Episode Summary: HVAC Masters of the Hustle #308 – Acadiana Comfort Systems Cody & Emily Brasseal
Release Date: May 19, 2025
In Episode #308 of HVAC Masters of the Hustle, host JDubMoneyMaker welcomes Cody and Emily Brasseal from Acadiana Comfort Systems. This engaging episode delves into their inspiring journey in the HVAC industry, exploring their transition from different professional backgrounds, strategies for business growth, team culture, and overcoming industry-specific challenges. Through insightful discussions, Cody and Emily share valuable lessons and actionable advice for HVAC professionals aiming to ascend to the top 1% in their field.
1. Introduction and Background
The episode kicks off with JDubMoneyMaker expressing excitement about featuring Cody and Emily, a married couple who have successfully built their HVAC business in Louisiana. JDub highlights their strong partnership and the mutual support that has been pivotal to their success.
Notable Quote:
"[...] showing people what's possible running the four-minute mile." — [00:19] Jacob Moneymaker
2. Emily’s Transition from Occupational Therapy to HVAC
Emily narrates her unexpected shift from a decade-long career in occupational therapy to managing an HVAC business. Initially involved in administrative tasks such as bookkeeping, Emily's transition was accelerated by personal circumstances, including health challenges that left her on bed rest.
Notable Quote:
"I started dispatching... and then I need help. I'm overwhelmed." — [03:05] Emily
Emily emphasizes the importance of trust and complementary skills in her partnership with Cody, highlighting how their differing strengths have fortified their business operations.
3. Taking the Leap of Faith
The conversation delves into the fears and motivations behind leaving a stable career for the uncertainty of entrepreneurship. Emily discusses the emotional and practical considerations that influenced her decision, underscoring Cody's faith and ability to push her beyond her comfort zone.
Notable Quote:
"I couldn't go back even if I don't even think about it." — [05:39] Emily
4. Cody’s Journey into HVAC Entrepreneurship
Cody shares his unconventional entry into the HVAC industry. Starting with minimal experience, he capitalized on a friend's opportunity and leveraged entrepreneurial advice from his father to establish Acadiana Comfort Systems rapidly.
Notable Quote:
"I was registered with the state, had an Acadian, a comfort email, and away we went." — [09:23] Cody
He candidly discusses initial challenges, including lacking technical HVAC knowledge and the learning curve associated with running a business. Cody highlights the critical role Emily has played in scaling their operations.
5. Navigating the Louisiana Market
Cody provides an in-depth analysis of the Louisiana HVAC market, characterized by its hot and humid climate. He explains how they differentiate themselves by adopting a holistic approach to home comfort, addressing entire systems rather than isolated components.
Notable Quote:
"Comfort is so much more of a broader term... house as a system approach." — [12:16] Cody
This strategy has enabled Acadiana Comfort Systems to tackle complex customer issues unique to their region, fostering strong customer relationships and loyalty.
6. Expansion into New Construction
The Brasseals discuss their strategic move into new construction, a segment they initially viewed skeptically. By implementing organized and systematic processes, they transitioned successfully, stabilizing their business during seasonal fluctuations.
Notable Quote:
"We have, we're definitely building something great." — [10:00] Cody
Cody recounts the challenges of entering new construction, such as quality control and establishing reliable partnerships, ultimately leading to sustained growth and increased project volume.
7. Building a Strong Team Culture
Emily elaborates on the importance of cultivating a cohesive team culture. She shares their exercise involving vision boards, which encouraged team members to reflect on personal and professional goals, fostering accountability and alignment with the company's mission.
Notable Quote:
"Know your vision, know your values. It makes decision making so easy." — [52:10] Emily
JDubMoneyMaker echoes this sentiment, emphasizing the necessity of understanding employees' aspirations to create a mutually beneficial work environment.
8. Hiring Practices and Overcoming Challenges
Both Cody and Emily address the critical challenges of hiring and retaining the right talent. They detail their evolved hiring process, which now includes phone interviews, personality assessments, and a thorough evaluation to ensure cultural fit.
Notable Quote:
"We're not willing to have the wrong fit... it's not good for us and it's not good for them." — [27:38] Cody
They stress that careful hiring practices prevent costly mismatches and foster a supportive and productive workplace.
9. Financial Management: Knowing Your Numbers
A significant portion of the discussion centers around the importance of financial literacy. Cody admits that before hiring an accounting coach, understanding their financials was a major hurdle. With professional guidance, they now have a clear grasp of their financial health, enabling informed decision-making and strategic growth.
Notable Quote:
"Know your numbers so that when you flip, you know exactly how to get back up." — [52:10] Emily
JDubMoneyMaker concurs, highlighting that understanding finances is foundational for any business's success.
10. Training and Accountability
The Brasseals emphasize continuous training and clear expectations as pillars of their operational strategy. They hold regular team meetings to reinforce communication skills and technical proficiency, ensuring that all team members align with the company's standards.
Notable Quote:
"Clear expectation... is lifting the burden off the person." — [40:12] Cody
This approach not only enhances service quality but also empowers employees to take ownership of their roles, contributing to overall business excellence.
11. The Power of Negotiation and Financing
Cody and Emily discuss the critical role of negotiation in securing favorable financing options for their clients. They advocate for partnering with multiple financing companies to offer competitive rates and tailored solutions, enhancing customer satisfaction without compromising profitability.
Notable Quote:
"You have to watch it because, man, you'll literally price yourself right off that table." — [44:00] Cody
Their strategy involves blending margins to accommodate financing deals, ensuring sustainable business operations while meeting client needs.
12. Overcoming Obstacles and Sustained Growth
When reflecting on their growth since 2011, Cody and Emily identify hiring, financial management, and maintaining quality as primary challenges. Through strategic hiring processes, professional financial assistance, and robust quality control measures, they have effectively navigated these obstacles.
Notable Quote:
"Hiring is huge for everybody, right? People make or break you." — [34:31] Cody
Their resilience and adaptability serve as a blueprint for other HVAC professionals facing similar challenges.
13. Networking and Continuous Learning
The importance of networking and leveraging industry resources is another key takeaway. Cody and Emily share how attending events like those hosted by EGIA has provided invaluable insights, support, and collaborative opportunities that have significantly contributed to their business's evolution.
Notable Quote:
"Networking at these events is just tremendous of value." — [50:12] Cody
They advocate for active participation in industry communities to foster growth and innovation.
14. Final Thoughts and Key Takeaways
As the episode concludes, Emily and Cody share their final wisdom for listeners:
Emily’s Takeaway:
"Know your vision, know your values. It makes decision making so easy. And know your numbers so that when you flip, you know exactly how to get back up." — [52:10] Emily
Cody’s Takeaway:
"Clear vision, clear mind, clear eyes, clear focus, clear results. A good attitude goes a long way." — [52:38] Cody
These insights encapsulate the essence of their success: strategic clarity, financial acumen, strong team culture, and unwavering motivation.
Conclusion
Episode #308 of HVAC Masters of the Hustle offers a comprehensive look into the entrepreneurial journey of Cody and Emily Brasseal. Their story underscores the importance of adaptability, strategic planning, and strong interpersonal relationships in building a thriving HVAC business. Listeners gain actionable insights into effective hiring, financial management, team culture, and leveraging industry networks, making this episode a valuable resource for HVAC professionals aspiring to excel in their careers.