The HVAC Hustle of a Tradesmom – Rachel Evans

Introduction

Rachel Evans didn’t wait for the perfect time to start her HVAC business—in fact, she launched it while 9 months pregnant. In this raw and inspiring episode of Profit & Grit, Rachel shares how she went from being fired as a sales tech to building her San Diego-based company, CaliMech, from the ground up. With nothing but grit, a few tools, and a three-month rent buffer, she carved her path in a male-dominated industry while raising two young children. You’ll hear her bold takes on pricing, hiring, mentorship, and why she proudly grooms her techs to leave. If you’ve ever wondered what it really takes to start from scratch—this episode is your blueprint.

About Rachel Evans

Rachel Evans is the owner of California Mechanical (CaliMech), a residential and commercial HVAC company serving San Diego County. Known online as @missminisplit, Rachel built her brand and business by staying authentic, working smart, and prioritizing flat-rate pricing and quality installs. A former technician and single mom, she launched her business after being fired from a sales role and has since grown a reputation for her integrity, training mindset, and unconventional path in the trades.

Episode Highlights

From fired to founder: Rachel turned a termination into the launch of her own company

Starting with three months’ rent: How she built her business without any leads

The “mini split” strategy: Why she niched down while raising young kids

Grooming techs to leave: Her bold approach to mentorship and leadership

Why she chose flat-rate pricing: And how she keeps it simple for service calls

Her biggest mistake: Choosing the wrong business entity at the start

Building on referrals: How she’s booked out without spending on ads

Loneliness at the top: What nobody talks about as a solo business owner

Balancing motherhood and HVAC: Why she refused to choose between the two

Key Takeaways

Start before you feel ready

Rachel’s leap into business ownership wasn’t calculated—it was instinctive. She saved up just enough to survive for three months and made it work. Her story is a powerful reminder that action beats overplanning.

Build trust, not dependency

Instead of trying to keep employees forever, Rachel trains them to eventually run their own shops. This creates a culture of growth, honesty, and loyalty—even if they someday leave.

Your brand is your voice

Rachel grew her brand by being boldly herself. From her truck to Instagram, she built trust by being visible, real, and vocal in an industry that often rewards conformity.

Systems beat hustle

Flat-rate pricing, word-of-mouth marketing, and simple CRM tools let Rachel run lean while still delivering quality. She proves that you don’t need to overcomplicate to succeed.

CFO Insights from the Episode

💰 Price with clarity, not guesswork

Rachel swears by flat-rate pricing—a strategy that not only simplifies billing but also builds trust with clients. A fractional CFO can help shop owners analyze repair trends, build custom rate books, and maintain profit margins while staying competitive.

🔧 Lean systems create freedom

Rachel uses referral-based marketing, streamlined installs, and tools like FieldPulse to keep things simple. A fractional CFO can help business owners audit their tech stack, cut waste, and optimize recurring processes for better ROI and team performance.

📊 Set up your entity the right way

Choosing the wrong business structure cost Rachel time and money. A fractional CFO can help founders avoid these early mistakes by setting up the right financial foundation from day one—and adjusting as the business grows.

Business Insights from the Episode

Referral engines scale better than ad spend

Rachel built a thriving business without pouring money into leads. By focusing on quality, reputation, and relationships, she’s booked out through referrals alone.

Your team is your legacy

Rather than hoarding talent, Rachel invests in growing people. Her long game is about building leaders, not just workers.

Authenticity is your unfair advantage

Rachel’s online brand stands out because it’s unapologetically her. When others play it safe, being real is what cuts through the noise and builds real trust.

Fun Facts

1. Rachel took her contractor’s license exam while 9 months pregnant.
2. She started her business after being fired for poor sales performance.
3. She runs her company out of her truck—and loves it.

Actionable Items

1. Consider flat-rate pricing: It removes confusion and builds client trust. Look at your service call patterns to build a starter rate book.
2. Train your team like future owners: Share processes, teach decision-making, and encourage autonomy.
3. Build your business around your life: Like Rachel, design your business to work with your current season—whether that’s parenting, recovery, or scaling up.

Maxims to Live By

• Bet on yourself early – You don’t need perfect timing, just grit and a plan B.
• Teach your way out of the job – Leadership is helping others outgrow their roles.
• Flat-rate means peace of mind – Clarity is a win-win for you and your clients.
• Referrals beat ad fatigue – Deliver great work, and your clients will market for you.
• Start lean, stay lean – Use tools that fit your size, not your ego.
• Grit is your greatest asset – When skills are even, resilience wins.
• Build systems, not bottlenecks – You should never be the only one who knows how to do something.
• Give without attachment – Mentorship works best when you’re okay with them flying the nest.
• Know your numbers – Profit is more than revenue—it’s what you keep.
• Don’t overcomplicate – Most problems can be solved with a phone call, a checklist, or a flat fee.
• Your brand is your story – Tell it often, tell it boldly.
• Be a human, not a title – Clients trust people, not positions.
• Say what others won’t – There’s strength in standing out.
• Choose values over volume – You don’t need to be the biggest to be the best.
• Keep showing up – Half of winning is not quitting.

Memorable Quotes

• “I got my license while I was nine months pregnant. My baby was a month old when it came in.” – Rachel Evans
• “I was fired for being a terrible salesperson—and that’s when I said, ‘I’m doing this on my own.’” – Rachel Evans
• “I trained my techs to become contractors. Some leave—and that’s okay.” – Rachel Evans
• “I just flat rate everything. It’s simpler for me, and fairer for them.” – Rachel Evans
• “I built my entire business on word of mouth. Not one paid ad.” – Rachel Evans

Tools, Books & Resources

• FieldPulse – CRM and field service management software Rachel currently uses
• Housecall Pro – CRM platform Rachel previously used and recommends for new shops
• ADP – Payroll software she uses to manage her small team

Call to Action

💡 Connect with Tyler Martin

• • LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/thinktyler
  • Website: Profit & Grit with Tyler
  • Youtube: Profit & Grit with Tyler
  • TikTok: @profitandgrit
  • Instagram: @profitandgrit

🔍 Need Financial Clarity for Your Business?

As a fractional CFO specializing in service businesses, I help entrepreneurs like Rachel Evans transform their financial operations without the cost of a full-time executive. Whether you’re struggling with cash flow challenges, pricing strategies, or making strategic investment decisions, I provide hands-on financial guidance

🎧 Subscribe & Review

Love the insights from this episode with Rachel Evans? Help other entrepreneurs discover these valuable lessons by subscribing to Profit & Grit with Tyler on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast platform. Your honest review helps the show reach more business leaders looking for practical wisdom and inspiration.

Final Thoughts

Rachel Evans proves you don’t need perfect conditions to start—you just need the courage to take the first step. From launching during motherhood to building a business on referrals and values, her story is a reminder that grit, honesty, and heart can go a long way in the trades. Whether you’re a technician thinking of going solo or an owner redefining success, this episode will leave you inspired to do it your way.

Connect with Rachel Evans:

• 💼 LinkedIn: Rachel Evans
• 🌐 Website: CaliMech
• 📸 Instagram: @missminisplit

Don’t miss our next episode where we’ll continue exploring the mindsets and strategies that help entrepreneurs overcome challenges and build thriving businesses. Subscribe now to ensure you never miss an episode of Profit & Grit with Tyler.

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Profit & Grit with Tyler is proudly sponsored by Service Scalers, the home service marketing pros who focus on results, not marketing fluff. Whether you’re trying to fill your call board, boost your ROI, or scale your operation with confidence, Service Scalers helps home service businesses grow smarter with proven strategies in PPC, SEO, LSA, and more.

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