From Farm to Furnace: Chris Downs' Career Journey

In this episode of The ROCC Pod, we sit down with Matt Traitses, General Manager, and Chris Downs, HVAC Manager at Cregger Plumbing, Heating, Cooling, and Electrical. With summer in full swing, we focus on home comfort, efficiency, and cost savings through HVAC upgrades and maintenance. Chris breaks down how federal tax credits and utility rebates can save homeowners over $2,000 when replacing outdated systems, thanks to incentives like $600 tax credits for furnaces and air conditioners, and rebates from gas and electric companies. These savings are immediate and impactful, especially for those living in older homes with lower efficiency units.

We dive into safety as a top priority, particularly the risks of carbon monoxide from improperly maintained furnaces. Chris emphasizes regular maintenance—including annual tune-ups and filter changes—to protect both the system’s longevity and the home's air quality. He also discusses add-ons like UV lights and air purifiers that actively kill bacteria and viruses in the air.

The conversation shifts to the importance of proper system installation. While many homeowners obsess over brands, Chris reminds us that installation quality matters more than the brand name. An incorrectly sized or poorly installed unit leads to inefficiency, noise, and higher long-term costs. Sizing the unit correctly through load calculations ensures better performance and comfort.

We also hear about Chris’s unique journey from owning a cattle and crop farm to managing HVAC sales and system design. His career transition led him to a leadership role at Cregger, where he now mentors technicians and helps expand their HVAC services. Matt notes that Chris is the company's first-ever HVAC Manager, brought in during a period of strategic growth.

Cregger’s recent involvement with the Royal Oak Chamber is also discussed. They've joined community events like the Summer Concert Series and Halloween festivities, with plans to donate an HVAC system to a local veteran in need. Community service remains a cornerstone of their mission, from food banks to supporting animal shelters.

As the episode wraps, we ask our signature “fishbowl” questions. Chris shares his one regret—wishing he'd entered the trades earlier—and Matt reflects on reviving a Greek family tradition involving a New Year’s dish and a lucky coin. 

Learn more about the Royal Oak Chamber of Commerce: https://www.royaloakchamber.com/

Connect with our hosts:

Jon Gay from JAG in Detroit Podcasts - http://www.jagindetroit.com/

Lisa Bibbee from Century 21 Northland - http://soldbylisab.com/