Show Information

Episode Number: 134

Date: February 20, 2026

Duration: 13:27

Recorded Live: PHCC Conference – San Diego, CA

Host Contact Information

Host: Justin Deese

Website: JustinDeese.com

Contact: podcast@JustinDeese.com

Guest Contact Information

Guest: Jeff Mudd

Company: The Trades Podcast

Guest Website: https://thetradespodcast.com/

Podcast: The Trades Podcast

Podcast Link: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-trades-podcast/id1574731261

Summary

Recorded live at the PHCC Conference in San Diego, this episode of the Freedom Blueprint Podcast features a candid conversation with Jeff Mudd, host of The Trades Podcast and longtime advocate for skilled trades careers.

Jeff shares his journey from hands-on repair work and termite inspections to business ownership—and eventually to podcasting as a way to promote the trades to younger generations. Together, Justin and Jeff unpack the skilled labor shortage, the stigma that’s surrounded the trades for decades, and why that narrative is finally starting to change.

The conversation dives deep into career paths vs. jobs, building culture inside service businesses, financial freedom through trades ownership, and why intentional leadership matters more than ever. Jeff also explains how podcasting became an unexpected but powerful platform to recruit, educate, and elevate the trades nationwide.

Takeaways

Why the skilled trades offer financial and time freedom most careers don’t
How stigma pushed generations away from trades—and why it’s reversing
The difference between giving someone a job and building a career path
Why owners must be intentional about training, raises, and advancement
The real economics behind service businesses (and common misconceptions)
How podcasting became a powerful advocacy tool for the trades

Chapters

00:00 – Live from PHCC San Diego

01:15 – Jeff’s background in the trades

02:10 – Why he started The Trades Podcast

03:00 – Changing perceptions of trades careers

03:55 – Financial freedom in the trades

05:00 – Owner vs. employee perspectives

06:15 – Building culture and career paths

07:30 – Training people even if they may leave

08:45 – Helping people grow beyond your business

09:35 – Moving from San Diego to Tennessee

10:45 – Podcasting, semi-retirement, and impact

11:45 – Final thoughts from PHCC

Keywords

#FreedomBlueprintPodcast #TheTradesPodcast #SkilledTrades #TradesCareers #TradeLeadership #PHCC #HomeServiceBusiness #TradesIndustry #BlueCollarCareers #WorkforceDevelopment #TradeCulture #ServiceBusiness #ContractorLife #TradesEducation

Mentioned in this episode:

HomeServiceHoorah.com/ Get your tickets before they SELLOUT!