In this podcast episode, Dr. John Sherk, Barton James, and  Kate Wessels discuss the HVAC industry's current state, focusing on workforce challenges, market dynamics, and advocacy efforts. 

Barton and Kate are leaders of ACCA,  the Air Conditioning Contractors of America, also known as the National Association of Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Contractors. They are passionate about the HVAC industry and are dedicated to serving their members. In this episode, they discuss some of the industry's most pressing issues, including workforce shortages, rising costs, and the need for innovation. They also talk about the importance of advocacy and how ACCA is working to influence policy. This is a great episode for anyone interested in learning more about the HVAC industry or how ACCA works to make a difference.

Here’s a sneak peek of  this episode:

Workforce Challenges

Quality Over Quantity: The ongoing struggle to find and retain skilled technicians.

Training Investments: How contractors are filling the educational gaps.

Hiring Preferences.  Some prefer hiring fresh talent over experienced but poorly trained individuals.

Market Dynamics

Rising Costs. The dramatic increase in equipment prices and its causes.

Consumer Behavior.  The impact of inflation on consumer decisions and the need for proactive maintenance.

Distributor Relationships. The shift from single to multiple suppliers is due to trust issues.

Advocacy Efforts

Building Relationships. How we’re engaging with lawmakers to influence policy.

Educational Initiatives.  Informing policymakers about the HVAC industry's complexities.

Regulatory Challenges.  There is a need for more informed decision-making regarding government regulations.

The Importance of Company Culture

Employee Engagement:  Insights from doctoral research on organizational commitment.

Branding and Storytelling:  Creating a family-oriented culture to attract talent.

Positive Work Environment.   Case studies of companies with high employee satisfaction.

Innovation and Future Outlook

Untapped Potential.  Collaborating with universities for practical applications of research.

PFAS Concerns: Addressing "forever chemicals" in HVAC systems.

Proactive Advocacy: Ensuring lawmakers recognize the industry’s needs.

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Government regulations: Necessary or unnecessary burden? 

What challenges do HVAC businesses and technicians face when it comes to government regulation?

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