The Leading HVAC Podcast

In this episode of  The Leading HVAC Podcast , Greg Matson shares how investing in leadership, not just systems or sales, was the real key to breaking through growth barriers in his business. From 45% year-over-year growth to building a team that runs without micromanagement, Greg breaks down what layered leadership actually looks like in practice. He also unpacks how his company developed interna...

In this episode of  The Leading HVAC Podcast , Josh Biggers, general manager and co-owner of All Temp Heating and Cooling, shares the real-life challenges of transitioning from the field into full-time leadership. From running calls to running the company, Josh opens up about the mental shift it takes to lead well, manage stress, and step back to let your team shine. He also unpacks what it’s like...

In part two of  The Leading HVAC Podcast  with Crystal Williams from Lemon Seed Marketing, we go even deeper into real-world HVAC marketing strategy. If you’ve ever asked: “How much should I spend?”, “Where do I put my money?”, or “Why isn’t my marketing working?”- this is your playbook. Crystal shares the biggest mistakes contractors make, how to market with (almost) no budget, and why social med...

In this episode of The Leading HVAC Podcast, we sit down with Crystal Williams of Lemon Seed Marketing — a marketing strategist who grew her family’s HVAC company from a small local shop into a thriving, community-rooted brand. Crystal breaks down what most contractors get wrong about marketing, how to build long-term growth with a clear strategy, and the real reason branding, relationships, and t...

In this episode of  The Leading HVAC Podcast , Kymone sits down with serial entrepreneur and Nuve founder  Ismael Valdez  to explore the biggest problem facing most HVAC contractors— poor customer retention —and how to fix it. Ismael shares how he scaled NextGen Air from zero to $108M in just seven years, why most companies spend too much on marketing, and how his newest venture, Nuve, is helping...

In this episode of  The Leading HVAC Podcast , Kymone sits down with industry veteran and SBE Vice President  Cory Holman  to unpack the mindset and skills needed to go from top-performing technician to transformational leader. With over 40 years in the trades—including sweeping floors, building companies, and shaping hundreds of HVAC teams—Corey shares real talk on how to build trust, lead with c...

In this episode of  The Leading HVAC Podcast , we explore what it really takes to transition leadership in a family-owned HVAC company. Tonya and Corey Collins from Universal Heating and Cooling share how they’ve navigated the shift across generations with honesty, humility, and humor. From letting go of control to building trust and respect, this episode is packed with wisdom for any owner prepar...

One of the hardest things for HVAC leaders is learning to let go of control and trust their team. In this episode of  The Leading HVAC Podcast , Carrie Ivester from Anderson Heating and Cooling shares her journey from starting as a temporary receptionist to becoming the company's owner. She reveals how embracing leadership, empowering her team, and overcoming the challenge of delegation have helpe...

In this episode of  The Leading HVAC Podcast , we dive into one of the toughest transitions for HVAC leaders—shifting from hands-on fieldwork to leading from the office. Adam Geerts from Geerts Plumbing and Heating shares his real-world experience navigating this challenge. From battling the urge to jump back into the field to learning how to trust his team, Adam breaks down the mindset shifts and...

In this episode of  The Leading HVAC Podcast , Michael Culley and Dustin Kendall, leaders at Kelly Mechanical, share their inspiring journey of growth, trust, and teamwork. They dive into the challenges of starting a business, the importance of finding the right team members, and the leadership strategies that helped them build a thriving company culture. From Michael’s technical expertise to Dust...

In this episode of  The Leading HVAC Podcast , Mary Kelly, CEO of StrataTech Education Group, shares her insights on solving one of the industry’s biggest challenges: workforce development. From empowering students to pursue skilled trades to partnering with businesses for custom training solutions, Mary discusses practical strategies for attracting, training, and retaining top talent. Tune in to...

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 com...

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 decisi...

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 al...

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, dispa...

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...

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 custom...

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 lesson...

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...

On this episode, our guest is Jason Gibson, General Manager of Carolina Heating Service. Jason shares the importance of caring for employees and fostering open communication. He discusses his leadership philosophy and the challenges of maintaining personal connections as the company grows. Jason also highlights the significance of hiring the right talent and developing existing employees. Key Take...

Bobby Broyles, the Marketing and Community Relations Director for Blazer Heating and Air in Virginia is our guest on the Leading HVAC Podcast. In this episode, he shares his journey from College Athletics to the HVAC Industry. Bobby discusses Blazer's evolution, particularly during the recession, and how he leveraged digital marketing to grow the business. He shares tips on marketing no matter...

In this episode, Tom Calhoun, owner of Northwest Arkansas (NWA) Cooling and Heating, shares his 40-year journey in the HVAC industry. Tom discusses his career evolution from a family business to founding his own company in 2018. Tom's insights offer valuable lessons for HVAC contractors seeking sustainable growth and effective leadership. Key Takeaways:  Invest in coaching or hiring, even if r...

This episode's guest is Greg Matson, owner of HVAC ComfortInc. Greg shares his 25-year journey in the heating and cooling industry, emphasizing the critical role of leadership in organizational growth. He also discusses the importance of continuous learning, personal development, and integrity. This episode offers insights into overcoming leadership challenges and fostering growth. Key Takeawa...

Chris Horne, co-owner of Horne Heating and Air Conditioning and a Coach with SBE, shares his journey from corporate burnout to HVAC business ownership. He shares the importance of delegation and how leaders can transition from being hands-on to a more strategic role. This interview will inspire you to discover your bigger why and design your business so you can pursue it. Key Takeaways:  Patience,...

Dana Marr, CEO of Wooldridge Heating Air Electrical in VA, shares her journey from starting as an HVAC dispatcher to leading the company today. She shares the importance of understanding every role within the company, the challenges of balancing work ethic with creating a positive work culture, and the evolution of the HVAC industry. Dana shares her strategy for keeping the company moving forward...