Freedom Blueprint for Home Services | HVAC, Plumbing, Electrical, Leadership, Business Growth 106 | From Technician to Business Owner & Leader: Billy Gregus’ Journey in HVAC
Show Information
Episode Number: 106
Date: September 15, 2025
Duration: 26:50
Host Contact Information
Host: Justin Deese
Website: JustinDeese.com
Contact: Justin@JustinDeese.com
Guest Contact Information
Guest: Billy Gregus
Company: Integrity Refrigeration & HVAC
Guest Website: https://www.integrityrefrigerationandac.com/
Summary
In this episode of the Freedom Blueprint Podcast, Justin sits down with Billy Gregus, owner of Integrity in Winter Haven, Florida. Billy shares his inspiring journey from helping a friend with HVAC installs to becoming a licensed refrigeration expert and business owner. He opens up about building a company culture that prioritizes family time, mental well-being, and customer service over chasing revenue at all costs.
Billy explains why he avoids the 24/7 grind, how specializing in refrigeration sets his business apart, and why dominating your local market is often more powerful than expanding too quickly. He also reflects on the lessons he’s learned about leadership, work-life balance, and being present—plus, he recommends a book that’s been a game-changer for his personal and professional growth.
Takeaways
- How refrigeration work differs from HVAC and why it can be more profitable
- The importance of protecting your team’s time and avoiding burnout
- Why focusing on your local community can build a stronger, more loyal customer base
- Leadership lessons from the trenches: leading by example and rotating on-call shifts
- Why “being present” is one of the most valuable skills for a business owner
- Book recommendation: Buy Back Your Time by Dan Martell
Chapters
00:00 – Welcome & Introduction
01:40 – Billy’s Start in HVAC and Refrigeration
04:58 – Specializing in Refrigeration and the Profit Potential
06:25 – Protecting Your Team from Burnout
10:28 – Competing in Today’s Gig Economy
11:14 – Focusing on Local Market Dominance
12:27 – Founding Integrity and Taking the Leap
14:47 – Building a Strong Company Culture
16:20 – Redefining Success Beyond Revenue
18:32 – Advice to the 2015 Version of Billy
20:25 – Book Recommendation: Buy Back Your Time
23:26 – Final Leadership and Life Lessons
Keywords
#FreedomBlueprintPodcast #JustinDeese #BillyGregus #HVAC #Refrigeration #Leadership #BusinessCulture #WorkLifeBalance #BuyBackYourTime #DanMartell #LocalBusiness #EntrepreneurJourney #TeamBuilding #ContractorLife #HVACBusiness #TradesBusiness