Jesse & Trebeca Itzen launched Bighorn Plumbing with zero experience, no contractor’s license… and built a booming plumbing business in under two years.
In this episode of Potty Talk, they share how they went from watching YouTube videos to hiring a general manager and building a freedom lifestyle — all by following the Million Dollar Plumber Success Academy before they even opened their doors.
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Fearless to Freedom: How Jesse and Trebeca Built Bighorn Plumbing From the Ground Up
Hey, plumbing pro—here’s a story that will fire you up.
Most people fall into business ownership. Jesse and Trebeca Itzen ran straight toward it.
From not-yet-licensed to fully systemized, they built Bighorn Plumbing with boldness, clarity, and serious faith.
In this episode of Potty Talk, you’ll hear how they:
- Started MDP before launching their business
- Grew to 5 techs and a GM in under 2 years
- Designed a business and marriage that’s stronger than ever
Nugget #1: Fearless Comes Before Freedom
When Jesse decided to start a plumbing business, he hadn’t even passed his contractor’s exam.
But they didn’t wait for perfect timing.
They took a leap—together.
“Our word that first year was fearless,” Jesse says.
They knew they didn’t know it all. But instead of winging it, they went all in with the Success Academy.
They got their pricing right. Nailed their branding. Built systems before chaos hit.
And by the time they opened their doors in Carson City, Nevada, they looked like they’d been in business 5 years.
Nugget #2: Build the Business Before the Van
Most guys start with a van and figure it out later. Not Jesse and Trebeca.
They built the systems, office, and brand before they hired their first tech.
That’s what made growth feel inevitable.
“We looked legit from day one. Customers had no idea we were brand new,” Trebeca says.
Their mindset?
- Hire before you feel ready
- Always be recruiting
- Book for today
- Stay in your lane as a couple
And the biggest one? You can build freedom on purpose
Nugget #3: Systems Create Marriage Strength
It wasn’t just the business that grew—so did their relationship.
Working together as a couple brought its challenges. But also its rewards.
“Date nights, staying in our lanes, and hiring help at home were game-changers,” Trebeca says.
“We’re closer now than ever before,” Jesse adds.
They learned to:
- Lead without stepping on toes
- Share a vision and filter decisions through a yearly “word”
- Keep business challenges from wrecking their connection
Their 2024 word? Freedom.
And they’re living it.
Want Results Like This?
Whether you’re just starting or trying to fix what’s not working, Jesse and Trebeca’s story proves that mindset + systems = freedom.
Here’s What to Do Next:
👉 Join My FREE Skool Group – Get training, resources, and connect with other plumbing pros who are scaling their businesses. Click here to join.
👉 Book a Free Strategy Call – Stop guessing. Let’s map out your pricing, hiring, and marketing so you can get out of the truck and grow a business that works without you. Book your call here.
