As part of a steadfast commitment to world-class learning, coaching, and development within the home services industry, Minnesota-based Nexstar Network has upgraded their corporate headquarters relocating from downtown St. Paul to Bloomington, Minn. Nexstar’s new headquarters is spacious and light-filled; it features the Frank J. Blau, Jr. Training Center, a state-of-the-art learning destination, as well Read more
home services industry
As part of a steadfast commitment to world-class learning, coaching, and development within the home services industry, Minnesota-based Nexstar Network has upgraded their corporate headquarters relocating from downtown St. Paul to Bloomington, Minn. Nexstar’s new headquarters is spacious and light-filled; it features the Frank J. Blau, Jr. Training Center, a state-of-the-art learning destination, as well as free covered parking and onsite security. Just minutes from the MSP airport and the Mall of America, this centralized location is close to numerous acclaimed restaurants, high-end shopping, and green spaces.
Nexstar recently hosted a grand opening celebration to officially open the doors to their destination HQ. More than 100 Nexstar members, VIPs, Strategic Partners, and employees attended the celebration.
Of the new headquarters, Julian Scadden, Nexstar President & CEO, says, “We serve a membership that is built on in-person relationships. We are proud to have a space where our staff can connect with each other and our members in service to our mission to turn the world’s best tradespeople into the world’s best businesspeople.”
Designed to host Nexstar members and Strategic Partners in a welcoming space when they’re in the Twin Cities to network and train, the upgraded headquarters offers a collaborative, flexible, and productive workspace for Nexstar employees.
“We are excited to welcome our members “home” to our new headquarters,” says Carrie Fraser, Vice President of Operations. “Connecting members and providing top-tier, participant-centered training is core to who we are and the value we provide for our members.”
Interplay Learning, the leading provider of immersive skilled trades training, announced today a strategic training partnership with PipeDreams, an innovative, tech-forward home services provider. The collaboration with Interplay will accelerate PipeDreams’ ability to acquire, integrate, and grow new partnerships by offering tech-forward training, including hands-on 3D simulations. With a focus on building meaningful trade careers, this Read more
Interplay Learning, the leading provider of immersive skilled trades training, announced today a strategic training partnership with PipeDreams, an innovative, tech-forward home services provider. The collaboration with Interplay will accelerate PipeDreams’ ability to acquire, integrate, and grow new partnerships by offering tech-forward training, including hands-on 3D simulations. With a focus on building meaningful trade careers, this partnership will empower 100+ valued technicians of all levels with the tools to rapidly hone their technical skills, elevate safety standards, and reliably serve customers across partner companies.
One of the pivotal aspects of this collaboration is PipeDreams’ vision to establish an apprenticeship program through PipeDreams University, with Interplay’s online courses at its core. The training approach will encompass 3D simulations, videos, quizzes, and hands-on learning, providing PipeDreams’ technicians with a well-rounded and engaging educational experience with pathways to industry certifications like EPA 608 and NATE.
“Our commitment to developing our service team has been a driving force throughout my journey with the company,” said Grace Underdahl, Training Program Lead at PipeDreams. “We’re creating a holistic training platform that supports development in every role, from general managers to HVAC service technicians. Interplay Learning’s technology perfectly matches our vision to be technology-forward and empower our technicians in a safe and scalable format.”
Given the growing skills shortage, PipeDreams also sees Interplay’s training as a powerful recruitment tool. By making trade careers more accessible, they can attract more technicians eager to embark on a journey of learning and growth within their local markets.
Isabel Sopoglian, Head of Business Operations at PipeDreams, underlined the significance of training on company growth, stating, “Training is a key component of attracting and retaining our employees and increasing the quality of work we deliver. We want our employees to feel our investment in them. It’s a very important aspect of our growth, and our collaboration with Interplay Learning is crucial to this strategy.”
In addition to supporting recruitment and retention efforts, Underdahl and Sopoglian anticipate Interplay’s training to enhance existing operations, equipping technicians with more effective troubleshooting skills and improving ramp time and callbacks for new technicians.
“Interplay is proud to partner with PipeDreams, a mission-aligned company leading with technological innovation and transforming how training is done in the home services industry,” said Doug Donovan, CEO of Interplay Learning. “Our shared mission is to foster successful business partnerships and empower PipeDreams’ workforce with the skills and knowledge they need to thrive in their careers.”
PipeDreams offers a range of residential HVAC and plumbing services through a growing partner network, including Albert Nahman Plumbing, Heating, and Cooling, Wighton’s Plumbing, Heating, & Air Conditioning, Perry Heating, Cooling, & Plumbing, TNT Home Services, Clout Home Services, Ace Pelizon Plumbing, Paso Robles Heating and Air and Plumbing the Bay.