Building Strong Partnerships: A Look Into Adrian Steel and ACCA’s Partnership
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In the fast-paced world of HVACR, technicians need the right tools for the job. That’s where ACCA strategic partner Adrian Steel comes in.
ACCA and Adrian Steel have been longtime partners who have worked together to understand and solve the unique challenges faced by technicians. ACCA CEO Bart James and Strategic Partnerships Manager Kenzi Vizzari got a behind-the-scenes look at the inner workings of Adrian Steel during a visit to their headquarters in Adrian, Michigan.
The Foundation of Partnership
The journey to partnership began in 2018 when Adrian Steel reached out to ACCA, seeking to enhance their connection with HVACR contractors and better meet their needs in the field.
“Time flies when you’re with friends and having fun,” said John Bezon of Adrian Steel. “It sure doesn’t feel like it’s been since 2018! From the moment that Adrian Steel was looking for an association partner, we really wanted to figure out how to get to the end user and understand what they’re carrying in the back of their HVAC trucks. With ACCA touching 50% of those contractors out there that do this type of work, it was fantastic for us to be able to come in and become a partner of ACCA and really start to develop those relationships.”
Relationships are at the heart of all that Adrian Steel does; having strong relationships with ACCA contractors helps Adrian Steel develop products that meet the
direct needs of contractors. The collaboration between ACCA and Adrian Steel isn’t just about products; it’s about understanding the unique challenges technicians face daily.
“A van is specialized for the trade you’re in. It’s not the same van that a painter has that is going to make you successful and meet your needs,” James said. “It’s been a great partnership and I love the innovation that comes from the relationships you’ve built with contractors.”
Tailoring Solutions for HVACR Technicians
Bezon underscored how Adrian Steel’s collaboration with ACCA has been instrumental in understanding what technicians require in their vehicles.
“What ACCA has done is really connected us with the person,” Bezon said. “We talk about the left-handed guy who will use the truck or the upfit differently than the right-handed guy, simply because that’s how he’s built. Us understanding the needs of the member has just been incredible for us.”
From specialized shelving units to ergonomic ladder racks, every product is meticulously designed to maximize efficiency and safety. Adrian Steel’s dedication to ensuring that every product enhances rather than compromises the technician’s work environment.
“Safety is the key thing. The last thing we want to do is have someone have to go home and tell their family ‘mom or dad got hurt today,’” Bezon said.
The Power of Community and Innovation
Adrian Steel has a strong proactive stance to anticipate and prepare for changes so that HVACR contractors are prepared for any industry shifts. Member feedback also plays a key role in Adrian Steel’s innovation and development process.
As an example, discussions around the transition to new refrigerants highlighted the need for adaptable vehicle configurations so that contractors could carry their tanks
differently—a detail that might go unnoticed without direct industry feedback.
“Quite frankly, we couldn’t have done that without the partnership with ACCA and without having a direct line of sight into what contractors are experiencing in the field,” Bezon said.
Contractor needs vary greatly depending on different climates and operational environments; connecting Adrian Steel with contractors from across the country is one way ACCA works to make sure diverse needs are represented, and that every product evolution aligns with real-world demands.
Looking Ahead: Future-Proofing Solutions
In a rapidly evolving industry like HVACR, partnerships that blend innovation with community support are changing the face of the industry.
“Seeing what you’re tracking vehicle-wise, there’s a lot that contractors just don’t know, like a coming phase-out of vehicles that many of them are running in their fleets – and Adrian Steel is already working on solutions,” James said.
Adrian Steel’s commitment to quality, safety, and innovation, combined with ACCA’s industry insights and community spirit, ensures that HVACR technicians can tackle challenges effectively, knowing their partners have their back.
ACCA’s partnership with Adrian Steel isn’t just about building better vehicles; it’s about building a better future for HVACR professionals everywhere.
Read this feature and more in the July/August 2024 edition of ACCA NOW.
Curious about ACCA’s partnership program? Learn more at acca.org/partners.
Posted In: ACCA Now, Corp Partner Spotlight, Partner News, Partners & Discounts
