I'm not a consultant who read a book.
Thirty-plus years in the trades, twenty-five of them in management, and full P&L responsibility across multiple locations and states.
Built in the field, not in a classroom
I started in the field and ended up carrying full P&L responsibility across multiple locations and states — field operations, multi-location leadership, financial management, sales, training, CRM systems, mergers and acquisitions, and technology development.
That means the advice comes with the scar tissue. I've made the hiring mistake, mispriced the agreement, and integrated the acquisition that didn't go to plan. What I hand you is what I'd do again, and what I'd skip.
Thirty-plus years across mechanical, electrical and plumbing means the same margin problems look familiar in all three trades — which matters, because most HVAC shops adding departments hit the same wall.
The record
- 25+ years in HVAC management
- 30+ years across mechanical, electrical and plumbing
- $54M P&L responsibility carried
- Seven locations run simultaneously, across multiple states
- Field operations, M&A, CRM and technology development
Straight answers.
What does the assessment cost?
It's scoped to the size of the shop and quoted before anything starts. What I won't do is quote a retainer before you've seen findings — you should know what's wrong and what it's worth before committing to anything ongoing.
Do you work with plumbing and electrical too?
Yes. Thirty-plus years across mechanical, electrical and plumbing. The margin problems are the same shape in all three trades, and most HVAC shops adding those departments run into the same wall.
Will you sign an NDA?
Yes, before anything is shared. Your numbers, customer list and pricing stay inside the engagement, and nothing gets used as an example without written permission.
How small is too small?
Two trucks isn't too small — that's often where the work pays back fastest, because one pricing correction moves the whole business. A single owner-operator with no employees is probably too early for this spend.
Do you take equity or a percentage of savings?
No. Flat fees, quoted up front. A percentage of savings creates an incentive to find savings that aren't really there.
Do you sell software?
Top Notch Holdings, the parent company, owns other ventures. If one of them is ever relevant to your shop I'll say so plainly and you're free to ignore it. Consulting recommendations are not a sales channel, and I take no referral fees from vendors.