Ruthrauff Service’s Travis Shoup talks about his rise from parts runner to service sales leader — and how mentorship builds better leaders in the trades.

Aging infrastructure and growing urban demands are straining America’s commercial facilities. But specialized service providers like GreenTeam are stepping up to fill these gaps. With over 5.9 million commercial buildings in the U.S., many facing deteriorating plumbing and utility systems, the need for reliable, professional contractors has never been greater. This latest episode explores how one company transformed economic hardship into a thriving business by focusing on integrity, relationships, and adaptability in a reactionary market. How does a small service startup evolve into a trusted partner for institutional giants? And what lessons can other entrepreneurs learn from that journey? On this episode of Straight Outta Crumpton, host Greg Crumpton welcomes back James Terry, CEO and founder of GreenTeam, for an insightful discussion on entrepreneurship, organic growth, and the value of serving industries that value you back. From plumbing and underground utilities to stormwater management, Terry explained how GreenTeam carved out a niche by specializing in critical infrastructure for healthcare, industrial, and institutional clients — all while emphasizing the reliability and respect that foster long-term partnerships. The main topics of conversation: After being laid off during the recession, Terry founded GreenTeam, leveraging his trade skills and focusing on sectors that prioritized long-term service relationships. By targeting institutional and commercial clients, GreenTeam avoided commoditized residential markets and built a reputation through professionalism and responsiveness. How associations like BOMA and personal mentorship played pivotal roles in Terry’s strategic growth, alongside organic networking on platforms like LinkedIn. James Terry is the CEO and founder of GreenTeam, a Florida-based company specializing in plumbing, underground utilities, and stormwater management for commercial and institutional clients. The company launched in 2009 amidst the economic downturn. Terry’s leadership has been defined by resilience, client-focused service, and a commitment to raising industry standards. Although Terry didn’t obtain any formal college education, his success story underscores the power of trade skills, entrepreneurial grit, and relationship-building.

AI in HVAC is revolutionizing technician support and training. Discover how it improves access to information and streamlines workflows in the industry with Jerry Zhang on Straight Outta Crumpton.

HVAC leader Brad Glenn discusses culture, generational shifts, and the need to pass on technician wisdom to the next wave of technicians.

With all types of infrastructure across America aging, there has never been more of a need for smarter, less disruptive solutions than now. From trenchless pipe repair to utility innovation, the construction world is shifting and young leaders like Dillan Dumont are stepping into the spotlight. Cities like New York and Chicago are facing multi-layered underground challenges, and it's no longer enough to just dig and patch. The industry needs builders with vision, grit, and a deep respect for the past. This might explain how a 23-year-old from Oklahoma went from shoveling bricks to founding a multi-trade construction and infrastructure company. What does his story reveal about the next generation of blue-collar entrepreneurs? In this episode of “Straight Outta Crumpton,” host Greg Crumpton talked to Dillan Dumont, founder and project manager of The Dumont Group. From his rural rodeo roots to launching his own firm in Florida, Dumont walked Crumpton through his career, mindset, and lessons that have defined his early and powerful rise in the industry. During the episode they discussed: Dumont’s start in the trades as a teenager and how he worked his way through the ranks to start The Dumont Group. Why trenchless underground utility work is revolutionizing city infrastructure and how Dumont sees it shaping the future of plumbing. The cowboy mentality that fuels Dumont’s entrepreneurial fire and how it parallels the discipline he learned from his Marine father. Dillan Dumont is the founder and project manager of The Dumont Group, a Florida-based construction and utility services company. Originally from Oklahoma, Dumont entered the trades straight out of high school and quickly climbed the ranks with a lot of on-the-ground learning. As a now licensed underground utility and plumbing contractor, Dumont brings both a traditional work ethic and a forward-looking mindset to the new era of infrastructure.

Coty Fournier, Senior Consultant at Well Built Construction Consulting, shares how starting in the field shaped her career.

Jeremy Clark shares how HVAC training creates career paths, improves retention, and prepares technicians for the industry’s evolving demands.

Amy O’Grady shares how Women in HVACR is driving industry-wide change through mentorship, visibility, and workforce development across the skilled trades on Straight Outta Crumpton.

Breaking into a technical field of industrial sales without prior experience is a huge challenge. However, someone like Chloe Glynn has achieved such and also turned an accidental career change into an award-winning profession. As many industries continue to shift towards relationship-driven sales strategies, Glynn’s journey offers a blueprint for success in a traditionally complex and technical field. How does one successfully transition into an industry without prior technical knowledge and still thrive? For this episode of “Straight Outta Crumpton,” host Greg Crumpton spoke with Chloe Glynn, a maintenance sales rep at Midwest Mechanical. They discussed her unconventional path into the heating and cooling industry, her strategies for success, and how company culture has played a key role in her professional growth. A few other takeaways from their conversation explored: How Glynn transitioned from credit card processing sales to preventative maintenance in the HVAC industry. The importance of relationship-building and persistence in landing major multi-building facility clients. Leveraging LinkedIn and personal branding to enhance credibility and drive business growth. Chloe Glynn is a maintenance sales representative at Midwest Mechanical, specializing in preventative maintenance solutions. Glynn has a background in sales and made a bold career move into the HVAC industry without previous technical experience. Her persistence and drive help her become Midwest Mechanical’s top-performing sales rep. Her success in landing major clients and winning an internal sales award highlights her adaptability, networking skills, and strategic use of digital platforms.

Discover how HVAC companies can scale while retaining employee focus and culture with Marty Rosica in this episode of Straight Outta Crumpton.

The HVAC industry is no longer just about furnaces and air conditioners, and neither is HVAC media. It's an ever-evolving ecosystem, shaped by technological advances, regulatory changes, and shifting workforce dynamics. So with more than a century of history, publications such as ACHR News have played a crucial role in keeping contractors, manufacturers, and service providers informed on industry trends and changes. Ultimately, retaining relevance in an industry so deeply rooted in tradition yet constantly adapting to modern challenges can be an uphill task. HVAC media has evolved alongside the industry, but what’s next for those responsible for keeping professionals informed and inspired? This question is explored in the latest episode of “Straight Outta Crumpton,” as host Greg Crumpton leads a chat about the subject with Kyle Gargaro, the Editorial Director of HVACR Group at BNP Media. The two had a conversation about Kyle’s journey in journalism, his transition into the HVAC world, and the symbiotic relationship between contractors and the media. A few other points they talked about included: How Kyle Gargaro transitioned from local newspaper journalism to becoming a key voice in HVAC media. The multifaceted roles within HVACR, from residential systems to cryogenics and pharmaceutical applications. How generational diversity in the workforce is influencing HVAC media delivery, from print to digital and beyond. Kyle Gargaro is the Editorial Director of HVACR Group at BNP Media. He is an alum of Central Michigan University and began his career in local newspapers before joining BNP Media in 2004 as an associate editor for ACHR News. Over the years, he moved up the ranks to become Editorial Director, overseeing content that informs and connects HVAC professionals. With nearly two decades of experience in the field, Gargaro is a respected voice in industry journalism and HVAC media.

Discover how Samantha DeRose builds trust and simplifies stories to craft impactful PR strategies and engage audiences effectively on Straight Outta Crumpton.

Mike Rosone shares how HVAC companies can boost retention and workforce stability with values-based hiring, mentorship programs, and smart technology adoption on Straight Outta Crumpton.

Explore how Engineered Cooling Systems (ECS) uses people-centric leadership to foster a thriving workplace culture, retain top talent, and achieve business success with Pete and Drew on Straight Outta Crumpton.