HVAC CHATS

In this episode of "HVAC Chats," Nicole Krawcke, head of content for Contracting Business, speaks with Scott Pierson, vice president of HVAC and market strategy at Parts Town, about how contractors can prepare for an expected high-demand summer service season. The discussion explores rising repair-versus-replace trends, parts inventory planning, technician efficiency, smart HVAC technology adoption, and the growing importance of preventive maintenance. Pierson also shares insights on OEM parts strategies, truck stock management, financing trends, and operational practices that can help HVACR contractors improve customer satisfaction and stay competitive during peak demand periods.

"HVAC Chats" welcomes Carlos Aponte, business coach with Nexstar Network, for a practical discussion on how HVAC contractors can grow revenue through value-driven sales. Hosted by Contracting Business Head of Content Nicole Krawcke, the episode explores why contractors should rethink “add-on sales” and instead present Indoor Air Quality, filtration, humidification, water treatment, and surge protection as core homeowner solutions. Aponte explains how honest communication, stronger technician training, and consistent presentation can improve close rates, service profitability, and customer trust. The conversation offers actionable strategies for HVACR business owners and managers seeking growth without increasing lead volume.

In this episode of HVAC Chats, Nicole Krawcke, head of content of Contracting Business, speaks with Peter Capuciati, CEO of Bluon Inc., about the evolving service landscape in the HVACR industry. Capuciati shares insights on the industry’s shift from replacement-driven revenue to repair and retrofit strategies, driven by rising equipment costs, new regulations, and financing challenges. The discussion also explores the growing skills gap, the importance of technician training and diagnostics, and how real-time technical support and artificial intelligence are reshaping service performance. Contractors will gain practical guidance on improving efficiency, reducing callbacks, and future-proofing their workforce in a rapidly changing market.

In this episode of "HVAC Chats," host Nicole Krawcke, head of content at Contracting Business, speaks with Jay Villegas, vice president of Frontier Air Conditioning, about leveraging technology to drive business growth. Villegas shares how his team transitioned to a CRM-based operational system to improve efficiency, streamline workflows, and enhance the customer experience. The conversation explores how automation, consistent communication, and branding help contractors compete in a crowded HVAC market, including against private equity-backed firms. Contractors will gain practical insights into scaling operations, improving retention, and building a repeatable, professional customer journey.      

In this episode of HVAC Chats, host Nicole Krawcke, head of content for Contracting Business, sits down with Colleen Keyworth, director of sales and marketing at Online-Access, to unpack how AI-driven search is transforming digital marketing for HVAC contractors. The conversation explores how tools like Google's AI Overview and large language models are shifting consumer behavior, what that means for local search visibility, and why foundational SEO remains critical even as the landscape evolves. Keyworth offers contractors practical guidance on auditing their online presence, managing third-party directory listings, creating quality content, and building the community trust that no algorithm can manufacture.

In this episode of HVAC Chats, Nicole Krawcke speaks with Danielle Putnam, CEO of The New Flat Rate, about pricing strategy, mindset, and profitability for HVAC contractors. Putnam shares insights on resetting pricing through accurate billable hour calculations, overcoming technician discounting habits, and using menu pricing systems to reduce objections. The conversation also explores how branding, scripting, and structured customer journeys support confident price presentation. Together, they outline practical steps contractors can take to price for profit, protect margins, and build sustainable HVAC businesses in 2026.

In this episode of "HVAC Chats," host Nicole Krawcke, editor-in-chief of Contracting Business, is joined by Lori Tschohl and Barbara Pfeiffer from the Women in HVACR Navigator program to discuss how mentorship builds confidence and strengthens leadership pathways in the HVACR industry. Tschohl shares her journey from business ownership into the trades and her long-standing experience mentoring professionals, while Pfeiffer reflects on seeking guidance as she advanced into operations leadership. Together, they explore how structured mentor-mentee relationships support workforce development, career growth, and stronger industry connections—especially for women and underrepresented groups in HVACR.

In this episode of HVAC Chats, host Nicole Krawcke, head of content at Contracting Business, sits down with Dustin Guyton, coach and industry expert at Business Development Resources (BDR). The conversation explores how HVAC contractors can recognize early signs of a softening market, set realistic revenue goals using historical data, and stabilize operations through proactive planning. Guyton also discusses why maintenance agreements, disciplined business planning, strategic investment, and technology adoption are critical for navigating economic uncertainty and positioning HVAC businesses for long-term growth.

"HVAC Chats" Host Nicole Krawcke, editor-in-chief of Contracting Business, is joined by Gage Donovan, director of account services at Johnson Media Group, to discuss how HVAC contractors can evolve their marketing strategies for 2026. Drawing on Johnson Media Group’s deep experience in the trades, Donovan explains the growing role of streaming television, targeted media, and data-driven planning in building trust and improving lead quality. The conversation explores how contractors of all sizes can compete more effectively, reduce customer acquisition costs, and strengthen brand recognition in an increasingly crowded HVAC marketplace.

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 the trades, and using structured incentive tools to align employees with long-term business performance. This episode offers practical insights for HVACR contractors focused on retention, leadership, and sustainable growth.

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 profitability, manage risk, and position their businesses for growth in a cautious but improving market.

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 service, training, and workforce expectations. Contractors and technicians will gain practical perspectives on improving efficiency, troubleshooting, and professional development as commercial refrigeration technology continues to evolve.

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 can protect their company’s legacy while pursuing growth or partnership opportunities.

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, adapting to their needs—whether it’s work-life balance for younger techs or advancement opportunities for seasoned workers—and following through on commitments.

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 stronger teams, boost retention, and set businesses up for long-term success.

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. 

Is a family member being paid too little or too much? And should you sell, will family want to work for a new owner?

We share an article by HVAC industry consultant Tom Piscitelli, on how to be certain your HVAC sales proposals will result in more closes.

Various industries adjust pricing for various reasons. Matt Michel explains what's likely to happen to pricing models for HVACR service.

An "In Case You Missed It" reading of an article on how Rob Minnick transformed the family HVAC business.

There's not a banker in sight running the platform company Sila Services. Sila is led by and built for tradespeople. Learn Sila's history, how it is growing, and its support for ACCA, from CEO Jason Rabbino.

The founder/owner of White Service Co., Lubbock Texas, and daughter Jessica Retzloff describe the company's specialty refrigeration services and what they look for at a show.

Lee Rosenberg shares some of his history as a successful HVAC contractor.

In one of four chats from the 2024 ACCA event, we speak with Sean Robertson of ACCA and contractor Aaron Ruddick about show highlights.

Tersh Blissett is co-founder with Josh Crouch of the "HVAC Service Business Mastery" podcast.

Over the last several months via Contracting Business HVAC Chats, Chemours shared a lot of useful intel concerning the HFC phasedown. We started with a high-level discussion of the  American Innovation and Manufacturing (AIM) Act which initiated the phasedown of hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) production and consumption in the U.S., and we spoke about the subsequent Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) work of creating new regulations and guidelines for the transition. We got into greater specifics when we aired a podcast about A2Ls, the new-generation refrigerants that have the benefits of mild flammability, low toxicity, and low global warming potential (GWP).  We also highlighted that our new Opteon brand refrigerants, such as XL41® (R-454B) are based on hydrofluoroolefins (HFOs) and is considered an HFO blend.  As we look to find solutions to climate change challenges, A2L refrigerants offer benefits such as similar operating characteristics to legacy refrigerants, a safer profile than ammonia and hydrocarbon refrigerants, and greater energy efficiency than R-410A and transcritical CO₂ systems. Then we took our discussion into the details. Because, despite the importance of the high-level information about regulations and new-generation refrigerants, Chemours knows that the service technician needs the essential facts of working within the new guidelines and with these new products.  Though A2L refrigerants will not require a fundamental shift in the way technicians conduct business, these will require more rigorous attention to basic servicing fundamentals. And we provided a detailed overview about those fundamentals. Finally, we aired a podcast focused on the successful Hensley Beverage system replacement, an A2L refrigeration installation with real impact. The Hensley project effectively paved the way for companies throughout the commercial refrigeration industry to adopt refrigerant technologies that are both cost-effective and environmentally sustainable. Our series covered the 1-2-3s of the HFC transition. Now we look at the ABCs. Chemours has  invested more than one billion dollars in research and development and downstream product and application development on low-GWP, hydrofluoroolefin (HFO), and HFC technologies, and remains committed to the ongoing development needs of customers throughout the HFC phasedown in the U.S. and globally. Our portfolio of products has been specifically developed to meet the changing global regulatory landscape while maintaining or improving performance compared to the products they replace. Making sense of all this and the impact on your business is as easy as ABC. Chemours Opteon product portfolio for A2L-ready equipment includes Opteon XL40 (R-454A), Opteon XL41 (R-454B) and Opteon XL20 (R-454C). XL40 (R-454A) was developed for remote condensing units, XL41 (R-454B) was created for air conditioning units and heat pumps, and XL20 (R-454C) is for supermarkets and industrial refrigeration applications.  The future of refrigerants is really as simple as ABC as you’ll learn in this podcast.   In this podcast you’ll learn more about: *How these new refrigerants fin into the EPA’s Technology Transition Final Rule *The correct applications for these new refrigerants. *How to get the help you need from Chemours on your upcoming projects.

Hear from the founders of Business Development Resources on BDR's beginnings and the origin and purpose behind this fine contractor event.

Listen as Carol Duncan shares her beginnings in the industry and describes SMACNA initiatives designed to increase inclusion and diversity and grow the ranks of SMACNA members.

Dominick Guarino, CEO of National Comfort Institute, describes the benefits of air upgrades.

When a leading US beverage distributor who’s looking to stay ahead of the HFC-phasedown partners with a global refrigeration solutions leader who's making gains with the use of A2Ls in commercial refrigeration, the outcome is a next-generation refrigeration install with real impact. Tune into this podcast as Chemours hosts a project retrospective on the recent installation for Hensley Beverage Corporation. Along with their project partners Heatcraft and Copeland, they’ll discuss project challenges and lessons learned from this successful collaboration to replace an aging R-22 system with a sustainable low to medium temperature system and A2L technology. This installation for Hensley has effectively paved the way for companies throughout the commercial refrigeration industry to adopt refrigerant technologies that are both cost-effective and environmentally sustainable.

As the HFC phasedown continues HVACR technicians are increasingly encountering A2L refrigerants in the field. It's important to gain a better understanding of A2Ls to maximize safety and assist your customers on installation and service calls. Thankfully, from a service perspective, the transition from existing refrigerants to A2Ls will not require a major shift in service practices, however, it will require more rigorous attention to servicing fundamentals. Existing recommended best practices for A1 refrigerants will continue to apply—with the addition of a few special considerations, new equipment, and A2L-rated tools. What was ‘best practice’ will now be required. During this podcast, Chemours Senior Training consultant Don Gillis will provide a detailed overview of important considerations such as understanding manufacturers’ mitigation strategies, flammability criteria, work-zone area requirements.

Marc Mason of Boston’s RCL Mechanical shares his journey from trade school to running one of the New England region’s leading HVAC businesses.

In October we will recognize three who made mighty contributions to the science and business of heating and air conditioning contracting. https://www.contractingbusiness.com/columns/article/21272494/first-word-september-2023-draft 

Many homeowners are in a variety of economic situations which are influencing their buying decisions. This requires the HVAC  salesperson to be sensitive to consumers’ ability to afford HVAC systems. Tom Casey, Jr. talks about the need to be flexible and creative in the service and installation options you offer to consumers.

Named for their ASHRAE safety classification, A2L refrigerants are characterized by mild flammability, low toxicity, and low global warming potential (GWP). They include hydrofluoroolefins (HFOs) and HFO blends. A2L refrigerants offer similar operating characteristics to legacy refrigerants, a safer profile than ammonia and hydrocarbon refrigerants, and are more energy efficient than R-410A and transcritical CO₂ systems.   As the world confronts the challenge of climate change, A2Ls have emerged as a replacement for older, high-impact refrigerants like HFCs and HCFCs in air conditioning and commercial refrigeration systems. A2Ls are essential for helping businesses meet the global objectives outlined in the Montreal Protocol and the Kigali Amendment, regional regulations like the U.S. AIM Act and Canada’s ODSHAR, as well as for achieving the objectives of the EU Green Deal. During this podcast, Chemours will cover A2L refrigerants for AC, food retail and cold storage applications, recent adoptions by key OEMs for HVAC, and the benefit of A2L refrigerants to the industry.  

Becoming a residential replacement salesperson could possibly be the best career goal just about everyone in the HVAC business can attain. Read Article Here: https://www.contractingbusiness.com/columns/article/21258728/reasons-for-career-hvac-replacement-sales 

On this episode of HVAC Chats, Terry is joined for a conversation on Goettl Chairman Ken Goodrich being named to Nevada Governor’s Workforce Development Board!