HVAC Full Blast

Trane Residential

HVAC Full Blast is your bi-weekly dose of HVAC business growth, powered by Trane. Hosted by Mary Carter (Trane Technologies) and Stephen Ross (Sandler), this podcast is built for residential HVAC dealers who want to scale their business, sharpen their sales, and lead with confidence. Tune in for expert interviews, dealer success stories, and practical tips on pricing, service agreements, workforce development, and more. Whether you're in the field or in the office, HVAC Full Blast helps you stay ahead in a competitive market. Interested in becoming a Trane Dealer? Visit our website at https://partners.trane.com/ We'd love your feedback and suggestions on future episodes. Please email us at hvac_full_blast@tranetechnologies.com. This podcast channel is for general informational purposes only. The views and opinions expressed in these episodes are those of the panelists and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Trane Technologies. Trane Technologies makes no warranty or guarantee concerning accuracy or completeness of the content presented in this webinar. Trane does not provide tax, legal, or accounting advice. This material is for informational purposes only and it should not be relied on for tax, legal, or accounting advice. Tax law is subject to continual change. All decisions are your responsibility and you should consult your own tax, legal, and accounting advisors. Trane disclaims any responsibility for actions taken on the material presented. All trademarks referenced are the trademarks of their respective owners. ©2025 Trane. All Rights Reserved.

  1. Veterans + HVAC: The Trade Warriors Blueprint Dealers Need

    MAY 11

    Veterans + HVAC: The Trade Warriors Blueprint Dealers Need

    In this episode of HVAC Full Blast, Carter, Mary and Stephen Ross are joined by Craig Johnson, Director of Contractor Experience at Trane Technologies, to break down the Trade Warriors program — a veteran‑focused HVAC training and placement initiative designed to help address the skilled labor shortage.  Trade Warriors helps transitioning military service members move into HVAC careers through an intensive eight‑week training program that combines hands‑on technical learning with industry certifications — and connects graduates with dealers nationwide.  If you’re a dealer, leader, or manager trying to build a stronger bench of technicians (while supporting those who have served), this episode offers a clear, real‑world look at how Trade Warriors works — and how dealers can participate.  Interested in becoming a Trane dealer? Visit us at partners.trane.com to learn more about how you can partner with a leader in HVAC innovation. Explore opportunities to elevate your business and stay ahead in the market with Trane!

    52 min
  2. Burn Your Cape: Stop Firefighting and Fix the Real Problem

    APR 27

    Burn Your Cape: Stop Firefighting and Fix the Real Problem

    Tired of putting out fires all day? Trina Swenson, an operational excellence / continuous improvement coach, breaks down practical problem-solving for real businesses—how to spot the “nagging” repeat issues, use the 80/20 rule, get to root cause, and create a process that makes it easier for the next person to win. Expect simple frameworks (like Plan–Do–Check–Adjust) and a reminder you’ll want to repeat: ideal behaviors drive ideal results. Interested in becoming a Trane dealer? Visit us at partners.trane.com to learn more about how you can partner with a leader in HVAC innovation. Explore opportunities to elevate your business and stay ahead in the market with Trane!

    52 min
  3. What is EBITDA? (And Why Your Business Needs it!)

    APR 13

    What is EBITDA? (And Why Your Business Needs it!)

    What's the single most important number when it comes to selling your business? Hint: It's not your net income. In this episode of HVAC Full Blast, Mary Carter and Stephen Ross are joined by lawyer and business consultant Dan D'Alberto to demystify one of the most critical metrics in business valuation: EBITDA. Many business owners leave millions on the table simply because they don't understand this powerful concept and how it reveals the true cash-flow capability of their company. From understanding personal add-backs (like beach houses and boats!) to seeing how smart accounting can dramatically increase your sale price, this is a masterclass in financial strategy that every business owner needs to hear. In this episode, you will learn: What EBITDA stands for (Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortization) and what it really measures.The crucial difference between Net Income, EBITDA, and Adjusted EBITDA.A real-world example of how a business went from $900k in net income to a $2.7 million valuation by understanding its EBITDA.How running personal expenses through your business impacts its final sale price.Actionable advice on how to prepare your financials to maximize your company's value for a future transition.Whether you plan to sell in two years or twenty, understanding EBITDA is the key to building real, transferable wealth. Don't make a multi-million dollar mistake—watch now! Connect with our guest: Dan | Purpose Equity Email: dan@purposeequity.com Have a question for the show? Email us at: hvac_full_blast@tranetechnologies.com Interested in becoming a Trane dealer? Visit us at partners.trane.com to learn more about how you can partner with a leader in HVAC innovation. Explore opportunities to elevate your business and stay ahead in the market with Trane!

    1h 5m
  4. The Contractor of the Future: What the Data Reveals

    MAR 30

    The Contractor of the Future: What the Data Reveals

    What separates today’s top HVAC contractors from the rest of the pack? In this episode of HVAC Full Blast, hosts Mary Carter and Stephen Ross are joined by TJ O’Connor, President of Farmington Consulting Group, to explore insights from the Contractor of the Future Study—a nationwide research project surveying HVAC contractors across all sizes and markets. Together, they break down: Why consumer financing significantly improves close rates and equipment mixHow offering more proposal options leads to higher profitabilityThe real impact of marketing investment on long‑term successWhy pricing, job costing, and technology adoption matter more than everHow contractors can take practical, step‑by‑step actions to improve their businessThis conversation goes beyond opinions and trends, grounding HVAC best practices in real data and real contractor behavior—offering a clear look at what’s working today and where the industry is headed next. Interested in becoming a Trane dealer? Visit us at partners.trane.com to learn more about how you can partner with a leader in HVAC innovation. Explore opportunities to elevate your business and stay ahead in the market with Trane!

    53 min
  5. The HVAC Cash‑Flow Rollercoaster (And How to Stabilize It)

    MAR 16

    The HVAC Cash‑Flow Rollercoaster (And How to Stabilize It)

    Seasonal slowdowns are part of HVAC — but panic doesn’t have to be. In this episode of HVAC Full Blast, hosts Mary Carter and Stephen Ross dig into what really happens to HVAC businesses during shoulder season and slower months — and how smart owners keep revenue moving without cutting the wrong things. Drawing from real ownership experience and conversations with contractors across the country, they discuss: Why HVAC revenue is rarely linear — and why that’s normalCommon mistakes companies make when things slow downSmarter ways to stabilize cash flow without eroding marginsHow to use existing customers, marketing, and staffing strategicallyWhy protecting your people and your process matters most in slow periodsThis episode is a practical, honest look at navigating the ups and downs of HVAC ownership — and building a business that can weather every season. Interested in becoming a Trane dealer? Visit us at partners.trane.com to learn more about how you can partner with a leader in HVAC innovation. Explore opportunities to elevate your business and stay ahead in the market with Trane!

    45 min
  6. Repair vs Replace: Why Most HVAC Techs Are Having the Wrong Conversation

    MAR 2

    Repair vs Replace: Why Most HVAC Techs Are Having the Wrong Conversation

    Repair or replace? It’s one of the most debated — and emotionally charged — decisions in HVAC today. In this episode of HVAC Full Blast, hosts Mary Carter and Steven Ross are joined by David Holt, Director of Education and Coaching at EGIA, for a candid conversation about how contractors, technicians, and homeowners really navigate repair versus replacement decisions. Together, they explore: Why repair vs. replace is more about mindset and education than pressureHow technician emotions and homeowner psychology shape outcomesThe role of trust, questions, and clear options in better decision‑makingWhat service departments need to do to stay profitable and professionalWhy the contractors who win in the coming years think differently about serviceThis episode challenges the idea that there’s a “right” answer every time — and instead focuses on how better conversations lead to better outcomes for customers and businesses alike. Interested in becoming a Trane dealer? Visit us at partners.trane.com to learn more about how you can partner with a leader in HVAC innovation. Explore opportunities to elevate your business and stay ahead in the market with Trane!

    53 min
  7. Don’t Let Seasonality Win: Working Capital Done Right

    FEB 16

    Don’t Let Seasonality Win: Working Capital Done Right

    Join hosts Mary Carter and Stephen Ross as they sit down with senior loan officer Jordan Cordero from Live Oak Bank for a candid deep dive into contractor financing—what it really takes to fund growth without starving your business of cash. From SBA 7(a) loans and why they exist, to buying a competitor, purchasing a shop, or rolling real estate into a deal to improve payment terms, Jordan breaks down the moves contractors use to scale—plus the “gotchas” that can derail a close. They unpack the real-world difference between profit and cash flow, when working capital makes sense (and when it doesn’t), and how interest rates, fixed vs. variable options, and prepayment rules show up in your monthly reality. Whether you’re thinking about acquisition, expansion into a new service line, buying a building, or setting up a succession plan for family or a GM, this episode delivers practical cues to get “bank-ready,” protect your runway, and make financing a growth tool—not a stress multiplier. Interested in becoming a Trane dealer? Visit us at partners.trane.com to learn more about how you can partner with a leader in HVAC innovation. Explore opportunities to elevate your business and stay ahead in the market with Trane!

    47 min
  8. From HGTV to High‑Efficiency: Anthony Carrino on Real‑World Comfort

    FEB 2

    From HGTV to High‑Efficiency: Anthony Carrino on Real‑World Comfort

    Designer–contractor Anthony Carrino, known for his HGTV background and decades of real‑world building experience, breaks down what “comfort” really means inside a modern home—and why it’s far more than setting a thermostat. Learn how temperature, humidity, airflow, and ventilation work together, why tightening a home’s envelope can backfire without an ERV, and the simple design decisions that prevent those infamous “it says 70°, but it doesn’t feel like 70°” moments. Anthony shares candid stories from the field—from retrofits gone sideways to ductwork decisions that make or break a space—and reveals the behind‑the‑scenes collaboration that happens between architects, GCs, and HVAC pros. Plus, hear why he now expects a mint on his pillow after learning the industry’s term “comfort advisor,” how zoning and variable‑speed systems changed the game, and the unexpected chaos that can live behind old walls. If you’ve ever wondered how to make comfort truly predictable—or how to translate design choices into healthier air, quieter systems, and happier homeowners—this conversation will reshape the way you think about building performance in HVAC. Interested in becoming a Trane dealer? Visit us at partners.trane.com to learn more about how you can partner with a leader in HVAC innovation. Explore opportunities to elevate your business and stay ahead in the market with Trane!

    54 min
See All (26)

Trailer

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
6 Ratings

About

HVAC Full Blast is your bi-weekly dose of HVAC business growth, powered by Trane. Hosted by Mary Carter (Trane Technologies) and Stephen Ross (Sandler), this podcast is built for residential HVAC dealers who want to scale their business, sharpen their sales, and lead with confidence. Tune in for expert interviews, dealer success stories, and practical tips on pricing, service agreements, workforce development, and more. Whether you're in the field or in the office, HVAC Full Blast helps you stay ahead in a competitive market. Interested in becoming a Trane Dealer? Visit our website at https://partners.trane.com/ We'd love your feedback and suggestions on future episodes. Please email us at hvac_full_blast@tranetechnologies.com. This podcast channel is for general informational purposes only. The views and opinions expressed in these episodes are those of the panelists and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Trane Technologies. Trane Technologies makes no warranty or guarantee concerning accuracy or completeness of the content presented in this webinar. Trane does not provide tax, legal, or accounting advice. This material is for informational purposes only and it should not be relied on for tax, legal, or accounting advice. Tax law is subject to continual change. All decisions are your responsibility and you should consult your own tax, legal, and accounting advisors. Trane disclaims any responsibility for actions taken on the material presented. All trademarks referenced are the trademarks of their respective owners. ©2025 Trane. All Rights Reserved.

Information

  • Creator
    Trane Residential
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    26
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    All trademarks referenced are the trademarks of their respective owners. ©2026 Trane. All Rights Reserved.
  • Show Website
    HVAC Full Blast

You Might Also Like