How I Started My HVAC Company At The Age Of 28.

[@chancecooper4006]

So basically run side work for two years while doing AC work for the big companies, until you get enough contacts in your pocket, then put in your notice lol.

[@chancecooper4006]

That works as long as the company you working for doesn't know you running around on the weekends doing side work. Tell us the easiest way to get Mechanical Contractors License. I heard of some seminars you can take and they teach you how to navigate through all the manuals.

[@mitchellschloss4247]

@@chancecooper4006 if you're looking for the easiest way to get your contractor's license, do us all a favor and stop trying. Work hard and study. That's it. Your comment tells me that you don't care at all about quality of work or craftsmanship, so it's better for all of us if you either find another line of work, or get an attitude adjustment.

[@chancecooper4006]

@@mitchellschloss4247 you sound like that dude that uses that punch line to sell jobs to old ass women...Miss me with that bullshit.

[@schlosser8601]

@@mitchellschloss4247 he was asking a question. I don’t see anything wrong here unless you’re trying to pick a fight which seems like that’s what you’re doing

[@mitchellschloss4247]

@@schlosser8601 Nobody even asked a question m8 looks like you're just trying to aimlessly defend somebody on the net.

[@USA-GreedyMenOfNoIntegrity]

Go to tech school. Get 5 yrs minimum experience. Always have integrity. Don’t cheat on your boss or significant others. You’ll live a long prosperous life. Enjoy.

[@cwrowe]

The best “advertisement” is a happy customer.....

[@DavidMay2nd]

Sort of. The best advetisement & compliment is a referral. Word of mouth advertisement.

[@shielduniversity419]

Yes but that's the stone age now you need to be online with good reviews.

[@angryhealer1174]

No it's not dude. Maybe if you are in a big city but word of mouth spreads like wild fire. For example say some lady tells her friends then her friends tell theirs and so on, and honestly online reviews are hard to believe now because of bots especially with the upcoming gen-z cause as someone in that generation I can tell what a bot is and what isn't ​@@shielduniversity419

[@adamslape5963]

Not sure how somebody could dislike this man's video's but whatever... This guy Zac puts his heart and soul into his company and his quality of work. Great videos my man!

[@QualityHVACR]

I appreciate that!! 🙏🏽

[@corymoe6644]

I work for my dad doing hvac and he is the same way you described as your dad! It is my goal to take his company over one day and do the same with my customers!

[@Salyers-Family-2004]

You seem to do great quality work. Keep it up. That's how you got your customers. Be honest and take pride in anything you do. I started doing HVAC work as an apprentice in 2004 when I was 19 years old with no tech schooling or training and I started doing small night and weekend jobs in probably 2005 up until I started my own HVAC company when I was 27 years old back in 2012 and I love it. With just guessing probably less than 1% of my work is from advertising as I do very little besides hand out business cards. Word of mouth is how I make my living. That's from trying to do the right thing and taking pride in what I do. This may sound funny to some of you all but when I was in high school I started working at McDonald's "flipping burgers" and I wanted to make a cleaner and nicer looking burger than anyone else and be fast at it. Just saying take pride in anything you do and you should be fine in whatever path you take. I'll end this in saying I owe all that I have to the good LORD. Without him I would have nothing. He made me the way that I am.

[@bobbarclay9012]

Hey Zach, I did the same in NJ with owning my own business. After 10 years and three kids later, I shifted careers and went into the instruction side for my local technical high school as I'm sure you see the lack of new blood in our industry. Love the channel and great content! Please don't burn yourself out and be sure family comes first!

[@sjk9799]

Can I ask why u changed careers?

[@bobbarclay9012]

@@sjk9799 we had a really hard time hiring new employees. I went to many round table meetings with other business owners and found they had the same problems. I decided that I could be a funnel of new techs from high school, right to the trade. I can control what they are taught and how to make them as valuable as possible to the employers. It also gave me more time with my family, which I really needed as well.

[@ibrahimamac]

@@bobbarclay9012 NJ state rules aren't good for Hvac trade. people don't wanna go to school so many years and pass the license test even after so many years experiences. so people only can get in trade if they can be able to move up.

[@Freonleon]

This is exactly what I needed to hear!!! To follow up on this how is the market there in Nashville, here in Virginia it’s flooded with hvac company’s there is a hvac company for every lawn care company

[@youngjedi5599]

Where are you in VA? I’m in Richmond working for a company

[@Freonleon]

Virginia beach

[@kenarsenault9863]

You have my thumbs up. I retired from mechanical engineering after 25 years and at some point got involved in HVAC/R. I ended up teaching for a bit and also have done every position in the HVAC/R field. I started my own business in refrigeration. I've always love refrigeration over residential work. Fast forward and I decided I just didn't need the crazy hours anymore and closed up and got full into residential. Love your videos and other than some of the equipment you install I love your work. Top notch ability and service. Hope you continue to grow,l

[@jeremyworks5808]

Literally just started my own company in Dallas Tx. One man show. Local Refrigeration & HVAC. Pretty much what you described is what Im currently doing.

[@josephgomez2249]

How awesome! I’m moving to Dallas as a design/sales tech

[@keehn20]

Doing the exact same thing here in chattannoga tn

[@Ghostbusters1969]

I wish you nothing but success! Very motivating!

[@DonnieLakota]

Texas is alive and well and a lot of manufactures are based there. I have to imagine for a reason....no lead times! Haha tx growth is rival to CA.

[@DonnieLakota]

@Max Tristian fucking looser

[@onenikkione]

"look good and do a Really Good Job" is the way to build a company from the ground up. people know if they received good service and people Talk.

[@bottlecapn9593]

Your ethics in Tennessee are comparable to MOST of ours up here in maine, thanks for the solid vids , always appreciated

[@kriskobylarz7735]

Same here in Michigan!

[@blakeperson9189]

I appreciate the feedback man. I think the videos are going great, keep it up.

[@Ilikecoolmovies]

Try leaving business cards with customer that is "refrigerator magnet type", hand pick who you give these out to, since they cost more. Also have regular nice business card for general pop. Another tip make writing on phone number big! so older customers can easily read.

[@zetnompainting]

Cause it takes money to make money, especially with this damn covid it's ruff on small business owner like us. Keep on keeping on brother. I wish you nothing but the best, for you and your family. I like how you take lil man on some jobs with you nice keep teaching him. I'm sure your father would be very proud of you man!

[@victorramirez7343]

Where is your business located at ?

[@zetnompainting]

@@victorramirez7343 Phoenix,AZ

[@Fokusc1s]

Nice man! Stated my company just last year at 27. Currently do what you did. Work full time job and part time in the company. Just for financing which is gonna be a huge help.

[@pillcosby777]

That's awesome. Just started hvac, my first year at 28. So glad I did. All the best on your business!

[@BlueCollarBiceps]

Great story buddy. Inspiring to me, I’m the same way and the end goal is to be on my own.

[@jaredbraswell6343]

Really wish you were in my neck of the woods! Long time fan but not a big time commentator. Love how you handle yourself and run your business!

[@mikebauer3622]

I really really like these Q/A videos.

[@blitzblutz]

I started my company back in 2002, part time. Left the field to build a garage/workshop and got involved with movie production. Now I'm back full time and wish that I never left.

[@nauticalpixel]

Frankly experience goes hand in hand, its having the brains and smarts to start a HVAC business, but exactly what you said I suggest to everyone. Work for a HVAC contractor, if you start getting your own ideas start putting them into practice just remember do NOT advertise while your working your day job. Only advertise your business on your time. That way you avoid complications with your employer, don't tell your employer you moonlighting on your own name, keep the two separate and do not advertise your business while working for another HVAC contractor. I'm going hot and heavy, using kinda targeted advertising, all my customers like my prices and want me back. Then again I haven't met a hvac unit I couldn't fix. Thanks for the advice.

[@titom2916]

Awesome thanks for your time and great video's. Yes Yes guys word of mouth is your best advertising! Remember bad news travels fast . Stay on top of your game at all times 1rst appearance matter from calling client your on your way or even running a little late helps keep the clients at ease 😎

[@texasproud3332]

Appreciate your video as a electrical contractor our business model very similar I don’t advertise it’s word of mouth completely I don’t care for what I call window shoppers anyone calling is doing it because of my reputation 👍

[@OneBiteWillis]

Love how you started with a lot of hard work, and what you're doing today is awesome. Just started on my own as well 2 years ago here in Southern California. One man show here as well, exactly how you started. And looks like you as well @Jeremy Works. Keep up the awesome quality videos!

[@DonnieLakota]

I've been a man. rep for a year now and the old school way of relationship work and organic growth is not lost on this industry. Good call brotha. I'm following you closer these days. I really appreciate the Bosch content..

[@rogergregory6512]

Enjoy your videos Zack

[@jeffreykubiak5126]

Congrats 28 yrs old awesome At 28 I was still breaking things ! My old supervisor told me I wouldn't make it ! Kept trying graduated tech school 1987!Mistakes happen past summer accidently got hole microchannel 150 ton intelli pak. I was honest and told service manager. We isolated circuit and fix was made on coil. Man just a panel not a screw caused hole! Be safe! Thanks

[@Edukantun]

I’m doing my work in the same way. I don’t care if it takes a lot of time, i want to have a good customers, because there are a lot of people that don’t value a good job, they just want to pay less and they treat you so bad. 🇲🇽

[@zetnompainting]

Great lesson brother. Keep up the good work and quality videos coming. I have my own commercial and residential painting company however I still have a day job as a mobile Building engineer. I just got my 608 certification, PM cert so you're video are very rewarding to me bro. Thanks my company model is honesty is my best quality. 👍🤜

[@joseenricobustamante7797]

Zach, your an encouragement. Hope to be like you someday..

[@jontelhawkins5929]

I’m currently in HVAC school here in Indianapolis, IN! I find your channel very helpful and hope to rub elbows with you and other informative members of the HVAC society to help find my niche for what I want to do as far as my business/LLC!

[@billcv80]

Bam!! I started out in April 2018-been going great. I’m all work of mouth too. Great video

[@medenimedo4395]

Craigs List Customers "What's the cheapest you can get it done?" Me - *Hangs up*

[@shielduniversity419]

Lol

[@wbtagency]

Hard work always pays off.💥💥💥

[@dirtygully9938]

Im in the hvac field also and i work for myself and i also prefer word of mouth customers over customers from social media

[@JoseRamos-cp5ll]

Awesome. when I see your vids.... I say to myself...WOW!!!!!. talking about craftsmanship.! thank you for doing this.

[@stevebennett1563]

Yep I started when I was 28 been doing this for 44 yrs

[@li4850]

God bless man love you videos I’m from IA just started my apprenticeship

[@rjhvac6338]

Great video bro very Creative way to interact with your viewers. I’m sure a lot of people had similar questions. Big fan keep it up.

[@mrtrevorlutz462]

Needed this 8 months ago 😂

[@herculesskinny2030]

Its never too late.

[@Daniel-os9tb]

I started working my trade when I was in high school and got my contractor license by 24. Have my licenses and business for 20 years now. Started with holding the license for a corporate shop. Later started my own. Wouldn’t trade my experiences or shop for anything.

[@johnoshana6175]

Zack you r on the attack. I'm very impressed with your personality, agree with your approach to solving HVAC problems. wish you the best of luck.

[@dontarguewithfools]

Happy 10 year anniversary!!!🎉

[@nikeij13]

Hi Zack! This was a great video and enjoying all of your videos. I just recently opening my HVAC company ( a year) it's slowly growing but currently struggling with little calls. Most of my clients are word of mouth and I am grateful about it. Listening to you made me feel okay about my situation I am now. Thank You !!

[@bigdaddy5948]

You lasted longer than me working for other companies. Most HVAC companies have no personnel policies. The employees put up with the bosses mood every day and most employees can't wait to eat on their fellow workers.

[@2969566]

I'm 2 years working on my own and still have low customer flow. In our area extremly high competition, and we have to fight to get customers. Services like Yelp, thumbtack, and google just rob us, maybe in small towns or competition places you can survive with word of mouth.

[@hg2.]

The Craigslist route sounds like a good way to get a lot of experience fast.

[@israeldavis4771]

Love what you are doing brother ! Keep hustling ! From the 915 ! Much love ! 🔥💯

[@joelgonzalez5462]

Hi , I'm really loved your Chanel , I learn a lot more with your tips, I'm going to star making my own company too , and you helping me a lot , I'm working in apt complex for 7 years , but I like to have others experience with a/c sistem like mini splits, hit pump , and others more... ! Thank you so much, keep due it !

[@youngcardig35fodough18]

Very knowledgeable helping out a lot of young techs coming in the field

[@Daniel-vd9yb]

Loved your story im in that situation now same story as yours lol , this was comforting and a motivational video , thanks for putting out your personal input .

[@gablacasseb]

im in this exact situation .. im 28 been working for other company for 8 years, Would like to start my own gig ! But mainly commercial HVAC service. Thanks for your video, helps to have some insight

[@mr.r9505]

Great video another example of your dedication to good honnest work and a great company

[@CHIZ4]

good for you buddy u do great work!

[@jamracmechanicalllc1654]

Great advice, keep up the good work.

[@ivancioclea2971]

Thank you Brother

[@242topboss]

Really gave me a better look at how to conduct my business flow 🙏🏾 . thanks for the good content 🙌🏽

[@jackngari8842]

Thanks for the videos brother Song at the end is nice Salamanca by sarah the illstrumentalist

[@Zackrutledge1998]

How did you get into hvac/ what made you choose it? What was it like for you first getting into it out of highschool? Any advice for new guys getting in.

[@Daddywarbuck]

Are you hiring? I just got out of HVAC/R school and willing to relocate for the right opportunity! Love your videos.

[@pablomedina9895]

i don’t think he’ll hire you man ur a nubi, tbh with you bro, that means he’s gunna take his time out of doing his work to teach you, he’s self employed remember

[@airmsylenam954]

Where are you now?

[@lostinthewoods3918]

@@pablomedina9895 but newbies will be how you gain most of your employers, if you’re looking for growth. A veteran technician isn’t going to give up his spot at whatever job he has for some new startup company who don’t have the funds to pay him the salary he’s currently earning. Unless the business is doing really good. Which isn’t always the case. That’s why it’s wise to hire newbies and invest in them

[@chasecash901]

I started my company a lil early def not full time gettin nice contracts on the residential side. But def need consistent work think ima have to put in that application

[@lawrenceetsitty9031]

I plan to start here on my own in New Mexico

[@andrewchagollan1679]

Appreciate this man!

[@shielduniversity419]

I'm sure you acquired many tire kickers during your side job gigs. They want cheapest price but quality and looking at your work you deserve to get paid hansomely for your work and skills.

[@phillipjoy8191]

Great video.This man takes a lot of pride in his work.😜

[@tunaman2200]

Thank you for sharing this. Very good and helpful.

[@ralphpownall8282]

i’m trying start my own business and do same thing you did part time why make these company’s 100 of thousands of dallors when you could be earning that for yourself

[@mariamchacon7031]

Can you give us a list of what is needed on the truck? Like what type of capacitor and such equipment must haves…

[@noealeman8527]

I living in Virginia , I been doing change outs service calls and I would like to have a company in the future ,I scare to go out there with no HVAC license, can you talk about how you deal with you mechanical permit open accounts at HVAC supply stores etc . Thank you great videos !!

[@rogerbettencourt9654]

Nicely done sir, the videos and your company.

[@matthewforestieri6895]

Thanks dude , these are encouraging

[@mrcleanofhvac]

Thank you man , I need help with mine

[@technojuned8455]

I also HVAC Technician 2.5 year UAE experience and also 2 years in India

[@benjamindyer7348]

Dude when you said you graduated in 2002 it blew my mind.. you look the exact same age as me and I'm 26. Can't believe you're around 37 lol

[@thomaspassamonte3390]

I’m excited to be able to watch these videos and learn some of the habits of a professional. Have you considered growing your company and hiring other employees?

[@tennstarhvac9865]

Love your videos. Keep up the good work

[@chrisk1180]

Been waiting a while for this vid

[@a.t.7021]

Thank you!

[@Londonbridge978]

Hey man. I'm a fan of your videos. I'm thinking about getting into hvac field. Can you make a video if this a right career field for you and the pros and cons? Keep up the good work and keep them content coming.

[@chrisgalindo2457]

What are your biggest challenges of running a small HVAC business, and how do you overcome them??

[@yoadrian36]

Love it brotha!

[@joshuatimmons467]

Can you use your house as your office or do you need a building

[@sonnymasonscott3779]

What Financial Tip Would You give? How much money to start a business and what saving should you have I’ve heard I need 12 months of wages saved so I can still pay my bills if I don’t have work for some months

[@reginalddawson9258]

Great content! Thanks!

[@user-hd2vy3ee3k]

I appreciate the story good job

[@kpheatingcooling8698]

Can you talk a little bit about the HVAC contractor license?

[@asaelgutierrez666]

Nice work man!

[@pedromorales8097]

did you get your contractors license when you officially started your company ?

[@billcv80]

Get it before you quit

[@pedromorales8097]

@@billcv80 well im in a interesting situation at work so it might not be that easy

[@pornelpro]

Just discovered your channel. You do a very great work on the jobs you did.

[@dantrenny9672]

With all of the overhead costs from owning your own company, is the extra money you bring in from working on your own worth it?

[@shielduniversity419]

I have small business and it is worth it go do it.

[@97Napkins]

When I started in 2013 I use to spend 20k on Google ads. Now I hardly spend but a few grand a year. Takes about 3 years to start having a good customer base and referrals. Zack is correct to not put up with cheap customers that don't care. You'll be wasting your time all summer arguing over few hundred dollars while others are selling systems to good customers waving checks around. Don't be that dude or home warranty guy.

[@courtneyjohnson8365]

Fuck yes!! This is gold

[@TheBushey]

You should run ads on the radio no matter what honestly

[@samuelg3586]

Nowadays it seems like it is becoming alot harder to get a company started. I swear it seems like the larger companies government like to keep it that way

[@JoseSalazar-ge6hp]

How did u get ur first job with HVAC

[@hvacserviceinstall2892]

Great advice 👍🏻

[@kylegrice7074]

What do you do when you’ve come across a lot of work that needs to be done but is just to much for just you? Do you have a sub contractor? Also how do you go about creating a relationship with another contractor to sub out big jobs to? Thanks

[@kriskobylarz7735]

How about some insight into how you do quotes?

[@brianpierce5065]

Were you with your dad's company while you did your after hours thing? The company myself and my friend just left was dead set on not being able to start doing anything on your own.

[@Matt___]

Looking for another worker? i do hvac in NYC and im so tired of the politics