The 5 Most Common Problems in HVAC, Plumbing, Electrical, and Contracting Businesses—And How to Fix Them

Running a trades business—whether it’s HVAC, plumbing, electrical, or general contracting—is a tough gig. You’re not just the expert on the tools; you’re the CEO, the scheduler, the marketer, and the bookkeeper. It’s easy to get overwhelmed. But as someone who’s coached hundreds of business owners like you, I can tell you this: these challenges are fixable. Let’s dive into the five most common problems you’re likely facing and what you can do about them.

1. Struggling to Find Good Workers
The Problem:

Every trades business I work with seems to have the same complaint: “I just can’t find anyone good!” The labor shortage is real, and it’s making it harder to grow, serve customers, and keep your team from burning out.

The Solution:
  • Build a Training Culture: Stop waiting for skilled workers to show up at your door. Create an apprenticeship program and invest in training the next generation of talent. Yes, it takes time, but you’re building loyalty and expertise.
  • Be an Employer of Choice: Pay fair wages, but don’t stop there. Offer benefits like health insurance, a 401(k), or even flexible schedules. People want to work where they feel valued.
  • Focus on Leadership: The best workers stick around for great leaders. Build a culture of respect and growth, and you’ll see retention improve.
2. Cash Flow Chaos
The Problem:

A lot of trades businesses run into cash flow issues, especially when dealing with late-paying clients or seasonal slowdowns. Without steady cash flow, it’s hard to keep the lights on—let alone grow.

The Solution:
  • Get Paid Faster: Use software like QuickBooks or Jobber to invoice immediately and set clear payment terms. No more waiting 60 days for a check.
  • Break Down Big Jobs: For larger projects, require a deposit upfront and stagger payments at key milestones.
  • Plan for the Slow Seasons: Open a line of credit or keep a rainy-day fund to cover those lean months. Cash flow management is about thinking ahead.
3. Poor Scheduling
The Problem:

You’re juggling multiple jobs, managing your crew, and fielding calls from customers wondering when their HVAC system will finally get fixed. Without a system, scheduling can turn into a disaster.

The Solution:
  • Leverage Technology: Invest in scheduling tools like ServiceTitan or FieldEdge. These platforms help you assign jobs, track progress, and keep everyone on the same page.
  • Be Route Smart: Plan your team’s routes to minimize travel time and fuel costs. Efficiency matters.
  • Communicate More: Customers don’t want surprises. Use automated reminders to confirm appointments and notify them of delays.
4. Not Enough Customers
The Problem:

“I’m relying on word of mouth.” If that sounds like you, it’s time to rethink your strategy. Word of mouth is great, but it won’t fill your calendar year-round.

The Solution:
  • Get Online: If you’re not visible online, you’re invisible to most customers. Create a website, optimize it for local SEO, and claim your Google My Business profile.
  • Ask for Reviews: A glowing Google review is modern-day gold. Train your team to politely ask happy customers for reviews after each job.
  • Offer Referral Rewards: Give existing customers a reason to spread the word, whether it’s a discount, a free service, or even a gift card.
5. Communication Breakdown
The Problem:

One of the biggest customer complaints in the trades is, “I never heard back from them.” Lack of communication costs you jobs and damages your reputation.

The Solution:
  • Make It Easy: Use templates for estimates, invoices, and follow-ups. Standardizing your communication saves time and keeps everything professional.
  • Keep Track of Customer Info: Use a CRM (Customer Relationship Management) system to log client details, past jobs, and preferences.
  • Be Transparent: If there’s a delay or a problem, tell the customer. People appreciate honesty, even if it’s bad news. Transparency builds trust.
The Bottom Line

Every challenge your business faces has a solution—it just takes the right tools and a plan to tackle it. Whether it’s hiring, cash flow, scheduling, or marketing, the key is to focus on one issue at a time and make steady improvements.

Remember, you didn’t start your business to feel stressed and stuck. You started it because you wanted to build something great. By addressing these problems head-on, you can get back to doing what you love—and grow your business while you’re at it.

If you’re feeling stuck, let’s talk. At Coachfirm, I specialize in helping trades business owners like you turn things around. Together, we’ll create a roadmap to take your business to the next level.

Let’s get to work!