In this episode of "HVAC Chats," Sam Wakefield of Close It Now joins Nicole Krawcke, head of content at Contracting Business magazine, to discuss what "Saturday Night Live's" HVAC sales sketch reveals about customer trust and professionalism in the trades. Wakefield examines the challenges associated with high-pressure replacement sales and explains how permission-based selling, authentic communication, and ethical leadership can help contractors build stronger homeowner relationships. The conversation also explores practical ways to improve sales follow-up, coordinate sales and installation teams, evaluate business performance, and develop employees through consistent training. For HVAC contractors and business owners, these strategies offer a framework for improving customer satisfaction, operational efficiency, and long-term profitability.

In this episode of "HVAC Chats," Janal Reid, co-owner of Serveway Heating and Air Conditioning, shares her unconventional journey from cosmetology to HVAC business ownership and discusses opportunities for career changers entering the skilled trades. Reid discusses how transferable skills such as communication, customer service and emotional intelligence can help nontraditional candidates succeed, while offering practical advice on recruiting, employee development, and building an inclusive company culture. She also shares her work with the Next Generation of Tradesmen Foundation, which introduces students to career opportunities in HVAC and other construction trades. The conversation explores how investing in employee well-being, professional development, and workplace relationships can support employee retention and long-term business growth.

In the latest episode of "HVAC Chats," Noelle Henry, general manager and comfort advisor at Hesse Heat & Air, discusses her family’s experience rebranding the company after more than 50 years in business. Henry explains why the company returned to the Hesse Heat & Air name, how it introduced its new visual identity and mascot, and how it communicated the changes to customers. She also shares lessons from the roughly 2.5-year rebranding process, including the challenges of managing logistics, overcoming hesitation, and knowing when to bring in outside branding expertise. For HVAC contractors considering a rebrand, the conversation offers practical insight into building recognition while maintaining customer trust and continuity.

In this episode of "HVAC Chats," Nicole Krawcke speaks with Brady Jolly, owner and CEO of Jolly Heating, Air, Plumbing, Electric, about using artificial intelligence (AI) to improve contracting business operations. Jolly discusses how AI-powered dispatch helps match technicians with jobs based on performance data, while also sharing his company’s experience with call answering, customer follow-up, and review requests. The conversation also covers revenue growth, technician development, implementation challenges, and the importance of maintaining human oversight as contractors adopt AI.

In this episode of "HVAC Chats," Derek Aarstad, owner of DNA Heating and Cooling in Richmond, Virginia, discusses how building science, diagnostics, performance testing, and customer education have shaped his high-performance HVAC business. Aarstad explains why more than half of the comfort complaints he encounters are not actually equipment problems and how heat load calculations, Manual S, commissioning, duct leakage testing, and IAQ assessments can help contractors deliver better-performing HVAC systems. He also shares lessons on intentionally limiting company growth, attracting the right customers through organic digital channels, using AI-driven referrals, and avoiding technician and owner burnout.

In this episode of "HVAC Chats," Nicole Krawcke, editor-in-chief of Contracting Business, talks with Lauren Acosta Huckleberry, president of Acosta Heating, Cooling, and Electrical, about modernizing the HVAC sales process through online pricing and greater price transparency. Acosta Huckleberry explains how her company uses online pricing to meet changing homeowner expectations, generate leads, and provide customers with pricing information outside normal business hours. The conversation also explores how digital tools can support comfort consultants, the importance of proper HVAC system sizing, and the connection between equipment selection, home comfort, and IAQ.

"HVAC Chats" host Nicole Krawcke, head of content of Contracting Business, sits down with Chris Roth, HVAC contractor, educator, and co-owner of Quality Training Centers, to discuss how contractor-led education can reshape the industry's workforce pipeline. Roth explains why traditional trade school models often fall short of preparing technicians for real-world field performance and outlines a contractor-centric approach focused on producing hire-ready, day-one billable employees. The conversation explores practical strategies for improving workforce development, technician retention, and business growth while addressing the skilled labor shortage facing HVAC contractors.

In this latest episode of "HVAC Chats," Contracting Business Head of Content Nicole Krawcke welcomes Jane Sidebottom, president of Women in HVACR, for a conversation about the growing number of women entering the HVAC industry and what it means for the future workforce. Sidebottom discusses the factors driving increased enrollment in HVAC training programs, the importance of mentorship and professional networks, and practical steps contractors can take to build more inclusive workplaces. The episode also explores workforce development, career pathways, and leadership opportunities, offering actionable insights for HVACR contractors looking to strengthen recruiting, improve retention, and build high-performing teams.