Tuesday, January 27
Virtual Workshop
Agenda
This workshop qualifies for 1.5 CEU credits
1:00PM – 2:30PM EASTERN (10:00AM - 11:30AM PACIFIC)
As we enter 2026, home services businesses—including HVAC contractors—are navigating a challenging but opportunity-filled environment. Tariffs continue to impact material costs, while labor shortages remain a serious concern across the trades. High interest rates are affecting both financing for new projects and customer purchasing behavior. At the same time, updated regulations, shifting energy standards, and evolving tax policies are creating new complexities—and new advantages—for those who plan ahead. Contractors are also facing tighter margins from sticky inflation, along with increasing pressure to modernize operations, manage cash more carefully, and prepare for ownership transitions.
So what are the most experienced and forward-thinking contractors doing to grow their businesses in this climate?
- What technologies are they investing in to improve efficiency and profitability?
- How are they managing workforce challenges and attracting talent?
- What steps are they taking to ensure compliance and prepare for long-term succession?
In this fast-paced and highly actionable session, business expert and columnist Gene Marks will share the real-world strategies that smart contractors are using right now to stay ahead. Attendees will walk away with specific, practical moves they can apply immediately to position their companies for growth—no matter what the economy or regulatory environment brings next.
Attendees Will Learn How To:
- Track key economic indicators that impact the home services and HVAC sectors
- Understand federal, state, and local regulations shaping energy and installation work
- Implement proven tactics to retain technicians and skilled workers in a tight labor market
- Leverage tax planning and financing strategies to maximize cash flow and profits
- Prepare for long-term success through succession, estate, and wealth planning
- Apply real-world AI tools tailored for contractors to improve customer service and operations
Presenter
Gene is a best-selling author and has written 5 books on business management, specifically geared towards small and medium sized companies. His most recent is Want More Cash? 100+ Ideas And Strategies For Increasing Your Company’s Cash Flow This Year.
Nationally, Gene appears regularly on Fox Business, MSNBC, as well as CBS Eye on the World with John Batchelor and SiriusXM’s Wharton Business Channel where he talks about the financial, economic and technology issues that affect business leaders today.
Through his keynotes and breakout sessions, Gene helps business owners, executives and managers understand the political, economic and technological trends that will affect their companies and—most importantly—the actions they can take to continue to grow and profit.
Gene owns and operates the Marks Group PC, a highly successful ten-person firm that provides technology and consulting services to small and medium sized businesses.
Prior to starting the Marks Group PC Gene, a Certified Public Accountant, spent nine years in the entrepreneurial services arm of the international consulting firm KPMG in Philadelphia where he was a Senior Manager.