Today we’d like to introduce you to Ben Poole
Hi Ben, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I began in the HVAC industry cleaning my father’s shop, and helping my grandfather fabricate sheet metal ductwork.
After learning sheet metal fabrication, I spent several years learning to master residential and commercial installation before ever pursuing the service side of the industry.
When I did begin to learn service, I picked it up quickly, since I already had a technical background working on cars. I became very well-rounded in installation, service and troubleshooting.
After the eventual close of my father’s business in 2005, I went on to work for several other HVAC companies.
Eventually, I had this moment of clarity, where I realized that I just wasn’t cut out to work for someone else. So, in 2009, I started Trusted Heating and Cooling in Tucson, AZ.
This was most definitely not without its challenges, and I learned a TON.
-In 2013, I founded another Trusted Heating and Cooling location with my dad in Austin, TX.
-In 2014, I sold my original Trusted Heating and Cooling location and moved to Austin.
Being brought up in this industry taught me the importance of the customer experience–how it’s the lifeblood of any business. Ultimately, it is my clients who feed my family, and I will never forget that.
-In 2016, I was approached by a friend who asked me to help with their growing HVAC training platform.
Some of the clients that I trained for were Lennox, Carrier, TACCA (Texas Air Conditioning Contractors Association), TDLR (Texas Department of Licensing & Regulation) and private clients across the US.
-In 2018, still training and operating an HVAC business, I launched HVAC Tactical–a clothing brand dedicated to the HVAC trade.
-In 2020 we launched the HVAC Tactical Awards. Shining a light and recognizing great people in our industry that are masters of their craft, positive influencers of the trade and people who give back to the HVAC community.
-In January of 2023, utilizing the momentum from the 3rd annual HVAC Tactical Awards, I decided to take on HVAC Tactical full time and also launched the HVAC Tactical Magazine in the same year. (A sort of Sports Illustrated for HVAC…minus the bikinis!)
Although HVAC Tactical was keeping me busy full time, my phone was still ringing with clients who needed help with their HVAC systems, so in 2024 we launched another contracting company here in Austin called Crafted Comfort AC.
My entire life has revolved around the world of HVAC. Some may see that as a curse, but for me it has been a blessing. It has allowed me to learn how to run a business, master the game of sales, better communicate, manage teams & client expectations, and ultimately allowed me to learn how to be a better leader.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Finding good help is always the biggest challenge. Putting a butt in a seat isn’t the issue. The real issue is finding people who are passionate about what they do.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
The HVAC Tactical brand is dedicated to empowering and encouraging the blue collar workers of HVAC. Recognizing people who are great at what they do pushes them to be even better.
Being a positive influence in my industry is probably what I’m most proud of.
What sets the HVAC Tactical brand apart is that there isn’t anyone else in the industry doing what we’re doing. We’re trailblazing here and I love that!
As far as Crafted Comfort goes, we specialize in high performance residential HVAC systems. Primarily focusing on ultimate comfort and health of the home.
What sets Crafted Comfort apart is the attention to detail and unrivaled value that we bring to the table.
Have you learned any interesting or important lessons due to the Covid-19 Crisis?
That’s an excellent question.
Covid really helped my mission by shining a light on blue collar workers. The world became very aware at how valuable and needed the blue collar workers of America are.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.hvactactical.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hvactactical/
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@hvactactical
Image Credits
HVAC Tactical
