We recently talked about all these connected systems and appliances but what about an old school, simple system that’s not connected? Are we talking survival/prepping type of clientele or just simplification? 

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Eric Aune @mechanicalhub
Andy Mickelson @mick_plumb

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The guys talk about bringing in new techs and how Andy’s new hire is starting out with the company. 

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Eric Aune @mechanicalhub
Andy Mickelson @mick_plumb

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Ever wondered why we prefer our turkey fried rather than baked or roasted? Curious about the art of Spatchcocking that gives us the most succulent chicken? Well, sit back, relax, and let's talk about our unique Thanksgiving practices. Our holiday dinner tables may not look like your average ones, but our smoked turkey, ham, and Spatchcock chickens on the pellet grill are certain to whet your appetite!

As we traverse through the holiday season, road safety becomes a paramount concern. Join us as we navigate the labyrinth of road construction, discuss how to handle impatient drivers, and stress on the importance of taking regular breaks. Let's not forget our quirky thoughts on road designs, especially the confusing street names and layouts in Mississauga, Montana, and the infamous Michigan left turn. Buckle up, it's going to be an interesting ride!

Our show wouldn't be complete without a shout-out to our loyal listener, Chad. To clear the air, we're not bullies, and we're thrilled to welcome him as a guest on a future episode. Remember, we're here because of folks like you. Whether you give us five stars or just one, we appreciate your feedback. Send us your thoughts, ideas, and suggestions, and keep connecting with us. Until next time, stay safe, and have an incredible Thanksgiving!

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Eric Aune @mechanicalhub
Andy Mickelson @mick_plumb

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"Coffee talk" lol, no really, the Nespresso machine is worth it! The guys BS some more in this episode about multiple topics like coffee and "why the hell did my M12 Fuel band saw turn to garbage?" -Eric 

As always, thank you for listening. Thank you for the feedback and please take a minute to rate us in your podcast app. We do appreciate your time! 

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Eric Aune @mechanicalhub
Andy Mickelson @mick_plumb

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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!

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Eric Aune @mechanicalhub
Andy Mickelson @mick_plumb

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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.

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Eric Aune @mechanicalhub
Andy Mickelson @mick_plumb

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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.

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Eric Aune @mechanicalhub
Andy Mickelson @mick_plumb

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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.

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Eric Aune @mechanicalhub
Andy Mickelson @mick_plumb

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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!

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Eric Aune @mechanicalhub
Andy Mickelson @mick_plumb

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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!

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Eric Aune @mechanicalhub
Andy Mickelson @mick_plumb

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