Congratulations! You now own an HVAC business! Whether you took over an existing business or are just opening the doors to a new place of your very own, your dreams have finally come true. So as you settle into your new role and take a look around, you might start to ask yourself... now what?
Here are three things you may be forgetting:
- Succession planning - To build a great business, you have to have a plan. Where are the employee holes and how do you fill them? Is there enough management for the amount of people you have? Building a succession plan for the next 30, 60, 90, and 365 days will benefit you immensely in the future.
- Quality checks - Now that you own the business, you have to know how your brand ambassadors are representing your company. To do this, schedule a handful of quality checks throughout the department. In my experience, I've found that secret shopping your technicians, comfort advisors, and even the receptionist is a good way to keep a pulse on things.
- Have fun - Last, but certainly not least, HAVE FUN! This is your new baby, and while the 15-hour days and the back-to-back meetings are just beginning, you have to remember to have some fun and bond with your people. Frame your first dollar, cut the ribbon on your new sign, take the new crew out for a night on the town and enjoy!
There's no time more stressful and exciting than taking over a company at the owner level. Remember to check in with each department and listen to their concerns as well as their celebrations, define your role as a business owner and manager, and don't be afraid to delegate tasks to maximize your efficiency.
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