EP156 Inside the Toolbox- Rethinking HVAC with a High-End Twist With Chris Wisniewski (December...

In the episode Eric and Bill interview Chris Wisniewski, a high-end residential HVAC contractor. Chris shares his journey from having no initial interest in HVAC, influenced by his father's work, to taking over the family business after college. He emphasizes the importance of being in the field and understanding the technical aspects, leading to his interest in control systems and the evolution of his business from industrial to high-end and standard residential services.
Chris discusses the business's transition towards high-end residential work in the city (NYC), incorporating standard residential projects, and the challenges of adapting to different market demands. He highlights his commitment to quality, the struggles with business coaching programs focused more on sales than HVAC specifics, and his dissatisfaction with standard residential HVAC approaches. Chris stresses quality installations and the challenge of pricing them competitively without compromising standards.
Finally, Chris speaks on the recruitment challenges in the HVAC industry, especially the difficulty in finding dedicated and skilled technicians. He shares his company's approach to integrating new technology, providing value, and maintaining high standards. He also reflects on the importance of choosing the right customers and projects that align with the company's ethos, emphasizing that while it may limit scaling, it ensures the company remains true to its values and delivers high-quality, satisfying work.

Chris’ LinkedIn: / chriswisniewskinj
His business, ICS: www.icshvac.com/
You will also find him active in the HVAC Owners Group on Facebook.


This episode was recorded in December 2023.

[@TedKidd]

Pursuit of perfection that clients don't value leads to high price and unprofitable jobs. Interesting he's beyond that realization in his path.
If a bypass humidifier doesn't keep up it is very likely the homes leakage is so high adding that much moisture is going to rot the roof. Wonder if/when he'll learn this.
Always offer heat pumps, hybrids.
If ac represents more than 5% of your sales, you need sales training.

[@cwis8753]

Quite a naive take. You're thinking suburban house. Your point of view has no exposure to high end, city or real-world historic homes. Bypass humidifiers are water wasters - its 1960's technology