Daily operational tasks like work orders or payment processing can quickly pile up for field service-based businesses such as HVAC and plumbing companies. And when the workflow is hampered, technician productivity can decline. To effectively manage business operations, technicians, and equipment while out in the field, it’s wise to adopt a field service management (FSM) solution. 

In this episode of Trade Talk, Tommy Cue speaks with Ben Jackson and Dale Jackson from Jackson Services about how they've built a successful HVAC and plumbing business. They talk about going from an appliance company to HVAC and more, why they took their offerings down to one supplier, expanding from HVAC only to include plumbing, community involvement, and more. Their motto is to figure out what you do well and then do it.

With the peak season ahead, HVAC and plumbing businesses can expect an uptick in service calls. Before long, customers will be cranking their air conditioning, pools, and sprinkler systems back on. So, there’s no better time to make sure your company’s vehicle fleet is appropriately managed and ready for any upcoming job.

In this episode of Trade Talk, Tommy Cue speaks with Janet Rudebeck from FieldEdge about what contractors can expect when working with them. They talk through the customer experience in regards to support and training, new features, and how the tool works. They also touch on the acquisition of Coolfront, and its benefits to dealers.

Each day, plumbing and HVAC contractors tackle the Earth’s elements, including air and water. This year, contractors can give back to the planet by celebrating Earth Day with their company. Earth Day is celebrated annually on April 22, but there are steps you can implement right now that can benefit the Earth year-round.

Gracie Diaz-Cabrera has been with JB Warranties for 8 years. She serves as our Customer Service Department Manager. As the longest tenured and original member of the Customer Service team, Gracie has seen JB Warranties change offices three times and has managed the team during a time of significant growth, with the department doubling many times over. Gracie has a positive attitude and tremendous work ethic. We are so grateful to have Gracie as part of the JB Warranties family.

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, HVAC and plumbing company operators have had to adjust their business practices drastically. Standard business practices, including customer payment methods and in-home technician protocol, have all shifted to maintain ongoing operations. While some of these changes may have seemed temporary at first, many are beginning to realize that most of these new practices are here to stay. 

In the HVAC and plumbing industry, spring is synonymous with the slowdown of business. But before the start of the season was associated with the dreaded “spring slowdown,” it was actually associated with something far more productive: Spring cleaning! As temperatures across the country become milder and reliance on heating and cooling decreases, for the time being, take advantage of the slow season to deep clean your company.

Efficient marketing tactics are key to maintain, increase, and satisfy your customer base. Of the many marketing tools available to HVAC and plumbing business owners, email marketing is a valuable method to help you do just that. Unfortunately, without a basic understanding of email marketing best practices, you risk a rock-bottom open rate—which can plummet your potential to reach customers and stall your marketing efforts before they even begin.

In this episode of Trade Talk, Brian Bohannan and Tommy Cue talk with Gary McCreadie from HVAC Know It All. Gary shares details about his new HVAC Know It All mobile app, his in the works Blue Collar Guru app, and a lot more about the HVAC tech life. Listen in and learn how his apps will help your HVAC techs and how it is also helpful for HVAC business owners.