9:00am - 4:00pm
Presenter:
Rob Shallenberger
There is a specific set of skills that successful entrepreneurs have. They take an idea and build it into a profitable reality, yet most entrepreneurs never learn these critical skills and continue to struggle towards their dreams. During this powerful workshop, Rob Shallenberger of Becoming Your Best Global Leadership will share the six keys you need to know to be a successful entrepreneur and live the life you’ve always dreamed.
Whether you have an idea or a mature business, during this bootcamp you’ll discover a very specific process and flow to take any idea from concept to thriving reality. You’ll learn how to save countless hours and dollars by following a prescribed blueprint to grow your business and accelerate profits!
5:00 - 7:00pm
All conference attendees are invited to a special welcome reception. Wine, beer and appetizers will be served compliments of EGIA.
7:00 - 8:00am
Opportunity to network, visit exhibitor booths and enjoy a complimentary buffet breakfast. Fredbird, the St. Louis Cardinals Mascot, will be on hand to take photos with all attendees as they arrive. Print and digital copies of all the photos will be available for free compliments of EGIA. Be sure to arrive on-time so you don't miss this opportunity!
8:00 - 8:15am
Review of the day's agenda and meeting logistics.
8:15 - 9:45am
Presenter:
Mark Matteson
One of the most important factors for long-term business success, especially in the contracting industry, is the ability to adapt to change. Whether it is the current market conditions, emerging technologies, evolving regulations or new business best practices, your company's future success relies on your ability to embrace the changes that are happening every day within the industry. With that said, dealing with change begins with you and learning techniques from national best-selling author and leading industry consultant Mark Matteson can help you manage the change that is swirling around us. Whether you are a manager, sales rep, director, business owner, educator or frontline staffer, you will walk away from this powerful 90-minute keynote presentation with new ideas on how to:
9:45 - 10:15am
Presenter:
Mike Robinson or Weldon Long
Every now and then something comes along that changes the way we do things. The iPod changed the way we listen to music. Email changed the way we communicate. EGIA is changing the way you build your contracting business and grow your income through the groundbreaking EGIA Contractor University. EGIA Contractor University is the most comprehensive and systematic way to develop business skills and develop your team to drive revenue, increase profits and create the business you've been dreaming about.
We have assembled the most experienced and dynamic faculty ever put together to cover virtually every topic related to operating a successful contracting business in today's marketplace, such as: Finance and Accounting, Pricing Strategies, Sales and Marketing, CSR Call Taking, Operational Excellence, Business Leadership and more. During this presentation, you'll learn how EGIA Contractor University is revolutionizing education in the industry with our unique blend of online and classroom programs, as well as our dollar for dollar investment match that only EGIA, the nation's leading nonprofit contractor association dedicated to contractors' success, can deliver.
10:15 - 10:45am
Opportunity to network and visit exhibitor booths.
10:45 - 12:15pm
Presenter:
Drew Cameron
Drew will share with you a revolutionary new solution for producing a reliable revenue stream to grow your business and secure your customers for life, with a hook that makes it nearly impossible for them to quit your company or be stolen by a competitor. Learn why HVAC, Plumbing, Electrical and Home Performance contractors are in the best position to fill this need that is in increasingly high demand by customers. Don't let this opportunity fall to the online product and search giants – Amazon and Google; the big box retailers; the phone, cable, security companies; or the online home services lead aggregators. Fair warning: If you’re not on the cutting edge, you will find it hard to catch up or you may miss out entirely!
Learning objectives:
Presenter:
Elaina Burdick
Let's face it folks, HVAC is not a "sexy" industry (consumers get excited about buying iPads® and granite countertops – not heat pumps), so we need to be especially strategic about how we market ourselves.
Too often contractors engage in "reactive" marketing: the radio station rep tells you what an amazing deal they have if you buy a package today, or the SEO company rep scares you into thinking that you need to be number 1 in the internet search results if you want to stay in business. Or your territory manager tells you on December 1st that you need to use your marketing co-op dollars by the end of the year, or you'll lose them.
If you've tried marketing your company without an annual marketing plan, or you've found yourself rushing to place an ad because your competition is, then you are reacting. Typically, the result of reactive marketing is a lot of dollars spent, with little to no ROI. HVAC marketing works best when it's proactive, strategic and repetitive. Take your service company to the next level with a solid, strategic, marketing plan. Effective marketing of a service company follows fundamental rules, and we'll discuss them in this session.
Presenter:
Gary Elekes
Recognized industry thought-leader Gary Elekes will overview and demonstrate the new EGIA online comprehensive library of training and implementation resources for contractors. With over 17 years of "hands on" development and proven field success in businesses from $300,000 to $30,000,000+, this new EGIA business evaluation toolset, along with fully developed step-by-step implementation methodologies, will help you KEEP MORE OF YOUR HARD EARNED MONEY through greater profitability! During this powerful 90 minute breakout session, you will:
Presenter:
Brigham Dickinson
“Too many businesses are so concerned with getting as many inbound calls as possible that they forget to focus on what really matters: booking the calls they already get.” – Brigham Dickinson, President and Founder of Power Selling Pros
The customer touchpoint on the phone is the fastest, easiest way to make more money. Brigham Dickinson has mastered the science of first impressions and getting the most out of every call. In his interactive breakout session, Brigham will explain:
Learning objectives:
Presenter:
Ellen Rohr
From "The Plumber's Wife" to the president of ZOOM DRAIN franchising, Ellen Rohr has lived and learned what it takes to create cash and profits in our industries. Ellen says, "It's easy to be a Superstar Financial Manager. Create a compelling game and keep score. Invite your team to play, and they will fix everything." Her interactive breakout session will focus on Making Money…
BONUS! Ellen will share her one-page financial report – The Financial Quick Check – the key to better, faster, more profitable decisions!
This is NOT dry-as-dust accounting. This is "street smart" strategy for creating real wealth in business. You won't learn this in college.
Presenter:
Mark Matteson
Just what do the very best sales professionals do? How would you like to consistently enjoy a 75% close ratio and become the top producer in your company or region? Sales is an art AND a science. You need both to lead the field. During this breakout session, national best-selling author and leading industry consultant Mark Matteson will uncover the common denominators of sales success and provide you with the tools you need to close more sales and be more profitable. You'll discover:
12:15 - 1:15pm
Opportunity to network, visit exhibitor booths and enjoy a complimentary buffet lunch.
1:15 - 2:45pm
All breakout sessions are repeated.
2:45 - 3:15pm
Opportunity to network, visit the exhibitor booths and move back to the main ballroom.
3:15 - 4:30pm
Presenter:
Brigham Dickinson
To demand the price you charge, you must WOW your customers! Without great service, you risk losing them to the lowest bidder. Customers are choosing experience over price; they’re choosing experience over brand. You are living in a customer experience-driven economy. Customer experience is the new marketing. What are you doing to improve your customer experience?
The internet has leveled the playing field for your home services business. Search engines like Google have empowered customers with the ability to learn about your company as well as your competition. Sites like Yelp and HomeAdvisor have become go-to avenues for customers to immediately share and receive feedback before they pick up the phone to call you. As a business owner, you must equip your team with the tools they need to deliver more than just the average customer experience. You no longer have a choice ... you must WOW them!!!
In his presentation, Brigham will share how to:
4:30 - 6:00pm
Complimentary open bar (beer, wine & spirits) and Hors d'oeuvres will be served. This will be another great opportunity to network and visit the exhibitor booths.
8:00 - 8:30am
Opportunity to network, visit exhibitor booths and enjoy a complimentary continental breakfast.
8:30 - 10:00am
Presenter:
Ellen Rohr
Are you making things too complicated? Discover how to simplify and amplify your business and UN-leash your life.
Ellen Rohr suggests, "We are too old to waste time. You can't work twice as hard to be more successful. Instead, intensify your focus and take fewer, faster steps!"
In this lively Keynote, we'll explore a simple, six-step approach to UN-planning…
BONUS! Ellen will share the #1 most powerful time-saver she's uncovered in over 20 years of in-the-trenches contracting.
In 90 minutes, you could have a whole new business strategy! Ready to shake things up? Why not!
10:00 - 10:30am
Opportunity to network, visit the exhibitor booths and move to breakout rooms.
10:30 - Noon
All breakout sessions are repeated.
Noon - 1:00pm
Complimentary boxed lunch, an opportunity to network and visit exhibitor booths.
Elaina Burdick is the President of EB&L Marketing, a full-service HVAC marketing firm. Elaina grew up around HVAC and recognized that residential contractors – with their limited time and marketing training – needed help promoting their companies. This led her to open a marketing company that is 100% focused on HVAC. For more than 25 years, she has worked with manufacturers, distributors and local contractors to effectively market their businesses and grow their bottom line, by building their brand and avoiding common marketing missteps. EB&L provides marketing solutions for 1-man start-ups as well as large, multi-vehicle dealerships. But by far, educating contractors on appropriate ways to promote their companies is the part of her job she enjoys the most.
Drew Cameron is president of both HVAC Sellutions and Energy Design Systems, Inc. and has 38 years of experience in all facets of running a residential contracting business. He and his team work with contractors to implement effective lead generating marketing and build multi-million dollar profit-generating home services sales forces. Drew is a founder of the Contractors Consultants of America (CCA), a founding member of the Contractor Advisory Group (CAG), a member of Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA), Electric & Gas Industries Association (EGIA) board member, Efficiency First board member, as well as a Consult & Coach Partner and Preferred Vendor Partner with Service Roundtable. Drew is a Tom McCart International Consultant of the Year Award Winner.
Gary Elekes is a serial entrepreneur with a passion for helping others become more successful by sharing what he has learned during his 20+ years working closely with all facets of the contracting industry. During his career, Gary has held senior management positions at Lennox and Service Experts. In 2000, Gary moved into entrepreneurship and started his training and consulting business EPC. Today, EPC continues to support growth oriented businesses aspiring to reach 20% EBIT. He also designed the very first web-based learning platform for the residential contracting industry, which acts as a support system for training and learning in HVAC and plumbing trades, and has over 5,000 subscribers.
In 2003, Gary began acquiring contracting firms with a focus on developing turn-around opportunities. He also opened and operated several start-up businesses. In 2010, he added web design/SEO and online marketing to his company portfolio starting iMarket Solutions as a co-founder. Gary graduated from Ohio State University with a BSBA and also holds a Master's Degree in Business and Finance.
Mark Matteson is an international speaker and best-selling author of 15 books. He has been called "The Oracle of Optimism", "A Superlative Street Scholar", "An Intense Idea-Reporter." Mark travels 250 days a year around the globe delivering 75 "Edu-Training" Keynotes, Seminars, Panel Discussions and Workshops a year. Mark is a gifted storyteller, using self-effacing humor, high levels of interaction and powerful and proven business principles to inspire audiences to the highest levels of productivity and profit. Mark leaves audiences wanting more…he began his career in HVAC in 1976.
Ellen nearly sank her husband’s plumbing company after his partner died unexpectedly. Boy was she humbled! It seemed like lots of money was moving through the company, but at the end of the month there was never any money left. In desperation, Ellen figured out how to make lots money and turned the business around. She inspires thousands, in workshops, presentations and online, to make business un-complicated and live life un-leashed.
Ellen is also a successful franchisor, helping launch a plumbing franchise to 47 locations and $40 million in sales in under 2 years. Now, she is the president of Zoom Drain and Sewer, LLC. She is a columnist for Huffington Post, PHC News, Springfield Business Journal and an "in the trenches" contributor to many business and trade magazines. Ellen is a popular, high-energy TV Celebrity who has been on over 50 news programs, encouraging people to make their own money.
As General Manager of EGIA's Contractor Marketplace and Consulting Services, Mike is responsible for developing and executing EGIA's enhanced member benefit and training offerings. Mike focuses on delivering exceptional training options to EGIA Members along with building relationships with vendor partners to help EGIA members reduce their overall costs of doing business. Mike has been the owner of, and consultant to, HVAC, Plumbing and Electrical contracting businesses for over 25 years, was the President of one of the industry's first HVAC training affinity groups and led the development of the first Vendor Rebate programs in the industry. Mike has an undergraduate degree in Computer Science and Accounting from Utah State University, is a CPA and has an MBA in Marketing and Finance from the J.L. Kellogg Graduate School of Management at Northwestern University.
Weldon Long is a successful entrepreneur, sales expert and author of the NY Times bestseller, The Power of Consistency – Prosperity Mindset Training for Sales and Business Professionals (Wiley). In 2003, he walked out of a homeless shelter and built an Inc. 5000 company with over $20,000,000 in sales in just 60 months. In 2009, his company was selected as one of Inc. Magazines Fastest Growing Private Companies in America.
Today, Weldon Long is one of the nation's most powerful speakers and a driven motivator who teaches others the Sales and Prosperity Mindset philosophies that catapulted him from desperation and poverty to a life of wealth and prosperity. Weldon has been featured on numerous national and regional television programs, including Fox News Network, First Business Network and Chicago's own WGN.
Mr. Long has successfully used his signature program, The Power of Consistency, to help hundreds of companies and thousands of sales professionals radically improve their sales results. Weldon holds a Bachelor's Degree and an MBA in Management. He is honored to have served some of America's finest companies, including Federal Express, The Franklin Covey Organization, Tom Hopkins International, Dex Media, Wells Fargo Bank, Pre-Paid Legal Services, Direct Energy/Clockwork Services, Mitsubishi Electric, Rheem, Goodman Manufacturing and the Carrier/Bryant Corporation.
Brigham Dickinson is president and founder of Power Selling Pros, a leading coaching and training firm dedicated to teaching businesses to wow more customers. Brigham started Power Selling Pros when he saw that call handlers needed assistance consistently converting calls to bookings. As a result, Brigham answered the need by creating the Pattern For Excellence, a sequence of principles that guides call handlers through all stages of a call, from greeting to closure. Since 2009, Power Selling Pros’ growth comes through referrals alone, thanks to the proven call-handling process and their high level of customer satisfaction.
Renovate America
Renovate America is on a mission to help homeowners across the country make their homes more beautiful, comfortable, and efficient. Through award-winning programs like HERO, Renovate America has created an affordable way to make energy-efficient and renewable energy home upgrades – with peace of mind through the entire process.
All registrants receive a digital gift bag full of training materials, research findings, worksheets, and more.
Cancellation Policy
The deadline to cancel your conference registration at no charge is 30 days prior to the conference start date. Registration cancellations received after the deadline will be charged the full conference registration fee of $395 or $595. Conference registration payments cannot be transferred to another conference.