Masco’s Q2 2025 earnings report was a study in contrasts. For those of us watching the residential HVAC space, it offered a few clear signals. Headline numbers: Adjusted gross margin improved to 37.7%, up 10 basis points. Revenue was $2.05 billion, down 2% year-over-year. Adjusted for currency and divestitures, it was flat. Adjusted operating margin rose to … [Read more...] about Masco Q2 Earnings: Plumbing Holds Strong as Paint Softens What It Signals for Residential HVAC
From Tools to Toolbags: Malco’s Next Move
When The Malco Group picked up Veto Pro Pac earlier this month, it wasn’t just an expansion move. It was a signal. Malco is already known for HVAC-specific tools, chemicals, and accessories. Adding Veto brings a premium tool storage line into the fold and pushes the company further into full-spectrum jobsite relevance. This deal doesn’t just add SKUs. It deepens Malco’s … [Read more...] about From Tools to Toolbags: Malco’s Next Move
Talent Isn’t a Trait. It’s a Trajectory.
If you were to ask ten people what “entrepreneurial talent” looks like, there is a very good chance that you’d get ten different answers. Some focus on mindset, others on past results. Some consider traits like curiosity and drive. Dr. Jeff Magee’s “Player Capability Index” takes a structured run at defining entrepreneurial talent by mixing elements of motivation, personal … [Read more...] about Talent Isn’t a Trait. It’s a Trajectory.
Embraco enters the HVAC compressor market
Embraco built its name in refrigeration—especially with fractional horsepower compressors used in light commercial and residential cold chain applications. Now, with the acquisition of Xecom, the brand is moving into HVAC. The new scroll line covers rooftop units, heat pumps, and central systems for both commercial and residential use. More importantly, Nidec appears to be … [Read more...] about Embraco enters the HVAC compressor market
Danfoss Announces new Universal TR6 Thermostatic Expansion Valve Kit
In last month’s article, we looked at the timelines around the shift to R-454B and other A2L refrigerants. As that transition picks up, manufacturers are starting to release components that work across both legacy and next-generation systems. Danfoss’s new Universal TR6 thermostatic expansion valve is one of them—compatible with R-410A, R-454B, and R-32. It’s designed to … [Read more...] about Danfoss Announces new Universal TR6 Thermostatic Expansion Valve Kit
AI at the Crossroads: What Happens Next Depends on Who’s Driving
The conversation around AI is picking up steam, and not just in tech circles. Whether you're in HVACR, construction, distribution, or finance, the ripple effects of AI are starting to hit every corner of the economy. But I think we're asking the wrong first question. It's not just, "What will AI do?" It's, "What kind of society do we want to build with it?" In the HVACR … [Read more...] about AI at the Crossroads: What Happens Next Depends on Who’s Driving
New Research: What HVAC Buyers Expect from Distributors in 2025
New research reveals how buying behavior is changing—and what it means for your ecommerce strategy We recently partnered with BigCommerce to better understand how contractors and institutional buyers are sourcing HVAC, electrical, and industrial supplies—and what they now expect from distributors in 2025 and beyond. The full report is now live: … [Read more...] about New Research: What HVAC Buyers Expect from Distributors in 2025
Gas Furnace Shipments & The One Big Beautiful Bill: What Happens if it Passes?
Unless you’ve been trapped under something heavy for the past three months, you’ve probably heard of President Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill” (OBBB) budget proposal. Regardless of your political leanings, passage (or not) of the OBBB will affect the trajectory of gas furnace shipments in 2025 and beyond. April and year-to-date (YTD) 2025 data from AHRI confirm robust … [Read more...] about Gas Furnace Shipments & The One Big Beautiful Bill: What Happens if it Passes?
Loyalty Is Earned. But Sometimes It’s Bought, and That’s a Good Thing
In my experience, contractors can be a fickle bunch. In today’s hyper-competitive HVACR market, contractor loyalty is more important – and more elusive – than ever. A new report from ITA Group and Channel Marketing Group, Building Contractor Loyalty, reveals just how much loyalty programs influence contractor behavior. Contractor Loyalty by the Numbers 57% of … [Read more...] about Loyalty Is Earned. But Sometimes It’s Bought, and That’s a Good Thing
What to Know About the R-454B Shortage
Guess what? Brian was right. It's June and the R-454B shortage is here. Recently, I tuned in to HARDI’s webinar titled “Mixing Refrigerants: Addressing Misinformation and Best Practices,” hosted by Talbot Gee, CEO of HARDI, and featuring Mike Breen of Rheem/Ruud, who also serves on NATE’s Technical Committee. It was a timely, no-nonsense discussion about the challenges … [Read more...] about What to Know About the R-454B Shortage
