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Jeff Bowe's remarkable career trajectory reads like a modern-day Forrest Gump story, taking unexpected turns through the entertainment industry, federal prison system, and government contracting. During this fascinating conversation, Jeff shares how a college football injury led him to join Kenny Rogers' tour crew selling merchandise, eventually becoming one of Kenny's personal bodyguards and flying on private jets to performances nationwide.

When a chance conversation with a fellow deputy sheriff revealed significantly higher pay at federal prisons, Jeff pivoted again, beginning a decades-long career with the Federal Bureau of Prisons. Rising through the ranks across eight different states, he developed expertise in facilities management while supervising inmate work programs. His natural talent for recognizing inefficiencies and implementing practical solutions helped him transform failing operations into successes.

Perhaps most fascinating is Jeff's work with Federal Prison Industries, where inmates manufactured everything from military vehicle components to missile command system wiring harnesses. Under his leadership, these programs not only saved taxpayer money but provided inmates with valuable vocational skills that reduced recidivism. In one particularly successful initiative, Jeff brokered relationships with private employers who hired his trained inmates immediately upon release.

Ryan and Kelly expertly draw out the connecting threads between Jeff's diverse experiences, highlighting how his curiosity and willingness to question established processes ("We've always done it this way" being his most hated phrase) led to innovations across multiple industries. Listeners will find valuable insights about transferable skills, relationship building, and approaching problems with fresh perspective regardless of their field.

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The refrigerants powering our air conditioning systems are undergoing a major transition, and understanding this shift is crucial for anyone involved in the HVAC industry. In this episode, we explore the fascinating world of R32 refrigerant with Daikin Applied experts Sharon Haeg and Rob Landes, who break down complex concepts into practical knowledge you can use.

Remember R22? Then R410A? Now we're moving to lower global warming potential (GWP) alternatives, with R32 emerging as a leading solution. Sharon and Rob explain why these transitions matter, dispelling myths about A2L refrigerants along the way. 

Perhaps most valuable is their practical explanation of A2L refrigerant safety. The "low flammability" designation often raises concerns, but as Sharon memorably puts it, "you can walk faster than the flame travels." This conversation covers what technicians, building owners, and contractors need to know about working with these next-generation refrigerants, including equipment considerations, building design implications, and tools needed for safe handling.

We also explore the fascinating relationship between refrigerant choice and decarbonization efforts. Rob explains how efficiency gains from R32 systems have significant environmental benefits, especially while our electrical grid remains partially powered by fossil fuels. Efficiency isn't just about monthly utility bills – it's a critical component of sustainable HVAC solutions.

Whether you're a seasoned HVAC professional or simply curious about the technology keeping your spaces comfortable, this episode delivers valuable insights into the future of cooling technology. Subscribe to keep learning as we explore the many facets of HVAC through conversations with the industry's most knowledgeable voices.

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Chris Curry of Cook Fans shares the fascinating journey from his college internship to his current regional manager role, showcasing how this family-owned business has thrived by focusing exclusively on fan technology since 1941.

• The company was founded by Loren Cook after working with William Grainger (of Grainger supply) and learning fan manufacturing
• Started with a single gravity fan that's still in production today
• Maintains a debt-free structure that helped them navigate COVID supply chain issues
• Converted valuable manufacturing space into educational facilities 25 years ago
• Manufactures all Cook fans in the United States with facilities in Missouri, Kansas, and Oklahoma
• Prioritizes engineer education through hands-on classes and their "Engineering Cookbook"
• Creates custom solutions from laboratory exhaust systems to decorative fans for theme parks
• Features in unexpected places from Bank of America buildings to movies like "Meet the Robinsons"
• Balances innovation with regulatory compliance challenges in the modern HVAC landscape

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Brigham Dickinson, founder of Power Selling Pros, joins us to share his journey from marketing specialist to HVAC customer service expert and reveals how company culture directly impacts your bottom line.

• Started by training CSRs who were missing opportunities by misjudging "price shoppers"
• Training customer service reps to achieve 85% call booking rates by using empathetic scripts
• The best time to sell service agreements is during the initial anxious phone call, not during the technician visit
• Creating culture through training precedents from the hiring process onward
• Building individualized career paths keeps talented staff engaged long-term
• Company vision needs purpose, mission, and core values that align everyone's thinking and actions
• Success in business comes from gratitude and service - "your wealth is determined by how many people you can help"

Visit powersellingpros.com to learn more about CSR training and brighamdickinson.com for Brigham's books.

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Heat recovery systems and series counterflow applications represent groundbreaking approaches to dramatically improve HVAC efficiency and reduce energy costs across commercial and industrial buildings.

• Heat recovery captures wasted energy and repurposes it where needed in a building system
• The coefficient of performance (COP) measures efficiency - heat recovery systems can achieve COPs of 3.5 to 8.0
• Modern heat recovery systems can be eight times more efficient than conventional fossil fuel heating
• Series counterflow arrangements reduce chiller "lift" requirements, improving efficiency by about 25%
• Even small commercial buildings can benefit from energy recovery ventilation (ERV) systems
• Water-to-water heat pump systems can simultaneously provide heating and cooling
• Air-cooled chillers run in series can significantly improve efficiency and help achieve LEED certification
• Heat recovery is becoming increasingly important as energy costs rise, even in regions with historically low rates

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Cooper Bohn takes us inside the world of innovative air distribution with a fascinating look at how ZooFans is transforming comfort in commercial spaces. As Cooper explains, these small but powerful fans address a fundamental challenge in buildings with high ceilings: temperature stratification, where heat collects uselessly at the ceiling while occupants below remain uncomfortable.

What makes this conversation particularly engaging is discovering how ZooFans (cleverly named for Zone of Occupancy) delivers benefits far beyond the expected energy savings. Cooper shares compelling stories of real-world applications, including a Virginia distribution center that not only reduced heating costs by 25% but also measured a surprising 5% increase in worker productivity. The facility manager received hugs from grateful employees who could finally work comfortably without restrictive winter clothing – a truly unexpected metric of success in an industrial setting.

Perhaps most fascinating is how comfort translates directly to business outcomes. A national grocery chain installed ZooFans above refrigerated aisles not primarily for energy savings but because comfortable shoppers lingered longer and purchased more cheese! This insight led to a massive 500-store rollout. Meanwhile, Amazon has installed over 14,000 ZooFans in distribution centers worldwide, reducing production stoppages during hot weather and improving working conditions.

The technical details are equally compelling: with a 2.1-year ROI according to Department of Energy estimates, minimal maintenance requirements, and integration capabilities with building automation systems, these fans create more predictable environments while transforming concrete floors into heat sinks that maintain temperature stability even when doors open. Whether you're managing a warehouse, a retail space, or a manufacturing facility, this episode reveals how something as seemingly simple as air movement can dramatically improve both human comfort and operational efficiency.

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Join us this week on HVACology as we dive (again) into the intricacies of starting, running, and selling a business with esteemed expert Dan D'Alberto. This re-released episode from Season 1 is packed with wisdom for anyone considering a venture in the business world. We cover everything from the importance of forming an LLC to protect your assets to the critical role of bookkeeping in ensuring financial health. The conversation evolves to address how to evaluate the worth of your business and the pivotal differences between recurring revenue and project-based income.

Dan shares his keen insights on essential practices, such as invoicing and cash flow management, that can lead to thriving business operations. We even touch how to create a business that can stand independently without you and ensures its long-term legacy. Prepare for practical tips on business succession planning and strategies for those who want to enter the entrepreneurial scene without significant financial backing.

This episode promises to empower you and kickstart your own business journey, whether you're at the beginning, looking to buy, or planning to pass on your legacy. Subscribe, share, and leave a review to let us know how we can further assist your journey!

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This episode unravels the transformative world of dehumidification technology and its essential role in HVAC. Through an engaging discussion with David Schurk of Innovative Air Technologies, we explore how innovative solutions enhance air quality standards across various industries and environments.

• Overview of traditional vs. innovative dehumidification methods 
• Importance of maintaining humidity in healthcare environments 
• Exploration of industrial applications for solid desiccant systems 
• Clarification of ERVs and dehumidification units 
• Discussion on the implications of cost-effectiveness and lifecycle savings 
• Emphasis on future advancements in air quality solutions

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The episode explores the transformative power of Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs) in the HVAC industry, highlighting their ability to enhance energy efficiency and optimize system performance. Expert guests Natalie Greene and Perry Conte share their career journeys while elucidating VFD technology's evolution, functions, and real-world applications.

• Natalie's unique career transition into HVAC 
• Perry's lifelong passion for drives and technology 
• Differences between traditional motor starters and VFDs 
• Benefits of adjustable speeds for energy savings 
• Evolution of VFD technology and market presence 
• ABB's commitment to customer service via dedicated teams 
• Success stories showcasing substantial energy savings 
• Future prospects for VFD adoption in engineering designs 
• Emphasis on practical tips for HVAC professionals.

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This episode delves into the innovative world of DuctSox, a game-changing fabric duct system transforming HVAC applications. Nick Paschke shares insights on the journey, the technology behind DuctSocks, and the impact of eco-friendly solutions on the HVAC industry. 

• Overview of DuctSocks and its innovative approach to air distribution 
• Nick Paschke's unique journey from diverse jobs to HVAC leader 
• Importance of airflow in cold food processing environments 
• Eco-friendly advantages of fabric ducts over metal ducts 
• Notable projects like Allegiant Stadium showcasing innovative design 
• Unique branding opportunities through custom graphics on Duck Socks 
• Future trends in fabric ducting and upcoming projects

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