Fourteen Unified Group members in the Midwest got together in April for their regional meeting. Ron Gundershaug (Yale Mechanical) started off the meeting leading show-and-share discussion on new technology in the field. Many of the attendees brought the AAB air flow meter that they’ve used. At $40 most thought that it was useful for helping sell problem solving issues, but not a complete replacement for air hoods. Ryan English (Baker Group) said they are utilizing an app called SDS Binderworks for safety data sheets in the field. The app allows each company to customize what they push out and also makes it easy to search and find various safety documents. The group also talked about PDF Expert, Evernote, MSI – FieldConnect, Meraki, ABB Smart Tools, thermal imaging cameras, data loggers, and wifi stats.

Marc Mapel (EMS) brought Jim Bergmann (New Product Development Manager at Stride Tool Inc.) who showcased their Imperial iManifold, which wirelessly displays a system’s actual pressures, temperatures, superheat and subcooling while simultaneously calculating performance targets.

Kevin Riley and Jason Jundt (Robert Gibb & Sons) shared their recruitment program that utilizes a scholarship for tech schools. Many Unified Group members expressed their struggle with how to find technicians and how to attract a younger generation to the trade. Robert Gibb offers to pay for the last year of tech school in exchange for three years of working after they graduate. Many said they are turning to kids who have a math or science focus and going to the high schools but are fighting with the counselors who are pushing kids to college and a school system that is only just starting to add back in classes like auto shop. The attendees felt that our industry is not getting our message (a great salary and no college debt and an industry that is becoming more digital and technology driven) out to a younger audience. Greg Wierzba (Tweet/Garot) said they’ve participated in career fairs and were able to bring in the high school counselors and went through the HVAC industry and explained how much money their technicians were making. They have gotten more recommendations because they took the time to help educate the counselors about the career pathway in the HVAC industry.

For some attendees finding sales people was their major struggle.  Some members suggested to not worry about the technical side of the business, but instead to focus on finding someone who has the personality and desire to sell. Attendees ended day one talking about technician incentive and accountability. Some felt like their incentive programs were outdated and wanted to think about other incentive ideas beyond money. Many felt like recognition and creating an outstanding culture were just as important to their team.

Day two of the meeting focused on sales, marketing, and niche markets. Members shared their frustrations with dealing with third party management companies and the excessive paperwork and documentation required to do business with certain clients. Some suggested to create a Don’t Touch Call List for customers who were taking up a large percentage of time, but generating a small amount of business.

Safety standards was another topic on day two. The Midwest members shared what they’re doing to get their techs outfitted for 70E, how often they’re holding safety meetings, and what safety topics they’re including in their tool box talks.

Everyone is currently using iPads/tablets in the field or very close to implementation.

Special thanks to Ron Gundershaug (Yale), Greg Wierzba (Tweet Garot), Marc Mapel (Energy Management Specialists), Kevin Riley and Jason Jundt (Robert Gibb & Sons) for their help in planning a great session.