We are linking to Ruth’s blog on her personal website.

Ruth King is Channel Manager for HVACChannel.tv; television on the Internet for contractors. She is also President of Business Ventures Corporation. Ruth has worked in the plumbing, heating and air conditioning industry since 1987. Her work includes consulting in sales and marketing, fi nance, technical training, and operations challenges. Ruth holds an MBA in Finance from Georgia State University and Bachelor's and Master's Degrees in Chemical Engineering from Tufts University and the University of Pennsylvania, respectively. She holds a Class II (unrestricted) HVAC contractor's license in Georgia.

David W. Myer and D. Michael Sherman of Cleveland-based Dawson Insurance Inc. are well versed in the contracting industry.

Indeed, they are the authors of well-read HVACR Business articles: Key Questions Take Mystery Out Of Insurance and "Property/Casualty Insurance: Are You Covered?

This forum is designed to answer those nagging insurance questions -- causality, property, unemployment, errors and omissions, etc.

Mike Coyne, founding member of the Cleveland-based law firm Waldheger Coyne, focuses on business and tax planning for closely held businesses and professional practices, and estate planning for their owners. He also spends a significant amount of time assisting businesses and practices in mergers and restructuring. In addition to business and tax planning, Mike advises clients on qualified retirement plan and other employee benefit matters.

A fellow in the American College of Employee Benefits Counsel, Mike recently completed a three-year term as a member of the Internal Revenue Service's Advisory Committee on Tax Exempt and Government Entities (the "ACT"), where he chaired its project on Section 403(b) Arrangements. He also served as an adjunct professor in the Case Western Reserve University College of Law Graduate Tax Program. Mike presently serves as a director of the Small Business Council of America (SBCA), a tax lobbying organization representing the interests of closely held businesses.

Drawing on his 45+ years as a leader in the HVAC industry, Ron Smith answers your questions about management and leadership, and addresses ongoing challenges leaders face such as managing change, motivating employees and establishing a productive culture.

Over 30 years experience in HVAC sales, sales management, marketing and consulting have given Tom Piscitelli a wealth of expertise in the industry.

Tom has developed his sales talents by working with major manufacturers, distributors, contractors, builders and utilities. This gives him the unique edge of exceptional industry insight backed by front-line experience.

Ron Smith, founder of Modern Air in Fort Myers, Fla., and Service America, built his business on service agreements. He has answers – and wants your questions.

Are you interested in implementing an agreement program, but aren’t sure where to begin? Have you launched a program and didn’t have the success you anticipated? Then send us your list of questions.

Traci Purdum is editor-in-chief of HVACR Business. She has more than 15 years experience as a journalist, mostly in the business arena. Most recently, she was senior editor for IndustryWeek, a magazine covering management issues from the executive perspective. She has extensive experience covering the areas of management excellence and process improvement. You can reach her at tpurdum@hvacrbusiness.com.