Show Information

Episode Number: 132

Date: February 16, 2026

Duration: 09:54

Host Contact Information

Host: Justin Deese

Website: JustinDeese.com

Contact: podcast@JustinDeese.com

Guest Contact Information

Guest: Cody McLeod

Company: Utility Plumbing Services

Guest Website: https://utilityplumbingservices.com/

Summary

In this live episode of the Freedom Blueprint Podcast, Justin Deese sits down with Cody McLeod, owner of Utility Plumbing Services, recorded on-site at PHCC San Diego & Del Mar.

Cody shares his journey as a second-generation plumber, growing up in the trades, partnering with his father, and eventually stepping out to build his own modern plumbing company. The conversation dives into blending old-school business principles with new-school technology, including automation, AI, and service software—without losing the fundamentals that built the trades.

They also discuss Cody’s growing leadership role in the industry, including his upcoming appointment to the PHCC California State Board, and his passion for giving back through high school career days to change the narrative around skilled trades.

This episode is packed with real-world insight for plumbing, HVAC, and home service business owners navigating growth, technology, and leadership in today’s market.

Key Takeaways

Why old-school business values still matter in a tech-driven service industry
How Cody transitioned from a family partnership to sole ownership
Practical ways automation and AI are improving customer experience
Why empowering employees matters more as a 100% owner
How trade careers offer opportunity without massive student debt
The importance of industry involvement through PHCC leadership

Chapters

00:00 Live from PHCC San Diego & Del Mar
01:00 Cody’s background as a second-generation plumber
02:00 Leaving the family business and starting fresh
03:00 Old-school business mindset meets modern technology
04:00 Automation vs. AI in service businesses
05:30 Joining the PHCC California State Board
06:30 Giving back through high school career days
08:00 Why the trades are a powerful career path today

Keywords

#FreedomBlueprintPodcast #JustinDeese #CodyMcLeod #UtilityPlumbingServices #PHCC #PHCCSanDiego #PlumbingBusiness #HomeServiceBusiness #Trades #SkilledTrades #ServiceIndustry #PlumbingLife #SecondGenerationContractor #TradeLeadership #ServiceBusinessGrowth #Automation #AIInTrades

Mentioned in this episode:

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