73-Year HVAC Business Goes Digital | Ben Van Balen | Outwork'em Ep. 20

Join Ryan Kearney as he interviews Ben Van Balen, owner of Triangle Air Conditioning in Pittsburgh's South Hills! Ben shares how he modernized a 73-year family HVAC business while preserving its legacy values.

Key Topics:

• Transitioning from pencil-and-paper to digital systems without overwhelming veteran staff
• Growing revenue from $800K to $2.7M through strategic tech adoption
• Educating customers on high-efficiency equipment and $2,600 federal tax credits
• Smart business acquisition that added 1,500 customers with 92% retention
• Why learning to say "NO" is crucial for business owners

Connect with Triangle Air Conditioning:

• Website: triangleairconditioning.com
• Service Areas: South Hills Pittsburgh - Bridgeville, Castle Shannon, Banksville, and surrounding communities
• Specialties: Same-day emergency service, high-efficiency installations, federal tax credit guidance

Ready to modernize your HVAC business? Visit outworkemdigital.com to learn how we help contractors leverage technology for growth! 📈

Show Notes

About Ben Van Balen

Owner of Triangle Air Conditioning, a 73-year family business serving Pittsburgh's South Hills. Ben took over the company after his father's sudden passing in 2007, originally planning to stay "just two years" but has since tripled revenue through strategic modernization.

Key Business Transformations

Technology Modernization:

• Moved from pencil-and-paper to iPad-based systems
• Implemented flat-rate pricing structure
• Gradual "baby steps" approach to avoid overwhelming 30-year veteran employees

Strategic Growth:

• Revenue growth: $800K to $2.7M in 5 years
• Acquired smaller HVAC business with 92% customer retention
• Personal customer visits with introduction letters during acquisition

Customer Education Focus:

• High-efficiency equipment (25 SEER vs. old 10 SEER)
• Federal tax credits up to $2,600
• Utility rebates and manufacturer incentives
• ROI education on efficiency investments

Service Area

Primary coverage: South Hills of Pittsburgh including Bridgeville, Castle Shannon, Banksville Road area, and surrounding communities. Same-day service commitment within territory.

Rapid Fire Highlights

• Best Business Advice: Learn to say "NO"
• Favorite Book: "Good to Great"
• Essential Tool: iPads and in-vehicle technology
• Daily Routine: 6 AM start, email check, team dock meetings
• Industry Excitement: Inverter technology and environmental efficiency

Connect with Triangle Air Conditioning

• Website: triangleairconditioning.com
• Google Search: "Triangle Air Conditioning Pittsburgh"
• Service Areas: South Hills Pittsburgh communities
• Specialties: Emergency service, high-efficiency systems, tax credit assistance

Want to modernize your Home Service business like Ben? Visit outworkemdigital.com