Ever wondered how the pros prepare for the harsh winter months in the HVAC industry? Well, you're in for a treat as we share our seasoned insights on dealing with the hustle and bustle of heating season, the significance of meticulous preparation, and the art of staying ahead in this game. Oh, and let's not forget the occasional 60-degree days that still have customers fretting about their feline friends' escapades in the great outdoors! 

Next up, let's talk job site organization and the benefits of a well-organized trailer. It's all about categorizing and storing supplies effectively, ensuring the right equipment is dispatched and learning from those frustrating miscommunication moments. We'll also introduce you to our novel idea of a menu shopping annual maintenance program, a potential game-changer that's designed to enhance efficiency and improve our customer communications. 

In our final act, we'll consider the concept of a pack out box for those all-important boiler swaps, maintaining an inventory of essentials, and the intriguing prospect of launching a new shop. We'll share our thoughts on the feasibility of acquiring a dedicated plumbing shop space and the financial implications. So, prepare for a thrilling ride as we explore the highs, lows, and hilarities of life in the HVAC world!

Send us a text

Send us your feedback or topic ideas over on our social channels!
Eric Aune @mechanicalhub
Andy Mickelson @mick_plumb

Newsletter sign up: https://bit.ly/MH_email

Ever had a customer reach into a gun safe overflowing with cash to pay for a service call? We've got a cracker of a chat lined up where we share our bemusing and sometimes perplexing experiences with customers doling out large amounts of cash for our services. From navigating the logistics of hefty bank deposits to the discomfort of possibly handling counterfeit money, we dive deep into this emerging trend that's got our brains buzzing.

More than just an unexpected change in customer behavior, we grapple with the implications this trend has on our financial reporting and business operations. We're not out here on a mission to cook the books and with this surge in cash payments, it’s more than just a bit of a headache. Whether it's the anxious moment of holding tens of thousands of dollars or the cumbersome need to make multiple bank deposits, we're certainly in some tricky territory. Tune into our chat and discover how we're maneuvering through this fascinating conundrum.

Send us a text

Send us your feedback or topic ideas over on our social channels!
Eric Aune @mechanicalhub
Andy Mickelson @mick_plumb

Newsletter sign up: https://bit.ly/MH_email

Connected HVAC appliances aren't necessarily, they've been around for a while now but everyday there seems to be a new app, a new way to commission or some sort of incentive to internet monitoring. 

But do our customers want another app? Ar ethe incentives worth it? Remember when a furnace or water heater wasn't so fussy? We do and some of Eric's customers are starting to gripe about all this "necessary" technology. 

We're going to address the hesitation some customers have towards internet-connected devices and how data mining can prove beneficial in equipment application. We'll also touch on the role AI could potentially play in the future and discuss the pros and cons of connected boilers, taking into account the invaluable role service providers play in educating customers about these benefits.

Send us a text

Send us your feedback or topic ideas over on our social channels!
Eric Aune @mechanicalhub
Andy Mickelson @mick_plumb

Newsletter sign up: https://bit.ly/MH_email

Ever had a colossal blunder on your hands that resulted in a rooftop unit curb adapter not fitting the new unit? Well, that was us. Join us as we dissect this recent debacle, from our oversight of not getting the spec sheet for the curb adapter, to dealing with a reversed supply and return situation. We'll share some hard-learned lessons on the importance of acquiring the right information beforehand, and how a simple mistake can quickly escalate into a logistical nightmare. 

Moving onto delivery issues, we came across a surprise when a rooftop unit arrived earlier than expected, and had been opened even before delivery. Throw in a poorly packaged boiler to the mix, and you have a recipe for frustration. But there's always a silver lining in these experiences. We'll share how these predicaments reinforced the necessity of equipment verification, preventive measures, and the significance of addressing such issues head-on to prevent them from recurring. So tune in, as we share our experiences and the lessons we've learned from these recent challenges in the field.

Send us a text

Send us your feedback or topic ideas over on our social channels!
Eric Aune @mechanicalhub
Andy Mickelson @mick_plumb

Newsletter sign up: https://bit.ly/MH_email

Are you walking the tightrope of remote troubleshooting? From dealing with difficult customer calls when systems fail to the tricky decision of when to inspect in-person or troubleshoot over the phone, we bring you a candid conversation about the realities of our industry. Let's take, for instance, the case of a customer with icy radiators - we'll walk you through this firsthand experience and show you how we approach such a scenario.

The balancing act doesn't end there. In our deep-dive into these complex issues, we also bring to light the delicate dance of offering free advice over a call or suggesting a paid service call. This conversation is not just about the financial aspects but also about educating the customer about their systems to prevent unwarranted damage. We take a hard look at the implications of giving away advice for free, the management of customer relationships, and what it means to charge for service calls without undermining these relationships. 

As we round up this engaging episode, we highlight the significance of customer feedback in honing our services. We'd love to hear from you, our listeners, and invite you to join this insightful conversation. Whether it's your thoughts on the trade industry, your experiences in remote troubleshooting, or your opinion on this episode – we're all ears. Tune into this episode and gain valuable insights from our experiences in the trade industry, as we juggle the act of offering remote advice and scheduling service calls. Let's make trades great again, together!

Send us a text

Send us your feedback or topic ideas over on our social channels!
Eric Aune @mechanicalhub
Andy Mickelson @mick_plumb

Newsletter sign up: https://bit.ly/MH_email

Do you ever wonder what makes 'some' contractors stand out from the crowd? What if we told you it's as simple as 'going the extra mile' for customers? This episode is a deep dive into the contractor-customer relationship. We discuss the importance of referring other contractors, and how crucial it is to have an open and honest approach while doing so. As we share our experiences, we underscore the critical nature of alerting the customer about potential issues that may arise, which they may not be aware of, hence adding value to our service.

We also touch on the significance of being observant when in a customer's home. Life's in the details, right? Spotting a potential roof leak or an old softener could strengthen the trust a customer has in you. However, it's not just about identifying issues - we also discuss how to present solutions without being overly salesy. Finally, we broach the subject of customer safety. We explore how taking responsibility for safety, being proactive, and communicating clearly can often lead to upselling opportunities. This episode is a treasure trove of insights for contractors looking to elevate their service game. Tune in!

Send us a text

Send us your feedback or topic ideas over on our social channels!
Eric Aune @mechanicalhub
Andy Mickelson @mick_plumb

Newsletter sign up: https://bit.ly/MH_email

As winter's icy grip fastens, are you prepared for the hike in heating costs? With nearly half of U.S households warming their homes with natural gas, many are in for a shock as heating costs skyrocket by 28% compared to last winter. But wait, there's hope! This episode provides tips on how to make savvy long-term investments like insulating your home and replacing old windows, particularly for homeowners in Northeast with older homes. Discover how you can protect yourself from the chill without breaking the bank.

Ever wondered about the rising popularity of electric heat pumps and resistance heaters? Here's a spoiler - they're revolutionizing the way we heat our homes. To add to that, residential electricity prices are soaring by 6% compared to last winter. We delve into the intricate web of electricity generation, discussing the potential of alternative fuel sources like wind, solar, and nuclear energy in reducing your electricity bill. 

Finally, we tackle fuel storage, gas systems, and electric systems, offering insights into the best options for heating based on your geographical location and individual needs. We expose you to a real-life example of a customer opting for solar panels and a battery bank, illuminating the practical benefits of these choices. As the mercury dips, uncover the truth behind the rise in fuel prices, the push towards electrification, and some intriguing conspiracy theories. Tune in to stay warm this winter, both literally and financially!

Send us a text

Send us your feedback or topic ideas over on our social channels!
Eric Aune @mechanicalhub
Andy Mickelson @mick_plumb

Newsletter sign up: https://bit.ly/MH_email

Ever wondered about the complex process of hiring plumbers and the hurdles that businesses face along the way? Today, we take an insightful journey into the plumbing industry, discussing the key challenges that come with hiring plumbers, from pre-employment checks for licenses and insurance to assessing the potential of candidates with past mistakes. If you’re involved in, or considering a career in the plumbing industry, you’ll find this discussion chock-full of practical insights.

We take a deep look into the licensing requirements of the plumbing industry and how to manage interviews with candidates who've had a rough past. We also shed light on the subtle art of maintaining fairness in hiring while aligning with business values. Wrapping up, we venture into the job market of Missoula, Montana, exploring the opportunities it presents for plumbers. Whether you’re a plumber looking to understand industry hiring practices, a business owner in the plumbing industry, or someone interested in the mechanisms of the labor market, this episode is a must-listen for you!

Send us a text

Send us your feedback or topic ideas over on our social channels!
Eric Aune @mechanicalhub
Andy Mickelson @mick_plumb

Newsletter sign up: https://bit.ly/MH_email

Ever dreamed of running your own business? Buckle up as we reveal the top three blunders new entrepreneurs often fall prey to, and how a solid business plan can prove to be an invaluable tool in sidestepping these common pitfalls. Guided by the enduring wisdom of Benjamin Franklin, we underscore the role of meticulous planning in both life and business. 

Wondering how to safeguard your venture from the perils of overspending and underpricing? We dive deep into our own experiences and shed light on these potential hazards. From exploring the intricate links between personal credit and business to understanding the integral aspects of business operations, we've got you covered. We end on a crucial note, emphasizing the role of budgeting and the much-needed mindfulness in averting overspending. Get ready for an enlightening and informative discussion that could be a gamechanger for your entrepreneurial journey.

Send us a text

Send us your feedback or topic ideas over on our social channels!
Eric Aune @mechanicalhub
Andy Mickelson @mick_plumb

Newsletter sign up: https://bit.ly/MH_email

Ever been left in the lurch because you didn't have the right part at hand? Don’t let missing parts throw a wrench in your day. We explore the importance of a well-stocked parts kit, and how it can save both time and money when it comes to equipment installation and repairs. Drawing from my own experiences, we delve not only into the practical benefits of having the right part at hand, but also the potential cost implications. After all, having the right tools can be the difference between gaining a new customer and losing an old one.

We've all experienced the frustration of not having the right tool for the job at hand. This episode also discusses a real-life boiler incident where the lack of a parts kit led to some smoky consequences. For those of you new to shop ownership or hesitant about investing in a parts kit, we also talk about the importance of proper equipment installation and service. Remember, if you install it, you should be able to service it 100%. So, tune in, let's help you get your toolkit in order!

Send us a text

Send us your feedback or topic ideas over on our social channels!
Eric Aune @mechanicalhub
Andy Mickelson @mick_plumb

Newsletter sign up: https://bit.ly/MH_email