Engineering & Construction
Hiring for Values, Investing in Mentorship, and Leveraging Tech Boosts Retention and Workforce Stability in the HVAC Industry
Strategic hiring practices and structured mentorship programs help mechanical contractors combat labor shortages while building sustainable teams
Key takeaways
Values-based hiring — assessing work ethic, motivations, and character beneath the resume — is critical for long-term employee fit in HVAC.
Structured mentorship programs and clear career roadmaps help employees envision a future in the trades, reducing turnover.
A supportive, appreciative workplace culture directly improves productivity and retention in a competitive labor market.
The HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) industry is experiencing significant growth, with the U.S. market projected to reach over $32 billion in 2024 and expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.4% between 2024 and 2030. This expansion is driven by increasing demand for energy-efficient systems, advancements in smart technologies, and a heightened focus on indoor air quality. However, the industry faces challenges, notably a shortage of skilled labor which underscores the need for strategies that improve employee retention and workforce stability.
The industry faces challenges, notably a shortage of skilled labor which underscores the need for strategies that improve employee retention and workforce stability.
How can HVAC companies address workforce challenges while fostering a culture of mentorship, education, and leadership? What strategies set organizations apart in a competitive, evolving industry?
On this episode of Straight Outta Crumpton, host Greg Crumpton welcomes Mike Rosone, Vice President of Service Sales at Arista Air Conditioning. Together, they explore how effective hiring practices, people-focused leadership, and forward-thinking mentorship programs can transform HVAC businesses.
Key Highlights:
- Looking Beyond the Resume: Mike explains why identifying values, work ethic, and motivations, often referred to as the "90% under the waterline," is essential for hiring the right people.
- Investing in Growth: Building mentorship programs and career roadmaps ensures employees can see their future in the HVAC industry.
- Creating a Strong Culture: A supportive, appreciative workplace increases productivity, improves retention, and helps businesses thrive long-term.
Mike Rosone is the Vice President of Service Sales at Arista Air Conditioning, one of New York City's leading HVAC contractors. With nearly three decades of experience, Mike started his career as a parts runner before rising to leadership roles. His journey includes managing HVAC operations, coaching entrepreneurs as a leadership consultant, and now mentoring teams at Arista. Mike is passionate about developing people, fostering positive work cultures, and driving operational excellence.
About the author
<a style="color: white;font-weight: 600;" href="https://marketscale.com/shows/straight-outta-crumpton/">Straight Outta Crumpton</a><br/><br/> Greg's personal & professional goals are to serve the people that he am working with and/or for. He carries this mantra in his professional life and his home life. Having 40+ years as a full-service mechanical and mission critical environments contractor with a heavy emphasis on service, maintenance and repair. Greg specialize in mission critical cooling (Heat Rejection) and electrical infrastructures, as well as the comfort cooling surrounding them. As a continual entrepreneur, several markets strike him as interesting. As varied as you could imagine, they range from Coffee with my bud's at www.CommonPlaceCoffee.com, all the way to serving as an adviser for several start-ups in the emerging technology world via www.aGlobalVenture.com & www.AtomPower.com and others. Giving back to his community is of equal importance to him, www.apparo.org and Animal Welfare are just a couple ways of doing just that.
