There’s a lot of talk about how to attract more people to the field. That’s good. But for individual HVAC contractors, it’s just as important to keep the technicians they already have. This creates fewer vacancies to fill. It also means that when there is an opening, the HVAC contractor has an easier time recruiting employees because the good working conditions attract them.

That’s why honors such as being named one of the Best Contractors to Work For should matter just as much as awards from customers or manufacturers. This year’s four winners all understand that happy technicians make for happy customers — and that investing in employees provide substantial returns for any business.