Libsyn Directory

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

Release Date: 11/17/2025

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

More Episodes

In part 2 of this episode of the HVAC Know It All Podcast, host Gary McCreadie is joined by Kyle Smith, an HVAC technician and account manager at MK Mechanical, LLC. 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 retention and stronger team dynamics.

Gary and Kyle discuss how creating a positive, supportive environment helps new HVAC techs succeed by focusing on teaching instead of yelling. They explain why some older techs struggle to connect with younger ones and how respect and clear expectations can improve teamwork. Kyle shares advice on mentoring, like being patient, using hands-on learning, and taking time to educate rather than criticize. They also talk about using resources like YouTube and phones to help techs learn outside of work hours. They finish by emphasizing the importance of training the next generation and creating a culture of learning in the HVAC industry.

Expect to Learn:

How mentorship and patient teaching help new HVAC techs build skills.
Why does creating a supportive environment lead to better retention in the trade?
How does asking the right questions and using hands-on training improve learning?
Why encouraging self-education outside of work helps techs grow faster.
How to build a company culture focused on respect, teamwork, and education.