Let’s face it: no one can work forever. After years of building and managing your HVAC business, you will have to pass the baton to a successor at some point. As the baby boomers generation ages, it’s a cold hard fact that many contractors can no longer keep up with the ever-changing demands of the Read more
Industry Blogs
Let’s face it: no one can work forever. After years of building and managing your HVAC business, you will have to pass the baton to a successor at some point.
As the baby boomers generation ages, it’s a cold hard fact that many contractors can no longer keep up with the ever-changing demands of the heating and cooling industry. Today, owners of HVAC and other contracting businesses are retiring in droves to move on to the next chapter of their lives. Couple that with record-breaking levels of merger and acquisition (“M&A”) activity in the HVAC sector, and owners have many considerations and opportunities to consider when succession planning.
How prepared are you for that big day in your future?
In today’s dynamic business environment, managing risks associated with planned and unplanned departures is a business imperative that contractors can no longer afford to ignore. Decades-old, highly successful and well-established HVAC businesses, in particular, need proactive succession planning to ensure continued business growth.
Succession planning, however, can be a complex undertaking. It involves identifying and training your successor to ensure your retirement does not disrupt operations. Additionally, it requires creating a robust strategy to maximize the business’s economic value during the ownership transition and manage any taxation and compliance implications. Succession planning also includes considering M&A options for your business.
Throughout the years, we’ve seen how the lack of a well-thought-out succession plan has led to severe financial damages for many HVAC companies. With this in mind, businesses must develop long-term strategies to mitigate risks and ensure a successful transition.
The Importance of Succession Planning for Your HVAC Business
Whether you have no plans of retiring anytime soon, the future is unpredictable. Having a solid, documented succession plan is crucial to your business’s health and fate.
Succession planning allows you to:
- Ensure your management team is aligned with your plans and goals for the company’s future.
- Stay focused on a long-term, bigger-picture vision for the business.
- Protect the business in the event of a sudden major life-changing event.
- Assess parts of your business that may need special attention for your succession plan to be effective.
No matter the size or structure of your contracting business, having a defined succession plan is critical to selecting and developing the best leaders. Extending tenures may prevent the impending headwind, but there is no substitute for a viable long-term succession strategy. After all, business leaders, irrespective of their stature, would inevitably need to make way for the younger generation.
3 Insightful and Actionable Succession Planning Steps
Every business situation requires a different exit strategy. Some existing business owners may want to step out of their position for good. While some would prefer to stay minimally involved to ensure the company’s future success.
Whether you plan to pass your company on to one of your children or trusted employees or sell it to an outside party, succession planning is paramount.
Here are three important things to consider as you plan for your HVAC business succession:
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Decide Who Will Take Over
Identify who will take the reins when you retire, and give them the opportunity to develop their skills and experience to successfully replace you in the future. Every aspect of business operations should be clearly defined, including detailed role definitions for key decision-makers at various levels. This is especially true for family-owned businesses.
With any luck, you’ve had capable family members or employees who have established themselves in the specific roles they will eventually assume.
If your business is family-owned and operated, it is important to talk to your family members before making succession choices. Ask them if they are interested in taking over the business, and determine if they have the capability to effectively run the company.
Starting your succession plan sooner rather than later gives you more time to hone the knowledge and skills they will need to take over.
On the other hand, if you’ve been anticipating that one of your employees will buy out your business, make sure they have the financial capacity to give you market value for your business along with the skills to sustain its success. Internal transfers are often structured where the owners are paid over time through the profits of the business, so it is important to really assess if your successor has the skills to run the company profitably without you going forward. Otherwise, you’re giving your business to someone who can put your long-term financial security at risk if they cannot execute successfully. This is why many business owners look to third-party M&A to transition their business.
As retirement looms, you must also train them to do the jobs well to ensure that a steady hand will lead from the top down.
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Determine When the Transition Will Happen
You can’t just flip a switch and hand over the job to your successor with little notice. Think long-term and set a date for your last day in the company. The ownership transition should begin before your last day to give your successor enough time to get accustomed to their new role.
As the existing business owner, you must also invest in the professional development of your succession choice to help them gain valuable experience and boost their soft skills. Let them assume different responsibilities to assess where they might need some additional training and development.
If you’re in a position where you don’t have a qualified candidate to take over, then you need to craft a broader succession plan that enlists a third party to purchase the business. Make sure to find a buyer who values your business the way you do, has the ability to demonstrate consistent earnings and will continue its legacy when you are no longer there.
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Consider a merger and acquisition (M&A)
When one entity buys another entity and folds it into their organization, that is referred to as an acquisition. In a merger, two equal companies join to form another entity or co-branded company. The timing has never been more perfect for HVAC businesses to consider M&A. More investors are looking for lower-middle-market organizations for M&A activity, and the benefits to you, as a small business owner, are immense.
Rewarding financial returns are one of the reasons business owners turn to M&A. During an M&A, you’ll be able to enhance the price you receive for your company, allowing you to cash in on your hard-earned success and retire with ease. There are also opportunities to create generational wealth by selling portions of your business to a private equity firm. In this scenario, you are able to continue investing, you stay involved in running your company, and you work with the majority owner to generate increased value for your business. Eventually, you’ll be able to liquidate your equity at a larger amount in this second sale of the business.
If you are interested in M&A, it’s never too early to start planning. Price isn’t the only thing to focus on. From determining timing, better understanding your customer relationships and determining what to do with your team, there are seven things to consider when selling your company.
Ignite A Big-Picture Mindset
Changes in the HVAC business happen fast. But through effective succession planning and considering M&A options, you can ensure business continuity. Don’t forget to call in the experts for help with your company’s succession planning. Look for a team with many years of experience, diverse business background and a proven track record in the M&A industry.
Need help with your company’s succession planning? The experts at Align BA are happy to advise you on the best way to create a strong leadership pipeline.
About the Author: Dena Jalbert is at the forefront of executive leadership within the M&A industry. She is also an award-winning entrepreneur, a mother and a philanthropist. Dena is an outgoing, high-performing, and deeply analytical leader who is passionate about driving business growth through financial discipline, innovation and creativity. Dena is a proven leader whose distinction interlaces a wider-view of business needs to connect the dots between data and business growth strategy. It is this unique strength that has led to repeated successes throughout her career, enabling a different and fresh perspective in building and leading organizations — utilizing innovative strategies to deliver transformations in operations and business results. As a mother of two young girls, Dena is determined to do what she can to advance the opportunities of young girls and women throughout Central Florida.
Small business owners recognize the value of a powerful Customer Relationship Management (CRM) tool. Storing and tracking customer communication history, job data, maintenance agreements, equipment history, and more, the right CRM can help a business grow its customer base and increase revenue. Many of us are most familiar with CRM software and its benefits as Read more
Small business owners recognize the value of a powerful Customer Relationship Management (CRM) tool. Storing and tracking customer communication history, job data, maintenance agreements, equipment history, and more, the right CRM can help a business grow its customer base and increase revenue.
Many of us are most familiar with CRM software and its benefits as it relates to our sales teams. After all, they tend to be the primary users on a daily basis, capturing a wealth of useful customer information. But that same CRM data is a hidden gem for the marketing department as well.
Marketers have their work cut out for them these days. As attentions are scattered across more and more communication platforms, it has become necessary to increase marketing frequency. In fact, a potential customer usually requires about eight touches from a business or brand before a sale happens. Whether a business is looking to develop effective email marketing content, implement automation to assist with hands-free outreach or determine ROI on a campaign, CRM has tools available to help.
Just remember: it’s imperative to obtain the proper permissions from both current and potential customers before adding them to a marketing list. Once that step is taken care of, it’s time to start brainstorming your next marketing campaign and the messages you want to convey to these two different audiences.
For prospective customers, messaging is typically geared towards communicating why you are the best company and why they should want to do business with you. This is the time to separate your business from the competition, making a memorable impression that will stick with them when they go to book their next service appointment.
Since current customers are already familiar with your company and its services, the marketing message usually revolves around offering them special promotions or maintenance service agreements. Businesses may also want to provide them with helpful tips and advice that further position the company as the provider of choice in the industry and market.
CRM Tool #1 – Segment contacts for email marketing
Email newsletters can be a cost-effective marketing campaign solution to convey these different messages to both prospective and current customers. Email can help build relationships with customers and keep them coming back, and they are fairly easy to start. Even better, segmenting contacts into potential customers and current customers is generally accomplished easily within CRM systems.
For prospective customers, a newsletter is a place to feature your company’s products and services, as well as the expertise of your team. You can also include the ever-popular coupons or discounts, which typically attract new customers. They are also a great way to help increase awareness of services your company offers that people may not know about. If there is a type of job you offer but rarely have any customers who book appointments for it, offer a discount and see if it helps with awareness. Discounts are also effective for current customers who may be looking for a deal when it’s time to book an appointment.
Email newsletters also allow marketers to monitor the engagement they are achieving with these important contacts. By tracking open rates and click-through rates, a business can see what content is resonating. Sales can even use that information to follow up with a customer who may have clicked on an offer or link in the email but have not yet booked an appointment or service.
Establishing a routine cadence of email newsletter communication means your list of contacts will be seeing your brand’s name on a regular basis. Your company will be top-of-mind the next time they need a service you offer.
CRM Tool #2 – Automation
CRMs can help with automating outreach such as service reminders for upcoming appointments, maintenance agreement expirations/renewals, or reminders to schedule upcoming maintenance agreement visits. Some CRMs have the ability to create automated email sequences that potential customers will receive at predetermined intervals.
Consider automating a thank you email once a service is complete and including a link to review your business. Remind your customers that the best way to say thanks is by leaving a positive review. If they have easy access to leave a review, customers will be more likely to do so. Establishing a reputation for providing excellent service will go a long way in attracting new customers.
CRM Tool #3 – Track ROI and Lifetime Value
Over time, CRM systems will provide data that helps track the lifetime value of customers and marketing campaigns. Knowing where a customer came from, whether it was a form, website, social media, ad, etc., results in several things.
First, it allows a business to track where it gets the most leads and customer inquiries. Ads may be running on multiple channels, such as social media or local broadcast outlets. Compiling the information on where the leads are coming from helps determine where it’s worth investing more money. If an ad is not performing as well and not resulting in many customer inquiries, you may want to consider stopping the ad and putting that money towards a platform where you see a return.
Businesses can also begin to track the lifetime value of a customer based on jobs they have completed or any maintenance agreements they have. Seeing how much revenue and profit that customer has driven over time and tracking that back to the lead source helps a business determine the lifetime value of its marketing campaigns and lead sources.
These are just some of the ways CRM software can be used to develop effective marketing plans and create new marketing tools that will help recruit and retain customers. Don’t let the sales team have all the fun with CRM; encourage your marketing team to start accessing all of that valuable customer information today.
Chris O’Grady has been in sales for 30 years, focusing on software sales for the last 20. Chris has been leading and growing sales teams for most of his career, with his most recent positions at FinancialForce and CBORD, where he led high-performing sales teams and was able to help drive tremendous growth for each company. In April 2022, Chris joined Successware as the Chief Sales Officer. He brought with him a proven history of business growth and increased sales performance. In his current role, Chris leads sales, sales operations, and customer success and is responsible for driving sales strategy.
With travel getting back to normal and industry trade show season in full go-mode, the Mechanical Hub team has been talking with a lot of manufacturers and contractors about the challenges of the past two years and what everyone sees on the horizon. One of the hot topics recently has been the Employee Retention Tax Read more
With travel getting back to normal and industry trade show season in full go-mode, the Mechanical Hub team has been talking with a lot of manufacturers and contractors about the challenges of the past two years and what everyone sees on the horizon. One of the hot topics recently has been the Employee Retention Tax Credit (ERC). Enacted alongside the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) in 2020, the ERC was widely overlooked until recently. We asked our professional friends over at Omega Accounting Solutions to share some insights into the program and here are their tips.
When the COVID-19 pandemic began to shut down businesses across the U.S., significantly impacting the economy, the federal government intervened by authorizing billions in economic stimulus through the PPP and the ERC program.
The ERC program gave eligible employers a payroll tax credit for continuing to employ Americans during the pandemic. Many employers took out SBA-guaranteed PPP loans in 2020 but bypassed the ERC. In subsequent legislation, the ERC was made available to more ailing businesses, including those who received PPP funds. Many more businesses qualified for ERC money than claimed it.
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APPETITE FOR CONSTRUCTION PODCAST
Did we hear that right? The IRS would write us a check? What is the Employee Retention Credit and who is eligible? The boys take this bonus episode to talk with Omega Accounting Solutions’ J.P. Lowry all about this credit and why business owners need to take advantage of it.
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Construction companies that have already taken advantage of the ERC have received hundreds of thousands of dollars in return from the government because they overpaid payroll taxes during the pandemic. Qualifying through gross receipts, an electrical contracting company in California received an ERC refund of $2.6 million from the IRS. Through gross receipts, a construction company in Texas acquired a $975K ERC refund. Through suspension of services, a landscaping company in Utah received an ERC refund of $437K.
5 Reasons Why Construction Companies Should Apply
- Most Businesses Qualify: Construction companies may qualify if they had to close or limit capacity due to government closures, supply chain issues or distancing requirements.
- Projects/jobs were suspended due to government orders
- Materials suppliers were unable to make deliveries of critical goods
- Operating hours were affected by curfew or cleaning protocols
- Social distancing requirements reduced crew sizes
- Receive up to $26,000 per employee: When first introduced as part of the CARES Act in 2020, the maximum credit allowable under the ERC was $5,000 per employee. With its renewal and expansion under the Consolidated Appropriations Act (CCA), 2021, the maximum credit increased to $21,000. When the ERC and the PPP were rolled out under the CARES Act, businesses had to choose which to use. Many selected PPP because it was easier to sign up for a Small Business Administration-backed loan than to learn the details of eligibility for ERC. However subsequent legislation expanded the eligibility requirements for employers so that they could now receive both, making this a can’t-miss opportunity for construction businesses.
- It’s Retroactive: Though the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) of 2021 moved up the ERC’s expiration date, effectively repealing the program for the fourth quarter of 2021, construction companies are still allowed to submit their payroll tax filings for the covered periods. Employers who filed their payroll taxes in 2020 were able to deduct the money directly from their quarterly payroll taxes at that time. Those who didn’t file in 2020 or who are claiming the ERC for the first time on their payroll taxes in 2021 will be refunded for quarterly filed periods.
- It’s a Cash Refund: The ERC is a federal credit determined by a business’ quarterly payroll taxes, not the business’ taxes, and based on how many full-time employees (30+ hours) the company had during the eligibility period. The credit calculation is based on qualified wages paid per employee each quarter. In 2020 the refundable tax credit was 50% of qualified wages up to a $5,000 maximum. In 2021 it was 70% of qualified wages up to $21,000. The IRS issues a refund check in the amount of the credit claimed.
- It’s Easier Than You Think: If a construction business meets the eligibility requirements for the ERC, the credit can be claimed on previously filed payroll tax forms. ERC specialists working in accounting departments and for tax preparers can quickly evaluate whether a company is entitled to the credit and provide any needed guidance. If the criteria are met, these professionals can file amended payroll tax returns for the qualifying quarters and submit them to the IRS.
Find out if your company qualifies for the ERC by clicking this link: https://bit.ly/mechanicalhub
In addition to the ERC, the federal government has introduced other credits designed to help businesses weather the long-term effects of the pandemic and to encourage both innovation and the employment of American workers. Companies should talk with their tax preparers about these additional credits available to them including the Research & Development (R&D) tax credit, available to companies developing new or improved business components, and the PPP forgivable loan program, also established during the CARES Act and implemented and backed by the Small Business Administration.
For over 15 years, Omega Accounting Solutions has been a champion of small- to mid-sized businesses, empowering owners to make informed business decisions. As an accounting and data firm, Omega helps business owners navigate the complexities of the accounting process, particularly for the enormous opportunities around the Employee Retention Credit. Omega has a documented process for the ERC and limits risk for clients. Over $350 million in ERC cash has been recovered for Omega clients, spanning across an impressive range of industries. For more information about qualifying for the ERC and receiving a free evaluation from Omega Accounting Solutions, visit https://bit.ly/mechanicalhub
When Murdock Plumbing & Heating confronts clogs in inside lines, they grab their “one-two punch.” That’s what owner Robert “Bob” Murdock calls his arsenal of two hand-held drain cleaners from General Pipe Cleaners: the innovative Kinetic Water Ram® and Super-Vee® power drain cleaning machine. Experience matters. For nearly 45 years, his company has professionally served Read more
When Murdock Plumbing & Heating confronts clogs in inside lines, they grab their “one-two punch.”
That’s what owner Robert “Bob” Murdock calls his arsenal of two hand-held drain cleaners from General Pipe Cleaners: the innovative Kinetic Water Ram® and Super-Vee® power drain cleaning machine.
Experience matters. For nearly 45 years, his company has professionally served residential and commercial customers in the Elmira, NY area. They know Bob knows his job.
Proper tools count, too. “Drain cleaning is difficult,” he declares. “And you’ll never get very far without rugged, reliable equipment!”
Terrific Tag-Team Terminates Troubles
For decades, Bob has teamed both General tools in sequence to clear just most inside obstructions he finds. And he always starts with the Kinetic Water Ram.
Since the early 1970s, General’s pioneering drain cleaning tool has quickly cleared clogged lines with the power of kinetic energy. One long-time customer humorously dubs it “Bob’s Bazooka.”
Just pump it up, insert into a drain with standing water – and snap the trigger. It’s that fast.
Fast & Eco-Friendly
Lightweight and economical, the futuristic Kinetic Water Ram generates a shock wave that instantly pulverizes stoppages in 1-1/4″ to 4″ lines – yet won’t harm pipes.
The shock wave bypasses vents and bends to batter blockages. And the tool’s built-in pump and pressure gauge lets operators choose the right amount of force for each job.
“Don’t over-pump it,” Bob quickly counsels. “We’ve found that 10 lbs. is usually enough to start with.”
Environmentally friendly, compact, portable Kinetic Water Ram is cleaner than snakes – and safer than chemicals.
Unlike some competitive devices, it requires no electrical power or CO2 gas. And it’s great for a range of plumbing, drain cleaning, maintenance, restoration, and rental applications.
Versatile & Safe
“It works great on 3/4″ air-conditioning condenser lines, too,” Bob injects. “And we don’t have to worry about electrical dangers!”
General’s sleek, plated Kinetic Water Ram also comes in a sturdy carrying case with molded compartments for the tool and accessories. A Schraeder valve for use with an external air compressor when clearing difficult blockages is also provided.
An optional toilet attachment screws onto the front of Kinetic Water Ram, turning it into a powerful plunger. The specially designed accessory precisely positions in bowls for a tight seal, hitting blockages with maximum impact – and no splash back.
His Innovative Alternative
But Bob’s somewhat old-fashioned. “I personally prefer our General Teletube® Flexicore® closet auger on toilet back-ups!” he winks.
The heavy-duty tool remains the industry’s most durable and versatile closet auger. General’s dual layer cable construction with a wire rope inner core can navigate nearly any toilet bowl – yet resists kinking and breaking and excels at clearing clogs just beyond the bowl.
Just push the button for three extra feet of Flexicore cable inside the guide tube. With a total reach of six feet, there’s usually no need to pull the toilet.
More Muscle on Tougher Troubles
If Kinetic Water Ram doesn’t pulverize the problem, Bob grabs his Super-Vee.
Easy-to-use, hand-held Super-Vee quickly unclogs sink, shower, toilet, and laundry lines up to 3″ in diameter. It’s so rugged that many last for decades without replacement. It’s that reliable.
General’s quick, convenient Slide-Action™ chuck engages and releases Flexicore cable by simply sliding the Super-Vee’s Grip-Shield forward or back – even while cable rotates.
The chuck also automatically adjusts to 1/4″ through 3/8″ diameter cables. And General’s quick-change cartridges let users easily switch or clean cables without delay or mess.
Industry-Leading Cable
Tightly wound over a wire rope core, then heat-treated, General’s legendary Flexicore design gives cables outstanding strength – without sacrificing flexibility.
And Flexicore is so tough, it carries a one-year warranty against breakage – the industry’s best.
A robust range of cables and cutters is available, too.
Powered by a variable speed motor, today’s Super-Vee carries up to 50 ft. of 1/4″ or 5/16″, or 35 ft. of 3/8″ Flexicore cable. Bob prefers 3/8″ cable.
And accessories include the novel Handy-Stand™ and Uni-Stand™ to facilitate working in cramped spots.
The Bottom Line
If neither the Kinetic Water Ram or Super-Vee works, it’s usually a pipe pitch problem, Bob says – necessitating line replacement.
“We can handle that, too,” he adds, shaking his head. “We’re finding lots of improperly installed drain lines.”
“Regardless, we’re going to stay on a clogged drain until it’s unplugged,” Bob Murdock vows. “And our General tools help assure that.”
Are your customers requesting bathroom updates that will be stylish and functional for years to come? More homeowners than ever are renovating, using universal design principles that allow these spaces to serve people of varying ages and abilities. Universal design provides numerous important benefits to home and building owners, including higher levels of safety and Read more
Are your customers requesting bathroom updates that will be stylish and functional for years to come? More homeowners than ever are renovating, using universal design principles that allow these spaces to serve people of varying ages and abilities. Universal design provides numerous important benefits to home and building owners, including higher levels of safety and increased property value.
Universal design basics
Universal design creates an environment that is accessible to all people to the greatest extent possible. That means a bathroom will function as well for a child as it does for a senior. Basic principles of universal design focus on functionality. In the bathroom that might mean adding strategic lighting, slip-resistant flooring and features like grab bars.
Your customers don’t have to sacrifice aesthetics to achieve the functional goals of universal design. More options than ever are available for enhancing the bathroom’s safety and functionality while adding luxurious upgrades that are as useful as they are eye-catching.
When function and fashion blend like this in home improvements, it can add significant value to properties.
Curbless shower features
Consider one of the year’s top bathroom design trends: curbless showers with linear drains. This creates a barrier-free experience that is visually appealing, making it ideal for the universal design home.
A curbless walk-in shower eliminates hazards like curbs or thresholds that can cause people to slip or trip. It’s easier to use, whether you walk or utilize a device for assistance, such as a shower wheelchair. Curbless showers also provide an open feel, which makes the space feel larger because visual lines are not disrupted.
Curbless showers are enhanced by linear drains that are installed flush to the flooring, further reducing trip hazards while adding a sleek appearance to the space. With no barrier to cross, the floor more easily accommodates a freestanding bench, a walker or other mobility aids.
An added benefit is that linear drains generally avoid looking institutional, like some wheelchair-friendly bathrooms can. An excellent example of this counter-institutional trend is QuickDrain’s WallDrain, in which the drain literally disappears into the wall, offering an ultra-clean and contemporary look.
A curbless shower is achievable with various drainage points, therefore offering versatility in terms of design. A curbless shower also provides flexibility regarding its location, since you are not tied to placing the drain in a specific spot.
Deciding on shower doors is another important aspect of universal design. Glass doors work well for curbless walk-in showers because they open the space and let in light.
Another option is to design the space to be completely open as a wet room. Glass dividers are a hybrid option that provide a partition without a door, but can be easily removed if your customer might want to open the space in the future.
Shower bench
A shower bench can greatly enhance the look and functionality of a shower. It can serve as a necessary place to sit, a retreat to relaxation, or simply a place to store hygiene products, while also offering accessibility and style.
The QuickDrain BenchSeat offers three PET (polyethylene terephthalate) bench configurations to meet differing needs, depending on bench placement and overall shower size. These multiple configurations are suitable for newly constructed or renovated tile showers. Not only do these shower benches meet the ADA standard guidelines for height, but they also exceed the weight requirement, promoting a universal design for all.
Grab bars
Grab bars will offer added stability and convenience to your shower and bathroom. Contrary to popular belief, grab bars aren’t just meant for healthcare or senior living facilities. They can also increase safety and convenience in your home for children, pregnant women, and anyone dealing with health issues or recovering from an injury.
Dearborn Grab Bars are ADA-compliant and available in 1-1/4″ and 1-1/2″ diameters with concealed or open flanges. Available in peened or satin finishes, these grab bars can be ordered in whatever length is needed.
Universal design is important in bathrooms because these spaces are used every day. Whether your customer’s goal is to age in place or to make home improvements to improve property value, bathrooms with stylish universal design will help you meet those goals.
About the Author: Marlee Gannon is Director, Wholesale Product and Channel, at Oatey Co. With a robust background in sales, product development and marketing, Marlee’s comprehensive knowledge of the plumbing industry, its products and people, has helped propel her career over the past 7+ years. She is highly engaged with the chain of distribution, from end-users to Oatey’s wholesaler-partners.