132 | Old-School Plumbing Values in a High-Tech World with Cody McLeod

Show InformationEpisode Number: 132Date: February 16, 2026Duration: 09:54Host Contact InformationHost: Justin DeeseWebsite: JustinDeese.comContact: [email protected] Contact InformationGuest: Cody McLeodCompany: Utility Plumbing ServicesGuest Website: https://utilityplumbingservices.com/SummaryIn 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 TakeawaysWhy old-school business values still matter in a tech-driven service industryHow Cody transitioned from a family partnership to sole ownershipPractical ways automation and AI are improving customer experienceWhy empowering employees matters more as a 100% ownerHow trade careers offer opportunity without massive student debtThe importance of industry involvement through PHCC leadershipChapters00:00 Live from PHCC San Diego & Del Mar01:00 Cody’s background as a second-generation plumber02:00 Leaving the family business and starting fresh03:00 Old-school business mindset meets modern technology04:00 Automation vs. AI in service businesses05:30 Joining the PHCC California State Board06:30 Giving back through high school career days08:00 Why the trades are a powerful career path todayKeywords#FreedomBlueprintPodcast #JustinDeese #CodyMcLeod #UtilityPlumbingServices #PHCC #PHCCSanDiego #PlumbingBusiness #HomeServiceBusiness #Trades #SkilledTrades #ServiceIndustry #PlumbingLife #SecondGenerationContractor #TradeLeadership #ServiceBusinessGrowth #Automation #AIInTradesMentioned in this episode:Homeservicehoorah.com