In this episode of the Building HVAC Science Podcast, hosts Eric Kaiser and Bill Spohn interview Karine LeBlanc, a distinguished engineer and international speaker. Karine shares her journey into the HVAC industry, which started under the influence of her father, an HVAC teacher and contractor. Despite her exposure to HVAC from a young age, she made an independent decision to pursue a career in the field after discovering the job security it offered. Her diverse career includes roles in engineering and sales, which allowed her to leverage both her technical skills and her extroverted personality.

Karine emphasizes the importance of networking in a technical industry like HVAC. She recounts her early days in Los Angeles, where she joined ASHRAE and became a reception chair, a strategic move that helped her build connections quickly. She highlights how networking has been crucial to her career, enabling her to form lasting professional relationships and gain credibility in her field. Karine also discusses the significance of virtual networking tools like LinkedIn and virtual meetings, which have expanded opportunities for connection and collaboration.

Towards the end of the interview, Karine touches on her experience as an author and speaker, sharing her motivations and challenges in writing her book. She advises listeners on the value of genuine networking, focusing on learning and building relationships rather than transactional interactions. Her approach to networking is driven by curiosity and a giving mentality, which she believes fosters a stronger, more connected industry. Karine's insights underline the impact of personal connections and continuous learning in professional growth.

Karine’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karinel/

Karine’s Book: https://a.co/d/01HKRqRR

Karine’s website: https://www.karineleblanc.com

Karine’s company:https://www.myiaire.com/

This episode was recorded in July 2024.

In this Building HVAC Science podcast episode, hosts Eric Kaiser and Bill Spohn interview Dan Goodman from Building 36, a company specializing in connected home services. Dan explains the origin of the company's name, which is a nod to the MIT building where he studied electrical engineering and computer science. He shares his journey from working on semiconductors to co-founding a thermostat company and eventually creating Building 36. The company provides smart home solutions tailored for professional trades, aiming to enhance customer retention through advanced monitoring and maintenance plans.

Dan elaborates on the capabilities of Building 36’s connected thermostat and home monitoring system, highlighting its ability to control and monitor various aspects of the home, such as heating, cooling, lighting, and security. The system provides extensive benefits to homeowners and contractors by offering peace of mind through comprehensive monitoring and easy installation features. The company also integrates its services with professional maintenance plans, ensuring higher customer retention rates and consistent service quality.

Throughout the conversation, Dan emphasizes the advantages of partnering with Building 36, noting their strong engineering team, the seamless integration of their products, and the significant impact on the HVAC industry. He discusses the company's strategic move to manufacture products in Bulgaria for cost efficiency and the extensive R&D investments to ensure robust security and reliability. The episode concludes with a call for contractors to explore the benefits of integrating Building 36’s solutions into their offerings, promising a game-changing approach to smart home services and maintenance.

Dan’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dan-g-5305191/

Dan’s company: https://building36.com/

Dan’s bio
Dan Goodman is the co-founder and CEO of Building36. Dan founded Building36 to create smart home solutions that make homes safer, more comfortable, and energy efficient by designing them with the homeowner and service provider in mind.

Dan has over 20 years of engineering and technology experience. Before Building36, Dan was an application engineer at Texas Instruments, founded a company that created the first Wi-Fi thermostat, and was head of sales for a startup company that helped pioneer Zigbee wireless technology.

Dan graduated from MIT with a degree in electrical engineering and computer science.

This episode was recorded in July 2024.

Bill Spohn welcomes Julien Stamatakis, co-founder of Attune (formerly SenseWare). Julien shares his journey from working on sensor networks for Parkinson's disease detection during his PhD in Belgium to co-founding a company focused on monitoring the built environment. Initially, their sensor technology aimed at the medical field faced funding challenges, which led them to pivot towards the built environment. They began by collecting energy data and expanded to include various sensors to monitor air quality, occupancy, and energy usage in commercial buildings.

Julien discusses the evolution of their sensor technology, highlighting how customer needs have shaped their development. Starting with energy data collection, they moved on to monitor particulate matter and CO2 levels, especially during events like wildfires and the COVID-19 pandemic. Their focus has remained on commercial applications, where robust, long-lasting sensors are critical. Julien notes the challenges in the residential market, including higher competition and the need for low-cost solutions, which differ significantly from commercial requirements.

The conversation also delves into the use of AI and machine learning to enhance data analysis and decision-making in building management. Julien explains how AI helps automate tedious tasks and provides actionable insights from vast amounts of data collected from sensors. He emphasizes the importance of continuous monitoring and the integration of various data sources, including occupancy and outdoor air quality, to optimize building operations. The podcast concludes with Julien highlighting the value of high-quality data and offering consultation to help customers manage their assets effectively.

Julien’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julien-stamatakis/

Julien’s company: www.AttuneIOT.com

This episode was recorded in June 2024.

In this Building HVAC Science podcast episode, hosts Bill Spohn and Eric Kaiser discuss their recent trip to Denver, Colorado, where they attended the U.S. Heat Pump Summit. They describe the event as a comprehensive gathering of professionals interested in heat pumps, covering technical presentations, regulatory updates, and industry developments. The summit featured various sponsors and exhibitors, including Daikin, Rheem, and TruTech Tools, highlighting the diverse industry support for the event.

Eric and Bill delve into the U.S. Heat Pump Summit details, sharing insights about the different companies and technologies represented there. They mention innovative products like Arctic Heat Pumps' air-to-water heat pumps and discuss the significance of proper system design and installation for optimizing performance. They also touch on networking opportunities, mentioning conversations with industry professionals and exhibitors, which provided them with new perspectives and information on the latest advancements in HVAC technology.

The conversation shifts to Eric's presentation at the summit, where he focused on the intricacies of heat pump performance and building thermal dynamics. He explains the importance of correctly sizing heat pumps and the differences between single-stage and inverter heat pumps in terms of comfort and efficiency. The episode concludes with Bill's experience at the Home Electrification Summit, where he moderated a session on making homes greener. They reflect on the growing interest in heat pumps and the evolving technology, emphasizing the need for continuous learning and curiosity in the HVAC field.

https://www.heatpumpsummit.org/#speakers

Video of the Summit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=otQWXEg5WBA

https://hvacrschool.com/videos/what-is-openhvac-w-jason-price-ben-reed-michael-housh-chris-hamilton/
https://openhvac.io/aboutus/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrishamilton27/

https://constructioninstruction.com/

https://constructioninstruction.com/tool/r-value-calculator/

https://www.communityhousingpartners.org/people/anthony-cox/

https://www.energizecap.com/about

https://www.energizecap.com/news-insights/home-electrification-insights

Anthony Cox’s Moisture App:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uV5OBvu5PgQ&list=PLtlquUv1THEWOKlb80xStpZrzplvuGFLB&index=6

https://www.h2xengineering.com/features/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jdbegley/

This episode was recorded in June 2024.

In this short episode, Bill Spohn provides updates on new products, presentations, resources, and interesting travel he and Eric Kaiser have been engaged with during the last few months.

LINKS
https://www.youtube.com/@TruTechTools/videos

https://trutechtools.com/yellow-jacket/

https://trutechtools.com/jb-industries.html

https://hvacrschool.com/

www.betterhvac.org

www.building-performane.org

www.getduckling.com

https://www.zerohomes.io/

www.sealed.com

https://getconduit.com/

www.amply.energy

www.kwikmodel.com

www.diyloadcalcs.com

This episode was recorded in June 2024.

In this episode of the Building HVAC Science Podcast, host Eric Kaiser welcomes Tommy Mello, founder of A1 Garage Doors, creator of Home Service Expert, podcast host, Inc. Magazine Columnist, and author. Tommy shares lessons and speed bumps along his journey from his first job washing dishes, to growing a successful business.

Tommy emphasizes the critical role of profitability in sustaining a business. He talks about the need for business owners to charge prices that reflect the quality of their services and allow them to invest in their teams and tools. Tommy challenges the common mindset of underpricing services and explains how maintaining higher standards and prices not only benefits the business but also ensures that employees are well-compensated and motivated. His perspective on pricing and profitability provides a refreshing take on what it means to run a successful and ethical business.

In a candid conversation, Tommy sheds light on the importance of a solid support system and continuous improvement in all aspects of the business. He speaks about his reliance on mentors and advisors to avoid common pitfalls and make informed decisions. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or a seasoned business owner, Tommy's story offers valuable lessons and inspiration to help you achieve your goals.

Tommy’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tommymello/

A1 Garage Door Service: https://a1garage.com

Home Service Expert: https://homeserviceexpert.com

Home Service Expert podcast: https://homeserviceexpert.com/podcast

Shop Tour of A1 AGrage: https://get.homeservicefreedom.com/a1-shop-tour

PinParrot: https://pinparrot.com/

Freedom Event: https://get.homeservicefreedom.com/freedom-event-2024

This episode was recorded in June 2024.

In this episode of the Building HVAC Science Podcast, hosts Eric Kaiser and Bill Spohn welcome Tony Mormino, the Technical Sales and Marketing Director for Insight Partners, an HVAC commercial rep firm operating in North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia. Tony shares his journey in the HVAC industry, which started 25 years ago when he helped his father, a residential HVAC technician. Seeking a different path, Tony pursued an engineering degree and eventually transitioned into HVAC sales. The onset of COVID-19 pushed him into marketing as he sought ways to maintain customer engagement online, leading to his current role.

Tony explains that Insight Partners represents about 60 manufacturers in the Carolinas, providing sales, support, and parts for commercial HVAC equipment. They assist engineers with designing systems, offering various equipment options and supporting the installation and maintenance processes. Tony emphasizes their commitment to educating and empowering the HVAC community through online tools and social media. He highlights the importance of providing valuable content that benefits the audience rather than promoting the company directly, using interactive posts and educational materials to engage followers.

The discussion also touches on Tony's podcast, the Engineers HVAC Podcast, which aims to offer professional development hours (PDHs) to engineers, particularly those in New York and New Jersey. Tony and the hosts discuss the evolving nature of marketing and content creation, the role of AI in enhancing productivity, and the importance of authenticity in content. Tony encourages the HVAC community to give back and support each other, emphasizing the value of constructive feedback and mutual growth in the industry.

Tony’s Linked in: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tony-mormino/

insightusa.com/ (Company)

anchor.fm/engineers-hvac-podcast (Podcast)

youtube.com/InsightPartnersHVACTV (YouTube channel)

This episode was recorded in March 2024.

In this episode of the Building HVAC Science podcast, Eric introduces Matt Akins, the Manager of HVAC Education at the Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA), as they delve into Matt's journey within the HVAC industry. Matt's career trajectory, starting as a dispatcher for an HVAC company at 19, took him through various roles, from technician to operations manager. His pivotal moment came when he compared his paycheck to a technician's, realizing the value of education and skill development in the field.

Through hands-on experience and formal education at a technical college, Matt gained comprehensive knowledge of HVAC systems and operations, from dispatching to troubleshooting. Despite the challenges and physical demands of the job, Matt's passion for teaching emerged, driven by a desire to share his expertise and improve industry practices.

Transitioning into teaching was a natural progression for Matt, fueled by his deep-rooted commitment to elevating the standards within the HVAC community. His multifaceted background equipped him with a unique perspective, allowing him to bridge the gap between technical intricacies and practical application. Through his role at ACCA, Matt now spearheads the development of training materials and conducts workshops covering a broad spectrum of topics, from system design to sales techniques. His journey exemplifies the transformative power of education within the HVAC industry, inspiring fellow practitioners to continually strive for excellence and innovation.

Matt’s Linked in: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-akins-66651a188/

ACCA Website: https://acca.org/home

This episode was recorded in March 2024.