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The NEWSMakers Podcast: Stop Blaming the Market - The Real Fix for HVAC Labor and Margin Pressure

CEO Warrior’s Jackie Sponsler explains why retention, incentives, and budgeting, not just hiring, determine contractor success

In this episode of the Newsmakers Podcast, Jackie Sponsler, master advisor at CEO Warrior, unpacks the real story behind today’s labor shortage. Sponsler argues the issue isn’t just a lack of workers, but a shortage of skilled, accountable, revenue-producing technicians, and explains why retention, incentive pay structures, and clear career paths are the true competitive advantages. The conversation also dives into material price volatility, labor efficiency benchmarks, and why contractors must build disciplined budgets before attempting to scale.

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Dylan Kurt is an editor with The ACHR News. He is an award-winning political journalist with a bachelor’s degree in Journalism from the University of Iowa. Growing up, Dylan spent a lot of time fetching tools and assisting his dad, who held professional licenses in HVAC, plumbing, electrical, and refrigeration, at his small plumbing and heating business.