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

The Reality of Running a Home Service Business: Myths vs.Facts Episode Number: 24Date: March 4, 2024Duration: 29:01Host: Justin DeeseContact Info: Justin@JustinDeese.comConnect @FreedomBlueprintPodcastIntroduction:The episode titled "The Reality of Running a HomeService Business: Myths vs. Facts" hosted by Justin Deese, debunks common myths about the home service industry. Key points include the misconceptions about the necessity of technical expertise for business success, the fallacy that lower prices always win more business, and the overvaluation of expanding service offerings as a growth strategy. Justin emphasizes the importance of leadership skills, customer service, and strategic use of technology over traditional beliefs. The episode encourages business owners to focus on value, quality, and efficient operations to succeed, challenging the status quo and promoting innovative thinking in the home service sector.  Quote:"Do not be embarrassed by your failures, learn from them and start again." – Richard Branson Overview and Key Takeaways:Learn from failures and have a growth mindset.The best technicians don't necessarily make the best business owners.Lower prices don't always win more business.Customer service is important throughout the entire customer journey.Online reviews have a significant impact on your business.Expanding service offerings is not the only way to grow.Chapters00:00   Introduction01:07    The Importance of Monday Mornings02:28    The Challenge of Information Overload04:55    Learning from Failures09:21    Myth: Best Technicians Make the Best Business Owners11:40    Myth: Lower Prices Always Win More Business13:40    Myth: More Jobs Always Mean More Profit15:42    Myth: You Can't Compete Without Being on Every Social Media Platform18:00    Myth: Customer Service Only Matters After the Sale19:25    Myth: Investing in Advanced Technology is Unnecessary for Small Businesses22:05    Myth: Online Reviews Don't Impact Your Business24:46    Myth: Expanding Service Offerings is the Only Way to Grow27:39    Conclusion

Episode Number: 23Date: February 26, 2024Duration: 25:06Host: Justin DeeseContact Info: Justin@JustinDeese.comConnect @FreedomBlueprintPodcastIntroduction:This episode explores the concept of servant leadership and its impact on the home service industry. The host shares personal experiences and highlights the importance of fostering a culture of empowerment, enhancing team morale, and improving customer satisfaction. The episode emphasizes the role of servant leadership in building a strong company reputation and driving employee retention. The host concludes by encouraging listeners to reflect on their own leadership styles and consider implementing servant leadership principles.Quote for the Episode:"Leadership is not about being in charge. It is about taking care of those in your charge." - Simon SinekOverview and Key Takeaways:Servant leadership prioritizes the needs of others and focuses on supporting and empowering team members.Fostering a culture of empowerment allows team members to make decisions and learn from their mistakes.Enhancing team morale and fostering belonging and respect contribute to improved employee satisfaction and customer satisfaction.Servant leadership builds a strong company reputation and drives long-term success through employee retention.Leaders should reflect on their own leadership styles and consider implementing servant leadership principles.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Servant Leadership03:05 Understanding Servant Leadership06:14 The Speaker's Personal Journey in Leadership10:10 Fostering a Culture of Empowerment12:50 Enhancing Team Morale14:24 Fostering Belonging and Respect15:22 Improving Customer Satisfaction16:50 Building a Strong Company Reputation18:45 Driving Employee Retention20:12 Long-Term Success through Servant Leadership22:27 Recap and Conclusion

"Freedom Blueprint" Podcast Show NotesPodcast Episode Title: "Leading the Way: Mastering the 6 KeyPrinciples of Leadership in Plumbing and HVAC"Episode Number: 22Date: Feb. 19, 2024Duration: 26:58Host: Justin DeeseContact Info: justin@justindeese.comQuote: "Good business leaders create a vision, articulate the vision, passionately own the vision, and relentlessly drive it to completion." - Jack WelchSummaryIn this episode of the Freedom Blueprint Podcast, host Justin Deese explores the six key principles of leadership. He begins by discussing the importance of vision and how it serves as a blueprint for the future. He then moves on to the topics of communication, delegation and empowerment, adaptability, culture, and recognition and reward. Throughout the episode, Deese emphasizes thesignificance of these principles in building and growing a successful team and business. TakeawaysA clear vision is essential for effective leadership.Communication bridges the gap between vision and execution.Delegation and empowerment enable team members to make decisions and take ownership.Adaptability and flexibility are crucial in a rapidly changing business environment.Culture plays a significant role in team cohesion and success.Recognition and reward are powerful motivators for team members. 0:00 Introduction and Overview01:01 Leadership and Vision03:20 Communication06:10 Delegation and Empowerment10:27 Adaptability13:46 Culture20:08 Recognition and Reward26:56 Conclusion

Podcast Episode Title: Beyond the Blind Spot: Navigating Unseen Challenges in LeadershipEpisode Number: 21Date: February 12, 2024Duration: 22:34Host: Justin DeeseContact: justin@justindeese.comSummaryIn this episode, Justin Deese explores the concept of blind spots in leadership and personal life. He shares a personal story about a boat painting business that failed to offer additional services, highlighting the importance of identifying blind spots. Justin discusses the causes of blind spots, such as having an 'I know' attitude and avoiding difficult conversations. He also provides cures for blind spots, including seeking feedback, surrounding oneself with diverse thinkers, and identifying triggers. Justin emphasizes the need for personal development and accountability partners to address blind spots and improve leadership skills.TakeawaysBlind spots are personal traits or aspects that we demonstrate but aren't aware of, and they can hinder growth and effectiveness.Causes of blind spots include having an 'I know' attitude, blaming others, avoiding difficult conversations, and being insensitive to one's behavior.Cures for blind spots include seeking feedback, surrounding oneself with diverse thinkers, identifying triggers, and finding an accountability partner.Personal development and continuous improvement are essential to address blind spots and improve leadership skills.Chapters00:00Introduction and Quote by John Maxwell01:01Digging Deeper into the Quote02:05Definition of Blind Spots03:03Personal Story about Blind Spots06:03Causes of Blind Spots08:15Cures for Blind Spots33:31Identifying Triggers37:27Seeking an Accountability Partner40:02

Podcast Episode Title: 20 | Efficiency Unlocked: Guide to 10-Day Book Closing with Kristen DeeseEpisode Number: 20Date: February 5, 2024Guest: Kristen Deese, Virtual CFO- Kristen@gcbcoaching.comHost: Justin DeeseDuration: 21.07SummaryIn this episode, Justin Deese and Kristen Deese discuss the importance of closing your books in a timely manner. They explain the process of closing the books and why it is important for financial accuracy and decision-making. They also provide tips and a month-end checklist to help business owners close their books efficiently. Kristen offers her services as a virtual CFO to assist with bookkeeping and financial management.TakeawaysClosing your books in a timely manner is crucial for financial accuracy and decision-making.The process of closing the books involves reconciling accounts, reviewing financial statements, and ensuring data accuracy.Closing the books within 10 days is a reasonable goal to have up-to-date financial information.Having a month-end checklist and doing a little bit every day can help streamline the closing process.Chapters00:00 Introduction01:02 The Importance of Closing Your Books04:51 Closing Your Books in 10 Days06:17 The Process of Closing the Books10:24 Challenges in Closing the Books13:26 Tips for Closing the Books18:09 Month-End Checklist19:19 Getting Help with Closing the Books20:15 Closing ThoughtsClosing and Resources: Encouragement to take up the 10-day book closing challenge and resources available for assistance, including a free month-end checklist template .Resources Mentioned:Free Month-End Checklist TemplateContact Information for Kristen Deese: kristen@gcbcoaching.comWebsite: kristendese.comBook: "When Your Business Partner is Your Spouse" by Justin and Kristen DeeseCall to Action:  Attempt the 10-day book closing challenge and share your experiences or seek help by contacting Justin Deese or Kristen Deese.Connect with Us:Podcast Website: freedomblueprintpodcast.comSocial Media: @FreedomBlueprint for Home ServicesSign-Off:  “Keep crushing it and know your numbers!”

Show NotesPodcast Episode Title: CRUSHING GOALS: Mastering Goal Setting in LeadershipNumber: 18Date: January 29, 2024Duration: 28.15Host: Justin DeeseSummary In this episode of the Freedom Blueprint Podcast, host Justin Deese discusses the importance of goal setting and shares strategies for setting SMART goals. He explains that goals should be specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound. Justin emphasizes the need for clear and specific goals, as well as the importance of breaking them down into smaller, manageable tasks. He also highlights the benefits of goal setting, such as providing direction, motivation, and performance measurement. Justin provides practical tips for implementing goal setting in both personal and business contexts. Takeaways-Goal setting is crucial for effective leadership and personal growth.SMART goals are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound.Break down big goals into smaller, actionable tasks.Regularly review and track progress towards your goals.Chapters00:00Introduction 01:05The Importance of Goal Setting 03:23SMART Goals 08:08Achievable Goals 10:20Relevant Goals 13:26Time-Bound Goals 16:40Putting SMART Goals into Practice 17:11Benefits of Goal Setting 19:37How to Set SMART Goals 25:28Take Action and Share Your Goals 28:15ConclusionLeadership, Plumbing, Air Conditioning, HVAC, and Home Services

"Freedom Blueprint" Podcast Show NotesPodcast Episode Title: The Virtual CFO Advantage: Elevating Contractor Businesses with Kristen DeeseEpisode Number: 18Date: January 22, 2024Duration: 19.34Host: Justin DeeseGuest: Kristen Deese- KristenDeese.com or Kristen@gcbcoaching.comSummaryIn this episode of the Freedom Blueprint Podcast, host Justin Deese interviews his wife Kristen about her role as a virtual CFO for contractors. Kristen specializes in helping contractors who use Service Titan and QuickBooks. She offers three levels of service: apprentice, journeyman, and master, each with increasing levels of financial analysis and strategic guidance. Kristen has seen companies improve their financial understanding and departmentalize their operations, leading to better decision-making and increased profitability. She also emphasizes the importance of clean financials when selling a business. Listeners can connect with Kristen through her website, kristendeese.com.TakeawaysKristen provides virtual CFO services to contractors, specializing in Service Titan to QuickBooks.She offers three levels of service: apprentice, journeyman, and master, each with increasing levels of financial analysis and strategic guidance.Working with a virtual CFO can help contractors improve their financial understanding, departmentalize their operations, and increase profitability.Clean financials are important when selling a business, as they can lead to a higher valuation.Introduction 01:18Kristen's Role in Helping Contractors 03:07Specializing in Service Titan to QuickBooks 04:16Experience with Service Titan 04:46Speaking at Conferences 06:18 The Importance of Financials 07:34Starting the Virtual CFO Service 09:20Overview of Virtual CFO Programs 12:03Apprentice Program 13:18 Journeyman Program 14:03Master Program 15:05 Improvements Seen in Companies 17:13Selling Businesses with Clean Financials 18:12How to Connect with Kristen 19:08Working Directly with Kristen19.23Conclusion

Podcast Episode Title: Mastering Communication: A Leader's Guide in Plumbing & HVACDate: January 15, 2024Duration: 28 minutesHost: Justin DeeseShow Notes for Mastering Communication: A Leader's Guide in Plumbing & HVAC: In this episode, we delve into the crucial role of effective communication for leaders in the Plumbing and HVAC industries. We explore practical strategies and insights for enhancing communication with your team and clients.The Importance of Communication in Leadership:Why effective communication is the backbone of successful leadership in the Plumbing and HVAC industries.The C.L.E.A.R. Framework for Communication:Communicate: How clear communication sets the foundation for team success.Listen: The power of active listening in understanding team needs and concerns.Engage: Personal engagement techniques for motivating and inspiring your team.Adapt: Adapting your communication style to diverse team members.Respect: The non-negotiable need for respect in all forms of communication.Practical Tips for Effective Communication:Real-world examples and techniques for implementing the C.L.E.A.R. framework.Call to Action:Identify and commit to improving one area of communication within your team. Share your experiences and feedback with us.Follow us for more updates and tips Overview: Key Points Discussed: Resources Mentioned: Connect with Us: Next Episode Teaser:

Podcast Episode Title: ALWAYS Be Recruiting: Finding Top Talent in Today's MarketDate: January 8, 2024Duration: 28 minutesHost: Justin DeeseIntroduction:Welcome and episode introduction by Justin Deese.Episode topic: ALWAYS Recruiting in the Home Service Industries.Are you struggling to find talent in today’s market?Intriguing facts to engage listeners:"85% of job seekers consider a company’s reputation when applying."ALWAYS Recruiting Explained:A - Actively Seek Talent:Discussion on the importance of proactive talent search.Strategies and tips for actively seeking talent.L - Leverage Social Media:The role of social media in recruitment.How to effectively use social media to attract talent.W - Welcome Referrals:Importance of employee referrals in the recruitment process.Best practices for encouraging and managing referrals.A - Appreciate and Recognize Talent:The impact of recognizing and appreciating current employees.Ideas for showing appreciation in the workplace.Y - Yield to Flexibility in Work Arrangements:The growing need for flexible work arrangements.Examples of how flexibility can be incorporated to attract talent.S - Seek Feedback and Act on It:The value of feedback in improving recruitment processes.Ways to collect and implement feedback effectively.Personal Insights and Experiences:Justin Deese shares personal experiences and insights related to the topic.Conclusion:Recap of key points from the episode.Final thoughts and closing statement by Justin Deese.Call to Action:Encouragement for listeners to apply the ALWAYS strategy in their businesses.Invitation for feedback and sharing experiences on social media.Reach out to me at ⁠justin@justindeese.com⁠Closing:Thank you for tuning in.Reminder to subscribe and follow for upcoming episodes.

Show Notes for Episode 15 - Turning Recalls into Revenue for Home Service BusinessesHey there, it's Justin Deese! Thanks for tuning into this episode where we dive deep into one of the most challenging issues faced by home service-based businesses: recalls. If you’ve ever felt the pinch of sending out paid staff, trucks, and resources to address recall issues without seeing a dime in return, this episode is for you.In This Episode, We Discuss:The Problem at Hand: Understanding the magnitude of the recall issue in the home service industry. It's not just about the money; it's about time, resources, reputation, and so much more.The Real Cost of Recalls: We break down the tangible and intangible costs that recalls impose on businesses. From the direct expenses of sending out staff to the potential harm to your brand's reputation, it's essential to get a grasp on what these issues truly cost.Four Strategies to Turn Recalls into Revenue: Instead of looking at recalls as a business drain, how about turning them into an opportunity? I share four actionable strategies that can help you transform this challenge into a revenue-generating machine.Case Studies & Real-Life Examples: I share stories of businesses that have successfully turned around their recall challenges, providing inspiration and practical insights for listeners.Key Takeaways:Recalls don’t have to be a business nightmare; they can be a catalyst for growth and improvement when approached strategically.Being proactive, innovative, and customer-centric in your approach can turn potential business pitfalls into profitable avenues.It's all about changing the mindset from ‘damage control’ to ‘opportunity exploration.’What's Next?Stay tuned for our next episode where we’ll continue providing actionable insights to boost your home service business. If you found value in today’s discussion, please consider leaving us a review or sharing the podcast with a friend or colleague.As always, if you have questions, comments, or topics you'd like to see covered in future episodes, drop me a line. I'd love to hear from you.Thanks for joining me, and until next time, keep innovating and turning challenges into opportunities!