There was a time when having a Website was enough to keep up with the competition - but that time came and went a long time ago. Thanks to a new Website development and maintenance program - PagePilot™ - HVAC contractors can now go where they previously dared not: developing their own Website.
What started, over 25 years ago, as a three-person company servicing commercial accounts in metropolitan New York City has grown to a company with over 110 employees and annual revenues of $60 million. The dreams of a few people have transformed BP Air Conditioning Corp., Brooklyn, N.Y., into one of the city’s largest commercial air conditioning companies.
I believe that taking any type of proactive approach to what the market will do to your business in 2007 is the best way to stay ahead of the game and avoid loss of profits or loss of market share.
HVAC contractors make sure customers’ heating equipment is in good working order and does not pose any CO dangers. But are they making sure employees are protected, and do they educate customers about CO? That’s what The NEWS wanted to know, so we recently ran an online survey.
A steady rain was not enough to put a damper on the 2006 ABCO Expo, hosted by ABCO Refrigeration Supply Corp. The expo, renamed this year from the ABCO Trade Show, was not affected by the uncertain economy, either. A record attendance of 4,558 people brought together manufacturers, distributors, contractors, students, and educators.
There are many issues facing business owners - including HVAC contractors - that often require a different perspective. The NEWS decided to step outside of the normal HVAC business world to seek advice from a person who is no stranger to business or politics: Steve Forbes.
International Service Leadership Inc. (ISL) recently convened its fall meeting in Toronto, where members learned about marketing programs, education, and best business practices. Milt Baum, president, and Bob Wilkins, vice president of operations, presided over the three-day meeting and reflected on the past while looking toward the future.
I have two reasons for believing that service techs shouldn’t sell replacement equipment. The first is that service should be their No. 1 priority. Secondly, they shouldn’t add to a customer’s heightened level of anxiety by suggesting a replacement system.
A court settlement involving a lawsuit filed last year by environmental groups, 15 states, and the city of New York because of delays in improving federal appliance efficiency requirements was recently settled, paving the way for new standards. The Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration Institute (ARI) and the Gas Appliance Manufacturers Association (GAMA), had supported the lawsuit.
What is the lifeblood of HVAC service and replacement contractors? Good customer base? Experienced field and office staff? Yeah, a contractor needs those two elements to be successful. But what does a contractor need to stay in business? C-A-S-H.