"HVAC Chats" Host Nicole Krawcke, editor-in-chief of Contracting Business, is joined by Gage Donovan, director of account services at Johnson Media Group, to discuss how HVAC contractors can evolve their marketing strategies for 2026. Drawing on Johnson Media Group’s deep experience in the trades, Donovan explains the growing role of streaming television, targeted media, and data-driven planning in building trust and improving lead quality. The conversation explores how contractors of all sizes can compete more effectively, reduce customer acquisition costs, and strengthen brand recognition in an increasingly crowded HVAC marketplace.

In this episode of "HVAC Chats," host Nicole Krawcke, editor-in-chief of Contracting Business, speaks with Tony Cooper, owner of Cooper’s Plumbing and Air in Bainbridge, Georgia, and Tallahassee, Florida. Cooper shares how leadership development, employee incentives, and phantom equity have supported retention and growth in his HVAC and plumbing business. The conversation explores workforce challenges, hiring leaders from outside the trades, and using structured incentive tools to align employees with long-term business performance. This episode offers practical insights for HVACR contractors focused on retention, leadership, and sustainable growth.

In this episode of "HVAC Chats," Nicole Krawcke, editor-in-chief of Contracting Business, speaks with Brian Beaulieu, chief economist at ITR Economics, about economic trends and business strategies for 2026. They discuss rising material and labor costs, effective pricing strategies, workforce retention, and capital planning for contractors. The conversation provides actionable insights for HVACR professionals seeking to maintain profitability, manage risk, and position their businesses for growth in a cautious but improving market.