Answering Questions About How I Got Into The HVAC Business!

In this video I try to answer how I started working in HVAC, and how I started my business! #hvaclife #hvaccontrols #airconditioning #hvactrainingvideos #automobile #hvacarmy #airconditioner #plumber #coolingexperts #coolingsystem #smallbusiness #hvactechnician #airconditioner #aireacondicionado #smallbusinessowner #skilledtrades #bluecollarpride #bluecollar #electrician
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[@robertwood9628]

Good job Curtis. I retired 8 years ago after being in the industry for 43 years ( yes i'm old). I did large commercial AC for 20 years, then residential and instruction for the remainder of my career. It's a big challenge starting your own business and you seem to have accomplished it very well. I don't always agree with your process, but the results are always fine. I really like your honesty and the fact you admit when you have made an error. This is a great example for others. When I was starting out and doing service calls I sometimes called the office very frustrated and disappointed in myself. I will never forger our office manager when she said " Nobody was born knowing how to do this work, every day you gain knowledge, good or bad, but you learn from what you can and can't do.'

[@jthonn]

God bless you Robert

[@kens.3729]

43 years is Plenty. Congratulations! 👍🙏

[@rudy8361]

I truly appreciate you making these videos Curtis I always learn something from them, God bless..

[@panamacitybeachbum]

I came straight out of tech school and started running service calls. Talking about tough? I found out quickly that the 2 years I spent at Vo-Tech taught me just enough to be dangerous. It was swim or drown. No phone a friend to call when I got stuck. But I didn't have no quit in me. Early on, at this one particular place of employment, I was told by my supervisor that I'd never make it in HVAC. Five years later, I see this guy again on a 2 million dollar job we are doing. He sat across the table from me. He was the superintendent of the duct company we had subbed out. He said I looked familiar to him. I was given the opportunity to refresh his memory at that point. Priceless.

[@chas.hawkins8678]

Curtis I've been watching your channel for about 2 years and learned alot about HVAC watching you. Like your troubleshooting techniques compared to other techs I watch. You explain how and what you doing and I appreciate it when you admit when you make a mistake. Keep up the good work 👍

[@jthonn]

Those other guys just show the good calls, not the bad. Curtis shows it like it is.

[@TxGuitarPlayer]

Thanks for sharing this Curtis. My favorite HVAC tech I follow by far.

[@vinceromano8245]

Thanks for sharing your journey to become a successful HVAC technician and business person. Starting a business takes dedication, hard work and lots of tenacity while earning little or no money until the business becomes established. I’m always amazed how you disconnect a bunch of wires then replace the necessary components and then properly reconnect all of the loose wires. In addition to your in-depth knowledge of HVAC systems you are an honest, hardworking technician who always puts the customer first. Congratulations on your success and may you continue your journey in good health. (Two other comments: great to meet your dog and finally, I am always impressed with your well stocked vehicle and how organized everything is).

[@rgmatta3524]

As an electrical instructor at community college, I always told my students that you have to know how something works in order to understand why it's not working!

[@earlestes8649]

Thanks for sharing your story and experiences with us

[@alabamahvacprofessional2946]

My story is much different than yours. I began taking Air-conditioning/Refrigeration in the 9th grade in 1982, and would take it for 4 years. I then went to trade school, and completed the requirements. At the same time, I became an industrial electrician apprentice - which paid the bills for 32 years while doing HVAC service on the side. I got my State license for HVAC in 2011, and would go full time with my own HVAC repair company in 2016. Now, I work whenever I want to, and make it just fine. I've only done HVAC service for my entire life.

[@philiph1234]

Inspiring story. May you continue to find great success

[@jamesmarcelin2216]

Thank you for being honest man!

[@jimmylanders2175]

Thanks for the honesty Curtis!

[@HVACGUY]

Always!

[@brucemadden1626]

Thanks for sharing your journey. I'm sure many will find it helpful.

[@harveystephens6115]

Congratulations!

[@billfratzke6048]

Love these videos! I'm not in the HVAC business, but use them all the time in the restaurant business. Your approach to starting a business is the same for almost all businesses, regardless of type. Get some experience, get some education, save some money and be willing to work your butt off! That will always be your competitive advantage!

[@hunters0922]

I started 4 years ago at 28. Lots of dead end jobs, but had lots of experience in construction, excavation, pipe fitting and I come from a big remodeling family. HVAC came pretty easy for me and also the most money I've made. Now I've taken on roles where I'm assisting in training new employees and when it's slow going over the basics and code. There's lots of money to be made in this business. It really does depend on what you put into it. I'm hoping to get into sales in a few years and seeing a little more of the background parts of a company

[@robalexander7348]

Thank You Curtis, you have had a interesting journey in HVAC keep up the good work. Thinking of you all over there at this difficult time with this nasty Storm coming. Keep safe.. 👍 Au

[@danobrien3109]

Your story is so much like mine that it’s scary. I had to challenge the Province ( our equivalent to State in Canada) on the hvac license because my employer wasn’t any good on continuing education. When I wrote and passed the government stepped in and told my employer that they had to now pay me scale. They did but they didn’t like it too much but I was the only mechanic in the company which they were required to have to have apprentices which they didn’t have when I was there learning. I got layed off one fall and never went back in the spring . I instead started my own business with only four regular clients from my church which I did work for. It eventually lead to a base of almost 400 clients. I always kept it small and personal and only wanted to have to rely on one person I could count on( me). I’ve done very well for myself until illness caught me fast and furious and my business is almost non existent today but I still putter around doing the odd repair for friends and neighbors.👍👍🇨🇦

[@bobbyderusha929]

Thank you for taking the time to shoot and edit and upload the videos. And thank you for sharing your story and sharing your knowledge about HVAC. I really appreciate it .

[@HVACGUY]

It’s my pleasure

[@paulbryant68]

These talks are huge help for all, especially the young guys/girls with decisions. My story is more like yours but never worked for any other hvac co. I’m self-thought hvac and doing well with 1 employee and he has a small video production co so it’s ok if I’m not stacked with work so takes a ton of stress off me! I’m 55 now and happy!

[@ms7168]

My Uncle went to work for a man who started his own HVAC company and when he retired my Uncle bought him out and renamed it and he still works part time in his 80s! He told me that a lot of them prefer to replace equipment he likes to fix it if it's feasible.

[@jakepeoples9238]

I thoroughly enjoyed your testimony, getting into the HVAC trade... I've been an appliance technician for about 16 years.... just in the past 4 years I have been exploring HVAC and repair and helping neighbors. I have learned a lot from your videos, and some others, along with just talking with supply house managers and taking some classes... My issue is the license. In North Carolina, it is similar to the electrical license... I have to prove work for 2 years under a licensed contractor. I work at a family business, selling, installation, and repair of kitchen appliances and I have lots of experience in the rough in of major appliances and repair of them including refrigeration. Gonna be hard to work two full time jobs to get enough hours to satisfy NC regulations....😥

[@robclark5278]

The best advice i got was to get ten years of being a tech under my belt because there are just so many different systems and set ups and I am not even talking about Multi head mini splits and i started when R22 was still the thing and then 410A came along and all the crazy dry charge time, so glad those are over but now new gas January 2025. My hardest part starting mine was the days no work and stressing out every night, took a bit to get past that got to be working 8-5 every day or feel like I'm failing. Then had to learn about accountants and what i can spend my money on. I came from the pool and spa world so HVAC pays better but i got to learn skills and the customer service that i don't feel the techs are good at until they have a management role. I am a lifer in this and love the field. Thanks for sharing

[@freezetheheat]

Thanks for sharing this story compadre, waiting for hurricane Milton right here in Naples Fl

[@jthonn]

Great story, sounds a little familiar. Starting your own business is no picnic, but can be very rewarding in the end if done right. The being thrown to the wolves as you said, may be rough but you learn a lot of things that you would not have otherwise. Your friend that is going as big as he can, all I can say is God bless. It is almost like you have to stay small or go big, in between is rough. Far as retirement, I went back to work for the man when I got older, less stress and winding down. You are a good man Curtis God bless you.

[@rolytech212]

I think you talked about that before. The thing is not starting though. Is growing and you Sir are doing it.👍

[@jkmarshall3553]

Great info! Thanks for sharing!!

[@patrickinottawa27]

Thank You Curtis, I truly enjoyed this video.

[@michaelzang9739]

Very interesting video, thanks for sharing. I do enjoy your channel

[@BWIL2515]

Yeah Curtis you either grow big or stay little there's no money or peace in the middle I had a crew of eight and I spent all my time getting work for them and often putting out the fires they created I learned as was recommended to me to stay small me and a helper ended up with better work and more income thanks for sharing Curtis this will help many with the thought of owning their own business

[@edwardballek]

I was owner of a bicycle business and my bio is a lot like yours.Retired 24 years ago and glad for itall

[@brad6665]

There are pros and cons to starting up a trade company, I'll start with some of most common cons 1- dependable employees showing up to the jobsite sober. 2- drug free, 3- work that is done right and not rushed to get out. For the pros, 1- small business incentives or tax breaks. 2- work was done to your liking and timely completed. 3- personal gratification when appreciated by customer, 4- job referrals by customers. 5- less work trucks and tools to furnish, There are more pros and cons, this just a beginning. Your doing a great job and can decide to refer to another for health or safety concerns

[@w5cdt]

Thanks for sharing your story.

[@takethe101totarzana4]

Nice change of pace to hear a bit about your starting out and some of the challenges along the way. Reilly is a handsome looking fella.

[@rickr6908]

Thanks for taking the time to make this video. It was very informative. Thank for the shots of Reily. He's getting big. 😂

[@bluesteel48]

Great story Curtis !

[@blh3741]

BTDT, 3 employees lost me money, 5 was the turning point but I was never in the field except to fix F-ups and calm upset customers. Amazing how much refrigerant disappears, along with tools, too. One employee filed with EEOC and claimed I was shorting him(I wasn't) and making him use his tools(only small hand tools weren't supplied), which is frowned upon. That cost me $50k in fines, appealed down to $22k. and the State kept most of that. The DUI+at fault accident was the last straw and I let everyone go. That accident cost me $200k and insurance denied the claim since my employee was drunk+drugs. "Guys", read the policies you have and have an attorney look them over, too(you girls, too). More to the story but you get the picture...

[@RhodesRepair]

I have been in the industry since 2003. Residential hvac since 2010. I just started my KZbin channel a couple months ago after not having time for my other channel which is fishing and hunting. I am gonna try to get my license soon to do my one man show for a bit. But I love filming my calls.

[@HVACingMyWay]

My dad told me when I first started that all the electrical would just click one day and it did I was troubleshooting something and it all just clicked all the sudden.

[@larryleonard3922]

Really great to hear your story buddy!

[@HVACGUY]

Thanks for listening

[@arias3angel]

Investing in yourself with schooling, investing in yourself with tools and having the drive to get better as a service technician will go a long way. It’s worth it in the end…

[@jessebrown1497]

Killer videos. Inspirational for those tradesman venturering out on their own

[@harrydickson4575]

Excellent chat 👍👍

[@helmsajr]

Thank you Curtis for sharing great video.

[@kens.3729]

When you Own your Own Business and you’re Solo, that’s a Huge Weight on your Shoulders and Not Succeeding in Not an Option. You will Never Work Harder. 👍🙏

[@bmillwood6666]

Most technicians who dream of starting their own business really need to see the other side of the business. The financial side is very crucial to understand. Plus HVAC is saturated market.

[@billyhorton5779]

What a lot of people dont understand is HVAC is a skilled trade that takes years to reach the journeyman level. Schooling helps but it still requires considerable "hands on experience" to become an expert! That is the part where the younger generation does not have the patience to start at the bottom and work towards a goal! Everybody wants to bypass the hard years and get paid big money today, right now! The American work ethic is pitiful in 2024!

[@1984juant]

How did you grow your customer base?

[@garysmith9772]

If I wanted to go in the business for myself, could you please share with me what my gross sales should be for the year and what my W-2 would be for the year that would be very helpful and my decision.

[@BillyN31]

Lord bless you Curtis !

[@raygunsforronnie847]

Riley needs more on-camera time, Curtis!

[@Burmn]

Yellow Xterra ❤

[@donalddohrn8452]

Blue dog is looking good,,,, I know he's a good boy..... I love dogs, but mine first.....

[@davidpetersen7091]

Interesting discussion. Mr. Pete----> aging hippie

[@timrob0420]

I’m at this point now I’ve been in the industry for going on 10 years and I want to start my own residential shop, but my wife is a stay at home mom so I don’t know how to even begin right now.

[@rolytech212]

You know, I did it a little bit different. I would give the unit an ugly look and miraculously it will fix itself 😂😂

[@Bill_CBR]

As a business, how do you try to set yourself apart or differentiate yourself from the other companies that you're competing against?

[@sweett114]

Love you sharing,what part of Georgia?

[@HVACGUY]

Albany

[@sweett114]

I’m in Ellijay

[@bobshanery5152]

Thats the thing people don't realize. 20-30hr is not 20-30 hr for an employer. Its more like 40-60hr. This number has drastically changed over the years due to the increase in taxes/fees/licenses/regulations and overall government expansion. Hiring someone to work a simple job used to be pretty straight forward. Today its just a pain in the butt and so expensive you have to look for ways to increase profits... usually by sending it back to the customer who is already struggling with the leeching government as it is. Something really needs to change and fast because we are on a burning ship.

[@lnk4328]

The main question is would you rather work on the equipment yourself or concentrate on wiping noses and changing diapers.

[@HVACGUY]

I called it putting out fires. There was always some catastrophe that needed to be put out.

[@roceloi]

Have a small business is not bad! Having employees may kill the business if you do not proper have personal

[@derek10w]

Back when you rode horses to the job site 😆

[@joshschumacher7984]

Almost 6 years in starting my own in a month

[@Qualityservicesbcs]

Riley wants to go to work with you .

[@bobboscarato1313]

Riley was check the truck inventory very thorougly.- He'll get an extra bone or two.

[@redneckways1617]

I would like to talk with you but want to catch you when you don’t have much going on

[@wwefuture01]

Do you need a degree in HVAC, I came out of tech school a couple of years ago and would like to further my knowledge in HVAC but wanted to know if going back to school for a degree even worth it? Thanks

[@WaldoG-b9j]

Hello sir can i use wago connectors in hvac thanks

[@D2DNYAC]

Nice 💪👍 work.. i have some insights that may help some get into commercial hvac, videos on my channel

[@Bryan-Hensley]

I didn't want this damn job. I was only trying to repair my rentals when the renters started recommending me to everyone. Then I almost went bankrupt on my rentals and now I'm stuck doing this shetty low paying job. I'm trying to get my rental business up and going again so I can quit this crap.

[@michaelbanko451]

First

[@garysmith9772]

There’s only one reason and only one to go in the business and that’s to make more money than you could work for somebody else. The world‘s greatest mechanics and the world‘s worst businessman. Lol

[@peter-pg5yc]

You attended diddy parties? Thats my guess..

[@Eddy63]

Nice chat Curt ... Thx

[@HVACGUY]

Glad you enjoyed!