Industry News

BDR’s Trailblazer Sales Academy Empowers Territory Managers With Key Leadership and Sales Skills

Mechanical Hub Team November 7, 2023

The premier business training and coaching provider for the HVAC industry announces the return of the ongoing development program for distribution, designed to enhance territory sales and strategic growth Business Development Resources (BDR), the training and business coaching authority for home services industry professionals, announces its 2024 program for Trailblazer Sales Academy, an ongoing online training program Read more

The premier business training and coaching provider for the HVAC industry announces the return of the ongoing development program for distribution, designed to enhance territory sales and strategic growth

Business Development Resources (BDR), the training and business coaching authority for home services industry professionals, announces its 2024 program for Trailblazer Sales Academy, an ongoing online training program for territory managers and distribution sales team members that focuses on developing sales skills, leadership agility and a strategic vision for territory growth.

Business Development Resources (BDR) announces its 2024 program for Trailblazer Sales Academy, an ongoing online training program for territory managers and distribution sales team members that focuses on developing sales skills, leadership agility and a strategic vision for territory growth.

Trailblazer Sales Academy features four live virtual workshops from January through May to help participants start the 2024 year strong in essential areas for HVAC territory managers and outside sales representatives. These four-hour training sessions provide participants with the opportunity to learn the best practices of top-performing territory managers, with topics including:

  • Jan. 4: Drive sales and help dealers win in the first quarter
  • Feb. 13: Build your strategic sales call process
  • April 2: Find the right dealer through targeted prospecting
  • May 23: Help dealers install more jobs through labor leverage

“Trailblazer Sales Academy is an opportunity for territory managers to forge a sales path and reap the rewards of their dream territory,” said Sr. Vice President of Training and Marketing Matt MacArthur. “The program empowers members to enhance their business acumen and build a plan while developing their skills in key areas. At the end of the training, participants can implement new processes to drive immediate growth and long-term strategies for taking ownership of their sales areas.”

The academy also includes targeted podcasts and self-paced courses to help participants continue to develop their skills and make the most of the program.

Membership in Trailblazer Sales Academy is limited to just 50 participants in 2024. Discover more and register at https://www.bdrco.com/trailblazer-academy/.

Lowe’s Foundation announces New Round of Gable Grants to Goodwill, LISC and NCCER

Mechanical Hub Team November 6, 2023

Grants bring Lowe’s Foundation’s total support for skilled trades workforce development to nearly $11 million in 2023 as part of five-year, $50 million commitment The Lowe’s Foundation today announced a total of $3 million in Gable Grants to three national nonprofit organizations that are delivering innovative and scalable skilled trades training in local communities nationwide Read more

Grants bring Lowe’s Foundation’s total support for skilled trades workforce development to nearly $11 million in 2023 as part of five-year, $50 million commitment

The Lowe’s Foundation today announced a total of $3 million in Gable Grants to three national nonprofit organizations that are delivering innovative and scalable skilled trades training in local communities nationwide. The $1 million grants are being awarded to Goodwill Industries International, the Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) and the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER).

The national Lowe’s Foundation Gable Grants program will accept applications for two-year grants to help build a sustainable infrastructure of innovative training programs to cultivate more job-ready tradespeople and address the skilled trades labor shortage throughout the U.S.

“Each of these organizations brings something different to the table through their robust network of skilled trades training programs and a strong local and national presence,” said Janice Dupré, Lowe’s executive vice president of human resources and chair of the Lowe’s Foundation. “These programs, paired with the grants to community and technical colleges announced this summer, are a critical step as the Lowe’s Foundation continues to help build a sustainable infrastructure of innovative skilled trades programs across our communities.”

These grants will fund programs that prepare more individuals for skilled trades careers, including providing accelerated training, coaching, wraparound services and targeted workforce development in communities impacted by natural disasters.

Goodwill will use the funding to support the Goodwill Opportunity Accelerator, a workforce development program that provides holistic wraparound services

Goodwill will use the funding to support the Goodwill Opportunity Accelerator, a workforce development program that provides holistic wraparound services to help participants from any background develop foundational digital and job-ready skills and pursue a pathway into an in-demand industry position. This comes to life through the support of strong partner relationships with employers, credentialing organizations and funders.

“We are extremely grateful for this grant from the Lowe’s Foundation, which will enhance the dignity and quality of life for job seekers nationwide,” said Martin Scaglione, chief mission officer of Goodwill Industries International. “The critical support provided by Gable Grants will help us leverage the Goodwill Opportunity Accelerator, our holistic workforce delivery model. This will increase access to skilled trades training and help dedicated tradespeople connect with employers who need them.”

LISC will fund 12 partners that offer industry-specific training, financial coaching, income support access and wraparound services to skilled trades job seekers in local communities

LISC will fund 12 partners that offer industry-specific training, financial coaching, income support access and wraparound services to skilled trades job seekers in local communities.

“We know that building bridges between workers and potential employers at the community level, combined with culturally relevant training and coaching support, is a highly effective model,” said LISC CEO Michael T. Pugh. “This grant will allow us to ramp up access to training in the skilled trades in places it has been historically lacking, and it will help lead hundreds of people into fulfilling careers.”

NCCER will expand its Community Construction Academies to underserved individuals in response to community and workforce needs

NCCER will expand its Community Construction Academies to underserved individuals in response to community and workforce needs. These boot camp-style training programs will build upon a successful tuition-free, rapid recovery construction training pilot funded by Lowe’s last fall to help rebuild Southwest Florida communities after Hurricane Ian. The academies allow program participants to earn industry-recognized NCCER construction craft credentials.

“We see an opportunity to engage and train individuals to help with rebuilding efforts locally and provide opportunities for fulfilling careers in construction that can last a lifetime,” said Boyd Worsham, president and CEO of NCCER. “We’re grateful for the opportunity to scale this program. We know these academies can transform both communities and lives.”

The Lowe’s Foundation has committed $50 million over five years to help prepare 50,000 people for careers in skilled trades. The Foundation awarded Gable Grants totaling nearly $8 million to community and technical colleges in July and plans to announce its first cohort of community-based nonprofit grant recipients in early 2024.

Goulds Water Technology Empowers the Next Generation of Water Technology Talent with 2023 GPDA Scholarship

Mechanical Hub Team November 1, 2023

High school students of GPDA members receive $24,000 in scholarships to fund higher education Goulds Water Technology, a Xylem brand, is proud to announce this year’s recipients of the Goulds Professional Dealers Association (GPDA) scholarships. The initiative serves as a valuable resource for GPDA members, awarding $24,000 in scholarships to 16 deserving students across the Read more

High school students of GPDA members receive $24,000 in scholarships to fund higher education

Goulds Water Technology, a Xylem brand, is proud to announce this year’s recipients of the Goulds Professional Dealers Association (GPDA) scholarships. The initiative serves as a valuable resource for GPDA members, awarding $24,000 in scholarships to 16 deserving students across the U.S. every year. Each student receives $1,500 in scholarship money, which is granted based on academic standing, volunteerism and leadership skills, and enables students to pursue higher education at the college or technical school level. GPDA scholarship recipients are family members of GPDA members, highlighting the company’s support and commitment to independent dealers and young talent. Since its inception, the annual GPDA scholarship program has awarded more than $420,000 to 352 recipients.

“At Goulds Water Technology, we understand the importance of education and the positive impact it has on the future of our industry,” said Jen Manswell, demand generation manager, Residential & Agriculture, Xylem. “Each year, we take great pride in presenting these scholarships, helping to propel students toward their education goals, enrich their futures and reinforce the foundation of our industry. Through GPDA, we support our members and their students on their path to success.”

This year’s GPDA scholarship recipients are located across the U.S. and Canada, each bringing their unique potential and ambition to the water technology industry. The 2023 recipients are:

  • Makayla Kemp, Robstown, Texas – A&R Septic Services LLC
  • Solomon Hancock, Idaho Falls, Idaho – American Pump Company
  • James Christensen, Hartington, Nebraska – Christensen Well and Irrigation
  • Cazden Christensen, Hartington, Nebraska – Christensen Well and Irrigation
  • Alex Christensen, Hartington, Nebraska – Christensen Well and Irrigation
  • Dalton Molnar, Weyburn, Saskatchewan, Canada – Don’s Plumbing and Heating
  • Trevyn Keene, Grand Island, Nebraska – Wells Plumbing Co., Inc.
  • Kayna Deschênes, St. Pascal, Québec, Canada – Les Puits Artésiens Deschênes, Inc.
  • Abigail Burnette, Concord, North Carolina – Commercial Services
  • Andrew Daisey, Millsboro, Delaware – Daisey’s Well Drilling
  • Braelyn Brenneman, Accident, Maryland – Brenneman Well Drilling, Inc.
  • Leah Brenneman, Friendsville, Maryland – Brenneman Well Drilling, Inc.
  • Vidhya Boggs, Pound, Virginia – Boggs Municipal Services, Inc.
  • Ava Miranda, Hallettsville, Texas – Chandler Drilling
  • Harrison Steinberger, Rockwall, Texas – H&H Waterwell
  • Kenneth Muller, Ridgefield, Connecticut – Interstate Artesian Well Co.

Recipient Spotlight: James, Alex and Cazden Christensen
James, Alex and Cazden Christensen are just three of this year’s GPDA scholarship program recipients. Their family-run business, Christensen Well & Irrigation, specializes in water well drilling services. The company is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year and Alex, James and Cazden are an integral part of its success.

“My favorite thing to do at Christensen Well is going out on water calls and saving the day for people who are out of water,” said James, providing crucial assistance to those facing water scarcity. His free time is reserved for outdoor activities, including hunting and fishing.

James and Cazden are headed to Northeast Community College, studying electrical construction and control, while Alex is attending University of Nebraska-Lincoln to study mechanical engineering.

GPDA is the industry’s oldest and largest dealers’ association, founded over 50 years ago. As a world-class professional membership organization, GPDA provides independent dealers with extensive technical and product training, sales leads and marketing support. More than 20,000 dealers and distributors have graduated from its education center, going on to further their product knowledge, grow their businesses and help tackle water scarcity in their local communities.

Johnson Controls launches new 2024 virtual and in-person training opportunities at its Ducted Systems Academy

Mechanical Hub Team November 1, 2023

Relaunched training programs include guidance on new residential and commercial heat pump equipment, electrification and low-GWP refrigerants Course fees have been reduced, and in-person and remote options expand access for contractors New, immersive online training programs now available for new contractor certification Johnson Controls, the global leader for smart, healthy and sustainable buildings, announces the Read more

  • Relaunched training programs include guidance on new residential and commercial heat pump equipment, electrification and low-GWP refrigerants

  • Course fees have been reduced, and in-person and remote options expand access for contractors

  • New, immersive online training programs now available for new contractor certification

Johnson Controls, the global leader for smart, healthy and sustainable buildings, announces the launch of its new 2024 Ducted Systems Academy training opportunities and industry resources. The industry-leading programs feature a combination of hands-on experiences, virtual resources, and on-demand and in-person courses at the state-of-the art Ducted Systems Academy in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. All resources are developed by experienced industry experts and designed to help residential and commercial contractors build knowledge on important topics including new residential and commercial heat pump equipment, electrification and low-global warming potential (low-GWP) refrigerants.

“Our industry is in a state of rapid transformation with several major regulations going into effect, and contractors need up-to-date information to meet these evolving demands,” said Christyn Mueller, manager of commercial learning, Johnson Controls. “Our goal has always been to serve the industry as a resource. We’ve designed our newest training programs for the year ahead to focus on accessibility and affordability so more contractors can get the information they need to be successful and better serve their customers.”

Relaunched in-person training center

Fast advancements in technology and evolving regulations have created a need for contractors to build on their existing knowledge. The Johnson Controls Ducted Systems Academy provides an opportunity for contractors to gain hands-on experience with new equipment, including the latest commercial and residential heat pumps and low-GWP refrigerant systems. The 2024 program offers 40 courses that range from commercial start-up and commissioning to product essentials and customer service training.

To make these programs more widely accessible, Johnson Controls has reduced course fees and is offering train-the-trainer options for some residential technical courses to enable a single contractor to complete the in-person training and recreate the experience at their own location. Additionally, tuition offset programs are available based on partnership program levels.

“We have a trade that demands correct answers the first time,” said Stephen Love, technical service manager, Johnstone Supply. “The partnership between Johnson Controls and Johnstone Supply allows us the ability to have great technical training resources. In turn, it allows our participants to learn, practice, and perfect their trade at the Johnson Controls Ducted Systems Academy.”

One-Minute Expert program

Available within the Ducted Systems Solutions App, One-Minute Expert is a group of tools that provides instant access to quick reference guides, approximately 100 videos and customer-facing resources on one easy-to-use platform. The program is free and designed to provide valuable insights on important topics such as low-GWP refrigerants, new equipment installation, electrification, and heat pump knowledge – all within a new, time-saving format. New resources are being added monthly.

Tech Foundry courses

In response to the industry’s workforce development needs, Johnson Controls has relaunched its proven Tech Foundry, an immersive residential and commercial contractor training program in a hybrid format designed to fit within busy schedules. The 10-week course integrates remote and live learning with mentor support and peer interaction to review topics such as: refrigeration systems and compressors, tubing and piping, ventilation systems, and heating and cooling loads. A network of local labs is utilized throughout the online session to provide weekly hands-on experiences, and the program culminates with a 3-day hands-on immersion conducted in-person at the Johnson Controls Ducted Systems Academy.

Virtual courses and recertification

For contractors unable to attend in-person trainings, a series of webinars will be introduced in 2024 that include new product introductions, competitive differentiation, sales skills and low-GWP refrigerants. Additionally, virtual recertification options are available to individuals who have previously received in-person startup and commissioning certification.

For more information about the Johnson Controls Ducted Systems Academy and to preview the 2024 course catalog, please visit DuctedSystemsAcademy.com.

Carrier’s “A Tap Away” Technology, Near Field Communication, Makes Market Debut with Redesigned Gas Furnace Lineup Launch

Mechanical Hub Team November 1, 2023

Carrier’s recently redesigned lineup of gas furnaces have begun shipping to consumers with Near Field Communication (NFC) – an innovative addition to support the installation and servicing of its gas furnace portfolio – included. Carrier is part of Carrier Global Corporation (NYSE: CARR), global leader in intelligent climate and energy solutions. With the tap of a phone, dealers can Read more

Carrier’s recently redesigned lineup of gas furnaces have begun shipping to consumers with Near Field Communication (NFC) – an innovative addition to support the installation and servicing of its gas furnace portfolio – included. Carrier is part of Carrier Global Corporation (NYSE: CARR), global leader in intelligent climate and energy solutions.

With the tap of a phone, dealers can modify installation settings and pull diagnostic information all without power or cell phone service. NFC functionality has been incorporated into the existing Carrier Service Tech App for dealers and technicians. It offers features such as:

  • Built-in verifications for a quality install and fewer callbacks.
  • Detailed diagnostic information and troubleshooting tips.
  • Save favorite feature for repeat floorplans or multi-unit installations.
  • Export report functionality.

“Best-in-class dealers and technicians deserve best-in-class systems and servicing technology,” said Heidi Gehring, Director of Residential Product Management, Carrier. “Our newly redesigned and relaunched gas furnaces fitted with Near Field Communication capabilities will help ensure our customers receive quicker installation and servicing.”

Near Field Communication is not the only enhancement Carrier made to its gas furnace portfolio. Following the recent 2023-regulatory changes, Carrier relaunched its entry-tier line with competitive airflows and 18-speeds, maximizing cooling ratings. The mid-tier line-up, in addition to the entry-tier enhancements, now also features a seven-segment display for easier fault code readings. Additionally, Carrier’s deluxe gas furnace, with the entry and mid-tier enhancements updated, includes updated blower doors and Bluetooth added for improved servicing.

Carrier continues to lead the industry with digitally enabled lifecycle solutions designed with dealers and technicians in mind. For more information, visit https://www.carrier.com/residential/en/us/.

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