131 | PHCC San Diego Recap and why 2026 is already moving fast

Show InformationEpisode Number: 131Date: February 09, 2026Duration: 36:27Host Contact InformationHost: Justin DeeseWebsite: JustinDeese.comContact: [email protected] Contact InformationGuest: Kristen DeeseCompany: Virtual CFO for the TradesGuest Website: JustinDeese.comGift to listeners: N/ASummarySix weeks into 2026, Justin and Kristen Deese sit down to unpack a whirlwind start to the year—conference travel, frozen pipes, live podcasting at PHCC San Diego, and a major family decision they never saw coming.On December 31st, just hours before the new year, they officially purchased East Hill Pizza in Pensacola—alongside their kids. In this episode, they pull back the curtain on why they said yes, how leadership transitions really affect teams, and what happens when you apply home service business principles to an entirely different industry.From DISC profiles and team psychology to scorecards, food cost controls, and why vocabulary matters more than you think—this conversation is packed with lessons for any business owner thinking about growth, legacy, or acquisitions. Key TakeawaysWhy involving your team early builds trust during ownership transitionsThe power of giving people the numbers they controlHow small operational tweaks can drive massive financial impactWhy most employees fear change—and how language can reduce resistanceWhat restaurant ownership revealed about leadership across industriesHow to build a business your kids can grow into—not inherit as a messChapters00:00 – Welcome & why 2026 already feels wild02:30 – PHCC San Diego: live podcasts, chaos, and air horns08:20 – Handling distractions and pressure as a leader11:50 – Frozen pipes, Florida problems, and real life12:40 – The “family business” conversation with the kids14:30 – Why East Hill Pizza caught their attention18:20 – Buying a business fast (and what that really means)21:30 – Leading a team through an ownership transition24:45 – Scorecards, transparency, and immediate results27:30 – Applying home service principles to restaurants31:45 – What’s next for the business and the familyKeywords#FreedomBlueprintPodcast #FamilyBusiness #BusinessAcquisition #LeadershipDevelopment #RestaurantOwnership #TradesLeadership #EntrepreneurLife #BusinessWithFamily #Scorecards #TeamCulture #DISCProfile #LegacyBuilding #SmallBusinessGrowth #JustinDeese #KristenDeese #WhenYourBusinessPartnerIsYourSpouseMentioned in this episode:Homeservicehoorah.com