In this episode of Accelerated HVAC Success, we’re joined by Peyton Collier, Regional Sales Manager at JB Industries, to discuss critical updates for contractors as the industry transitions to low-GWP refrigerants. Peyton breaks down the key changes, including the requirement that any motorized component touching the refrigeration cycle must be A2L compliant, and how JB Industries has adapted its tools to meet these new standards. He also shares insights on the differences in unit ports, best practices for recovering A2Ls safely, and JB’s commitment to leak detection and locking caps to ensure system integrity.

The conversation also lays out JB Industries’ dedication to innovation, from developing cutting-edge tools for evolving technology to sourcing and manufacturing materials in the USA for superior quality and reliability. Peyton explains JB’s Counter Days and Pump Days, special events designed to help contractors with their products, as well as upcoming promotions that customers won’t want to miss. Whether it’s navigating new refrigerant regulations or investing in top-tier tools, this episode is packed with valuable advice for HVAC professionals looking to stay ahead in a rapidly changing market.

In this episode of Accelerated HVAC Success, host Ben Middleton engages with Mike Robinson, owner of Smith Plumbing & Heating in Colorado Springs, who shares his strategies for managing rising business costs while maintaining customer trust. Mike breaks down how he markets his pricing strategies in a competitive landscape and ensures his technicians stay consistently productive. He also reinforces the significance of the importance of knowing your numbers, overhead, and market focus to build a resilient and profitable business.

Mike explores the role of dynamic pricing in HVAC, explaining how he reconciles its use and where he sees opportunities for growth. He highlights how leveraging equipment monitoring can improve efficiency and customer service. Additionally, Mike stresses the importance of due diligence when working with accountants, lawyers, and other professionals, making sure you invest wisely and understand the businesses you collaborate with. This episode offers practical insights for contractors looking to navigate pricing, cost management, and strategic decision-making in an evolving industry.

In this episode of Accelerated HVAC Success, we welcome Jim Steffey, Daikin Comfort National Sales Trainer for the South Division, to discuss his passion for training and the strategies he has developed throughout his career. Jim addresses the common barriers that prevent contractors from investing in training and the complexities of balancing business acumen with customer service education. He highlights the need for HVAC professionals to focus on the "important but not urgent" category, emphasizing a proactive approach to skill development. From technical expertise to essential business and bookkeeping training, Jim explains why a well-rounded education is crucial for long-term success.

Jim also dives into the importance of component skills beyond equipment, such as duct design and airflow, and how investing in employee development leads to higher retention and stronger teams. He offers practical advice for contractors looking to build a culture of continuous learning and stresses the multi-faceted nature of training. Whether you're aiming to level up your team or refine your own skill set, this episode delivers valuable insights on creating a training-driven business that thrives.

In this episode of Accelerated HVAC Success, host Ben Middleton sits down with Mike Smith, Manager of Commercialization and Channel Marketing at Daikin Comfort, to tackle one of the biggest homeowner dilemmas—repairing or replacing an HVAC system. Mike offers expert insights on how contractors can guide homeowners through this decision, especially as rising repair costs and upcoming refrigerant changes make replacement a smarter long-term investment. He talks about the advantages of transitioning to R32 refrigerant, which offers better efficiency and lower environmental impact, and explains how newer systems can improve indoor air quality. Mike also introduces Daikin’s new Homeowner HVAC Guide, a tool designed to help contractors confidently navigate the repair-versus-replace conversation.

The discussion covers the key questions contractors should ask when evaluating a homeowner’s needs, as well as alternative solutions if a full system replacement isn’t feasible. Mike emphasizes the role of financing and rebates in making new systems more affordable, ensuring homeowners can upgrade without financial strain. Whether it’s educating customers on the long-term benefits of a replacement or finding ways to enhance their current system, this episode provides actionable strategies to help contractors build trust and close more sales.

In this episode of Accelerated HVAC Success, host Ben Middleton sits down with Matt Maleske, Owner and Business Coach with CTM, who shares his expertise on blending technical knowledge with sales skills to drive success in the HVAC industry. Matt emphasizes the need for contractors to be both engineers and salespeople, with a deep understanding of heat loads, airflow, and CFMs. He explains how his practical Sales & Application course simplifies these concepts, helping contractors deliver better, easier-to-understand results. Despite ongoing industry changes, Matt underscores the importance of always prioritizing the customer by focusing on their comfort and offering tailored solutions.

Matt also addresses the Side Discharge Sales & Application course he developed with Daikin, detailing its benefits, including improved airflow understanding, design integration, and practical application. He highlights his collaboration with the EPA, which allows students to achieve an Skilled Energy Contractor certification. This certification give contractors a boost in standing out in the industry. Matt concludes by discussing the diverse applications of mini-splits, the value of embracing new technology, and how contractors can find or schedule his courses through the HVAC Learning Center.

In this episode of Accelerated HVAC Success, we welcome John Maiorana, Product Support Manager with Forane Refrigerants and Arkema, for a deep dive into the evolving world of refrigerants. John explains the regulatory changes and requirements that have shaped the industry, explaining the Environmental Protection Agency's goals, Global Warming Potentials (GWPs), and the critical timeline and baseline calculations that HVAC professionals need to understand. He also breaks down the differences between R32 and R410A, providing clarity on blends, fracturation, and the intricate process of making refrigerants.

John tackles common misconceptions about A2L refrigerants, explaining the classifications of A1, A2L, A2, and A3 and their implications for HVAC contractors. He highlights the global trends regarding R32 and the practical benefits contractors can experience when transitioning from R410a to R32. Finally, John stresses the importance of embracing change as the industry continues to move toward a more sustainable future. This episode is packed with insights and actionable advice for navigating refrigerant transitions with confidence.

In this episode of Accelerated HVAC Success, Jennifer Bagley, President and CEO of CI Webgroup, shares her journey with AI and how she has witnessed its evolution firsthand. She explains how businesses can refine their strategies by leveraging AI and how CI Webgroup has analyzed different AI platforms to maximize their potential. Jennifer highlights how her company currently integrates AI as an optimization tool, helping businesses streamline operations, improve content access for target demographics, and prepare for AI-driven search engines.

Jennifer also explores the profound impact AI will have on consumer searches and how HVAC businesses can structure their operations to increase efficiency and productivity. She emphasizes the importance of getting teams to embrace AI, ensuring they harness its full potential rather than resist change. Whether you're just beginning to explore AI or looking for ways to refine your approach, this episode provides valuable insights into using AI as a game-changing tool in the HVAC industry.

In this episode of Accelerated HVAC Success, Gene Palandro, Sales Manager at Wrightsoft, joins us to share the company’s journey and its transformative impact on the HVAC industry. Gene dives into how Wrightsoft has grown alongside the industry, revolutionizing processes with innovations like Perfect Pitch, a program developed specifically for Daikin. He emphasizes the importance of contractors shifting their focus from selling to helping customers buy, using the needs and comfort assessments to guide decisions. With tools that simplify heating and cooling load calculations in minutes and generate Certified Manual J reports with ease, Wrightsoft empowers contractors to provide precise, efficient solutions.

Gene explains what an AED report is and how it supports contractors in delivering comprehensive proposals. Listeners will learn about Wrightsoft’s dedicated sections for rebates and financing, designed to streamline the customer experience and maximize value. There are three versions of Wrightsoft’s Perfect Pitch: one for Daikin, one for Amana, and one for Goodman. If anyone is interested in these programs, they can contact sales@wrightsoft.com or visit the website itself at wrightsoft.com.