EPISODE · Mar 31, 2026 · 1H 3M
Risky business & Practice
from Built this way · host Patricia Muellen
In this episode of Built This Way, Patricia sits down with Dan Crist, owner of Centsible Heating and Air Conditioning, to dive into the real story behind entrepreneurship. From life as a teenager to building multiple businesses in construction, restaurants, and HVAC. We real talk about whay motivation "haters" provide when they ask questions like "What are you doing now?" and unpack one of his biggest business risks, a multi-million dollar development during the 2008 financial crisis, and the lessons that came from navigating loss, partnerships, and starting over. Dan also breaks down the realities of being in the HVAC Industry, the importance of asking hard questions early, and why helping people, not just making money, has been the foundation of his success. This episode is for entrepreneurs, business owners, and anyone building something from the ground up who wants an honest look at risk, failure, growth, and long-term success 00:00 – Starting over and learning through failure 02:00 – Introduction to Dan Crist 06:30 – Early entrepreneurial journey 12:00 – Restaurant ownership 22:00 – Biggest business risk 30:00 – Financial collapse and lessons 44:00 – HVAC business realities 52:00 – Helping people first 58:00 – What success really means 01:05:00 – Closing thoughts Want to connect with Dan? @dannyvcrist https://centsiblemichigan.com/ Built This Way, created and hosted by Patricia Muellen - story teller, entrepreneur, survivor, creator, marketing strategist, and owner of agency P. Muellen & Associates, LLCPatricia spends her days helping businesses grow and having honest conversations about what it really takes to build something from nothing.If you liked this episode, follow the podcast, share it with a fellow builder, and come connect with Patricia online.Because around here we believe in hard work, real talk, and building things that last.After all… some of us are just Built This Way.@Patriciamuellen@pmuellenassociates @[email protected]
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What this episode covers
Patricia opens this episode by owning the messy start and acknowledges that sometimes the first attempt does not go as planned, but that does not mean it failed. It means we practiced. And now, we are back, doing it right!
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Risky business & Practice
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