Business Management

The 2016 Futures Study Update begins with a review and analysis of the 2012 study with a focus on the viability of the predictions outlined in the earlier report. The publication offers a broad environmental sweep, an examination of unanticipated changes, and validation or modifications to the 2012 implications and emerging trends. For this update, …

Continue reading “The HVAC and Sheet Metal Industry Futures Study Update 2016”

This white paper helps HVAC and sheet metal contractors use marketing and business development more strategically. It also provides an approach on how to create a plan, implement it, measure the results and, ultimately, create a long-term plan to build customer relationships and backlogs. In a separate document, the Business Development Market Planning Guide, contractors …

Continue reading “White Paper: Successful Marketing and Business Development Strategies for HVAC and Sheet Metal Contractors”

This white paper describes and analyzes contractor risks associated with a recovering economy and market, including the following Threatening Recovery Issues: Aggressive Pricing Continues Growth Creates Cash Flow Needs Financing Will Be Essential Banks’ Reaction Undefined Sureties’ Reaction Unclear Labor Shortages Labor Skill Level Declines Material Shortages Labor and Material Inflations

Strategic Thinking is a blueprint for contractors seeking to use the Futures Study to improve their position as the industry recovers and stabilizes. Strategic thinking should not be confused with strategic planning, but the two are related. Strategic thinking involves the generation and application of unique business insights and opportunities intended to create competitive advantage …

Continue reading “Strategic Thinking”

The Great Recession has had a profound and long-lasting effect on the U.S. construction industry – including the HVAC and sheet metal industry – forcing many companies to look inside and reevaluate their services, clients and markets as well as their vision and strategic goals. “Re-definition” is the name of the game as companies explore …

Continue reading “White Paper: Contractor Success Stories: Adapting to the Post-Recession World”

The report includes a quick review and reevaluation of what was predicted and presented in 2008 (this study now archived). It quickly moves into a presentation on future trends and the major implications of those trends for HVAC and sheet metal contractors. This report should be used by: Contractors and their key employees as they …

Continue reading “The HVAC and Sheet Metal Industry Futures Study 2012”

The leadership and supporters of the New Horizons Foundation have produced three comprehensive research reports concerning the importance of business continuity planning and execution. The three previous reports summarized in this report include: Exit Strategies for HVAC /Sheet Metal Contractors: Strategies for Equity and Ownership Transfer Mentoring and Coaching Practices: Developing the Next Generation Leadership …

Continue reading “Continuity and Transition Planning for HVAC and Sheet Metal Contractors: The Changing Face of Leadership for HVAC/Sheet Metal Contractors and Fabricators”

This report presents the results of a study commissioned by the foundation to identify and evaluate approaches for exit strategies and equity transfer for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC ) and sheet metal contractors. The interest is driven by industry demographics and the desire and necessity of many business owners to explore these alternatives. …

Continue reading “Exit Strategies for HVAC/Sheet Metal Contractors: Strategies for Equity and Ownership Transfer”

Rapid change and uncertainty in the heating, ventilation, air conditioning and sheet metal contracting industries in the United States will be driven by a variety of factors – economic fluctuations, environmental issues, regulatory shifts, labor shortages, competition, and technological advancements. To increase the understanding of factors influencing the business and to gain greater clarity for …

Continue reading “The HVAC and Sheet Metal Industry Futures Study: Industry Trends and Drivers Shaping Alternative Futures”

The research objective of this study was to identify the impact of incompatible software on the HVAC and sheet metal industry and to investigate recent interoperability initiatives within the architecture, engineering, and construction and facility management industries. The study: Documents the processes involved in the execution of a typical HVAC and sheet metal project and …

Continue reading “Impact of Incompatible Software on HVAC and Sheet Metal Contractors”