HVAC Hiring & Leadership Tactics That Built a 90% Retention Rate & Leveraged AI - Dustin Van Orman

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Welcome to the Service Business Mastery Podcast!

Visit our website for more episodes and insights! https://www.servicebusinessmastery.com

In this episode, recorded live at Rilla Masters 2025 in Las Vegas, hosts Tersh Blissett and Josh

 Crouch chat with Dustin Van Orman, Marketing Manager and President of Business Development and M&A at Any Hour Services - Electrical, Plumbing, Heating & Air.They explore how Dustin’s early love for fixing things led him to HVAC and owning businesses. He shares how weekly leadership training and a strong team culture helped keep 90% of employees. Dustin also talks about private equity, offering tips on how to make smart choices and keep your business values. His simple advice helps others grow without losing what matters most.

This talk covers key points like weekly leadership training, keeping a strong work culture, and holding on to great team members, and big parts of growing a solid business. Dustin shares why choosing the right private equity deal matters and how staying true to your values helps build lasting success with your team.

In this episode, here's what you can expect to learn: 

1. How a Childhood Hobby Sparked a Career: Dustin’s love for fixing things led him into HVAC and business.

2. Keeping Great Employees: Learn how weekly leadership training helps keep 90% of staff.

3. Smart Private Equity Choices: Dustin shares how to choose the right deal without losing your values.

4. From Tech to Business Leader: Hear Dustin’s story of learning by doing and growing along the way.

5. Building a Winning Team: See how trust and culture lead to a strong and lasting team.

Timestamps ⏰

00:00 - Recap of the Episode

04:04 - Meet Dustin Van Orman and His HVAC Roots

06:26 - From Fixing Bikes to Building a Business

07:52 - How Childhood Hobbies Shape Great HVAC Technicians

11:07 - The Moment That Changed Dustin’s Career Path

14:19 - The “Just the Service Guy” Story, Journey, and What Changed

16:57 - Turning a Near-Death Ice Accident into Life-Changing Lessons and Direction

23:47 - Why Any Hour Has 90% Employee Retention

26:31 - Leadership Training and Weekly Team Growth

33:21 - How Strong Culture Drives Team Loyalty

35:56 - Dustin’s Thoughts on AI and Business Tools

42:01 - Advice on Choosing the Right Tools and Learning from Successful Operators

44:01 - Recruiting Tips from Gas Stations to Sidewalks

47:47 - Real Talk About Private Equity in the Trades

50:08 - Advice for Business Owners Facing Big Decisions

54:06 - What Makes a Good PE Partner and Smart Growth

57:43 - Defining Alignment in Business Partnerships and the Importance of Education

If you enjoy the episode, please don’t hesitate to leave us a review (5 stars preferably 😉)

Links & References:

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