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!
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