🎙️ HVAC R&D Podcast — Episode 184

Most Contractors Don’t Have a Lead Problem… They Have an Offer Problem

A lot of contractors think they need more marketing…

But what if the real issue is that their offer simply isn’t compelling enough?

In this episode, Rhydon sits down with legendary direct-response marketer John Dwyer, founder of The Institute of Wow, to break down the psychology behind marketing that actually gets attention—and drives action.

With more than 30 years of experience helping major brands like McDonald’s, KFC, and 7-Eleven, JD brings a completely different perspective to the trades world: why some businesses become unforgettable while others blend into the noise.

Together, Rhydon and JD dive into what contractors can learn from major consumer brands, how to create “wow factor” marketing, and why standing out today requires more than just running ads or posting on social media.

This conversation is all about understanding what makes customers pay attention—and what actually motivates them to buy.

For the #TradeCrew, this episode is a masterclass in positioning, branding, and building a business people remember.

Whether you’re HVAC, plumbing, electrical, or anywhere else in the skilled trades, this episode will challenge how you think about marketing, differentiation, and customer experience.

🔧 In this episode, we cover:

• Why most contractors misunderstand marketing
• The difference between advertising and creating a compelling offer
• What the trades can learn from global consumer brands
• How “wow factor” creates word-of-mouth growth
• Standing out in crowded local markets
• Why great service alone is no longer enough
• Building customer experiences people actually remember
• The psychology behind marketing that converts

🎧 Listen now and subscribe so you never miss a drop.🙏 Thank you to our partners:

DiversiTech Corporation • LiveSwitch • RLS Rapid Locking System • Resideo • MANN+HUMMEL • True Nature Meats Co.

🎵 Music credit: Alex Grohl
🌐 www.hvacrnd.com

HVAC R&D Podcast — Episode 183

The Follow-Up Problem Costing Trades Contractors Thousands with CHIIRP CEO Ryan Fenn

Most Contractors Don’t Need More Leads… They Need Better Follow-Up.

Most contractors think they have a lead problem…

But in reality, they have a communication and follow-up problem.

In this episode, Rhydon Atzenhoffer sits down with Ryan Fenn from CHIIRP to talk about how automation, texting, and smarter customer communication are changing the way trades businesses grow.

From missed calls and cold leads to follow-up systems that actually create conversions, Ryan breaks down why speed and consistency are becoming some of the biggest competitive advantages in the trades.

Together, Rhydon and Ryan dive into how contractors can create better customer experiences without adding more chaos to the office—and why modern communication tools are helping businesses close more work while reducing stress on their teams.

This episode isn’t about replacing people with automation.

It’s about making sure opportunities stop falling through the cracks.

For the #TradeCrew, this conversation is a real-world look at how technology can support growth without losing the human side of the business.

Whether you’re HVAC, plumbing, electrical, or any other service trade, this episode will challenge how you think about lead management, customer communication, and scaling efficiently.

🔧 In this episode, we cover:

- Why follow-up is one of the biggest weaknesses in the trades

- The hidden cost of missed calls and delayed responses

- How texting and automation improve customer experience

- Creating systems that increase conversions without overwhelming staff

- Where contractors lose leads without realizing it

- Balancing automation with real human connection

- How communication speed impacts close rates

- Building scalable customer communication processes

🎧 Listen now and subscribe so you never miss a drop.

#HVAC #ELECTRICAL #PLUMBING #GARAGEDOORS #TRADES #ROOFING #CHIIRP #AI #AUTOMATION #LEADGENERATION #LEADMANAGEMENT

🙏 Thank you to our partners:

DiversiTech Corporation • LiveSwitch • RLS Rapid Locking System • Resideo • MANN+HUMMEL • True Nature Meats Co.

🎵 Music credit: Alex Grohl

🌐 www.hvacrnd.com/where-to-listen

🎙️ HVAC R&D Podcast — Episode 182

The Next Generation of Smart Controls with Rami Noueir of Verdant #HVAC #CONTROLS #VERDANT #TECHNOLOGY

 Smart controls aren’t just about comfort anymore…

They’re quickly becoming one of the most overlooked opportunities for contractors to create recurring value, better customer experiences, and stronger long-term relationships.

In this episode, Rhydon Atzenhoffer sits down with Rami Noueir from Verdant to break down how smart thermostats and energy management systems are reshaping the way buildings are operated.

From hospitality and multi-family to commercial applications, Rami shares how connected controls are helping property owners reduce energy costs, gain visibility, and take control of their HVAC systems like never before.

Together, Rhydon and Rami dig into how contractors can position themselves not just as installers—but as technology partners delivering smarter, more efficient buildings.

This isn’t about selling a thermostat.

It’s about unlocking a new layer of value inside the systems you’re already installing.

For the #TradeCrew, this episode is a look at where HVAC is headed—and how to stay ahead of the curve by offering more than just equipment.

Whether you’re HVAC, electrical, or working in building systems, this episode will challenge how you think about controls, efficiency, and long-term customer value.

🔧 In this episode, we cover:

• What smart controls and energy management really mean today
• Where Verdant fits into the evolving controls landscape
• How contractors can create new revenue streams with smart thermostats
• The role of controls in hospitality, multi-family, and light commercial
• How energy savings drives ROI for building owners
• Why data and visibility are becoming essential in HVAC systems
• Positioning yourself as more than just an installer
• The future of connected buildings and system optimization

🎧 Listen now and subscribe so you never miss a drop.🙏 Thank you to our partners:DiversiTech • LiveSwitch • RLS • Resideo • Mann+Hummel • True Nature Meats Co.

🎵 Music credit: Alex Grohl
🌐 www.hvacrnd.com/where-to-listen

🎙️ HVAC R&D Podcast — Episode 181

Why Most Contractors Think They’re Profitable… But Aren’t with Sam Miles of CFO and More, LLC

If your business is busy… your trucks are rolling… and money is coming in... why does it still feel tight?

In this episode, Rhydon Atzenhoffer sits down with Sam Miles to break down one of the biggest blind spots in the trades—thinking you’re profitable when you’re actually leaking cash.

Sam works directly with contractors across HVAC, plumbing, and electrical to help them understand their numbers, clean up their financial systems, and build businesses that don’t just generate revenue—but actually create real, sustainable profit.

Together, Rhydon and Sam dig into the gap between revenue, profit, and cash flow, and why so many trades businesses get stuck in the cycle of working harder without truly getting ahead.

This conversation pulls back the curtain on what your numbers are really telling you—and how to start using them as a tool instead of a stress point.

For the #TradeCrew, this is one of those episodes that can fundamentally change how you run your business.

Whether you’re an owner, service manager, or future business leader, this episode will challenge how you think about money, margin, and what “success” actually looks like in the trades.

🔧 In this episode, we cover:

- The difference between revenue, profit, and cash flow (and why it matters)

- Why many contractors look successful but struggle financially

- The most common financial mistakes in trades businesses

- How poor job costing quietly kills profitability

- Understanding your numbers without becoming an accountant

- What healthy margins actually look like in HVAC and trades

- Building financial systems that support growth—not chaos

- Turning your numbers into a decision-making tool

🎧 Listen now and subscribe so you never miss a drop.

🙏 Thank you to our partners:

DiversiTech Corporation • LiveSwitch • RLS Rapid Locking System • Resideo • MANN+HUMMEL • True Nature Meats Co.

🎵 Music credit: Alex Grohl

🌐 www.hvacrnd.com

🎙️ HVAC R&D Podcast — Episode 180

The Parts Problem No One Talks About — and Why It’s Costing Contractors Millions

What does it take to win in the evolving world of HVAC parts, supply chains, and contractor support? Well that is what Scott Pierson and Rhydon Atzenhoffer are talking to figure out.

In this episode, Rhydon sits down with Scott, Vice President of HVAC and Market Strategy at Parts Town, to break down how the parts ecosystem is transforming—and what that means for contractors, distributors, and the entire #TradeCrew.

With over 20 years of experience across the HVAC industry, Scott brings a deep perspective on market strategy, supply chain innovation, and the growing role of technology in parts distribution.

Together, Rhydon and Scott dive into how speed, availability, and digital experience are reshaping expectations—and why contractors who understand the parts side of the business are positioning themselves for long-term success.

From inventory strategy to customer experience to the future of contractor support platforms, this conversation highlights how the right systems—and the right partners—can unlock serious growth.

Whether you’re in HVAC, plumbing, electrical, or distribution, this episode will challenge how you think about parts, process, and performance in modern service businesses.

🔧 In this episode, we cover:

• Scott’s journey and role in shaping HVAC strategy at Parts Town
• The evolution of the HVAC parts and supply chain ecosystem
• Why speed and availability are now competitive advantages
• How digital platforms are transforming contractor expectations
• Inventory strategy: what contractors get wrong (and how to fix it)
• The role of distribution vs. direct-to-contractor models
• Creating a seamless parts experience that drives loyalty
• Where technology and data are creating the next wave of growth

🎧 Listen now and subscribe so you never miss a drop.🙏 Thank you to our partners:

DiversiTech • LiveSwitch • RLS • Resideo • Mann+Hummel • True Nature Meats Co.

🎵 Music credit: Alex Grohl
🌐 www.hvacrnd.com

🎙️ HVAC R&D Podcast — Episode 179

Building the Future of Contractor Independence with Julian Scadden of Nexstar Network

What does it really take to help independent contractors win in a rapidly changing trades landscape?

In this episode, Rhydon sits down with Julian Scadden, President & CEO of Nexstar Network, to talk about leadership, workforce development, contractor stewardship, and what it means to protect independence in a private-equity-driven era.

With a journey that began in the field and grew through technician, management, ownership, and executive leadership, Julian brings a rare full-spectrum perspective on the trades.

Together, Rhydon and Julian unpack how training, culture, leadership development, and long-term stewardship create stronger businesses — and why the future belongs to contractors who invest in people before profits.

For the entire #TradeCrew, this conversation is a blueprint for scaling the right way while keeping your values intact.

Whether you’re an owner, service manager, technician, distributor leader, or someone building the next generation of your business, this episode will challenge how you think about growth, succession, and contractor freedom.

🔧 In this episode, we cover:

• Julian’s journey from the field to leading Nexstar Network
• Why contractor independence matters more than ever
• Building leadership pipelines inside service businesses
• Workforce development and the future talent shortage
• Long-term stewardship vs short-term profit decisions
• How great contractors scale culture across multiple teams
• The biggest operational blind spots holding companies back
• Why ownership mindset starts long before ownership

🎧 Listen now and subscribe so you never miss a drop.🙏 Thank you to our partners:

DiversiTech • LiveSwitch • RLS • Resideo • Mann+Hummel • True Nature Meats Co.

🎵 Music credit: Alex Grohl
🌐 www.hvacrnd.com

#HVAC #Plumbing #Electrical #NexStar #Business #Trades #PersonalGrowth #Community #Collaboration #Network

🎙️ HVAC R&D Podcast — Episode 178The Trades Are for Losers? From Doubter to Red Seal Electrical Contractor with Cory Byron

Cory Byron once believed the trades were a dead-end path… until he realized the kind of life, freedom, and business you can build with your hands, your systems, and your work ethic.

Today, Cory is the co-owner of Van City Electric, one of the most trusted electrical companies in Vancouver, British Columbia, and the founder of Next Step Systems, where he helps trades businesses modernize operations, simplify their tech stack, and scale without burning out.

As the first electrical contractor ever featured on HVAC R&D, Cory opens up a whole new side of the trades for the TradeCrew — from building a multi-million dollar company to creating systems technicians actually follow.

Rhydon and Cory also dive into their shared journey as LiveSwitch ambassadors, how technology is changing the race to the face, and where AI is creating real leverage inside modern service businesses.

🔧 In this episode, we cover:

• Why the trades can be the ultimate long-term career path
• Building an electrical company from the ground up
• Creating systems your team will actually use
• Using AI and video tools to speed up quoting and improve customer experience
• The fastest ROI systems for growing trades businesses
• How to scale without sacrificing quality control
• Winning credibility before you ever step through the door
• Building a tech stack that scales beyond the owner

Whether you’re HVAC, electrical, plumbing, or anywhere else in the skilled trades, this episode will challenge the way you think about growth, systems, and the future of service businesses.

🎧 Listen now and subscribe so you never miss a drop.

🙏 Thank you to our partners:
DiversiTech • LiveSwitch • RLS • Resideo • Mann+Hummel • True Nature Meats Co.

🎵 Music credit: Alex Grohl
🌐 www.hvacrnd.com

🎙️ HVAC R&D Podcast — Episode 177

AHR Reflections: More Than a Tradeshow with Ramblin' Rhyno

This one’s a little different…

No guest. No script. Just me—reflecting on what was one of the biggest weeks of the year at the AHR Expo and taking a step back to talk about what it really meant to me.

From the HVAC Tactical Awards to four live podcast recordings with RLS, Resideo, HARDI, and Mann+Hummel, to moderating an AHR panel and leading workforce development tours… this year hit different.

But this isn’t just a recap.

This is about:

• The conversations that actually matter
• What the next generation of the trades really needs
• And how HVAC R&D is evolving beyond just a podcast

We’re talking about the launch of the Resource Hub, the return of the Ramblin’ Rhyno column, and why I’ve been showing up more on social—because the mission is bigger than just hitting record.

If you were at AHR, this will take you back.
If you weren’t, this will bring you into it.

And either way… this is one of those episodes that defines where we’re going next.

🎯 In This Episode:

• Why AHR is about people, not products
• Behind the scenes of the live shows (RLS, Resideo, HARDI, Mann+Hummel)
• HVAC Tactical Awards – “Blue Collar Goes Black Tie”
• Moderating an AHR panel (by the seat of my pants)
• Workforce Development Tours (Carrier, DiversiTech, Shurtape, Resideo)
• Crawlspace Confessions & real conversations from the floor
• The evolution of HVAC R&D

#HVAC #TradeCrew #AHRExpo #RamblinRhyno #Reflections 

🎧 Listen now and subscribe so you never miss a drop.🙏 Thank you to my partners who make this show possible:

DiversiTech • LiveSwitch • RLS – Rapid Locking System • Resideo • Mann + Hummel • True Nature Meats Co.

🎵 Music credit: Alex Grohl

Visit our website ⁠www.hvacrnd.com

🎙️ HVAC R&D Podcast — Episode 176

Live from AHR: Filtration, IAQ & The Future of Clean HVAC | Kurk Wilks (MANN+HUMMEL)

Episode 176 of HVAC R&D was recorded live from the AHR show floor with Kurk Wilks, U.S. CEO of MANN+HUMMEL.

MANN+HUMMEL is a global leader in filtration with deep German engineering heritage and a growing presence in the HVAC and indoor air quality space. In this conversation, we zoom out and look at filtration not just as a component, but as a critical piece of the HVAC system.

In this episode, we cover:

• Why filtration is often misunderstood in HVAC system performance

• How filtration impacts airflow, comfort, and equipment longevity

• The growing importance of indoor air quality in residential and commercial spaces

• Sustainability and regulatory pressures shaping filtration innovation

• The challenge of balancing global engineering with local market needs

Kurk also shares his perspective as a CEO leading in the U.S. market — including how global companies navigate evolving industry expectations and where filtration fits into the future of HVAC.

Because as HVAC systems evolve, one thing is becoming increasingly clear:

Air quality, filtration, and system performance are more connected than ever.

#HVAC #FILTRATION #MANNHUMMEL #TradeCrew #HVACR #AHRExpo

 🎧 Listen now and subscribe so you never miss a drop.

🙏 Thank you to my partners who make this show possible:

DiversiTech • LiveSwitch • JPL Flex • RLS – Rapid Locking System • Resideo • Mann + Hummel • True Nature Meats Co.

🎵 Music credit: Alex Grohl

Visit our website ⁠www.hvacrnd.com

🎙️ HVAC R&D Podcast — Episode 175

Live from AHR: Policy, Refrigerants & Regulation — What’s Coming in HVAC | Todd Titus (HARDI)

Recorded live from the AHR show floor, this episode dives into the policies and regulations shaping the future of the HVACR industry.

I sat down with Todd Titus, Director of State & Public Affairs at HARDI (Heating, Air-conditioning & Refrigeration Distributors International), to talk about the state-level advocacy work happening across the country — and why it matters to contractors, distributors, and manufacturers alike.

In this episode, we cover:

• The biggest state advocacy issues facing HVACR in 2026

• What ultra-low GWP refrigerant policies could mean for the industry

• How PFAS discussions intersect with HVACR equipment and materials

• Fossil fuel bans and NOx emission regulations at the state level

• Why grassroots advocacy is becoming increasingly important

Todd also shares how HARDI is expanding its public affairs efforts to ensure the voices of distributors, contractors, and industry partners are represented when policy decisions are being made.

Because the reality is this:

Many of the biggest changes affecting HVACR are being shaped long before they reach the jobsite.

Understanding those conversations is key to preparing the industry for what comes next.

#HVAC #Refrigerants #A2L #TradeCrew #HVACR #AHRExpo #IndustryLeadership #HARDI

🎧 Listen now and subscribe so you never miss a drop.

🙏 Thank you to my partners who make this show possible:DiversiTech • LiveSwitch • JPL Flex • RLS – Rapid Locking System • Resideo • Mann + Hummel • True Nature Meats Co.

🎵 Music credit: Alex Grohl

Visit our website ⁠www.hvacrnd.com