119 | From High School to HVAC CEO: How 20-Year-Old Julian Crawford is Redefining Success

Show Information

Episode Number: 119

Date: November 27, 2025

Duration: 29:29

Host Contact Information

Host: Justin Deese

Website: JustinDeese.com

Contact: podcast@JustinDeese.com

Guest Contact Information

Guest: Julian Crawford

Company: APE Services

Guest Website: Julian.APEServices@gmail.com

 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.

Chapters

00:00 – 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