Latest from Archive

Photo 149075461 © Oleksandra Polishchuk | Dreamstime.com
When interviewing for a dispatcher, Terri Hardt said to look for someone with a good work ethic and values similar to yours. You can teach behaviors; you can't teach ethics.
Make your dispatcher a vital part of the service team.
June 6, 2024
innovation_collage_for_sm
A respectable collection of some of the thousands of products that have shaped the HVACR industry, from 1851 up to today.
June 4, 2024
C Be Book Web Ads Ps Ds Vert 1200x628
A business management guide from Contracting Business.
July 22, 2022
phototechno/iStock/GettyImages
Systematizing
In order to make your company attractive to buyers, and for you to be able to completely exit the company, it has to be able to run on its own without you.
May 25, 2021
print
Check out this advanced planning guide to the 2019 AHR Expo. It features more than 2,100 leading manufacturers and suppliers from across the world that are exhibiting at the show...
Jan. 9, 2019
print
Meet some of the technology leaders in the HVACR/Hydronics market and review the technology and new products they're bringing to the market.
Jan. 8, 2019
Www Contractingbusiness Com Sites Contractingbusiness com Files Danfoss Gas Detector
Next generation in Danfoss gas detection products is 'plug and play,' accurate and compliant.
July 3, 2018
Moisture in crawlspaces can be a problem in any area of the country. Here's expert advice on solving the problem, once and for all.
May 18, 2017
Yellow Jacket
Refrigerant Gauges
Proper performance of heat pumps and air conditioners are determined by many factors, but chief among them is proper refrigerant charge
May 18, 2017

Tools of the Trade

Each month, Contracting Business picks a leading contractor and takes a look at the products, tools, and services that he or she has chosen to help make their company successful.
Oct. 1, 2010
2 min read
Image

Each month, Contracting Business picks a leading contractor and takes a look at the products, tools, and services that he or she has chosen to help make their company successful.

Estes Heating and Air Conditioning is the Contracting Business 2010 Residential Contractor of the Year. Tommy Estes, pictured right, is president of the company. Estes Heating and Air Conditioning was founded by Tommy's father Nap, in 1949, and remains a family run business today. Tommy started leading the company in 1986, and is in the process of training his son and vice president, Brian Estes, to take over one day. Estes Heating and Air Conditioning prides itself on its excellent customer service and satisfaction.

IN THE TRUCKS

  • Number and type of trucks/vans: 15 Ford E-350 KUVs; 5 Ford F-250 trucks; 15 Ford F-150 trucks; 38 Ford E250 vans; and 1 Ford F-450 flatbed.
  • Inventory on trucks/vans: $4500-$5000.
  • Preferred tools and test instruments technicians carry: Reclaim machine; refrigerant scales; vac cleaner; Gallo gun; variable speed motor tester; volt/ohm meter; capacitor tester; amp meter; monometer; refrigerant guages; thermometer; micron guage; and an electronic leak detector.
  • Preferred field communications method: Nextel, Direct Connect and text.
  • Preferred ladder type: Werner

IN THE OFFICE

  • Preferred business management software: Sawin Pro.
  • Preferred sales management software: Sawin Pro.
  • Preferred computer/printer equipment: HP and Samsung.
  • Preferred photocopier equipment: Canon and Samsung.
  • Business connection to the Internet via: Metro Ethernet.
  • Preferred uniform supplier: Buy from G & K.
  • Credit Cards Accepted: Visa, MasterCard, and Amex.

IN THE SHOP

  • Preferred heating equipment brands: Carrier; Trane; Mitsubishi.
  • Preferred cooling equipment brands: Carrier; Trane; Mitsubishi.
  • Preferred accessory brands: Honeywell
  • Preferred zoning equipment: Honeywell
  • Dollar amount of equipment inventoried: $350,000 parts and accessories.
  • Preferred distributor(s): Mingledorff’s and R.E. Michel
  • Number of technicians currently certified and type of certification: 24 NATE certified (multiple categories); EPA.
Sign up for Contracting Business Newsletters
Get the latest news and updates.