43 | Empowering the Next Generation: Donnie Hornback on Succession and Success

Freedom Blueprint for Home Services | HVAC, Plumbing, Electrical, Leadership, Business Growth

Episode Number: 43

Date: July 15, 2024

Duration: 33:02

Host: Justin Deese

Contact: [e-mail]

Website: www.JustinDeese.com

Guest: Donnie Hornback

Website: www.hornbackplumbing.com

Summary:

In this episode of the Freedom Blueprint Podcast, host Justin Deese sits down with Donnie Hornback from Hornback Plumbing in Elizabethtown, Kentucky. Donnie shares his journey from starting Hornback Plumbing nearly two decades ago to navigating the challenges and rewards of running a family business. The conversation delves into the evolution of his business, the pivotal decision to become partners with Leap Service Partners, and the insights gained from watching his son, Jesse, grow into a leadership role. Donnie’s story is a testament to perseverance, strategic growth, and preparing the next generation for success.

Takeaways:

1. **Starting from the Ground Up:** Donnie shares how he started Hornback Plumbing single-handedly and grew it to a company with 23 employees focusing on residential plumbing services.

2. **A Veteran's Perspective:** The influence of Donnie's time in the Coast Guard on his work ethic and approach to business.

3. **Generational Transition:** The decision-making process behind passing the business to his son Jesse and the relief Jesse felt from partnering with Leap Service Partners.

4. **Role of Private Equity:** Dispelling myths about private equity and emphasizing how Leap Service Partners helped streamline operations and reduce pressures on the business.

5. **Evolving Leadership:** The transformation of Jesse’s role within the company from a general participant to a service manager, emphasizing the importance of mentorship and diverse perspectives.

Chapters:

- **0:00 - Introduction and Welcome**

- **2:00 - Donnie’s Background and Start of Hornback Plumbing**

- **5:00 - Military Influence on Business Practices**

- **8:00 - Connecting with Leap Service Partners**

- **11:00 - Generational Business Transition**

- **14:00 - Jesse’s Role and Responsibilities**

- **17:00 - Benefits of Private Equity Partnership**

- **20:00 - Challenges and Solutions in Inventory Management**

- **25:00 - Importance of Ride-Alongs for Management**

- **30:00 - Embracing Technology in Plumbing Services**

- **40:00 - Closing Thoughts and Future Outlook**

Keywords:

Plumbing, HVAC, Air Conditioning, Electrical, Contractor, Freedom Blueprint Podcast, Justin Deese, Kristen Deese, When Your Business Partner is Your Spouse, Hornback Plumbing, Elizabethtown, Kentucky, Family Business, Leadership, Leap Service Partners, Residential Plumbing, Business Growth, Military Veteran, Industry Trends, Inventory Management, Service Manager, Business Transition, Private Equity in Home Services, theleappartners.com