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Time for a Difficult, but Necessary Conversation

Updated: 12.01.14 by Lisë Stewart

An important aspect of both business and personal planning is to explore your values concerning money, and the values of your spouse and/or business partners.

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Breathe Life Into Your Strategic Plan

Updated: 11.01.14 by Lisë Stewart

A strategic plan should be a living document — with a solid foundation in the form of a clear vision for the future and short list of the core values that drive decision-making in the company.

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Keep Up at Work as You Age

Updated: 11.01.14 by Jennifer FitzPatrick

Often as we age, we feel tired more often at work. The need for sufficient sleep, good nutrition and exercise becomes more important every year once the aging process starts. Consider these 10 tips for feeling younger and healthier at work.

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4 Reasons Your Company Needs to Go Paperless

Updated: 10.01.14 by Marjorie Adams

Field service management software allows companies to go paperless. It saves time and puts resources back into your business.

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Consider Expansion Through Franchising

Updated: 08.01.14 by Charles N. Internicola

By franchising your HVACR business you create a franchise system around the business assets and systems you’ve already built, including your business or trade name and your methods for attracting customers and providing excellent service.

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Two Heads Are Better Than One

Updated: 05.01.14 by George Hedley

To get people to make more decisions and take on more responsibility, give them a system that allows them to do most of the deciding themselves.

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Get More Time for Your Work and More Work from Your Team

Updated: 05.01.14 by David M. Dye

Asking good questions is critical to freeing up your own time and increasing your team’s ability to think and solve problems without you.

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Competitive Positioning

Updated: 05.01.14 by Marc Marchillo

Your competitive market position should be among the first steps when starting your business or reviewing your plan.

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Three Key Processes Driving Your Business

Updated: 03.01.14 by Peter Hungate

Develop a big picture perspective for long-term and consistent profitability.

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Your Business Prospectus

Updated: 02.01.14 by Lisë Stewart

Building Value from an Investor’s Perspective

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Changing the Way We Change

Updated: 01.01.14 by Lisë Stewart

The world is a busy and crazy place these days… We are inundated with messages to be leaders, to innovate, and to bring new products, services and marketable ideas to the marketplace. We are told to inspire, spin, market, promote, nurture and encourage change. We need to have energy, integrity, enthusiasm, a strong backbone, a clear vision for the future and the ability to learn from the past! And the list goes on…

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The Five-Step, One-Day Strategic Plan

Updated: 01.01.14 by Wendell Bedell

The Five-Step, One-Day Strategic Plan. DIY strategic planning to optimize your business

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4 Reasons To Document Your Business Processes

Updated: 12.01.13 by Peter Hungate

The primary benefits to running a business rooted in business and operational processes.

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The Perils of Traditional Retirement

Updated: 12.01.13 by Lisë Stewart

Study after study indicates that traditional retirement (ceasing to work suddenly, devoting time to ‘leisure activities’) can have a highly negative impact on the physical and mental well-being of men, especially those who are entrepreneurial, self-employed and/or senior leaders in their organizations.

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Disaster Recovery: Business Continuity Plans

Updated: 11.01.13 by Dan Adams

Business leaders understand they are dependent on systems. They realize if something fails they need to be able to get their systems back up.

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Professional Advisors – Friends or Foes?

Updated: 11.01.13 by Lisë Stewart

Finding advisors who will do what’s best for your business

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Protecting the Family Business When Owners Get Divorced

Updated: 10.01.13 by Lisë Stewart

The break-up of a marriage in a family-owned business can spell disaster for the business, the employees and even the community. Columnist Lisë Stewart offers six steps that can help ensure the business survives a marriage dissolution.

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5 Keys for Determining Which Tasks to Outsource

Updated: 10.01.13 by Jeffrey Garr

These five keys will help you determine which tasks to outsource as your business grows and you look for support outside the company.

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6 Steps for Increasing the Value of Your Business

Updated: 09.01.13 by Lisë Stewart

Columnist Lisë Stewart offers six steps business owners can take to ensure a fair price if and when they put their business on the market.

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Strategies for Keeping Your Middle Management Team in Play

Updated: 09.01.13 by Roberta Matuson

This article provides some guidelines for attracting and retaining middle managers.

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5 Techniques for Passing the Family Business Torch

Updated: 08.01.13 by Lisë Stewart

Here are five techniques a family-owned company’s new generation of leaders can use to honor their family legacy and tradition while still putting their own ‘stamp’ on the company culture.

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5 Tips for Family Business Succession Planning

Updated: 05.01.13 by Lois Lang

Passing the torch to “obvious” choices might not be best for the business.

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Refrigeration Changes Require Industry Cooperation

Updated: 04.01.13 by Stephen Yurek

Many issues demand the attention of our industry, both here and abroad: increasing government regulation, pressures regarding energy efficiency and minimum energy performance standards, climate change, etc. All of these are likely to be on your mind if not your agenda. But one issue stands out for its potential impact on our industry and its all-encompassing nature — refrigerants.

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Get More Done in 12 Weeks than You Would in 12 Months

Updated: 04.01.13 by Brian Moran

In an effort to improve, most companies and professionals will search for new ideas and strategies. They will seek out new marketing techniques, sales ideas, cost-cutting measures, and customer service enhancements in the hopes that these new approaches will deliver better results.

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3 Steps To Effective Technology Adoption

Updated: 04.01.13 by Michael Menard

Any software you implement in your organization should enable or enhance a business process. Unfortunately, many people mistakenly believe that the software or technology itself is the solution, when in reality, technology is at best 10% of the value equation — the other 90% is based on the human factor.

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Shred the Paper and Go Mobile

Updated: 04.01.13 by Jason Good

Six strategies to convert paper forms to highly customizable mobile apps that enhance productivity.

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Strategy: The Key To Executing Vision And Mission

Updated: 03.01.13 by Wade Mayfield

Developing a sound strategy is not only fun, but, if done right, gives your company purpose. When you think of strategy, think in terms of how you are going to execute your vision and mission.

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It’s a Wrap!

Updated: 02.01.13 by Heather Onorati

YouTube may conjure images of finger-biting babies, flash mobs, and “Gangnam Style” parodies. But the truth is, YouTube is an engaging and economical marketing outlet that HVACR businesses should not ignore.

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3 Key Steps to Creating an Effective Vision Statement

Updated: 01.01.13 by Wade Mayfield

If your business doesn’t have a clear idea of the goal, you’ll never get there.

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Updating Your Business Plan? Don’t Forget About Marketing!

Updated: 01.01.13 by Marsha Friedman

The New Year is a good time to revisit and refresh your business plan. In recent years, the economy, technology, and consumer habits have changed rapidly and dramatically, affecting every aspect of your business. That makes it absolutely vital to re-evaluate your short- and long-term strategies. One of the most critical elements of any business plan is your marketing strategy.

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Online Reputation Management: A Must-Have Marketing Tool

Updated: 11.01.12 by Nadia Romeo

3 ways to promote the positive and respond to the negative.

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8 Ways to Be Memorable at Networking Events

Updated: 11.01.12 by Patricia Fripp

Follow these strategies to present yourself concisely and confidently so contacts recall you later.

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How to Plan to Succeed

Updated: 10.01.12 by Michael Feuer

In developing a strategy, creating a new business, or introducing a new product, intensive preplanning can make the difference between success and failure.

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Some Question the Intelligence of Promoting Smart Meters

Updated: 10.01.12 by Charlie McCrudden

Smart meters are supposed to be the wave of the future, part of the futuristic “smart grid” of electricity distribution lines that use technology to solve some of the common problems that vex homeowners and utilities alike.

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4 Ways to Maximize Use of Social Media Tools

Updated: 09.01.12 by Scott Klososky

If you want to be a master of social-media tools, you first need to understand the need to implement elements of social media that will both drive revenues and cut back office costs.

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Are Mobile Customers Missing You?

Updated: 08.01.12 by Nadia Romeo

Don't miss out on the new opportunities that the mobile web presents. Commit time and resources to designing a mobile version of your site that will benefit your business today and far into the future.

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5 Drivers of Successful Mergers, Acquisitions

Updated: 07.01.12 by Tom East

Due diligence is important, but so is identifying a growth strategy in advance.

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If it Ain’t Broke, Break it Now

Updated: 07.01.12 by Michael Feuer

Customers expect constant improvement, which takes vigilance.

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Who's Eating Your Lunch?

Updated: 01.01.12 by Bill Spohn and Jim Bergmann

Energy optimization is on the minds of commercial and residential customers. If heating-cooling-and-ventilation contractors don’t respond, other businesses will.

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New DOE Rule is Milestone for Industry

Updated: 10.01.11 by Stephen Yurek

Oct. 25, 2011 the Direct Final Rule issued by the Dept. of Energy (DOE) setting regional standards for residential furnaces, heat pumps, and central air conditioners will be final, starting the clock ticking toward the first implementation deadline of May 1, 2013, for non-weatherized furnaces.

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For a Successful Exit, Build Value From the Start

Updated: 09.01.11 by Kevin R. Yeanoplos

In part 1 of a 3-part series, Kevin R. Yeanoplos explains the various factors that drive a company’s value and how making a few simple changes, owners can make the most of the current opportunity for growth to squeeze every last dollar of value out of their businesses.

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ACCA Programs Opening Door To High Standards

Updated: 09.01.11 by Stan Johnson Jr.

Can you help to improve the quality of housing in our country by being at the front of contractors adopting and implementing QA? It is time to give serious consideration to getting on board.

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Boost Companywide Performance With a ‘Complete’ Software Solution

Updated: 06.01.11 by Karl Rajotte

Providing end-to-end control and streamlined processes, a bid-to-cash solution can be the single most valuable software investment an HVACR contractor of any size can make.

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Document Management: When to Shred, When to Keep

Updated: 06.01.11 by Abraham J. Niedzwiecki

Several options exist from destroying the document to retaining the paper. The rules surround what kind of document you have and depend on industry regulations. Abraham Niedzwiecki offers insight for determining when to shred and when to file.

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Brag About Being Green

Updated: 04.01.11 by Mark Tibbetts

Make sure your business benefits from being environmentally aware.

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Danger Ahead?

Updated: 03.01.11 by Tony Petrucciani

A company’s KPIs strategy must evolve if it is to match the changing needs of a growing company. What worked in the company’s early growth stage is far from sufficient for a multi-branch organization. The modern service marketplace requires a new generation of KPI reporting and tracking tools.

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How To Get Paid for R22 Recovery

Updated: 03.01.11 by Brad Kivlan

Take a look at how you are managing your refrigerant business and evaluate the recovery programs that are available. Refrigerant reclaimers and suppliers are depending on your recovery activities to ensure future availability of R22 and other HCFCs and HFCs. Make sure you get paid for your efforts.

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Light Commercial/Commercial Outlook: Partly Sunny, Lingering Clouds

Updated: 01.01.11 by Tonya Vinas

Contractors, equipment suppliers, and industry groups expect 2011 to be an improvement over 2010, but not an immense improvement. Consumer trends, regulatory requirements, and incentive programs are making anything related to energy efficiency a promising opportunity; and expanding and/or rebounding sectors such as healthcare and stimulus-fueled public works projects are also brightening the outlook somewhat.

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Plan for Succession While Building Value

Updated: 01.01.11 by Bob O’Hara

Executing a successful succession plan requires a team of experts, including an attorney, CPA, and a financial planner.

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Carefully Plan Before Asking a Business Partner for a ‘Divorce’

Updated: 01.01.11 by Mike Coyne

Identify alternatives to terminating the company and keep emotions in check.

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7 Ways To Ruin Your Business

Updated: 11.01.10 by George Hedley

Stick to business fundamentals. George Hedley discusses 7 shortcuts that can break your business

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How to Grow Your Business with Dehumidification

Updated: 11.01.10 by Joe Hlavacek

Factors such as evolving homebuilding methods, changing consumer preferences, and increased awareness of health and safety issues often open new product or service opportunities for hvacr contractors.

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Warning: Turn Down the Heat

Updated: 10.01.10 by Theo Etzel

If you aren’t addressing the very real threat of burnout, your business is at risk of underperforming. Paying attention to your own feelings is very important. But watching out for signs that an employee is beginning to suffer from burnout is critical for the success of the organization.

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Leading the Search (SEO)

Updated: 10.01.10 by Susan Kimball

Potential customers have to be able to find your company when looking for a service provider on search engines such as Google, Yahoo and Bing

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How Diagnostic Technology Provides a Competitive Edge

Updated: 09.01.10 by Mark Barraclough

How Alpine Mechanical Services is incorporating technology to stay competitive.

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Contractors Adding Home Performance Services Have Choices

Updated: 09.01.10 by Bob O’Hara

Many hvacr contractors believe Home Performance (HP) — addressing residential customers' needs from a whole-house, energy-optimization point of view — is the future of the industry. Here are two reports from residential providers who are taking different routes to adding HP services

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7 Strategies that Build Your Negotiating Power

Updated: 07.01.10 by Geoffrey James

Creating a win-win outcome is only possible if you continually accumulate a counter-balancing “negotiating power” throughout the sales cycle.

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How Mobility Solutions Can Get You There

Updated: 06.01.10 by Frank Steinocher

Investing in an enterprise-wide mobility system returns value in many ways that will reduce costs and increase revenues.

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Partners in Efficiency

Updated: 03.01.10 by Tonya Vinas

Large electrical utilities are promoting hvacr contractors through pre-qualified referral lists.

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Creating a Problem-Prevention Culture

Updated: 12.01.09 by Mike Callahan

Training for "process awareness" can stop mistakes before they reach customers, saving money and ensuring repeat business.

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Making The Transition From Planning to Doing

Updated: 12.01.09 by Paul Grunau

Defining success, documenting plans, and asking questions are keys.

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Tackling Technology

Updated: 07.01.09 by Traci Purdum

Equipped with the right tools, contractors can increase productivity and reduce errors.

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How to Build Strong Leadership Teams

Updated: 06.01.09 by Paul Grunau

Deep leadership positions companies to survive and even prosper during challenging times. Such companies possess not only leaders, but also strong leadership teams.

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The Importance of Succession Planning

Updated: 05.01.09 by Mike Coyne

Whether you are a sole owner or in a partnership, considering estate planning issues now will ensure that your business survives and prospers later.

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Strategic Success

Updated: 12.01.08 by Theo Etzel

Outlining a plan and a vision of where you want to go is critical to the success of your organization. However, it is key to make it a living, breathing document to be used frequently.

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Standards — Preparing Contractors For Changes Ahead

Updated: 09.01.08 by Charlie McCrudden

Two key issues to the HVACR industry are teed up for action by the new Congress and the new Presidential administration in 2009.

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New Construction and Retail Are NOT The Same

Updated: 08.01.08 by Ron Smith

Contractors who are successful in new construction may not enjoy the same fruits in retail.

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Retirement: What Plan Is Best?

Updated: 07.01.08 by Mike Coyne

Indeed, properly planning for retirement will ensure you retire with the income you desire. But for many hvacr contractors, retirement is a foreign concept and providing retirement benefits to employees is a challenge.

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Win-Win Negotiation

Updated: 06.01.08 by James Manktelow

Finding a fair compromise will enable you to get what you deserve.

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Creating A Culture That Drives Strategy

Updated: 03.01.08 by Paul Grunau

Becoming a "chief culture officer" is a paramount in company success.

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Tap The Light Commercial Service Market

Updated: 02.01.08 by Traci Purdum

Responsiveness and quality of work will help you make the sale and retain customers.

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How To Break Into The DDC Market

Updated: 09.01.07 by Kevin R. Yeanoplos

There are a number of reasons to get into the direct digital control game. DDC technology is good for business and good for the bottom line. DDC technology can help clients improve operational and staff efficiency, while netting building owners some pretty significant energy savings

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A Growing HVACR Company Means Changing Challenges

Updated: 07.01.07 by Ron Smith

From small to medium to large to huge: Which are you, and which do you wish to be?

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Reaching Out to Hispanic Customers

Updated: 06.01.07 by Steve Saunders

A multi-faced marketing approach is effective for selling to this diverse population.

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'Safety Bucks' Program Pays Off

Updated: 05.01.07 by Theo Etzel

Conditioned Air uses public rewards and peer pressure to improve safety and reduce costs.

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The Importance Of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

Updated: 03.01.07 by Jackie Rainwater

Using key performance indicators and financial information is vitally important in operating a successful hvac business. Never overlook the extreme importance of also maintaining the right company culture.

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Establish a Primary Service Area (PSPSA)

Updated: 02.01.07 by Jackie Rainwater

Experienced and successful entrepreneur, Jackie Rainwater, discusses why it's important to designate a primary service area and how to do it the right way.

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Planning for Growth and Improved Profitability

Updated: 01.01.07 by Jackie Rainwater

In order to grow, you must take the steps necessary to properly analyze your current business mix, establish realistic future business mix, growth, and profit goals, and then develop and implement a realistic business plan to help you achieve your goals.

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The Future of the Industry, Part 3

Updated: 08.01.06 by Marc Blaushild

Sometimes, before we can look forward, it pays to reflect back. Often that perspective,

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The Future of the Industry: Where are We Headed? Part 2

Updated: 07.01.06 by HVACR Business Staff

What trends do contractors need to be aware of when mapping out growth strategies for the upcoming years?

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The Future of the Industry: Where are We Headed?

Updated: 06.01.06 by HVACR Business Staff

HVACR Business recently asked several leading contractors, industry association executives, and manufacturers to look into their crystal balls regarding future trends and developments in the HVACR industry.

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10 steps for how to value a business, sell a business, or buy a business.

Updated: 1/1/10 by Kevin R. Yeanoplos

In part 2 of a 3-part series, Kevin R. Yeanoplos discusses how an owner must put himself in the shoes of a prospective buyer and be willing to make any changes necessary to maximize the business’ “curb appeal.” He discusses key areas that a business owner should examine closely, including potential sales growth, financial strength, discretionary expenses, management depth, market and market strategy, quality of financial information, additional unnecessary expenses, hidden liability issues, plans for the future, and workforce.

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Give Your Company the "Green" Light

Updated: 1/1/10 by

Contractors that provide high-quality products and services are already being environmentally responsible. Isn’t it time you told your customers?

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