Accelerated HVAC Success Podcast

In this episode of Accelerated HVAC Success , host Ben Middleton sits down with Dan Clapper of Interplay Learning to explore VR and simulation-based training, why some technicians are still hesitant to embrace it, and what can help them overcome that reluctance. Dan details the power of active learning over passive content consumption and explains how simulation training builds confidence by letti...

In this episode of Accelerated HVAC Success, host Ben Middleton sits down with AJ Jain, CEO of Broccoli, to break down what AI really is, why it exists, and how it’s transforming the trades. AJ highlights elements of Broccoli, such as their Broccoli’s AI voice agents are built specifically for HVAC, plumbing, and electrical contractors—democratizing access to information, improving customer servic...

In the third and final episode of Accelerated HVAC Success with guest Mike Robinson, owner of Smith Plumbing and Heating, Mike begins by explaining how technology continually reshapes the HVAC industry and his own business operations. From leveraging AI to optimize his workforce ratio to expanding his reach through content creation and social media, he discusses how any type of media can engage cu...

In this second episode of Accelerated HVAC Success with guest Mike Robinson, owner of Smith Plumbing and Heating, Mike dives into the heart of his pricing philosophy and strategy. He explains that before any discussion of numbers, contractors must first define and build their brand—because your pricing should reflect who you are and the experience you deliver. While there are countless pricing str...

In this episode of Accelerated HVAC Success , host Ben Middleton sits down with Mike Robinson, owner of Smith Plumbing and Heating, for the first of a three-part series exploring what it truly takes to scale an HVAC business. Mike shares his incredible journey of growing Smith Plumbing from just 3 trucks to an impressive 93, unpacking the strategies, mindset shifts, and key decisions that fueled t...

In this episode of Accelerated HVAC Success , Matthew Bratsis, VP of Contractor Service with EGIA, breaks down why HVAC sales ultimately come down to affordability and how financing can transform the way contractors approach the customer experience. He describes how economic pressures like tariffs fuel consumer hesitation, and provides insights into banks’ current lending trends. Drawing from HARD...

In this episode of Accelerated HVAC Success , guest Matt Baker, National Manager of Energy Efficiency and Electrification Programs at Daikin North America, discusses key updates around energy incentives and rebates that contractors need to know before the year ends. Matt highlights that the federal tax credit for high-efficiency HVAC products—specifically the 25C program—will sunset on December 31...

In this episode of Accelerated HVAC Success , guest Sky Reagan, Account Executive with The New Flat Rate, introduces their innovative menu pricing software system designed to take the pressure of sales off technicians. Sky explains how the platform was developed to address a common challenge in the field—technicians don’t want to be salespeople—and how offering five clear options leverages psychol...

On this episode of Accelerated HVAC Success , guest Lauren Lee, Senior Account Executive from Payzer, introduces how their all-in-one field-service management platform helps contractors run every part of their HVAC business from one place. She breaks down the different components of Payzer—including scheduling, dispatch, proposals, maintenance plan management, and more—showing how contractors can...

In this episode of Accelerated HVAC Success , Eric Gude, Director of Strategic Partnerships at EGIA, dives into how Optimus is changing the game for commercial contractors through flexible financing solutions. He describes how business-to-business financing is helping contractors win more projects by giving customers a way to invest in HVAC upgrades without draining their capital, while also freei...

On this episode of Accelerated HVAC Success , Ben Lipscomb, Director of Utility Services and National Accounts with the National Comfort Institute, unpacks the evolution of heat pumps—from why they struggled in the 1980s to how modern advancements have overcome those early limitations. He also breaks down the Cold-Climate Heat Pump Challenge and shares a mechanical engineer’s perspective on proper...

In this episode of Accelerated HVAC Success , Rick Couples, Senior Managing Director at Goodleap, shares how his career journey shaped his understanding of how contractors work in the field. He introduces Goodleap’s financing solutions as a powerful tool that not only makes it easier for homeowners to say “yes,” but also transforms the contractor’s ability to close jobs confidently. Rick outlines...

On this episode of Accelerated HVAC Success , we sit down with Marisa Reddy, CEO of Conduit Tech, to learn about this technology. She explained how she and the co-founder built their knowledge of the HVAC industry and identified gaps on the sales side that contractors often face. Marisa discusses how increasing compliance requirements and technical demands inspired Conduit Tech’s mission to suppor...

In this episode of Accelerated HVAC Success , host Ben Middleton sits down with Roberto Herrera, Senior Product Manager for Split Unitary Systems at Daikin Comfort Technologies, to dive into the exciting world of heat pumps and how they’re reshaping the HVAC industry. Roberto shares the latest news about heat pumps and Daikin’s mission to reach more customers with sustainable, high-performance pro...

In the final episode of our three-part series with Tonya Gaitz, Owner and Operator of Gaitz HVACR, we take a look at how embracing change—particularly in technology—can drive transformation within an HVAC business. Tonya talks candidly about resistance within the industry, the growing demand for VRV systems, and how cloud-based tools allow her team to catch issues before they impact the customer e...

In this second episode of our three-part series with Tonya Gaitz, Owner and Operator of Gaitz HVACR, we explore how she’s helping shape the future of the HVAC industry through intentional hiring, mentorship, and forward-thinking leadership. Tonya tells the inspiring story of a new hire who entered the field with no experience and now leads his own team, and she discusses her hands-on work with hig...

In this first of three episodes with Tonya Gaitz, Owner and Operator of Gaitz HVACR, she shares her journey through the evolving landscape of HVAC technology and leadership. Tonya reflects on how she got started with VRV systems and the Daikin FIT, and how her partnerships with innovative platforms like measureQuick and The New Flat Rate have helped shape the direction of her growing business. She...

In this episode of Accelerated HVAC Success , we’re joined by Dan Clapper, Director of Learner and Business Outcomes at Interplay Learning Solutions, to examine how immersive, on-demand simulation is shaping the future of HVAC training. Dan explains how traditional video-based learning is losing effectiveness and how simulation-based training fills the gap by building muscle memory and encouraging...

In this episode of Accelerated HVAC Success , host Ben Middleton sits down with Randy Martin, Director of Operations at Pricebook Digital, to explore how transparent pricing can transform the contractor-homeowner relationship. Randy shares his journey to joining the Pricebook Digital team and explains how the platform empowers contractors to clearly present pricing and a range of options to homeow...

In this episode of Accelerated HVAC Success , we welcome Crystal Williams, Founder and Visionary of Lemonseed Marketing, to share her expertise on creating truly individualized marketing strategies. Crystal dives into the importance of understanding your target audience and crafting messaging that resonates, including how to tailor language specifically for your ideal customers. She explores how L...

In this episode of Accelerated HVAC Success , we’re joined by Carter Patton, Product Manager for Air Conditioning at Daikin Comfort Technologies, to dive into the exciting developments behind their upcoming side discharge release. Carter shares insights into Daikin’s strategic expansion of their side discharge product line, including the enhancement of the current cube-style inverter. Positioned a...

In this episode of Accelerated HVAC Success , Alicia Centeno briefs us on some exciting elements of her new role as the Amana Brand Manager at Daikin Comfort Technologies. She begins with the brand's strong alignment with Daikin and their joint commitment to delivering high-performance, reliable systems that meet evolving market demands. Specifically, she notes how the Amana S Series is built to p...

In this episode of Accelerated HVAC Success , we’re joined by Jim Steffey, National Sales Trainer for Daikin Comfort Technology’s South Division, for a powerful discussion on one of the HVAC industry's most underutilized tools: tax credits and energy rebates. Jim introduces the new Daikin Rebate Center , a game-changing resource designed to eliminate the complexity and confusion around rebates. Wi...

In this episode of Accelerated HVAC Success , Bryan Franz, Daikin Brand Dealer Development Manager at Daikin Comfort Technologies, reflects on his career journey and how it has shaped his perspective on leadership and dealer support. He defines dealer development as more than just business growth—it's about building strong relationships, fostering a results-driven culture, and partnering with deal...

In this episode of Accelerated HVAC Success, host Ben Middleton talks with Chris St. Jean, Co-Founder of Servicely, about how his company is empowering new HVAC contractors to quickly and effectively establish an online presence. Chris explains how Servicely’s platform allows contractors to build a customized website in just minutes, helping them get found locally, connect with customers, and enab...