Welcome back to Toolbox Unlocked: Everything Contractors Need to Know in 2022! Beyond hand tools and hardware, HVAC and plumbing business operators must diversify their toolboxes with non-physical resources, like industry software and services. Last week, we discussed valuable finance and accounting tools every contractor should consider adding to their resource collection.

A diverse toolbox packed with reliable tools is invaluable for HVAC and plumbing businesses. Without the right tools, contractors can’t quickly deliver customer service, causing client frustrations that may ultimately limit company profits. But there are more tools you need beyond pipe cutters or wire strippers to run your business.

It’s no secret that cybercrime has been on the rise over the past decade. Fueled by a digital shift that’s only ramped up since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, cybersecurity experts anticipate the cost of damages induced by cybercrime will double from $3 billion in 2015 to $6 billion by the end of 2021. Moreover, as employers deploy more remote work and cloud-based solutions, cybercriminals access more opportunities to wreak havoc on unsuspecting businesses.

With the current state of the job market, it’s been quite a challenge for HVAC and plumbing businesses operators to attract and retain quality employees. It’s been equally challenging to maintain ongoing customer demand without a strong team of employees, causing friction in the quality of services. 

Professionals in the HVAC industry know the installation and purchase costs that accompany a residential or commercial HVAC system—as well as the potential future costs customers may incur down the line in the event of repair or replacement.  When your customers decide to take on this investment, they want to feel secure in their purchase and protected against future troubles. 

Whitney Ryan joined JB Warranties in December of 2017. She is a valued member of our Claims Department that brings her enthusiasm and eagerness to work each and every day. 

For the past year and a half, the COVID-19 pandemic has created a rollercoaster of operational disruptions that no one saw coming—including HVAC and plumbing business operators. However, despite a brief reprieve in cases across certain areas, the recent resurgence of the Delta variant has led to spiking case numbers and location-specific shutdowns that indicate this pandemic isn't going anywhere any time soon.

On this episode of Trade Talk, Chad Martin from Atwood Rentals HVAC shares his insight on why more and more customers and contractors are looking to them for help when purchasing a new AC system. He digs into the rent-to-own side of HVAC and how it's becoming more popular with contractors and customers.

Brett Cue joined the JB Warranties team in 2013 as an inside sales/ customer service representative. In 2014, Brett was promoted to a full-time sales role as a Territory Manager and relocated out west to support the expansion into the Arizona market. Riding the success of the Arizona expansion, Brett expanded his footprint again into Oregon and Washington in 2015-2016.

As the world continues to navigate the ongoing impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, countless job sectors now face intense labor shortages. However, the HVAC and plumbing industry had already experienced labor shortages before the pandemic began. COVID-19 just made it more challenging for companies looking to hire in this industry.