Hello, Contracting Business readers! I’m sure you all have noticed Terry McIver’s name and image are gone from this space. Terry has done a fantastic job leading this publication and I recognize I will have very large shoes to fill! I wish him the best in his much-deserved retirement.
A little about me — I’m no stranger to the trades. I got my start covering the HVAC industry over 10 years ago with The ACHR NEWS. I won’t lie — I had to Google what HVAC stood for before my job interview! I was honest with the interviewer about that little tidbit as well, but I must have said something right because I got the job. I spent the next five years diving into a fascinating industry filled with the most incredible and welcoming people. Everyone was always willing to share their knowledge and explain to the newbie (in layman’s terms) how systems worked. I then had an opportunity to run a sister publication, Plumbing & Mechanical, for plumbing contractors and engineers, so I made the leap into the wet side of the trades, which is where I’ve spent the last five years. I still dabbled in radiant and hydronics, but I’m excited to jump back into the HVAC world where I got my start.
Needless to say, some of you may recognize my name and face — I’m looking forward to getting reacquainted and catching up at industry tradeshows and events! To those of you who don’t know me, please feel free to reach out anytime with questions, comments, and story ideas at [email protected]. I welcome your input.
By the time this issue is published, and you (hopefully) are reading this column, the 2025 AHR Expo will be in full swing. It’s hard for me to believe, but this will be my 10th AHR Expo. The best thing I’ve learned over the years is to wear my Hoka’s (a shoe brand recommended by my foot doctor) on the show floor for maximum comfort. AHR is definitely the place where you hit your 10,000 daily step goal — and then some!
If you’ve never attended this event, I highly recommend it. In fact, there are several industry tradeshows and events coming up this year, including ACCA 2025 in March and PHCC CONNECT and Service World Expo, both taking place in October. Our industry is fast-paced and constantly evolving. Just when you think you have a handle on a new technology, a newer, better one comes out. Staying ahead of the curve is critical to the success of HVAC contracting businesses. HVAC contractors who attend industry trade shows, conferences and events gain unique advantages that help them grow their businesses, including learning about up-and-coming products and technologies. Early adoption of these technologies can give contractors a competitive edge.
While all the shiny new product advancements can definitely steal the show, these events also feature a full lineup of educational sessions, roundtable discussions, and certification courses led by the best minds the industry has to offer. Staying informed about the latest industry trends, such as the adoption of A2L refrigerants and the shift to sustainable solutions, is incredibly important for contracting businesses.
And let’s not discount the value of networking and interacting face-to-face in this increasingly digital world. The ability to build relationships, share experiences and learn from peers is invaluable.
Not every HVAC contractor has the time or resources to attend these national events held in various locations around the county — and that’s OK! Many industry organizations have local and regional chapters to connect with peers and stay current on industry trends. They also offer online learning platforms to better yourself and your teams.
I’ll never forget a conversation I had with a contractor back when I first started covering the trades — it really stuck with me these past 10 years. He said, “The companies I consider successful, I continue to see at tradeshows, conventions, and things like that. The ones I hear complaining and struggling the most, I never see.”
There are countless ways to get involved — find one that works for you. This industry has so much to offer, and I can’t tell you how grateful and excited I am to be back! The opportunities are limitless. Let’s see what we can accomplish together.
