The Leading HVAC Podcast

Service Training Evolution, LLC
The Leading HVAC Podcast

The Leading HVAC Podcast from SBE is a must-listen for HVAC professionals aiming to stand out. This short-format podcast offers a fresh perspective from seasoned executives, managers, and innovators. It provides valuable insights from their journeys to help you navigate challenges and become a true leader in the constantly changing HVAC industry.

  1. 1 DAY AGO

    14. The Secret to Building a Thriving HVAC Partnership

    In this episode of The Leading HVAC Podcast, Chris Davidson and Ben Lagrange, co-owners of Blue Ridge Heating and Air, discuss the dynamics of partnership, the strategies behind their HVAC acquisitions, and how they navigate leadership challenges together. From leaving corporate America to acquiring two HVAC companies, Chris and Ben share their journey and the key lessons they've learned about communication, alignment on values, and staying focused on their goals. Tune in to learn how they balance decision-making, develop their team, and prepare for industry changes—all while keeping a close eye on data. Key Takeaways: Partnerships Thrive on Shared Values and Open Communication: Building a successful business partnership starts with strong alignment on core values, ensuring that both partners are moving toward the same goals. Open, direct communication is essential for tackling challenges and making key decisions, especially in co-leadership dynamics. Adaptation to Industry Changes Requires Strategic Focus: In a fast-evolving field, staying updated on industry shifts—like new technology and regulatory changes—can set companies apart. Preparing teams to handle both the technical demands and customer interactions of these changes helps companies remain competitive and customer-focused. Data-Driven Decisions Maintain Operational Health: Weekly KPI tracking across all departments keeps the team aligned and helps identify areas needing attention. A regular, data-centered approach to decision-making helps organizations stay proactive and responsive to changes in business performance. Effective Delegation and Clear Role Division are Critical: Defining clear roles for each leader ensures smoother operations and leverages the strengths of each partner. Leaders should focus on their core responsibilities and delegate where needed, creating a structure that supports growth and reduces bottlenecks. Learning from Mistakes and Leveraging Mentorship Accelerates Growth: Avoiding common mistakes and maximizing growth often come from seeking out mentors and industry experts who can provide valuable insights and advice. Learning from both personal experiences and the guidance of others can help navigate challenges effectively and efficiently. Learn more about SBE at sbeodyssey.com Connect with us on social media: Instagram | Facebook

    25 min
  2. JAN 7

    13. The Secret Weapon HVAC Leaders Overlook

    In this episode, we sit down with Ann Lowe, VP of Field Operations and Administration at George Brazil, to reveal the secret weapon many HVAC leaders overlook: the power of an advisory board and effective feedback. Ann shares how implementing a technician advisory board transformed her company's culture, reduced resistance to change, and boosted team morale. Learn how involving your team in decision-making can lead to exceptional loyalty and performance. Whether you're leading a small team or a large organization, this episode offers actionable insights to elevate your leadership and unlock your team's full potential. Key Takeaways: Implement an Advisory Board for Better Decision-Making: Creating an advisory board composed of team members allows leaders to gather valuable insights directly from those on the front lines. This inclusion fosters a sense of ownership among employees, making them more receptive to change and new initiatives. Effective Feedback Reduces Resistance: Open communication and actively seeking input from your team make employees feel heard and valued. When employees are part of the conversation, they are less likely to resist changes and more likely to support company decisions. Delegate and Develop Future Leaders: Identify potential leaders by gradually giving them more responsibilities without formal title changes. This approach lets you assess their capabilities and readiness for bigger roles, ensuring a stronger leadership pipeline. Know Your People Beyond the Numbers: Understanding your employees on a personal level builds loyalty and trust. Recognize that external factors can affect performance, and offer support when needed to keep your team engaged and committed. Learn more about SBE at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠sbeodyssey.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Connect with us on social media: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook

    27 min
  3. 12/17/2024

    12. The #1 Leadership Tip to Keep Your Best Employees

    In this episode, we’re joined by Aleks Ozgur, Director of Coaching and Training at SBE, who shares her expertise on building effective teams in the HVAC industry through coaching and feedback. With eight years of experience at SBE, Aleks delves into strategies for hiring the right people, creating a coaching culture, and motivating today’s workforce. Learn how consistent feedback, coaching, and aligning personal goals with business objectives can drive team performance and increase employee retention. This episode offers HVAC leaders practical tools to empower their teams and foster a culture of growth.   Key Takeaways: Hire for Values and Train for Skills: Focus on hiring individuals whose values align with your company's culture. Skills can be taught, but the right attitude and alignment with core values build a strong foundation for a successful team. Give Consistent Feedback and Build a Coaching Culture: Feedback shouldn’t only happen when something goes wrong. Regular, immediate feedback—both positive and constructive—keeps employees motivated and engaged. Leaders should also coach employees by asking questions that empower them to find solutions rather than just giving directives. Set Clear Expectations for Success: Before onboarding a new hire, define what success looks like for their role. Establish clear goals and key performance indicators (KPIs) so both you and your team members know the benchmarks for achievement, creating a shared vision of success and reducing turnover.   Learn more about SBE at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠sbeodyssey.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Connect with us on social media: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook

    30 min
  4. 12/03/2024

    11. The #1 Skill Every CSR & Dispatch Manager Needs to Thrive in HVAC

    In this episode, we dive into the essential skills and strategies for success as a CSR and Dispatch Manager in the HVAC industry. Shannon Hunter, CSR Dispatch Manager at Daniell Heat and Air shares her journey from temp worker to leadership and offers powerful insights on managing customer expectations, building strong teams, and navigating change in a fast-paced environment. Whether in CSR, dispatch, or management, this episode will give you practical advice on handling stress, leading effectively, and staying adaptable to industry changes. Key Takeaways: Prioritize Clear Communication and Collaboration: Effective communication between CSR and dispatch teams is crucial for smooth operations. Daily huddles and regular updates on capacity planning help everyone stay on the same page, ensuring technicians are matched with the right calls and customer needs are met efficiently. Embrace Change for Growth: The HVAC industry is evolving with technology, from mobile dispatching to AI applications. Embracing these changes not only improves efficiency but also helps teams stay competitive. Taking change one step at a time can make adjustments manageable and lead to greater success. Manage Stress with Intentional Focus: In a high-demand role, managing stress is essential. Shannon recommends focusing on one task at a time and prioritizing what’s most important each day. Building work-life balance and finding activities outside of work, such as hiking or dancing, can also help prevent burnout and keep team morale high. Learn more about SBE at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠sbeodyssey.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Connect with us on social media: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook

    23 min
  5. 11/19/2024

    10. The #1 Communication Trick Every HVAC Leader Needs to Know to Grow their Company

    In this episode, discover the #1 communication strategy that every HVAC leader can use to fuel company growth. Dr. Dennis Cummins, a sales and leadership expert, shares powerful insights on how connecting each task to a clear purpose can boost team engagement, improve customer loyalty, and drive business success. Learn how simple adjustments to the way you communicate can make a significant impact on team morale and customer satisfaction. This episode is packed with practical advice for HVAC leaders looking to strengthen their business through intentional, purpose-driven communication.   Key Takeaways:   Connect Every Task to a Purpose: Explaining the "why" behind each task motivates team members by showing how their work contributes to the company’s mission. Purpose-driven communication fosters a culture of engagement, loyalty, and accountability. Make Communication a Leadership Skill: Great leaders communicate frequently and transparently, helping team members understand goals and align their work with the company's vision. Improving this skill builds trust and inspires your team. Use Storytelling to Influence and Inspire: Storytelling is a powerful way to connect with both employees and customers. Sharing stories of customer success or team achievements can help people see the bigger picture, increasing motivation and loyalty. Focus on Customer Education: In addition to leading your team, communicate value to customers by educating them on the benefits of your services. This approach builds trust, enhances loyalty, and increases repeat business, giving your company a competitive edge.   Learn more about SBE at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠sbeodyssey.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Connect with us on social media: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook

    40 min
  6. 11/05/2024

    9. From $2M to $48M: The Game-Changing Moves that Scaled George Brazil HVAC

    In this episode, we sit down with Jim Probst, president of George Brazil, to uncover the leadership principles and strategies that transformed George Brazil from a struggling $2M business into a $48M powerhouse in the HVAC industry. Jim shares his insights on scaling profitably, why investing in workforce training is critical, and how overcoming the fear of raising prices can actually boost customer loyalty. This episode is packed with actionable advice for HVAC leaders looking to grow their companies, deliver high-value service, and build a resilient team culture.     Key Takeaways: Prioritize Ongoing Training for Excellence: Consistent, high-quality training for both technicians and office staff builds a skilled workforce capable of delivering exceptional service. Making training a priority enhances service quality and positions the business as a trusted provider. Adopt a Value-Driven Pricing Strategy: Charging what your service is truly worth attracts customers who value quality and reliability. Embracing a competitive pricing strategy based on service value, rather than fear of losing business, strengthens customer loyalty and supports long-term growth. Leverage Data to Fuel Growth: Regularly monitoring key metrics like close rates, average ticket size, and service levels offers critical insights into business performance. Analyzing data consistently enables informed decision-making, operational improvements, and increased profitability.   Learn more about SBE at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠sbeodyssey.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Connect with us on social media: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook

    39 min
  7. 10/29/2024

    8. Revolutionizing HVAC Sales with Technology

    In this episode, we talk with Shelby Breger, co-founder of Conduit Tech. Shelby shares how her company is transforming the HVAC industry with innovative technology that simplifies design and sales. She discusses the challenges contractors face, how Conduit Tech addresses them, and the impact of using tech to boost sales and improve customer experiences. Shelby also highlights key leadership lessons for HVAC managers, focusing on the importance of collaboration, coaching, and adapting to change. This episode offers insights into how technology is shaping the future of HVAC.   Key Takeaways: Leverage Technology to Streamline Sales: Conduit Tech allows HVAC contractors to combine the design and sales process, saving time and increasing customer engagement. Utilizing tools like these can lead to higher sales conversions and improved operational efficiency. Involve Your Team in Decision-Making: Successful adoption of new technology hinges on manager buy-in and team involvement. Including your technicians in the process from the start fosters better adoption and helps align your team with new systems. Prioritize Relationships for Growth: Building strong relationships with industry educators and trainers can help your business gain traction and credibility. Word-of-mouth and partnerships can play a crucial role in expanding your customer base and increasing product adoption.   Want to see how Conduit Tech can benefit your business? Book a demo to see it in action: Book a Demo Learn more about SBE at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠sbeodyssey.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Connect with us on social media: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook

    27 min
  8. 10/15/2024

    7. Navigating Change and Challenges in the HVAC Industry

    In this episode, we talk with Kelcey Brueggeman, president of Service Business Evolution (SBE). Kelcey shares her unexpected journey into the HVAC industry after being a stay-at-home mom and discusses the various roles she has held. She highlights the unique challenges she faced as a woman in a predominantly male industry and the importance of addressing these challenges openly. Kelcey emphasizes the importance of building a strong team with diverse strengths and the crucial role core values play in decision-making. This episode also explores the evolution of the HVAC industry and forecasts future changes. Key Takeaways: Utilize Core Values in Decision-Making: Core values should be at the heart of every decision. From hiring and firing to team evaluations, consistently refer to your company's core values to guide your actions. This creates alignment within the organization and fosters a strong, value-driven culture. Hire for Complementary Strengths: Build a diverse team by hiring individuals whose skills complement your own. Identifying and nurturing talent within the team ensures long-term growth and strengthens the company's leadership pipeline. Promoting from within not only retains employees but also develops a deep understanding of the company's operations. Adapt to Technological Shifts: The HVAC industry is rapidly evolving with technological advancements like AI and modern software systems. Embrace these changes to stay competitive. Integrating technology into your business processes and training methods will help improve efficiency and prepare for the future workforce.   Learn more about SBE at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠sbeodyssey.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Connect with us on social media: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook

    26 min

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The Leading HVAC Podcast from SBE is a must-listen for HVAC professionals aiming to stand out. This short-format podcast offers a fresh perspective from seasoned executives, managers, and innovators. It provides valuable insights from their journeys to help you navigate challenges and become a true leader in the constantly changing HVAC industry.

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