Shift to the Future recap: Scaling technology in small HVACR businesses with Brian Feenie and Kyle Ricciardi
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The latest episode of Shift to the Future tackled one of the HVACR industry’s most pressing topics: how small businesses can scale their operations using smart, practical technology. Joined by Kyle Ricciardi, an HVACR expert and small business owner, host Brian Feenie explored how emerging tools and strategies can empower technicians, managers, and owners alike to work more effectively and grow their businesses.
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- December 3: AI is here! What should I do and not do with it for my business?
- January 21: Why putting your pricing online isn’t as scary as you think
Highlights from the episode
Ditch the paperwork with digital solutions – One of the simplest first steps to scaling your business is moving from paper to digital processes. Ricciardi emphasized the value of investing in a customer relationship management (CRM) system to improve scheduling, dispatching, and communication. Automating tasks like customer service alerts encourages smoother operations and happier clients.
Prepare technicians with the right technology – Technicians often feel left behind in tech implementation, but Ricciardi stressed the importance of a technician-first approach. Tools like measureQuick®, Supco TechLink®, and CompanyCam® enhance diagnostics and improve workflows, allowing techs to gather detailed data and share it with customers. Starting small and respecting the implementation process—like testing apps with feedback from the team—helps ease the transition and builds trust.
Leveraging new tools for smarter solutions – Exciting advancements like LiDAR apps, diagnostic calculators, and advanced imaging tools are making their way into HVACR. These technologies allow technicians to create precise models of homes in minutes, streamlining calculations like Manual J® and improving service accuracy. Ricciardi highlighted how these tools are reshaping the industry by enabling faster, data-driven decisions.
Adopting AI to stay competitive – AI is quickly becoming a game-changer for small businesses looking to compete with larger companies. From recruitment pipelines to employee satisfaction surveys, AI-powered tools help businesses hire smarter, retain talent, and streamline operations. Ricciardi noted that while some tools are still in development, they are critical for staying ahead in an evolving industry.
Learning from implementation challenges – Ricciardi shared a lesson from his own experience with measureQuick. Early on, he attempted to roll out the tool without proper buy-in from technicians, leading to resistance. This experience underscored the importance of open communication and gradual implementation, especially when introducing tools that challenge established workflows.
Preparing for the workforce of tomorrow – The discussion wrapped up with insights on trade school graduates and workforce readiness. Ricciardi pointed out gaps in trade school curricula that leave students unprepared for the physical and mental demands of HVACR work. He called for stronger academic support and ongoing training to better equip future technicians for long-term success.
Posted In: Office & Technology, Technical Tips, Technology
