Jenny Brown and Deanna Lassiter explain how Mingledorff’s Caffeine and Coils became both a creative outlet and a living symbol of their transparency, innovation, and people-first culture.
By Chuck Labow | HVACRtrends.com
When Mingledorff’s Caffeine and Coils first launched, it wasn’t just another company podcast—it was a natural continuation of something Mingledorff’s had been doing for decades. Long before podcasts existed, Chairman Bud Mingledorff recorded company updates on cassette tapes and mailed them to employees so everyone could “keep score” on how the business was doing. That early commitment to open communication and innovation helped shape a company that continues to evolve 86 years later.
Today, that spirit lives on in Caffeine and Coils, hosted by Jenny Brown, Aftermarket Marketing Manager, and Deanna Lassiter, Graphic Designer. What began as an in-house idea has become both a creative outlet and a window into how one of the Southeast’s largest HVAC distributors connects with contractors, technicians, and each other.
Culture and Connection at Scale
Q: Mingledorff’s is a large, established distributor – yet it still feels surprisingly nimble. What allows that kind of flexibility?
Jenny Brown: I think it’s that Mingledorff’s has always been open to new ideas. Starting the podcast was a great example—they didn’t hesitate to support us. And a lot of our management comes from the ground up, so we’re getting younger managers with new perspectives. That helps keep the company youthful.
Deanna Lassiter: Being privately owned gives us more flexibility. We’re not answering to Wall Street; we’re accountable to our customers and each other. There’s a lot of autonomy. We’re trusted to make decisions and run with them—that’s not something you see everywhere.
Q: How would you describe the company’s culture today?
Jenny Brown: Autonomy is a big part of it. Our branches can make decisions that fit their customers. It’s not one-size-fits-all. That independence keeps us nimble and helps us serve locally, even though we’re a big company.
Deanna Lassiter: And community. We do a lot of outreach and internal development through programs like Elevate, Elevate Leadership, Encompass, and the Women’s Empowerment Network. Those help employees grow, connect, and celebrate different backgrounds. It creates community beyond the daily work.
Jenny Brown: Transparency too. We have Set Point, a monthly broadcast where our CEO reviews the company’s financials, recognizes promotions, and celebrates anniversaries. Bud started that idea years ago with cassette tapes, and it’s still part of who we are. It’s unusual for a company our size to be that open.
A Modern Voice: The Rise of Caffeine and Coils
Q: How did the podcast come about, and what did you hope to accomplish?
Deanna Lassiter: Jenny had the idea, and someone knew I’d been interested in podcasting. We started brainstorming names, structure, and guests—it came together quickly. We’re both the kind of people who like to make things happen.
Jenny Brown: We started small—literally two chairs and a table. Now we have a proper studio, a theme song written by one of our coworkers, and a logo that Deanna designed. It’s become something we’re really proud of.
Q: How has the show changed since those early episodes?
Jenny Brown: The biggest change has been confidence. At first, the red light came on and it was intimidating. Now we can record a few episodes in one day. The quality’s better, the studio’s better, and we’ve grown as hosts.
Deanna Lassiter: We’ve also expanded our guest list. The idea is to bring in experts who can help us—and our listeners—learn more about the industry. I was new to HVAC when I started here, so part of our goal was to learn alongside new technicians and contractors.
Q: What kind of feedback do you get from listeners?
Jenny Brown: It’s been great. At branch events, customers come up and say, “You’re on the podcast!” It’s a great conversation starter. Internally, people listen too—we didn’t expect that. It’s become a way to connect the company from the inside out.
Deanna Lassiter: We even play clips in the branches on the TVs, so it keeps the conversation going in the field. It’s fun when coworkers mention an episode or suggest topics. That tells us it’s resonating.
Q: Why do you think a podcast works so well for Mingledorff’s?
Jenny Brown: It’s authentic. This isn’t polished corporate messaging—it’s a genuine conversation about what’s happening in the business. It reflects who we are: open, curious, and willing to try new things. The HVAC workforce is changing, and we’re using tools like this to meet people where they are—digitally and personally.
Growth, Innovation, and What Comes Next
Q: Mingledorff’s invests heavily in contractor education through its Business Development Group. How does that fit into the company’s identity?
Jenny Brown: The BDG started because we saw a need. So many great technicians become business owners but don’t have training in running a company—pricing, accounting, customer communication. BDG gives them that foundation at no cost. It’s a value add that builds loyalty and helps the whole market grow.
Q: The company recently hit the $1 billion sales milestone. What excites you most about Mingledorff’s future?
Jenny Brown: That milestone was huge. It made everyone proud, but it also felt like just the beginning. There’s no ceiling here—our leadership invests in us and trusts us to innovate.
Deanna Lassiter: I agree. I’m excited that the company isn’t afraid to try something new. Technology moves fast, and Mingledorff’s moves with it. You don’t stay relevant for 86 years by standing still.
Q: For other distributors trying to modernize without losing their identity, what would you say?
Deanna Lassiter: Don’t overthink it. Try things, see what works, make it your own. Authenticity matters more than perfection.
Jenny Brown: Know who you are. Look at what’s made your company successful—your values, your people—and build from that. Modernization doesn’t mean abandoning what works; it means amplifying it.
Legacy and Continuity
When asked what Bud Mingledorff and the leadership team would want people to remember, both hosts didn’t hesitate.
Jenny Brown: If you’ve listened to Bud’s episode, you know the answer—he’d want everyone to remember the people. That’s what he’s most proud of.
Deanna Lassiter: Absolutely. Mingledorff’s has great products and systems, but it’s the people who make it special.
Why It Matters
In an industry where tradition and innovation often pull in opposite directions, Mingledorff’s has found a way to blend both—using tools like Caffeine & Coils to do what it’s always done best: keep people informed and connected. The technology has changed, but the intent hasn’t.
