In this confessional we look at ways I've failed as a leaders and what good leaders should avoiding in an HVAC business.
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46 thoughts on “5 traits of bad hvac leaders”
  1. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Joseph McGowen says:

    Honestly as a passionate HVAC tech, I'd give credit to who did the job. If Joe shmo did it, I'd mention their name and the apprentices if any that also helped under the leadership of the tech. I'd use the employees I'd hire to help demonstrate the capabilities of my HVAC business. Any good hvac business I worked for let techs have their own customer base.

  2. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Lincoln Hunt says:

    The hvac industry in phoenix is full of bad leaders like this. They expect you to work 24/7 with no rest or time with your family or friends, and they complain that nobody wants to work. Well we do wanna work, just not for somebody who's an asshole. And unfortunately its gotten so bad out here that i left the hvac industry. In some ways i just wasn't cut out for it but the bad leadership didn't help things either Service area Ottawa??

  3. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars TheTommyboy63 says:

    30 years in this Trade. I am a fan of your Classes. I am a believer in getting the Techs more involved in the Classroom. Having your Technicians do interactive scenarios in front of the Class; having the Boss play the part of the Customer and complaining like mad. Seeing how the Techs react to different situations and diffusing the situation and explaining the issue calmly and confidently to the Customer. This gives the Tech confidence in his ability and speaking in front of a group. This worked extremely well for yours truly. Just an idea!

  4. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Mr Green says:

    I've learned that some techs especially senior techs will have a problem with not so much you, but rather what you don't know

  5. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Tino P says:

    The 11 thumbs down are the bad leaders!😎👍🏽

  6. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars ReThink HVAC says:

    I need to play this on repeat. Thank you

  7. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars The Perue’s says:

    Way more here than just HAVC Leadership; could take this directly to ALL organizations and be very applicable.

  8. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars AllianceTechNH3 says:

    Well Put. Listen up people. Free life lessons with HVAC School.

  9. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Blake Eastwood says:

    thanks sir for a wonderful video stay safe Service area Nepean??

  10. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars PickleRix says:

    All of the credit goes to the employees and all of the money goes to the owner. If you like working weekends and nights for straight time (no overtime) then you should get into HVAC.

  11. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars ARCAD1AN says:

    Trait #6 : Believing that a paycheck will buy you loyalty

  12. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Niveous23 says:

    My boss is amazing, literally an HVAC guru. He rarely get's frustrated, his complaints are more funny and less negative, and he's quick to point out when you do a good job. His pitfall is probably the, "I told you this already" thing. It's probably hard because he's a good teacher, but there's a lot to learn. He even admits that being an HVAC tech is slowly building a huge filing cabinet of knowledge…in your head. Some stuff is easy to pull out, some stuff is obscure. I sorta hate that I need to be reminded or retaught something. But there's a lot for us new guys to soak in. Basics are one thing, but then there's that, "wow…they still make this model? here's the unique thing about X…." Or maybe you rarely work on fan belts, and wouldn't you know it…today's the day you PM 15 belt driven roof top units.

  13. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Dylan Drymond says:

    Thanks for the tips. I struggle with the same things. I counted 8 kids? I thought I had my plate full with 4 young kids. God bless you and your family. These clips mean more to some then other but you will never see the full rewards on this side of eternity on how many people you have helped. I look forward to the next clip when I get time to watch them. Thanks again.

  14. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Jay R says:

    Also if I may add, leadership/management that always no matter what accepts terms or comes to agreements with clients & customers without truly factoring in the unforeseen or the in field teams feedback. Sometimes you need to draw the line with contractors & clients before committing to something unrealistic

  15. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars LastGlimpse007 says:

    The professionalism and maturity in relaying this message is worth commending, kudos to you and your staff and I love yours videos, I learn alot! 👍🏾 Service area Barrhaven??

  16. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Dan Matz says:

    What area are you guys in

  17. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Josiah Nemitz says:

    Loved this video! I definitely need to work on #1. Are all those kids yours? In other words do you have 8 kids?? Yes, I paused to count.

  18. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars WillCo Williams says:

    Thank you great advice.

  19. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Jan Lopes says:

    Had another "I'm done with hvac" moment today..I just really dont mesh well will others and dont get much respect for some reason.

    These guys mess with me a lot and think I'm a dumb helper kid. I'm 30 and rip out horizontal coils while my lead watches. Still a bit to learn but I know what I'm doing.

    Great timing on the video. Needed to vent!

  20. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars GotTwins29 says:

    I got a job at a company a few years ago pretty much right out of a 2 year tech school and I had more knowledge than my boss did…

  21. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Rania Linderman says:

    These are even steps to remember for good parenting, or being a better spouse, or sister or brother…..these are like the commandments of life …

    Thanks for sharing your thoughts. Keep up the good work.

  22. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars John Elway says:

    I got a feeling this guy doesn't have a shitty sales department driving a wedge between himself and employees.

  23. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Anwar Rasooli says:

    Very true and Only a great leader mention these…

  24. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Nate Walker says:

    This is douchey

  25. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Sparky Tech00 says:

    Wow, the last guy I worked for was 4 out of 5 of these things and I couldn’t work for him it was that bad so I had to quit.

  26. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Tyler Holland says:

    Love this man. Good stuff

  27. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Jeff Shore says:

    A lot of this can apply to training new students as well. Are you in Ottawa ?

  28. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars HVAC Service Mentor says:

    I once had a boss that would assign projects with no advance notice and an explanation of the scope of work that was "All you have to do is just do it!"

  29. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars kalexlopez85 says:

    How about the cheapskates who wana save a buck but make it harder on u

  30. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Kurt Mattox says:

    Being sent to a job with half ass instructions

  31. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars J. R. says:

    I so didn't want to watch this one. It was good though.

  32. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Scott Acy says:

    What type of "structures" do you have in place to reiterate information? I have always struggled with this. My policy, which never worked well, is calmly explain or teach something at least 3 times without any frustration or saying remember this. So what have you done that has been successful?

  33. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Gerald Schilli says:

    Boy could I tell you some horror stories about a BAD boss!!!

  34. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars David Sharkey says:

    Well done Brian, I think humility is the key . You brought out several attributes and be assured they aren’t manifested in a lot of companies. I appreciate your videos and have benefited greatly by them .

  35. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars CHOMAHOMA says:

    Good video. Thank you. You are showing a guy standing on a ladder that in dangerous and not safe in that room working on the ductwork.

  36. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Chris C says:

    I like this one.
    I’d like to add that it’s always good to be grateful. A leader wouldn’t be a leader without someone following them, and no one is obligated to follow them. A little humility and thankfulness for those who are part of your organization goes a long way in creating a good work culture. Are you in Nepean ?

  37. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Tioga Fretworks says:

    100%. Guessing you’re a pretty good guy to work for.

  38. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars 242sp says:

    Bert deserves the Congressional " Having to Put Up With Bryan " Award. Convulsing on the floor from overwork brought multiple tears to my eyes, the lack of humanity is just appalling.

    Signed,

    Bert

  39. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars chris reed says:

    I hate complaining. And hate the feeling I get after I realize I just spent time complaing.

  40. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars J C says:

    It's the teacher 99% of the time. Most can understand eventually. Service area Kanata??

  41. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Straightoutofchiraq says:

    Know it all are generally terrible teachers

  42. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Straightoutofchiraq says:

    A manager is always more respected than a boss.. A boss gets his ass whipped after he hands you your last paycheck 🤪 Are you in Orleans ?

  43. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Allen McCaw says:

    Really would love to work for a company that has your views and values.

  44. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars realworld hvac says:

    Thanks for your honesty. As a 20plus year veteran the endured a divorce ballooned up to 298 pound hated life didn't get along with his superiors and had to defend restroom stops. Endured and now a well respected technician. Who recommend updated our 20 to 30 technicians to the full trublu navac field piece and so on. That was welcomed with eager. Some personnel are worth the investment. Negative employees I will help and shut down at negativity. Buy in positive workers the energy is unstoppable. The one hour shops with minimum hours a focus on sales. This behavior leads to shanagons. The team should be rewarded quarterly as a group. This will create a sense of team. Those that know will invest in those that don't. Im a better technical by not fearing a junior tech at being better. By passing on the trade it will continue. That's the cycle of tradesman. I prefer the term as craftsman. As I enjoy sweating swaging evacuating and releasing more than most hobbies. When I go to work it is my hobby. Thanks again for all of your free info that drives me to be the best.

  45. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Bobcat Arts says:

    Additionally, "Leadership" is different from "Authority". Leadership and Management are not the same thing. Looking around our companies you may find field techs in leadership positions, and you'll recognize them in how they interact, especially without any authority of their own. I'm just a wrench turner in the field, but I try to make sure everyone's taken care of and work with safety and efficiency of future service in mind. Good video, boss.

  46. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Ricky Ry says:

    Well said. Now I am gonna go meditate and self reflect. Good Video.

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