The Sales Process That Took Us From Losing Money to $12.5K Tickets

1 Jan 2026 · 31 min
Owned and Operated - A Plumbing, Electrical, and HVAC Business Growth Podcast

1 Jan 2026 · 31 min

0:00

In this episode of Owned and Operated, hosts John Wilson and Brandon Nairo, partners who run a $30 M home‑service company in Northeast Ohio, walk through the multi‑year evolution of their HVAC sales operation. They begin by describing a loss‑making, repair‑first model that sold single pieces of equipment at a $4‑5 K average ticket. Over three distinct phases they raise the average ticket to $8‑9 K (still unprofitable), then to $12.5 K (profitable) and aim for $14‑15 K. The transformation is driven by (1) shifting the mindset from repairs to full‑system sales, (2) instituting a repeatable, KPI‑focused sales process with dedicated Comfort Advisors and a sales trainer, (3) adopting specialized software (Mantle, NextStar) for accurate load calculations, option generation, and proposal strength scoring, and (4) introducing early financing offers (e.g., 72‑month 0 % plans) that increase close rates by 13 %. They discuss how the software surfaces higher‑efficiency equipment, indoor‑air‑quality add‑ons, and warranties, raising attach rates. The hosts also examine operational challenges such as re‑tooling the install crew for high‑SEER and communicating system installations, and they compare performance of marketed leads versus technician‑generated leads. Throughout, they emphasize data‑driven coaching, call recordings, and proposal rating metrics to continuously refine the process. The episode ends with a reaffirmation that “process, process, process” is the key to sustained growth.

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