Beyond The Thermostat Mon, 13 Apr 2026 19:37:57 -0400 https://www.buzzsprout.com/2520513 en-us © 2026 Beyond The Thermostat yes e8a4e7dd-2f78-5b55-9841-82466ad75efc Parts Town episodic false Join host Scott Pierson on Beyond The Thermostat, the podcast that takes you inside the HVAC industry. From market trends and business strategies to technology, workforce challenges, and the future of home services, Scott sits down with the people shaping the trade today. This is HVAC talk that goes deeper than equipment and uncovers what truly drives the industry.

]]> Buzzsprout (https://www.buzzsprout.com) Parts Town https://storage.buzzsprout.com/y8sse1vvounvp9ou94pyim54avtv?.jpg Beyond The Thermostat 2026 HVAC Contractor Survey Breakdown: Trends You Can’t Ignore 2026 HVAC Contractor Survey Breakdown: Trends You Can’t Ignore This week host Scott Pierson breaks down the key insights from the 2026 HVAC Contractor Survey with guest David Holt of EGIA. They explore how rising prices, shifting consumer behavior, and a potential repair-heavy season are reshaping the industry. Scott and David also dive into why customer experience is becoming the true differentiator and how labor shortages and diversification are changing the way contractors operate. 

]]> This week host Scott Pierson breaks down the key insights from the 2026 HVAC Contractor Survey with guest David Holt of EGIA. They explore how rising prices, shifting consumer behavior, and a potential repair-heavy season are reshaping the industry. Scott and David also dive into why customer experience is becoming the true differentiator and how labor shortages and diversification are changing the way contractors operate. 

]]> Parts Town Buzzsprout-19010813 Mon, 13 Apr 2026 19:00:00 -0400 2810 2 2 full false HVAC in 2026: Repair Booms, Industry Shakeups, and the Road Ahead HVAC in 2026: Repair Booms, Industry Shakeups, and the Road Ahead This week we sit down with Alec Stevanovski, Chief Editor at HomePros, to discuss the current state of the HVAC industry. Exploring the shifting market conditions, growing repair-versus-replace debate, private equity consolidation, and how technology and AI are beginning to impact the trades. 

]]> This week we sit down with Alec Stevanovski, Chief Editor at HomePros, to discuss the current state of the HVAC industry. Exploring the shifting market conditions, growing repair-versus-replace debate, private equity consolidation, and how technology and AI are beginning to impact the trades. 

]]> PartsTown Buzzsprout-18843649 Fri, 13 Mar 2026 21:00:00 -0400 2756 2 1 full false David Holt: EGIA Part 2 David Holt: EGIA Part 2 This week I sit down with David Holt from EGIA to break down what’s really happening in the HVAC world right now. We talk about the post-COVID boom ending, the slowdown many contractors are feeling, and why homeowners are shifting hard toward repair over replacement. David shares real contractor perspective on urgency, customer trust, and what it takes to diagnose and fix equipment the right way. This episode sets the foundation for Part Two, where we dive into the business side, pricing, growth, and strengthening contracting companies in a repair-heavy market. 

]]> This week I sit down with David Holt from EGIA to break down what’s really happening in the HVAC world right now. We talk about the post-COVID boom ending, the slowdown many contractors are feeling, and why homeowners are shifting hard toward repair over replacement. David shares real contractor perspective on urgency, customer trust, and what it takes to diagnose and fix equipment the right way. This episode sets the foundation for Part Two, where we dive into the business side, pricing, growth, and strengthening contracting companies in a repair-heavy market. 

]]> Buzzsprout-18319604 Mon, 08 Dec 2025 14:00:00 -0500 1734 1 8 full false David Holt: EGIA David Holt: EGIA This week I sit down with David Holt from EGIA to break down what’s really happening in the HVAC world right now. We talk about the post-COVID boom ending, the slowdown many contractors are feeling, and why homeowners are shifting hard toward repair over replacement. David shares real contractor perspective on urgency, customer trust, and what it takes to diagnose and fix equipment the right way. This episode sets the foundation for Part Two, where we dive into the business side, pricing, growth, and strengthening contracting companies in a repair-heavy market. 

]]> This week I sit down with David Holt from EGIA to break down what’s really happening in the HVAC world right now. We talk about the post-COVID boom ending, the slowdown many contractors are feeling, and why homeowners are shifting hard toward repair over replacement. David shares real contractor perspective on urgency, customer trust, and what it takes to diagnose and fix equipment the right way. This episode sets the foundation for Part Two, where we dive into the business side, pricing, growth, and strengthening contracting companies in a repair-heavy market. 

]]> Encompass Supply Chain Solutions Buzzsprout-18253347 Tue, 25 Nov 2025 14:00:00 -0500 995 1 7 full false Jennifer Manzo: HVA-Chicks Coalition Jennifer Manzo: HVA-Chicks Coalition This week on The Parts Truth I talk with Jennifer Manzo founder of the HVA-Chicks Coalition about her journey from teacher to tech, and the urgent need to modernize training, culture, and access to information in the HVAC industry. We explore how to attract Gen Z and women to the trades, and why the future of HVAC depends on bold changes today. 

]]> This week on The Parts Truth I talk with Jennifer Manzo founder of the HVA-Chicks Coalition about her journey from teacher to tech, and the urgent need to modernize training, culture, and access to information in the HVAC industry. We explore how to attract Gen Z and women to the trades, and why the future of HVAC depends on bold changes today. 

]]> Encompass Supply Chain Solutions Buzzsprout-18028942 Fri, 17 Oct 2025 13:00:00 -0400 1846 1 6 full false Tersh Blissett: Service Business Mastery for Skilled Trades Tersh Blissett: Service Business Mastery for Skilled Trades This week, I sit down with Tersh Blissett, host of the Service Business Mastery Podcast, to explore how AI is reshaping the HVAC industry—from the front office to the field. Tersh brings deep insight into how contractors can leverage AI to optimize operations, automate repetitive tasks, and delegate smarter.

We dive into real-world use cases like AI-powered call summaries, outbound voice agents, review responses, and even warranty registration. Tersh shares how AI isn’t replacing people but empowering them to do better work, faster. We also talk about the generational shift in the trades, the need for tech support transformation, and why contractors should start small with tools like ChatGPT to build their AI muscle.

]]> This week, I sit down with Tersh Blissett, host of the Service Business Mastery Podcast, to explore how AI is reshaping the HVAC industry—from the front office to the field. Tersh brings deep insight into how contractors can leverage AI to optimize operations, automate repetitive tasks, and delegate smarter.

We dive into real-world use cases like AI-powered call summaries, outbound voice agents, review responses, and even warranty registration. Tersh shares how AI isn’t replacing people but empowering them to do better work, faster. We also talk about the generational shift in the trades, the need for tech support transformation, and why contractors should start small with tools like ChatGPT to build their AI muscle.

]]> Encompass Supply Chain Solutions Buzzsprout-17856468 Wed, 17 Sep 2025 08:00:00 -0400 2151 full false Ruchir Shah: SkillCat Ruchir Shah: SkillCat This week, I sit down with Ruchir Shah, founder of SkillCat, to unpack one of the most pressing challenges in our industry: the skilled labor shortage and the generational shift in HVAC.

Ruchir shares how SkillCat is transforming access to the trades through mobile-based, simulation-driven training that empowers both newcomers and experienced workers to reskill and thrive. We dive into licensing, hands-on assessments, apprenticeship pipelines, and how contractors can build sustainable talent strategies that actually work.

]]> This week, I sit down with Ruchir Shah, founder of SkillCat, to unpack one of the most pressing challenges in our industry: the skilled labor shortage and the generational shift in HVAC.

Ruchir shares how SkillCat is transforming access to the trades through mobile-based, simulation-driven training that empowers both newcomers and experienced workers to reskill and thrive. We dive into licensing, hands-on assessments, apprenticeship pipelines, and how contractors can build sustainable talent strategies that actually work.

]]> Encompass Supply Chain Solutions Buzzsprout-17830002 Thu, 11 Sep 2025 17:00:00 -0400 1755 1 4 full false Clifton Beck: ESCO Clifton Beck: ESCO This week I sit down with Clifton Beck, Director of Digital Media for ESCO Institute and host of the Did You Know? ESCO's HVAC Podcast. Together we dive into the “meat and potatoes” of the HVAC industry—covering real challenges, the importance of managing expectations, and how building trust shapes stronger contractor–customer relationships. Clifton shares insights from his work in digital media, his perspective on training and education, and the solutions ESCO is bringing to the table for the future of the trade. 

]]> This week I sit down with Clifton Beck, Director of Digital Media for ESCO Institute and host of the Did You Know? ESCO's HVAC Podcast. Together we dive into the “meat and potatoes” of the HVAC industry—covering real challenges, the importance of managing expectations, and how building trust shapes stronger contractor–customer relationships. Clifton shares insights from his work in digital media, his perspective on training and education, and the solutions ESCO is bringing to the table for the future of the trade. 

]]> Encompass Supply Chain Solutions Buzzsprout-17713205 Thu, 21 Aug 2025 18:00:00 -0400 1945 1 3 full false Gary McCreadie: HVAC Know It All Gary McCreadie: HVAC Know It All In this episode I sit down with Gary McCreadie. HVAC technician, educator, and founder of the HVAC Know It All brand. We explore the evolving HVAC landscape, from the skilled labor shortage and generational culture shifts to the rise of AI, digital tools, and smarter procurement strategies. Gary shares insights on technician training, ethical sales practices, and how technology is reshaping the way we diagnose, service, and communicate in the field.

Whether you're a contractor, technician, OEM, or HVAC business owner, this episode is packed with real talk and forward-thinking ideas to help you stay ahead in a changing industry.

]]> In this episode I sit down with Gary McCreadie. HVAC technician, educator, and founder of the HVAC Know It All brand. We explore the evolving HVAC landscape, from the skilled labor shortage and generational culture shifts to the rise of AI, digital tools, and smarter procurement strategies. Gary shares insights on technician training, ethical sales practices, and how technology is reshaping the way we diagnose, service, and communicate in the field.

Whether you're a contractor, technician, OEM, or HVAC business owner, this episode is packed with real talk and forward-thinking ideas to help you stay ahead in a changing industry.

]]> Encompass Supply Chain Solutions Buzzsprout-17593239 Thu, 31 Jul 2025 08:00:00 -0400 2579 HVAC, HVAC Know It All, Gary McCready, skilled trades, technician training, AI in HVAC, digital tools, CRM for contractors, load calculations, HVAC sales, private equity, HVAC podcast, Scott Pierson 1 2 full false Alec Stevanovski: HomePros Alec Stevanovski: HomePros This week, I sit down with Alec Stevanovski, Chief Editor of HomePros, a leading digital media platform focused on the business side of HVAC. Alec shares how HomePros curates content that informs, inspires, and empowers contractors, business owners, and industry professionals. From editorial strategy to industry trends, this episode explores how media can elevate the trades and support the next generation of HVAC leaders.

Whether you're a technician, entrepreneur, or just passionate about the future of the skilled trades, this conversation offers a fresh perspective on the power of storytelling in HVAC.

]]> This week, I sit down with Alec Stevanovski, Chief Editor of HomePros, a leading digital media platform focused on the business side of HVAC. Alec shares how HomePros curates content that informs, inspires, and empowers contractors, business owners, and industry professionals. From editorial strategy to industry trends, this episode explores how media can elevate the trades and support the next generation of HVAC leaders.

Whether you're a technician, entrepreneur, or just passionate about the future of the skilled trades, this conversation offers a fresh perspective on the power of storytelling in HVAC.

]]> Encompass Supply Chain Solutions Buzzsprout-17522790 Thu, 17 Jul 2025 16:00:00 -0400 2314 HVAC, HomePros, Alec Stevanovski, HVAC media, HVAC business, skilled trades, contractor marketing, HVAC podcast, digital media in trades, HVAC content strategy, HVAC professionals, Scott Pierson 1 1 full false