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In this episode of Accelerated HVAC Success, host Ben Middleton sits down with Roberto Herrera, Senior Product Manager for Split Unitary Systems at Daikin Comfort Technologies, to dive into the exciting world of heat pumps and how they’re reshaping the HVAC industry. Roberto shares the latest news about heat pumps and Daikin’s mission to reach more customers with sustainable, high-performance products designed for extreme climates—like the Aurora system. He explores how market trends around heat pumps have evolved in just a few short years, why utility companies are pushing for wider adoption, and how initiatives like the Department of Energy’s Heat Pump Challenge inspired Daikin to create the Aurora. Roberto also gives us an inside look at the Aurora itself—what sets it apart from other systems, the story behind its name, and its standout features that make it a game-changer for both contractors and homeowners. He offers practical advice for contractors who haven’t yet installed an Aurora system, highlighting the benefits it can bring to their business and customers. From technical insights to forward-looking market perspectives, this episode is packed with knowledge that will help HVAC professionals stay ahead in the rapidly growing heat pump space.
In the final episode of our three-part series with Tonya Gaitz, Owner and Operator of Gaitz HVACR, we take a look at how embracing change—particularly in technology—can drive transformation within an HVAC business. Tonya talks candidly about resistance within the industry, the growing demand for VRV systems, and how cloud-based tools allow her team to catch issues before they impact the customer experience. She also outlines key practices for success with Daikin FIT systems and how the technology her team uses in the field helps set them apart from the competition. Tonya reflects on the challenges and rewards of redoing her company website, now with support from Lemonseed Marketing, and how thinking like a consumer—whether they're searching online or even using ChatGPT—can guide better business decisions. She highlights the impact of holding regular morning meetings to create structure, review jobs, and foster team problem-solving. Above all, Tonya notes that for a company to successfully adopt new technology, the owner must lead the way—by staying involved, informed, and supportive of their team throughout the process.
In this second episode of our three-part series with Tonya Gaitz, Owner and Operator of Gaitz HVACR, we explore how she’s helping shape the future of the HVAC industry through intentional hiring, mentorship, and forward-thinking leadership. Tonya tells the inspiring story of a new hire who entered the field with no experience and now leads his own team, and she discusses her hands-on work with high school students—including guiding them through a real installation. Her focus on building partnerships with local school districts highlights the untapped potential of mentoring students early, especially as technology becomes more integral to the trade. Tonya also shares how embracing tools like The New Flat Rate and adapting to industry changes, such as the refrigerant transition, helps both new and experienced techs succeed. She emphasizes the importance of strong leadership when implementing new Daikin technologies and talks about the power of collaboration and partnerships in creating new opportunities. This episode is full of insight for anyone looking to grow their team, foster the next generation of talent, and embrace innovation in HVAC.
In this first of three episodes with Tonya Gaitz, Owner and Operator of Gaitz HVACR, she shares her journey through the evolving landscape of HVAC technology and leadership. Tonya reflects on how she got started with VRV systems and the Daikin FIT, and how her partnerships with innovative platforms like measureQuick and The New Flat Rate have helped shape the direction of her growing business. She emphasizes the importance of educating not just her technicians, but also her customers, as she molds her company around smart, forward-thinking technological solutions. Tonya also opens up about navigating the industry as a female technician, the lessons she’s learned, and how organizations like Women in HVAC have played a role in her support network. From working alongside veteran techs like her father to mentoring the next generation, Tonya offers powerful insights into leading with adaptability and intention. Her words of advice for young women entering the trades make this a must-listen for anyone building their path in HVAC.
In this episode of Accelerated HVAC Success, we’re joined by Dan Clapper, Director of Learner and Business Outcomes at Interplay Learning Solutions, to examine how immersive, on-demand simulation is shaping the future of HVAC training. Dan explains how traditional video-based learning is losing effectiveness and how simulation-based training fills the gap by building muscle memory and encouraging active participation. He walks listeners through the benefits of learning by doing and offers practical advice for those hesitant to try simulation training—starting with simple, guided experiences that build confidence over time. Dan also introduces "challenge mode," a feature that pushes learners to apply skills in realistic scenarios, and discusses the exciting addition of the new Commercial Rooftop simulation in Daikin’s training library. He explains how these tools, now accessible through the HVAC Learning Campus, are helping technicians grow faster and more effectively. With a growing library that spans a wide range of skills and systems, Interplay Learning is reshaping how HVAC professionals train, develop, and succeed in the field.
In this episode of Accelerated HVAC Success, host Ben Middleton sits down with Randy Martin, Director of Operations at Pricebook Digital, to explore how transparent pricing can transform the contractor-homeowner relationship. Randy shares his journey to joining the Pricebook Digital team and explains how the platform empowers contractors to clearly present pricing and a range of options to homeowners, making it easier for them to understand and choose what best fits their needs and budget. By simplifying the presentation of pricing, contractors can build trust, show affordability, and involve homeowners more actively in the decision-making process. Randy also breaks down how Pricebook Digital was designed with the homeowner in mind and how it works to make the sales process more seamless and effective. He discusses the importance of offering options and financing, and how these features help contractors close more deals while enhancing the customer experience. Additionally, he highlights Pricebook Digital’s strong connection with Daikin, Goodman, and Amana, and explains how it supports dealers in delivering clear, professional proposals. This episode is packed with practical insights for contractors looking to elevate their sales approach and build stronger relationships with homeowners.
In this episode of Accelerated HVAC Success, we welcome Crystal Williams, Founder and Visionary of Lemonseed Marketing, to share her expertise on creating truly individualized marketing strategies. Crystal dives into the importance of understanding your target audience and crafting messaging that resonates, including how to tailor language specifically for your ideal customers. She explores how Lemonseed leverages AI to curate specialized, impactful messaging that stands out in a crowded market. Crystal underscores the need for tracking strategies to test, measure, and refine campaigns, ensuring every marketing dollar delivers results. She also explores why working with a marketing firm should be viewed as a long-term partnership rather than a one-time fix, and she outlines the top three essentials for building a successful brand strategy. Crystal highlights the value of creating tracking and accountability systems that empower businesses to measure their own success and collaborate more effectively with their marketing partners. Packed with practical advice and actionable insights, this episode is a must-listen for any contractor or business owner looking to strengthen their brand and connect more deeply with their customers.
In this episode of Accelerated HVAC Success, we’re joined by Carter Patton, Product Manager for Air Conditioning at Daikin Comfort Technologies, to dive into the exciting developments behind their upcoming side discharge release. Carter shares insights into Daikin’s strategic expansion of their side discharge product line, including the enhancement of the current cube-style inverter. Positioned as a capstone product, this new unit represents a natural evolution of the line and sets the stage for future FIT model innovations. Carter walks through how this new offering sets itself apart from Daikin’s existing 17 SEER product, outlining improvements in energy efficiency, performance in extreme weather, and overall system enhancements. Listeners will also learn how Daikin is maintaining compatibility with its current lineup of air handlers, furnaces, and coils—preserving installation flexibility while delivering advanced features and benefits that elevate both contractor and homeowner experience.
In this episode of Accelerated HVAC Success, Alicia Centeno briefs us on some exciting elements of her new role as the Amana Brand Manager at Daikin Comfort Technologies. She begins with the brand's strong alignment with Daikin and their joint commitment to delivering high-performance, reliable systems that meet evolving market demands. Specifically, she notes how the Amana S Series is built to perform in any climate, making it a versatile solution for contractors across the country. Alicia stresses Amana’s ongoing investment in dealer development, including a brief description of tools, programs, and buy-down incentives designed to drive success. Finally, she affirms the importance of, and her commitment to, tailored training — ensuring the right content reaches the right person at the right time — so dealers are fully equipped to grow their business with confidence and expertise.
In this episode of Accelerated HVAC Success, we’re joined by Jim Steffey, National Sales Trainer for Daikin Comfort Technology’s South Division, for a powerful discussion on one of the HVAC industry's most underutilized tools: tax credits and energy rebates. Jim introduces the new Daikin Rebate Center, a game-changing resource designed to eliminate the complexity and confusion around rebates. With this new platform, contractors simply input job details, and the Rebate Center automatically generates the correct rebate amounts, complete with all necessary forms—making it easier than ever to capitalize on these financial incentives. Jim gives us a quick overview of how the Daikin Rebate Center works, how to access it, and why it's such a crucial tool for standing out in competitive markets. For instance, in Boston, MA, homeowners can qualify for up to $10,000 in rebates—savings that could seal the deal for your next install. Contractors are encouraged to check with their Territory Sales Manager to see when the tool will be available in their market, and to take advantage of on-demand training available through the HVAC Learning Campus. If you're ready to simplify rebates and give your customers a compelling reason to choose you, this episode is a must-listen.