| Over 100 "performance based" HVAC contractors descended on Charleston, S.C. for the National Comfort Team PerforMaxx Summit 2007. While many joked they came to escape the blizzard conditions up north, the reality was that this select group was there to refine their HVAC diagnostic skills and improve their business' in many ways.
Most of these contractors are the "crème of the crop" noted NCI Chief Dominick Guarino who launched the conference and hosted many of the events. "They are here to improve business, technical skills and enhance the services they offer to their customers."
Much of the focus of the 2-day event was on an all-new heating and cooling system certification program entitled "ComfortMaxx." Through a specifically outlined procedure contractors can "certify" their customer's home comfort system when it meets certain efficiency requirements. Rob Falke, President of National Comfort Institute explained: "The certification process covers the complete air delivery system, and reaching the certification designation means the performance level is among the highest 10% in the nation."
In addition to ComfortMaxx programming, contractors were able to attend over 12 classes and events on such topics as: improving their internet presence; selling carbon monoxide and combustion services; fine tuning their skills on diagnostic tools; becoming an energy rater; creating a marketing plan; SafeMaxx CO testing; duct system zoning and more.
When the group wasn't in classes they were treated to an opening night reception on the Charleston Harbor resort's terrace and a Charleston Harbor dinner cruise that featured the first National Comfort Team awards ceremony. Many attendees also found time to tour historic Charleston and the USS Yorktown aircraft carrier and museum located right next to the Summit resort.
"The program really exceeded my expectations," said Kris Pedrin of Healthier Air & Heating, Seattle, Washington. "Attending the Summit was a big sacrifice in time and money, but I feel the programs and learning I gained here will reap big rewards for me later in 2007 and beyond." Rich Heuman of Heuman Heating and Air Conditioning in Sparta, Illinois said, " besides the new programs, I really appreciate that NCI includes a number of review programs. I have been wanting to refine my company's website and the internet seminar I sat in on at the Summit gave me the direction I needed."
"Jim Davis' launch of the SafeMaxx CO testing program will allow me to brand my special carbon monoxide testing," said Tom McCaskill of Coastal Cooling in Myrtle Beach S.C. "I have been using the HeatMaxx and CoolMaxx testing forms for my air diagnostic work and with SafeMaxx it rounds out my diagnostic testing brands. It's something no one else in my area is offering." McCaskill continued.
Other highlights of the programming included keynote presentation by Ron Rajecki of Contracting Business Magazine who provided an industry review and outlook for the future. There was also a discussion panel on the ComfortMaxx comfort system certification.
The Summit concluded with a casual luncheon that featured award prizes donated by Summit sponsors TSI, Arzel Zoning, Testo, Field Controls, Equiguard, and Contractors On-Line Access. A final "ComfortMaxx hands-on bonus session" allowed contractors to bring their laptop and go on-line to complete a test ComfortMaxx certification procedure.
"One of the unforeseen challenges we faced for the NCI Summit was adjusting rooms and seating to accommodate the over capacity crowd of attendees," said Dominick Guarino. He continued, "our next conference is going to require a bigger space." Not a bad problem to have!
The PerforMaxx Summit is produced by National Comfort Institute. Visit this location for news on the next National Comfort Team event. |
