Lori Greiner of ABC networks “Shark Tank” famously said “Entrepreneurs are willing to work 80 hours a week to avoid working 40 hours a week.”

So if you’re going to bust your tail in your business anyway, why wouldn’t you want to build as much value as possible when it comes time to sell it?

That’s the question Patrick Lange regularly asks HVAC business owners. Lange is the lead business broker at Business Modification Group, a consulting firm that specializes in selling HVAC related businesses. The one detail he shares with us can make the difference between a $100,000 bank account boost or a 5 million dollar life-changing transaction.

So what is it?

The Key to HVAC Business Growth

“Maintenance Agreements” Lange says confidently. Now before you click onto another article, hear how his first-hand experiences have created millions of dollars of wealth from such a simple business model change.

Lange, a former HVAC business owner himself and broker for nearly 100 sold businesses approaches the topic from a saleability perspective. He understands that there are some in the industry that have an ethical dilemma with pre-charging clients for services, but he’s clear that he’s not judging, just stating the facts that have been proven in the marketplace.

“What buyers really want is a predictable cash flow they can plan around. In short, they want to know where the next dollar is coming from. Without maintenance agreements, that can be hard to answer with any certainty,” Lange shares

The problem with the lack of significant maintenance agreements is that you are always “reinventing the wheel” as he puts it. By surviving on new installations you leave a lot of money on the table because your volume is directly tied to your advertising. And we all know reliance on advertising is the most expensive way to run a business. You find yourself in this impossible and deceptive game of who is willing to discount more to win customers. “It becomes a race to the bottom” Lange says.

Build Maintenance Agreements into Your HVAC Business Model

However when those new sales are viewed as an opportunity to win a maintenance agreement customer, the margins get better, you keep a customer longer and you give yourself a chance to create customer loyalty. That builds enormous value and your someday buyer will reward you handsomely.

He suggests focusing on new metrics including lifetime customer value and customer profitability. If you can accurately predict cash flow 24 months in advance, you have a very sellable business. And one that will have multiple competing buyers.

Still not convinced? Ask any HVAC business owner about finding and retaining talent, and watch them break into a sweat. It’s tough! In the summer or winter months, crews are kept busy, but in the fall and spring, the phone isn’t ringing nearly as much and you have expensive talent sitting around looking for something to do. When you can’t afford to keep them, they leave for your competitors after you trained them up. Ouch! But companies with maintenance agreement business can retain their talent and keep them billable all – year- long. Long term agreements keep your business from ever being slow.

Characteristics of a High-Quality HVAC Business

If you want to grow your HVAC business, there are specific things your business needs to do. Below you’ll find specific characteristics successful HVAC companies have that your company needs to grow and thrive properly.

Ensure You Have Proper HVAC Tools and Installation Equipment

To be the best HVAC business, you need to have the best tools and installation equipment available. In the HVAC industry, installing quality products requires the tools of an electrician, sheet metal worker, plumber, and sometimes a carpenter. Each tool is specific to a type of HVAC installation or service repair. Having these necessary tools provides customers with the best possible HVAC services.

Have an Up-To-Date State HVAC License

A state license means that every member of your HVAC business has met all state requirements in experience and training levels to provide HVAC services correctly. Most customers look for a state license when looking for the best HVAC company to handle their HVAC needs.

Invest in HVAC Training Programs

In order to grow a reputable HVAC business, it is crucial to focus on HVAC training programs. This is a critical component in providing accurate, successful services. Focusing on continuing education training programs for all employees means you are always up-to-date on new HVAC tools, installations, and services. This will allow you the ability to provide exceptional customer service to all clients, present and future.

If you want to learn more about growing a successful HVAC business, including how to start your own HVAC business, how to handle HVAC business margins, successful HVAC business structures, and more, contact Business Modification Group today.