Episode #316: Ishmael Valdez on NUVA's New Features and Market Dominance
Release Date: August 4, 2025
Host: JDubMoneyMaker
Guest: Ishmael Valdez
Introduction and Episode Overview
In Episode #316 of HVAC Masters of the Hustle, host Jacob Moneymaker welcomes Ishmael Valdez, affectionately known as the "head janitor," to discuss the latest advancements and success stories surrounding the NUVA thermostat. The episode dives deep into how NUVA is revolutionizing the HVAC industry by empowering contractors, enhancing customer retention, and leveraging innovative technology.
Unveiling the NUVA Thermostat
Key Highlights:
- Unique Branding Approach: Unlike competitors like Honeywell, Nest, and EcoBee, NUVA thermostats are branded subtly to ensure that consumers associate the product directly with their contractors.
- Integrated Call to Action: Each thermostat features a digital logo, phone number, and QR code, enabling customers to contact their contractors directly without relying on external platforms like Google or Yelp.
Notable Quote:
“We want the consumer to always call the contractor back for whatever reason it is. If they're having a problem with the thermostat, call the contractor.”
— Ishmael Valdez [04:19]
Remarkable Growth and Market Penetration
Key Highlights:
- Installation Milestones: NUVA has successfully installed 15,000 thermostats across 48 states, demonstrating significant market penetration.
- Contractor Network: Over 500 contractors are onboarded, contributing to a monthly revenue of $1.5 million in June and targeting $2 million for July.
- Low Warranty Rates: NUVA boasts a warranty rate of less than one-third of one percent, significantly lower than industry standards (e.g., Honeywell and Nest rates at 2.1-2.2%).
Notable Quote:
“We are riding less than one third of a percent [warranty rate] right now. Not even a full percent, 1/3 of a percent.”
— Ishmael Valdez [07:13]
Overcoming Challenges and Enhancing Product Reliability
Key Highlights:
- January 19th Incident: A significant outage caused by Amazon server issues impacted all thermostats. NUVA swiftly recovered within 24 hours and subsequently reduced their warranty rates.
- Product Improvements: Introduction of a new backboard, a more sensitive LED screen, and redesigned interface with interactive buttons to enhance user experience and reliability.
Notable Quote:
“We are guaranteeing you guys. Now listen to me, listen to me. When you guys join the nuvent networks and you guys join one of our subscriptions, we have a labor policy.”
— Ishmael Valdez [27:32]
Strategic Customer Service and Review Management
Key Highlights:
- Proactive Review Handling: Ishmael emphasizes the importance of responding to every negative review promptly to maintain high customer satisfaction and trust.
- Empathetic Engagement: Contractors are encouraged to listen to dissatisfied customers, address their concerns directly, and implement corrective measures to prevent recurring issues.
- Incentivizing Responsiveness: Implementation of policies where delayed responses to reviews can affect team bonuses, ensuring accountability.
Notable Quote:
“The key to a bad review is your response rate. If you respond within 24 hours, that review is going to stay.”
— Ishmael Valdez [34:21]
Future Developments and Roadmap
Key Highlights:
- NUVA V2 Release: Scheduled for December, featuring a sleeker design with an aluminum bezel, round LED screen, and enhanced aesthetic appeal.
- Advanced Sensors: Integration of water temperature and humidity sensors, and future inclusion of CO sensors to monitor gas leaks, enhancing safety and functionality.
- Service Integration: NUVA is partnering with Service Time, Housecock Road, Field Edge, and other CRMs to streamline dispatch processes directly from the thermostat, creating a frictionless customer experience.
Notable Quote:
“We are the first and only thermostat to integrate with service time. From now on, the customer is in charge of the journey.”
— Ishmael Valdez [42:55]
Time Management and Business Philosophy
Key Highlights:
- Respecting Time Boundaries: Ishmael shares his disciplined approach to time management, emphasizing dedicated periods for family, work, fitness, and business development.
- Consistent Routines: Establishing a consistent daily routine that balances personal life and business responsibilities to maximize productivity and maintain a high-performance culture.
Notable Quote:
“I learned to respect my time boundaries. Every day is the same thing for me. I wake up, I pray, I go, I take my girls to school, I drop them off, then I go to NUVA.”
— Ishmael Valdez [46:59]
Vision for the HVAC Industry and Technology Integration
Key Highlights:
- AI and Automation: Ishmael envisions a future where AI manages dispatching and customer interactions, drastically reducing overhead costs and enhancing operational efficiency.
- Competitive Edge: Emphasizes the need for contractors to perfect customer experience to stay competitive against larger enterprises leveraging advanced technologies.
Notable Quote:
“In the next three to five years there will be $100 million companies being ran with six to eight people in house... AI agents to manage.”
— Ishmael Valdez [43:31]
Conclusion and Final Thoughts
As the episode wraps up, Ishmael underscores the importance of retaining skilled employees and loyal customers to drive sustained growth. He highlights NUVA's commitment to supporting contractors through innovative products, robust customer service, and comprehensive mentoring programs. The collaboration between JDubMoneyMaker and Ishmael Valdez showcases a powerful synergy aimed at propelling the HVAC industry into a new era of efficiency and customer-centric service.
Notable Quote:
“The NUVA platform is giving me a voice inside the industry... to influence our 17, 18, 19-year-olds to join us in the trades.”
— Ishmael Valdez [54:30]
Key Takeaways for Listeners
- Empowerment through Branding: NUVA's unique approach ensures contractors remain the primary point of contact, fostering strong customer-contractor relationships.
- Commitment to Quality: Despite initial setbacks, NUVA's dedication to product improvement and low warranty rates demonstrate their commitment to excellence.
- Customer-Centric Strategies: Proactive and empathetic handling of customer feedback is crucial for maintaining high satisfaction and loyalty.
- Future-Ready Operations: Embracing AI and advanced integrations positions contractors to stay competitive and efficient in a rapidly evolving market.
- Personal Discipline: Establishing and adhering to a consistent routine is essential for balancing personal life and business growth.
For HVAC professionals looking to stay ahead of the curve, Episode #316 offers invaluable insights into leveraging technology, enhancing customer relationships, and fostering a resilient business model through the innovative strategies of Ishmael Valdez and NUVA.