HVAC Workforce Culture: Recruit with Purpose, Retain with Care

The HVAC workforce is shrinking as retirements continue to outpace new entries into the field. More than 50% of HVAC professionals are over 45, and the industry is replacing every five retirees with only two new workers.  The result is an urgent need not only to recruit new talent but also to retain it through purpose-driven leadership and a strong internal environment. At the heart of that challenge is the need to rethink and rebuild HVAC workforce culture—an approach that values technicians as people, not just labor. As demand for essential infrastructure maintenance grows, especially in sectors like healthcare and data centers, service leaders face a new challenge: how to build teams that stay for the long haul.

What keeps a technician loyal to a company in today’s work culture—and how should leaders rethink the way they manage people in HVAC?

That’s the focus of this week’s episode of Straight Outta Crumpton, hosted by longtime industry voice Greg Crumpton. He’s joined by Brad Glenn, Service Manager at Piedmont Service Group in Raleigh, North Carolina. With 38 technicians under his care, Glenn unpacks the evolving expectations of the HVAC workforce and explains why culture is no longer a buzzword—it’s a strategy. The conversation dives into Glenn’s leadership style, generational shifts in technician motivation, and the deep value of mentorship in keeping field knowledge alive.

Key Takeaways from the Episode:

• Culture starts with leadership, not perks: Piedmont’s people-first culture—complete with a dedicated culture coach and staff chaplains—is built around empathy and empowerment, not just financial incentives.

• Retention is about the person, not the role: Glenn emphasizes individualized support, work-life balance, and long-term career development as key to technician satisfaction and loyalty.

• Legacy is technical and personal: Passing down field knowledge is a duty for seasoned professionals like Glenn, who sees hands-on mentorship as critical to preserving the industry’s skill base.

Brad Glenn is a seasoned HVAC professional with over 25 years of experience spanning installation, service, troubleshooting, and departmental leadership. He has successfully grown service teams, notably expanding one department from two to over ten technicians during his tenure at Comfort Systems USA MidAtlantic. Currently serving as Service Manager at Piedmont Service Group, Glenn focuses on building a culture where technicians are empowered and leadership development is prioritized—a reflection of his deep investment in shaping HVAC workforce culture for the next generation.