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From Zero to $19 Million: Inside IRBIS HVAC’s Blueprint for Growth
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What happens when two 30-something millennials decide to shake up a traditional industry dominated by older, established companies? Tim and Vadim from IRBIS HVAC prove that age is just a number when you combine technical expertise with smart marketing and genuine care for your team.
These Ironman finishers started as hands-on technicians and built their Silicon Valley HVAC company from scratch, reaching toward $19 million in revenue this year. Their approach to company culture, employee retention, and customer service offers valuable lessons for any blue-collar business looking to attract top talent in today's competitive market.
Their secret sauce combines direct weekly communication with all departments, involvement in daily operations, and creating an environment where employees genuinely enjoy coming to work. From clean, organized vans to offshore support staff handling paperwork, they've removed friction points that make technicians' lives easier.
In a market where gas furnaces are being phased out by 2029 and most customers are engineers who love technology, IRBIS HVAC has found their niche. They focus on heat pump installations and custom solutions rather than simple equipment swaps, commanding premium prices while building lasting customer relationships.
Are you struggling to attract and retain quality technicians in your blue-collar business? Take these steps from Tim and Vadim's playbook:
Evaluate your compensation structure and add performance bonuses for all positions. Create memorable experiences for top performers - they don't have to be expensive to be meaningful. Focus on referral programs since your best employees know other quality workers. Remove unnecessary friction from your team's daily workflow through better systems and support. Stay involved in operations while communicating company direction clearly to everyone.
Whether you're in HVAC, construction, manufacturing, or any other trade, the principles remain the same: treat people well, pay them fairly, and create an environment they're excited to be part of.
Highlights:
- "One time is a mistake, second time is a choice".
- Pay plus performance bonuses for every position attracts top talent.
- Vegas trips and Costa Rica getaways for top performers build loyalty.
- Credibility trumps age when you're the best at your craft.
- Referrals work best - one good employee brings two or three more.
- Silicon Valley engineers demand heat pumps and smart home integration.
Subscribe to Blue Collar BS for more unfiltered conversations with successful business owners who are redefining what it means to lead in today's competitive market. Share this episode with other business leaders who need to hear how the next generation is winning the talent war.
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