93 | From Burnout to Buyout: How Chris Gist Built & Sold a Service Business in 3 years

Show Information 

Episode Number: 93

Date: July 23, 2025

Duration: 27:29

Host Contact Information

Host: Justin Deese

Website: JustinDeese.com 

Contact: Justin@JustinDeese.com

Guest Contact Information

Guest: Chris Gist

Company: Paradise Home Services

Guest Website: www.ParadiseHomeServices.com

Guest Email: Chris.Gist@ParadiseHomeServices.com

Summary

In this episode of the Freedom Blueprint Podcast, host Justin Deese and his business partner Chris Gist discuss their journey in entrepreneurship, touching on personal insights, the importance of freedom, leadership lessons, and the significance of creating a positive company culture. They also delve into their experiences in the HVAC industry and share valuable wisdom on maintaining happiness within a growing business.

Takeaways

• Why they value fun as a core business principle
• What freedom really looks like after a business sale
• How brisket, breakfast, and team culture helped build loyalty
• The role of HVAC in their growth (and why variable speed systems are game changers)
• The importance of creating a business that supports happiness, not just profitability

Chapters

00:00 Welcome to the Freedom Blueprint Podcast

03:01 Rapid Fire Questions with Chris

05:08 Defining Freedom as a Business Owner

08:15 Lessons from Selling to Private Equity

10:32 Creating a Positive Company Culture

19:04 Navigating Seasonal Business Trends

23:50 Final Thoughts on Culture and Happiness

Keywords

#FreedomBlueprintPodcast #HomeServiceBusiness #HVACBusiness #PlumbingBusiness #PrivateEquityExit #BusinessGrowth #CompanyCulture #LeadershipLessons #Entrepreneurship #BusinessFreedom #HVACMarketing #ChrisGist #JustinDeese #ChrisGist#ServiceBusinessSuccess #BuildToSell #FunAtWork