Struggling to find good people or keep them? You’re not alone. In this follow-up episode, Ryan Englin sits down again with Michael Katz and David Katz of Trio Heating and Air to reveal the people-first strategies that helped them grow to $10M in just a few years.

This episode is a goldmine for blue collar leaders in construction and home services looking to attract, recruit, and retain top talent. Michael and David break down what it really takes to recruit A-players and why your office culture, branding, and onboarding process matter more than you think.

Whether you’re tired of hiring duds, facing constant turnover, or feel stuck in your recruiting process, this conversation is your roadmap to building a team that thrives.

Takeaways

• [2:00] Why you’re not attracting top performers and how to fix it.
• [3:30] The power of branding your workspace to appeal to A-players.
• [5:00] The critical mistake small businesses make when hiring top salespeople.
• [10:00] The long game: How David nurtured a top recruit for 3 years.
• [14:15] Tactical steps to make interviews less intimidating and more effective.
• [17:30] The onboarding experience that gets top talent earning on day one.
• [21:00] How Trio’s $3,000 employee referral system works and why it’s genius.
• [26:00] What to do when your HR team says your recruiting idea is crazy.
• [31:45] Why high performers leave and how to keep them loyal.
• [36:45] Tips to retain support staff like dispatchers and CSRs too.

Connect With Michael & David:

· Website: https://trioheatingandair.com/

· LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-katz-20b751109/

· LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-katz-999319b5/

Support Titans of the Trades:

If you found this episode insightful, please subscribe, share, and leave a review for Titans of the Trades. Your support goes a long way in helping us bring more impactful discussions your way.

Can you succeed in the HVAC industry without any experience? Brothers Michael Katz and David Katz did just that; scaling their company, Trio Heating and Air, from zero to over $10 million in revenue in just two years. In today’s episode, these innovative entrepreneurs share their remarkable journey, highlighting key strategies that can supercharge your growth, profitability, and market presence.

Learn how embracing technology, strategic pricing, and relentless execution allowed them to attract A-players, outperform competitors, and dominate their market. Michael and David offer practical advice for overcoming common hurdles in construction and HVAC businesses, ensuring your company thrives even during challenging times.

This is an inspiring story of passion, persistence, and the power of learning from industry leaders. If you’re looking to elevate your construction business, don’t miss this transformative episode!

Key Takeaways

• 01:29 – How two brothers with no HVAC experience built a multi-million-dollar business in under two years.
• 03:42 – The critical importance of aligning visions within a family-run business.
• 06:33 – The unexpected beginnings: From sleeping in a van to selling air filters door-to-door.
• 08:57 – How attending industry conferences like Pantheon completely changed their business trajectory.
• 13:19 – The harsh reality behind rapid business growth—and how to manage it sustainably.
• 15:28 – Turning your lack of industry experience into your biggest competitive advantage.
• 23:42 – Why raising your prices can dramatically boost your profitability (and customer satisfaction).
• 28:21 – How to overcome pricing fears and dramatically increase your conversion rates.
• 32:27 – The secret behind attracting and retaining A-player talent in construction.
• 34:44 – Simple but powerful advice on how to replicate success: “Just copy and paste.”

Connect With Michael & David:

Website: https://trioheatingandair.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-katz-20b751109/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-katz-999319b5/

Support Titans of the Trades:

If you found this episode insightful, please subscribe, share, and leave a review for Titans of the Trades. Your support goes a long way in helping us bring more impactful discussions your way.

In this episode of Titans of the Trades, host Ryan Englin talks with Josh Vitale, Founder of Project BUILT, about the unseen struggles facing the construction workforce.

Josh shares staggering statistics on mental health challenges, the alarming suicide and opioid rates in the trades, and how leaders can step up to make a difference. You’ll hear actionable ideas on fostering connection, healing families, and building workplaces where people thrive, not just survive.

If you’re a construction leader who cares about your team’s wellbeing and wants to build a healthier culture that drives productivity and loyalty, this episode is a must‑listen.

Key Takeaways with Time Stamps

• [02:21] Shocking stats on suicide and opioid addiction in construction.
• [03:53] Why a lack of connection fuels despair in the trades.
• [06:57] What real suffering looks like for many mid‑level construction workers.
• [09:55] How leaders can model vulnerability to support their teams.
• [10:59] The hidden impact of toxic bosses on jobsite mental health.
• [12:27] Boundary setting and personal resilience when facing toxic leadership.
• [17:38] Balancing project metrics with emotional health and safety.
• [22:46] How to get involved with Project BUILT and Construction Suicide Prevention Week.

Connect With Josh:

Website: https://getbuilt.org/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshua-vitale-vitalchemy/

Support Titans of the Trades:

If you found this episode insightful, please subscribe, share, and leave a review for Titans of the Trades. Your support goes a long way in helping us bring more impactful discussions your way.