VAD HVAC Distributors’ Post

Tired of High Turnover in Your HVAC Team? Here’s something most HVAC owners miss: It’s not just about hiring great people, it’s about keeping them. If your business is experiencing constant turnover, ask yourself these questions: • Are your technicians growing in their roles? • Are you offering enough training, mentoring, and career progression? • Do your team members feel valued? Retention isn’t about offering the highest salary. It’s about building a workplace people are proud to be part of. Want to boost retention, cut hiring costs, and build a rock-solid team? Comment "TEAM LOYALTY" below, and I’ll help you set up a strategy on a free, no-strings-attached consultation call.

During the 22 years I have in HVAC, I worked under many different managers with many different styles. Some were great, some not so great. One style in particular was very toxic to say the least. Techs would be hired on with no experience and received little training, then pushed out to run calls long before they were ready. This resulted in a cycle of high call back volume, low revenue and lots of negativity because they were set up for failure. Then came write ups, suspensions and terminations of these techs who were never given a chance to be successful. This resulted in a revolving door of techs coming and going. A different style is a management team that promotes a positive culture by investing in their techs with extensive training and promotes a happy, successful environment which makes techs want to succeed and be profitable. By maintaining a positive upbeat workplace the techs WANT to come to work everyday and WANTS to be successful. Employee retention is not an issue. I challenge all managers in similar roles to step outside the box and evaluate your actions and study the mood of your team. By making simple changes your ROI on each employee will be endless if your team is happy to be a part of a great team.

I hope everyone had an awesome weekend!  𝗪𝗲𝗲𝗸 2, 𝗗𝗮𝘆 1 𝗼𝗳 5: 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 & 𝗗𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗽𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝘄𝗲𝗲𝗸 𝗶𝗻 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 & 𝗗𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗽𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁: Effective training builds both skills and confidence. #𝗖𝗼𝗼𝗹𝗙𝗮𝗰𝘁: A report by IBM shows that well-trained team members are 10% more productive and 8.6% more engaged. #𝗧𝗮𝗺𝗮𝗿𝗮𝘀𝗧𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀: At City Facilities Management (US) LLC, we developed a "Level Up" program for our technicians in electrical, HVAC/R, and plumbing to achieve several goals: 1) enhance team member engagement and retention; 2) provide more frequent and timely increases rather than once a year during the annual pay review; and 3) attract new talent by showcasing our commitment to investing in the growth of our own team. 𝗤𝘂𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗱𝗮𝘆: What training programs have had the most impact in your organization? #TeamMemberDevelopment #Training #Empowerment

What separates a good technician from a service professional? (And why should you care.) Recently, I've been reflecting on a pattern I observe in our industry. I call it the "fix and go" mindset. While there's something admirable about being the hero who swoops in to solve immediate problems, I wonder if we're missing the deeper opportunity to serve. You see, in my experience working with technicians across the country, the most impactful professionals aren't just problem solvers - they're guardians of home safety, trusted advisors, and educators. They understand that their role isn't about making a sale; it's about creating the space for homeowners to make informed decisions about their comfort and safety. Think about it - when a doctor examines you, they don't just treat the symptom that brought you in. They look at your overall health, ask questions, and help you understand how different aspects of your wellbeing connect. What if you started approaching your services with the same holistic care? Don’t get me wrong, this isn't about turning technicians into salespeople. It’s much more than that. It's about expanding their power to serve at a higher level. When your “technician” steps into the role of consultant first, safety expert second, and educator third, something remarkable happens - the revenue naturally follows, because now they (and your business) starts providing genuine value. And…. When you help your staff shift from "fixing problems" to "caring for homes and families," they don't just build better businesses - you also help them create more meaningful careers. Be Great. #ServiceExcellence #Leadership #PersonalDevelopment #HomeServices

Our new survey "Why People leave HVAC sales jobs", has some very useful data for employers. There will always be some things employers can't do anything about, like people moving for location, but things like training, opportunity and creating a positive culture and sense of pride amongst staff are all things that can be worked on by companies that are serious about retaining and attracting good people. Follow the link to read more. #salesjobs #employeesatisfaction

A new interview(virtual) record with a badge has been set and updated to a total of 8 mins. Wow, I'm still in shock!! At that point an interview session becomes a consultancy room packed with seasoned process solutions that are agreeable to the interviewers, then just lay back and buckle up your negotiation power for the next physical stage(same energy). It has become a trend that every interview session comes with a procedural default question and term clarification, or best described as a free FM consultation group. This took root after fully seeding my niche in facility management and gaining sufficient workplace competencies and business knowledge. It has been a learning curve over the years with financial implications (gains and losses), technical growth, operational strategies, and entrepreneurial connections. Lately, a question was raised by a canvasser on my job role which led to this post. What is the difference between a Facility Manager and a Facility Management Specialist? Hmmmm, Attn... A Facility Manager is responsible for supervising the maintenance and overhead of a specific facility or building space. While a Facility Management Specialist has a broader latitude of responsibilities. This role includes planning, organizing, and maintaining a facility to make it more efficient and active. In common sense, a facility manager concentrates on the day-to-day operations of a facility, thus a facility management specialist focuses on the overall strategy and direction of the facility’s operations by developing, implementing, monitoring, and improving the workplace process systems for effective and seamless business performance. This is practicably possible and advised for facility management practitioners to step up their fun time in advancing from the managerial level to a specialist level for stability, knowledge, productivity, and favorable politics. #IAmUDUAK, a Facility Management Specialist. I have a hands-on practical professional skill rating of 81.4% in building systems(Electrical, Power Generation, Plumbing, Mechanical, and HVAC) operations and maintenance. I am an FM Consultant, Manager, and Technician. Yes, a proud FM Multi-skilled Technician. Let's connect to sustain and improve FM practices in the built environment. Courtesy: Ogunleye Oluwafemi Oluwakayode Buchi Ben Maya James Okwuosa Temidayo Gideon Online Tutor Emem Okon, PHRi, AMNIP Mayowa Elewude, CMRP, FMP, LEED GA, CFM Jennifer Oyelade MIRP Alexandru Armasu Oyedele Azeez, FMP®, PMP® Peter Ohenhen (B.ENGMEE) (MASME) (MIAENG) (COREN) Nancy A. Engr. Messiah Edache Ameh, MNSE, MNIEEE, MIAENG Chinedu Nwachukwu, FMP, FIPMA, AISPN

Quick but very insightful read! If you’re struggling to hire and or increase the knowledge and efficiency of your current team… let’s talk!

Happy Friday! 🧡🧡🧡 As the week wraps up, I’m taking a moment to reflect on the critical work being done by facilities maintenance professionals across every industry. Recruiting in this space is unique and rewarding – I get to connect with skilled individuals who ensure that buildings, equipment, and systems are not only operational but optimized for performance. 🏢 This week, I’ve had the chance to meet candidates who are passionate about: Problem-solving: tackling technical issues that keep facilities running smoothly Precision: paying attention to the smallest details that make the biggest difference Continuous Improvement: staying up-to-date with technology and best practices to enhance efficiency From HVAC specialists to general maintenance technicians, I am constantly inspired by the dedication and expertise I see in this field. Facilities maintenance professionals don’t just fix things – they build safe, functional environments that impact everyone who steps through the doors. If you’re in facilities maintenance and open to new opportunities, let’s connect! Whether you’re actively exploring new roles or just want to expand your network, I’m here to support you in finding the perfect fit. Here’s to closing another week of rewarding conversations and successful placements. #FacilitiesMaintenance #Recruiting #FacilitiesJobs #MaintenanceProfessionals #ProblemSolvers #EndOfWeek #FacilitiesRecruitment #LetsConnect 📞 - 07539 397 250 💻 - josh@ctrengineering.co.uk CTR Construction & Engineering

SCHEDULER

Picture this: you're part of a team assigned a challenging maintenance job, a task demanding three mechanics requiring at least eight hours to complete. Your supervisor Mark, is coordinating multiple planned jobs during a significant shutdown. Before heading to the work site, Mark conducts a pre-job brief: "Our focus today is replacing the large pump in the northwest corner of the basement. It's in a tight space with no headroom, limited ventilation, and minimal lighting. Ensure you set up a fan and temporary lighting for your safety." Mark stresses that it's a "critical path job," urging an immediate start as the production line hinges on its completion. He notes the company's pressure due to delayed orders, emphasizing the need to keep breaks to a minimum. "If any issues arise and you're uncertain, trust your judgment. I know I can rely on you to get this job done safely and on time. Be safe out there." While Mark intends to expedite the task, his choice of words may inadvertently increase the risk of injuries. Terms like "critical path," "ASAP," and "minimum breaks" set the stage for a faster pace, potentially compromising safety. ❗❗Understanding Priming ❗❗ Psychologists have demonstrated that exposure to a series of words with a common theme significantly influences subsequent actions, a phenomenon known as priming. Classic experiments illustrate how word associations impact behaviour. In one experiment, students walked down a hallway after completing a test featuring words associated with old age. Their walking pace slowed unconsciously, showcasing the power of priming to trigger specific behaviours without awareness. ❗❗Positive Priming for a Safe Workplace❗❗ The good news is that we can leverage the concept of priming positively to shape a safe work environment. Imagine Mark delivering a different message during the pre-job briefing: "Before starting the job, thoroughly assess the area and ensure you have all necessary safety measures in place. This task is crucial, so no shortcuts – take the time needed to do it right. Expect it to be hot down there, so take breaks at least every hour, stay hydrated, and work at a reasonable pace." In this version, Mark transforms the message, priming the crew for deliberate, safety-conscious work. His choice of words, such as "safely," "no cutting corners," and "take breaks," sets a tone of heightened situational awareness. ❗❗Influence for a Safer Workplace❗❗ Words wield considerable influence, especially in positions of leadership. Choosing language thoughtfully can significantly impact employee behaviour and contribute to a safer work environment. Be mindful of the words you use – they carry more weight than you might realize. Content Idea Credit: David Galloway #workersafety #hse #safetyfirst #healthandsafety #safeworkpriming