Does your work environment encourage growth, opportunity, recognition, education, and a winning attitude for all employees? Then I encourage you to nominate your company as a 2016 Best Contractor to Work For.

According to a new white paper from the Sheet Metal & Air Conditioning Contractors’ National Association (SMACNA), everyone in the construction industry has a different definition of BIM, and many in the sheet metal industry have not adopted it “because they lack a clear, practical understanding of what BIM could mean to them.”

When purchasing a newly constructed home, homeowners assume all the appliances and electrical and mechanical systems will be working as they should because they’re brand new. However, with some houses, that may not be the case. If builders don’t take proper steps to cover ducts during construction, homeowners may be in for a rude awakening.

Jeff Hamstra decided it was time to start his own company after his employer at the time passed away and the leadership role had been passed to his employer’s son. 

In case contractors thought differently, potential customers do visit their About Us pages. In fact, it’s usually one of the 10 most visited pages on a contracting website. The About Us page is the best place to talk about years of experience, certifications, awards, and things like company values.

The Brambles officially converted into Aire Serv of Bull Run in 2009. Before converting, they were earning about $100,000 in revenue. During its first year as an Aire Serve franchise, the company increased sales by 400 percent to $460,000. 

The two-day event, which focused on helping dealers strengthen and grow their businesses, featured presentations on WaterFurnace products, marketing tools, training, financing, and more. Attendees also heard updates from the Geothermal Exchange Organization (GEO) and the International Ground Source Heat Pump Association (IGSHPA) regarding the geothermal tax credits.

The new rule raises the salary threshold for overtime eligibility from $455 per week, or $23,660 per year, to $913 per week, or $47,476 per year. As a result, more than 4.2 million salaried workers across the country will now be eligible for overtime pay. Employers have until Dec. 1, when the rule becomes effective, to prepare for the changes.

Take a look around your office right now. Notice any glazed eyes or slack expressions? It’s not too late to get your employees fired up and motivated. Create a contest and cultivate some friendly competition or organize a summery-themed potluck. Remember, happy employees create happy customers.

As the American market becomes more familiar with variable refrigerant flow (VRF) systems, it’s discovering firsthand the technology’s ability to deliver exceptional comfort with lower life cycle costs. Additionally, contractors are touting the ability to perform maintenance on systems individually, allowing them to fix a problem without disrupting the comfort delivered to the remainder of the facility.