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.
Feb. 1, 2012
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.

Advantage Refrigeration,New Berlin,WI

Advantage Refrigeration, New Berlin, WI, specializes in commercial and industrial refrigeration design, engineering, construction, and service. It provides its services throughout the Midwest, and employs about 45 technicians out of three offices, in New Berlin, Fond du Lac, and Marshfield, WI. Each branch provides engineering, technical, and dispatching support. Advantage services and installs standard refrigeration systems, but has also developed high-level designs since its founding. Its own design and production facilities, and inventory of pre-owned equipment bring added value. Advantage Refrigeration is a licensed Hill PHOENIX dealer in the state of Wisconsin.

Company CEO, Russ Dudan (pictured above) has been leading Advantage Refrigeration since March, 2011. In September, 2011, Russ Dudan served as a panelist in the Contracting Business.com Second Annual Refrigeration Roundtable (see http://bit.ly/cbrefroundtable).

IN THE TRUCKS

  • Type of trucks/vans: GMC Savanna; Chevy Express one-ton vans.
  • Tools provided: Cordless drill, Sawzall, corded hammer drill, cordless impact driver.
  • Preferred tools and test instruments technicians carry: Fluke meters, HD-10 leak detector, Sling psychrometer.
  • Inventory on trucks/vans: $10,000 to $15,000 in refrigeration/HVAC parts.
  • Preferred field communications method: Cell phones.
  • Preferred ladders: Werner.

IN THE OFFICE

  • Preferred business management software: Computer Ease.
  • Preferred sales management software: Sales Achiever.
  • Preferred load calculation software: Vendor provided; varies depending on application.
  • Preferred computer/printer equipment: HP.
  • Preferred photocopier equipment: Toshiba business centers, with scanning/email capability.
  • Fax machines: Toshiba, integrated into business center.
  • Business connection to the Internet via: One Communications (Earthlink Business).
  • Preferred uniform supplier: Cintas.
  • Credit Cards Accepted: Visa, MasterCard, American Express.

IN THE SHOP

  • Preferred heating equipment brands: Trane.
  • Preferred cooling equipment brands: Trane.
  • Preferred accessory brands: Aprilaire.
  • Preferred Indoor Air Quality equipment: Aprilaire.
  • Preferred distributors: GA Larson, Temperature Systems, Design Air, Auer Steel.

About the Author

Terry McIver

Content Director - CB

A career publishing professional, Terence 'Terry' McIver has served three diverse industry publications in varying degrees of responsibility since 1987, and worked in marketing communications for a major U.S. corporation.He joined the staff of Contracting Business magazine in April 2005.

As director of content for Contracting Business, he produces daily content and feature articles for CB's 38,000 print subscribers and many more Internet visitors. He has written hundreds, if not two or three, pieces of news, features and contractor profile articles for CB's audience of quality HVACR contractors. He can also be found covering HVACR industry events or visiting with manufacturers and contractors. He also has significant experience in trade show planning.

Sign up for Contracting Business Newsletters
Get the latest news and updates.