Are you dreaming of starting your own HVAC business but unsure where to begin? Look no further than Curtis’ success story. His journey highlights key strategies and actionable tips for launching and thriving in the competitive HVAC industry. Discover how Curtis persevered through challenges and found work for his new business, and learn how you too can achieve success in today’s job market. This guide provides the necessary tools and knowledge to jumpstart your HVAC business and create a thriving career.
Introduction
Starting a new business requires a lot of hard work and dedication to succeed. This is especially true for small businesses in the HVAC industry, where competition is fierce, and gaining new clients can be challenging. In this article, we will be discussing the inspiring story of Curtis from HVAC Shop Talk, who started his business out of necessity after being fired from his previous job and struggled initially but eventually became successful through networking and hard work. This guide will provide useful tips and insights to help you start your own HVAC business and succeed in today’s job market.
Finding Clients for Your HVAC Business
One of the biggest challenges in starting and growing a new business in the HVAC industry is to find new clients. Curtis from HVAC Shop Talk advises that networking is the key to landing new clients. When he started his business, he reached out to properties and facilities managers in his local area and introduced himself and his services. He also did free consultations to demonstrate his expertise and to build trust with potential clients.
Building Relationships with Long-Term Clients
Getting new clients is only the first step in growing your HVAC business. Maintaining long-term relationships with clients is essential to your success. Curtis charges $90/hour for his labor, which some might consider expensive. However, he has several long-term clients who are willing to pay his rates because of the high-quality services he provides. Curtis stresses that taking care of your clients is important to succeed in the HVAC business.
Understanding the Need for Profit
One of the biggest challenges that HVAC business owners face is understanding the need for profit in their business. Curtis stresses that many people fail to see the big picture and are too focused on the day-to-day operations of their business. He reminds other business owners that profit is necessary to keep their business afloat and to continue providing excellent services to their customers.
Dropping Clients That Don’t Align With Your Business Values
Another important lesson that Curtis learned is to drop clients that don’t align with his business values. He discovered that one of his biggest clients was taking advantage of him by sending out the actual work to others at the same time as he was diagnosing the issues. Even though it was a difficult decision, he dropped the client to maintain the integrity of his business. It’s important to recognize the value of your services and the integrity of your business and not compromise on these values for clients.
HVAC Shop Talk’s Sponsors
HVAC Shop Talk is a YouTube channel and podcast that promotes skilled trades, particularly HVAC. The channel has several sponsors, including Fieldpulse, Beckett Corporation, Yellow Jacket, NAVAC, EWC Controls, and TruTech Tools. These companies have partnered with HVAC Shop Talk to reach a wider audience and promote skilled trades within the HVAC industry.
FAQs
Q1. How do you get new clients for an HVAC business?
A1. Networking is critical to getting new clients. Reach out to property managers and facilities managers in your local area and introduce yourself and your services. Offer free consultations to demonstrate your expertise and to build trust with potential clients.
Q2. How much should I charge for my services as an HVAC business owner?
A2. Pricing your services depends on the market demand and competition in your local area. Do some research and determine the average rates charged by other HVAC businesses in your area. Ensure that you are not overcharging or underselling yourself.
Q3. What should I do to maintain long-term relationships with my clients?
A3. Taking care of your clients is vital to maintaining long-term relationships. Provide excellent services, follow up with them regularly, and address any concerns they may have promptly.
Q4. How do I handle clients that don’t align with my business values?
A4. It’s important to recognize and maintain the integrity of your business. If a client’s values and actions don’t align with your business values, it’s best to drop the client and move on.
Q5. Why is profit necessary for my HVAC business?
A5. Profit is essential to keep your business afloat and to continue providing excellent services to your customers. Without profit, you won’t be able to invest in your business and grow it.