NORCROSS, GA — It was lights, camera and action recently aswww.hvacchannel.tvbrought a live broadcast over the Internet to subscribers from a small studio tucked in the rear of an inconspicuous office building in suburban Atlanta. The occasion was a series of HVACR industry updates.

The three morning “webcasts” were also taped, and one was placed in the archives, where subscribers to HVAC Channel have the opportunity to view it for the next 30 days. The host and founder of HVAC Channel is Ruth King. King has worked in the HVACR and plumbing industries since 1987, advising contractors on business practices such as marketing, finance, and training.

On this day, King was assisted by producer Julianna Hall and audio technician Hal Millican. Both monitor the broadcast and provide directions to King in the studio, forwarding calls from participants and relaying chat room questions.

On other days, King broadcasts training seminars involving in-studio guests. These seminars are often archived and made available to subscribers at later times. She also customizes webcasts to include special programs, such as the one she recently did for contractor Bud Mingledorff, owner of Mingledorff’s Inc., a Carrier distributor for the state of Georgia. Employees at 14 Georgia locations participated in a live, one-hour discussion of Mingledorff’s “State of the Company” address and financial reports.

“Participants had incredible flexibility,” said King. “They asked Bud some tough questions. In addition, for the employees who missed the live program, they can watch it later, even at 3 a.m. We look forward to the next broadcast, which has been scheduled for November 15, 2002.”

PROGRAMS AVAILABLE

The basic programs on HVAC Channel include:

  • Technical training — Specific shows include “Repair and Maintenance,” which is targeted at service technicians with at least one to two years of experience, and “HVAC Fundamentals,” which covers the basics of HVAC service and installation.

  • Business training — These seminars cover management topics for owners and office personnel. Titles include “Sales and Marketing” and “Bookkeeping Basics.”

  • Premium Series programs — “Dispatchers Survival Program” is designed to help dispatchers succeed in a pressure-cooker environment. “Service Manager’s Survival Program” aims to help managers understand management and financial matters. “Put More Money in My Pocket” is a forum in which HVAC contractors share ideas with noncompeting contractors on ways to help increase business, take care of employees, and increase sales.

    For more program or subscription information, call 800-511-6844 or visit www.hvacchannel.tv.

    Publication date: 11/04/2002