The Living Your Legacy Podcast: Episode Summary

Title: From $100 Gigs to $100K Remodels: Stephen Deubel's Epic Rise
Host: Rudy Mawer
Release Date: June 2, 2025

Introduction

In this compelling episode of The Living Your Legacy Podcast, host Rudy Mawer sits down with Stephen Deubel, a veteran general contractor, media personality, and entrepreneur with over three decades of experience in construction and design. Stephen shares his inspiring journey from performing small handyman tasks to overseeing multimillion-dollar remodeling projects. He also delves into his passionate mission to create sustainable housing solutions for homeless veterans through innovative container homes.

Early Beginnings: From Handyman to Contractor

Stephen's entrepreneurial spirit ignited while juggling a regular job and small gigs. Reflecting on his humble start, Stephen explains:

[02:45] Stephen: "Get at it and just knock it out because when somebody starts out, no one knows everything right away. You learn as you go..."

Stephen's initial foray into handyman work involved simple tasks like hanging picture frames. His dedication to learning and willingness to embrace feedback played a crucial role in his early growth. Balancing his passion with practicality, Stephen obtained his contractor’s license, enabling him to take on larger projects and expand his business.

Building a Successful Remodeling Firm

As Stephen's reputation grew, so did the scale of his projects. Transitioning from minor tasks to substantial remodeling jobs, he recounts:

[05:21] Stephen: "...if I could turn around and start a radio show about home improvement and show my passion and desire to make them understand how to do things right. And if you can't do it yourself, call a professional. I'm a professional."

This dual approach not only educated homeowners but also generated leads for his expanding business. Stephen emphasized the importance of confidence and commitment in scaling his enterprise:

[06:13] Stephen: "...you have to have confidence in yourself to know that this is what I can do no matter what. And yes, I’m going to be able to [succeed]."

Embracing Media: Expanding Influence

Stephen's venture into media significantly amplified his impact. Starting with a radio show focused on home improvement, he seized opportunities as they arose:

[08:15] Stephen: "...when I did a press release, ABC15 in Phoenix called me to do an educational spot about home improvement. They loved it, and I did it for two years, every other week."

This exposure led to collaborations with TV producers like Cindy Christie, resulting in shows like Fine Wine and Design in Phoenix and segments on container homes. Stephen's media presence allowed him to reach a broader audience, advocating for sustainable living and community support.

Innovative Housing Solutions: Container Homes

A pivotal moment in Stephen's career was his interest in container homes, which align with his commitment to sustainability and affordability. He explains:

[09:31] Stephen: "Container homes are sustainable living. As the economy changed, people started downsizing, and there's a lot you can do to make it a viable, economical way of living."

Stephen’s fascination with container homes led him to explore their applications beyond traditional housing, including emergency housing solutions. This exploration became the foundation for his mission to support homeless veterans.

Mission for Homeless Veterans: Building Legacy

Stephen's mission transcended business success, aiming to address a significant societal issue—homelessness among veterans. He narrates the serendipitous discovery of a blueprint for a homeless container community:

[10:29] Stephen: "...someone in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, did exactly what I wanted to do. He built a homeless container community, and ten months later, it was completely done with veterans moved in."

Inspired by this model, Stephen envisions replicating such communities nationwide. His goal is ambitious:

[16:12] Stephen: "I would like to see at least one homeless container home community in every city in the country."

This vision embodies his definition of legacy, aiming to create lasting, positive change for those who have served the nation.

Defining Legacy

When asked about the meaning of legacy, Stephen emphasizes creating enduring structures that continue to benefit others:

[14:42] Stephen: "A legacy to me means that it's something that I had a vision... that when I am gone, that legacy can live on where people can expand on it and have it grow."

Stephen’s legacy is not just about his business achievements but also about fostering communities and supporting veterans, ensuring his contributions have a lasting impact.

Future Vision: A Nationwide Impact

Looking ahead, Stephen's aspirations are both grand and heartfelt. He articulates his ten-year vision:

[16:04] Stephen: "I would like to see at least one homeless container home community in every city in the country."

This goal reflects his unwavering commitment to leveraging his expertise and resources to tackle homelessness among veterans, solidifying his legacy as a catalyst for meaningful societal change.

Inspiration and Influences

Throughout his journey, Stephen cites influential figures and personal experiences that shaped his path. He mentions Kai Pennington from Extreme Makeover: Home Edition as a significant inspiration:

[18:08] Stephen: "I watched Kai Pennington on Extreme Makeover, Home Edition, and I said, I can do that."

Stephen’s diverse background, including his time as a mobile DJ and his experience in the amusement business, contributed to his strong work ethic and passion for community service.

Connecting and Collaborating

Stephen encourages listeners to engage with his ongoing projects and support his mission. He provides multiple avenues for connection:

[18:38] Stephen: "You could find me on my podcast website, boxcartuniverse.com, or on my business site, idealhomeimprovementaz.com."

By inviting collaboration and support, Stephen seeks to build a network of investors, builders, and advocates to expand his initiative nationwide.

Conclusion

Stephen Deubel's story is a testament to the power of determination, adaptability, and a clear mission. From humble beginnings as a handyman to leading large-scale remodeling projects and spearheading a mission to support homeless veterans, Stephen embodies the essence of building a lasting legacy. His journey offers valuable insights for aspiring entrepreneurs and professionals seeking to make a meaningful impact. As Rudy Mawer aptly concludes:

[19:03] Rudy: "...that's a wrap. A true legacy in the making and a mission right that can help thousands of people and make a big impact in the country and maybe even the world. So thank you so much, Super excited to see the episode and as always, keep building a legacy."

Key Takeaways:

• Continuous Learning: Embrace challenges and learn on the go to grow professionally.
• Media Leverage: Utilize media platforms to amplify your mission and reach a broader audience.
• Community Focus: Align business endeavors with meaningful societal contributions.
• Legacy Building: Aim to create lasting positive impacts that extend beyond personal achievements.
• Collaboration: Engage with like-minded individuals and organizations to scale impactful projects.

For more insights and to follow Stephen Deubel’s journey, visit Boxcar Universe or Ideal Home Improvement AZ.