In this episode of ON AIR, hosts Joe Jones and Dave Chatmon are joined by Technical Training Manager Doug Smiley to explore how the BuildATech Friends and Family program is transforming lives and strengthening the HVAC industry. From tackling the technician shortage to sharing stories of perseverance, mentorship, and career discovery, this conversation highlights how one idea grew into a nationwide movement that connects people to meaningful, hands-on careers.

You’ll hear how Lennox trainers and dealers are helping everyday people, from recent graduates to career changers, find purpose, confidence, and long-term success in the trades. It’s an inspiring look at how investing in people not only builds technicians—it builds the future of our industry.

ON AIR is a Lennox Learning Solutions Production.

In this episode of ON AIR, hosts Joe Jones and Dave Chatmon sit down with Patty Arellano Tolotta, VP of Marketing at Lennox Residential, and Leah Allison, Sr. Manager of Training Development, to explore what’s ahead at Lennox LIVE 2026. From keynote speakers and interactive breakouts to networking opportunities that lead to lasting mentorship, Lennox LIVE is built to help dealers strengthen their teams and grow profitably.

You’ll hear how dealer feedback has shaped the 2026 agenda, why fewer but larger events create more impact, and how AI, marketing, and changing homeowner expectations are influencing the future of HVAC. Whether you’re an owner, comfort advisor, technician, or part of the office and marketing team, Lennox LIVE has something valuable for everyone.

Learn more at www.LennoxLIVE.com.

In this episode of ON AIR, we sit down with Ed Lietz of 911 Mechanical and Alicia Thomson, Lennox Territory Manager, to explore what it takes to transition from residential new construction into the add-on replacement market. Ed shares the story behind the company’s unique name, his background as a firefighter, and the intentional steps 911 Mechanical is taking to diversify, stabilize cash flow, and strengthen margins.

From revamping marketing and sales strategies to investing in culture, training, and soft skills, this episode highlights the challenges—and rewards—of breaking into a new business segment. Whether you’re looking to expand your offerings or simply build a more resilient operation, this conversation is packed with practical insights and inspiration for HVAC leaders.

ON AIR is a Lennox Learning Solutions Production.

In this episode of ON AIR, Joe Jones and Dave Chatmon join the ACHR NEWS to explore how trusted information has shaped the HVAC industry for nearly a century—and why perspective beyond your own business is critical for growth. From the days of electric refrigeration and iceboxes to today’s digital-first world of podcasts, webinars, and social media, industry media has always helped contractors learn, adapt, and stay ahead.

They uncover surprising stories of HVAC history, lessons from competition that turned into opportunity, and why community—not isolation—is what truly elevates businesses. Whether you’re leading a one-truck shop or scaling a multi-million-dollar company, this conversation reveals what history can teach us about staying ahead in a rapidly changing industry.

ON AIR is a Lennox Learning Solutions Production.

In the final episode of our Women in HVAC series, Joe Jones and Dave Chatmon sit down with four women who believe that lifting others is part of doing the job well. Sally Brewer, Laura Savage, Taylor Snyder, and Lisa Yowell reflect on how mentorship, consistency, and a belief in the next generation have shaped their careers and the culture around them.

They talk about team building, trust, and the quiet pride that comes from helping someone else succeed. Whether it’s showing a new hire the ropes or stepping into a leadership role for the first time, these women prove that leadership isn’t just about rising—it’s about reaching back too.

ON AIR is a Lennox Learning Solutions Production.

Next up in our series on women in the HVAC industry, Joe and Dave talk with four women whose careers prove that the most powerful kind of leadership doesn’t always shout—it shows up. Lindsay Hudgens, Dottie Pacetti, Shelley Kerns, and Tina Smith reflect on the small choices, attention to detail, and daily follow-through that have helped them build long-lasting trust with coworkers, dealers, and homeowners alike.

They share stories about gaining credibility in a male-dominated space—not by being loud, but by being dependable. From learning the trade on the fly to training teams, managing territories, and running businesses, these women prove that tenacity and empathy aren’t soft skills—they’re competitive advantages.

ON AIR is a Lennox Learning Solutions Production.

In this second episode of the special four-part series on women in the HVAC industry we began in April, Joe and Dave join four standout leaders from the Lennox network—Kerry Sweet, Grace Shehadeh, Alison Albrecht, and Norma Behrend-Martinez—for a candid conversation about fear, courage, and the path to finding your voice.

From imposter syndrome to unexpected career pivots, these women share the moments that shook their confidence—and the decisions that built it back stronger. They talk about what it really takes to lead in a male-dominated industry, the people who believed in them early on, and how stepping into fear created space for growth, trust, and lasting change.

ON AIR is a Lennox Learning Solutions Production.

No script. No safety straps. Just candid conversation—recorded live at Lennox VisionTECH 2025. In this open mic episode of ON AIR, hosts Joe Jones and Dave Chatmon invite HVAC pros to pull up a chair and talk shop—unscripted and unfiltered. From uncovering what makes top performers tick to reigniting the "blue flame" of team passion, this episode is packed with real insights, big laughs, and the kind of candor that makes you feel like you’re in the room. Whether you're leading a team or looking to grow your own confidence, this one’s for you!

ON AIR is a Lennox Learning Solutions Production.

Technical training is more than a safety requirement; it’s a business strategy. In this final episode of our Dealer Competencies series, we’re spotlighting the thinking technician: the one who sees past the symptoms, asks smarter questions, and takes ownership of the install.

Hosts Joe Jones and Dave Chatmon are joined by Tom Davis of Davis Heating and Cooling, G Bradley of Beantown Home Services, and Lennox leaders Bill Boyer and Tony Cava. Together, they unpack how top HVAC companies are training technicians to think critically, communicate clearly, and take pride in doing it right the first time.

From morning strategy huddles to jobsite checklists—and from restaurant recruits to field leaders—this episode is full of insights on what it takes to build a technical team that doesn’t just follow instructions, but that owns the outcome."

ON AIR is a Lennox Learning Solutions Production.

Talent development might not show up on a balance sheet—but without it, growth stops cold. In this fifth episode of our Dealer Competencies series, we’re diving deep into how top HVAC companies are building crews that stick, scale, and lead from within.

Hosts Joe Jones and Dave Chatmon sit down with Jeff Johnson of Arpi’s Industries, Richard Dorman of Rite Way Heating, Cooling and Plumbing, and Lennox leaders Sean Dinel and Paul Gallivan. These industry pros break down how they’ve turned revolving doors into waitlists by hiring fresh talent, creating clear career paths, and building the kind of team no one wants to leave.

From high school recruiting to leadership pipelines, and from toxic teams to talent magnets, this conversation is packed with real strategies to future-proof your workforce and become the shop where top talent wants to stay.

ON AIR is a Lennox Learning Solutions Production.