Customer education is more important than customer service. Don’t believe it? Ask the contractor who just left a sales call without a signed purchase order. On his way to the truck he scratched his head and asked, “Where did I go wrong?”

I remember the days when gas was $0.96 cents a gallon - and I am only 32. I didn’t start driving until I was 16 years old, so in the past 16 years gas prices have increased around $3.00 dollars or more per gallon.

The earthquake, tsunami, and nuclear crises in Japan have brought stories of tragedy, survival, and hope to light. Many of these stories reflect a vast difference between American and Japanese culture; for example, standing in line.

Of course I am talking about being an HVACR technician. That takes a special set of skills and achievements. Not just anybody can install a zoned system or diagnose a chiller problem. And, not just anybody can be a judge for the Dealer Design competition.

Gas prices across the nation have been on a steep upward trend, and the end of price hikes is not yet in sight. From mid-February to the first week in March, national average gas prices rose $0.33. By the middle of March, AAA reported that the national average price for a gallon of regular gas was approximately $3.553 and diesel was $3.93.

March Madness college basketball showdowns start this week. Fat Tuesday has passed. An hour was lost to Daylight Savings Time. St. Patrick’s Day is on the horizon. And, the Dealer Design Awards program has begun. It is open season on one of the HVAC industry’s more sought-after prizes, the DD.

Step aside green and make room for sustainable. Although arguably much the same, these two terms are jockeying for a prominent place in the HVACR contractor’s approach to the design, installation, and repair of HVAC systems as a whole. The resulting terminology war is launching another term into the green theater - high performance.

Changing the way people do business can be like trying to shave a lion’s mane with a disposable razor. It’s difficult, messy, and someone is going to get hurt. The image is a little extreme, but it seems that this is how many contractors view adding new technology to their businesses. Apple’s latest technology - the iPad - is no exception.

Criminal behavior and running from the law are likely the furthest things from the mind of the everyday HVACR contractor or technician. It is important, however, that these individuals understand the responsibilities inherent to those who work with what is classed as hazardous materials and greenhouse gases.

Committed. Caring. Trustworthy. Family. These are the words that Donley Service Center employees use to describe the company. Taking that trust and respect to the next level of uncompromising integrity, however, sets the firm apart as The NEWS’ 2010 Best Contractor to Work For winner in the Western region.