How HVAC Leaders Can Replace Ride-Alongs with Real Pressure-Based Learning - Joshua Canfield Part 1
Release Date: 11/06/2025
The Financial Systems for Trades Business Owners to Build the Right Foundation with April Sackfield
HVAC Know It All Podcast
In this episode of the HVAC Know It All Business Edition Podcast, co-hosts and of discuss the essential but often overlooked side of running an HVAC business's financials with , Director of Operations at and , who brings a wealth of knowledge on business finance and systems tailored for service-based companies. The focus is on empowering technicians and small business owners with the tools and understanding they need to successfully transition from the field into entrepreneurship. April supports HVAC business owners in optimizing their operations for profitability and growth. Her...
info_outline
How Analogue Gauges Lead to Compressor Failures and Bad Training in HVAC with John Anderson Part 1
HVAC Know It All Podcast
In this episode of the HVAC Know It All Podcast, host is joined by , Senior Regional HVAC Technical Trainer at , Formerly Service Manager and Technician at . John shares his insights on using analog and digital manifold gauges, discussing their pros, cons, and practical use in the field. The conversation covers the shift from analog to digital tools, the value of maintaining equipment instead of replacing it, and the importance of proper airflow diagnosis before adding refrigerant. Gary and John also talk about technician habits, training methods, and how using long hoses can lead to...
info_outline
The Job Costing Lessons for Trades Business Owners to Stop Losing Money with April Sackfield
HVAC Know It All Podcast
In this episode of the HVAC Know It All Business Edition Podcast, co-hosts Gary McCreadie and Furman Haynes of WorkHero discuss one of the most essential components of running an HVAC business: the financials.April Sackfield, Director of Operations at NumberConstruct and Fiscal Management Group, dig into the fundamentals of accounting, job costing, margins, and profitability. This episode is especially valuable for small business owners, new HVAC entrepreneurs, and technicians considering going independent. With a background in marketing, tax, and audit, April brings a rare blend of strategic...
info_outline
HVAC Failures Every Installer Must Avoid to Protect Compressors with John Davidson | 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 , Regional Trainer at . They discuss inverter-driven heat pump systems, emphasizing the benefits of maintaining consistent temperatures and proper system sizing. John shares best practices for installation, including flaring techniques, pressure testing, and vacuum procedures. The conversation also covers the importance of voltage monitoring, surge protection, and using the right tools like torque wrenches and micron gauges. Together, they highlight how attention to detail helps improve system...
info_outline
How Inverter Heat Pumps Maintain Capacity in Extreme Cold for HVAC Pros with John Davidson, Part 1
HVAC Know It All Podcast
In this episode of the HVAC Know It All Podcast, host talks with , Regional Trainer at . John explains how heat pumps work in cold climates by using refrigerant technology to move heat from outside to inside. He discusses the role of coil temperature, pressure, and energy transfer in the heating process. The episode also covers inverter technology, the importance of base pan heaters, and how matched air handlers improve system efficiency. John shares tips for choosing between dual-fuel and all-electric setups based on cost, climate, and home design. In this conversation, John explains how...
info_outline
The Playbook for HVAC Owners to Build, Scale, and Exit Profitably with Greg Crumpton
HVAC Know It All Podcast
In this episode of the HVAC Know It All Business Edition Podcast, co-hosts and of discuss the business side of HVAC with veteran technician and entrepreneur , the Vice President of . Greg is an expert in mission-critical environments like data centers and hospitals. Greg shares his vast knowledge of the HVAC business, covering everything from financials and profit margins to building a solid team and breaking into specialized markets like liquid cooling. Expect to Learn: - How to calculate and interpret key financial metrics like EBITDA and Net Profit for HVAC businesses. - The...
info_outline
What Every HVAC Contractor Misses About Humidification and Home Health with Chris Howells Part 2
HVAC Know It All Podcast
In part 2 of this episode of the HVAC Know It All Podcast, host continues his conversation with , Senior Training and Development Manager at . They discuss briefly about humidification, comparing steam and evaporative humidifiers, and explaining how to properly size and install them. Chris shares tips on using absorption distance to avoid condensation and highlights the role of dew point in home comfort. The episode also covers the health, comfort, and structural benefits of balanced humidity and encourages HVAC professionals to learn more about building science to better serve their...
info_outline
What HVAC Technicians Must Know about Money before Starting a Business with Greg Crumpton
HVAC Know It All Podcast
In this episode of the HVAC Know It All Business Edition Podcast, co-hosts and discuss the business side of HVAC with veteran technician and entrepreneur , the Vice President of . Having built and sold his own HVAC business, Greg shares invaluable advice for technicians considering the leap into business ownership. Starting as a technician, he rose through the ranks to service manager, general manager, and eventually founded and sold his own HVAC company. This episode focuses on financial literacy, cash flow management, invoicing, and the crucial mindset shifts needed for success as a...
info_outline
The HydroCore Humidifiers for HVAC Contractors to Reduce Water Waste with Chris Howells Part 1
HVAC Know It All Podcast
In this episode of the HVAC Know It All Podcast, host talks with , Senior Training and Development Manager at . Chris shares insights on new humidification technology from AprilAire, including fan-powered and bypass humidifiers that reduce water waste. He explains how the HydroCore assembly improves efficiency and maintenance while addressing common concerns like microbial growth. The discussion covers the impact of modern HVAC systems on humidification and how to choose between fan-powered and bypass models. Chris also talks about steam humidifiers and how water quality affects their...
info_outline
The Kroil Beats Modern Lubricants for HVAC Technicians to Stop Breakdowns with Sal Randisi, Part 2
HVAC Know It All Podcast
In part 2 of this episode of the HVAC Know It All Podcast, host continues his conversation with , Vice President of Business Development at . They discuss the role of lubricants in HVAC maintenance, from penetrating oils like Kroil to dielectric greases and anti-seize solutions. Sal explains the importance of using the correct viscosity based on ISO standards and shares how proper lubrication can extend equipment life. The episode also highlights the benefits of products like Kroil with graphite and the new low-odor Kroil Clear for sensitive environments. Gary and Sal talk about how the right...
info_outlineIn this episode of the HVAC Know It All Podcast, host Gary McCreadie speaks with Joshua Canfield, owner of Blue Box HVACR. 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 industry.
In this episode, Joshua Canfield talks about the challenges of training new HVAC technicians in today’s industry. He explains how systems have become more complex with added electronics, while many techs lack hands-on experience and confidence. Josh shares stories from his own start in the trade, where he learned by doing jobs on his own with little help. He and Gary discuss a better way to train techs by mixing pressure-filled situations with support and guidance. Josh also stresses the need to build emotional strength and give new techs chances to succeed so they can grow into confident professionals.
Expect to Learn:
-
Why hands-on experience is key to building real technician skills.
-
How throwing techs into the field too soon can hurt their growth.
-
A hybrid training method that balances pressure with support.
-
Why emotional intelligence and small wins build confidence in new techs.
-
How strong mentorship helps techs learn faster and stay in the trade.
Episode Highlights:
[00:00] - Intro to Joshua Canfield in Part 1
[02:10] - The Changing Landscape: Increased Complexity & Lost Confidence
[05:09] - The Core Problem: Lack of Applied Knowledge & Tool Proficiency
[06:54] - The "Thrown in the Truck" Method: Pros, Cons, and a Better Hybrid Approach
[10:19] - Creating "Aha" Moments: The Power of Pressure and Satisfaction
[14:30] - The Triumph of Perseverance: A Story of a First Solo Fix
[18:47] - The Key to Success: Persistence Over Pure Intelligence
[20:55] - The Modern Apprentice: Navigating a Different Upbringing
[22:18] - A New Vision for Training: Blending Technical, Applied, and Emotional Skills
[23:54] - Creating "Small Wins" and a Customer-Focused Mindset
This Episode is Kindly Sponsored by:
Master: https://www.master.ca/
Cintas: https://www.cintas.com/
Cool Air Products: https://www.coolairproducts.net/
property.com: https://mccreadie.property.com
SupplyHouse: https://www.supplyhouse.com/tm
Use promo code HKIA5 to get 5% off your first order at Supplyhouse!
Follow the Guest Joshua Canfield on:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshua-canfield-32152a163/
Blue Box HVACR: https://www.linkedin.com/company/blue-box-hvacr/
Website:
Blue Box HVACR: https://blueboxhvacr.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/