HVAC Know It All Podcast

Gary McCreadie
  • 4.8 (208)
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The HVAC Know It All Podcast, hosted by Gary McCreadie, is an industry leading show that focuses on education within the HVAC and Refrigeration Trade.

  1. How Service Leaders Use Soft Skills to Keep Culture Strong and Teams Accountable - Josh Zolin Part 2

    16H AGO

    How Service Leaders Use Soft Skills to Keep Culture Strong and Teams Accountable - Josh Zolin Part 2

    In this episode of the HVAC Know It All Podcast, Host Gary McCreadie talks with Josh Zolin, CEO of Windy City Equipment (WCE, Inc), Founder of Blue Is The New White, and Director Board of Directors in CFESA, about leadership, accountability, and building a strong culture in the trades. They discuss the difference between being nice and being kind, and how leaders can have hard conversations while still showing care and respect, in Part 2. Josh shares his approach to handling poor behavior, setting clear expectations, and knowing when to let someone go. Gary and Josh also explore flexibility, leverage, motivation, and why increasing your value through soft skills can create more opportunities. The episode highlights how strong leadership is built on communication, honesty, and the smart use of soft skills. Gary and Josh discuss leadership in the trades and how to handle tough situations with employees. They talk about the difference between being nice and being kind, and why hard conversations should be clear, direct, and rooted in care. Josh shares how setting expectations early helps hold people accountable and explains when it makes sense to let someone go, especially when trust is broken. The conversation also covers flexibility, time off, and how company culture can impact honesty and performance. They finish by exploring how building value through soft skills and personal growth can create leverage, motivation, and stronger teams. Expect to Learn: How to handle difficult employees while staying firm and kind at the same time. Why setting clear expectations early makes accountability easier later on. When it makes sense to give someone another chance and when it is time to let them go. How flexibility, time off policies, and culture impact honesty and performance. Why increasing your value through soft skills can create leverage, motivation, and stronger leadership. Episode Highlights:  [00:00] - Intro to Josh Zolin in Part 02 [00:57] - Being "kind" vs. being "nice" as a leader  [03:21] - The magic phrase: "You're better than this"  [05:31] - Debating the "Fire fast" philosophy  [08:13] - Red flags: trusting your gut instinct on new hires  [12:02] - Flexibility & leverage in the workplace  [14:30] - Josh's PTO policy & flexibility value  [18:00] - The power of soft skills in leadership  [21:42] - Wrap-up & guest contact information This Episode is Kindly Sponsored by: Cintas: https://www.cintas.com/ Cool Air Products: https://www.coolairproducts.net/ SupplyHouse: https://www.supplyhouse.com/tm Use promo code HKIA5 to get 5% off your first order at Supplyhouse!   Follow the Guest Josh Zolin on: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshzolin/   Windy City Equipment (WCE, Inc): https://www.linkedin.com/company/wcecommercial/   Blue Is The New White: https://www.linkedin.com/company/blue-is-the-new-white/   CFESA: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cfesa/  Website:  Windy City Equipment (WCE, Inc): https://wcecommercial.com/   Blue Is The New White: https://www.blueisthenewwhite.com/   CFESA: https://cfesa.com/  To learn more about Josh Zolin, BITNW Academy, or his podcast "Everything They Don't Tell You", visit https://joshzolin.com/    Follow the Host: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gary-mccreadie-38217a77/  Website: https://www.hvacknowitall.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/HVAC-Know-It-All-2/61569643061429/   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hvacknowitall1/

    23 min
  2. The Overhead Mistakes Business Owners Make to Scale Lean and Boost Profitability - Robyn Hass Part 2

    2D AGO

    The Overhead Mistakes Business Owners Make to Scale Lean and Boost Profitability - Robyn Hass Part 2

    In this episode of the HVAC Know It All Business Edition Podcast, co-hosts Gary McCreadie and Furman Haynes of WorkHero talk with Robyn Hass, Founder and Fractional CFO of Mainstreet MEP™ by HVAC Office Solutions and Trade Finance in Ten Podcast, and Fractional MEP CFO/CHRO, FP&A and Change Management Consultant of Robyn Hass Consulting. Robyn shares her insights on managing overhead, scaling efficiently in a service business, and the importance of systems and processes in supporting growth without unnecessary expansion. Whether you're a solo operator or scaling a team, Robyn provides practical advice on reducing operational inefficiencies, improving field-to-office communication, and ensuring good financial practices.   Expect to Learn: -Strategies to control overhead as a business grows - The importance of lean processes and how to cut unnecessary complexity - Best practices for ensuring technicians stay accountable and contribute to accurate data collection - How to use data to gain insights into your business's performance and project cash flow - Advice on supporting solo contractors and small businesses - What it really takes to scale and when to keep things small   Timestamps: [00:00] - Introduction [00:59] - Managing Overhead During Growth [03:38] - Tech-to-Admin Ratio in the Field [07:02] - Importance of Field Data and Receipt Capture [08:41] - Managing Cash Flow and Invoicing Best Practices [10:07] - Training Technicians and Software Adoption [28:25] - Ongoing Training and Communication [14:17] - Supporting Solo Technicians and Small Businesses [18:54] - New Business Offerings: Bootcamps & Reporting Tools [20:43] - Final Thoughts   Follow Robyn Hass: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jrobynh/ Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mainstreet-mep  Company Website: https://myhvacoffice.com/    Follow Gary McCreadie: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gary-mccreadie-38217a77/  Website: https://www.hvacknowitall.com  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/HVAC-Know-It-All-2/61569643061429/     Follow Furman Haynes on:  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/Furmanhaynes/  WorkHero: https://www.linkedin.com/company/workherohvac/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hvacknowitall1/

    23 min
  3. The Truth About Tattoos, Soft Skills, and Respect in the Trades with Josh Zolin Part 1

    2D AGO

    The Truth About Tattoos, Soft Skills, and Respect in the Trades with Josh Zolin Part 1

    In this episode of the HVAC Know It All Podcast, host Gary McCreadie is joined by Josh Zolin, CEO of Windy City Equipment (WCE, Inc), Founder of Blue Is The New White, and Director Board of Directors in CFESA, to talk about the power of soft skills in the trades. Josh explains why communication, body language, and first impressions matter more than appearance alone. The conversation explores how business owners can build strong team culture, coach technicians the right way, and create an environment where people feel useful and valued. Gary and Josh also discuss balancing compassion and honesty in leadership, giving clear feedback, and helping technicians stay motivated and connected to their work. In this conversation, Josh talks about why soft skills are the difference between good and great in the HVAC industry. He explains how first words, body language, and attitude often matter more than clothing or appearance. Josh and Gary discuss the importance of challenging personal bias, giving honest but respectful feedback, and coaching technicians one-on-one. They also share insights on building a strong team culture, helping employees feel useful, and creating an environment where people stay motivated and grow as leaders.   Expect to Learn: Why soft skills like communication and body language matter more than appearance alone. How first impressions are shaped by words, tone, and micro mannerisms. What business owners can do to build a strong culture and unity within their team. How coaching, leading, and managing each play a different role in employee growth. Why balancing compassion and honesty helps technicians improve and stay motivated.   Episode Highlights: [00:00] - Intro to Josh Zolin in Part 1 [01:34] - Seven Years Later: Soft Skills Discussion [03:00] - Dressing for the Job: First Impressions [05:18] - Tattoos & Changing Workplace Norms [07:27] - Judging Character Over Appearance [11:17] - What "Soft Skills" Really Mean [15:36] - Employee Rut: Passion vs. Employer [19:02] - Coaching vs. Leading vs. Managing [22:42] - Compassion vs. Candor Balance [25:11] - Why "Candor is Kindness."   This Episode is Kindly Sponsored by: Cintas: https://www.cintas.com/ Cool Air Products: https://www.coolairproducts.net/ SupplyHouse: https://www.supplyhouse.com/tm Use promo code HKIA5 to get 5% off your first order at Supplyhouse!   Follow the Guest Josh Zolin on: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshzolin/ Windy City Equipment (WCE, Inc): https://www.linkedin.com/company/wcecommercial/ Blue Is The New White: https://www.linkedin.com/company/blue-is-the-new-white/ CFESA: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cfesa/    Website: Windy City Equipment (WCE, Inc): https://wcecommercial.com/ Blue Is The New White: https://www.blueisthenewwhite.com/ CFESA: https://cfesa.com/  To learn more about Josh Zolin, BITNW Academy, or his podcast "Everything They Don't Tell You", visit https://joshzolin.com/    Follow the Host: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gary-mccreadie-38217a77/ Website: https://www.hvacknowitall.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/HVAC-Know-It-All-2/61569643061429/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hvacknowitall1/

    28 min
  4. The Personal Branding for HVAC Techs to Build Freedom and Respect in Trades with Jason Walker Part 2

    FEB 13

    The Personal Branding for HVAC Techs to Build Freedom and Respect in Trades with Jason Walker Part 2

    In this episode of the HVAC Know It All Podcast, host Gary McCreadie talks with Jason Walker, National Trainer at HVAC Masters of the Hustle. They discuss entrepreneurship, content creation, and the mindset behind building a brand in the trades. Jason shares how he earned his nickname through sales success and explains the lessons he learned from outsourcing installs and taking on too many podcast sponsors. Gary and Jason also talk about the freedom of business ownership, the challenges of starting out on your own, and the power of creating consistent content to grow your name and opportunities in the HVAC industry. Gary and Jason talk about building a name in the HVAC industry through hard work, business ownership, and content creation. Jason explains how he earned the nickname J Dub Moneymaker and how it shaped his brand, even when facing criticism. They discuss the freedom and stress that come with running your own company, including lessons Jason learned from outsourcing installs and taking on too many podcast sponsors. Gary shares his experience moving from residential to commercial work and the mistakes he made starting out on his own. They close by highlighting the importance of consistent content, learning from failure, and staying true to your values in the trades.   Expect to Learn: How Jason earned the nickname J Dub Moneymaker and built his brand in the HVAC industry. The pros and cons of business ownership and the freedom it can bring to family life. Lessons learned from outsourcing installs and the challenges that came with it. Why taking on too many sponsors can hurt a podcast and turn listeners away. How consistent content creation can grow your reputation and open new opportunities. Episode Highlights: [00:00] - Intro to Jason Walker in Part 02 [00:57] - HVAC installs as art and Alex Ivy LED influence [02:10] - Origin of "J Dub Moneymaker" nickname [04:57] - Redefining "hustle" in the trades [06:43] - Gary's biggest failure: waiting too long [07:45] - Jason's failures: outsourcing & over-sponsoring [11:31] - Gary's installation mistake: lack of prep & help [14:40] - Why content creation matters for recognition [19:09] - First viral video & platform preferences [20:34] - Wrap-up & closing thoughts This Episode is Kindly Sponsored by: Cintas: https://www.cintas.com/ Cool Air Products: https://www.coolairproducts.net/ SupplyHouse: https://www.supplyhouse.com/tm Use promo code HKIA5 to get 5% off your first order at Supplyhouse!   Follow the Guest Jason Walker on: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-walker-626409201/  Website:  HVAC Masters of the Hustle: https://hvacmastersofthehustle.com/  Follow the Host: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gary-mccreadie-38217a77/  Website: https://www.hvacknowitall.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/HVAC-Know-It-All-2/61569643061429/   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hvacknowitall1/

    21 min
  5. The Financial Systems HVAC Owners Need to Scale Profit Without Chaos with Robyn Hass | Part 1

    FEB 12

    The Financial Systems HVAC Owners Need to Scale Profit Without Chaos with Robyn Hass | Part 1

    In this episode of the HVAC Know It All Business Edition Podcast, co-hosts Gary McCreadie and Furman Haynes of WorkHero talk with Robyn Hass, Founder and Fractional CFO of Mainstreet MEP™ by HVAC Office Solutions and Trade Finance in Ten Podcast, and Fractional MEP CFO/CHRO, FP&A and Change Management Consultant of Robyn Hass Consulting. Robyn shares her journey of building Core Mechanical, a company that successfully scaled and was eventually sold to private equity. She discusses the importance of focus in business, financial systems, and the strategies behind scaling operations, particularly for those starting small in the HVAC industry. She offers invaluable insights on niche selection, managing overhead, and the systems and tools that were crucial for her company's success. Robyn also talks about how to support solo business owners and the challenges they face in managing their businesses effectively.    Expect to Learn: - Why focus is key when scaling your business and how choosing a niche helped Robyn's company grow. - The importance of financial systems and why investing in software like QuickBooks and field management tools early on can save you headaches later. - How to manage cash flow effectively and the overhead challenges that come with scaling. - Why it's crucial to train your technicians properly and capture all job data from day one. - Robyn's advice for solo entrepreneurs, why you don't always have to grow to be successful and how to partner with others. - The best ways to ensure financial health and how understanding your net margin is more important than EBITDA. - Robyn's new offerings for business owners, including resources, boot camps, and reporting tools to help scale more efficiently.   Timestamps: [00:00] - Introduction [02:05] - Starting Core Mechanical [04:04] - Importance of Focus in the Early Stages [05:20] - The Risk of Spreading Thin [07:29] - Challenges for Small Business Owners Doing Everything [08:29] - Setting Up Systems in the Early Days [10:08] - The Need for Proper Accounting and Software [12:50] - When to Hire and the Cash Flow Challenge [13:18] - Managing Cash Flow [14:23] - The Owner's Role in Scaling [15:51] - True Profit Margins and EBITDA [17:23] - The Difference Between EBITDA and Net Profit [19:24] - Setting Owner Salaries and Business Growth [21:20] - Thoughts on Cash Payments   Follow Robyn Hass: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jrobynh/ Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mainstreet-mep Company Website: https://myhvacoffice.com/   Follow Gary McCreadie: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gary-mccreadie-38217a77/ Website: https://www.hvacknowitall.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/HVAC-Know-It-All-2/61569643061429/   Follow Furman Haynes on: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/Furmanhaynes/ WorkHero: https://www.linkedin.com/company/workherohvac/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hvacknowitall1/

    23 min
  6. White Glove Installs for HVAC Owners to Dominate Markets Using Culture & Tech - Jason Walker Part 1

    FEB 12

    White Glove Installs for HVAC Owners to Dominate Markets Using Culture & Tech - Jason Walker Part 1

    In this episode of the HVAC Know It All Podcast, host Gary McCreadie is joined by Jason Walker, National Trainer at HVAC Masters of the Hustle. Jason shares his approach to sales in the HVAC industry, focusing on building trust, using data to present solutions, and creating strong relationships with customers. The conversation covers the importance of culture within a company, supporting technicians in the field, and delivering white-glove service to stand out in a competitive market. Gary and Jason also discuss the challenges of running a one-man business, knowing when to grow, and how mindset plays a key role in long-term success. In this conversation, Jason talks about building trust in HVAC sales by using clear data and strong relationships instead of being pushy. He explains why technicians should present findings step by step to avoid overwhelming customers and how open-ended questions lead to better results. Jason and Gary discuss the challenges of running a one-man business and knowing when growth makes sense. They also share insights on creating a strong company culture, taking care of employees, and delivering a high level of service that stands out in the residential market. Expect to Learn: Why building trust with customers makes sales easier and removes the need to be pushy. How presenting data step by step can improve buy-in and reduce overwhelm. What challenges come with running a one-man HVAC business and choosing when to grow? How strong company culture can improve employee morale and customer experience. Why delivering high-level service and focusing on relationships can help a company stand out in the residential market. Episode Highlights: [00:00] - Intro to Jason Walker in Part 1 [01:59] - Podcast of the Year  [02:59] - Data-Driven Sales  [05:46] - Involving Clients in Troubleshooting  [07:45] - Talking Yourself Out of a Sale  [10:31] - Gary's One-Man Show Setup  [13:16] - Jason's Career Leap  [17:33] - Creating a Safe Work Culture   [19:46] - The "Scrap Copper Lunch" Story   [22:59] - White Glove Service Details   This Episode is Kindly Sponsored by: Cintas: https://www.cintas.com/ Cool Air Products: https://www.coolairproducts.net/ SupplyHouse: https://www.supplyhouse.com/tm Use promo code HKIA5 to get 5% off your first order at Supplyhouse! Follow the Guest Jason Walker on: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-walker-626409201/  Website: HVAC Masters of the Hustle: https://hvacmastersofthehustle.com/  Follow the Host: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gary-mccreadie-38217a77/ Website: https://www.hvacknowitall.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/HVAC-Know-It-All-2/61569643061429/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hvacknowitall1/

    26 min
  7. The Manifold Gauge Is Dead for HVAC Techs Switching to Digital Probes with John Anderson Part 2

    FEB 5

    The Manifold Gauge Is Dead for HVAC Techs Switching to Digital Probes with John Anderson Part 2

    In this episode of the HVAC Know It All Podcast, host Gary McCreadie talks with John Anderson, Senior Regional HVAC Technical Trainer at Sila Services and former Service Manager and Technician at Burns & McBride Home Comfort. They discuss the shift away from using manifold gauge sets in favor of digital probes and low loss fittings. John explains how modern tools can reduce system contamination, improve accuracy, and speed up processes like charging and evacuation. The conversation also explores the benefits of apps like MeasureQuick for diagnostics and training. Gary and John highlight how smart tools and good habits lead to better HVAC service and fewer callbacks. Gary and John talk about working without manifold gauge sets and how using digital probes can make HVAC work faster, safer, and more accurate. John shares how most residential jobs can be done without a manifold and explains why probes, low loss fittings, and proper charging tools are more efficient. They discuss best practices for recovery, evacuation, and charging while avoiding leaks and damage. John also explains how apps like MeasureQuick help techs understand system issues faster and more clearly. They wrap up by stressing the value of training, good habits, and using the right tools to reduce callbacks and improve system performance.   Expect to Learn: Why digital probes can replace manifold gauge sets for most HVAC jobs. How to charge systems using tees, ball valves, and liquid charging adapters. The risks of overtightening service valves and how to avoid damage. Why MeasureQuick helps techs find system issues faster and more clearly. How smart tools and better habits reduce callbacks and boost performance.   Episode Highlights:  [00:00] - Intro to John Anderson in Part 02 [01:16] - Topic intro: Not always gauging up [03:44] - Probes vs. manifolds debate [05:09] - Digital manifolds & modern tool preferences [08:27] - Future of HVAC tools: probes with low-loss fittings [10:42] - Real example: Bluetooth probes catching tech error [13:48] - Using Measure Quick for deeper diagnostics [18:54] - Time efficiency & preventing callbacks [21:35] - Wrap-up & plans for future talk   This Episode is Kindly Sponsored by: Cintas: https://www.cintas.com/ Cool Air Products: https://www.coolairproducts.net/ SupplyHouse: https://www.supplyhouse.com/tm Use promo code HKIA5 to get 5% off your first order at Supplyhouse!   Follow the Guest John Anderson on:  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-anderson-188093251/   Sila Services: https://www.linkedin.com/company/silaservices/   Burns & McBride Home Comfort: https://www.linkedin.com/company/burns-&-mcbride-home-comfort/    Website:  Sila Services: https://www.silaservices.com   Follow the Host: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gary-mccreadie-38217a77/  Website: https://www.hvacknowitall.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/HVAC-Know-It-All-2/61569643061429/   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hvacknowitall1/

    23 min
  8. The Financial Systems for Trades Business Owners to Build the Right Foundation with April Sackfield

    FEB 4

    The Financial Systems for Trades Business Owners to Build the Right Foundation with April Sackfield

    In this episode of the HVAC Know It All Business Edition Podcast, co-hosts Gary McCreadie and Furman Haynes of WorkHero discuss the essential but often overlooked side of running an HVAC business's financials with  April Sackfield, Director of Operations at NumberConstruct and Fiscal Management Group, who brings a wealth of knowledge on business finance and systems tailored for service-based companies. The focus is on empowering technicians and small business owners with the tools and understanding they need to successfully transition from the field into entrepreneurship. April supports HVAC business owners in optimizing their operations for profitability and growth. Her practical advice is drawn from real-world experiences and deep industry insight.   Expect to Learn - How aspiring HVAC business owners can prepare financially before launching their company. - The pros and cons of "rage quitting" versus planned business exits. - The importance of field service management (FSM) software and how it supports accurate job costing. - Common mistakes with accounting software like QuickBooks and how to avoid them. - Strategies for setting up flat rate pricing systems that reflect actual job complexity and labor costs. Episode Breakdown with Timestamps  [00:00:00] – Introduction [00:00:55] – Preparing to Start an HVAC Business [00:02:58] – "Rage Quitting" vs. Strategic Business Exit [00:06:51] – Tools and Software for Job Costing [00:10:01] – Flat Rate Pricing vs. Time and Materials [00:15:14] – Managing Job Data and Technician Tracking [00:18:30] – Common FSM and Accounting Software Pitfalls [00:21:04] – Personnel & Bookkeeping Best Practices [00:23:38] – The Role of Automation & AI in Accounting   Follow Gary McCreadie: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gary-mccreadie-38217a77/  Website: https://www.hvacknowitall.com  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/HVAC-Know-It-All-2/61569643061429/     Follow  April Sackfield on:  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aprilsackfield/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/april.sackfield/?hl=en Follow NumberConstruct on: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/NumberConstruct/61560939563809/# Website: https://numbercon.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/numbercon  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/number.con/?hl=en Follow Fiscal Management Group on: Website: https://www.fiscalaccounting.ca/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fiscalmanagementgroup/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fiscalmanagement/   Follow Furman Haynes on:  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/furmanhaynes/  WorkHero: https://www.linkedin.com/company/workherohvac/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hvacknowitall1/

    25 min
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4.8
out of 5
208 Ratings

About

The HVAC Know It All Podcast, hosted by Gary McCreadie, is an industry leading show that focuses on education within the HVAC and Refrigeration Trade.

Information

  • Creator
    Gary McCreadie
  • Years Active
    2018 - 2026
  • Episodes
    525
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025
  • Show Website
    HVAC Know It All Podcast

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