Florida Entrepreneur Shares Lessons from Humble Beginnings and a Call for Greater Accountability in Service Trades

NEW PORT RICHEY, FL / ACCESS Newswire / July 2, 2025 / Christopher Mickey, founder of Airheads HVAC and a serial entrepreneur who has flipped over 500 homes, is calling on small business owners - especially in home services - to bring integrity and dependability back to the centre of their work. In a recent interview, Mickey opened up about his journey from working at Winn-Dixie as a teenager to running multiple successful businesses across Florida.

"No one's coming to save you. You've got to be willing to do the hard things, especially when no one's watching," said Mickey. "It's not about being flashy-it's about being dependable. That's how you build a name that lasts."

Mickey's message comes at a time when consumer trust in trades like HVAC, plumbing, and contracting is declining. A 2024 study by the Better Business Bureau found that over 35% of home service complaints relate to missed appointments, poor communication, or low-quality workmanship. Mickey believes the solution isn't more marketing - it's more ownership.

"We kept getting burned by HVAC companies when flipping homes," he explained. "So I got licensed and started my own. We show up. We fix our mistakes. That shouldn't be a rare thing in this industry."

Mickey's story - leaving home at 14, building a business from a failing pizza shop, and learning trades the hard way - offers more than inspiration. It's a roadmap. His companies, rooted in Pasco County, now support charities, churches, and youth sports across the region. His approach? Sustainable business driven by community, not shortcuts.

"You don't have to own four companies to make a difference," said Mickey. "But if you're running one - any one - run it like it matters. Because it does. Every job is someone's home, someone's trust."

Practical Steps for Building Trust in Your Business:

Mickey urges fellow business owners, tradespeople, and aspiring entrepreneurs to focus less on appearances and more on consistent, honest service. "If you do what you say you'll do, you're already ahead of most. That's something anyone can start doing today."

He invites others to take small steps:

• Show up on time.

• Fix your own mistakes.

• Train your team well.

• Support your local schools or youth sports leagues.

• Treat every customer like they're your neighbour.

"Success isn't about shortcuts. It's about showing up-every day, for years," Mickey concluded.

To read more, visit the website here.

About Christopher Mickey
Christopher Mickey is an entrepreneur based in New Port Richey, Florida. He owns Airheads HVAC and has a background in real estate, leasing, and finance. With over 500 homes flipped and a mission rooted in reliability and community service, Mickey continues to advocate for values-driven small business leadership.

Contact:

Info@christophermickeyflorida.com

SOURCE: Christopher Mickey