Toggle

20 Questions

20 Questions with Danielle Putnam

Danielle Putnam discusses the growing up in the industry, learning to lead a business and recruiting women into the field.

Originally published Published: 03.01.20 Author By Terry Tanker

20 Questions with Ben Stark

We sat down with Ben Stark, CEO of Sunny Service in Hurst, Texas and managing partner of Go Time Success Group. Stark discussed learning to be a business owner, the …

Originally published Published: 02.01.20 Author By Terry Tanker

20 Questions with Benson Green

We sat down with Benson Green, president of Benson’s Heating and Air Conditioning in Tallahassee, Fla. Benson discussed the value of community, growing your own technicians and having a solid …

Originally published Published: 01.01.20 Author By Terry Tanker

20 Questions with Tina Pinna

We sat down with Tina Pinna, owner of Master Mechanical Services in Miami, Fla. Tina discussed becoming an entrepreneur in the family business, adapting management style to current workforce and …

Originally published Published: 12.01.19 Author By Terry Tanker

20 Questions with Jeff Nusz

We sat down with Jeff Nusz, president of Reitmeier, a mechanical HVACR contractor in Tualatin, Ore. Jeff discussed training the future workforce, learning to run a company and the importance …

Originally published Published: 10.01.19 Author By Terry Tanker

20 Questions with Eric Knaak

We sat down with Eric Knaak, vice president of operations for Isaac Heating & Air Conditioning in Rochester, N.Y. and current chairman of the Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA). …

Originally published Published: 09.01.19 Author By Terry Tanker

20 Questions with Larry Gemma

Larry Gemma, owner of GEM Plumbing & Heating in Lincoln, R.I., discusses growing the family business, recruitment and the importance of company culture.

Originally published Published: 08.01.19 Author By Terry Tanker

20 Questions with Rory Richardson & Mike Hastings

Rory Richardson and Mike Hastings, owners of Cardinal Heating & Air in Kirkland, Wash., discuss making their mark, learning to lead and the importance of company culture.

Originally published Published: 07.01.19 Author By Terry Tanker

20 Questions with William "Bill" Lewis

Bill Lewis, owner of Southern Air Pros in Woodstock, Ga., discusses finding his path in the industry, coaching his team and finding a clear direction for his winning truck design.

Originally published Published: 06.01.19 Author By Terry Tanker

20 Questions with Barton James

Barton “Bart” James, newly appointed president and CEO of ACCA, discusses his personal ties to the industry, his background in politics, industry consolidation and how ACCA is committed to serving …

Originally published Published: 05.01.19 Author By Terry Tanker

20 Questions with Darryl Robinson

Darryl Robinson, whose roots go back to when he attended vocational school in high school, discusses learning all aspects of the trade, starting his own company and putting his people …

Originally published Published: 04.01.19 Author By Terry Tanker

20 Questions with Brian Stack

Brian Stack, who grew up in the industry and took over the business from his father, discusses reinventing the company and growing organically, working with family and the benefits of …

Originally published Published: 03.01.19 Author By Terry Tanker

20 Questions with Michael Rosenberg

Michael Rosenberg, president of Rosenberg Indoor Comfort in San Antonio discusses moving from sales to management, starting over and what he’s learned about being a leader.

Originally published Published: 02.01.19 Author By Terry Tanker

20 Questions with Mike Porter

Mike Porter, vice president and general manager — service for McKinstry, discusses building efficiency, industry innovation and staying on top of new technologies.

Originally published Published: 01.01.19 Author By Terry Tanker

20 Questions with Scott Larson

Scott Larson, who is the third generation to lead his family business, discusses future industry trends, contractor education and what it means to be successful.

Originally published Published: 11.01.18 Author By Terry Tanker

20 Questions with Jay Baer

Jay Baer, whose newest book Talk Triggers is available now, discusses digital marketing for contractors, online reviews and what makes for great customer service.

Originally published Published: 10.01.18 Author By Terry Tanker

20 Questions with Mark Geschke

Geschke discusses purchasing a business, joining a franchise group and the importance of giving back to the community.

Originally published Published: 09.01.18 Author By Terry Tanker

20 Questions with Jason Hanson

Jason Hanson discusses learning curves in business, growing his company and the power of the color red.

Originally published Published: 08.01.18 Author By Terry Tanker

20 Questions with Jeff Wilkins

Jeff Wilkins discusses the entrepreneurial spirit, managing a start-up and providing contractors jobs, not leads.

Originally published Published: 07.01.18 Author By Terry Tanker

20 Questions with James Kester

James Kester discusses memorable design, starting his own company and learning to be a successful business owner.

Originally published Published: 06.01.18 Author By Terry Tanker

20 Questions with Vicki LaPlant

Vicki LaPlant discusses education, opportunities for women and the most rewarding thing about helping contractors.

Originally published Published: 05.01.18 Author By Terry Tanker

20 Questions with Mike Schwartz

Mike Schwartz discusses refrigeration and the environment, leading a large, diverse company and how contractors can differentiate themselves.

Originally published Published: 04.01.18 Author By Terry Tanker

20 Questions with Carlton Harwood

Harwood discussed communication challenges, educating the industry and life lessons he learned from his mother.

Originally published Published: 03.01.18 Author By Terry Tanker

20 Questions with Linda Couch

Linda Couch, COO at Parrish Services in Manasses, Va. discusses the importance of tapping into Millennial talent, communicating with an unconventional workforce and the challenge of commoditization.

Originally published Published: 02.01.18 Author By Terry Tanker

20 Questions with Troy Meachum

Troy Meachum, president of ACR Supply Co. in North Carolina, discusses industry challenges, the importance of providing training and how to recruit and educate the next generation.

Originally published Published: 01.01.18 Author By Terry Tanker

20 Questions with Ken Goodrich

Ken Goodrich, owner and CEO of Goettl Air Conditioning, discusses growing up in the industry, the art of acquiring companies and the need to give back to the community.

Originally published Published: 12.01.17 Author By Terry Tanker

20 Questions with Bob Case

Bob Case, chief executive officer for GARDINER, discusses the company’s major transition and its challenges, as well as management styles and industry technology.

Originally published Published: 11.01.17 Author By Terry Tanker

20 Questions with Wil VandeWiel

Wil VandeWiel, chief executive officer of Taco, Inc., discusses following in his father’s footsteps, coming to America and transforming a large, family-run business into a multi-national.

Originally published Published: 10.03.17 Author By Terry Tanker

20 Questions with Bill Jackson

Bill Jackson discusses leading and managing a global business, the importance of communications, accountability, serving your customers and more.

Originally published Published: 09.01.17 Author By Terry Tanker

20 Questions with Bruce Krinkie

Bruce Krinkie, owner of Krinkie’s Heating, Air and Plumbing in St. Paul, Minn., a 2017 Tops in Trucks Fleet Design Contest winner, discusses rebranding, transitioning from technician to owner and …

Originally published Published: 08.01.17 Author By Terry Tanker

20 Questions with Greg Mericle

Greg Mericle, president of Hurlburt Heating & Plumbing in Durand, Wisc., a 2017 Tops in Trucks Fleet Design Contest winner, discusses branding, buying an HVACR contracting firm, flat rate pricing …

Originally published Published: 07.05.17 Author By Terry Tanker

20 Questions with Jeff Zuhlsdorf

Jeff Zuhlsdorf, owner of Tin Man Heating & Cooling in Bowling Green, Ohio, a 2017 Tops in Trucks Fleet Design Contest winner, discusses rebranding the company, the importance of planning, …

Originally published Published: 06.01.17 Author By Terry Tanker

20 Questions with Steve Truett

Steve Truett, president of Aire Serv a franchisor with more than 200 locations, discusses customer service, workforce shortages and contractor needs.

Originally published Published: 05.04.17 Author By Terry Tanker

20 Questions with Mike Abrashoff

Former U.S. Navy Captain Mike Abrashoff discusses leadership, motivation, organizational transformation, Abrashoff’s best-selling book, “It’s Your Ship” and his training academy, Aegis Performance Group.

Originally published Updated: 11.02.22 Author By Terry Tanker

20 Questions with Gary Michel

Gary Michel, president of Residential HVAC & Supply, which includes brands like Trane, American Standard, Ameristar and Nexia, discusses product development, leadership, understanding customer needs and building business team for …

Originally published Published: 03.09.17 Author By Terry Tanker