Malco Tools, Inc. one of the nation’s top manufacturers of high-quality tools for the HVAC and building construction industries, announces that it has been acquired by Aspen Pumps Group. Aspen Pumps Group (Aspen) was founded by three air conditioning engineers in 1992, and now sells to over 100 countries worldwide. The United Kingdom-headquartered company has expanded Read more
Industry News
Malco Tools, Inc. one of the nation’s top manufacturers of high-quality tools for the HVAC and building construction industries, announces that it has been acquired by Aspen Pumps Group.
Aspen Pumps Group (Aspen) was founded by three air conditioning engineers in 1992, and now sells to over 100 countries worldwide. The United Kingdom-headquartered company has expanded globally to become an award-winning leader in products and solutions for the heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration (HVAC/R) industry, including condensate removal pumps, tools, cleaning chemicals, support systems and accessories.
With deep experience and capabilities in the HVAC/R aftermarket, Aspen has a strong portfolio of products and brands that strategically align with Malco, which will allow both brands to continue to grow and serve new markets. Malco Tools will continue to operate from its headquarters in Annandale, Minn., and will become the North American headquarters for Aspen, bringing on new tools and product lines that will serve a larger HVAC/R market. As part of this strategic expansion, Malco Tools President and CEO Rich Benninghoff will take on the new role of CEO of Aspen Pumps Group North America, effective immediately.
“Malco has built an extremely strong, and reputable business over the past 75 years and this agreement with Aspen Pumps Group will allow us to grow our business in ways that will allow us to be a successful, trusted brand for the next 75 years,” said Benninghoff. “Aspen Pumps Group is a strong partner for us from not only a business and opportunity perspective, but also from a mission and values standpoint as well. They’ve proven to us that they do what they say and focus on people first, which is important to what we do, and will continue to do at Malco.”
“We are very excited to welcome Malco Tools to the Aspen Pumps Group family,” said Adrian Thompson, CEO of Aspen Pumps Group. “Malco is an industry leader and has built a strong reputation among the HVAC and roofing/siding trades. We are looking forward to working with their talented team as we continue to grow the business and serve even more markets in the future.”
For more information about Malco Tools, visit www.malcotools.com. For more information about Aspen Pumps Group, visit www.aspenpumps.com.
Weil-McLain® has launched its latest promotion, offering contractors two chances to win big this heating season. Contractors who purchase residential high-efficiency boilers from an authorized Weil-McLain distributor can earn valuable rewards. Those who register and install the units can unlock even more incentives. Additionally, by joining The Weil-McLain Advantage™ program during the 2024 Double Down, Double Chance promotion, contractors Read more
Weil-McLain® has launched its latest promotion, offering contractors two chances to win big this heating season. Contractors who purchase residential high-efficiency boilers from an authorized Weil-McLain distributor can earn valuable rewards. Those who register and install the units can unlock even more incentives. Additionally, by joining The Weil-McLain Advantage™ program during the 2024 Double Down, Double Chance promotion, contractors can compete for regional prizes, including a grand prize.
These promotions include the following incentives:
Deal #1 – Get Geared Up (Now through November 30, 2024)
Contractors who purchase five high-efficiency boilers will receive a Carhartt® jacket (valued at $150) and a certificate they can redeem for a Parts Kit of their choice (up to $2,200 in value) by uploading a copy of their proof of purchase at www.weil-mclain.com/doubledownpromo. New and existing members of The Weil-McLain Advantage™ Program can earn an additional Carhartt jacket by installing and registering the five purchased boilers. This promotion runs until November 30, 2024.
Deal #2 – Compete to Win (Now through December 31, 2024)
New and existing members of The Weil-McLain Advantage Program who install and register the most high-efficiency condensing boilers during the promotion period, which runs until December 31, 2024, will win an ECO® Tec Series 2 199-C High-Efficiency Combi Boiler (valued at $5,000). One boiler will be awarded to the top performer in each sales region – West, Central, Mid-Atlantic, New York/New Jersey and New England – and the contractor who registers the most boilers amongst those individuals will receive the grand prize of ten co-branded Carhartt jackets (valued at $1,500). Winners will be announced by January 31, 2025.
“Contractors are the backbone of our industry, and these promotions both express our gratitude for their ongoing trust and support of Weil-McLain and reinforce our commitment to their success,” said Mike Langen, Director of Sales for Weil-McLain. “Our high-efficiency residential boilers offer a full line of breadth and quality, and with this promotion, contractors can further boost their rewards while delivering top-tier heating solutions to their customers. We’re excited to see who will take home the top prizes!”
Contractors interested in participating in the Double Down, Double Chance promotion can visit www.weil-mclain.com/doubledownpromo for complete details, terms and conditions, and how to submit proof of purchase.
To learn more about the Weil-McLain high-efficiency lineup, visit a local distributor or www.weil-mclain.com/full-line#Residential-boilers.
The leading field service software provider is ushering in a new era in AI-driven solutions and expert insights Workiz, the leading field service management platform with over 120,000 customers, announces the launch of the “Workiz Unplugged” podcast – a dedicated platform that brings the voices of field service professionals to the forefront. This monthly podcast offers Read more
The leading field service software provider is ushering in a new era in AI-driven solutions and expert insights
Workiz, the leading field service management platform with over 120,000 customers, announces the launch of the “Workiz Unplugged” podcast – a dedicated platform that brings the voices of field service professionals to the forefront. This monthly podcast offers valuable insights into how technology, leadership and innovation are shaping the future of the field service industry.
“Field service professionals are the backbone of our economy, yet they often operate behind the scenes,” said Didi Azaria, CEO of Workiz. “With ‘Workiz Unplugged,’ we’re providing a space where HVAC professionals, plumbers, electricians and locksmiths can share their experiences and learn how to grow their business by automating their entire operation utilizing AI.
As demand grows for automation and business optimization, field service business owners are looking for guidance on how to adapt to these changes. This podcast was created to connect them with experts in AI, business management and leadership who address today’s most urgent challenges, from labor shortages to the effects of emerging technologies.
Insights from studies like Edison Research’s “The Infinite Dial” and Nielsen Podcast Insights reveal that 26 million people in the U.S. turn to podcasts for business advice. By tackling topics that resonate with business owners and their peers, the podcast offers a platform for exploring the issues shaping the industry’s future and provides actionable solutions to help service professionals thrive in 2024 and beyond.
The episodes take a deep dive into various topics. A recent episode discussed how tradespeople are capitalizing on the surge of private equity interest in the skilled trades. In the episode featuring Patrick Lange, Founder of the Business Modification Group, the conversation centers around this exciting trend. Lange shares practical strategies for preparing a service business to attract investment.
Thomas Scott, CEO and founder of Home Run Franchises, highlights a generational shift in career preferences in a podcast episode. According to the World Economic Forum, in 2024, Gen Z comprises around 20–25% of the U.S. workforce. Scott notes that many Gen Z workers are losing confidence in the value of traditional college degrees. Instead, they are increasingly turning to vocational training and pursuing careers in trades like plumbing and electrical work.
The podcast also delves into how field service professionals can enhance customer experiences, optimize operations using AI and automation, while also providing valuable insights and actionable tips for building strong teams and fostering a culture of respect and accountability.
“Workiz Unplugged sets itself apart by focusing not only on technological advancements but also on practical strategies for leadership and business growth,” Azaria said. “It explores the transformative potential of tools like Workiz’s AI assistant, Genius, which revolutionizes scheduling, communication, and workflow management, offering listeners a comprehensive roadmap to success in the modern field service industry.”
“Our goal is to ensure that field service professionals have access to the resources they need to thrive. This podcast is more than just a series of interviews – it’s a community dedicated to innovation and growth in our industry.”
“Workiz Unplugged” is now available on major podcast platforms:
- Spotify: Listen on Spotify
- Apple Podcasts: Listen on Apple Podcasts
- YouTube: Listen on YouTube
For more information and to access episode transcripts, visit www.workiz.com/podcast.
After serving customers in Apalachicola for more than four decades, Gunn Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc. (Gunn) is joining Hiller Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electrical (Hiller), the region’s premier provider of plumbing, HVAC, and electrical service, installations, and repair. The former Gunn headquarters will operate as Hiller’s 18th regional location, and its 2nd location in Florida This Read more
After serving customers in Apalachicola for more than four decades, Gunn Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc. (Gunn) is joining Hiller Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electrical (Hiller), the region’s premier provider of plumbing, HVAC, and electrical service, installations, and repair. The former Gunn headquarters will operate as Hiller’s 18th regional location, and its 2nd location in Florida This merger follows a previous acquisition (Roussos Air Conditioning) in Panama City in 2022.
Since its inception, Gunn has earned a reputation as one of the Franklin and Gulf County area’s most trusted providers for residential and commercial heating, air conditioning service, repair, and replacements. As a family-owned and family-operated company, Gunn Heating and Air Conditioning promises quick, accurate diagnoses and long-term solutions to its loyal customers. As owners Jimmy and Shirley Thompson began considering the succession of the company, caring for their valued clients in the years to come was their top priority.
“Our team is thrilled to be joining Hiller’s Florida operations”, remarked Jimmy Thompson, one of Gunn Heating & Air Conditioning’s Owners. “When looking for companies to partner with, our primary goal was to ensure that each of our loyal clients would receive the best customer experience possible. We’re extremely confident”, he continued, “That under the Hiller brand, these incredible families and businesses will be well taken care of in the future.”
Hiller, like Gunn, is also a family-owned and family-operated business. For over 34 years, Hiller has operated with its original founder at the helm, earning the loyalty of its clients through a commitment to expert technical skills, exceptional service, and integrity. Hiller’s priority is always the thoughtful care of its clients. Former Gunn Heating & Air Conditioning customers can continue to expect the elevated standard of care they are accustomed to under its leadership.
“Since expanding into Florida, we have greatly enjoyed serving families across the Panhandle”, remarked Jimmy Hiller, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Hiller Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electrical. “We are so excited for the opportunity to partner with Gunn Heating and Air Conditioning, who has developed a legacy of extremely positive client experience across the Apalachicola area. We are looking forward”, he continued, “To carrying their mission forward for years to come.”
Hiller was founded in 1990 by Jimmy Hiller, the company’s single employee. Over the past three decades, Hiller has grown exponentially as a direct result of its commitment to its values; professionalism, integrity, quality, and caring. Today, the organization includes over 600 “Happy Face” trucks and 880 associates across 18 locations in 7 states.
After opening in Panama City and the surrounding areas in 2022, homeowners in Florida have enjoyed Hiller’s industry-leading technician training and education, 24/7 emergency services, instant online appointment booking, and real-time technician tracking. Families across the Greater Apalachicola area can expect these benefits, and Hiller’s exceptional customer experience, in the months, years, and decades ahead.
Through the Feel The Love program, sponsored by the LII Lennox Foundation, Lennox and its dealer network supply and install new HVAC units to local community heroes throughout North America. Marking its 15th year anniversary, Feel The Love, sponsored by the LII Lennox Foundation, donated 413 heating and cooling (HVAC) units to deserving homeowners during Installation Week Read more
Through the Feel The Love program, sponsored by the LII Lennox Foundation, Lennox and its dealer network supply and install new HVAC units to local community heroes throughout North America.
Marking its 15th year anniversary, Feel The Love, sponsored by the LII Lennox Foundation, donated 413 heating and cooling (HVAC) units to deserving homeowners during Installation Week, which occurred from October 5-12.
Dealers across 45 states in the U.S. and several Canadian provinces worked alongside Lennox to install HVAC units for nominated recipients and beloved local heroes free of cost. Whether the recipient had been affected by financial challenges, unexpected injury or illness or other difficult circumstances, Feel The Love supported their needs by providing perfect air to keep their home at the ideal temperature through increasingly extreme winter and summer seasons.
“The hard work and generosity of our dealers and their employees have allowed us to bring comfort to deserving members of the community,” says Gary Bedard, EVP & President, Lennox Home Comfort Solutions. “Over the past 15 years, we’ve made a positive impact, and we look forward to continuing our mission of providing essential HVAC solutions to our neighbors in need.”
The donated units are the most efficient and modern designs, helping to keep energy bills down for recipients, heat and cool the home with less energy and reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, ultimately showcasing Lennox’ dedication to long-term investments in the community.
“We were really taken aback because this is a huge relief for me as a father,” says Mike Hooper, 2024 Feel The Love recipient. “When we heard about the (Feel The Love) program, we were just taken away. I am just really grateful for the relief this program has provided for us.”
Feel The Love is sponsored by the LII Lennox Foundation. Established in 2023, the LII Lennox Foundation is committed to improving the communities where Lennox employees work and live through impactful programs, strong partnerships and an emphasis on employee volunteerism.
Over 2,750 families in need have benefited from Feel The Love since it was first launched in 2009. Stay up to date on Feel The Love by following along with @LennoxFeelTheLove on Facebook. To nominate a member of your community for next year’s Installation Week, visit FeelTheLove.com.
About Feel The Love™
Since 2009, Feel The Love has been a key program for Lennox Residential to give back to its communities. Culminating in Feel The Love Installation Week this October, Lennox partners with HVAC installers and local community members in the United States and portions of Canada to deliver units at no cost to people who consistently put others before themselves and need a helping hand. For more information about how Lennox is bringing perfect air to deserving households across the United States and Canada, visit FeelTheLove.com. Beginning this year, in 2024, the LII Lennox Foundation is sponsoring the Feel the Love program.