🎙️ HVAC R&D Podcast — Episode 187

From Top Tech to $65 Million: The Blueprint for Building a Trades Business with Victor Rancour

Many people enter the trades hoping to build a better life.

Few go from technician to building companies that impact an entire industry.

In Episode 187, Rhydon Atzenhoffer sits down with Victor Rancour, CEO of Rocket Group, to discuss his journey from the service truck to building and scaling successful businesses across the trades.

After beginning his HVAC career in 2015, Victor became AirTime 500's top-selling technician, founded Absolute Airflow in Southern California, grew the company to more than $65 million in residential service and replacement revenue, and eventually expanded Rocket Group through partnerships across the country.

Together, Rhydon and Victor discuss leadership, growth, culture, and what it really takes to transition from technician to business owner.

For the #TradeCrew, this episode offers lessons learned from scaling teams, developing leaders, and building companies that can grow beyond the owner.

🔧 In this episode, we cover:

• Victor's journey from technician to CEO

• Making the leap from field work to ownership

• Building systems that support growth

• Developing leaders inside your organization

• Scaling culture as your company grows

• The challenges every growing business faces

• Why success requires more than technical skills

• Building businesses that outlast the owner

Whether you're a technician with big dreams or an owner trying to reach the next level, this episode will challenge how you think about leadership, growth, and what's possible in the trades.

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

The HVAC R&D Podcast is the Voice of Distribution, Contractors, and the Trade Crew. #HVAC #BUSINESS #GROWTH #ROCKETGROUP

🙏 Thanks to our partners:

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

🌐 https://rhydonatzenhoffer.substack.com/podcast

🎙️ HVAC R&D Podcast — Episode 186

Stop Giving Away Your Extended Warranty Profits with Tim Byrd

Most contractors sell extended labor warranties…

But very few actually own the profits behind them.

In Episode 186, Rhydon Atzenhoffer sits down with Tim Byrd to discuss how contractors can create their own extended labor warranty programs and use reinsurance strategies to build long-term value inside their businesses.

Together, they explore how warranty programs can become more than just a customer benefit—they can become a powerful recurring revenue stream that supports growth, improves customer retention, and creates additional financial stability.

For the #TradeCrew, this conversation offers a completely different way to think about extended labor warranty options, service agreements, customer relationships, and business profitability.

🔧 In this episode, we cover:

• How extended labor warranties actually work

• Why most contractors don't own the profits they create

• Using reinsurance to support your business

• Building recurring revenue beyond service agreements

• Increasing customer trust and retention

• Turning warranty programs into long-term assets

• Creating additional value inside your company

Whether you're a contractor, owner, or future business leader, this episode will challenge how you think about warranties, profitability, and building wealth inside your business.

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

The HVAC R&D Podcast is the Voice of Distribution, Contractors, and the #TradeCrew.

🙏 Thanks to our partners:

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

🌐 https://rhydonatzenhoffer.substack.com/podcast

🎙️ HVAC R&D Podcast — Episode 185

Your People Are the Product: Leadership Lessons from 40 Years in HVAC with Brett Holscher

What happens when you spend more than four decades in the HVAC industry—from turning wrenches as a commercial service technician to leading organizations through acquisitions, growth, and industry change?

In this episode, Rhydon Atzenhoffer sits down with Brett Holscher, a 40+ year HVAC veteran whose career journey has taken him from the service truck to executive leadership.

Brett began his HVAC career in 1984 as a commercial service technician and eventually worked his way into General Manager, regional leadership, national roles, and executive positions through some of the industry's most significant periods of consolidation and change.

Together, Rhydon and Brett dive into the realities of leadership, technician development, company culture, acquisitions, and why the future of the trades depends on investing in people—not just chasing revenue.

One of the most powerful takeaways from this conversation is Brett's belief that technicians and people aren't simply employees—they are the product.

For the #TradeCrew, this episode is packed with lessons learned through decades of success, mistakes, leadership challenges, and real-world experience that can help shorten the learning curve for the next generation.

Whether you're a technician, service manager, owner, distributor, or industry leader, this episode will challenge how you think about leadership, culture, growth, and developing people.

🔧 In this episode, we cover:

- Brett's journey from commercial HVAC technician to executive leadership

- What has changed most in the trades over the last 40 years

- Why technician development should be a top priority

- The leadership mistakes that hold businesses back

- Building culture that survives growth and change

- What owners should consider before selling their business

- The realities of acquisitions and industry consolidation

- Why people and customers matter more than revenue metrics

- Creating career paths that keep great technicians engaged

- The philosophy behind "Technicians Are the Product"

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

https://rhydonatzenhoffer.substack.com/podcast

The HVAC R&D Podcast is the Voice of Distribution, Contractors, and the #TradeCrew—bringing together the people, stories, and ideas shaping the future of the skilled trades.

🙏 Thank you to our partners:

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

🎵 Music credit: Alex Grohl

🌐 https://rhydonatzenhoffer.substack.com/podcast

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.

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

🎵 Music credit: Alex Grohl

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 #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.

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

🎵 Music credit: Alex Grohl

🎙️ 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…

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.

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

🎵 Music credit: Alex Grohl

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.

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

🎵 Music credit: Alex Grohl

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.

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

🎵 Music credit: Alex Grohl

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

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.

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:

🎵 Music credit: Alex Grohl