HVAC CHATS
Welcome to “HVAC Chats,” a series of HVAC podcast episodes by Contracting Business and Endeavor Business Media, hosted by Nicole Krawcke, editor-in-chief of Contracting Business magazine. “HVAC Chats” offers industry and business insights to help heating and air conditioning contractors grow and manage their businesses. In every episode, Contracting Business explores the topics and trends impacting HVAC contracting businesses and considers strategies for success in the ever-changing HVACR market. For more information on Contracting Business, visit www.contractingbusiness.com.
Episodes
In this episode of "HVAC Chats," host Nicole Krawcke, editor-in-chief of Contracting Business, speaks with Tony Cooper, owner of Cooper’s Plumbing and Air in Bainbridge, Georgia, and Tallahassee, Florida. Cooper shares how leadership development, employee incentives, and phantom equity have supported retention and growth in his HVAC and plumbing business. The conversation explores workforce challenges, hiring leaders from outside t...
In this episode of "HVAC Chats," Nicole Krawcke, editor-in-chief of Contracting Business, speaks with Brian Beaulieu, chief economist at ITR Economics, about economic trends and business strategies for 2026. They discuss rising material and labor costs, effective pricing strategies, workforce retention, and capital planning for contractors. The conversation provides actionable insights for HVACR professionals seeking to maintain p...
In this episode, Editor-in-Chief Nicole Krawcke speaks with Trevor Matthews, founder of Refrigeration Mentor, a provider of refrigeration, CO₂, and HVACR training programs. Matthews shares insights from his career as a commercial refrigeration technician, manufacturer trainer, and industry educator. The discussion explores how artificial intelligence, smart controls, CO₂ systems, and advanced electronics are reshaping refrigeration...
In this episode, Trey McWilliams, founder of Blue Cardinal Home Services Group and CEO of McWilliams & Son Heating and Air Conditioning, shares how he transformed his third-generation family business from a small lifestyle operation into a thriving, culture-driven HVAC company, and how those lessons inspired the creation of Blue Cardinal. The conversation explores servant leadership, employee retention, and how HVAC contractors...
In this episode of HVAC Chats, Contracting Business Editor-in-Chief Nicole Krawcke speaks with Josh Koplin, co-founder of EDEN and a guest contributor to Contracting Business magazine. Koplin discusses how evolving consumer behavior—driven by what he calls the “Amazon effect”—is reshaping how HVAC contractors must market, sell, and deliver services.
In this episode of "HVAC Chats," Nicole Krawcke sits down with Jenny Benbrook, founder and CEO of Powerhouse Consulting Group, to discuss how HVAC contractors can get the most out of their business software. From field service management to CRM and ERP systems, Benbrook explains how the right technology—and the right training—can transform efficiency, boost team performance, and drive long-term growth for HVAC businesses.
On this episode of HVAC Chats, Emily Fleniken, partner and creative director at Lemon Seed Marketing, discusses the importance of building memorable contractor brands. She covers strategies for branding, community engagement, and nurturing existing clients to drive sustainable growth. Emily shares practical tips to humanize your business and stay top of mind with customers.
In this episode, Trevor Bacon, operations manager and vice president of construction at Bacon Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electric, shares proven strategies for engaging and retaining HVAC talent across multiple generations. From setting clear expectations during onboarding to creating transparent career roadmaps, Trevor explains how contractors can build a culture of growth. He emphasizes the importance of listening to employees,...
In this episode, we sit down with Chris Johnson, president of Elko, Nevada-based Charles Chester Plumbing & Heating Inc., to talk about why engaging a multigenerational workforce matters more than ever. From seasoned pros passing down hard-earned wisdom to younger techs bringing fresh ideas and digital know-how, each generation has something valuable to contribute. Tune in as we explore how bridging those differences can build ...
In this episode, Amanda Zink, president of Lake Havasu, Arizona-based Air Control Home Services, discusses succession planning and the unique dynamics of working in a family HVAC business. Zink highlights both the challenges and deep rewards of multi-generational work, calling it one of the greatest honors of her life to build a business alongside her parents and brother.
SupplyHouse.com Chief Human Resources Officer Matt Willden discusses best practice strategies for hiring and retaining key positions within HVAC contracting businesses in this latest episode.
In 2021, brothers David and Michael Katz founded Trio Heating and Air Conditioning in San Jose, California, despite having no previous experience in the HVAC industry. In just two years, the company grew to $10 million in revenue. In this episode, we sit down with David Katz to discuss scalable business growth, attracting top talent, and more.
PHCC Educational Foundation Executive Director Daniel Quinonez discusses workforce development, focusing on the Foundation’s HVAC education and apprenticeship contest updates, as well as the Trump Administration’s executive order on modernizing workforce programs through registered apprenticeships.
Explore The Trades Executive Director Kate Cinnamo discusses key challenges in attracting new talent to the skilled trades, Explore The Trades' awareness initiatives, the future of workforce development, and more in this latest episode.
While consumer behavior is shifting toward short-term solutions like repairs over replacements, customers still prioritize value over cheap options. Therefore, HVAC contractors should resist reducing prices and instead focus on increasing value, according to The New Flat Rate President Danielle Putnam.
ACCA President & CEO Barton James and Sean Robertson, ACCA's vice president of membership, advocacy, and events, discuss tariff policies, supply chain, industry pricing, as well as regulatory issues for HVAC contractors to watch.
Get to know this amazing trainer/consultant who has helped thousands of HVACR contractors learn more and sell more.
Amy O'Grady, Women in HVACR's first Executive Director describes her background in HVAC and how WHVACR is helping women gain traction in the trades.
All generations LOVE to buy but HATE to be sold. Wind the HEART and the MIND will follow.
Andy Hobaica, Comfort Advisor with Hobaica Services, achieves outstanding results in HVAC system sales by HELPING, not selling.
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