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    Unified Group
    The Unified Group hosted an optional group activity for members that included a mixology class at Liquor Lab and ended with samples of beer at New Heights Brewery.

    Unified Group Forum Provides Guide to Change

    Feb. 20, 2023
    Topics included best practices, troubleshooting, recruitment, and training.

    BROADVIEW, Ill., February 2023 —  The Unified Group held its  2023 Service Management Forum in Nashville recently, for two-and-a-half days of sharing best ideas and practices troubleshooting and discussions focused on how members can achieve the best versions of themselves.

    Randy Nemchin of Radical Guidance Consulting led the group for the entirety of the event's first day. His primary focuses were Quiet Quitting and The Great Resignation. Ranging from large group discussions to interactive activities, Nemchin captured the attention of the entire group.

    “I loved his workshop,” said Juan Flores of Blauch Brothers, Inc. “It has been one of my favorites, and it was amazing how fast the day went by.”

    Day one ended with dinner at Ole Red, Blake Shelton’s restaurant, where the group experienced local live music and camaraderie.

    Employee recruitment and retention were the hot topics of the second day. During this segment, the three presenters — Chris Stokes of Air Controls, Mike Kerner of Cox-Powell Corporation and Erick Wheeler of Dean E. Norris, Inc. — shared their tactics to acquire new employees and provide an environment to maintain them.

    “I appreciate everyone in this group and their contributions,” said Steve Adams of Johnson and Jordan, Inc. “I always leave with something to take back and implement.”

    The highlight of the third day was a session on technical training. Jennifer Yee of J&J Air Conditioning and Bret Nielsen of Harvey W. Hottel shared the process of how their companies successfully train upcoming techs. Ultimately, members of the audience were able to ask questions in real-time and get immediate feedback.

    After another excellent meeting of the best-in-class contractors inspiring one another, members of The Unified Group learned new tactics to improve their competitive advantage at their respective companies.

    “Everything about this group was an amazing experience,” said Hutch Henry of EES Facility Services. “I was immediately welcomed by everyone and loved how it felt like a family event. I’m excited to keep in touch with everyone and to continue to learn and implement new ideas!”

    Upcoming Unified Group training sessions will include controls, succession planning, small/dpecial projects, construction and more. If your company, or another company you know, might be a good fit for The Unified Group, contact Janet Kelleher at [email protected].

    Formed in 1998, The Unified Group is an organization of the leading independent HVAC commercial contractors in the industry. The association helps strengthen its member businesses through a variety of training and resources and is dedicated to raising the standards of excellence in the HVACR industry. For more information, visit www.theunifiedgroup.com.