We’re coming to you live from SCALT with boots-on-the-ground conversations from the HVAC industry floor. In this episode, JG van Graan and Will Merritt capture real-time insights from contractors, vendors, and industry leaders about what’s actually happening in the trades right now.

From growth strategies and staffing challenges to technology, marketing, and operations — this episode delivers unfiltered perspectives you won’t get sitting behind a desk.

If you want to know where the HVAC industry is headed and what successful contractors are doing differently, this one’s for you.

Tune in for:

• Live event energy and industry insights

• Real contractor conversations

• Trends shaping HVAC in 2026

• Growth, culture, and operational takeaways

Hosted by JG van Graan & Will Merritt Beer Can Cold Podcast — Built for contractors, by contractors.

#HVACPodcast #BeerCanColdPodcast #HVACIndustry #SCALT #HVACBusiness #TradesLife #HVACLeadership #ContractorLife #HVACTechnicians

Summary

In this episode of the Beer Can Cold Podcast, hosts J.G. van Graan and Will Merritt welcome HVAC expert Marty Gildemeyer to discuss the critical role of maintenance agreements in the HVAC industry. They explore how to build a customer-centric culture, the importance of training and empowering technicians, and the financial impact of maintenance plans. The conversation emphasizes the need for effective communication and soft skills training, especially for smaller contractors looking to grow their businesses. Gildemeyer also introduces his Praxis HVAC Sales and Pricing Tools, designed to help contractors improve their sales processes and customer interactions.

Takeaways

You can't get where you want to be unless you help others get where they want to be. Maintenance agreements are crucial for long-term success in HVAC. Building a customer-centric culture is essential for retention. Training and empowering technicians leads to better customer service. Soft skills training is often overlooked but vital for success. Every opportunity with a customer is a chance to provide value. Smaller contractors need to be intentional about their growth strategies. Effective communication can prevent customer distrust. Maintenance agreements can significantly impact revenue and cash flow. The right tools can empower contractors to succeed.

Keywords

HVAC, maintenance agreements, customer service, training, soft skills, revenue growth, contractor strategies, communication, business culture, HVAC tools

Sound bites

"Follow the opportunity, not the dollar." "The culture has to be spoken and felt." "It's not just busy work; it's about value."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Beer Can Cold Podcast 01:59 Welcoming Marty Gildemeyer 03:04 The Importance of Maintenance Agreements 06:03 Building a Customer-Centric Culture 08:45 Training and Empowering Technicians 12:05 Soft Skills and Customer Service 15:02 The Role of Maintenance Plans in Revenue 17:51 Strategies for Smaller Contractors 21:00 The Value of Communication in Maintenance 23:51 The Financial Impact of Maintenance Agreements 27:00 The Praxis HVAC Sales and Pricing Tools

Summary

In this episode, JG van Graan and Will Merritt kick off the new year with exciting updates about their podcast, including new music and a fresh website. They discuss their recent partnership with a sponsor, Marty from Praxis, who will contribute valuable insights to help contractors improve their businesses. The hosts also reflect on the current slow season in the HVAC industry, sharing their thoughts on the impact of weather fluctuations and consumer spending habits. They emphasize the importance of maintenance agreements and how they can be a lifeline for contractors during slow periods, while also hinting at future episodes focused on tax credits and process improvements through Six Sigma methodologies.

As the conversation unfolds, JG shares his personal goal of obtaining a Six Sigma certification to enhance operational efficiency in his business. The duo discusses the challenges contractors face in a competitive market, particularly regarding pricing and consumer affordability. They conclude with a commitment to provide valuable content that helps listeners navigate the complexities of the HVAC industry, while also inviting feedback and engagement from their audience.

Keywords

HVAC, podcast, maintenance agreements, Six Sigma, contractor tips, consumer spending, tax credits, industry insights, HVAC industry news, process improvement

Takeaways

"We got new music and a new website coming soon!" "It's slow Christmas, and people get amnesia." "For every 10 PMs you sell, you'll sell a change up." "Maintenance is the lifeblood of the business." "We need to change our mindset about tax credits." "The average consumer doesn't care about our processes, but we need to make them efficient." "There's plenty of work for us all out here." "We need to focus on maintenance agreements as a way to keep business steady." "The economy is at a point where $300 extra a month really means something." "We need to communicate trust and value to our customers."

Titles

Revamping HVAC: New Year, New Strategies Navigating the Slow Season: Insights for Contractors

Sound bites

"It is 2026 and we are awesome." "People get amnesia." "Maintenance is the lifeblood of the business."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and New Beginnings 02:40 Exciting Updates and Sponsorship 04:48 Navigating the Slow Season 10:45 The Importance of Maintenance Agreements 12:41 Pursuing Six Sigma Certification 22:51 Expanding Podcast Reach 29:37 Community Engagement and Marketing Strategies

In this episode of the Beer Can Cold Podcast, JG van Graan and Will Merritt sit down with Travis McGee from ThermoGrid to talk shop—and it's a ride. From classic cars to cutting-edge tech, we cover it all. Travis shares his journey in the HVAC industry, what sets ThermoGrid apart in the crowded field of CRM software, and how AI is changing the way HVAC companies operate. If you're in the trades and looking for real talk on how to level up your systems (and maybe your garage), this one’s for you. Old school muscle cars The future of AI in HVAC CRM software that actually works Real industry talk from folks who live it Listen in for insight, laughs, and practical advice from someone who's been there. #BeerCanColdPodcast #JGvanGraan #WillMerritt #TravisMcGee #ThermoGrid #HVACBusiness #HVACSoftware #CRMForContractors #AIInHVAC #HomeServicePros #HVACTech #HVACMarketing #TradesTalk #ServiceBusinessGrowth

New Episode of the Beer Can Cold Podcast! This week, we sit down with Chris 4th, Vice President of Regulatory and Environmental Affairs at Johnson Controls, to get the inside scoop on the R-454B shortage that’s shaking up the HVAC industry. We dig into: What’s really causing the refrigerant delays What techs and business owners should expect this summer The future of regulatory changes in refrigerants How to prepare and protect your inventory and margins If you’ve been scratching your head over why you can’t get your hands on R-454B—or wondering what’s next—this is the episode for you. #hvaclife #beercancoldpodcast #refrigerantshortage #r454b #hvactech #hvaccontractor #hvacbusiness #johnsoncontrols #hvacindustry #cleanenergy #hvacnews #hvacregulations #hvacpodcast #willmerritt #jgvangraan

Thinking about selling your HVAC, Plumbing, or Electrical business? In this episode of the Beer Can Cold Podcast, we sit down with Patrick and Josh Lange from Business Modification Group — the go-to team for buying and selling trades businesses. We talk about: What your business needs to look like before you list it Common mistakes owners make when preparing to sell What buyers are really looking for How to increase the value of your company Why starting the process early matters Whether you're 5 years out or just kicking around the idea, this episode is a goldmine for any business owner thinking about their exit strategy. #HVACBusiness #PlumbingBusiness #ElectricalContractor #SellYourBusiness #HVACPodcast #BeerCanCold #BusinessExitStrategy #TradesBusiness #BusinessValuation #PatrickLange #BusinessModificationGroup #HVACLife #MergersAndAcquisitions #HomeServices #willmerritt #beercancoldpodcast #jgvangraan

This week on the Beer Can Cold Podcast, JG and Will break down the truth about AI in the HVAC world — what works, what’s hype, and what business owners REALLY need to know.

We dive into:

• How AI overflow agents (Podium, BirdEye, etc.) actually behave

• Why AI won’t fully replace CSRs anytime soon

• Leadership and culture shifts going into 2026

• Generative AI search + how it’s changing marketing

• TikTok HVAC growth and short-form strategy

• Music nostalgia: LPs, CDs, blues & why everything old is new again

• Thanksgiving cooking on the Big Green Egg + fried turkey traditions

If you're an HVAC owner, ops manager, or marketer trying to stay ahead of the curve — this episode delivers real, honest, boots-on-the-ground insight.

Don’t forget to like, follow & subscribe on TikTok, YouTube, Spotify and everywhere else you get your HVAC fix.

#HVAC #HVACTech #HVACLife #HVACBusiness #HVACMarketing #AI #ArtificialIntelligence #Podium #BirdEye #HomeServices #TradesPodcast #BeerCanColdPodcast #CallCenterLife #ServiceTitan #ContractorLife #Leadership #CompanyCulture #TikTokHVAC