Industry News

The leading field service software provider is ushering in a new era in AI-driven solutions and expert insights

Workiz, the leading field service management platform with over 120,000 customers, announces the launch of the “Workiz Unplugged” podcast – a dedicated platform that brings the voices of field service professionals to the forefront. This monthly podcast offers valuable insights into how technology, leadership and innovation are shaping the future of the field service industry.

“Field service professionals are the backbone of our economy, yet they often operate behind the scenes,” said Didi Azaria, CEO of Workiz. “With ‘Workiz Unplugged,’ we’re providing a space where HVAC professionals, plumbers, electricians and locksmiths can share their experiences and learn how to grow their business by automating their entire operation utilizing AI.

As demand grows for automation and business optimization, field service business owners are looking for guidance on how to adapt to these changes. This podcast was created to connect them with experts in AI, business management and leadership who address today’s most urgent challenges, from labor shortages to the effects of emerging technologies.

Insights from studies like Edison Research’s “The Infinite Dial” and Nielsen Podcast Insights reveal that 26 million people in the U.S. turn to podcasts for business advice. By tackling topics that resonate with business owners and their peers, the podcast offers a platform for exploring the issues shaping the industry’s future and provides actionable solutions to help service professionals thrive in 2024 and beyond.

The episodes take a deep dive into various topics. A recent episode discussed how tradespeople are capitalizing on the surge of private equity interest in the skilled trades. In the episode featuring Patrick Lange, Founder of the Business Modification Group, the conversation centers around this exciting trend. Lange shares practical strategies for preparing a service business to attract investment.

Thomas Scott, CEO and founder of Home Run Franchises, highlights a generational shift in career preferences in a podcast episode. According to the World Economic Forum, in 2024, Gen Z comprises around 20–25% of the U.S. workforce. Scott notes that many Gen Z workers are losing confidence in the value of traditional college degrees. Instead, they are increasingly turning to vocational training and pursuing careers in trades like plumbing and electrical work.

The podcast also delves into how field service professionals can enhance customer experiences, optimize operations using AI and automation, while also providing valuable insights and actionable tips for building strong teams and fostering a culture of respect and accountability.

“Workiz Unplugged sets itself apart by focusing not only on technological advancements but also on practical strategies for leadership and business growth,” Azaria said. “It explores the transformative potential of tools like Workiz’s AI assistant, Genius, which revolutionizes scheduling, communication, and workflow management, offering listeners a comprehensive roadmap to success in the modern field service industry.”

“Our goal is to ensure that field service professionals have access to the resources they need to thrive. This podcast is more than just a series of interviews – it’s a community dedicated to innovation and growth in our industry.”

“Workiz Unplugged” is now available on major podcast platforms:

• Spotify: Listen on Spotify
• Apple Podcasts: Listen on Apple Podcasts
• YouTube: Listen on YouTube

For more information and to access episode transcripts, visit www.workiz.com/podcast.

After serving customers in Apalachicola for more than four decades, Gunn Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc. (Gunn) is joining Hiller Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electrical (Hiller), the region’s premier provider of plumbing, HVAC, and electrical service, installations, and repair. The former Gunn headquarters will operate as Hiller’s 18^th regional location, and its 2^nd location in Florida This merger follows a previous acquisition (Roussos Air Conditioning) in Panama City in 2022.

Since its inception, Gunn has earned a reputation as one of the Franklin and Gulf County area’s most trusted providers for residential and commercial heating, air conditioning service, repair, and replacements. As a family-owned and family-operated company, Gunn Heating and Air Conditioning promises quick, accurate diagnoses and long-term solutions to its loyal customers. As owners Jimmy and Shirley Thompson began considering the succession of the company, caring for their valued clients in the years to come was their top priority.

“Our team is thrilled to be joining Hiller’s Florida operations”, remarked Jimmy Thompson, one of Gunn Heating & Air Conditioning’s Owners. “When looking for companies to partner with, our primary goal was to ensure that each of our loyal clients would receive the best customer experience possible. We’re extremely confident”, he continued, “That under the Hiller brand, these incredible families and businesses will be well taken care of in the future.”

Hiller, like Gunn, is also a family-owned and family-operated business. For over 34 years, Hiller has operated with its original founder at the helm, earning the loyalty of its clients through a commitment to expert technical skills, exceptional service, and integrity. Hiller’s priority is always the thoughtful care of its clients. Former Gunn Heating & Air Conditioning customers can continue to expect the elevated standard of care they are accustomed to under its leadership.

“Since expanding into Florida, we have greatly enjoyed serving families across the Panhandle”, remarked Jimmy Hiller, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Hiller Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electrical. “We are so excited for the opportunity to partner with Gunn Heating and Air Conditioning, who has developed a legacy of extremely positive client experience across the Apalachicola area. We are looking forward”, he continued, “To carrying their mission forward for years to come.”

Hiller was founded in 1990 by Jimmy Hiller, the company’s single employee. Over the past three decades, Hiller has grown exponentially as a direct result of its commitment to its values; professionalism, integrity, quality, and caring. Today, the organization includes over 600 “Happy Face” trucks and 880 associates across 18 locations in 7 states.

After opening in Panama City and the surrounding areas in 2022, homeowners in Florida have enjoyed Hiller’s industry-leading technician training and education, 24/7 emergency services, instant online appointment booking, and real-time technician tracking. Families across the Greater Apalachicola area can expect these benefits, and Hiller’s exceptional customer experience, in the months, years, and decades ahead.

Through the Feel The Love program, sponsored by the LII Lennox Foundation, Lennox and its dealer network supply and install new HVAC units to local community heroes throughout North America.

Marking its 15^th year anniversary, Feel The Love, sponsored by the LII Lennox Foundation, donated 413 heating and cooling (HVAC) units to deserving homeowners during Installation Week, which occurred from October 5-12.

Dealers across 45 states in the U.S. and several Canadian provinces worked alongside Lennox to install HVAC units for nominated recipients and beloved local heroes free of cost. Whether the recipient had been affected by financial challenges, unexpected injury or illness or other difficult circumstances, Feel The Love supported their needs by providing perfect air to keep their home at the ideal temperature through increasingly extreme winter and summer seasons.

“The hard work and generosity of our dealers and their employees have allowed us to bring comfort to deserving members of the community,” says Gary Bedard, EVP & President, Lennox Home Comfort Solutions. “Over the past 15 years, we’ve made a positive impact, and we look forward to continuing our mission of providing essential HVAC solutions to our neighbors in need.”

The donated units are the most efficient and modern designs, helping to keep energy bills down for recipients, heat and cool the home with less energy and reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, ultimately showcasing Lennox’ dedication to long-term investments in the community.

“We were really taken aback because this is a huge relief for me as a father,” says Mike Hooper, 2024 Feel The Love recipient. “When we heard about the (Feel The Love) program, we were just taken away. I am just really grateful for the relief this program has provided for us.”

Feel The Love is sponsored by the LII Lennox Foundation. Established in 2023, the LII Lennox Foundation is committed to improving the communities where Lennox employees work and live through impactful programs, strong partnerships and an emphasis on employee volunteerism.

Over 2,750 families in need have benefited from Feel The Love since it was first launched in 2009. Stay up to date on Feel The Love by following along with @LennoxFeelTheLove on Facebook. To nominate a member of your community for next year’s Installation Week, visit FeelTheLove.com.

About Feel The Love™

Since 2009, Feel The Love has been a key program for Lennox Residential to give back to its communities. Culminating in Feel The Love Installation Week this October, Lennox partners with HVAC installers and local community members in the United States and portions of Canada to deliver units at no cost to people who consistently put others before themselves and need a helping hand. For more information about how Lennox is bringing perfect air to deserving households across the United States and Canada, visit FeelTheLove.com. Beginning this year, in 2024, the LII Lennox Foundation is sponsoring the Feel the Love program.

Speed Test Challenge reveals which plastic plumbing system installs the fastest

FlowGuard® Gold CPVC is launching the Speed Test Challenge Sweepstakes 1 , encouraging plumbers 2 to watch the Speed Test Challenge video for a chance to win $3,500.

The video provides a side-by-side comparison of installation speeds for plastic plumbing systems and reveals which is faster to install: PEX or CPVC. From Oct. 8 – Nov. 4, 2024, individuals can participate for the chance to win a $3,500 Lowe’s Home Improvement e-gift card, with an additional six social media winners each receiving a $250 e-gift card.

“Third-party studies – and even one by a PEX manufacturer – have documented that FlowGuard Gold CPVC installs just as fast or faster than PEX, but the perception persists that PEX installs faster,” said Jonathan Simon, North American residential plumbing manager for Lubrizol Advanced Materials Inc. “This sweepstakes serves as a way to share our speed trial with a greater audience and provide plumbers with an opportunity to reexamine how the materials they use could affect the efficiency of their projects.”

In the Speed Test Challenge video, an experienced plumber assembles the exact same section of pipe using the FlowGuard Gold CPVC solvent weld process, PEX expansion fittings and PEX crimp fittings. The video represents the time it takes for assembly, using the same mock-up in all three materials. The mock-up simulates a mainline and two zones, each with branches. The plumber installing the mock-up is experienced in all three materials. The test reveals the CPVC assembly is complete at 14 minutes and 35 seconds, with Crimp PEX finishing close seconds behind at 14 minutes and 51 seconds, and Expansion PEX finishing at 21 minutes and 30 seconds.

Plumbers interested in entering the sweepstakes should visit FlowGuard Gold’s Facebook page from Tuesday, 10/8/24, at 12 a.m. ET through Monday, 11/4/24, at 11:59 p.m. ET to watch the Speed Test Challenge. To enter, individuals should like the post, follow FlowGuard Gold on Facebook, and comment on which brand showed the fastest installation in the video. One grand prize winner 3 will be chosen at random to receive a $3,500 Lowe’s Home Improvement e-gift card. Additionally, up to six social media winners 4 will be selected at random to receive a Lowe’s Home Improvement e-gift card. This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed, or administered by, or associated with Facebook or Instagram. No purchase is necessary, and full sweepstakes rules can be found here.

To learn more about FlowGuard Gold or to try the speed challenge, visit flowguardgold.com/flowguard-gold-versus-pex-speed-test to access the assembly diagram and parts list.