HVAC Know It All Podcast

In this episode of the HVAC Know It All Podcast, host Gary McCreadie continues his conversation with Adam Gordon, Director of Service and Maintenance, Mechanical Division at Orella Group Inc, in the Mental Health series. Adam speaks openly about how past trauma shaped his need for attention and validation, and how that showed up in his life and on social media. He talks about learning to manage those habits by focusing on fitness, discipline, family time, and building positive routines. Adam also shares the value of surrounding yourself with good people, finding mentors, and using social media in a healthier way. The episode highlights the importance of self-awareness, personal growth, and reaching out for help or guidance when dealing with mental health challenges. Gary and Adam discuss mental health in the trades and the personal challenges that can shape a person's life and behaviour. Adam speaks openly about growing up between two households and how a lack of attention led to a strong need for validation as an adult. They talk about how that showed up through social media, relationships, and conflict online. Adam also explains how he now focuses on healthier habits like fitness, structured routines, family time, and surrounding himself with positive people. The conversation highlights the value of self-awareness, mentorship, and reaching out to others when dealing with personal struggles or mental health challenges. Expect to Learn: How past experiences can shape behaviour and the need for validation. Why calm responses can help reduce conflict on social media and in daily life. How routines like fitness, early mornings, and structured days support mental health. Why does surrounding yourself with positive people and mentors matter? How reaching out and having honest conversations can help during tough times.   Episode Highlights: [00:00] - Intro to Adam Gordon in Part 02  [02:01] - Late-night self-reflection  [04:19] - The dark side of social media  [05:45] - Escaping through attention seeking  [07:54] - Fitness, routine & healthy validation  [11:08] - Why your circle matters  [14:36] - Loyalty vs. drama  [17:16] - Current mindset & advice for others  [19:31] - Advice for those struggling: reach out   This Episode is Kindly Sponsored by: Cintas: https://www.cintas.com/ Cool Air Products: https://www.coolairproducts.net/ Factory Direct Filters: https://www.factorydirectfilters.com/ SupplyHouse: https://www.supplyhouse.com/tm Use promo code HKIA5 to get 5% off your first order at Supplyhouse!   Follow the Guest Adam Gordon on: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adam-gordon-494a54bb/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gordonbotplumbing/ Orella Group Inc: https://www.linkedin.com/company/orella-group-inc/   Follow the Host: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gary-mccreadie-38217a77/  Website: https://www.hvacknowitall.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/HVAC-Know-It-All-2/61569643061429/   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hvacknowitall1/ 

In this episode of the HVAC Know It All Business Edition Podcast, co-hosts Gary McCreadie and Furman Haynes from WorkHero sit down with Andrew Blair, Director of Product and Market Development at Helix Earth and Advisor / Angel Investor at various startups, to explore the journey from growing up in a family-owned HVAC business to becoming a key operator in a commercial refrigeration company. The conversation dives into the realities of the skilled trades, the growing talent shortage, and the operational challenges of running a service-based business, especially in mission-critical environments like refrigeration.  The episode also highlights the evolving nature of trade education, licensing complexities, and what it truly takes to build and scale a successful HVAC business. Andrew Blair is an experienced HVAC and commercial refrigeration professional who grew up in the industry through his family's business, Kensington Mechanical.    Expect to Learn Why HVAC is one of the most underrated but complex skilled trades How trade schools and partnerships can solve the labor shortage The importance of field experience when running a service business Differences between residential HVAC and commercial refrigeration work How to handle high-pressure, mission-critical service environments   Episode Breakdown with Timestamps  [00:00:00] – Introduction  [00:01:57] – Growing Up in a Family HVAC Business [00:03:45] – Why HVAC Stands Out Among the Trades [00:04:27] – Skilled Labor Shortage & Trade School Partnerships [00:06:33] – Licensing Challenges & Industry Evolution [00:09:19] – From Apprentice to COO: Scaling a Family Business [00:14:26] – Understanding Commercial Refrigeration & Critical Environments [00:18:38] – Advice for Entering Commercial Refrigeration   This Episode is Kindly Sponsored by: PartsTown: https://www.partstown.com/hvac-parts   Follow our Guest Andrew Blair: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-blair-/ Company Website: https://www.helixearth.com/ Company LinkedIn: - Helix Earth: https://www.linkedin.com/company/helixearth/   - Various Startups: https://www.linkedin.com/company/various-startups1/   Follow Gary McCreadie: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gary-mccreadie-38217a77/  Website: https://www.hvacknowitall.com  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/HVAC-Know-It-All-2/61569643061429/   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hvacknowitall1/    Follow Furman Haynes:  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/furmanhaynes/  WorkHero: https://www.linkedin.com/company/workherohvac/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/workhero__/  

In this episode of the HVAC Know It All Podcast, host Gary McCreadie continues the mental health series with guest Adam Gordon, Director of Service and Maintenance, Mechanical Division at Orella Group Inc. In Part 1, Adam shares his life story and speaks openly about the trauma he has faced, including witnessing a close friend die in a tragic accident, losing family members, and making the difficult decision to remove life support from his father. He explains how years of grief, family struggles, and seeking attention shaped many of his actions in the past, both online and in his personal life. Adam also talks about how therapy helped him better understand himself and begin working through his trauma. Together, they discuss the importance of purpose in the trades, learning from difficult experiences, and creating space for honest conversations about mental health. This episode continues the mental health series by focusing on the struggles many people in the trades quietly carry. Adam joins Gary to share the difficult experiences that shaped his life, including witnessing his best friend die in a tragic accident, losing his stepfather to suicide, and later losing his sister and father. He explains how years of grief and family challenges affected his behaviour, relationships, and search for attention both online and in real life. Adam also talks about how therapy helped him better understand his trauma and begin working on personal growth. The conversation highlights the importance of opening up, learning from hard experiences, and creating space for honest discussions about mental health in the trades. Expect to Learn: How witnessing a close friend die at a young age affected Adam's life. How losing his stepfather, sister, and later his father shaped his grief. Why do many tradespeople feel pressure to stay quiet and keep working? How therapy helped Adam understand his behaviour and past trauma. How helping customers through service work can create purpose and meaning. Episode Highlights: [00:00] - Intro to Adam Gordon in Part 1  [03:02] - Meet Adam: Early Life Trauma & Loss [05:44] - Coping Mechanisms: Dark Humor & Moving On [09:16] - Adam's Past: From Revenge Porn to Therapy [12:02] - Social Media Struggles: Trolls vs. Gratitude [15:44] - Gary's Approach: Blocking Out Negativity [18:23] - Maturity: Not Feeding the Online Drama   This Episode is Kindly Sponsored by: Cintas: https://www.cintas.com/ Cool Air Products: https://www.coolairproducts.net/ Factory Direct Filters: https://www.factorydirectfilters.com/ SupplyHouse: https://www.supplyhouse.com/tm  Use promo code HKIA5 to get 5% off your first order at SupplyHouse! Follow the Guest Adam Gordon on: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adam-gordon-494a54bb/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gordonbotplumbing/ Orella Group Inc: https://www.linkedin.com/company/orella-group-inc/ Follow the Host: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gary-mccreadie-38217a77/ Website: https://www.hvacknowitall.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/HVAC-Know-It-All-2/61569643061429/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hvacknowitall1/ 

In this episode of the HVAC Know It All Business Edition Podcast, co-hosts Gary McCreadie and Furman Haynes from WorkHero sit down with Austin Wendel, Owner at Accounting 4 Trades. Austin shares valuable insights on managing cash flow, invoicing efficiently, and using smart marketing strategies to grow a successful trade business. From service agreements to financial systems, this episode covers key strategies that every small business owner should consider for long-term success. With extensive experience in the HVAC and trades industry, Austin shares his expertise on cash flow management, financial systems, and operational efficiency, all crucial to growing a sustainable business.   Expect to Learn: The importance of quick invoicing for maintaining healthy cash flow How to handle unpaid invoices and effectively collect payments Marketing strategies for acquiring your first customers Setting up financial systems that work for your trade business The benefits of service agreements and creating long-term customer relationships Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction 02:37 - Importance of Quick Invoices 05:31 - Marketing for New Businesses. 07:48 - Grassroots Marketing Techniques 08:39 - Setting Up Financial Systems 10:31 - Service Agreements for Steady Cash Flow 13:33 - HVAC as a Service Model 17:22 - Advice for New Business Owners 18:14 - Conclusion   This Episode is Kindly Sponsored by: PartsTown: https://www.partstown.com/hvac-parts   Follow our Guest Austin Wendel: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/accounting4trades/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/accounting4trades/ Company Website: https://www.acc4t.com/ Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/accounting-4-trades/ Company Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/acc4trades/ Follow Gary McCreadie: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gary-mccreadie-38217a77/ Website: https://www.hvacknowitall.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/HVAC-Know-It-All-2/61569643061429/ Follow Furman Haynes:  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/furmanhaynes/ WorkHero: https://www.linkedin.com/company/workherohvac/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hvacknowitall1/

In this episode of the HVAC Know It All Podcast, host Gary McCreadie talks with Christopher Rystedt, Technical Sales and Trainer at Airzone Control, about air distribution and zoning with VRF and inverter systems. In Part 2, they discuss common applications such as hotels and residential homes, and how zoning can work with multiple brands and system types. Christopher explains how modern zoning avoids bypass dampers by adjusting fan speed and system capacity based on demand. They also cover ventilation modes, zone weighting, and how airflow is balanced across different spaces. The conversation wraps up with setup tips, training options, and how zoning can help manage refrigerant limits and reduce system size and cost. Gary and Christopher discuss how modern HVAC zoning systems work with VRF and inverter equipment in both commercial and residential applications. They explain how systems can control multiple zones or units from one platform, even across different brands. Christopher describes how proper duct design and variable fan speed help avoid the need for bypass dampers while maintaining correct airflow. They also cover ventilation settings, including local and system-wide fan operation, and how zone weighting helps balance airflow based on duct size. They finish by talking about system setup, training resources, and how zoning can help reduce refrigerant use and overall system costs.   Expect to Learn: How HVAC zoning systems can control multiple rooms using VRF and inverter equipment. How one platform can manage different brands and types of HVAC units together. Why proper duct design and variable fan speed help eliminate the need for bypass dampers. How ventilation modes work at both the zone level and system level to move air. How zone weighting and system setup help balance airflow and improve overall performance.   Episode Highlights: [00:00] - Sponsor: Factory Direct Filters ad [01:08] - Intro to Chris Rystedt in Part 02  [02:10] - Main applications: Hotels, villas, and residential  [04:34] - Airzone history: Spain (1997), North America (2021)  [06:57] - Inverter systems vs. traditional bypass dampers  [09:21] - Ventilation modes: Local and global settings  [13:29] - Christopher's role: Technical sales and trainer  [18:33] - Training resources and A2L refrigerant benefits    This Episode is Kindly Sponsored by: Cintas: https://www.cintas.com/ Cool Air Products: https://www.coolairproducts.net/ Factory Direct Filters: https://www.factorydirectfilters.com/ SupplyHouse: https://www.supplyhouse.com/tm Use promo code HKIA5 to get 5% off your first order at Supplyhouse!   Follow the Guest Christopher Rystedt:  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopher-rystedt-62258597/   Airzone Control - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/airzonecontrol/   Airzone Control - Website: https://www.airzonecontrol.com/as/en/  Follow the Host: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gary-mccreadie-38217a77/  Website: https://www.hvacknowitall.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/HVAC-Know-It-All-2/61569643061429/   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hvacknowitall1/  Follow the Podcast:  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HVACKnowItAll   Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6LCBJGw0EHG03rdWHxUMce  Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hvac-know-it-all-podcast/id1359253455

In this episode of the HVAC Know It All Podcast, host Gary McCreadie is joined by Christopher Rystedt, Technical Sales and Trainer at Airzone Control, to discuss VRF and VRV zoning and how it applies to air distribution systems. Christopher explains how zoning can be used with inverter-driven equipment to deliver precise comfort by controlling airflow to individual spaces using modulating dampers and smart controls. The conversation covers how Airzone integrates with over 200 HVAC brands through manufacturer-supported communication protocols, allowing full system functionality without losing performance. Gary and Christopher also explore system design, control strategies, and how modern zoning helps reduce equipment load while improving comfort and efficiency. In this conversation, Christopher explains how VRF and VRV zoning can be applied to ducted systems to control airflow to individual rooms based on demand. He describes how modulating dampers and smart controls adjust airflow levels instead of simply opening or closing, allowing the system to match capacity to the exact needs of each space. Christopher and Gary discuss how zoning works with inverter-driven equipment and why proper communication with indoor units is important to maintain performance. They also cover system setup, including thermostats, sensors, and control wiring, and explain how this approach helps improve comfort, reduce equipment load, and provide more efficient operation. Expect to Learn: How VRF and VRV zoning can control airflow to different rooms using one ducted system. Why modulating dampers adjust airflow levels based on the exact demand in each space? How communication with indoor units allows zoning systems to maintain full equipment performance. What components, like thermostats, sensors, and control boards, are used in a zoned system setup? How proper zoning design helps improve comfort, reduce system load, and increase efficiency. Episode Highlights: [00:00] - Sponsor: Factory Direct Filters ad [00:00] - Intro to Christopher in Part 1  [02:36] - What is Air Distribution Zoning? [05:14] - What Air Distribution Zoning Is [08:33] - Airone Zone Damper Demo & How It Works [10:32] - Compatibility with 200+ VRF Brands [13:09] - System Setup: Sensors, Dampers & Wiring [17:49] - Building Automation, App Control & Integration This Episode is Kindly Sponsored by: Cintas: https://www.cintas.com/ Cool Air Products: https://www.coolairproducts.net/ Factory Direct Filters: https://www.factorydirectfilters.com/ SupplyHouse: https://www.supplyhouse.com/tm Use promo code HKIA5 to get 5% off your first order at Supplyhouse! Follow the Guest Christopher Rystedt: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopher-rystedt-62258597/ Airzone Control - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/airzonecontrol/ Airzone Control - Website: https://www.airzonecontrol.com/as/en/ Follow the Host: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gary-mccreadie-38217a77/ Website: https://www.hvacknowitall.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/HVAC-Know-It-All-2/61569643061429/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hvacknowitall1/  Follow the Podcast: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HVACKnowItAll Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6LCBJGw0EHG03rdWHxUMce Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hvac-know-it-all-podcast/id1359253455 

In this episode of the HVAC Know It All Podcast, host Gary McCreadie welcomes Jim Bergmann, President of measureQuick and Director of New Product Development at Redfish Instruments Inc, to discuss system cleanup after moisture contamination and compressor burnouts. Jim explains why moisture in POE oil cannot be fully removed with evacuation and highlights the importance of using filter dryers and proper procedures. The conversation covers real-world scenarios such as water entering a system and the steps needed to reduce damage and extend equipment life. Gary and Jim also talk about evacuation best practices, decay testing, and how poor installation habits can lead to long-term system failure. In this conversation, Jim explains how moisture affects refrigeration systems and why it cannot be fully removed from POE oil using evacuation alone. He discusses how technicians should rely on filter dryers, oil changes, and proper cleanup methods to reduce contamination. Jim and Gary talk about real situations like water entering a system and compressor burnouts, and how these issues damage equipment and shorten its life. They also explain the importance of good installation practices, proper evacuation, and decay testing to prevent future failures and ensure the system stays clean and dry. Expect to Learn: Why can moisture in POE oil not be removed using evacuation alone? How filter dryers help remove moisture and acids from HVAC systems. Steps technicians can take when water enters a refrigeration system. How compressor burnouts contaminate systems and affect performance. Why proper evacuation, decay testing, and installation practices prevent system failures. Episode Highlights:  [00:00] - Intro to Jim Bergmann [01:53] - Jim Returns & POE Oil Moisture Discussion  [03:24] - YouTube Demo: POE Oil Stays Cloudy After Evacuation  [05:40] - Scenario 1: Water in System from Cracked Coil  [08:55] - Mini Split Story: When a System Pulls in Moisture [12:45] - Scenario 2: Compressor Burnout Cleanup  [16:25] - Flushes & Solvents: Are They Worth Using?  [17:54] - The Real Root Cause: Poor Evacuation Practices  [19:03] - Micron Gauge Placement: Does It Matter?  [23:34] - Final Tip: The Blue Vac Gauge & Best Practices   This Episode is Kindly Sponsored by: Cintas: https://www.cintas.com/ Cool Air Products: https://www.coolairproducts.net/ SupplyHouse: https://www.supplyhouse.com/tm Use promo code HKIA5 to get 5% off your first order at Supplyhouse! Follow the Guest Jim Bergmann on: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jim-bergmann-2968178/  measureQuick: https://www.linkedin.com/company/measurequick-application/  Redfish Instruments Inc: https://www.linkedin.com/company/redfish-instruments/   Download the measureQuick App here: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.measurequick.hvac    Follow the Host, Gary McCreadie: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gary-mccreadie-38217a77/ Website: https://www.hvacknowitall.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/HVAC-Know-It-All-2/61569643061429/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hvacknowitall1/ 

In this episode of the HVAC Know It All Business Edition Podcast, co-hosts Gary McCreadie and Furman Haynes from WorkHero sit down with Austin Wendel, Owner at Accounting 4 Trades, who shares valuable insights from his experience in the trades industry, guiding entrepreneurs on how to properly set themselves up financially before taking the leap into business ownership. Austin Wendel is a seasoned business owner in the trades industry, with years of experience helping others navigate the challenges of starting and growing a business. Known for his practical approach to financial planning and business growth, Austin breaks down key areas such as personal credit, savings, emotional preparation, and the importance of separating business and personal finances.   Expect to Learn - The significance of having a good credit score and how it affects your business. - How to calculate savings and ensure you have enough financial runway before starting. - The emotional preparation needed for business ownership includes family involvement. - Why it's crucial to separate business and personal finances and practical tips for doing so. - Whether you should invest in high-cost branding or take a more conservative approach to vehicles and tools.   Timestamps 00:00 – Introduction 02:35 – Personal Credit Score 04:15 – Checking Your Credit Score 05:25 – Savings and Runway 06:43 – Playing Devil's Advocate on Starting with $0 08:36 – Emotional Runway & Family Support 11:58 – Avoiding the "Shiny Truck Trap" 15:12 – Separating Business and Personal Finances 16:29 – The Importance of a Supply House Float 19:38 – Using Vendor Credit to Extend Payment Terms 21:10 – Managing Credit and Debt 21:49 – Software Choices for New Business Owners   This Episode is Kindly Sponsored by: PartsTown: https://www.partstown.com/hvac-parts   Follow our Guest Austin Wendel: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/accounting4trades/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/accounting4trades/ Company Website: https://www.acc4t.com/ Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/accounting-4-trades/ Company Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/acc4trades\    Follow Gary McCreadie: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gary-mccreadie-38217a77/ Website: https://www.hvacknowitall.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/HVAC-Know-It-All-2/61569643061429/   Follow Furman Haynes: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/furmanhaynes/ WorkHero: https://www.linkedin.com/company/workherohvac/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/workhero__/  

In this episode of the HVAC Know It All Podcast, host Gary McCreadie talks with John Anderson, Senior Regional HVAC Technical Trainer at Sila Services and former Service Manager and Technician at Burns & McBride Home Comfort, about practical HVAC maintenance and system checks. In Part 2, they discuss how technicians can use observation, temperature measurements, and airflow checks to evaluate a system before connecting gauges. John explains simple ways to estimate evaporator performance using return air temperature and suction line temperature. Gary and John also cover electrical inspections, including checking contactors and testing coils for shorts. The conversation ends with a discussion about preventative maintenance ideas, such as scheduled capacitor replacement and the importance of keeping coils clean. Gary and John discuss practical HVAC maintenance checks and how technicians can assess system performance before connecting gauges. They explain how observing airflow, temperature differences, condensate flow, and suction line conditions can help confirm that a system is operating properly. John shares a simple method to estimate evaporator performance using return air temperature and suction line temperature. The conversation also covers electrical inspections such as checking contactors, testing coils for shorts, and spotting common issues. They finish by talking about preventative maintenance, including cleaning condenser coils and considering scheduled capacitor replacement to reduce breakdowns.   Expect to Learn: How technicians can evaluate system performance using temperature and airflow checks. A simple way to estimate evaporator coil performance using return air temperature. Why visual inspection and system cleanliness are key parts of HVAC maintenance. How to check contactors and coils to find electrical issues before they cause failures. Why cleaning condenser coils and planning capacitor replacement can help prevent breakdowns. Episode Highlights:  [00:00] - CMPX Show Announcement [00:34] - Intro to John Anderson in Part 02 [02:15] - How load calc fixes static pressure [03:02] - Non-invasive checks vs. always using gauges [07:59] - Electrical inspections: Contactors & coils [12:08] - Real story: Bad contactor coil diagnosis [14:09] - Preventive capacitor replacement to avoid callbacks [18:28] - Importance of cleaning outdoor condenser coils [20:21] - Wrap-up Join us at the CMPX Show from March 25 to 27 in Toronto. Use code KNOWITALL to get your free pass. Don't miss it. 👉https://www.cmpxshow.com/register    This Episode is Kindly Sponsored by: Cintas: https://www.cintas.com/ Cool Air Products: https://www.coolairproducts.net/ SupplyHouse: https://www.supplyhouse.com/tm Use promo code HKIA5 to get 5% off your first order at Supplyhouse! Follow the Guest John Anderson on: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-anderson-188093251/ Sila Services - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/silaservices/ Sila Services - Website: http://www.silaservices.com Burns & McBride Home Comfort: https://www.linkedin.com/company/burns-&-mcbride-home-comfort/  Follow the Host: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gary-mccreadie-38217a77/  Website: https://www.hvacknowitall.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/HVAC-Know-It-All-2/61569643061429/   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hvacknowitall1/ 

In this episode of the HVAC Know It All Business Edition Podcast, co-hosts Gary McCreadie and Furman Haynes from WorkHero sit down with financial expert Ruth King, Founder and CEO of Financially Fit Business and CEO of Business Ventures Corporation to discuss how contractors can build sustainable profitability by focusing on the right financial metrics. Rather than obsessing over traditional profit margins, Ruth explains why net profit per billable hour is the metric that truly matters and how contractors can calculate it to price their services correctly. The conversation explores pricing strategies, managing overhead while scaling, and the financial habits that help businesses grow without losing profitability. Ruth King is a well-known financial expert and business coach specializing in helping contractors understand and improve their financial performance. With nearly four decades of experience analyzing small business financial statements, Ruth has helped thousands of contractors learn how to interpret their numbers and build profitable companies. Ruth is also the author of The Courage to Be Profitable.   Expect to Learn - Why net profit per billable hour matters more than traditional profit margins - How contractors can calculate overhead cost per hour using their financial statements - The financial challenges contractors face when scaling from one truck to multiple crews - Key balance sheet ratios that indicate healthy business growth - The three financial habits every new contractor should adopt immediately   Episode Breakdown with Timestamps [00:00:00] – Introduction [00:01:34] – Why Profit Margins Can Be Misleading [00:03:45] – Calculating Overhead Cost Per Hour [00:06:14] – Managing Overhead While Scaling [00:09:26] – Financial Health Metrics for Growing Companies [00:11:21] – Financial Tools and Technology in Contracting [00:15:11] – Three Financial Habits for New Contractors. [00:18:37] – Closing Thoughts   This Episode is Kindly Sponsored by: PartsTown: https://www.partstown.com/hvac-parts   Follow our Guest Ruth King: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ruthking1/ Ruth's Website: https://ruthkinghvac.com/ Company Website: https://financiallyfit.business/ Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/financially-fit-business/ Company Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Financially-Fit-Business/100090849001161/   Follow Gary McCreadie: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gary-mccreadie-38217a77/ Website: https://www.hvacknowitall.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/HVAC-Know-It-All-2/61569643061429/   Follow Furman Haynes: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/furmanhaynes/ WorkHero: https://www.linkedin.com/company/workherohvac/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/workhero__/   

In this episode of the HVAC Know It All Podcast, host Gary McCreadie is joined by John Anderson, Senior Regional HVAC Technical Trainer at Sila Services, Formerly Service Manager and Technician at Burns & McBride Home Comfort, to discuss spring HVAC maintenance and the key checks technicians should perform before the cooling season begins. John shares practical methods for inspecting systems using visual checks and technician senses such as sight, sound, smell, and touch to identify problems early. The conversation covers preventive maintenance practices, the importance of clean equipment, and how technicians should verify system operation before taking detailed measurements. Gary and John also talk about airflow diagnostics, the role of static pressure testing, and why proper system checks help technicians find real problems instead of guessing. In this conversation, John explains how technicians should approach spring maintenance by first checking that the system is clean and operating correctly. He discusses using visual inspection and technician senses such as sight, sound, smell, and touch to quickly spot possible problems. John and Gary talk about how many issues can be noticed before any tools are used, including unusual noises, vibrations, or signs of damage. They also explain why confirming the system is running properly is important before taking measurements. The discussion also covers airflow diagnostics and static pressure testing, and why checking these values regularly helps technicians identify system restrictions and airflow problems early. Expect to Learn: How technicians can use sight, sound, smell, and touch to identify system issues during maintenance. Confirming the system is running properly is important before taking measurements. How checking for dirt in filters, coils, and condensate lines improves system performance. What static pressure readings reveal about airflow problems in HVAC systems. Regular airflow checks during maintenance help technicians find restrictions and system issues early. Episode Highlights: [00:00] - CMPX Show Announcement [00:34] - Intro to John Anderson in Part 1  [02:03] - John Returns & Last Episode Recap [03:17] - Starting Spring Maintenance Right [04:53] - Story: The Cost of Ignoring Bad Bearings [06:45] - Using Your 4 Senses Before Tools [13:57] - Why Static Pressure Matters Every Time [16:35] - How to Correctly Check Static Pressure [19:45] - Understanding Your Static Pressure Readings  Join us at the CMPX Show from March 25 to 27 in Toronto. Use code KNOWITALL to get your free pass. Don't miss it. 👉https://www.cmpxshow.com/register    This Episode is Kindly Sponsored by: Cintas: https://www.cintas.com/ Cool Air Products: https://www.coolairproducts.net/ SupplyHouse: https://www.supplyhouse.com/tm Use promo code HKIA5 to get 5% off your first order at Supplyhouse! Follow the Guest John Anderson: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-anderson-188093251/ Sila Services - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/silaservices/ Sila Services - Website: http://www.silaservices.com Burns & McBride Home Comfort: https://www.linkedin.com/company/burns-&-mcbride-home-comfort/  Follow the Host: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gary-mccreadie-38217a77/ Website: https://www.hvacknowitall.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/HVAC-Know-It-All-2/61569643061429/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hvacknowitall1/ 

In this episode of the HVAC Know It All Business Edition Podcast, co-hosts Gary McCreadie and Furman Haynes from WorkHero sit down with financial expert Ruth King, Founder and CEO of Financially Fit Business and CEO of Business Ventures Corporation. They talk about the importance of understanding your finances as a contractor, especially when you're starting to scale your business. Ruth King is a seasoned business advisor who specializes in helping contractors get their finances in order. With years of experience working with contractors, Ruth has invaluable insights on how to manage cash flow, profitability, and how to structure your books for long-term success.   Expect to Learn: - The key differences between accrual and cash basis accounting, and why accrual is critical for contractors. - How to set up clean books and the importance of having the right bookkeeper. - Why it's essential to separate service and install divisions on your P&L as you scale. - How to handle deferred income from maintenance contracts for proper financial reporting. - Tips for managing cash flow, avoiding the common "cash-flow trap" that many contractors face. - Why paying yourself a salary as an employee is a smarter choice than an owner's draw for growing your business. - Key financial ratios, like working capital, and how to use them to assess the health of your business.   Episode Breakdown with Timestamps 00:00  – Introduction 01:32 – First things Ruth looks for in a contractor's financials 03:22 – Clean books: What does it mean for a contractor? 04:22 – Evaluating a good bookkeeper 05:41 – Upfront billing for maintenance contracts 07:22 – Avoiding "trash in, trash out" in bookkeeping 08:44 – Integrating CRM with QuickBooks 10:19 – Departmentalizing your P&L 11:38 – Owner's draw vs. paying yourself a salary 12:48 – The importance of paying yourself as an employee 14:27 – Key numbers to track on your P&L 15:43 – How to calculate working capital 17:35 – Cash Flow vs. Profitability   This Episode is Kindly Sponsored by: PartsTown: https://www.partstown.com/hvac-parts   Follow our Guest Ruth King: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ruthking1/ Ruth's Website: https://ruthkinghvac.com/ Company Website: https://financiallyfit.business/ Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/financially-fit-business/ Company Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Financially-Fit-Business/100090849001161/   Follow Gary McCreadie: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gary-mccreadie-38217a77/ Website: https://www.hvacknowitall.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/HVAC-Know-It-All-2/61569643061429/   Follow Furman Haynes: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/furmanhaynes/ WorkHero: https://www.linkedin.com/company/workherohvac/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/workhero__/   

In this episode of the HVAC Know It All Business Edition Podcast, co-hosts Gary McCreadie and Furman Haynes from WorkHero talk with Jason Julian, Small Business Owner at Julian Heat & Air, President at J.G.Wholesale LLC and VP of Operations at Affordable Air McCallum LLC. Jason shares his incredible journey from a difficult personal period of recovery and incarceration to becoming a successful HVAC business owner. Through determination and a passion for the HVAC industry, Jason transformed his life and career. This episode dives deep into his story of overcoming challenges, growing his business, and providing valuable advice for aspiring HVAC entrepreneurs.   Expect to Learn - Jason's journey from recovery and incarceration to discovering his passion for HVAC - How thinking like a business owner, even before becoming one, led to success - The importance of taking ownership of your work and learning everything you can about the industry - The challenges Jason faced in starting his own business with limited resources - How the COVID-19 pandemic unexpectedly boosted business demand and growth - Advice on how to navigate competition in a saturated market   Episode Breakdown with Timestamps  00:00:00 - Introduction 00:01:21 - Jason's Journey into HVAC 00:07:14 - Thinking Like an Owner Before You Are One 00:13:16 - Challenges of Starting a Business 00:16:17 - First Year in Business and Surprising Growth 00:21:34 - Final Thoughts and Advice for Aspiring Business Owners   This Episode is Kindly Sponsored by: PartsTown: https://www.partstown.com/hvac-parts   Follow Jason Julian:  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-julian-03530b160/ Julian Heat & Air Website: https://julianheatandair.com/ Julian Heat & Air Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/julianheatandair/ Affordable Air McCallum LLC Website: https://www.hotorcoldair.com/hvac/heber-springs-ar/   Follow Gary McCreadie: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gary-mccreadie-38217a77/  Website: https://www.hvacknowitall.com  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/HVAC-Know-It-All-2/61569643061429/     Follow Furman Haynes:  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/furmanhaynes/  WorkHero: https://www.linkedin.com/company/workherohvac/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/workhero__/   

In this episode of the HVAC Know It All Podcast, host Gary McCreadie wraps up his chat with Ilija Martinovich, about mental health in the trades and the personal struggles he faced over the past six years. Ilija shares his experience navigating COVID, a bladder cancer diagnosis, divorce, and the pressure of supporting his children while working as an essential tradesperson. He opens up about dark moments, the stigma around men speaking up, and how therapy, exercise, better habits, and honest conversations helped him turn things around. The episode highlights the importance of asking for help, managing stress in healthy ways, finding purpose, and taking small daily steps to regain control and build a better future. Gary and Ilija discuss mental health in the trades and the real struggles many workers face but rarely talk about. Ilija shares his experience during COVID while working as an essential tradesperson, being diagnosed with bladder cancer, and going through a divorce at the same time. They talk about the stigma around men speaking up, the dangers of turning to alcohol or isolation, and the value of therapy and honest conversations. The discussion also covers stress management, building healthy habits like walking and exercise, and finding purpose through family and daily routines. They finish by highlighting the importance of asking for help, taking control of what you can, and making small changes that lead to long-term improvement. Expect to Learn: How mental health challenges can affect tradespeople, especially during major life events. Why speaking openly and seeking therapy can help reduce stress and prevent darker outcomes. How unhealthy coping habits can make things worse, and how small daily changes can help. Why exercise, routine, and simple goal setting improve focus and emotional control. How finding purpose through family, support systems, and honest conversations can help you move forward.   Episode Highlights: [00:00] - Intro to Ilija Martinovich in Part 02 [01:36] - How younger generations are different today [05:01] - How instant gratification is changing human connection [10:18] - The turning point: When things started to get better [14:00] - Why do you have to help yourself first [16:12] - Simple ways to manage daily stress [18:27] - Focusing on small victories   This Episode is Kindly Sponsored by: Cintas: https://www.cintas.com/ Cool Air Products: https://www.coolairproducts.net/ SupplyHouse: https://www.supplyhouse.com/tm Use promo code HKIA5 to get 5% off your first order at Supplyhouse!   Follow the Guest Ilija Martinovich on: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_hvac_foodie/  Follow the Host: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gary-mccreadie-38217a77/  Website: https://www.hvacknowitall.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/HVAC-Know-It-All-2/61569643061429/   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hvacknowitall1/

In this episode of the HVAC Know It All Podcast, host Gary McCreadie sits down with Ilija Martinovich to launch a year-long mental health series focused on the trades. Ilija shares his personal journey through the past six years, including working through COVID as an essential worker, being diagnosed with bladder cancer, going through a divorce, and raising his children during a very stressful time. He speaks openly about the dark thoughts he faced, the pressure of staying strong as a father, and the stigma around mental health in blue-collar work. Ilija explains how speaking with a therapist, leaning on trusted people, walking daily, and building simple routines helped him regain control. Together, they highlight the power of honest conversations, healthy outlets, and finding purpose as key steps toward managing stress and protecting mental health. This episode continues the focus on mental health in the trades and the challenges many workers keep to themselves. Ilija joins Gary to share his experience over the past six years, including working through COVID as an essential worker, being diagnosed with bladder cancer, going through a divorce, and supporting his children during a difficult time. He speaks honestly about the dark places his mind went to and the pressure of trying to stay strong as a father. Ilija talks about how therapy, opening up to trusted people, improving his eating habits, and committing to daily walks helped him manage stress. The conversation reinforces the value of speaking up, building healthy outlets, and reminding tradespeople that support is available and they do not have to struggle alone. Expect to Learn: How working through COVID as an essential worker added stress at home and on the job. How a bladder cancer diagnosis and divorce affected Ilija's mental health. Why do many men in the trades stay silent, and the risks of keeping it inside? How therapy, trusted conversations, and crisis resources can provide real relief. How daily walks, better habits, and focusing on family help manage stress long-term. Episode Highlights: [00:00] - Intro to Ilija Martinovich in Part 1 [01:30] - Why Mental Health Matters [02:42] - Stigma of Mental Health in Trades [04:24] - Old-School Coping: Alcohol & Drugs [08:09] - Ilija's Story: Cancer, COVID & Divorce [12:17] - Importance of Talking to Someone [16:15] - Gary's Experience with Panic Attacks [18:37] - Turning to Food as a Coping Mechanism [21:04] - Finding Purpose to Protect Your Mental Health This Episode is Kindly Sponsored by: Cintas: https://www.cintas.com/ Cool Air Products: https://www.coolairproducts.net/ SupplyHouse: https://www.supplyhouse.com/tm Use promo code HKIA5 to get 5% off your first order at SupplyHouse! Follow the Guest Ilija Martinovich on: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_hvac_foodie/  Follow the Host: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gary-mccreadie-38217a77/ Website: https://www.hvacknowitall.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/HVAC-Know-It-All-2/61569643061429/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hvacknowitall1/ 

In this episode of the HVAC Know It All Podcast, host Gary McCreadie wraps up his chat with Tyler Nelson, Master HVACR, Business Development Manager, Sales Manager - Americas, Global Trainer, at Sauermann Group, about Combustion Analysis and why proper testing is critical for safe and efficient equipment operation. Tyler explains how to correctly use a Combustion Analyzer, the importance of testing at light off, steady state, and shutdown, and why commissioning should always be done. They discuss stack temperature, efficiency readings, manifold pressure adjustments, and how measured data helps technicians make better decisions and communicate clearly with customers. The episode highlights the value of understanding the why behind the readings and using data to improve performance and accountability in the field. Gary and Tyler discuss combustion analysis and why proper testing is essential for safe and efficient system operation. They talk about using a combustion analyzer the right way, including finding the correct test location and checking readings at light off, steady state, and shutdown. Tyler explains why commissioning is often overlooked and why equipment must be adjusted to match the environment it is installed in. The conversation also covers stack temperature, manifold pressure settings, and how efficiency readings reflect fuel use, not true system output. They finish by highlighting how measured data builds trust with customers and helps technicians make clear, confident decisions in the field. Expect to Learn: How to properly use a combustion analyzer and understand what the readings mean. Why testing at light off, steady state, and shutdown helps catch hidden problems. How stack temperature and manifold pressure affect efficiency and performance. Why commissioning equipment is critical and often overlooked in the field. How measured data builds trust with customers and supports clear diagnostic decisions.   Episode Highlights: [00:00] - Intro to Tyler Nelson in Part 02 [01:02] - Why open-mindedness matters in HVAC [02:23] - Mastering the combustion analyzer: Usage vs. understanding [05:41] - Real case study: The importance of day-one commissioning data [10:06] - Manufacturer's confession: Why commissioning is non-negotiable [13:20] - Fine-tuning equipment: Going beyond the manual's specs [16:16] - Behind the book & what's next for Tyler [18:38] - Wrap-up & where to find the book   This Episode is Kindly Sponsored by: Cintas: https://www.cintas.com/ Cool Air Products: https://www.coolairproducts.net/ SupplyHouse: https://www.supplyhouse.com/tm Use promo code HKIA5 to get 5% off your first order at Supplyhouse! Follow the Guest Tyler Nelson, Master HVACR on: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tyler-nelson-master-hvacr-9a8a981b/   Sauermann Group: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sauermann-group/  Get  Tyler Nelson's Book: Tyler's book Combustion Analysis: The Essentials is available now. If you want a practical, field-ready guide to combustion testing and diagnostics, grab your copy here: 👉https://tyty5.gumroad.com/l/zfsmxo Follow the Host: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gary-mccreadie-38217a77/  Website: https://www.hvacknowitall.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/HVAC-Know-It-All-2/61569643061429/   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hvacknowitall1/

In this episode of the HVAC Know It All Business Edition Podcast, co-hosts Gary McCreadie and Furman Haynes from WorkHero talk with Jason Julian, Small Business Owner at Julian Heat & Air, President at J.G.Wholesale LLC and VP of Operations at Affordable Air McCallum LLC. Jason Julian shares his personal and professional journey from a difficult period of addiction recovery to becoming a successful HVAC business owner. His story highlights the power of perseverance, hard work, and the ability to turn adversity into opportunity. Jason Julian also offers practical advice for technicians looking to transition into business ownership and shares insights on building a positive work culture, navigating local competition, and the lessons learned from his experiences in the HVAC industry. Whether you're an aspiring business owner or just interested in the HVAC world, Jason's story is a must-listen.   Expect to Learn Jason's journey into HVAC after a period of recovery from addiction How he transitioned from a helper to a business owner Why thinking like a business owner early on is key to success The challenges of starting a business with limited resources The importance of building a strong internal culture in your business How Jason Julian navigated competition and created growth despite a tough local market   Episode Breakdown with Timestamps  00:00:00 - Introduction 00:01:02 - Jason's Journey Into HVAC 00:04:39 - Thinking Like an Owner Before You Are One 00:05:11 - First Steps into Business Ownership 00:06:10 - Overcoming Challenges and Finding Opportunity 00:14:35 - Building Internal Culture at Julian Heating 00:19:51 - Navigating Local Competition   Follow Jason Julian:  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-julian-03530b160/ Julian Heat & Air Website: https://julianheatandair.com/ Julian Heat & Air Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/julianheatandair/ Affordable Air McCallum LLC Website: https://www.hotorcoldair.com/hvac/heber-springs-ar/   Follow Gary McCreadie: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gary-mccreadie-38217a77/  Website: https://www.hvacknowitall.com  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/HVAC-Know-It-All-2/61569643061429/     Follow Furman Haynes:  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/furmanhaynes/  WorkHero: https://www.linkedin.com/company/workherohvac/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/workhero__/   

In this episode of the HVAC Know It All Podcast, host Gary McCreadie talks with Tyler Nelson, Master HVACR, Business Development Manager, Sales Manager - Americas, Global Trainer, at Sauermann Group, about his new book, Combustion Analysis: The Essentials, and the Fundamentals of Combustion Testing. Tyler explains how technicians can better understand oxygen, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, excess air, and efficiency readings, and how to use those numbers to diagnose and adjust systems properly. The conversation covers light off, steady state, and high fire conditions, fuel selection in combustion analyzers, and how proper adjustments can improve system performance and save money. Gary and Tyler also discuss why combustion testing is a thinking person's skill and how using the right data can help technicians work smarter and deliver better results for their customers. In this conversation, Tyler talks about the core basics of combustion and why understanding the numbers is key to proper diagnostics. He explains oxygen levels in fresh air, carbon monoxide limits at light off and steady state, and how carbon dioxide is calculated inside a combustion analyzer. Gary and Tyler discuss testing at low fire, mid fire, and high fire on modulating equipment, and why selecting the correct fuel setting matters. They also cover excess air, stack temperature, and how small adjustments can improve efficiency and save customers money. The episode highlights the importance of thinking through the data and using combustion testing as a true diagnostic tool in the field. Expect to Learn: How to understand oxygen, carbon monoxide, and carbon dioxide readings during combustion testing. What happens at light off, steady state, and high fire on different types of equipment? Why is selecting the correct fuel in your analyzer is critical for accurate results? How excess air and stack temperature affect efficiency and system performance. How small adjustments can improve efficiency, reduce fuel use, and help technicians diagnose problems with confidence. Episode Highlights:  [00:00] - Intro to Tyler Nelson & His New Book in Part 1 [01:32] - Book Purpose: A Field Reference, Not Memorization [03:44] - Combustion Basics: O2, CO, and CO2 Explained [09:06] - Why CO2 is a Calculated Reading, Not a Sensor [11:04] - Troubleshooting Modulating Systems at Different Fires [15:49] - Efficiency Explained: Stack Temperature & Fuel Savings   This Episode is Kindly Sponsored by: Cintas: https://www.cintas.com/ Cool Air Products: https://www.coolairproducts.net/ SupplyHouse: https://www.supplyhouse.com/tm Use promo code HKIA5 to get 5% off your first order at Supplyhouse!   Follow the Guest Tyler Nelson, Master HVACR on: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tyler-nelson-master-hvacr-9a8a981b/ Sauermann Group: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sauermann-group/    Get Tyler Nelson's Book: Tyler's book Combustion Analysis: The Essentials is available now. If you want a practical, field-ready guide to combustion testing and diagnostics, grab your copy here: 👉https://tyty5.gumroad.com/l/zfsmxo Follow the Host:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gary-mccreadie-38217a77/ Website: https://www.hvacknowitall.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/HVAC-Know-It-All-2/61569643061429/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hvacknowitall1/

In this episode of the HVAC Know It All Podcast, Host Gary McCreadie talks with Josh Zolin, CEO of Windy City Equipment (WCE, Inc), Founder of Blue Is The New White, and Director Board of Directors in CFESA, about leadership, accountability, and building a strong culture in the trades. They discuss the difference between being nice and being kind, and how leaders can have hard conversations while still showing care and respect, in Part 2. Josh shares his approach to handling poor behavior, setting clear expectations, and knowing when to let someone go. Gary and Josh also explore flexibility, leverage, motivation, and why increasing your value through soft skills can create more opportunities. The episode highlights how strong leadership is built on communication, honesty, and the smart use of soft skills. Gary and Josh discuss leadership in the trades and how to handle tough situations with employees. They talk about the difference between being nice and being kind, and why hard conversations should be clear, direct, and rooted in care. Josh shares how setting expectations early helps hold people accountable and explains when it makes sense to let someone go, especially when trust is broken. The conversation also covers flexibility, time off, and how company culture can impact honesty and performance. They finish by exploring how building value through soft skills and personal growth can create leverage, motivation, and stronger teams. Expect to Learn: How to handle difficult employees while staying firm and kind at the same time. Why setting clear expectations early makes accountability easier later on. When it makes sense to give someone another chance and when it is time to let them go. How flexibility, time off policies, and culture impact honesty and performance. Why increasing your value through soft skills can create leverage, motivation, and stronger leadership. Episode Highlights:  [00:00] - Intro to Josh Zolin in Part 02 [00:57] - Being "kind" vs. being "nice" as a leader  [03:21] - The magic phrase: "You're better than this"  [05:31] - Debating the "Fire fast" philosophy  [08:13] - Red flags: trusting your gut instinct on new hires  [12:02] - Flexibility & leverage in the workplace  [14:30] - Josh's PTO policy & flexibility value  [18:00] - The power of soft skills in leadership  [21:42] - Wrap-up & guest contact information This Episode is Kindly Sponsored by: Cintas: https://www.cintas.com/ Cool Air Products: https://www.coolairproducts.net/ SupplyHouse: https://www.supplyhouse.com/tm Use promo code HKIA5 to get 5% off your first order at Supplyhouse!   Follow the Guest Josh Zolin on: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshzolin/   Windy City Equipment (WCE, Inc): https://www.linkedin.com/company/wcecommercial/   Blue Is The New White: https://www.linkedin.com/company/blue-is-the-new-white/   CFESA: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cfesa/  Website:  Windy City Equipment (WCE, Inc): https://wcecommercial.com/   Blue Is The New White: https://www.blueisthenewwhite.com/   CFESA: https://cfesa.com/  To learn more about Josh Zolin, BITNW Academy, or his podcast "Everything They Don't Tell You", visit https://joshzolin.com/    Follow the Host: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gary-mccreadie-38217a77/  Website: https://www.hvacknowitall.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/HVAC-Know-It-All-2/61569643061429/   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hvacknowitall1/

In this episode of the HVAC Know It All Business Edition Podcast, co-hosts Gary McCreadie and Furman Haynes of WorkHero talk with Robyn Hass, Founder and Fractional CFO of Mainstreet MEP™ by HVAC Office Solutions and Trade Finance in Ten Podcast, and Fractional MEP CFO/CHRO, FP&A and Change Management Consultant of Robyn Hass Consulting. Robyn shares her insights on managing overhead, scaling efficiently in a service business, and the importance of systems and processes in supporting growth without unnecessary expansion. Whether you're a solo operator or scaling a team, Robyn provides practical advice on reducing operational inefficiencies, improving field-to-office communication, and ensuring good financial practices.   Expect to Learn: -Strategies to control overhead as a business grows - The importance of lean processes and how to cut unnecessary complexity - Best practices for ensuring technicians stay accountable and contribute to accurate data collection - How to use data to gain insights into your business's performance and project cash flow - Advice on supporting solo contractors and small businesses - What it really takes to scale and when to keep things small   Timestamps: [00:00] - Introduction [00:59] - Managing Overhead During Growth [03:38] - Tech-to-Admin Ratio in the Field [07:02] - Importance of Field Data and Receipt Capture [08:41] - Managing Cash Flow and Invoicing Best Practices [10:07] - Training Technicians and Software Adoption [28:25] - Ongoing Training and Communication [14:17] - Supporting Solo Technicians and Small Businesses [18:54] - New Business Offerings: Bootcamps & Reporting Tools [20:43] - Final Thoughts   Follow Robyn Hass: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jrobynh/ Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mainstreet-mep  Company Website: https://myhvacoffice.com/    Follow Gary McCreadie: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gary-mccreadie-38217a77/  Website: https://www.hvacknowitall.com  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/HVAC-Know-It-All-2/61569643061429/     Follow Furman Haynes on:  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/Furmanhaynes/  WorkHero: https://www.linkedin.com/company/workherohvac/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hvacknowitall1/