In this episode of the HVAC Know It All Business Edition Podcast, co-hosts Gary McCreadie and Furman Haynes discuss a foundational question for aspiring HVAC entrepreneurs: Why start your own business? This episode sets the tone for an ongoing series designed specifically for small business owners and those on the cusp of taking the leap into HVAC entrepreneurship. Whether you're still moonlighting or already running jobs solo, this episode is your first step into making the right decisions from day one.

Furman and Gary bring a wealth of experience. Gary is a seasoned HVAC professional and founder of HVAC Know-It-All and McCreadie HVAC, while Furman works with contractors across the country on their financials, operations, and technology as co-founder of WorkHero.Together, they blend on-the-ground expertise with startup strategy to guide future entrepreneurs.

Expect to Learn

• Why freedom, impact, and financial independence drive many HVAC pros to start their own businesses

• The mental and technical readiness needed before going solo

• Smart strategies to avoid burnout as a one-man show

• Financial planning tips before making the leap (including the pros and cons of "rage quitting")

• The role of community networking and how it can support solo operators

Episode Breakdown with Timestamps

[00:00:00] – Introduction & Vision for the Podcast

[00:02:26] – Why Start Your Own HVAC Business?

[00:03:32] – The Freedom Factor

[00:06:24] – The Real Demands of Business Ownership

[00:08:13] – Networking as a Survival Strategy

[00:08:52] – Moonlighting vs. Full Commitment

[00:11:19] – Financial Opportunity vs. Income Stability

[00:16:17] – Readiness Checklist: Technical, Mental, Financial

[00:23:42] – The Three Roles of an HVAC Business Owner

[00:27:15] – A Family Decision

[00:38:25] – What's Next: Finding Your First Customer

Learn how to build a business that runs without you:

📘 The E-Myth Contractor by Michael E. Gerber — a must-read for contractors who want freedom and systems that work.

👉 Get it here: https://www.amazon.com/Myth-Contractor-Contractors-Businesses-About/dp/0060938463

Follow Furman Haynes on:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/workherohvac/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/WorkHero-61562122449748/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/workhero__

Follow Gary McCreadie on:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gary-mccreadie-38217a77/

Website: https://www.hvacknowitall.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/HVAC-Know-It-All-2/61569643061429/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hvacknowitall1/