Beyond The Thermostat

This week host Scott Pierson breaks down the key insights from the 2026 HVAC Contractor Survey with guest David Holt of EGIA. They explore how rising prices, shifting consumer behavior, and a potential repair-heavy season are reshaping the industry. Scott and David also dive into why customer experience is becoming the true differentiator and how labor shortages and diversification are changing the way contractors operate. 

This week we sit down with Alec Stevanovski, Chief Editor at HomePros, to discuss the current state of the HVAC industry. Exploring the shifting market conditions, growing repair-versus-replace debate, private equity consolidation, and how technology and AI are beginning to impact the trades. 

This week I sit down with David Holt from EGIA to break down what’s really happening in the HVAC world right now. We talk about the post-COVID boom ending, the slowdown many contractors are feeling, and why homeowners are shifting hard toward repair over replacement. David shares real contractor perspective on urgency, customer trust, and what it takes to diagnose and fix equipment the right way. This episode sets the foundation for Part Two, where we dive into the business side, pricing, growth, and strengthening contracting companies in a repair-heavy market. 

This week I sit down with David Holt from EGIA to break down what’s really happening in the HVAC world right now. We talk about the post-COVID boom ending, the slowdown many contractors are feeling, and why homeowners are shifting hard toward repair over replacement. David shares real contractor perspective on urgency, customer trust, and what it takes to diagnose and fix equipment the right way. This episode sets the foundation for Part Two, where we dive into the business side, pricing, growth, and strengthening contracting companies in a repair-heavy market. 

This week on The Parts Truth I talk with Jennifer Manzo founder of the HVA-Chicks Coalition about her journey from teacher to tech, and the urgent need to modernize training, culture, and access to information in the HVAC industry. We explore how to attract Gen Z and women to the trades, and why the future of HVAC depends on bold changes today. 

This week, I sit down with Tersh Blissett, host of the Service Business Mastery Podcast, to explore how AI is reshaping the HVAC industry—from the front office to the field. Tersh brings deep insight into how contractors can leverage AI to optimize operations, automate repetitive tasks, and delegate smarter.We dive into real-world use cases like AI-powered call summaries, outbound voice agents, review responses, and even warranty registration. Tersh shares how AI isn’t replacing people but empowering them to do better work, faster. We also talk about the generational shift in the trades, the need for tech support transformation, and why contractors should start small with tools like ChatGPT to build their AI muscle.

This week, I sit down with Ruchir Shah, founder of SkillCat, to unpack one of the most pressing challenges in our industry: the skilled labor shortage and the generational shift in HVAC.Ruchir shares how SkillCat is transforming access to the trades through mobile-based, simulation-driven training that empowers both newcomers and experienced workers to reskill and thrive. We dive into licensing, hands-on assessments, apprenticeship pipelines, and how contractors can build sustainable talent strategies that actually work.

This week I sit down with Clifton Beck, Director of Digital Media for ESCO Institute and host of the Did You Know? ESCO's HVAC Podcast. Together we dive into the “meat and potatoes” of the HVAC industry—covering real challenges, the importance of managing expectations, and how building trust shapes stronger contractor–customer relationships. Clifton shares insights from his work in digital media, his perspective on training and education, and the solutions ESCO is bringing to the table for the future of the trade. 

In this episode I sit down with Gary McCreadie. HVAC technician, educator, and founder of the HVAC Know It All brand. We explore the evolving HVAC landscape, from the skilled labor shortage and generational culture shifts to the rise of AI, digital tools, and smarter procurement strategies. Gary shares insights on technician training, ethical sales practices, and how technology is reshaping the way we diagnose, service, and communicate in the field.Whether you're a contractor, technician, OEM, or HVAC business owner, this episode is packed with real talk and forward-thinking ideas to help you stay ahead in a changing industry.

This week, I sit down with Alec Stevanovski, Chief Editor of HomePros, a leading digital media platform focused on the business side of HVAC. Alec shares how HomePros curates content that informs, inspires, and empowers contractors, business owners, and industry professionals. From editorial strategy to industry trends, this episode explores how media can elevate the trades and support the next generation of HVAC leaders.Whether you're a technician, entrepreneur, or just passionate about the future of the skilled trades, this conversation offers a fresh perspective on the power of storytelling in HVAC.