How the Man Up Culture in HVAC Fuels Burnout and Blocks Progress for Workers with Benjamin Dryer Part 1
Release Date: 07/31/2025
HVAC Know It All Podcast
In this episode of the HVAC Know It All Podcast, host wraps up his chat with from . In Part 02 of their discussion on refrigerant leaks, sealants, and best practices in HVAC diagnostics. Diving deeper into controversial yet evolving topics, Gary and Tyler examine both the theory and field-tested realities of leak detection and system maintenance, shedding light on how technicians can balance practicality, ethics, and innovation in their everyday work. Tyler and Gary talk about how leak sealants in HVAC systems are seen differently now, with some techs testing them and finding they work well...
info_outlineHVAC Know It All Podcast
In this episode of the HVAC Know It All Podcast, host talks with from about the importance of early maintenance for heating systems. Tyler explains how doing checks before the cold weather hits can help prevent issues like cracked heat exchangers, saving time and stress later. They discuss how tackling maintenance during the shoulder season lets you handle repairs in better conditions, avoiding rushed work in the winter. Tyler also emphasizes the need for combustion analysis and safety checks to protect both technicians and customers from carbon monoxide risks. Tyler talks about the...
info_outlineHVAC Know It All Podcast
In part 2 of this episode of the HVAC Know It All Podcast, host continues his conversation with , President of and Director of New Product Development at . In Part 2, they discuss topics like the evolution of vacuuming techniques, moving away from triple evacuation, and why modern two-stage pumps are more efficient. Jim explains how to detect leaks using the decay vacuum method, the importance of nitrogen purging, and how refrigerant and oil behavior affects evacuation times. They also discuss the role of Measure Quick in helping technicians diagnose system issues and communicate better with...
info_outlineHVAC Know It All Podcast
In this episode of the HVAC Know It All Podcast, host welcomes , President of and Director of New Product Development at . They talk about the science behind evacuation, the impact of hose size on evacuation speed, and the common misconceptions around pulling a vacuum. Jim explains how using larger hoses and understanding conductant speed can improve evacuation time and performance. They also discuss the effects of temperature on evacuation, particularly in cold climates, and how to prevent moisture buildup in systems. This conversation provides clear insights for HVAC professionals to...
info_outlineHVAC Know It All Podcast
In this solo episode of the HVAC Know It All Podcast, host , Director of Player Development and Head Coach at Shelburne Soccer Club and President of and , shares real-world lessons from the field, focusing on pulling vacuums and handling customer repairs. He explains why larger hoses improve vacuum speed, clears up common HVAC myths, and stresses the value of testing and thinking critically. Gary also talks about fixing equipment with limited budgets, using a coil-combing tool, and keeping customers running while maintaining safety and trust. It's a helpful, honest episode full of tips for...
info_outlineHVAC Know It All Podcast
In this episode of the HVAC Know It All Podcast, host continues his conversation with , Founder & CEO of , about HVAC solutions for the cannabis industry. John explains how his company approaches retrofit applications by offering full solutions, including ductwork, electrical services, and equipment installation. He emphasizes the importance of designing scalable, efficient systems without burdening growers with unnecessary upfront costs, providing them with long-term solutions for their HVAC needs. The discussion also focuses on the best types of equipment for grow operations. John...
info_outlineHVAC Know It All Podcast
In this episode of the HVAC Know It All Podcast, host chats with , Founder & CEO of , to kick off a two-part conversation about the unique challenges of HVAC systems in the cannabis industry. John, who has a strong background in data center cooling, brings valuable expertise to the table, now applied to creating optimal environments for indoor grow operations. At Harvest Integrated, John and his team provide “climate as a service,” helping cannabis growers with reliable and efficient HVAC systems, tailored to their specific needs. The discussion in part one focuses on the complexities...
info_outlineHVAC Know It All Podcast
In part 2 of this episode of the HVAC Know It All Podcast, host , Director of Player Development and Head Coach at , and President of , switches roles again to be interviewed by , Vice President of HVAC & Market Strategy at . They talk about how much today’s customers really know about HVAC, why correct load calculations matter, and the risks of oversizing or undersizing systems. Gary shares tips for new business owners on choosing the right CRM tools, and they discuss helpful tech like remote support apps for younger technicians. The conversation also looks at how private equity...
info_outlineHVAC Know It All Podcast
In this special episode of the HVAC Know It All Podcast, the usual host, , Director of Player Development and Head Coach at , and President of . takes the guest seat as he’s interviewed by , Vice President of HVAC & Market Strategy at , to discuss the current state of the HVAC industry. They discuss the industry's shifts, like the push for heat pumps, and the importance of balancing technical skills with sales training. Gary talks about the generational gap in the trade and the need for a cultural change to better support new technicians. They also explore how digital tools and online...
info_outlineHVAC Know It All Podcast
In Part 2 of this episode of the HVAC Know It All Podcast, host is joined by , a Culture Consultant, Culture Pyramid Implementation, Public Speaker at . Benjamin shares how real conversations and better training can reduce stress and boost team performance. He introduces a pyramid model for honest communication, direction, fulfillment, and accountability. Benjamin also explains how small changes in workplace culture can lead to big improvements in mental health and job satisfaction for workers. His tips help create safer, more supportive, and efficient work environments. Benjamin Dryer talks...
info_outlineIn this episode of the HVAC Know It All Podcast, host Gary McCreadie speaks with Benjamin Dryer, a Culture Consultant, Culture Pyramid Implementation, Public Speaker at Align & Elevate Consulting, about the emotional toll of working in the trades. Benjamin shares his personal story, including the loss of his father to suicide, and how it led him to focus on mental health in the industry. They discuss the “tough guy” culture, how poor communication and stress affect workers, and why learning to talk openly can make a big difference. It’s a powerful and honest talk that shows why change is needed on job sites.
Benjamin Dryer joins Gary to talk about mental health in the HVAC trade. Benjamin shares his journey, including the loss of his father, and how it led him to help others in the industry. They discuss the tough culture many techs face, where showing emotion is seen as weak. He explains how poor communication and pressure from work can build stress. They talk about why it’s important to speak up, support each other, and make job sites safer. It’s a real and helpful talk for anyone who wants to work smarter, not harder, and change the old way of thinking.
Benjamin talks about how the HVAC trade can wear people down, like carrying heavy stress every day. He shares how losing his father pushed him to speak up about mental health at work. Benjamin and Gary discuss why techs act tough but often feel alone inside. They talk about how better words and open talks can stop problems before they grow. Benjamin explains how learning to say what you feel makes teams stronger and safer. It’s a real talk for techs who want to care for their minds, not just their tools, and build a better work life.
Expect to Learn:
-
How stress and poor communication impact mental health in the trades.
-
Why the “tough guy” culture stops workers from speaking up.
-
How Benjamin’s personal loss led him to support mental health at work.
-
Why learning to express feelings can improve teamwork and safety.
-
How better conversations can break the cycle and create change on job sites.
Episode Highlights:
[00:00] - Introduction to Benjamin Dryer - Part 01
[02:23] - Starting in HVAC and Facing Mental Stress Early
[05:35] - Losing His Father and the Impact on Mental Health
[06:52] - “Be a Man” Culture and Why It Hurts the Trade
[10:17] - Working Through Pain: Is Toughness Worth It?
[15:20] - How Job Pressure and Mental Illness Can Cross Paths
[17:54] - Generational Divide: Old Ways vs. Smarter Methods
[19:24] - Younger Workers Want Purpose, Not Just a Paycheck
This Episode is Kindly Sponsored by:
Master: https://www.master.ca/
Cintas: https://www.cintas.com/
Supply House: https://www.supplyhouse.com/
Cool Air Products: https://www.coolairproducts.net/
property.com: https://mccreadie.property.com
Follow the Guest Benjamin Dryer on:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjamin-dryer-72bb78240/
Culture Pyramid Implementation at Align & Elevate Consulting: https://www.alignandelevateconsulting.com/
Follow the Host:
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/