HVAC Masters of the Hustle: Episode #311 with Austin Saunders

Release Date: June 9, 2025
Host: JDubMoneyMaker

In Episode #311 of HVAC Masters of the Hustle, host JDubMoneyMaker welcomes Austin Saunders, a resilient entrepreneur in the HVAC industry. This episode delves deep into Austin's personal journey, the challenges he faced, and the strategies he's employing to elevate his HVAC business into the top 1%.

1. Austin’s Personal Journey: Overcoming Adversity

Austin opens up about his tumultuous past, sharing a heartfelt account of his struggle with addiction. He recounts a life-altering motorcycle accident in his late teens, which led to opioid dependency.

"I remember the first time I was sitting on the couch and I had taken a couple Vicodin... I knew I was hooked."
[08:12]

His candidness about living on the streets highlights the severity of his challenges and the determination it took to reclaim his life.

"There’s nothing anybody can do for you until you do it for yourself."
[11:22]

2. Entering the HVAC Industry: A New Beginning

Post-recovery, Austin found solace and purpose in the trades, enrolling in a trade school in Phoenix, Arizona. He emphasizes the importance of acquiring a tangible skill set.

"I already had that skill. And really getting out of that program, I moved this way and started hustling the same way that you do on the streets to survive."
[13:16]

3. Launching His HVAC Business: May 2024

Driven by a desire to spend more time with his family, particularly his young son, Austin took the leap to start his own HVAC company in May 2024.

"The light bulb moment was my son. I knew that I needed to provide a better life than I had."
[15:18]

Launching the business was not without its hurdles, especially in sales and establishing effective processes.

"Honestly, I didn't realize how sales-based it is and that's part of the business. I had never had any formal training."
[16:09]

4. Navigating Business Challenges and Growth

Initially relying heavily on referrals and personal networking, Austin admits to "winging it" during the early stages of his business.

"Most of them were referrals. So I kind of already had some trust built in... But it was no process, it was winging it."
[16:58]

Despite achieving impressive sales—reporting around $500,000 in six months—Austin recognizes the need for structured sales training and processes to sustain growth.

5. Developing Leadership Skills: Embracing Vulnerability

A significant portion of the discussion centers on Austin's journey to becoming an effective leader. He acknowledges his initial shortcomings in leadership, particularly in managing and displaying emotions.

"The big one for me was showing emotion... keeping your composure."
[24:29]

Austin shares his ongoing efforts to maintain professionalism and support his team, even during stressful times.

"You have to be there as the leader, and you got to keep the ball moving forward."
[25:18]

6. Marketing and Branding: Building a Recognizable Brand

Austin discusses the critical role of branding in standing out within the competitive HVAC market. He details the process of rebranding his company, including logo design and vehicle wraps.

"Wrap your trucks... make them look like a twenty million dollar company."
[29:57]

Emphasizing the importance of a strong online presence, Austin shares his plans to enhance his social media strategy by creating engaging content such as tech tips and behind-the-scenes videos.

"I want to start doing... filming these jobs, like getting little clips of the guys talking, working."
[42:18]

7. Building a Positive Company Culture: Fostering Success

Creating a supportive and motivating company culture is paramount for Austin. He strives to make his company a desirable workplace by understanding and nurturing his employees' strengths and needs.

"I truly care about people, so I think that makes it a little easier for me because I want to see people succeed."
[37:23]

Austin also shares the challenges of hiring the right talent and the lessons learned from early hiring mistakes.

"Vetting them, you know, but again, it comes back a lot to being the owner and being the leader."
[40:00]

8. Future Goals and Ambitions: Eyes on the Prize

Looking ahead, Austin sets ambitious goals for his business. He aims to reach $1 million in sales by the end of 2025 and envisions expanding his team to foster a robust company culture.

"I want to hit a million dollars this year in sales... building a company that people see and they're like, dude, I want to work for that company."
[47:02]

9. Importance of Reviews and Customer Testimonials: Building Trust

Understanding the value of customer feedback, Austin is implementing strategies to garner more reviews and testimonials. He plans to incentivize customers with small rewards, such as gift cards, to encourage them to share their experiences.

"Just incentivize a little bit."
[48:29]

10. Final Advice: Perseverance and Resilience

As the conversation winds down, Austin imparts a powerful message about never giving up, stressing the importance of resilience in both personal life and business.

"Never give up... just being where I'm at today is a win."
[53:10]

"Anybody struggling with addiction... just never give up, man."
[53:10]

Key Takeaways:

• Resilience Pays Off: Austin's story is a testament to overcoming personal demons and achieving success through perseverance.

• Structured Processes are Crucial: Transitioning from "winging it" to implementing formal sales and operational processes can significantly impact business growth.

• Leadership Requires Continuous Learning: Effective leadership involves managing one's emotions and fostering a supportive team environment.

• Strong Branding Sets You Apart: Investing in professional branding and maintaining a robust online presence are essential for standing out in a saturated market.

• Cultivating a Positive Company Culture: Prioritizing employee success and maintaining open communication can enhance company performance and employee retention.

• Customer Feedback Builds Trust: Actively seeking and leveraging customer reviews can bolster credibility and attract new clients.

Austin Saunders' journey from battling addiction to establishing a promising HVAC business serves as an inspiring blueprint for aspiring entrepreneurs in the trades industry. His candid discussions about personal growth, business challenges, and strategic planning offer valuable insights for listeners aiming to ascend to the top 1% in their respective fields.