Accelerated HVAC Success Podcast

The HVAC refrigerant phase-down is accelerating, and many contractors still aren't prepared for what's coming. In this episode of Accelerated HVAC Success, Ben Middleton sits down with Michael Ragan to discuss refrigerant recovery, reclamation, EPA regulations, and how contractors can prepare for the future while creating additional value for their businesses. Topics include: • The HFC phase-down...

What makes customers trust one HVAC company over another? In this episode of Accelerated HVAC Success, Ben Middleton sits down with Scott Mangum to discuss authentic branding, leadership, community involvement, and building a company customers genuinely believe in. Scott shares how he purchased an HVAC company, transformed its culture, grew the business through one of the most challenging periods...

Key Topics Covered: ✓ Why consumers are shifting toward monthly payments ✓ The importance of financing in today's HVAC market ✓ How contractors can improve close rates without lowering prices ✓ Understanding daily profitability and P&L statements ✓ The role of rebates and utility incentives ✓ Ductless opportunities many contractors overlook ✓ Why customers need multiple options, not a single p...

On this episode of Accelerated HVAC Success , host Ben Middleton sits down with Kenny Shifflet, Regional Technical Sales Support Manager for Daikin Comfort Technologies in Kentucky, to discuss his experience supporting contractors and helping them succeed with VRV technology. Kenny shares some unique projects he's worked on with Kentucky distilleries, explains how he helps contractors become more...

In this episode of Accelerated HVAC Success , host Ben Middleton sits down with Kenny Hoffsteder, Regional Sales Manager with Micro Metals, to discuss how economizers can help contractors deliver greater efficiency and comfort in commercial rooftop applications. Kenny explains how economizers work by monitoring indoor and outdoor temperature and humidity conditions, automatically modulating fresh...

In this episode of Accelerated HVAC Success , we welcome David Sheffield, Commercial Technical Manager with Daikin Comfort Technologies, for a conversation on the power of training, specialization, and the evolution of commercial HVAC technology. Drawing from his experience helping contractors close VRV projects, David shares how successful contractors don't simply sell equipment—they develop solu...

In this episode of Accelerated HVAC Success , host Ben Middleton sits down with Anton Martin, owner of English Air, to discuss how a growth-focused mindset helped shape his journey from contractor to business owner. Anton shares how being an early adopter of VRV technology created new opportunities for his company and positioned him for long-term success in an evolving industry. He also explains w...

In this episode of Accelerated HVAC Success , guest Tess Fieschko discusses how evolving regulations and building standards across New York are reshaping the HVAC industry and creating new opportunities for contractors willing to adapt. She shares how Daikin products—particularly VRV and heat pump technologies—are helping contractors navigate complex code changes, solve customer challenges, and st...

Jonathan Hoekstra, Vice President of National Accounts at Motili, joins Accelerated HVAC Success to discuss how his role within both Daikin Comfort Technologies and Motili is helping drive the adoption of VRV and inverter-driven technology across the industry. Jonathan shares why he’s seeing a growing demand for VRV solutions, especially as commercial spaces require greater flexibility, agility, a...

In this episode of Accelerated HVAC Success , we’re joined by Connie Schroder, Director of Ductless Products at Daikin Comfort Technologies, for a deep dive into the evolving ductless market. Connie shares how contractors are leveraging the 115V Daikin Oterra as a flexible, easy-to-install solution that opens doors to new applications and faster installs. She highlights the practical benefits cont...

In this episode of Accelerated HVAC Success , we sit down with Allen Anaya, a Sales Representative from New Mexico, to explore a grounded, customer-first approach to HVAC sales. Allen shares practical advice for those new to the industry, emphasizing the importance of viewing yourself not just as a salesperson, but as a consultant and coach. By working closely with engineers and customers, his foc...

In this episode of Accelerated HVAC Success , we sit down with Dana Moffet, Sales Engineer at Air Reps, to explore the growing impact of inverter-driven technology and the evolution of VRV (Variable Refrigerant Volume) systems. Dana shares insights from his podcast, Inverter Always , which is dedicated entirely to inverter technology, and then breaks down why contractors shouldn’t be intimidated b...

In this episode of Accelerated HVAC Success , we sit down with AP Sharma, Director of VRV Products at Daikin Comfort Technologies, to break down what VRV (Variable Refrigerant Volume) technology is and how it’s transforming the HVAC landscape. AP explains how VRV systems intelligently adjust refrigerant flow to match real-time demand, delivering exceptional efficiency, comfort, and zoning flexibil...

In this episode of Accelerated HVAC Success , host Ben Middleton sits down with Randy Johnson , owner of Randy's Heating and Air Conditioning , who shares the journey behind building a successful HVAC business and the partnerships that helped make it possible. Randy discusses how his long-standing relationship with Thermal Supply Inc. has supported his company’s growth, from technical expertise to...

In this episode of Accelerated HVAC Success, Mary Belden-McGrath, Co-Owner of Driven Leadership, joins the conversation to explore how leaders can effectively guide and motivate their teams during times of constant disruption—from geopolitical conflicts to low consumer confidence. Mary stresses that great leaders focus on what they can control rather than being paralyzed by fear. She draws attenti...

In this episode of Accelerated HVAC Success , Jeremy Chandler, Regional Manager for OPTIMUS, unpacks what’s happening right now in the financing world—and what it means for contractors. From easing interest rates to strategic financing promotions, Jeremy explains how dealers are using today’s lending trends to drive higher close rates and larger tickets. He shares insight into the types of loans h...

In this episode of Accelerated HVAC Success , Matt Maleske, owner and founder of CTM (Coach, Train, Motivate), outlines what he sees missing in contractor development throughout the HVAC industry. He highlights the value of a structured Sales & Application course and how technology has simplified key elements of selling—like financing and accurate heating and cooling load calculations—making i...

In this episode of Accelerated HVAC Success, host Ben Middleton sits down with Eric McGrath, co-owner of Driven Leadership, to explore where he’s seeing the biggest waves of change and innovation outside the HVAC industry—and why contractors should be paying attention. Eric discusses real-world stories of clients who found success by failing forward , learning quickly, and intentionally leveraging...

In this episode of Accelerated HVAC Success, guest David Larson, owner of Larson Mechanical, shares why he chose to go into business for himself and what it takes to succeed in a demanding market like Boise. With triple-digit summer heat, freezing winter temperatures, and dramatic seasonal swings, HVAC systems in Boise are constantly pushed to their limits—testing performance, efficiency, and comf...

In this episode of Accelerated HVAC Success, guest Lee Smith, VP of Strategic Marketing & Environmental Technology Solutions at Daikin Comfort Technologies, breaks down Daikin’s controls strategy and why controls are becoming the backbone of modern comfort systems. The conversation explores Daikin’s Smart Control platforms and how the thermostat functions as a true communication device—working...

In this episode of Accelerated HVAC Success, we are joined by Sachin Dixit, VP of Commercial Product at Daikin Comfort Technologies, to unpack the growing momentum around sustainability and what it means for the future of commercial HVAC. Sachin shares Daikin’s global vision—strengthening its position as the world’s #1 HVAC manufacturer—and explains why VRV remains the company’s flagship platform....

In this episode of Accelerated HVAC Success , host Ben Middleton is joined by Sri Swaminathan, Manager of Controls and Solutions with Daikin Comfort Technologies, to explore Hero ProEdge, Daikin’s advanced remote monitoring solution for VRV systems. Sri explains how multiple VRV systems can be tied into the platform and how the upgraded protocol supporting the R-32 transition enhances data flow an...

In this episode of Accelerated HVAC Success , host Ben Middleton sits down with Chris Bellshaw, VP of Commercial Market and Business Development at Daikin Comfort Technologies, to break down what truly sets Daikin’s VRV technology apart. Chris clarifies the difference between VRF and Daikin’s patented VRV, and explains how Daikin is taking VRV to market in North America. The conversation explores...

In this episode of Accelerated HVAC Success , guest Lucky Chandana, Manager of Light Commercial Controls at Daikin Comfort Technologies, breaks down how Daikin is rethinking light commercial solutions as rooftop expectations continue to evolve. What was once a straightforward product category now demands energy savings, inverter compressors, and expanded functionality—and Daikin is approaching thi...

In this episode of Accelerated HVAC Success , host Ben Middleton sits down with Kraig Davis, In-Home Sales & Install Manager at College Place Heating and Air Conditioning, for a wide-ranging conversation on the technologies and trends shaping today’s HVAC marketplace. Kraig walks through real-world scenarios of how the Daikin FIT performs across different weather conditions, the growing homeow...