Libsyn Directory

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 System Myths for Property Managers to Reduce Air Contamination with Richard Turner Part 1

HVAC Know It All Podcast

In this episode of the HVAC Know It All Podcast, host speaks with , owner of and a professional duct cleaner with experience in commercial HVAC systems and restoration work. Richard explains the importance of proper duct cleaning and how poor methods can actually make indoor air quality worse. He walks through the correct process, tools, and safety steps for effective cleaning, especially when dealing with older or damaged ductwork. The conversation also covers filtration, air purifiers, and the safe use of disinfectants and deodorizers in duct systems. Richard shares insights from real jobs...

Trades Are Losing Talent for HVAC Leaders to Fix Culture by Teaching Respect with Kyle Smith Part 2

HVAC Know It All Podcast

In part 2 of this episode of the HVAC Know It All Podcast, host is joined by , an HVAC technician and account manager at . They discuss the importance of mentorship in the trades and how creating a supportive learning environment can help new technicians thrive. Kyle shares his experience of teaching the next generation through patience and hands-on guidance, rather than through harsh criticism. They talk about the value of education and the role of self-education in becoming a successful technician. The episode also covers how building a positive culture within companies can lead to better...

The Best Time to Start your Own HVAC Business for Technicians who Want Freedom

HVAC Know It All Podcast

In this episode of the HVAC Know It All Business Edition Podcast, co-hosts and 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...

How the Trades Are Replacing College for Gen Z to Build Real Careers with Kyle Smith Part 1

HVAC Know It All Podcast

In this episode of the HVAC Know It All Podcast, host talks with , HVAC technician and account manager at . Kyle shares insights about his new book “Grit, Grind, and Glory in the Trades”, written to guide young people considering a future in the trades. He and Gary discuss the growing use of smart tools and predictive maintenance in HVAC, and whether these are being designed for a shrinking workforce. Kyle also talks about his own path in the industry, the decline of traditional college education, and why trades still offer a strong, hands-on career for the next generation. In this...

How to Replace ROI Training with Mentorship to Retain Gen Z Tech in HVAC with Joshua Canfield Part 2

HVAC Know It All Podcast

In part 2 of this episode of the HVAC Know It All Podcast, host is joined again by , owner of , about the value of transformational coaching in the skilled trades. They discuss how empathy, patience, and clear communication can help new technicians grow and succeed. Joshua explains why older techs often struggle to connect with younger ones and how setting clear expectations can make a big difference. The conversation also covers using technology like remote video support to bridge training gaps and the idea of building hands-on trade schools that simulate real job pressure. This episode...

How HVAC Leaders Can Replace Ride-Alongs with Real Pressure-Based Learning - Joshua Canfield Part 1

HVAC Know It All Podcast

In this episode of the HVAC Know It All Podcast, host speaks with , owner of . Together, they explore how training for new HVAC technicians has changed over the years. Josh shares his own journey from being thrown into the trade with no experience to running jobs alone within weeks. They talk about the need for a balanced training approach that combines hands-on work, guidance, and time under pressure. Josh also highlights how small wins and emotional intelligence can build confidence in young techs. Their conversation gives practical ideas for teaching the next generation in today’s...

The Dual Fuel Systems for HVAC Pros to Stop Coil Damage and Rusted Furnaces with Jim Fultz Part 2

HVAC Know It All Podcast

In part 2 of this episode of the HVAC Know It All Podcast, host is joined again by , National Technical Training Manager at and a former trainer, to explore dual fuel systems and the importance of proper equipment placement. They talk about the difference between thermal and economic balance points, and why running a heat pump and furnace at the same time can cause serious issues. Jim explains how incorrect coil placement can lead to rusted heat exchangers and how technology like the Sensi Touch 2 thermostat helps manage switchover points more accurately. This episode offers helpful tips...

Thermal vs Economic Balance for HVAC Techs to Maximize Heat Pump Performance with Jim Fultz Part 1

HVAC Know It All Podcast

In this episode of the HVAC Know It All Podcast, host talks with , National Technical Training Manager at and a former trainer. Jim explains the concepts of thermal and economic balance points in heat pump systems, breaking down how each affects system performance and efficiency. He walks through how to calculate these balance points using real examples, showing when a heat pump needs backup heat. Jim also discusses how the Sensi Touch 2 thermostat helps manage these settings by letting users program exact switch-over points. His advice gives techs the tools to improve system setup and...

HVAC Business Series for Technicians Ready to Launch Smarter with Furman Haynes

HVAC Know It All Podcast

In this episode of the HVAC Know It All Podcast, host talks with , Co-Founder of . They discuss the challenges and rewards of starting and running a small HVAC business. Furman explains how new business owners often struggle with administrative tasks, financial management, and marketing. They talk about the importance of learning business practices while balancing fieldwork and how automation and processes can help owners save time and grow. Furman also shares how WorkHero supports small contractors with solutions to improve their business operations. Furman talks about the struggles small...

The Press Fitting Tool for HVAC Techs to Save Time on Installs & Repairs - Jessica Slaughter Part 2

HVAC Know It All Podcast

In part 2 of this episode of the HVAC Know It All Podcast, host continues his discussion with , Marketing Manager at , about the growing use of press fittings in the HVAC industry. They talk about common pushbacks like tool cost and trust in the technology, and how RLS is working to address these concerns. Jessica explains how press fittings save time, improve safety, and are being used in everything from homes to data centers worldwide. This episode gives HVAC pros useful insights into the benefits and future of press technology. Gary and Jessica talk about how press fittings are changing...

More Episodes

In 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.

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