Editor’s Notebook

THE HVACR MANAGEMENT MAGAZINE

TERRY Tanker Publisher ttanker@hvacrbusiness.com

PETE Grasso Editor pgrasso@hvacrbusiness.com

MEGAN LaSalla Art Director mlasalla@hvacrbusiness.com

BRUCE Sprague Circulation Manager bs200264@sbcglobal.net

BARBARA Kerr Executive Assistant bkerr@hvacrbusiness.com ADVERTISING STAFF ERIC Hagerman National Sales Manager Tel 216-409-3246 Fax 440-731-8750 ehagerman@hvacrbusiness.com

TERRY Tanker Publisher Tel 440-731-8600 Fax 440-731-8750 ttanker@hvacrbusiness.com

HVACR Business, founded January 1981, is a monthly national trade magazine serving contractors, mechanical engineers, manufacturers, manufacturer representatives, wholesalers, distributors, trade associations, and others in the heating, ventilating, air conditioning and refrigeration (HVACR) industry primarily in the U.S. The editorial focus and mission of HVACR Business is to provide business owners and managers with the very best business management concepts available. Critical topics covered include leadership, management, strategy, finance, sales, marketing, training, education, staffing, operations, human resources, legal issues, customer service and more. We are dedicated to helping contractors master these key management skills and provide them with the resources necessary to build strong, profitable companies. Every effort is made to provide accurate information, however, the publisher assumes no responsibility for accuracy of submitted advertising and editorial information. Copyright©2020 by JFT Properties LLC. No part of this publication may be reproduced or retransmitted in any form or by any means, including, but not limited to, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or any information storage retrieval system, without the prior written permission of the publisher. Unauthorized copying may subject violators to criminal penalties as well as liabilities for substantial monetary damages up to $100,000 per infringement, costs and attorneys’ fees. This publication should not be utilized as a substitute for professional advice in specific situations. If legal, medical, accounting, financial, consulting, coaching or other professional advice is required, the services of the appropriate professional should be sought. Neither the authors nor the publisher may be held liable in any way for any interpretation or use of the information in this publication. The authors will make recommendations for solutions for you to explore. Any recommendation is always based on the authors’ research and experience. The information contained herein is accurate to the best of the publisher’s and authors’ knowledge; however, the publisher and authors can accept no responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of such information or for loss or damage caused by any use thereof. Subscription Rates: Free and controlled circulation to qualified subscribers. Non-qualified persons may subscribe at the following rates: U.S. and possessions: 1 year $48; 2 years $75; 3 years $96; Canadian and foreign, 1-year $108 U.S. funds only. Single copies $8. Subscriptions are prepaid, and check or money orders only. Subscriber Services: To order a subscription or change your address, write to HVACR Business, 31674 Center Ridge Road, Suite 104, North Ridgeville, OH 44039 or call (440) 731-8600; or visit our Web site at www.hvacrbusiness.com. For questions regarding your subscription, please contact bkerr@hvacrbusiness.com. HVACR Business (ISSN 2153-2877) Copyright ©2020 is published monthly by JFT Properties LLC,31674 Center Ridge Road, Suite 104, North Ridgeville, OH 44039, Phone: 440- 731-8600. Periodicals postage is paid at North Ridgeville, OH and additional mailing offices. (USPS 025-431) POSTMASTER: Send address changes to HVACR Business, 31674 Center Ridge Road, Suite 104, North Ridgeville, OH 44039.

31674 Center Ridge Road, Suite 104 North Ridgeville, OH 44039 Tel: (440) 731-8600 Fax: (440) 731-8750 Web site: www.hvacrbusiness.com (ISSN: 2153-2877)

BY PETE GRASSO

EDITOR’S NOTEBOOK

Leadership Lessons from George Washington

For a while now, I’ve been listening to a podcast called American History Tellers. It is described as, “Every part of your life — the words you speak, the ideas you share — can be traced to our history, but how well do you really know the stories that made America? We’ll take you to the events, the times and the people that shaped our nation. And we’ll show you how our history affected them, their families and affects you today.” them.

When I subscribed to [Abridged] Presidential Histories about a month ago, it was in its infancy with only two episodes: George Washington and John Adams (it’s currently up to six episodes, John Quincy Adams, and will mostly likely be on Andrew Jackson or Martin Van Buren by the time you read this).

Each episode is anywhere from 40-55 minutes in length and covers the life of each president before, during and after their presidencies. Already, I’ve learned quite a bit about our founding father that I’d either forgotten about or never learned when I was in school.

I think what fascinates me the most whenever I read a biography or, in this case, listen about the life of a historical figure is how much can be learned and applied to life today.

George Washington, for example, can teach us a lot about leadership and business. The hallmark of Washington’s career was that he didn’t seek power but let it come to him. One thing that really struck me as interesting about Washington’s presidency — and let’s not forget, because he was first, he was basically making it up as he went along — was his forethought that to be a great leader, he had to surEach “season” of the show consists of a series of two to six episodes that explores a different period in American history. So far, I’ve listed to a fascinating look at the Space Race, in-depth looks at the American Revolution, Prohibition and The Great Depression. I recently finished an account that chronicles Washington’s original cabinet consisted of only four members: Thomas Jefferson as Secretary of State, Alexander Hamilton as Secretary of Treasury, Henry Knox as Secretary of War and Edmund Randolph as Attorney General. With any decision that had to be America has a rich history and we can learn a lot “The Age of Jackson,” which covers the life and times of President Andrew Jackson. about leadership from our founding fathers. made for this new country — and there were many — Washington turned to his cabinet. Often time, American History Tellers has been around for a couple of years now, so there are many seasons for me to pick and choose when deciding what period I want to learn about next. It’s these meetings turned into raucous debates where Washington sat quietly and listened to both sides of the argument before making his final decision. been a welcome change from the usual interview centric and He could have very easily just “gone with his gut” and do business focused podcasts to which I usually listen. whatever he wanted to do. Instead, he trusted those around If you’re like me, when you learn about something, you not only share that information with others, but also seek out additional information on the subject. While listening him, smart men with differing opinions and expertise, to debate the issues and convince him one way or the other. Only then, when all options were fully explored, did he act. to the episodes on the American Revolution, I stumbled The most successful contractors with whom I’ve spoken upon another podcast, [Abridged] Presidential Histories, a to over the years all have this in common with Washington. podcast that explores the pivotal moments that defined each It’s almost become cliché, but “hiring people smarter than president’s life and legacy and the lessons we can draw from you” is the best way to do business.

round himself with smart people.

Who you surround yourself with influences your decisions as a leader and ultimately shapes your business — successful or not. Do you have the right people in the right roles at your company? Do you trust your managers to keep you informed and lead your team?

Relying on others to help in the decision-making process doesn’t make you a weak leader. It makes you an informed leader. Ultimately, however, the decision is yours to make and Washington knew this too. Right or wrong, the buck stops with you. So, make it easier on yourself and surround your business prospers.

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yourself with great people and your team will follow you as