This letter is in response to Kimberly Schwartz’s editorial “Don’t Let That Talent Slip Away,” Nov. 21.

In Indianapolis at the recent 30th annual reunion of the Dwyer Group, which operates several franchises in the service industries, Aire Serv Heating & Air Conditioning franchisees heard ideas of how to overcome the fear of change and steer their businesses into new directions.

In prosecution of wage and hour violations, the stakes are getting personal. In several recent cases, the government has penalized company owners and officers for failing to pay overtime, imposing stiff fines and even imprisonment.

We are wired to seek comfort; as a result, much of our life is focused around familiar patterns and habits. Yet while we go to great lengths to avoid being uncomfortable, that avoidance strategy is a killer when it comes to making the changes needed for business growth and success.

When The NEWS accepts nominations for its Best Contractor to Work For contest, applicants are asked to include answers to 23 “yes” or “no” questions that have been developed as a way to measure what makes a contractor the best. When the application for Casteel Heating and Cooling came in, 22 of the 23 questions were answered with “yeses.”

When Bob Tudi founded Tudi Mechanical in Pittsburgh 25 years ago, he established a practice of valuing the tech and the office guy equally, and taking care of them and their families. The company has been named The NEWS’ Best Contractor To Work For in the East region.

“We make a big deal of training here,” said Josh Bigelow, president of Great Dane Heating & Air Conditioning Inc. in Clinton Township, Mich. That statement summarizes how important training is at Great Dane, The NEWS’ 2012 Best Contractor to Work For in the North Central Region.

With a laminated quote from Lloyd Shearer in one hand and HVAC training in the other, Don Millard began Bel Red Heating and Air Conditioning. Twenty-six years and a name change later, Bel Red Energy Solutions of Mukilteo, Wash., is being honored as The NEWS’ Best Contractor to Work For in the West region.

Any employer who has faced potential class-action wage-and-hour lawsuits knows what a headache they can be. Due to a recent court ruling, employers have a lot more to worry about. That case, Pippins v. KPMG, has caused tremendous turmoil and confusion among those who follow employment litigation and electronic discovery.