In this episode of the HVAC Know It All Podcast, host Gary McCreadie continues his conversation with Rich Ortega, the C.O.O. and co-owner of On The Rock Services and podcast co-host of Commercial Kitchen Chronicles, about the realities of starting and growing a service business. Rich explains why people considering entrepreneurship should do their research before leaving their current jobs and seek advice from business owners who have built the type of company they actually want to create.
He and Gary discuss the difference between owning a business and simply owning a job, including the importance of building infrastructure, creating systems, and eventually making the company self-sufficient. They also explore the less-discussed stresses of business growth, from managing employees and maintaining revenue to taking responsibility for employees and their families. Rich shares why hiring inexperienced people with the right personality can be preferable to hiring experienced technicians with bad habits, while also explaining the challenges of finding the time and financial margin to train new employees.
Expect to Learn:
● Why researching the realities of business ownership is important before leaving your job.
● Why entrepreneurs should seek advice from people who have built the type of business they want to create.
● The difference between owning a business and simply owning a job.
● Why business growth brings additional stress, risk, and responsibility.
● The challenges and financial risks that come with hiring and managing employees.
● Why business owners eventually need to focus on relationships and generating new business opportunities.
● The advantages and challenges of hiring inexperienced employees with the right attitude and personality.
Episode Highlights:
[00:00] - Sponsor Ad: Factory Direct Filters
[00:42] — Guest Introduction in part 2
[04:30] — Why Research Matters Before Starting Your Own Business
[05:36] — The Difference Between Owning a Business and Owning a Job
[08:03] — The Hard Struggles Entrepreneurs Don't Usually Talk About
[13:04] — The Stress and Responsibility of Growing With Employees
[19:13] — Hiring Green vs. Experienced Technicians
This Episode is Kindly Sponsored by:
Cintas: https://www.cintas.com/hvacknowitall
Cool Air Products: https://www.coolairproducts.net/
Factory Direct Filters: https://www.factorydirectfilters.com/
SupplyHouse: https://www.supplyhouse.com/tm
Use promo code HKIA5 to get 5% off your first order at Supplyhouse!
Follow the Guest Rich Ortega and His Companies on:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rich-ortega-61460125b/
Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ontherockservices/
Company Website: https://www.ontherockservices.com/
Guest's Podcast LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/commercial-kitchen-chronicles/
Guest's Podcast Website: https://commercialkitchenchronicles.com/
Follow the Host on:
LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gary-mccreadie-38217a77/
LinkedIn - HVAC Know It All: https://www.linkedin.com/company/hvac-know-it-all-inc
Website: https://www.hvacknowitall.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/HVAC-Know-It-All-2/61569643061429/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hvacknowitall1/
Follow the Podcast on:
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HVACKnowItAll
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6LCBJGw0EHG03rdWHxUMce
Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hvac-know-it-all-podcast/id1359253455
