CMI Mechanical Blogs and Podcasts
Commercial HVAC | Commercial Refrigeration | Facility Management | Property Management | Hotel General ManagementCommercial HVAC and Refrigeration Blogs and Podcasts
How Branded Group Used Culture To Become An Industry Leader And Inc 5000 Company – Interview w/Michael Kurland – Episode 18: Part 2 of 2
Michael Kurland is the Founder and CEO of Branded Group -- an Integrated Facility Maintenance company based out of California. In 6 short years, Michael has instilled a culture that has surpassed not just start-up expectations, but also industry standards. With a 96%...
How Branded Group Used Culture To Become An Industry Leader And Inc 5000 Company – Interview w/Michael Kurland – Episode 17: Part 1 of 2
Michael Kurland is the Founder and CEO of Branded Group -- an Integrated Facility Maintenance company based out of California. In 6 short years, Michael has instilled a culture that has surpassed not just start-up expectations, but also industry standards. With a 96%...
The Pros and Cons of An HVAC Rooftop Unit
Commercial buildings require a large area for the placement of heating and cooling systems. On some buildings, the HVAC system is placed around the side or back. That solution can work great if you’ve got the space. But it doesn’t take advantage of a more obvious...
Digital Marketing & Sales Playbook For Facility Maintenance Companies – w/Javier Lozano, Jr. – Episode 16: Part 2 of 2
As the National Director of Business Development at CMI Mechanical HVAC and Refrigeration, Javier has helped create a national presence for his current company using digital marketing and sales strategies that are tried and true during any economical recession or...
Digital Marketing & Sales Playbook For Facility Maintenance Companies – w/Javier Lozano, Jr. – Episode 15: Part 1 of 2
As the National Director of Business Development at CMI Mechanical HVAC and Refrigeration, Javier has helped create a national presence for his current company using digital marketing and sales strategies that are tried and true during any economical recession or...
7 Reasons Why Your Restaurant Needs A Make Up Air Unit
Your building’s HVAC configuration is one of the most important systems in your restaurant’s operation. While often thought of as simply the way to heat and cool a space, restaurant HVAC systems should include a highly important make up air unit component. Let’s look...
6 Best Energy Saving Tips For Commercial HVAC Systems
No matter where you live, one of your biggest expenses is heating and cooling. HVAC systems run all year long, and frequently even when your building is unoccupied. With that in mind, let’s look at 6 energy saving tips for your commercial HVAC system. Run An Energy...
The Best Facility Managers Think Like An Entrepreneur – Vlog w/Javier Lozano, Jr. – Episode 14: Part 2 of 2
Javier Lozano, Jr. has been blessed (or cursed) with the entrepreneurial DNA. He has used his 10+ years of starting and selling a successful business and applied strategic concepts to the commercial HVAC and facility management industry. However, during this podcast,...
The Best Facility Managers Think Like An Entrepreneur – Vlog w/Javier Lozano, Jr. – Episode 13: Part 1 of 2
Javier Lozano, Jr. has been blessed (or cursed) with the entrepreneurial DNA. He has used his 10+ years of starting and selling a successful business and applied strategic concepts to the commercial HVAC and facility management industry. However, during this podcast,...
How To Use A 90-day Commercial HVAC Contractor Pilot Program For Your Location
There are four letters any building maintenance supervisor knows better than the rest: HVAC. Your location’s heating and cooling system might matter more than even the plumbing. After all, if it’s too cold the pipes are gonna burst and if it’s too hot the paint is...
Why Facility Managers and Property Managers Should Consider A HVAC Rooftop Unit For Their Building
How old is your building? Is it a newer construction or one built over 50 years ago? Depending on its age, your facility may have an outdated heating and cooling system. As time wears on and technology improves, you could be wasting valuable dollars on HVAC costs....
Top 5 Types of Commercial HVAC Units for Your Business
Choosing the right commercial HVAC unit not only ensures an optimal temperature in the building, but it also has a direct impact on the utility bills you need to pay each month. If you want to optimize your building, then it might be time to learn more about the...
How To Create A Commercial HVAC PM Program In 2020
There is no reason for business owners or property managers to mess around with the guesswork of maintenance and repairs for a commercial HVAC system. If you want to keep your heating and air conditioning system in good condition, then a commercial HVAC PM program is...
Should Facility Managers Consider Coil Coating On Their HVAC Units?
HVAC contractors working near the coast or in proximity to industrial plants face a never-ending battle between equipment maintaining condenser coils and the corrosiveness of the air. Without a properly functioning coil, the HVAC system will not work properly. Most...
Why Facilities Managers Need An Expert Single Point of Contact For All Facility Services – Interview w/Steve Hearon – Episode 12: Part 2 of 2
Facilities Managers possibly have one of the most demanding and challenging jobs in any industry. They are responsible for dozens, if not hundreds of locations, of major multi-site brands. Everything from commercial mechanical HVAC/R to lighting, site refreshes and...
Why Facilities Managers Need An Expert Single Point of Contact For All Facility Services – Interview w/Steve Hearon – Episode 11: Part 1 of 2
Facilities Managers possibly have one of the most demanding and challenging jobs in any industry. They are responsible for dozens, if not hundreds of locations, of major multi-site brands. Everything from commercial mechanical HVAC/R to lighting, site refreshes and...
Retail Expert Joins Forces With Facility Management Giant, Corrigo – Interview w/Troy Batchelor – Episode 10: Part 2 of 2
Troy Batchelor brings over 30 years of retail sales experience to Corrigo, an industry leader in the Facility Management Software space. By working for both retailers and vendors, Troy shares the value his facility management customers receive when they work with him....
Retail Expert Joins Forces With Facility Management Giant, Corrigo – Interview w/Troy Batchelor – Episode 9: Part 1 of 2
Troy Batchelor brings over 30 years of retail sales experience to Corrigo, an industry leader in the Facility Management Software space. By working for both retailers and vendors, Troy shares the value his facility management customers receive when they work with him....
4 Horrible Practices Every Bad Commercial HVAC Technician Does to Break Trust
Hiring a commercial contractor is an important decision. Find a good one and your project will be a success. A bad contractor, on the other hand, can be a total nightmare. But how do you tell the difference between good and bad commercial HVAC technicians? How can...
The Great Debate: National HVAC Companies or Self-Performing HVAC Companies?
Finding the right contractor for your commercial project can be a daunting process. With so many contractors available, how do you choose the right one? Where do you even begin looking? To start, hiring a mechanical contractor to solve an issue in a commercial...
What To Ask Your Mechanical Contractor To Ensure You’re Getting An Accurate Quote?
Property managers and business owners understand that keeping the facilities comfortable inside, regardless of the weather outside, can be a challenge. And of course, if the HVAC system is determined to break down, it will be at a worse time possible - during a...
Why Commercial Mechanical Contractors Should Provide Proof of Service For Your Locations
It’s been a long day! Earlier, you had an all hands on deck staff meeting. Then, you had to deal with a couple of employee concerns. Finally, your commercial mechanical contractor stopped by for your HVAC system’s quarterly scheduled maintenance. As a successful...
An Easy Solution To Establishing A Commercial HVAC Preventative Maintenance Schedule For Your Multi-Site Retail Stores
As a business grows and expands operations to multiple sites, the oversite of each location’s HVAC maintenance becomes increasingly difficult. To keep maintenance costs under control, facility managers should consider a commercial HVAC preventative maintenance (PM)...
Is Your Commercial Heating and Cooling System Running Optimally?
Your commercial heating and cooling system not only has an impact on the comfort of your office building, but this system plays a role in the money that is spent on utility costs each month. As a business owner, you need to be sure that your employees and customers...
An Asset Management Tool For Facility Managers That Makes Sense – Interview w/Erich Munzner – Episode 08: Part 2 of 2
During this podcast episode, co-founder of EcoTrak, Erich Munzner, and host, Javier Lozano, Jr. explore how an asset management tool for Facility Managers can change their lives. We also discuss why he created a CMMS as impressive as EcoTrak, what spurred the idea to...
An Asset Management Tool For Facility Managers That Makes Sense – Interview w/Erich Munzner – Episode 07: Part 1 of 2
During this podcast episode, co-founder of EcoTrak, Erich Munzner, and host, Javier Lozano, Jr. explore how an asset management tool for Facility Managers can change their lives. We also discuss why he created a CMMS as impressive as EcoTrak, what spurred the idea to...
How To Save Your Cooling Tower By Using Polyurea?
Regardless of where you work, equipment repair costs are always a top concern. Did you know there’s a huge way to extend the life of your cooling system while saving money? We’re talking about how to repair the cooling tower in your HVAC system. Today, we want to...
Best Practices for Commercial Air Duct Cleaning
Did you know that the cleanliness of your air ducts will affect how much your business is paying in utility bills? You might be surprised to learn that commercial air duct cleaning can be an effective way to manage utility costs. If the air ducts are clogged with...
Is Your Outdoor Signage Driving Away Business? – Interview w/Tyler Neubauer – Episode 06
Possibly one of the most important aspects of a commercial business or facility is sometimes the last thing that is addressed by business owners or Facility Managers. Outdoor signage has the power to drive more traffic to your business, while also doing the opposite...
CMI Mechanical Releases New Podcast: Facility and Property Management Secrets Radio
CMI Mechanica HVAC and Refrigeration has launched a new podcast called Facility and Property Management Secrets Radio. This new podcast is hosted by their National Director of Business Development -- Javier Lozano, Jr. He leverages his knowledge as a Sales, Marketing...
Why Facilities Managers Need Super Hero Powers – Interview w/Nate Lee – Episode 05
Nate Lee oversees roughly 180 Domino's Pizza stores -- owned by RPM Pizza. And, like most Facilities Managers, he didn't plan for this position. However, over the past few years, he's been able to develop Super Hero powers that allow him to best manage his facilities...
How To Better Balance Project and Facility Management – Interview w/Beth Berman – Episode 04
Beth Berman has been a Project and Facility Manager with King's Seafood Company for roughly 5 years. And, with a growing and expanding business model, Beth shares the benefits of being apart of a company that is young. In addition, she shares some of her secrets on...
Interview with Connex VP of Marketing & Communication Bruce Condit – Episode 03: Part 2 of 2
Connex is the leading multi-site facilities network that has been serving their industry since 1995, formally PRSM (Professional Retail Store Maintenance). During this interview, Bruce Condit shares with us the transformation of PRSM, how retail is evolving in today’s...
Interview with Connex VP of Marketing & Communication Bruce Condit – Episode 02: Part 1 of 2
Connex is the leading multi-site facilities network that has been serving their industry since 1995, formally PRSM (Professional Retail Store Maintenance). During this interview, Bruce Condit shares with us the transformation of PRSM, how retail is evolving in today's...
3 Positive Traits Every Trusted Mechanical Contractor Does To Win Your Business
An HVAC service technician is a trusted mechanical contractor’s most important means of advertising. A service technician is more important than clean vans, good commercials, or being the cheapest contractor in town. Commercial HVAC technicians not only represent the...
Retail Stores Evolving To Create A Better Shopping Experience – Episode 01
You're now seeing it everywhere. Multi-site retailers are acquiring businesses that support the NEW shopping behaviors. If the facility that you manage is not offering a better shopping experience, then your company may be falling behind. And, trust me, the shopping...
Key Questions To Ask Your Mechanical Contractor Service Technician After Work Has Been Performed on Your Commercial HVAC System
When your building’s air conditioning goes down, there is only one thing on your mind – get it fixed fast! Occupants are unhappy, your boss is calling for an update, and you can’t hang up the phone long enough to contact the mechanical service company. But when the...
What To Consider Before Investing In A Commercial HVAC System
The commercial HVAC system in your multi-site building or business is the most complicated and expensive of all the systems. Not only is the installation cost high, but the ongoing costs to operate the system can be substantial especially if the system is not...
Is It Time To Move On From R-22 Refrigerant At Your Multi-Site Facility or Commercial Property?
The 1987 Montreal Protocol on Substances That Deplete the Ozone Layer and its subsequent amendments forever changed the way air conditioning units were made. The Montreal Protocol was written to phase out refrigerants that contribute to the depletion of the earth’s...
Best Strategies By Facility Managers To Determine An NTE Budget For Commercial HVAC Repairs
Facility Managers (FM) need every tool at their disposal to reduce the time spent on administrative tasks so they can focus on managing their buildings. One tool at an FM’s disposal is not-to-exceed (NTE) pricing agreements with commercial HVAC service and repair...
The Benefits of Using A VFD System For Your Commercial HVAC Units
“It’s too hot in here.” “No, it’s too cold.” Every facility manager and service contractor has heard these complaints from building occupants. The reason why so many people are uncomfortable is because commercial HVAC systems are sized for the hottest or coldest days...
An Energy Management System For Your Commercial HVAC Units Can Save You Nearly 50% In Energy Bills
A commercial HVAC system is responsible for as much as 40% of a building’s energy use and for large facilities. They can run in the tens of thousands of dollars per month. With so much money spent on one building system, operators and building managers can realize...
How To Create A Commercial Chiller Preventative Maintenance Program
Your chiller is the single most important piece of HVAC equipment in your building. A chiller breakdown can cause the entire building and all the offices to shut down until a repair is made. Even more, if the chiller provides cooling to server rooms, data centers, and...
Best Commercial HVAC Units To Install In Your Multi-Site Location
When it comes to installing and managing commercial HVAC units across multiple sites, your best choice is going to be a rooftop unit (RTU). Rooftop units are a heating and cooling solution that saves space, simplifies maintenance and repairs, and saves your tenants...
Top KPI’s For Facility Managers To Track For a Commercial HVAC System
“If you can’t measure it, you can’t manage it,” said consultant Peter Drucker referring to improving a business’ productivity. The wisdom in this quote applies to any organization, including facility managers, as they oversee the operations of their buildings. Those...
The Ultimate Guide To Choosing a Facilities Management Software Solution
The emergence of sophisticated facilities management software has allowed businesses to tap into incredible insights and efficiency that can lead to untold amounts of savings in both money and time. Perhaps the most important aspect of any computerized maintenance...
Today’s Best Wireless Commercial HVAC Thermostats
As anybody in control of their company’s facilities understands; commercial heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) are absolutely crucial. A smart, high-tech HVAC setup is key to keeping customers and employees comfortable, ensuring that inventory doesn’t go...
Should Facilities Managers Consider Hiring A 3rd Party National HVAC Company?
Facility managers need to be everywhere at once; in budget meetings, approving work orders, overseeing critical repairs, or checking on their tenants. Needing to be everywhere is even worse when you're responsible for managing multiple buildings across town. And if...
Commercial HVAC Case Study: Hotel Boiler Replacements
Long-time CMI Mechanical customer and friend, Briana Miller is the General Manager at the Sheraton Denver West Hotel. In this commercial HVAC case study, you'll learn how CMI Mechanical was able to help Briana and her team replace 2 boilers, and phase a $500,000+...
How To Create An Annual Commercial HVAC Maintenance and Repair Budget?
One of the more burdensome tasks faced by facility managers is planning and tracking their company’s annual comsmercial HVAC maintenance and repair budget. An especially challenging line item in the budget is the upkeep of the HVAC system. HVAC systems in large...
The Importance of Commercial HVAC Duct Cleaning and Indoor Air Quality
The air quality you breathe at home should be of the same high standard in the places that you shop or restaurants you dine in. Therefore scheduling a commercial HVAC duct cleaning program in your multi-site retail/restaurant location is paramount. The air quality we...
Critical Requirements For Restaurants When Finding a Commercial Refrigeration Company
Let’s be honest, finding a commercial HVAC and / or a commercial refrigeration company for your restaurant is no easy task. Your restaurant space is being used and occupied in a variety of manners. That includes cooking on hot grill tops, pulling food out of...
How To Use Data-Driven Information For Your Commercial HVAC Preventative Maintenance Program
The business of multi-location facilities and maintenance management isn’t easy. Juggling a slew of responsibilities while staying within the constraints of a budget can be quite the challenge. More and more these days executives, directors and managers are being...
Cost Effective Ways To Improve Your Commercial HVAC Energy Efficiency
If you’re a Facility Manager for a national multi-site brand, it’s very likely you’ve either heard this stat below already, or you have first-hand experience which proves its legitimacy. According to the US Energy Information Administration, on average, commercial...
How To Find A Qualified Commercial HVAC Company
So, you’re looking for a highly qualified, reliable, and trusted commercial HVAC company for your multi-site facility? Sometimes, just combining those words with commercial HVAC is almost oxymoronic. Top that with the cost of commercial heating and cooling services,...
Things To Do In Denver While At PRSM 2019 National Conference
So, you're going to be in Denver, CO for about 1 week to attend the PRSM 2019 National Conference. And, yes, it's important that you bring back valuable information from this trade show that can be applied and used for your organization. However, if you planned your...
CMI Mechanical Exhibits At PRSM 2019 National Conference
Welcome to Denver, CO! This year's location for PRSM 2019 National Conference that will be hosting members of the Professional Retail Store Maintenance Association (PRSM). Attendees will have the opportunity to network & connect, gain new knowledge about the...
CMI Mechanical Launches New Commercial HVAC Software
DENVER, CO -- CMI Mechanical is a national & local commercial HVAC & Refrigeration organization that first and foremost has a mechanical foundation that was established by founder Woody Widmer in 1980. With its established reputation, Rick Dassow brought his...
The Impacts of Neglecting HVAC Coil Cleaning
In the second installment of our Commercial HVAC Coil Cleaning Series, we highlight some of the negative outcomes which arise as a result of neglecting the cleaning of your commercial HVAC system's coils. And, why coil cleaning should be a part of your commercial ...
The Importance of Cooling Tower Cleaning and Maintenance
Cooling towers are a vital part of many commercial HVAC systems. However, when you hear about the importance of commercial HVAC preventative maintenance programs, often, the narrative revolves around rooftop or package units. Unfortunately, as a result, cooling tower...
What Recent Tax Code Changes Mean for Your HVAC Equipment and your Business
Whether it be in the midst of a summer heat wave or in the throes of a deep winter chill, the thought of a broken commercial HVAC system can induce waves of anxiety even in the calmest of business owners and facility managers. What can take that anxiety level from a 6...
Commercial HVAC Repair vs. Replace Decisions: What to Consider When Making the Call
Now that summer is here and the mercury has risen, the load we put on our commercial HVAC systems in an effort to keep our buildings comfortable does as well. Regardless of your preventative maintenance due diligence, it is likely (especially if you manage multiple...
Commercial HVAC Rooftop Units vs. HVAC Split Systems
From replacing an old HVAC system to installing a brand new commercial HVAC rooftop units (or split system) for a new construction project, commercial building owners, contractors, and facility managers have a few different options with respect to what type of HVAC...
Commercial HVAC Coil Cleaning: Why it Should Be A Part Of Your Preventative Maintenance Program
One of the best investments you can make with respect to your commercial HVAC systems is a well thought out preventative maintenance program that you insistently adhere to. We all would love to install a shiny, new, energy-efficient piece of equipment and not have...
Commercial HVAC Preventative Maintenance: The Benefits and Why You Should Have a PM Program in Place
Written by CMI Mechanical CEO: Rick Dassow Why You Need An HVAC Preventative Maintenance Program In facility management, the reliability of your commercial HVAC equipment is more than just an issue of tenant comfort. For many companies, today, commercial heating and...
How Facility Management is Changing With the New Age of Retail
It’s a buzzword floating around the internet and facility management circles, you seemingly stumble across a few times a week these days - “Retail Apocalypse.” Articles related to the hype-machine phrase used to describe the supposed demise of the brick-and-mortar...
Commercial HVAC Retrofits for Dummies
Written by CMI Mechanical CEO - Rick Dassow Let me start by saying, I love the “Dummies” book series. What another reading material distills tons of information into easy to read bullet points with cartoon pictures? That’s perfect for me. I wish they had an “American...
Commercial Refrigeration R-Values: What They Are & Why You Should Care About Them
Whether it be a grocery store walk-in freezer or a restaurant reach-in cooler, there are a number of variables that need to be considered when purchasing your next commercial refrigeration unit. In order to make a decision that is right for your business, you need...
The Most Common Issues Found In Commercial HVAC Systems
Ensuring your customers and your employees are comfortable in your facility is crucial to the efficient operation of your business. Because of this, there is a large dose of responsibility placed on the efficacy of your commercial HVAC systems. Depending on the hours...
The Hidden Perils of a Triple Net Lease
Written by CMI Mechanical CEO: Rick Dassow For owners and investors, the popularity of a triple net lease has brought obvious benefits to managing, administering, and investing in commercial real estate. In short, a triple net lease puts the operating burden on the...
How to Find A Reliable Commercial HVAC and Refrigeration Vendor
Summer is just around the corner, and as the mercury begins to rise the load we put on our commercial HVAC and refrigeration systems in an effort to keep your buildings cool does as well. Regardless of your preventative maintenance due diligence, it is likely...
They perform better than other mechanical businesses I have worked with.