ON AIR

Hosted by Lennox Learning Solutions

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Episodes

117

Latest episode

Sep 2026

Language

EN-US

About the show

ON AIR is the no. 1 podcast for HVAC professionals or anyone interested in the stories, successes, and future of the heating and cooling industry and the pursuit of perfect air in the home. With over 65 years of combined experience, hosts Dave Chatmon and Doug Smiley of global energy-efficient climate-control solutions leader Lennox International talk with leaders in the HVAC field, expert contractors, and dedicated employees about the art, science, and future of perfect air. By accessing this Podcast, you acknowledge that the entire contents of this Podcast are the property of Lennox International Inc. or one of its affiliates (collectively, “Lennox”) and are protected under U.S. and international copyright and trademark laws. Except as otherwise provided herein, your use of this Podcast and the information contained in the Podcast are for personal or other educational purposes only. No other use, including, without limitation, reproduction, retransmission, or editing, of this Podcast may be made without the prior written consent of Lennox. All information made available on this Podcast is for general informational purposes only, and any reliance on such information is done at your own risk. This Podcast should not be considered professional advice. By accessing this Podcast, you acknowledge that Lennox makes no warranty, guarantee or representation as to the accuracy or sufficiency of the information featured in this Podcast. The views expressed by guests are their own, and their appearance on this Podcast does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Views and opinions expressed by Lennox employees are those of the employees and do not necessarily reflect the view of Lennox. LENNOX EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ANY AND ALL LIABILITY OR RESPONSIBILITY FOR ANY DIRECT, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL OR OTHER DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF ANY INDIVIDUAL'S USE OR INABILITY TO USE THIS PODCAST OR THE INFORMATION PRESENTED IN THIS PODCAST.

Listen to episodes

60 recent

October 14, 2026Episode 11338 min

Opportunity Creates Opportunity: Growing Leaders, Loyalty, and the Bottom Line

In this episode of Lennox ON AIR , Dave and Doug sit down with Patrick Somers, president and CEO, and Tanya Priest, chief of staff, of General Air Conditioning and Plumbing to explore how strong leadership, clear values, and intentional culture can turn a growing company into a lasting business. Patrick and Tanya share lessons from The General’s expansion into plumbing and electrical, including the importance of written goals, succession planning, and stepping out of day-to-day operations so the leadership team can grow. The conversation also examines what integrity looks like in practice—from protecting employees and developing loyal talent to making decisions that may cost money now but build trust over time. You’ll hear how genuine community involvement strengthens recruiting and reputation, why leaders should set the map while giving their teams room to succeed, and how sustainable growth starts with investing in people. If opportunity creates opportunity, this episode shows how purpose-driven leadership can create momentum for employees, customers, the community, and the business. Calling all HVAC techs! Got a hilarious story, eye-opening tip, or hot opinion to share? Fill out our quick questionnaire for a chance to be featured on Lennox ON CALL ! Lennox ON AIR is a Lennox Learning Solutions Production.

September 30, 2026Episode 11240 min

Explore the Trades: Bringing Career Pathways Back to the Classroom

In this episode of Lennox ON AIR , Dave and Doug sit down with Kate Cinnamo, executive director of Explore the Trades , to discuss how the industry can help students see a future in plumbing, HVAC, and electrical careers. From elementary school posters to classroom resources that connect geometry, physics, and hands-on learning to real jobs, the conversation reframes the trades as a smart, rewarding post-secondary path—not a backup plan. The group also digs into the business consequence behind the mission: the technician shortage is growing, experienced workers are retiring, and dealers can’t afford to wait until they “need someone in the van yesterday.” You’ll hear practical ways dealers can plant the seed early through school partnerships, shop tours, donated equipment, guest speaking, and Explore the Trades’ contractor toolkit . If it takes a team to solve the skilled labor gap, this episode is a clear reminder that there’s no wrong way to start. Calling all HVAC techs! Got a hilarious story, eye-opening tip, or hot opinion to share? Fill out our quick questionnaire for a chance to be featured on Lennox ON CALL ! Lennox ON AIR is a Lennox Learning Solutions Production.

September 16, 2026Episode 11156 min

Invisible Until It Matters: Building the Reputation Customers Search For

In this episode of Lennox ON AIR , Dave and Doug sit down with Preferred Vendors Levitate and PrecisionLocal to explore how reputation management is changing the way dealers build trust, retain customers, and stay visible online. With homeowners researching businesses across reviews, websites, social media, and AI-driven search, the group discusses why outdated listings, inconsistent follow-up, and a passive review strategy can create costly gaps for many businesses. The conversation dives into the real-world impact of customer loyalty gaps, how consistent outreach can help dealers stay top of mind, and why maximizing existing customer relationships may be just as important as generating new leads. You’ll hear practical insights on asking for reviews, strengthening local presence, preparing for generative search, and creating a more human customer experience that turns reputation into a growth opportunity. The following is a paid advertisement from PrecisionLocal : Think it might be time for a fresh perspective? Get a second opinion on your marketing from PrecisionLocal and discover your next opportunity for growth. Calling all HVAC techs! Got a hilarious story, eye-opening tip, or hot opinion to share? Fill out our quick questionnaire for a chance to be featured on Lennox ON CALL ! Lennox ON AIR is a Lennox Learning Solutions Production.

September 9, 2026Episode 529 min

Lennox ON CALL: Ceiling Crashout

Some service calls go sideways fast. In this Lennox ON CALL episode, Nick and Anthony share the story of a new technician who takes one wrong step in an attic and ends up dangling through a customer’s ceiling—with the fire department on the way. They break down the awkwardness, customer drama, humor, and tool improvisation behind a call he’ll never live down. Got a hilarious story, eye-opening tip, or hot opinion to share? Fill out our quick questionnaire for a chance to be featured on Lennox ON CALL ! Lennox ON CALL is a Lennox Learning Solutions Production.

September 2, 2026Episode 11047 min

The Reputation Avalanche: How Small Choices Build Lasting Trust

In this episode of Lennox ON AIR , Dave and Doug sit down with dealer Ben Merrifield ( Meade's Heating and Air ) and DM Tabitha Robertson to explore how reputation management is reshaping the way dealers win and keep customers. As buyer's remorse rises and repeat business declines industry-wide, the group discusses why trust must be earned every single time and how dealers can turn reputation into a true business asset rather than something left to chance. The following is a paid advertisement from PrecisionLocal : Think it might be time for a fresh perspective? Get a second opinion on your marketing from PrecisionLocal and discover your next opportunity for growth. Calling all HVAC techs! Got a hilarious story, eye-opening tip, or hot opinion to share? Fill out our quick questionnaire for a chance to be featured on Lennox ON CALL ! Lennox ON AIR is a Lennox Learning Solutions Production.

August 19, 2026Episode 10945 min

From Curiosity to Close: How to Win the Mini-Split Opportunity

In this episode of Lennox ON AIR , Dave and Doug sit down with Tripp Jordan of Sales Builder Pro , Jeff Bowab of RYNO Strategic Solutions , and Lennox Category Sales Sr. Manager Scott Dohn to explore how dealers can turn growing interest in zoning and mini-splits into profitable business growth. As homeowners search for whole-home comfort solutions, the group explains why selling the equipment alone is not enough—and why education, marketing, and a confident sales process must work together. The conversation covers how dealers can market the problems homeowners are trying to solve, create educational content that builds trust, and use financing to make comfort solutions more accessible. You'll also hear how tools, training, and vendor partnerships can help teams quote ductless systems with confidence, reduce hesitation at the kitchen table, and prepare for the category's continued growth. If you're ready to move beyond one-size-fits-all selling and capture more of the ductless opportunity, this episode offers practical strategies to help you take action. Calling all HVAC techs! Got a hilarious story, eye-opening tip, or hot opinion to share? Fill out our quick questionnaire for a chance to be featured on Lennox ON CALL ! Lennox ON AIR is a Lennox Learning Solutions Production.

August 12, 2026Episode 430 min

Lennox ON CALL: Tools of the Trade

Every tech has a tool they swear by. In this Lennox ON CALL episode, Nick and Anthony talk through field-tested favorites, everyday toolbag staples, and the small tools that can make a big difference on the job. Along the way, they look at how the right tools can save time, reduce guesswork, and help techs handle whatever the field throws at them. Got a hilarious story, eye-opening tip, or hot opinion to share? Fill out our quick questionnaire for a chance to be featured on Lennox ON CALL ! Lennox ON CALL is a Lennox Learning Solutions Production.

August 5, 2026Episode 10847 min

Hot Spots, Cold Rooms: The Comfort Problems Homeowners Will Pay to Solve

In this episode of Lennox ON AIR , Dave and Doug sit down with dealers Ryan St. Michel ( Grove Mechanical ) and Tevis Deschamp ( Fire & Ice ), alongside TM Darren Benson, to explore how zoning and mini-split technology are reshaping the future of home comfort. As homeowners increasingly seek personalized solutions for hot and cold spots, bonus rooms, garages, and unique living spaces, the group discusses why traditional approaches are no longer enough and how dealers can turn comfort challenges into growth opportunities. The conversation dives into the real-world applications of zoning, the impact of variable-capacity technology, and the growing demand for customized comfort. You'll hear practical insights on educating homeowners, overcoming common misconceptions, training teams on emerging technologies, and presenting solutions that go beyond equipment replacement. If you're looking to differentiate your business, deliver a better customer experience, and unlock new revenue opportunities, this episode offers actionable takeaways you can put to work right away. Calling all HVAC techs! Got a hilarious story, eye-opening tip, or hot opinion to share? Fill out our quick questionnaire for a chance to be featured on Lennox ON CALL ! Lennox ON AIR is a Lennox Learning Solutions Production.

July 22, 2026Episode 10746 min

The Million-Dollar Miss: What Unanswered Calls Are Costing Dealers

In this episode of Lennox ON AIR , Dave and Doug sit down with Preferred Vendors Lace , ZyraTalk , and Free2Grow , alongside Lennox customer insights leader John Christensen, to explore how AI is transforming the way dealers manage customer communication. With homeowners expecting faster responses and more convenient service than ever before, the group discusses why missed calls, delayed follow-up, and inconsistent customer experiences are creating costly gaps for many businesses. The conversation dives into the real-world impact of unanswered calls, how AI-powered tools can help dealers capture more opportunities, and why maximizing existing demand may be just as important as generating new leads. You'll hear practical insights on improving response times, supporting customer service teams, measuring ROI, and creating a more consistent experience that turns every customer interaction into a growth opportunity. Calling all HVAC techs! Got a hilarious story, eye-opening tip, or hot opinion to share? Fill out our quick questionnaire for a chance to be featured on Lennox ON CALL ! Lennox ON AIR is a Lennox Learning Solutions Production.

July 15, 2026Episode 318 min

Lennox ON CALL: The Stairwell Story

Some service calls stay with you forever. In this Lennox ON CALL episode, Nick and Anthony break down one of those stories—the kind you can’t make up. They rate it for awkwardness, customer drama, gross‑out factor, humor, and pure tool improvisation to see how it stacks up against the worst of the worst. Got a hilarious story, eye-opening tip, or hot opinion to share? Fill out our quick questionnaire for a chance to be featured on Lennox ON CALL ! Lennox ON CALL is a Lennox Learning Solutions Production.