Episodes
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NEWSmakers Podcast: Where Heat Pumps and Boilers Work Better Together
Weil-McLain’s Konrad Witek explains why hybrid heating can offer contractors a practical path toward electrification.
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Building the Future of Home Comfort
Jeff Tyminski explores the trends in modern home comfort, such as electrification, cold climate heat pumps, and financial incentives helping homeowners transition to high-efficiency systems.Sponsored by Trane
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Just In Time Trades Revenue Chasing for Intentional Growth
On this episode of Beyond the Wrench with host Chris Lollini, the Just In Time co-founders share how smaller wins, a rigorous hiring process, and a culture-first mindset are helping strengthen the business.
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Why the Trades Should Sell a Path to Business Ownership
Nexstar Network President and CEO Julian Scadden explains why workforce investments should promote entrepreneurship alongside technical careers.
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How Anchor Heating and Air Grew 407% in Three Years
Husband-and-wife owners Stephanie and David Postell discuss the decisions that helped Anchor Heating and Air grow exponentially in just three years.
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Is Your Back Office Leaking Revenue?
Most AI talk in the trades stops at answering the phone. Podium Sales Manager McKay Rasmussen digs deeper: where contractors lose money behind the scenes (stale leads, unpaid invoices, wasted drive time) and how an AI business manager recovers it before heating season hits.Sponsored by Podium
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The NEWSmakers Podcast: Scaling an HVAC Business From $700,000 to $7 Million
Roy White shares the lessons, mistakes, and leadership changes that helped Fixed Right & Guaranteed grow from roughly $700,000 to $7 million.
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Numbers Don't Lie: Real Results from Contractors Running Podium's AI
Listen to real stories of contractors using AI to capture missed calls, automate busywork, grow revenue, and get their lives back.Sponsored by Podium
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Beyond the Wrench: Why This HVAC Contractor Is ‘Always Hiring’
On this episode, host Chris Lollini and Atticman Heating and Air Conditioning & Insulation owner Mario Lopez discuss how strong people, quick decision-making, and a deliberate approach to customer service have helped drive the company’s growth.
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Growth Isn’t Always a Straight Line: The LCS Story
From starting over to scaling up, hear how LCS overcame challenges, strengthened operations, evolved its brand, and built a profitable business.Sponsored by Lemon Seed Marketing
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The HVAC Sales Conversation Should Come Before the Product Pitch
On this episode of the Newsmakers Podcast, True Pros Heating and Air owner Katy Higgins explains why identifying the customer’s real problem should come before discussing brands, models, or efficiency ratings.
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Inside the U.S. Heat Pump Summit w/ Brent Davidson and Brynn Cooksey
Brynn Cooksey, industry veteran and HVAC educator, joins Brent Davidson, Founder of the U.S. Heat Pump Summit, to discuss the future of heat pumps, contractor opportunities, and what residential and commercial contractor attendees can expect from this year's Summit in Massachusetts.Sponsored by…
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Why Legacy FSMs Can't Keep Up With Podium's AI Operating System
Jim Christian leads product at Podium, building an AI Operating System for home services where AI employees replace the legacy FSM.Sponsored by Podium.
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Matt Michel Explains the Business Exit Roller Coaster
Matt Michel joins the Newsmakers Podcast to discuss The Business Exit Roller Coaster, the book he co-authored with Brandon Jacob about the emotional journey of selling a company.
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Beyond the Wrench: Tim O’Brien on Building a People-First Home Service Business
In this episode of Beyond the Wrench with host Chris Lollini, guest Tim O'Brien explains the shift that happens when a contractor stops selling equipment and starts selling solutions.
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Chill Under Pressure, EP 30: Guest, Zach Perge with HARDI
Welcome back to Chill Under Pressure! Zach from @HARDInews joins us today, where we talk about the upcoming future for the refrigerant world and the major culture shift that must happen for HVAC technicians. The impending disaster of little to no gas approaches and the lack of recovered and...
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Beyond the Wrench: Trey McWilliams on How to Use AI Without Losing the Human Element
On this episode of Beyond the Wrench, Chris Lollini sits down with Trey McWilliams to discuss how artificial intelligence can help businesses automatically collect operational data, identify underperforming metrics, and provide leaders with potential solutions.
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Chill Under Pressure, EP 28: Guest, Doug Smiley with Lennox
Another great episode for Chill! Doug Smiley, Manager of the Lennox Training Locations joins us today to share some awesome opportunities in the works for Lennox. Thanks for taking the time to hang out with us today, Doug! Learn more about the Lennox Friends and family programSponsored by:
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PHCC Indiana Brings Pre-Apprentice HVAC Training to Hamilton County Jail
In this episode of the Newsmakers Podcast, PHCC Indiana’s Chuck Gillespie (right) and PHCC Foundation’s Dan Quinonez (left) discuss a new re-entry training program at the Hamilton County Jail. The pilot program uses PHCC Academy’s HVAC pre-apprentice curriculum, along with hands-on press…
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The Emotional Roller Coaster That Is Selling An HVAC Company
Selling a business can look like a straightforward financial win, but Matt Michel says the reality is often far more complicated. In this episode of the Newsmakers Podcast, Michel discusses the emotional ups and downs covered in The Business Exit Roller Coaster, from the first decision to sell...
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Beyond the Wrench: Building Enterprise Value in Home Services
In this episode of Beyond the Wrench with host Chris Lollini, Branden Dickey of Conejo Services shares how the company moved from instinct-driven operations to a more disciplined, structured business model. Dickey discusses the role of financial planning, leadership talent, data, and automation…
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Multi Ejector High Pressure: Key to Energy Efficiency at High Temperatures
Danfoss Application Engineering Manager Chris Brown discusses the company’s recent whitepaper, “Danfoss Multi Ejector High Pressure (HP): Unlocking 21% Savings over Traditional CO₂ Booster Systems,” which details how Danfoss’ Multi Ejector HP, in conjunction with parallel compression, can result…
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Mini Pumps, Big Impact: How Sensor Technology Is Changing Condensate Management
In this episode of the Newsmakers Podcast, Jeff Ponce, category director at Malco, stops by to talk about the changing role of condensate management in HVAC installations. Ponce discusses how mini pump technology is advancing, why biofilm and drain issues remain major contractor concerns, and how...
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Beyond the Wrench: Cody Dampf on Marketing, Operations, and the Basics
On this debut episode of Beyond the Wrench, Chris Lollini speaks with Cody Dampf, owner and president of American Home Pros, a Tulsa-based HVAC and plumbing company with 17 trucks on the road. Damp breaks down the company’s approach to marketing, including a major push to dedicate 40% of…
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New Data Shows Repair Becoming a Bigger Driver for HVAC Contractors
Housecall Pro’s Roland Ligtenberg joined the Newsmakers Podcast to discuss a new report tracking HVAC repair economics from 2021 to 2025, and the message was clear: repair is taking a larger role in contractor revenue.
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Ferris State Professors Talk Workforce Development, Recruiting and Retention in HVAC
In this episode of The Newsmakers Podcast, Jacob Guest (left) and Ryan Kauffman (right) of Ferris State University discussed the gap between what the HVAC industry needs and what the talent pipeline is currently producing.
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Hyperlocal Strategy Helps Contractors Stretch Marketing Dollars
In this episode of the Newsmakers Podcast, Tracy Paul, founder and principal of Cornerstone Advertising, explains the difference between local and hyperlocal marketing for contractors. He argues that the most effective strategy often starts with focusing on the zip codes closest to the shop…
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Report: Contractors Face New Digital Reality as AI Search Grows
Jamie Adams, CRO at Scorpion, explains how homeowners are now frequently turning to AI tools, and prioritizing the online reputation of HVAC contractors before booking.
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Aaron Services Launches AI Assistant to Help Homeowners Troubleshoot Plumbing Problems
Sara Adams of Aaron Services discusses the company’s launch of a custom AI assistant and Alexa tool designed to help homeowners troubleshoot DIY projects and also book more jobs.
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Navigating HVAC Sales, Pricing, and Financing in Today’s Market
What’s really changing in HVAC sales? Pricing pressure, efficiency shifts, and why financing matters more than ever. Sponsored by Watercress Financial.
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Where Profit Meets Leadership: Join Nexstar at ACCA 2026
As contractors prep for ACCA 2026 in Las Vegas, don’t miss two powerful sessions on stopping revenue leaks and building an ownership mindset in the field. In this interview, industry leaders share what attendees can expect and how the right strategies can drive lasting performance and results....
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Stop Blaming the Market: The Real Fix for HVAC Labor and Margin Pressure
In this episode of the Newsmakers Podcast, Jackie Sponsler, master advisor at CEO Warrior, unpacks the real story behind today’s labor shortage. Sponsler argues the issue isn’t just a lack of workers, but a shortage of skilled, accountable, revenue-producing technicians, and explains why…
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HVAC Software’s Next Phase: Fewer Apps, Tighter Workflows
As contractors juggle more digital tools than ever, software companies are rethinking how, and where, those tools show up. On this episode of the NEWSMakers Podcast, Bluon CEO Peter Capuciati breaks down why embedding functionality directly into platforms like ServiceTitan may be the key to real...
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When Winter Hits Hard: How Parts, Predictability, and Planning Keep HVAC Contractors Moving
Parts Town’s Scott Pierson breaks down what actually slows contractors down during major winter storms — and how smarter parts strategy can reduce downtime, stress, and lost revenue.
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Ecoer's Innovative Approach to HVAC: Technology, Efficiency & Support
Unlock the future of HVAC with Ecoer’s IoT-powered heat pumps, industry-leading efficiency, and a 10-year warranty that changes the game. Learn how Ecoer helps distributors boost margins and stay ahead! Sponsored by Ecoer.
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Grip the Future: Navigating A2Ls with Confidence in 2026
The HVACR industry is navigating a dynamic period of transformation. Market dynamics, evolving regulations, and transition to low-GWP refrigerants are driving distributors and contractors to adapt in a changing industry. How do contractors, distributors, and suppliers work together to meet…
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Innovation and Opportunity in the Post-A2L Era
As the industry moves past the A2L transition, the conversation is shifting from compliance to innovation. In this webinar, we’ll highlight our latest advancements—including our dual refrigerant technology—designed to give contractors, distributors, and OEMs more flexibility and efficiency. Learn...
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Panama Bartholomy on Policy, Grid Readiness, and Contractor Opportunity
In this episode, Building Decarbonization Coalition Founder Executive Director Panama Bartholomy breaks down the rapid rise of heat pumps, the policy landscape shaping the transition, and why contractor confidence is the most important factor in the years ahead.
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Beating the 2025 HVAC Slowdown With Maintenance, Marketing, and Money
In this NEWSmakers episode, BDR’s Jay Crowe details how inventory planning, strong maintenance programs, strategic financing, and careful tracking of PACE metrics can help contractors maximize every call in a soft market marked by refrigerant transition challenges and cautious homeowners.
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HVAC Innovations: The Rise of VRF and Ductless Systems
Engineered Systems caught up with Laura Michel, Trane® Ductless Portfolio Manager. Hear current VRF and Ductless HVAC trends and discover how innovative solutions and updated standards are driving the next phase of VRF. Sponsored by Trane.
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3 Ways to Tackle HVAC Industry’s Biggest Challenges
Scott Harkins, SVP of Sales for Resideo, explores how Resideo is addressing HVAC contractors’ three biggest challenges with its latest smart solutions. Sponsored by Resideo.
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Smarter Service: Inside Trane’s AI-Powered Tech Assistant with Marc Racine
In this episode, Marc Racine, Senior Product Manager at Trane Technologies, shares how AI-driven tools like the Tech Assistant are transforming HVAC service. Learn how this innovation helps dealers and technicians streamline troubleshooting, boost efficiency, and deliver faster, smarter support…
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What’s “Speed to Close” in the HVAC World? Let’s Ask Ben Phillips
Ben Phillips (Eden) on shrinking the gap from first click to booked install with instant, transparent quotes.
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Picking A Partner Before an Acquisition with guest Trey McWilliams
In this episode of the Newsmakers Podcast, we speak with Tray McWilliams, a third-generation HVAC operator who scaled a family business to five locations before founding Blue Cardinal Home Services.
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Troubleshooting Comfort Issues with NCI's David Richardson
How do pros actually fix comfort issues? David Richardson, director of technical curriculum and instructor at the National Comfort Institute (NCI), answers: measure first, then act—starting at the equipment, moving through the ducts, and finishing with the building. He covers hot/cold rooms,...
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Arkema Discusses Lower GWP Refrigerants
Kris Crosby, Forane® Tech Tips author and Arkema Sr. Business Development Engineer, discusses the latest lower GWP refrigerants and the impact of Forane® 1233zd production in North America. Sponsored by Arkema.
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How to Network in HVACR
Leadership members of TACCA, Brittany Doering and Ben Stark, join the podcast to talk about how HVAC contractors can network properly.
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Win 2026: Why the Best Contractors Plan Now
There is power in planning. When business leaders chart out where they’re going, they win. Tune in as two Nexstar Network coaches – Business Coach Carlos Aponte (left) and Marketing Coach Jeff Wright (right) – share their playbook to help contractors set their businesses up for success ahead of...
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Tuck In Business Acquisition
What is a tuck in business and how do HVAC contractors handle them? David Katz from Redwood Services stops by the podcast to answer our questions.
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Leadership in HVAC Businesses
While sometimes overlooked, leadership is an important aspect of running an HVAC business. Chris Morin from HVAC Pro Blog joins the podcast to provide some leadership tips.