Let’s face it — being the boss can be a thankless job. Most people think being an HVAC contractor is freeing in that business owners do not need to answer to anyone (your customers might disagree) and can do what they please.

I am guessing our contractor readers are shaking their collective heads right about now. I have talked to more than a few HVAC contractors and most are searching for more hours in the day to complete the job. Not only do they need to worry about the job they are doing, they also need to worry about how every single person in the company is doing with their jobs. You can liken it to a waitress who is balancing three times as many tables than she should. She can work as hard as she can, but, eventually, someone at table 16 is mad because they don’t have their guacamole.

While doing all that, HVAC contractors need to create a highly productive environment that people enjoy coming back to every day. They need to take an active interest in their employees’ lives while not becoming too buddy-buddy with staff. Indeed, they always walk a fine line and never punch out. They go to bed thinking about their business and wake up with the same thoughts.

Who’s the Boss?

So, how’s your boss doing? Do you work for an HVAC contracting company that truly offers a great place to work? Does your company get the recognition it deserves? Now’s your chance to grab the headlines. The NEWS is accepting nominations for our Best Contractor to Work For contest. Keep in mind, this is not a contest for the top-performing HVAC contractors, but rather the top HVAC contractors to work for.

The NEWS is looking for contractors that are innovative in regards to the training, rewarding, and treatment of employees.

The twist: Companies are nominated by employees. The contest grants employees a chance to recognize the outstanding leadership paving the way for their companies. It is a great way to thank a boss for being outstanding. It is also a great way to capture some brownie points from the guy in the corner office. Being a Best Contractor to Work For is also a great recruiting tool. Just think of the reaction the top student coming out of the local trade school will have when he Googles your company name and it comes up that you are one of the best HVAC companies in the country to work for. I would urge everyone who works for an outstanding boss to fill out the online form.

Past winners include Gary Markowski of Flame Heating and Cooling, Warren, Michigan; Ray Isaac of Isaac Heating and Cooling, Rochester, New York; and Rich Morgan of Magic Touch Mechanical, Mesa, Arizona; to name a few. Admit it, your company’s name would look great among this who’s who list of HVAC companies.

Enter Now

The contest is now open and runs through Nov. 21. The winners will be announced and featured in the Jan. 26, 2015, issue of The NEWS, which will be distributed on the floor of the 2015 AHR Expo in Chicago. Four U.S. contractors and one Canadian contractor will be chosen. For more information, visit http://bestcontractor.achrnews.com.

Publication date: 11/3/2014 

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