The powerful impact that one great idea can have on your business is nothing new to Unified Group members. Attend a Unified Group session, strike up a conversation with a fellow member, or log on to The Unified Group’s website and you’ll be exposed to plenty.

            Fifteen years ago, two guys in Chicago noticed it wasn’t so easy for HVAC companies to do that.

            “It all stemmed from what was happening in the industry in 1998.” said Jim Bartolotta. “We saw The Unified Group as a vehicle for the independent contractor to raise the bar for the industry.”

            Taking what they had learned on the Air Comfort side through their own involvement with different MIX groups and associations, the two were able to create an organization for the industry’s elite to meet, share, and become even better at what they do.

            Tim and Jim say the core values (independent contractors, exclusive territories, requiring member participation, etc.) are what make the group strong 15 years later.

            “The friendships and bonds are so much deeper than you typically find in other organizations,” said Jim. “We truly have each other’s backs.”

            While the core values have remained the same, the two managing partners say the group is evolving and expanding its offerings.

            “We are now able to provide marketing assistance, webinars, and the training has grown tremendously,” said Jim. “Members have gotten others in their organizations involved in the group. It’s so gratifying to hear success stories about things learned at a training session or from another member that were implemented successfully and had a positive impact on the company.”

            The two hope to continue to strengthen the bonds and connections with and between the members.

            “Over the next 15 years we’ll continue to look at what the members need, their plans and goals, and look for ways to help them achieve them,” said Tim. “There will be a whirlwind of change for us as contractors – all the more reason for a group like ours to help and support each other.”

            “We hope to keep the close, tight-knit family feel that is so important to The Unified Group,” said Jim.