Join hosts Mary Carter and Stephen Ross as they sit down with senior loan officer Jordan Cordero from Live Oak Bank for a candid deep dive into contractor financing—what it really takes to fund growth without starving your business of cash.

From SBA 7(a) loans and why they exist, to buying a competitor, purchasing a shop, or rolling real estate into a deal to improve payment terms, Jordan breaks down the moves contractors use to scale—plus the “gotchas” that can derail a close. They unpack the real-world difference between profit and cash flow, when working capital makes sense (and when it doesn’t), and how interest rates, fixed vs. variable options, and prepayment rules show up in your monthly reality.

Whether you’re thinking about acquisition, expansion into a new service line, buying a building, or setting up a succession plan for family or a GM, this episode delivers practical cues to get “bank-ready,” protect your runway, and make financing a growth tool—not a stress multiplier.

Interested in becoming a Trane dealer? Visit us at partners.trane.com to learn more about how you can partner with a leader in HVAC innovation. Explore opportunities to elevate your business and stay ahead in the market with Trane!

Designer–contractor Anthony Carrino, known for his HGTV background and decades of real‑world building experience, breaks down what “comfort” really means inside a modern home—and why it’s far more than setting a thermostat. Learn how temperature, humidity, airflow, and ventilation work together, why tightening a home’s envelope can backfire without an ERV, and the simple design decisions that prevent those infamous “it says 70°, but it doesn’t feel like 70°” moments.

Anthony shares candid stories from the field—from retrofits gone sideways to ductwork decisions that make or break a space—and reveals the behind‑the‑scenes collaboration that happens between architects, GCs, and HVAC pros. Plus, hear why he now expects a mint on his pillow after learning the industry’s term “comfort advisor,” how zoning and variable‑speed systems changed the game, and the unexpected chaos that can live behind old walls.

If you’ve ever wondered how to make comfort truly predictable—or how to translate design choices into healthier air, quieter systems, and happier homeowners—this conversation will reshape the way you think about building performance in HVAC.

Interested in becoming a Trane dealer? Visit us at partners.trane.com to learn more about how you can partner with a leader in HVAC innovation. Explore opportunities to elevate your business and stay ahead in the market with Trane!

Virginia Zunk, finance leader at Trane and HVAC insider, dives into what it’s really like to work with family—and why it can be both a superpower and a challenge. Learn how to set boundaries without burning bridges, why emotional expectations matter more than you think, and the surprising upside of having your biggest cheerleader in the same building. Plus, hear the story behind the “dessert side vs. growing food side” argument, why CrossFit is the OG cult, and how family ties can actually strengthen customer relationships.

If you’ve ever wondered how to keep work and personal life separate—or how to turn family dynamics into a competitive advantage—this conversation will change how you think about collaboration in HVAC.

Interested in becoming a Trane dealer? Visit us at partners.trane.com to learn more about how you can partner with a leader in HVAC innovation. Explore opportunities to elevate your business and stay ahead in the market with Trane!