Every contractor knows the challenges of finding good help, especially in this strong economy and during the busy season. It is easily our industry’s single biggest challenge. Most contractors I speak and meet with all agree they could do a lot more work if they could just find more qualified techs and installers. I was discussing this issue with a successful contractor recently and he made a fairly profound statement that resonated with me, instead of looking for good techs and installers we should instead focus on finding “good people”, inferring those without industry experience or training. When you think and act in those terms it creates endless possibilities of where to find potential candidates – but creates the daunting challenge of how do we get them the proper training. Larger HVAC companies are already tackling this problem by hiring full time trainers, building expansive training centers, and creating their own training curriculum. It’s an expensive and time consuming task that most contractors can’t afford to do – or can they? That same contractor above advocates that in small and mid-size companies the owner or other high-level managers make talent acquisition and development a top priority – working with new hires personally and regularly to assure their engagement and progress. Our industry too recognizes the opportunity and organizations like ACCA, NATE, manufacturers, and distributors are all strategizing on how to help. At Value Added Distributors we’re working on customized training programs, enhanced training facilities, and more to help.
Talent will in the future (if not already) be the biggest determinate of growth and success. If you have talent (and a plan to find and develop it) you will succeed and grow, if you don’t – well, good luck!
Look out in the coming weeks as we keep the “talent” theme alive for more information on our Fall training curriculum from Jack Bartell (Director or Tech Services and Training) and employee onboarding tips from Jennifer Roncaglione (Director of Customer Service & Employee Development).
Thanks for all you do and as always “Expect More From Us”!
Thanks,
Chris Baker
President & CEO
Value Added Distributors
