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Jacob Moneymaker
This is H Vac Masters of the Hustle with your host, Jacob Moneymaker. Yeah, I'm a hustler cuz I'm a hustler yeah. What is up? You are listening to H Vac Masters of the Hustle podcast and here's your host, J. Moneymaker. And welcome to episode 313. And first off and foremost, I believe that we all have a Spartan in us. And it is my job, my duty and my obligation to bring that beast out. And this podcast is brought to you by Mel Shark. Mel Shark is an absolute amazing tool to get your foot in the door as a company for opportunity. And they have extremely payable plans. And I'm telling you, we're using it at Royalty Heating and Air and we are getting opportunity after opportunity after opportunity. And not only that, their creating side on their marketing is absolutely amazing as well. It's game changer as well as the podcast is brought to you by Nuva Thermostat. The thermostat made by the contractor for the contractor. You talk about private labeling, you talk about retaining your client, you talk about the most sexiest thermostat out on the market. It's the nuva Thermostat. And like I said, we got a great episode for you all. I am excited. I personally had the opportunity last week to go to Southern California to do an on site at Five Star Plumbing Heating and Air. And they had first off, just an absolute amazing team, amazing culture. But there was also a gentleman that also stood out to me because when I went into his van and something I saw was right there, right on the front of his windshield and what that was was a camera or a GoPro. And with that GoPro, I asked him, what's that for? He said, I Videotape myself. I'm a content creator. I love H Vac. I love sharing my knowledge to people. And this kid's only 19 years old. Let's go ahead and give Mr. Big E a big old welcome. What is up, Big E?
Big E
What's up, Jason? I appreciate the introduction.
Jacob Moneymaker
I mean, first off, look at this kid right here, 19 years old. I mean, look at the smile, pearl white teeth. I mean, everything that you want. He's self motivated. How do you have such this mindset at 19 years old being a kid? Because, I mean, in my mindset, I'm 37. I did not have the mindset that I had that. That you have at 19.
Big E
Yeah, I know. Grow. Growing up, I really just always thought about my future and where I wanted to be in the future. So I think when I was like 15 and a half is when I got my very first job and I just wanted to start making money. And the only thing I knew was to work, just to work to get money. So I got my first job and was just grinding it out. So growing up, I think just my upbringing really just motivated me. And I thought to myself, like, growing up, how I grew up, I didn't want that for my future kids or my future self. So I just really dialed in work and then it led into getting into H Vac.
Jacob Moneymaker
Nice. And how did you get introduced to the field of H Vac? And how old were you when you started?
Big E
One of my friends, his dad owned a H Vac company, a very small H Vac company. And one day he called me for help. He needed a hand. So I went ahead and gave him a hand on this job. And after that, I really just kept working with him. He asked me if I wanted a job with him and I said yeah. And that short period of time, I fell in love with the trade. I really liked working with my hands getting dirty. And that was really just. That's how I got into it and I just stuck with it.
Jacob Moneymaker
Okay. I love it. I love it. And you know, now as you're going through it, being a 19 year old, one thing that we talked about was content creating. And this is what I want to talk about on the podcast is creating your content. So you have a pretty good following on social media and YouTube and you created a really good channel for yourself. Talk about how, how'd you start wanting to, to put content out there and why did you start it?
Big E
Yeah, so I started content creation. Well, first of all, I really took pride in my work, so I took pride in organization. My van and my just doing work all around. And I wanted to kind of showcase that. And I wanted to showcase it. So that's what I did. My next step was, you know, creating a YouTube account. And when I went from there, I was like kind of hesitant. I didn't really want to post at the moment because in my head I was thinking, I've only been in the trade for a year, year and a half. I don't know as much as I like to know. And I think in my head, like I know people are gonna criticize me. So that really just kind of, that thought kind of made me afraid of posting. But I kind of quickly got over that and I just kind of just sent it. I said, you know what, people are gonna talk. So I sent it and I just from there on I posted my very first video. And it was POV an 18 year old H VAC technician. So in that video was like a day in a life video, me running a few service calls in my own van. And that video did amazing. It's one of my most viewed videos. I think it's at 450,000 views right now.
Jacob Moneymaker
450,000 views, wow.
Big E
Yeah.
Jacob Moneymaker
And I mean, who wouldn't want to see just a 19 year old running some calls being different, being a younger technician. When you go into these appointments, what's your mindset? What's your frame of mind? Because some people might look at you as a homeowner, right? Like, what's this kid doing in here? Like he doesn't even own a home. What does he know?
Big E
Yeah, no, yeah. Throughout that very first time of me running calls, I. Or still now, I still see it, but there's a lot of helicopter customers, a lot of customers who just are like aware because I'm young and they want to see what's going on. They, they're curious if I know what I'm doing. So throughout that time I had a lot of helicopter customers, but I actually enjoyed it. A lot of people hate it. They, I would be out record videos and they will see the customer right next to me and people would comment like, man, I hate those types of customers, blah, blah, blah. But I personally liked them at the time. And because you got to educate your customer right then and there, it's not like you're making your diagnostic and then you going to them at the end with all these problems. No, they're there the entire process. So I kind of enjoyed educating them throughout my process because it makes you more trustworthy and they're able to Trust you more.
Jacob Moneymaker
What is your. So let's talk about what does your process look like when you're in the home from start to finish? Because you're really good at creating the relationship and that bond with that homeowner. So talk about the relationship and what that appointment looks like for you within that hour, hour and a half.
Big E
Well, recently I've been tailoring it a lot, but I think the most important thing is gauging your customer's energy the very beginning of the call. Because you don't want to go into like every single call. I feel like if you're talking to an elderly person and you go in there with super high energy, I feel like that would kind of stray her away or that she wouldn't really appreciate that. So at the very beginning of the call, I always gauge the call. I always see like how their personality or energy they give off. So that's like the first thing I see. But most recently I've been, I've been trying to implement, you know, your seven step process. So I've been trying to get very familiar with that. So that's how my process has been. I've been taking my time with my calls. I've been, you know, introducing myself, doing that first, the first, what do you call it? It's the first image they see. They judge you. So you.
Jacob Moneymaker
Five seconds. Within the first five seconds.
Big E
Yeah, first five seconds. So it's really important to master the first five seconds so that you don't come off as someone, you know, rude or you don't respect their, their home, etc. So yeah, I've been, I've been doing the whole seven step process that you do.
Jacob Moneymaker
I love it. I love it. And you keep adapting too. And that's the thing is you keep learning your sponge. You're a student, right, as well as being young, but you're, you're dominating what you're doing and talking about social media and content creating. You know, you work for a company, but you do self branding. So talk about the importance of self branding and what that's been able to do for you. Because I always talk about this when I'm doing on sites. I'm like, man, it's crazy because we all have phones, right? And all you got to do is pop it up, you know, and while you're driving, we got a lot of window time. There's a lot of content that you could just do. Talking truck talk, right? You know, different things that you do. Videotaping yourself, doing repairs, talk about the, the, the Self branding and the importance of that.
Big E
I think self branding is very important because I think when people so you have your company and then you have your style branding, I think self branding is, that's what people remember you by your face. So it's like it's more building up your personal brand. With your personal brand you can make obviously like what I do make YouTube videos and all that stuff and it's just repairs, installs and all that work, etc. But what was been able to do, what I've been able to do recently is collaborate with a lot of brands. A lot of the big brands that are in our industry, I can list them off, but there's a lot of big brands in our industry. But putting yourself out there will give you opportunities like that. They give you opportunities to be seen by them. And I think especially Instagram, Instagram really helps out a lot to get noticed by brands. That's like the hub I tell everyone, like when they're not on Instagram I tell them get Instagram. That's the hub for brands to reach out to you. Like that's where it's at. But, but yeah, I think it brings a lot of opportunities and I think growing your personal brand in the long run, I feel like it'll make life a lot more easier. Like in my thinking is in the long, in the, in the future when I want to open up my own company, I think me having an established personal brand would help me out a lot when it comes to being seen.
Jacob Moneymaker
Let me ask you a question, E. How often are you posting content? Video, Is it daily, is it weekly? Every other day? How often?
Big E
So on YouTube. YouTube is where I do a lot of my long form videos, 15 to 20 minute long videos. So I'm usually posting like once a week. They're a lot harder to get out there because it just takes a lot of editing. So once a week, as far as like Instagram and TikTok, I try to, I honestly try to post on Instagram every single day. TikTok, you know, same thing, couple times a week, three times a week. It's just a little easier to do that short form content.
Jacob Moneymaker
What, what social media platform do you feel like you have the best response?
Big E
YouTube Most definitely.
Jacob Moneymaker
But the longer videos.
Big E
Yeah, the longer videos. But recently I've been growing my Instagram account, focusing on that a lot and I've been getting good response on that too.
Jacob Moneymaker
Okay, now when you do create E, these videos, right, are you kind of just, you know, camera on and just videoing or you already scripting what you're going to be doing? How does it come from video to edit to play?
Big E
Yeah, so it really just depends what I'm doing that day. So I'll tailor the video to what I'm doing. So if I'm running calls that day, maybe I'll turn into a day in a life and I'll show my morning routine and I'll go through the calls and I'll show you the gym afterwards. But depends, like if I have an install that day, it'll be dedicated install video. So I kind of just tailor it to my work schedule. And after I get that footage and I record through my GoPro, what I'll do is I'll head home, maybe to a cafe and I'll edit on my iPad. And that's where I do a lot of my editing, is on my iPad. And then from there it takes probably two to four hours. Really depends. And then I'll upload it.
Jacob Moneymaker
Okay. Okay. So you do all your editing at the cafe?
Big E
Yeah, I do a lot of editing at cafe, either cafe or home, but I get a lot work done at the cafe.
Jacob Moneymaker
Okay, and now let me ask you, when someone's thinking about starting to create content and starting that brand within their company, what are the necessary tools to start? You're talking about editing, you're talking about these different things. What is it that you started with for, for week one?
Big E
My phone. That's all you need. The really all you need is your phone to start. And I say that because I have a buddy who has just started his content creation. One of my close friends. He just started content creation and he's just been using his phone. He has a little, you know, a little Amazon, a chest mount for his phone, puts it right here and he starts recording in the wide angle lens and that gets the job done. And, and so yeah, all you need to start is just your phone. I've obviously invested over the time and I've gotten a GoPro some mics and it helps. But I think once you start growing, you definitely need to invest in better equipment just so you have so your viewers don't are able to enjoy it and like watch it easily. Easily.
Jacob Moneymaker
What do you say E to the listeners that are listening right now? That or maybe a little fearful. They're introverts, right? And they're fearful to put their content out there.
Big E
I say just send it. I get a lot of questions of people of a lot of guys wanting to start and I tell them same thing. Just, just do it. I tell them that, listen, you're gonna get hate either way. You're doing it right, you're doing it wrong, you're going to get hate. I see it from other content creators, other channels. Everyone has something to say and I tell them like, the hate helps you grow. And if I didn't have all these hate comments of them picking on me, I wouldn't be where I'm at now.
Jacob Moneymaker
Because what are some of the hate comments you get? I'm just curious.
Big E
Let me think. Hate comments, a lot of people just, they just like nitpick at what I do. So if it's like me, let me think. Doing a whole process. Okay. One thing I get common is talking to my customer. So I like to educate my customer. And I never get too techy with it. I always just like to show them hands on in person, what I'm looking at, what they're looking at. And a lot of people are like, you don't need to explain all this to your customer. They don't know what this is. You know, stuff like that. And to a point I agree, you don't want to get too techy with it. But there's just people who, who think they shouldn't tell anything to your customer. They think that you should just tell them like, oh, it's long refrigerant, that's it. You know, like stuff like that. But yeah, it's a simple stuff like that. Or even how the process of the things.
Jacob Moneymaker
I always, I always thought it was wild that people get so much feedback from people that don't even put their own content out there. Like, you know, one thing that, that we do, you know, you see at royalty is our LED lights and making our installs look different right now. Some people love it, some people hate it.
Big E
Yeah.
Jacob Moneymaker
And it's funny because people will critique our installs and it's like I'm always like, well, I would love to learn from your installs if you could send me a couple of your pictures. You think they ever send them to me?
Big E
Definitely not.
Jacob Moneymaker
No. Because you think. And then I go on their social media and I look at their pictures. There's not any pictures of installs or anything. I'm like, nope. Yeah, it tells me how proud you are.
Big E
Most definitely. No. Yeah, it's too funny.
Jacob Moneymaker
Yeah. Talking about sponsorships, one thing that you were talking about was when you do put yourself out there and you create content over time. Right. You could create sponsorships. Yeah. And what sponsorships have you created by your YouTube channels and your social Media, content. And how did you get a hold of them, or did they get a hold of you?
Big E
Yes, so I have a few sponsorships, so. One being Milwaukee. Milwaukee Tools. I'm sponsored by Milwaukee Tools. It's more of a partnership, but. And then Weather Guard, they make equipment for vans. Upfitsupply.com diversitech. Divers tech is one of the biggest companies in our industry. They make everything. You probably don't even know they make it, but they make it. Diversitech and Jobber to CRM company. So, yeah, that's. And then Viper Refrigeration Technologies. But yeah, so those are some that I have. And the way I got them, it's crazy. So I think at the time, I only had one sponsorship, but HR came around, and it was last year. So what I did was I kind of took a risk. I'm like, I know there's gonna be a lot of big companies there. So I told myself, I really want to go out there, put myself out there, introduce myself to those companies, see if I can talk to some people in charge. So I flew out there for hr and I really just went to all the vendors I wanted to work with, and I introduced myself. I asked to speak to, like, a marketing manager, and I put myself out there. And by doing that, I left home with three or four sponsorships. And it was pretty crazy, but I was really happy with that investment of going to Florida.
Jacob Moneymaker
Yeah. So let's talk about that. I mean, that's absolutely amazing. Again, putting yourself out there. Okay. A lot of us are scared or fearful to put ourself out there, to be different, to jump on a plane to go to Florida, where I believe HR was last year, and then to talk to complete different people, you know? But you went there with a plan, a mission, and a vision, right? Talk about. Talk about that. Going out there, talking about getting sponsorships, having a plan, having a mission.
Big E
So I think it really dawned on me when I. When I came back, but it really comes down to your confidence. And I think if. Even if I didn't have the following I have now, which I now, thinking about it, I really didn't. I only had like 5,000 subscribers, 10,000. But even if I had less, I feel like just being confident in yourself, your words and how you speak to them. I feel like that goes miles. And so just communicating with them. But that. That really was key. But my game plan and everything, the. The mindset that I was at, I was there for two days, not the whole three days. So I didn't Have a bunch of time. So I wanted to like dial them down. So I went on the AHR app. I looked at all, you know, the big companies on the app, where they were, and I really just like chose them, put them on my notes, where they were, what booth they were, and just like, you know, nailed them, visit them, and that was really my game plan.
Jacob Moneymaker
Nice. And then you also had the opportunity to probably meet one of the biggest content creators out there at ahr, Fat Cheeto.
Big E
I did, yes. Yeah, I met Fat Cheeto at the NAVAC booth. Yeah, that was fun.
Jacob Moneymaker
So what was your interaction like with him?
Big E
Oh, that guy is funny. No, we were there. He put me in a headlock and just like, I don't know, give me like a knuckle or something like that. But yeah, it was funny. We took a picture and everything. Yeah, it's on my Instagram.
Jacob Moneymaker
What, what is next for you? What are your goals? What it is, your mission? What is your plan with content creating? Where do you want to go with it?
Big E
Yeah, so right now, as of, as of right now, I just want to stay consistent with it. I want to keep growing and I want to. So basically I've heard of people, what they do is in the same realm as me, which is crazy, is they're able to live off of content creation itself. I'm like think to myself, how could you do that? And they were saying how they quit their full time jobs and what they do is they literally have like a shed in the backyard and they film content in a little shop. And like, let's say for us, for H Vac, if we're making videos for H Vac, they have an H VAC unit back there, they do an install, they install it back there. If they do another install for a different unit, they uninstall it, stuff like that. So that's a cool thing. I've never thought about up until I heard about it recently, but that would be nice. But either way, my goal in the future is to be on my own, start my own thing. So I think using content creation, using YouTube, using Instagram, to really boost that and just be seen, have my company be seen, I think that would be like the end goal or you know, what I have planned in the future.
Jacob Moneymaker
Okay. And let me ask you, as you continue to grow with content creating and where you want to go, when you think of your business of where you want to go, creating, one thing that you and I talked about, right, is you, you bought a van, right? And the mindset of the Van is, is for me, a young kid. Right. Was like, you know, my car. I think you said your car broke down or something like that. Or it was time to invest in a new car. And me being 19 years old, knowing that I have the capital or I could afford a monthly payment when I was 19, I'm gonna get a hot run. I'm gonna get something sexy. Right. I'm gonna get something attractive, something fun. But no, Mr. E goes, you know what? Thinking of the future, I need a vehicle. And what I'm gonna do is I'm gonna buy a Dodge ram van at 19 years old. So talk, talk about this real quick because this is something that you just invested in.
Big E
Yeah. So don't get me wrong, man. Don't get me wrong. Jason. Love cars. I have a passion for cars. I. My dream car is a BMW M3 F80. I love that thing.
Jacob Moneymaker
Four door Volkswagen guy, huh?
Big E
Yep. Yep. So that's the thing I really wanted to. I love BMWs. My whole plan since I was like 16, is to get enough money just to afford a BMW. And I really like that. But like you said, I was thinking about my future. My future is. And I thought so my car had just broken down and I'm thinking to myself, like, I want to get something reliable, a little newer. So I'm going to get myself in a little bit of debt. So I told myself if I'm going to get myself in a little bit of debt, I might as well do it in a way where I'm going to make it back in an investment. So I invested in a van. So my thinking around it is when I'm 25, it'll be paid off. And, and I want you have a monthly payment on it. So by that time, hopefully I have my own company. And that is the plan, like, you know, that to. To run my own business in that van.
Jacob Moneymaker
Absolutely. And you're definitely on your ventures and on your way to it as you continue to grow. Are there any more networking events that you're going to be going to this year that you have planned out or any events that you're excited to maybe be a part of?
Big E
Yeah. So HR this year is gonna be in Las Vegas. So I do plan on being there. It's gonna be a lot of fun. Yeah, let's do it. That'll be nice. So HR and then H Vac Tactical Award Show. I think it's the same week. I'll be there as well.
Jacob Moneymaker
You're supporting the shirt right there. Rep it.
Big E
Yeah. So those are Those are my. My future plans coming up.
Jacob Moneymaker
I would be excited to go to the event show for the veto bag. I don't give a About anything else. Just.
Big E
Yeah, that veto bag last year was nice.
Jacob Moneymaker
I wasn't all custom personalized. Like, that thing was sick.
Big E
It is.
Jacob Moneymaker
You still have it?
Big E
I still have. Yeah. It's in my van. I use it every day.
Jacob Moneymaker
So that's also one thing that I want to talk about. Okay. Is your van, your vehicle. Talk about your packouts, the organization, the cleanliness, being prideful in your vehicle. Because I do a lot of on sites.
Big E
Yeah.
Jacob Moneymaker
And I got to say, technicians are slobs more than probably 90% of the time. I don't even ride in the vans.
Big E
Yeah.
Jacob Moneymaker
You know, I just follow along. So talk about being prideful, you know, and how you were able to organize your van and your vehicle. You have a video on it too.
Big E
I do, yeah. That's funny you asked because literally a few hours ago I was making a video on the same subject. But. Yeah. So I think it's very important to be organized and efficient because at the end of the day, when being an H VAC tech, especially on commission, you want to be as efficient as you can. You want to have the right tools. You don't want anything holding you back as far as, you know, your van. So I think that's an important place to start is your van having a clean van. You're gonna get in and out of jobs a lot quicker. And that's really my mindset as right there. And as far as, like, when you're opening your van, you pull up to custom customer's house and stuff falls out of your van. Like, that's the worst first impression you can have, I think hearing, like, hand or stuff fall out of the van. So I think it's first impression.
Jacob Moneymaker
Right. You driving up to a car and all of a sudden you slide that thing open and grab your tool bag.
Big E
Yeah.
Jacob Moneymaker
You got bucket of pookie actually falls off. And now it's seeking in there.
Big E
Yeah. No. Yeah. That's a bad first impression for sure.
Jacob Moneymaker
I mean. Yeah, it happens, right?
Big E
Yeah, it does. But, yeah, I have a lot of. I was able to. My van was sponsored by weather guard Milwaukee up at supply. So I was able to get sent out a lot of equipment for my personal work company van. So I have a lot of pack out in there, and I have a lot of weather guard showers. And I really, really utilized it and created like, the most efficient setup for myself personally.
Jacob Moneymaker
Nice. And what would you Say to the listeners that are listening to the podcast right now, and they're like, hey, you know, E, that's cool, but, bro, I don't have the time to sit there and clean my truck and organize it. And, you know, I. I just. It's burning. Go right. It's to the next call. I got 12 calls on me a day because we can't hire anyone. So my. Looks like a mess.
Big E
Yeah, no, listen, I. I have a lot of friends who tell me the same thing or. Or co workers are telling me the same thing. But it's just finding that extra time when you're done working, I think, like, obviously you want to get home, you want to be in bed at a good time, but when you think about it, by you putting off cleaning your van, it's gonna. You're gonna be wasting more time the next day trying to clean it in the morning when you have a next call going on or trying to clean it during the job, you're gonna be. You're gonna be taking your time away from the job. So getting ahead of it after hours at night, that's usually what I do it. And just. That saves you a lot of time in the future.
Jacob Moneymaker
So, I mean, just taking the time, even after hours, sometimes you got to do it right. We're busy. And I always say, what are you willing to sacrifice? Right. And what are you sacrificing right now in everything that you're doing?
Big E
Yeah, as. As far as. As a content creation and everything, it's just sacrificing a lot of time. I think it's just time consuming. That's pretty much what it is. But I think the payoff is. The payoff is well worth it.
Jacob Moneymaker
Absolutely.
Big E
Yeah.
Jacob Moneymaker
Well, I got listeners, e. From business owners, you know, service technicians, Comfort Advisors, installers, CSRs, dispatchers, owners. What would you like for them to get out of this episode of H Vac Masters of the Hustle?
Big E
Oh, okay. I think. I think is finding. So obviously you're in your niche. You're either a comfort advisor, you're a technician, you're a dispatcher. Whatever niche you're in, I think just maximizing off of it, making content, filming a Day in the Life video as a comfort advisor, as a dispatcher, people will find that interesting. Other dispatchers will find that interesting. Other comfort advisors will find that interesting. And even more people. So I think get it. Putting yourself out there, making content on your niche, I think that will be very well worth it for you.
Jacob Moneymaker
What's been your favorite video that you've created.
Big E
Oh, I. I would have to say my most popular video. The very first one I created, man, I was in my prime. I was grinding 60 hours a week that summer and it felt like nothing. It literally just felt like a breeze. Like I think about it, I'm like, wow, that was like. That was something.
Jacob Moneymaker
Right on.
Big E
Yeah, that one was awesome.
Jacob Moneymaker
Well, I love it. Well, if y' all want to connect with E, you guys want to check out his YouTube channel? How can my listeners connect? How can they watch your stuff?
Big E
Yes, I'm on all platforms and I go by Ewok. Does H Vac?
Jacob Moneymaker
E walk. Does H Vac also post the link below as well. Check E out. Make sure you subscribe. Check out his video content. I'm telling you, this 19 year old kid is going places. Super impressive. I've had the opportunity again to do ride alongs with him. E. Best of luck to you in the future, man. And I can't wait to get you on in another year to see where your content creation has brought you. Until next time, y' all late.
HVAC Masters of the Hustle: Episode #313 – The 19-Year-Old Content Creator HVAC ROCKSTAR
Release Date: June 23, 2025
Host: Jacob "JDubMoneyMaker" Moneymaker
Guest: Big E, a 19-year-old HVAC technician and content creator
In Episode #313 of HVAC Masters of the Hustle, host Jacob Moneymaker introduces listeners to a standout young talent in the HVAC industry—Big E, a 19-year-old HVAC technician who has also made significant strides as a content creator. Big E's unique blend of technical expertise and digital savvy has garnered him substantial attention on platforms like YouTube and Instagram, making him a "HVAC ROCKSTAR."
Big E's foray into the HVAC industry began at a young age, driven by a strong work ethic and a desire to forge a better future for himself.
Big E [04:20]: “Growing up, I really just always thought about my future and where I wanted to be... I didn’t want that for my future kids or my future self. So I just really dialed in work and then it led into getting into HVAC.”
At 15 and a half, Big E secured his first job, which ignited his passion for HVAC. A pivotal moment was helping out at a friend's small HVAC company, where he "fell in love with the trade," appreciating the hands-on work and the satisfaction it brought.
Recognizing the power of showcasing his work and professionalism, Big E ventured into content creation despite initial hesitations.
Big E [06:10]: “I wanted to showcase that... I was hesitant because I was only in the trade for a year and a half... But I kind of quickly got over that and just kind of just sent it.”
His debut video, titled "POV an 18-year-old HVAC technician," quickly became a viral hit, amassing over 450,000 views. This success underscored the industry's interest in fresh, authentic perspectives.
One of Big E's standout qualities is his ability to build trust with customers, even amidst skepticism about his age and experience.
Big E [07:48]: “I actually enjoyed educating them throughout my process because it makes you more trustworthy and they're able to Trust you more.”
He tailors his communication based on the customer's demeanor, ensuring that he meets each client where they are, which fosters a strong rapport and enhances customer satisfaction.
Big E emphasizes the significance of self-branding in establishing a recognizable personal brand within the HVAC industry.
Big E [11:11]: “Putting yourself out there will give you opportunities... Instagram really helps out a lot to get noticed by brands.”
By actively engaging on platforms like YouTube and Instagram, he has attracted collaborations with major industry brands such as Milwaukee Tools, Weather Guard, Diversitech, and Viper Refrigeration Technologies. This strategic self-branding not only amplifies his personal identity but also paves the way for future entrepreneurial ventures.
Balancing technical work with content creation requires a structured approach. Big E outlines his routine, highlighting consistency and adaptability.
Big E [12:40]: “On YouTube, I'm usually posting like once a week... On Instagram, I try to post every single day.”
He tailors his content to match his daily activities, whether it's a "day in the life" vlog or an in-depth installation walkthrough. Editing primarily takes place on his iPad at local cafés, ensuring high-quality output without disrupting his workflow.
A testament to his proactive approach, Big E successfully secured multiple sponsorships by directly engaging with companies at industry events.
Big E [18:34]: “I flew out there for AHR and I really just went to all the vendors I wanted to work with... I left home with three or four sponsorships.”
His initiative at the AHR conference in Florida led to partnerships with prominent brands, demonstrating the effectiveness of combining content creation with strategic networking.
Understanding the importance of reliable transportation for his trade, Big E made a forward-thinking investment in a Dodge Ram van at just 19 years old.
Big E [24:23]: “I’m going to buy a Dodge Ram van... when I’m 25, it’ll be paid off. I want to have my own company.”
This investment reflects his commitment to professionalism and preparedness, ensuring that he can meet client needs efficiently while laying the groundwork for future business expansion.
Big E places a high value on maintaining an organized and clean work van, recognizing its impact on both efficiency and client perceptions.
Big E [27:01]: “You’re going to have the right tools. You don’t want anything holding you back... it’s a first impression.”
Sponsored by Weather Guard and Milwaukee, his van is outfitted with top-tier equipment and meticulously arranged to facilitate swift service delivery and positive customer interactions.
Big E offers practical advice for HVAC professionals looking to enhance their own presence and efficiency:
Start with What You Have: Begin content creation using just a smartphone. Upgrade equipment as your platform grows.
Big E [14:57]: “Just your phone to start. ... once you start growing, you definitely need to invest in better equipment.”
Embrace Criticism: View negative feedback as a catalyst for growth.
Big E [15:56]: “Just send it... the hate helps you grow.”
Prioritize Organization: Allocate time after work to maintain your van's cleanliness to save time during service calls.
Big E [28:49]: “When you think about it, by putting off cleaning your van, you're going to be wasting more time the next day...”
Looking ahead, Big E aims to sustain his content creation momentum and eventually establish his own HVAC company, leveraging his strong online presence to attract clients and industry partnerships.
Big E [22:02]: “My goal in the future is to be on my own, start my own thing...”
He is inspired by peers who have successfully turned content creation into a full-time career and aspires to achieve similar success by blending technical skill with digital influence.
Episode #313 of HVAC Masters of the Hustle showcases Big E as a dynamic young professional who seamlessly integrates technical expertise with innovative content creation. His journey underscores the importance of self-branding, strategic networking, and maintaining professionalism through organized systems. Big E serves as an inspiring example for HVAC professionals eager to elevate their careers through digital engagement and proactive business practices.
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This summary captures the essence of Episode #313, highlighting Big E's inspiring journey, practical advice, and future aspirations within the HVAC industry.