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
Market Analysis
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
Embraco Builds Compressor Plant in India: Why it Matters
As global demand continues to grow for high-efficiency, variable-speed, and natural refrigerant-ready compressors, manufacturers are rethinking their supply chains. One of the most recognized names in refrigeration technology: Embraco (part of Nidec Global Appliance) is taking a major step with the construction of a new $120 million compressor factory in India. While this … [Read more...] about Embraco Builds Compressor Plant in India: Why it Matters
Ferguson Q3 Results highlight Dual Trade Contractor Strategy Performance
Ferguson recently released their Q3 Results through April 30, 2025 and although the pace of Ferguson acquisitions has slowed, their growth remains strong. Their focus on the dual trade contractor (Plumbing and HVACR) continues to be a winning company strategy. Source: Ferguson Q3 results released June 3, 2025 Ferguson shared that Sales were up 4.3% in the Quarter with … [Read more...] about Ferguson Q3 Results highlight Dual Trade Contractor Strategy Performance
Chuck Labow Joins Channel Marketing Group / HVACRTrends
I launched HVACRTrends in 2021 as an initiative to serve the HVAC industry, similar to ElectricalTrends, which I launched in 2007. The goal then was, quite frankly, to slowly expand, and diversify, Channel Marketing Group. The intent for the site is to share ideas, offer observations about the business, and bring insights from a different perspective which is informed from a … [Read more...] about Chuck Labow Joins Channel Marketing Group / HVACRTrends
Carrier Investor Day shows continued growth built off a strong business base
Carrier's Investor Day, May 19, 2025 provided a deep dive into the HVACR leading manufacturer strategy and results that were enlightening. Often in these high-level investor day presentations, you have to read between the lines. As our HVACR trends are overwhelmingly based in North America, I concentrated on the presentation given by Gaurang Pandya - President - Climate … [Read more...] about Carrier Investor Day shows continued growth built off a strong business base
Solving the HVAC Labor Crunch
Fieldedge's Jessie Barrack shares candid insights on the HVAC labor crisis, the role of technology, and the need for coordinated action across the HVACR distribution channel. How FieldEdge Helps Contractors Do More with Less When we spoke with Jessie Barrack, it is clear that he is carrying the weight of decades in the HVAC space, having worn every hat from call center rep to … [Read more...] about Solving the HVAC Labor Crunch
