Today we’d like to introduce you to John Apida.
Hi John, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I started my career in the construction industry in Illinois, working with my uncle on remodeling projects. Initially a plumbing apprentice, I discovered my passion for HVAC and made the shift to pursue it full-time. After attending night school for two years, I secured my first full-time HVAC position as a helper specializing in installations. It didn’t take long for me to realize that I enjoyed the craftsmanship side of the work more than anything else. I’ve always taken immense pride in the quality of my work—if I couldn’t step back and feel proud of what I did, it wasn’t enough.
After two years on the installation side, I transitioned to the service side of the HVAC industry, where I found my true calling in the technical aspects of the trade. A few years later, I started working for a new company, which continued to build on my previous electrical experience. By this point, I was handling a mix of HVAC and electrical duties, working on everything from new construction buildouts to commercial remodels and service calls.
After 28 years in Illinois, I decided it was time for a change, so I moved to Texas for the warmer weather and chasing a girl. Fast forward to today (and runing from the Texas heat), after settling in Charleston for over two years with an 8-month-old, I took the leap to start my own HVAC and Electrical company, Degree Home Services.
My vision for Degree is built around the same pride I’ve always taken in my work. I want to provide an unbeatable service while creating a career-driven environment for future employees. My goal is to offer life-changing opportunities to anyone who works for Degree, and I’m dedicated to building a company that people are genuinely proud to be a part of—something that is becoming rare in today’s trades industry.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
While my journey has been relatively smooth, there’s one challenge that stands out in my mind: committing to the leap of starting my own company full-time. For a long time, the constant “what ifs” and fear of uncertainty held me back. I struggled with the idea of taking such a big risk—leaving behind a steady paycheck and jumping into the unknown. The fear of failure, the financial instability, and the pressure of making the right decision all seemed like overwhelming obstacles.
But the biggest motivator for making that jump wasn’t just business-related. It was personal. When I became a parent, I realized that my priorities were shifting. I wanted to be present in my son’s life and have the flexibility to be involved in every important moment. The job I had at the time, with its rigid schedule and lack of control over my day-to-day life, made that impossible. I knew that if I continued down that path, I wouldn’t be able to give my family the time and attention they deserved.
The desire to be more present for my son ultimately pushed me to take the risk and pursue my dream of starting my own business. It wasn’t an easy decision, but it was the right one. Today, I have the freedom to manage my schedule, work on something I’m passionate about, and most importantly, be there for my son. It was the leap of faith that, in hindsight, was worth every bit of uncertainty. Moving forward with the business and future employees I will carry that same value along and make sure that personal and family time is always a top priorty.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
At Degree Home Services, we specialize in heating, air conditioning, and electrical services, with a focus on delivering quality, precision, and pride in every job we do. Unlike many other companies, we try to take a scientific approach to solving home comfort challenges. We view the home as an integrated system and prioritize efficiency, moisture control, indoor air quality, and overall a greater comfort profile. Our commitment to excellence means that we take immense pride in our work—there isn’t a job we complete that we wouldn’t proudly put our name on.
My core mission is to build a company that our team and customers can stand behind with confidence. I feel that creating an environment of continuous growth—both professionally and personally is extremely important . We aim to create a workplace where employees thrive, are constantly learning and advancing within the company and personally. I am dedicated to separating ourselves from the competition through ongoing training, recognizing that the HVAC industry is constantly evolving. Staying ahead of industry changes ensures that we provide the most up-to-date and effective solutions for our clients. My biggest goal with the company is to create a place where people are proud to be apart of and work for.
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
My wife deserves more credit than I will ever be able to give her. She believed in my capabilities even when I was doubtful and pushed me. She has been my biggest supporter from the very beginning when this was all an idea. I would not be where I am right now if it weren’t for her.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.degreehomeservices.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/degreehomeservices/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100095641869418
