Libsyn Directory

How Broken Communication and Bad Leadership in the Trades Cause Burnout with Ben Dryer Part 2

Release Date: 08/04/2025

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 Part 2 of this episode of the HVAC Know It All Podcast, host Gary McCreadie is joined by Benjamin Dryer, a Culture Consultant, Culture Pyramid Implementation, Public Speaker at Align & Elevate Consulting. 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 about how better communication and training help reduce stress in the trades. He shares a simple pyramid method that starts with honest talk and builds up to accountability. He and Gary explain how solving real problems like understaffing or unclear priorities can improve both mental health and business results. Benjamin says that workers often feel unheard, which adds stress, but real support can change that. They both agree that focusing on people and clear processes leads to safer, happier, and more productive workplaces.

Benjamin explains that many problems in the trades come from poor communication and a lack of training. He says stress builds when workers feel unheard or unsupported. Gary shares how this shows up in real job sites, like when teams aren’t trained to cover for each other. They talk about Benjamin’s pyramid model that starts with honest talk and leads to real teamwork. Both agree that simple changes like clear roles and caring leaders can lower stress and boost performance. Good culture helps people feel safe, valued, and ready to do their best work.

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