COLUMBUS, Ohio — For the last five months, Heating, Air-conditioning & Refrigeration Distributors International (HARDI) has been filming a workforce recruitment documentary. The organization recently announced the project’s name, “Hot Commodity,” and released a trailer for the film, which is expected to be shown in full for the first time at HARDI’s Annual Conference, Dec. 1-4 in Austin, Texas.

The documentary, commissioned by the HARDI Foundation in partnership with member donors, aims to bring awareness of the HVACR and distribution industries to younger demographics as a tool for recruitment. The idea stemmed from the “Standing on the Shoulders of Giants” video, which was presented at last year’s Annual Conference by 2018 HARDI president Troy Meachum. Filmmakers Bryce and Jessie Suriano’s company, Muddy Trails, produced that film as well as “Hot Commodity.”

“This project has been such a unique and fun undertaking,” said Chris DeBoer, director of marketing and sales, HARDI. “There are so many details that you constantly think about. Coming up with a name for this was no different. The group brainstormed for several weeks before deciding on something we felt worked for all audiences. 'Hot Commodity' speaks to how precious finding young talent is as well as the opportunities that are out there for people. It also doesn't hurt that we were able to reference temperature."

"We have been complaining for years that we can't get good quality young people into our industry," said Meachum. “We have now identified and are putting together a project that I think will effectively reach hundreds, if not thousands, of potential young people who are looking for careers and let them know that we have a viable, attractive, exciting, and highly technical industry they can become a part of, make a good living at, and have a great career."

The trailer can be viewed at https://vimeo.com/298687332. For more information, visit www.hardinet.org.

Publication date: 11/08/18

Want more HVAC industry news and information? Join The NEWS on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn today!