It's not just about meeting the customer's expectations. Many companies will do that. It's about exceeding those expectations -- giving them that exceptional "WOW" experience. But how?

This week, Weldon Long and Gary Elekes tackle that very question to ensure every homeowner has that unrivaled customer experience every time.

Plus, in the Q&A section, we're talking the best financing offerings -- and incorporating them into the sales presentation -- and how to properly spiff salespeople and service techs.

All that and more, on this week's episode of Cracking the Code.

Watch now before it enters the EGIA members-only archive on 11/12.

Sure, your company is selling service and expertise -- the solution to a problem -- but the equipment itself is still a big part of every industry company's business. So how do you decide what brand to sell? Should you offer a variety, or vet out a single brand that you think is in your client's best interest? In this month's Snapshot Survey we're asking all about choosing equipment brands to learn what practices are being implemented across the industry -- and why.

EGIA recently surveyed our member companies to gauge overall interest in a potential discounted health benefit program for their employees and found overwhelming support from those who participated. We are moving forward in the process of building a discounted employee health benefit program that we can deliver to our member contractors.

In order to create this program, we need your help collecting additional census data on your employees to assist us in crafting a competitive and beneficial program. No names or contact information are needed, and by providing your complete employee census data at www.egia.org/healthcare by Friday, November 9th, you will be entered into a drawing for a $500 visa gift card!

Less than 15 years ago, Parker & Sons did $7 million in sales. In 2018, they'll surpass $100 million. How did they accomplish such incredible growth?

In the latest episode of Contractor Coffee Club, Parker & Sons owner Paul Kelly joins host Mark Matteson to explain exactly what he's done, what his company focuses on, and what they continue to strive for in order to reach those heights ... and continue that growth.

On ContractorConnect.org, Harry asked:

Looking for ideas on software and/or online bookkeepers for data input and financial statements for our business. I am too small to add more internal overhead and cannot see if we are profitable to even do so. Some ideas please.

See other contractors’ and consultants’ feedback, and join the conversation yourself, on Contractor Connect – the latest EGIA member benefit free for all members.

In a typical year, does your company layoff (or hire) seasonal employees?

Log-in to access last month’s research summary report on overcoming seasonality, as well as the full Snapshot Survey archives.

More of the Fall 2018 slate of educational workshops are reaching capacity, but don’t worry, there will be plenty more opportunities to experience the one- to two-day game-changing educational experiences that are garnering rave reviews industry-wide: We have officially announced the Spring 2019 Workshop Calendar!

Twenty-five more acclaimed live educational workshops have been added to the calendar beginning in January, on topics like marketing, financials, customer service, sale, service agreements and much more!

As always, registration is free for EGIA Premium Members!

EPIC2018 is in the books but, after it sold out three months in advance, you don’t want to wait to reserve your spot for EPIC2019.

Next year’s conference will take place October 3-4 at the Bellagio in Las Vegas, and will be built upon the same foundation that made EPIC2018 such a success: a commitment to helping individuals and companies grow and improve, access to industry experts and world-renowned keynote speakers, and unrivaled networking opportunities!

Don’t wait, lock-in your spot today!

The EGIA Foundation’s new industry research report, Bridging the HVAC Employment Gap, is now available, following a special advance launch last month at EPIC2018.

The EGIA Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to improving the future of the home services workforce, partnered with market research firm Decision Analyst for the wide-ranging, comprehensive project that included surveys and in-person interviews with everyone ranging from contractors and manufacturers to high school students, parents and educators.

The final published report investigates the root causes of the HVAC industry’s ongoing workforce shortage, and uncovers conclusions and solutions to help move the industry forward toward a brighter future.

Download your free copy of Bridging the HVAC Employment Gap today, or request a print version for a small donation.

In-Home Sales is one of the 10 core areas of curriculum available through EGIA Contractor University. For each core curriculum topic, online classes, in-person workshops and online library resources (videos, templates, and implementation tools) are available for EGIA members. To learn more about our in-home sales training, watch the intro video below and take the online class demo.