In this episode of Accelerated HVAC Success, we sit down with AP Sharma, Director of VRV Products at Daikin Comfort Technologies, to break down what VRV (Variable Refrigerant Volume) technology is and how it’s transforming the HVAC landscape. AP explains how VRV systems intelligently adjust refrigerant flow to match real-time demand, delivering exceptional efficiency, comfort, and zoning flexibility. He also connects the dots between VRV and Daikin’s core innovations—highlighting how inverter technology, advanced refrigeration control, and heat pump capabilities come together in one integrated solution.

The conversation goes beyond traditional commercial applications, exploring how VRV is expanding into the residential market and creating new opportunities for contractors. AP shares how diversifying into VRV can help contractors grow revenue, differentiate their offerings, and meet evolving customer expectations. He also dives into Daikin’s next-generation control systems, including how AI-driven advancements are making VRV smarter, more intuitive, and easier to manage—positioning contractors at the forefront of innovation in a rapidly changing industry.

In this episode of Accelerated HVAC Success, host Ben Middleton sits down with Randy Johnson, owner of Randy's Heating and Air Conditioning, who shares the journey behind building a successful HVAC business and the partnerships that helped make it possible. Randy discusses how his long-standing relationship with Thermal Supply Inc. has supported his company’s growth, from technical expertise to business guidance. The conversation emphasizes the importance of integrity in the trades and why identifying—and fully embracing—your company’s primary focus is essential to long-term success.

Randy also explains how his company continues to thrive despite today’s economic uncertainty by focusing on customer solutions, including offering financing options that help homeowners move forward with needed comfort upgrades. He reflects on why he chooses to work with Daikin Industries and how the brand aligns with his standards for quality and reliability. The episode concludes with Randy reflecting on one of the toughest challenges he faces as a contractor and the mindset required to keep moving forward while leading a growing team.

In this episode of Accelerated HVAC Success, Mary Belden-McGrath, Co-Owner of Driven Leadership, joins the conversation to explore how leaders can effectively guide and motivate their teams during times of constant disruption—from geopolitical conflicts to low consumer confidence. Mary stresses that great leaders focus on what they can control rather than being paralyzed by fear. She draws attention to the importance of developing leaders who can think new thoughts and break out of the ruts many organizations fall into during uncertain times. Through practical tools, she provides ways leaders can interrupt negative cycles, stay grounded, and help their teams remain focused and forward-looking.

Mary also highlights the importance of reinforcing vision and purpose—ensuring employees clearly understand the company’s direction, expectations, and how their work contributes to the bigger picture. She shares the powerful concept of “Run to the Roar,” encouraging leaders to face challenges head-on instead of retreating from them, and discusses how periods of “perma-uncertainty” can actually fuel innovation for contractors willing to adapt. The conversation also touches on the importance of celebrating team wins, helping contractors rediscover their “why,” and how the BOLD framework can help leaders level up their mindset, leadership, and business growth in an ever-changing industry.

In this episode of Accelerated HVAC Success, Jeremy Chandler, Regional Manager for OPTIMUS, unpacks what’s happening right now in the financing world—and what it means for contractors. From easing interest rates to strategic financing promotions, Jeremy explains how dealers are using today’s lending trends to drive higher close rates and larger tickets. He shares insight into the types of loans homeowners are gravitating toward, why affordability conversations matter more than ever, and how contractors are leveraging OPTIMUS programs to make premium systems feel attainable. The conversation also dives into how successful contractors account for dealer fees, structure blended fee strategies, and protect margin while still presenting compelling monthly payment options.

Jeremy also emphasizes the importance of claiming available buydown rebates for Goodman, Amana, and Daikin products—an often-overlooked opportunity that can significantly offset dealer costs. He explores key differences between U.S. and Canadian loan structures, outlines how contractors can quickly get started with OPTIMUS, and explains how the platform consistently delivers approval ratings above 90%. If you’re looking to strengthen your financing game, increase accessibility for homeowners, and confidently present payment options that close, this episode delivers practical strategies you can implement immediately.

In this episode of Accelerated HVAC Success, Matt Maleske, owner and founder of CTM (Coach, Train, Motivate), outlines what he sees missing in contractor development throughout the HVAC industry. He highlights the value of a structured Sales & Application course and how technology has simplified key elements of selling—like financing and accurate heating and cooling load calculations—making it easier to present complete solutions with confidence. Matt also addresses the decline in consistently offering financing and load calculations, and why contractors who prioritize both see higher close rates, larger tickets, and stronger profitability.

He also unpacks the impact of Daikin’s Energy-Skilled Sales & Application course, where technicians learn to execute every step—from discovery to load calculations to financing—so they can deliver a thorough, professional recommendation. By avoiding assumptions and confidently offering all available options, skilled technicians elevate the customer experience and drive long-term growth.

In this episode of Accelerated HVAC Success, host Ben Middleton sits down with Eric McGrath, co-owner of Driven Leadership, to explore where he’s seeing the biggest waves of change and innovation outside the HVAC industry—and why contractors should be paying attention. Eric discusses real-world stories of clients who found success by failing forward, learning quickly, and intentionally leveraging the expertise of others instead of trying to do everything themselves. The conversation highlights a common thread among high performers: they surround themselves with the right people and aren’t afraid to admit what they don’t know.

Eric also dives into what leadership truly means today, emphasizing that it’s not about avoiding mistakes, but about how you respond when gaps and missteps show up. He explains why strong leaders create trust through accountability, curiosity, and growth, and why asking better questions—especially around what’s possible—is no longer optional. As consumers demand a new kind of experience, this episode challenges HVAC professionals to rethink leadership, elevate their teams, and lead in ways that meet the expectations of a changing world.

In this episode of Accelerated HVAC Success, guest David Larson, owner of Larson Mechanical, shares why he chose to go into business for himself and what it takes to succeed in a demanding market like Boise. With triple-digit summer heat, freezing winter temperatures, and dramatic seasonal swings, HVAC systems in Boise are constantly pushed to their limits—testing performance, efficiency, and comfort control year-round. David explains why the Daikin FIT has become his go-to solution for new construction, how it delivers reliable comfort in both extreme heat and cold, and why homeowners appreciate its quiet operation—especially for outdoor living spaces where eliminating constant on/off noise makes all the difference.

The conversation also dives into how Larson Mechanical has navigated the industry’s transition from R-410A to R-32, how word-of-mouth referrals continue to drive the majority of David’s leads, and the role Thermal Supply has played as a trusted distributor partner in his growth. David reflects on how the internet has reshaped the contracting business and closes by sharing key principles that have helped him stay successful—and sane—amid the chaos of today’s HVAC landscape.

In this episode of Accelerated HVAC Success, guest Lee Smith, VP of Strategic Marketing & Environmental Technology Solutions at Daikin Comfort Technologies, breaks down Daikin’s controls strategy and why controls are becoming the backbone of modern comfort systems. The conversation explores Daikin’s Smart Control platforms and how the thermostat functions as a true communication device—working continuously with the system to maintain comfort without constant on/off cycling. Lee also shares how residential contractors can get up to speed on Daikin’s controls approach and why understanding this strategy is key to delivering better performance and a better homeowner experience.

The discussion dives into the two Daikin apps that support this connected ecosystem: Skyport Home for homeowners and Skyport Care for contractors and dealers. Lee describes how Skyport Care empowers contractors to monitor and manage systems remotely, reducing time on site and easing service burdens while improving customer support. The episode wraps with an overview of HERO Cloud Services on the commercial side, offering similar remote management and system insights—drawing attention to how Daikin is using controls and connectivity to help contractors work smarter across both residential and commercial applications.