home services space and a full-time ServiceTitan “genius.” He walks through his early days riding along as a tech in his dad’s HVAC company, the realization that field work wasn’t his long-term path, and how he transitioned into operations, inventory, and eventually deep technical and software roles inside the business. Richard also talks about feeling like an outsider at best-practice groups—and how being encouraged by Justin and others helped him embrace his different perspective and lean into content creation. Justin and Richard break down the origin story of the Blue Collar Nerd YouTube channel, how honest ServiceTitan critique videos led to a partnership and then a role at ServiceTitan, and why video is such a powerful medium for contractors who hate reading long release notes. Richard also introduces the Ultimate ServiceTitan Guide—a searchable, ever-evolving library designed to help everyone from new users to advanced operators get more out of the platform, faster. They wrap up with practical advice on underused ServiceTitan features that make technicians’ lives easier, reduce errors, and help owners build more scalable, modern home service businesses. TakeawaysYou don’t have to fit the “traditional contractor mold” to build a big impact in the trades—leaning into your unique strengths (tech, acting, content, systems) can create an entirely new role or business.ServiceTitan is constantly evolving, and staying current is essential if you want to stay competitive as marketing, technology, and customer expectations change.Video-based learning (like Blue Collar Nerd’s release note breakdowns) helps owners and teams understand new features without slogging through long technical documents.The Ultimate ServiceTitan Guide serves as a living library instead of a one-time course—everything is searchable and transcribed so teams can quickly find answers in the moment.Technicians often get the short end of the stick with software; smart setup and features like conditional logic in forms and configurable services dramatically reduce clutter and mistakes in the field.Dynamic pricing combined with configurable services helps keep your pricebook cleaner, more accurate, and easier for techs to use—while still protecting margins.Eliminating opportunities for human error with better systems isn’t about blaming people, it’s about designing a business that supports them. Chapters00:00 – Welcome & Reunion Justin welcomes Richard “Blue Collar Nerd” Kohberger back and sets the stage for the conversation.01:00 – Born into the Trades (But Not the “Typical Tech”) Richard talks about growing up around his dad’s HVAC company, being a theater/film kid, and why he never thought the trades would be his path.03:30 – From Ride-Alongs to Realizations How riding with techs turned into a full-time technician role—and the...

Show InformationEpisode Number: 122 Date: December 8, 2026 Duration: 36:19 Host Contact InformationHost: Justin Deese Website: JustinDeese.com Contact: [email protected] Guest Contact InformationGuest: Scott Irwin Company: Network Plumbing, Electrical and Air Conditioning Email: [email protected] Guest Website: https://networkplumbing.com.au/ Summary In this episode, Justin sits down with Australian trade veteran Scott Irwin, who has grown his company from one truck in 1987 to more than 120 trucks and 100+ team members across Sydney and Melbourne. Scott shares how the business evolved from single trade to multi-trade (plumbing, air conditioning, electrical, and handyman), and why leveraging an existing customer database is the fastest way to expand services without exploding marketing costs. They unpack the real impact of AI on the trades, the shift from pagers and Yellow Pages to iPhones and ServiceTitan, and how software has completely changed dispatching, reporting, and scalability. Scott also tells the story of how he helped bring ServiceTitan to Australia, what that rollout looked like, and why software is a “Ferrari” that only works if you know how to drive it and actually implement. Scott closes with hard-earned advice for owners 3–5 years into business: stop procrastinating, believe in your worth, and charge properly. He’s bought multiple businesses where owners underpriced themselves into a broke retirement, and he’s on a mission to change that mindset. You’ll also hear how he’s built a culture where young techs are lined up at 5:45 a.m. with a smile, why your team is more important than your customers, and how to create customers “for life” by first taking care of your people. TakeawaysProcrastination kills growth – pick one thing, implement it, and move; stagnation is the silent business killer.Believe in your worth and price accordingly – many trade owners undercharge for decades and have nothing to show when it’s time to sell.Your existing database is your gold mine – adding trades (like electrical or aircon) to current customers is far cheaper than acquiring new ones.Repeat business is everything – Scott’s company runs on ~72% repeat clientele, dramatically lowering marketing costs and boosting profitability.Software isn’t a magic bullet – ServiceTitan (or any platform) only works if you already have solid processes and a commitment to implementation.AI will hit white-collar first, not the trades – but tech-enabled trades will win; the human relationship still matters most.Take care of your team so they take care of your customers – culture, belief, and genuine care create a place people love to work.Surround yourself with winners, not whiners – top operators in the trades are usually happy to help… if you actually execute on their advice. Chapters00:02 – Meet Scott Irwin: From “Down Under” to the Freedom Blueprint01:02 – Starting in 1987: One Truck, Pagers, and Public Pay...

Show InformationEpisode Number: 121 Date: December 1, 2025 Duration: 15:22 Host Contact InformationHost: Justin Deese Website: JustinDeese.com Contact: [email protected] ServiceManagerTraining.com SummaryIn this solo episode, Justin breaks down the five biggest leadership challenges every service manager faces—and more importantly, how home service business owners can help their managers overcome them. Whether your service manager is drowning in technician drama, struggling to hold people accountable, afraid of KPIs, buried in chaos, or burning out… this episode shows you exactly where the gaps are and how to close them. Justin shares real stories from 20 years in the trades, the hard lessons he learned from promoting great technicians into leadership without proper training, and a clear roadmap to transform your service manager into the leader your business desperately needs. If you’re ready for better performance, stronger culture, predictable revenue, and a business that can finally scale without you — this episode is your blueprint. TakeawaysThe technician-to-leader transition is the #1 place service managers fail — and it’s predictable.Tough conversations aren’t a personality trait; they’re a teachable leadership skill.Most service managers make decisions on gut, not data, because nobody taught them KPIs.Without documented systems, your service manager becomes the bottleneck that limits growth.Burnout isn’t a badge of honor — it’s a culture problem that destroys great managers.Every challenge is a skill gap, not a character flaw — and skill gaps can be trained. Chapters00:00 — Welcome & Why This Episode Matters 01:22 — The Technician-to-Leader Trap 05:41 — Why Difficult Conversations Don’t Happen 10:06 — KPIs: The Missing Link in Daily Leadership 14:42 — Systems That Scale (and Set Managers Free) 18:38 — Leading Without Burnout 21:55 — Why Training Your Service Manager Changes Everything 22:45 — Learn More About Service Manager Academy Keywords#ServiceManager #HomeServiceBusiness #HVACBusiness #PlumbingBusiness #ElectricalBusiness #LeadershipDevelopment #TechnicianToLeader #BusinessGrowth #ServiceManagerTraining #TradeBusinessSuccess #FreedomBlueprintPodcast Mentioned in this episode: SERVICE MANAGER ACADEMY 2026 WWW.SERVICEMANAGERTRAINING.COM

Show InformationEpisode Number: 120 Date: Nov 28, 2025 Duration: 32:16 Host Contact InformationHost: Justin Deese Website: JustinDeese.com Email: [email protected] Guest Co-Host: Kristen Deese Website: KristenDeese.com Guest Contact InformationGuests: Justin & Janeen Norquist Company: Just In Time Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing Website: www.JustInTimeHeroes.com Emails: • Justin – [email protected] • Janeen – [email protected] Episode DescriptionThe contracting world has changed — fast. In this episode, we explore how leadership, technology, team culture, and customer expectations have reshaped the plumbing and HVAC industry. Recorded live at Service World Expo 2025, Justin and Kristen sit down with Justin and Janeen Norquist of Just In Time to unpack what the industry looked like 10–15 years ago versus today. From hiring for culture instead of résumés, to leveraging AI and modern training tools, to redefining emergency service and building a workplace where people want to stay—this conversation is a masterclass in evolving your business without losing your values. SummaryBuilding a sustainable contracting business today looks nothing like it did a decade ago—and the Norquists have lived the shift firsthand. Over 15 years, they grew Just In Time from a two-person 24/7 operation to a 24+ employee, culture-first organization anchored in core values, structure, and modernized training. They share how the expectation of “years of experience” has been replaced by hiring for attitude, work ethic, and alignment. Technology like Service Titan, Conduit, and Interplay has shortened training timelines from years to weeks, created consistency across the team, and helped them compete with underpriced one-truck operators in rural markets. The conversation digs into how AI is already becoming a powerful support tool for communication, leadership, and coaching—and why it should supplement thinking, not replace it. The group also explores generational changes in the workforce, the shift away from 24/7 emergency service, and how DISC profiles and value-driven leadership create stronger teams. It all wraps with a powerful leadership example: Justin’s year-long daily habit of walking a mile and reading every morning, which quietly transformed their entire company as the team joined in. TakeawaysExperience ≠ Alignment: A tech with 20 years in the field might still do things the wrong way. Hire for character and train the skill.Six-week ramps are the new norm: Modern tools have drastically shortened the path to productivity for new technicians.Tech unlocks consistency: ServiceTitan forms, digital proposals, and structured processes ensure every customer gets the same quality experience.AI is a force-multiplier: Use it as a thinking partner to refine communication, draft documentation, anticipate team questions, and coach technicians.Customers aren’t looking for the cheapest—just the clearest value: Tools like Conduit help simplify complex choices and separate your...

Show InformationEpisode Number: 119 Date: November 27, 2025 Duration: 29:29 Host Contact InformationHost: Justin Deese Website: JustinDeese.com Contact: [email protected] Guest Contact InformationGuest: Julian Crawford Company: APE Services Guest Website: [email protected]  Summary In this inspiring live episode from Service World Expo 2025 in Las Vegas, Justin Deese sits down with Julian Crawford, the 20-year-old entrepreneur behind APE Services, an HVAC and plumbing company shaking up the home service industry in Central Florida. Joined by Tom Peregrino, former Service Nation president, the group dives deep into Julian’s journey — from graduating high school and rolling up his first line set to building a thriving business in less than two years. Julian shares how curiosity, courage, and calculated risk-taking helped him move from employee to entrepreneur before most people even start their careers. He also reveals how technology and AI have become game changers in his operations — from troubleshooting jobs to recording with Meta smart glasses. This episode is a masterclass in hustle, mindset, and modern leadership for the next generation of tradespeople. Takeaways🌟 Age is just a number when your mindset is growth-driven.💡 Take risks when you have “nothing to lose” — use your season of freedom to learn and build.⚙️ Technology (like AI and smart glasses) can transform the trades.📈 “Hustle like you’re broke” — effort and consistency beat excuses.🧠 Surround yourself with the right people; your circle defines your trajectory.💬 The “magic sauce” for business success: implementation. Chapters00:00 – Live from Service World Expo 2025 01:00 – Meet Julian Crawford: 20-Year-Old Contractor and Entrepreneur 03:00 – From Graduation to HVAC Startup 06:00 – The Power of Taking Action and Meeting Mentors 10:00 – Risks, Rewards, and the Mindset of a Young Business Owner 14:00 – Using AI and Tech to Grow in the Trades 18:00 – Sacrifice, Discipline, and Focus on the Bigger Picture 22:00 – Lessons from Mentors and Early Entrepreneurship 25:00 – “Luck” is Just Preparation Meeting Opportunity Keywords#FreedomBlueprint #HVAC #Entrepreneurship #YoungEntrepreneur #HomeServices #Plumbing #AI #ServiceWorldExpo #Trades #BusinessGrowth #JustinDeese #JulianCrawford #APEservices #Mindset #Implementation #Leadership #TechnologyInTrades #SmallBusiness #Inspiration #ServiceNation Mentioned in this episode: SERVICE MANAGER ACADEMY 2026 WWW.SERVICEMANAGERTRAINING.COM

Show InformationEpisode Number: 118 Date: November 26, 2025 Duration: 24:10 Host Contact InformationHost: Justin Deese Website: JustinDeese.com Contact: [email protected] Guest Contact InformationGuest: Matthew Abbott Company: Abbott Family Insurance Guest Website: Abbottfamilyagency.com Guest email: [email protected] Summary Live from Service World 2025 in Las Vegas, Justin and guest co-host/Virtual CFO Kristen Deese sit down with Matthew Abbott of Abbott Family Insurance to unpack a turnkey way contractors can legally lower taxable wages, reduce FICA/FUTA/SUTA, and still make employees whole—often putting ~$600 net back per employee per year. You’ll hear how a Self-Insured Medical Reimbursement Plan working alongside Section 125/105 cafeteria and medical reimbursement rules can be implemented without disrupting payroll, why it doesn’t tank Social Security earnings history, and how MEC options help smaller shops finally offer benefits that recruit and retain. Matthew also previews a no-sales-call, secure online pricing tool for employer benefits. TakeawaysCFO vs. Tax Pro: Same numbers, different goals—valuation vs. tax minimization can (and should) work together.Strategy basics: Pair Section 125 cafeteria plans with Section 105 medical reimbursements to lower taxable income while reimbursing employees to keep take-home whole.Contractor impact: Roughly $14,000 reduction in taxable wages per employee can net ~$600/year to the business per employee (on average).Compliance confidence: Matthew’s team backs implementations with audit support and experience working with audited public-sector groups.W-2 & Social Security: Taxable income drops, but reported gross for things like loans and long-run Social Security calculations remains intact.Benefits mix: Combine MEC (Minimum Essential Coverage) for affordability with buy-up major medical options to boost enrollment and retention.Coming soon: A secure, contactless employer-benefits pricing tool to compare plans without the sales-call gauntlet. ChaptersMeet Matthew Abbott & why taxes ≠ growth: setting CFO vs. CPA expectationsWhat is a Self-Insured Medical Reimbursement Plan (and why big companies already use it)How the plan flows through payroll: pre-tax reduction + after-tax reimbursementThe math for contractors: shrinking FICA/FUTA/SUTA and capturing ~$600/employee/yearAudit posture & why public-sector experience mattersTech-forward enrollments: simple portals and mainstream carrier networks/TPAsMEC plans for small teams: affordable entry + optional buy-upsW-2 box details, mortgages, and Social Security averages clarifiedPricing pressure, retention, and avoiding “set it & forget it” benefitsAnnouncement: contactless online pricing tool & how to reach Matthew Keywords#ContractorTaxSavings #Section125 #Section105 #CafeteriaPlan #MedicalReimbursement #SIMRP #SelfInsuredBenefits #FICA #FUTA #SUTA #MECPlans #EmployeeBenefits #HomeServiceContractors #VirtualCFO #Valuation #EBITDA #Recruiting #Retention #PayrollStrategy #ServiceWorld2025 Mentioned in this...

Show Information Episode Number: 117 Recorded at Service World Expo (October 2025) Date: November 11, 2025 Duration: 23:52 Host Contact Information Host: Justin Deese Website: JustinDeese.com Contact: [email protected] Guest Contact Information Guest: “The Hiking Tribe” (3 of the 9 women) — Kim Martin, Kristen Deese, and Company: Various (women from the trades) Summary Recorded live at Service World Expo 2025, Justin and guest co-host Kristin Deese sit down with three members of a nine-woman “Hiking Tribe” who tackled the Grand Canyon’s Hermit Trail: 32 rugged miles over four days with ~35-40 lb packs, cliff-hugging traverses, and a brutal first day dropping ~5,000 feet. They share how permits pushed them from a planned rim-to-rim into an even gnarlier route, why trekking poles saved their knees, what camp life really looked like, and the surreal moment a supermoon lit the canyon like daylight. Most powerful of all: the solidarity—nine women from the trades choosing a hard thing, supporting each other through fear, tears, and triumph, and proving they can do it again. Takeaways Hard resets matter: four days off-grid (no music/speakers per leave-no-trace) brought unexpected calm and clarity.Downhill is the destroyer: 5,000 feet down over “Grand Canyon miles” taxed arms, triceps, and balance more than the climb out. Trekking poles made a huge difference.Team > terrain: nine women rotated help—tent setup, foot care, morale (yes, trail songs!)—so everyone got through the sketchy spots.Guides matter: smart food logistics and first-aid (especially feet) turned a suffer-fest into a safe, epic push.Choose hard things: testing limits builds personal strength at any age—then makes you hungry for the next challenge. Chapters 00:00 — Live from Service World Expo 2025 + intros (Justin & guest co-host Kristin) 03:00 — The “crazy idea” is born: bucket lists → Grand Canyon plan (permits derail rim-to-rim) 05:30 — Hermit Trail reality: bouldering with 35–40 lb packs + cliffside single-track 08:15 — Day 1: 7 GC miles, 5,000 ft down, and the helicopter daydreams 10:40 — Why downhill hurt more than uphill + the magic of trekking poles 12:10 — Camp life: tents, food logistics, and surprisingly great fajitas 13:50 — Silence, serenity, and the post-trip aversion to background noise 15:20 — Leave-no-trace: even music is a no-go; embracing the quiet 16:40 — Supermoon over the canyon: a wordless, teary, unforgettable night 18:05 — Support systems: fear spikes, trail songs, and looking out for each other 19:30 — The deeper win: confidence, age-defying grit, and planning the next one 21:10 — Justin’s closing: pride, perspective, and why choosing “hard” matters Keywords #GrandCanyon #HermitTrail #ServiceWorldExpo #WomenInTrades #Backpacking #HikingTribe #OutdoorAdventure #RimToRim #Resilience #Mindset #Leadership #Teamwork #Supermoon #LeaveNoTrace #PersonalGrowth #FreedomBlueprintPodcast Mentioned in this episode: SERVICE MANAGER ACADEMY 2026 WWW.SERVICEMANAGERTRAINING.COM

Show Information Episode Number: 116 Date: Recorded live at Service World Expo (Oct 2025) Duration: 30:38 Host Contact Information Host: Justin Deese Website: JustinDeese.com Contact: [email protected] Guest Contact Information Guest: Doug Wyatt Company: Synergy Learning Systems Guest Website: SynergyLearningSystems.net Guest Email: [email protected] Gift to listeners: Free access to “Foundation 3: The Wordsmith” (42 micro-learnings / ~6 hours). Use the Contact form and choose the option for Justin’s podcast. Plus: entry for a $40,000 year-long training package giveaway (details via Doug’s team). Summary Live from Service World Expo 2025, Justin sits down with sales trainer and contractor advocate Doug Wyatt to unpack “closing without conflict.” Doug shares his “grandmother rule,” the seven foundations of effective communication, and why technicians should always present options (good/better/best) without projecting their own wallets onto the customer. He role-plays a simple framework for the #1 stall—“I need to think about it”—by sorting it into three buckets (questions, wrong recommendation, price) and then “reducing to the ridiculous” to reframe value. Doug also digs into mindset, the Pareto principle in your shop, recruiting A players (and curing/cutting culture cancers), and his 52-week path to mastery that ties call center, field, sales, install, and leadership into one continuous implementation rhythm. Takeaways Present real options: many customers will choose premium when they understand value—don’t remove their choice.Handle “I need to think about it” with the 3 buckets: more questions, wrong fit, or price—then address the true issue.Use “rare listening”: reflect, relate, and keep resistance low—never dismiss concerns.Reframe price: “reduce to the ridiculous” (e.g., weekly cost over system life) to connect investment to everyday value.Master the third head: ops and technical matter, but communication is the multiplier.Build culture intentionally: recruit A players, grow hungry B’s, and address persistent problems decisively. Chapters Opening & why technicians “aren’t salespeople” (and why they actually are)The Grandmother Rule & values from the tradesOptions selling: good/better/best without biasRole-play: Defusing “I need to think about it”Price psychology: get to the real objection, then reframe valueThe three-headed monster: ops, technical, communicationPareto in your shop: focus on high-leverage people and activitiesRecruiting & culture: A players, standards, and steady improvement52-week path to mastery & weekly role-playsHow to claim the free Wordsmith training + giveaway Keywords #ServiceWorldExpo #FreedomBlueprintPodcast #DougWyatt #SynergyLearningSystems #HVAC #HomeServices #Contractors #SalesTraining #Communication #OptionsSelling #ObjectionHandling #PriceObjections #GoodBetterBest #Mindset #CallCenter #Technicians #Leadership #Recruiting #ParetoPrinciple #GrandmotherRule #Roleplay #TheWordsmith #52WeekProgram #ClosingWithoutConflict #PremiumPricing #CustomerExperience #Microlearning #LivePodcast #JustinDeese  Mentioned in this episode: SERVICE MANAGER ACADEMY 2026 WWW.SERVICEMANAGERTRAINING.COM