Accelerated HVAC Success Podcast

In this episode of Accelerated HVAC Success, host Ben Middleton sits down with Kenny Hoffsteder, Regional Sales Manager with Micro Metals, to discuss how economizers can help contractors deliver greater efficiency and comfort in commercial rooftop applications. Kenny explains how economizers work by monitoring indoor and outdoor temperature and humidity conditions, automatically modulating fresh air intake to maintain occupant comfort while reducing energy consumption. He also shares why properly applied economizers can be a valuable differentiator for contractors seeking to improve building performance and lower operating costs for their customers.

The conversation also highlights the tools, resources, and support Micro Metals provides to help contractors stand out when quoting commercial rooftop units. From application assistance and product selection guidance to installation training and contractor education, Kenny discusses how these resources help contractors build confidence, win more projects, and ensure successful system performance. Whether you're new to commercial rooftop equipment or looking to sharpen your competitive edge, this episode offers practical insights to help you succeed.

In this episode of Accelerated HVAC Success, we welcome David Sheffield, Commercial Technical Manager with Daikin Comfort Technologies, for a conversation on the power of training, specialization, and the evolution of commercial HVAC technology. Drawing from his experience helping contractors close VRV projects, David shares how successful contractors don't simply sell equipment—they develop solutions to real customer problems. He discusses his transition into training and explains how hands-on, practical education can help contractors gain the confidence and expertise needed to differentiate themselves in an increasingly competitive marketplace.

David also addresses the skepticism some contractors may have about training, explaining how Daikin's approach goes beyond product education to provide real-world applications that help businesses grow. He explores how recent North American regulatory changes have accelerated technology advancements and created a more level playing field, giving contractors greater opportunities to proactively solve customer challenges. For those new to the industry, David highlights the value of developing specialized knowledge and technical expertise, noting that as experienced technicians retire, trained professionals become increasingly valuable assets. His message is clear: continuous learning isn't just beneficial—it's one of the most important investments a contractor can make for long-term success.

In this episode of Accelerated HVAC Success, host Ben Middleton sits down with Anton Martin, owner of English Air, to discuss how a growth-focused mindset helped shape his journey from contractor to business owner. Anton shares how being an early adopter of VRV technology created new opportunities for his company and positioned him for long-term success in an evolving industry. He also explains why partnering with Daikin aligned with his vision, highlighting the company’s commitment to innovation, specifically inverter technology.

Throughout the conversation, Anton offers practical advice for contractors looking to grow their businesses, emphasizing the importance of continuous learning, surrounding yourself with the right people, and understanding that success is never achieved alone. He also discusses what inspired him to expand the residential side of his business, how inverter technology is changing customer expectations, and why contractors must stay adaptable in a rapidly changing market. Anton closes the episode with one of his most important lessons: maintain a positive attitude, but always stay open to what the data is telling you.

In this episode of Accelerated HVAC Success, guest Tess Fieschko discusses how evolving regulations and building standards across New York are reshaping the HVAC industry and creating new opportunities for contractors willing to adapt. She shares how Daikin products—particularly VRV and heat pump technologies—are helping contractors navigate complex code changes, solve customer challenges, and stay competitive in a market with some of the country’s most unique building requirements. Tess also highlights the critical role of educating both contractors and consulting engineers to ensure successful adoption of new standards, while explaining why VRV systems have become so widely accepted in New York City and how that momentum is spreading throughout the state. The conversation also explores how modern heat pump technology continues to perform effectively even in extreme cold-weather environments, giving contractors a powerful advantage against competing solutions.

Jonathan Hoekstra, Vice President of National Accounts at Motili, joins Accelerated HVAC Success to discuss how his role within both Daikin Comfort Technologies and Motili is helping drive the adoption of VRV and inverter-driven technology across the industry. Jonathan shares why he’s seeing a growing demand for VRV solutions, especially as commercial spaces require greater flexibility, agility, and energy efficiency than ever before. He also explains how contractors who embrace VRV technology are opening the door to new business opportunities and positioning themselves ahead of the curve in a rapidly evolving market.

The conversation also explores how National Accounts is helping blaze a trail for innovation in HVAC, along with the potential advantages AI could bring to the industry in the years ahead. Jonathan emphasizes the importance of being adaptable and willing to embrace change, highlighting how contractors and businesses that stay open to new technologies and evolving customer needs will be best positioned for long-term success.

In this episode of Accelerated HVAC Success, we’re joined by Connie Schroder, Director of Ductless Products at Daikin Comfort Technologies, for a deep dive into the evolving ductless market. Connie shares how contractors are leveraging the 115V Daikin Oterra as a flexible, easy-to-install solution that opens doors to new applications and faster installs. She highlights the practical benefits contractors care about most—efficiency, simplicity, and versatility—while also touching on the often-overlooked aesthetic advantages ductless systems bring to homeowners. The conversation also explores the successful launch of Daikin’s first R-32 refrigerant product, how it’s been received in the market, and what the industry-wide transition to R-32 has looked like so far.

Looking ahead, Connie discusses the full rollout of Daikin’s multi-zone platforms and what’s next for 2026, including an upcoming air handler designed to integrate seamlessly with multi-zone systems. She also unpacks how Daikin’s control strategies—like the Daikin One thermostat and the Skyport family—are simplifying system management for both contractors and homeowners. At the core of the conversation is Daikin’s strength in system integration, enabling contractors to deliver smarter, more connected comfort solutions. This episode is packed with insights for anyone looking to expand their ductless offerings and stay ahead of where the market is heading.

In this episode of Accelerated HVAC Success, we sit down with Allen Anaya, a Sales Representative from New Mexico, to explore a grounded, customer-first approach to HVAC sales. Allen shares practical advice for those new to the industry, emphasizing the importance of viewing yourself not just as a salesperson, but as a consultant and coach. By working closely with engineers and customers, his focus is on guiding decisions that align with the building’s true needs—not just closing a deal.

Allen challenges the traditional sales mindset by explaining why it’s sometimes better to lose a sale than to recommend the wrong product. He highlights how having a comprehensive product portfolio, like Daikin’s, allows contractors to match the right solution to any application—without forcing a fit. He also underscores the importance of truly knowing your product line—what it excels at and where it falls short—since the most expensive system isn’t always the best choice. His final takeaway is simple but powerful: listen to your customers, because the best solutions start with understanding their needs.

In this episode of Accelerated HVAC Success, we sit down with Dana Moffet, Sales Engineer at Air Reps, to explore the growing impact of inverter-driven technology and the evolution of VRV (Variable Refrigerant Volume) systems. Dana shares insights from his podcast, Inverter Always, which is dedicated entirely to inverter technology, and then breaks down why contractors shouldn’t be intimidated by stepping into the VRV space. He emphasizes that VRV systems offer a level of flexibility that allows contractors and engineers to be creative—designing solutions that truly match the unique needs of each building while keeping systems as simple and efficient as possible. The conversation also touches on value engineering and how a deeper understanding of system functionality helps teams highlight the true value of the equipment to building owners.

Dana also offers practical advice for contractors looking to succeed with VRV. He stresses the importance of proper technician training to avoid installation issues and ensure long-term system performance. By focusing on education and collaboration, Dana explains how strong support from manufacturers and reps can make all the difference in contractor confidence and success. Ultimately, the episode reinforces that when contractors are equipped with the right knowledge and backed by the right partners, they can leverage VRV technology not only to solve complex challenges but to differentiate themselves in a competitive market.

In this episode of Accelerated HVAC Success, we sit down with AP Sharma, Director of VRV Products at Daikin Comfort Technologies, to break down what VRV (Variable Refrigerant Volume) technology is and how it’s transforming the HVAC landscape. AP explains how VRV systems intelligently adjust refrigerant flow to match real-time demand, delivering exceptional efficiency, comfort, and zoning flexibility. He also connects the dots between VRV and Daikin’s core innovations—highlighting how inverter technology, advanced refrigeration control, and heat pump capabilities come together in one integrated solution.

The conversation goes beyond traditional commercial applications, exploring how VRV is expanding into the residential market and creating new opportunities for contractors. AP shares how diversifying into VRV can help contractors grow revenue, differentiate their offerings, and meet evolving customer expectations. He also dives into Daikin’s next-generation control systems, including how AI-driven advancements are making VRV smarter, more intuitive, and easier to manage—positioning contractors at the forefront of innovation in a rapidly changing industry.

In this episode of Accelerated HVAC Success, host Ben Middleton sits down with Randy Johnson, owner of Randy's Heating and Air Conditioning, who shares the journey behind building a successful HVAC business and the partnerships that helped make it possible. Randy discusses how his long-standing relationship with Thermal Supply Inc. has supported his company’s growth, from technical expertise to business guidance. The conversation emphasizes the importance of integrity in the trades and why identifying—and fully embracing—your company’s primary focus is essential to long-term success.

Randy also explains how his company continues to thrive despite today’s economic uncertainty by focusing on customer solutions, including offering financing options that help homeowners move forward with needed comfort upgrades. He reflects on why he chooses to work with Daikin Industries and how the brand aligns with his standards for quality and reliability. The episode concludes with Randy reflecting on one of the toughest challenges he faces as a contractor and the mindset required to keep moving forward while leading a growing team.