HVAC R&D Podcast

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

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:

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.

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

#HVAC #TradeCrew #AHRExpo #RamblinRhyno #Reflections 

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

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

🎵 Music credit: Alex Grohl

Visit our website ⁠www.hvacrnd.com

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.

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

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.

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

Recorded live from the AHR show floor, this episode dives into one of the most important conversations happening in HVAC today — training as the real adoption engine for intelligent systems.

I sat down with Jamie Quanrud, Learning Solutions Manager at Resideo (Honeywell Home), to talk about how technician confidence and evolving training is shaping the future of connected HVAC and IAQ.

In this episode, we cover:

Why training drives adoption of intelligent HVAC systems

The technician confidence gap — and how it limits innovation

How modern training has evolved over the past 15 years

Workforce development and preparing “intelligence-ready” techs

Where connected IAQ and smart systems are headed next

I also shared my own experience attending Honeywell Home training back in 2012 in Minneapolis — and we discussed how much it has changed since then.

During this show two things became very clear:

If you're a contractor, distributor, tech, or leader trying to navigate connected systems, IAQ, and the next generation of HVAC intelligence — this conversation is for you.

Follow, subscribe, and share with someone in the trades who needs to hear it.

#TradeCrew #HVAC #HVACR #AHRExpo #Resideo #ElitePro #ConnectedHVAC #Training #HoneywellHome

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

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

This episode kicks off HVAC R&D's live show recordings from the AHR Expo as the first of four in the coming series of episodes.

Recorded on the show floor from Podcast Pavilion 1 on Monday February 2nd, 2026. this conversation with Jessica Slaughter, Marketing Manager at Rapid Locking System (RLS), dives into one of the most relevant shifts happening in our industry right now — the evolution of press technology and its role in the A2L transition.

In this episode, we cover:

Why press fittings are no longer just “alternative” solutions

How RLS supports installs from ¼″ to 2-1/8″

Real-world applications in tight spaces and mission-critical environments

Why training and continued education matter more than ever

How events like AHR still play a critical role in workforce development

This episode isn’t about replacing brazing — it’s about expanding the toolbox and increasing technician confidence as refrigerants, regulations, and jobsite realities evolve.

Live from the floor. Real conversation. Real application.

If you’re navigating A2L, large commercial installs, or looking to stay ahead of where the trade is headed — this one’s for you.

Follow, subscribe, and share with someone in the trades who needs to hear it.

#TradeCrew #HVACR #AHRExpo #RLS #PRESSGANG #PRESS

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

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

🎵 Music credit: Alex Grohl

This episode kicks off AHR week with something a little different — and exactly on purpose.

With AHR right around the corner and a last-minute guest cancellation opening up space, this solo episode was the perfect opportunity to lean into a format we’ve been developing behind the scenes: real questions, real reactions, and honest conversation.

In this Ridin’ Solo episode of the HVAC R&D Podcast, I jump into a LiveSwitch React–style Q&A focused on my experiences with AHR, how the event has shaped my career, and what I’m most excited about heading into this year’s show.

No script.

In this episode, we cover:

How AHR has evolved for me over the years — personally and professionally

What matters most at the show beyond booths and products

How relationships, timing, and presence shape long-term success in the trades

A full rundown of my AHR week schedule, including Podcast Pavilion recordings, booth appearances, and live events

Why workforce development and exposing the next generation to the trades matters now more than ever

This episode serves as both a pre-AHR mindset check and the official continuation of the Ridin’ Solo format — built to keep HVAC R&D moving no matter what the calendar throws at us.

If you’re heading to AHR, I look forward to seeing you.

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

DiversiTech • LiveSwitch • JPL Flex • RLS – Rapid Locking System • Residioy • Mann + Hummel • True Nature Meat Company

🎵 Music credit: Alex Grohl

🎙 HVAC R&D Episode 171: “Be You, Be Bold: Building a Brand That Connects with RC Victorino”

In this episode of the HVAC R&D Podcast, Rhydon Atzenhoffer sits down with RC Victorino, Director of Brand, Content, and Communications at BuildOps—and a storyteller with a mission to elevate the tradespeople who keep the world running.

We dive deep into what it really means to build your brand without losing your identity. Whether you're a technician, business owner, distributor, manufacturer or a content creator trying to find your voice in the trades—RC shares why being your "original self," is the key to lasting trust and connection in our industry.

What starts as a chat between writers and content creators quickly turns into a powerful conversation about authenticity, humility, and the value of showing up real—online, on the job, and in leadership..

🧠 In this episode, we discuss:

Why your voice matters in a world of templated content

How to build a personal brand rooted in honesty, not hype

The difference between "promoting" and "connecting" as a tradesperson

Why most people overthink content—and underdeliver connection

How to stop marketing and start storytelling

What B2B tech can learn from contractors—and vice versa

Why branding isn't just for companies—it's for people

🛠 Whether you're just starting to share your story or you're a seasoned vet with a brand voice already dialed in—this episode is a reminder to ditch the script and double down on being you.

Enjoy the episode? 👉 Listen now and hit Subscribe so you never miss a drop!

Sign-Up for your FREE LiveSwitch Demo here ===>>> https://join.liveswitch.com/z8n55e7li6px

Thank you to DiversiTech, Dubby, LiveSwitch, JPL Flex, RLS - Rapid Locking System and True Nature Meat Company for making this show possible.

🎙️ Want to be on the show? Share your HVAC story:

🔗 Stay Connected:

#HVAC #TradeCrew #SALES #STORIES #AI #ContentCreation #Authenticity #Originality

All music credit to Alex Grohl

This episode is a little different — and a long time coming.

Back in November, I recorded a test episode for a new solo format we’ve been quietly building behind the scenes. The idea was simple: create something flexible, honest, and ready to deploy when schedules change — without sacrificing the quality or conversation this show is known for.

This week, after a last-minute guest cancellation, the timing finally made sense to release it.

In this solo episode of the HVAC R&D Podcast, I introduce a new Q&A-driven format where I answer real questions pulled at random — no prep, no script, just real reactions and real conversation. It’s designed to feel like a counter-top conversation, not a monologue.

You’ll hear:

Trade, business, and personal questions pulled live and at random in the first ever LiveSwitch React Segment

Unfiltered takes on the HVAC industry, content creation, and mindset

The original focused DiversiTech Drill Down where we go deeper on one topic that stood out

A glimpse into how HVAC R&D continues to evolve while staying rooted in community

This episode was recorded in November as a format test — and now it officially becomes the solo show debut.

If this resonates, let me know. Drop questions for future episodes and help shape where this goes next.

Enjoy the episode? 👉 Listen now and hit Subscribe so you never miss a drop!

Sign-Up for your FREE LiveSwitch Demo here ===>>> https://join.liveswitch.com/z8n55e7li6px

Thank you to DiversiTech, Dubby, LiveSwitch, JPL Flex, RLS - Rapid Locking System and True Nature Meat Company for making this show possible.

🎙️ Want to be on the show? Share your HVAC story:

🔗 Stay Connected:

#HVAC #TradeCrew #WHOLESALE #DISTRIBUTION #SALES #STORIES #AI #QUESTIONS #ANSWERS

All music credit to Alex Grohl