How the Man Up Culture in HVAC Fuels Burnout and Blocks Progress for Workers with Benjamin Dryer Part 1

In this episode of the HVAC Know It All Podcast, host Gary McCreadie speaks with Benjamin Dryer, a Culture Consultant, Culture Pyramid Implementation, Public Speaker at Align & Elevate Consulting, about the emotional toll of working in the trades. Benjamin shares his personal story, including the loss of his father to suicide, and how it led him to focus on mental health in the industry. They discuss the “tough guy” culture, how poor communication and stress affect workers, and why learning to talk openly can make a big difference. It’s a powerful and honest talk that shows why change is needed on job sites.

Benjamin Dryer joins Gary to talk about mental health in the HVAC trade. Benjamin shares his journey, including the loss of his father, and how it led him to help others in the industry. They discuss the tough culture many techs face, where showing emotion is seen as weak. He explains how poor communication and pressure from work can build stress. They talk about why it’s important to speak up, support each other, and make job sites safer. It’s a real and helpful talk for anyone who wants to work smarter, not harder, and change the old way of thinking.

Benjamin talks about how the HVAC trade can wear people down, like carrying heavy stress every day. He shares how losing his father pushed him to speak up about mental health at work. Benjamin and Gary discuss why techs act tough but often feel alone inside. They talk about how better words and open talks can stop problems before they grow. Benjamin explains how learning to say what you feel makes teams stronger and safer. It’s a real talk for techs who want to care for their minds, not just their tools, and build a better work life.

Expect to Learn:

• How stress and poor communication impact mental health in the trades.

• Why the “tough guy” culture stops workers from speaking up.

• How Benjamin’s personal loss led him to support mental health at work.

• Why learning to express feelings can improve teamwork and safety.

• How better conversations can break the cycle and create change on job sites.

Episode Highlights:

[00:00] - Introduction to Benjamin Dryer - Part 01

[02:23] - Starting in HVAC and Facing Mental Stress Early

[05:35] - Losing His Father and the Impact on Mental Health

[06:52] - “Be a Man” Culture and Why It Hurts the Trade

[10:17] - Working Through Pain: Is Toughness Worth It?

[15:20] - How Job Pressure and Mental Illness Can Cross Paths

[17:54] - Generational Divide: Old Ways vs. Smarter Methods

[19:24] - Younger Workers Want Purpose, Not Just a Paycheck

 

This Episode is Kindly Sponsored by:

Master: https://www.master.ca/

Cintas: https://www.cintas.com/

Supply House: https://www.supplyhouse.com/

Cool Air Products: https://www.coolairproducts.net/

property.com: https://mccreadie.property.com 

 

Follow the Guest Benjamin Dryer on: 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjamin-dryer-72bb78240/

Culture Pyramid Implementation at Align & Elevate Consulting: https://www.alignandelevateconsulting.com/ 

 

Follow the Host:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gary-mccreadie-38217a77/

Website: https://www.hvacknowitall.com<