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A Lesson in How Not to Please Customers

Customers want knowledgeable salespeople who help them buy, rather than being sold to. And, they want good follow up and support. It’s so simple and basic. And, the little things matter the most. They are what lead to repeat customers and good word-of-mouth advertising — or not.

20 Questions with Bill Gardiner

Bill Gardiner, chairman of Gardiner Trane, discusses business longevity, company growth, world travel and future opportunities that will drive the company for the next 50 years.

Address Texting-While-Driving Head On

This theory of liability applies when employees are acting within the scope of employment or for the benefit of employer.

Percentage Compensation Measures Productivity of Labor Force

Editor’s Note: This is the third in a series of how to use graphical depictions of financial ratio trends to help contractors spot potential problems early and make proactive decisions about financial management. The first article, which covered liquidity ratios, appeared in the May 2012 issue. The second article, which …

Learning, Understanding, Going Green

The world is going green. No matter where we’re tuned in, we’re bombarded with messages on eco-friendly business solutions, clothing, toys, housewares, vacation spots; you name it. Everything references “going green.” So are hvac contractors listening? According to a recent survey conducted by NORDYNE, the answer is yes.

Three Distinct Roles Define the Effective Company President

The following is a unique approach on how you can address the challenge of working in your business versus on your business. Company size does not matter, as this approach will work whether your company is small, medium, large or huge.

20 Questions with John Hazen White, Jr.,

John Hazen White, Jr., president and CEO of Taco, discusses employee education, a dedicated and trusting workforce, his business philosophy, company communications and politics.

Selling Commercial Service Agreements, pt. 6

This is the final installment of a six-part series on creating a selling system for commercial service agreements.

Debt Ratios: Look For Short- and Long-Term Warnings

This is the second in a series of how to use graphical depictions of financial ratio trends to help contractors spot potential problems early and make proactive decisions about financial management. The first article, which covered liquidity ratios, appeared in the May 2012 issue.

Tops in Trucks: More Entries, Better Designs and Additional Winners

Our June Tops In Trucks fleet-design contest issue has clearly become a reader favorite based on the number of emails, phone calls, and contest submissions we receive. Each year the contest attracts more entries and better designs.

Personal Debt and Corporate Debt

If you are operating your business in corporate form, it is important to follow formalities. You should sign contracts in your capacity as an officer, and contracts should always be between your corporation and the other party. You should never be named as a party to the contract.

Clear, Clean Designs Connect with Customers

Tops in Trucks winners say more with less as branding takes the spotlight

If Your Employees Regularly Fail, the Problem Might Be You

a project goes south, it’s mandatory that you find out why. Don’t tell your employees to “handle it” without explaining what “it” means. Without the blanks properly filled in, it’s a good bet that the end result will not be pretty.

Tops in Trucks 2012: Electric Vehicles

Are electric vehicles right for your company? Many contractors are unsure, as was Tom Robichaud, owner and president of Precision Plumbing Heating Electric in Boulder, CO. The CEO of one of Precision’s long-time clients, Boulder Electric Vehicle, convinced Robichaud to take a test drive because he thought the truck would …

20 Questions with Barry Abernathy

Barry discusses training, financing, fleet management, fishing and dining.

Effective Management Meetings

Use Ron Smith's proven techniques to develop meaningful management meetings that will advance your company’s success.

20 Questions with Tom Huntington

WaterFurnace President and CEO Tom Huntington, who is also serving as chairman of the Geothermal Exchange Organization (GEO), discusses golf, woodworking, tough business decisions and empowering employees.

5 Things That Deteriorate Team Communication

Even within the most effective and efficient team environment, issues and situations will arise that will cause an entire breakdown of team communication.

Liquidity Ratios: Trends Key to Profitability Outlook

Every month you should receive accurate and timely financial statements. Looking at one month’s financial statements (balance sheet and P&L statement) does not tell much. To see where your business is headed, you must look at your business trends. Then you can choose to continue on the current path or …

Give Your Section 401(k) Plan a Compliance Check

10 point checklist will tell you if your plan needs an adjustment according to the IRS's latest 401(k) Fix-It Guide

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