Nationwide Coils goes One on One with Synergy Solution Group.

Our collaboration with Synergy has always been one of our most cherished partnerships. Last year, our Founder and President, Ross Stephens, was honored to be spotlighted as a Synergy Partner. This time around, we’ve reversed roles and invited Synergy to grace the first installment of our new series, One on One.

For those unfamiliar with Synergy, can you tell us a bit about your organization?

Synergy Solution Group is a network of like-minded peers who share a common vision, drive, and passion for the commercial HVAC industry. Our mission is to empower HVAC contractors by fostering meaningful connections and relationships within their organizations through training and best practices. With 46 member companies across the nation and growing, we’re proud to support the industry together.

How long has Synergy been around?

Synergy officially launched in 2016, though many of our members have known each other for over two decades.

Who founded Synergy?

Synergy was co-founded by Jim Bartolotta and Julie Bishop. When they established the group, 40 companies eagerly joined as founding members, helping shape our Synergy Culture Code: Commitment, Humility, Accountability, Fun, Integrity, and Innovation.

The past year and a half have been challenging for everyone, including associations and their members. How did the pandemic impact Synergy and how did you navigate these challenges?

The pandemic posed significant obstacles, especially with in-person meetings being impossible. However, we embraced technology to maintain our connections. Sharing knowledge and providing value remained central to our mission. Since we were already familiar with platforms like Zoom, we continued offering resources and training virtually.

What measures did you take to support your members during the height of the pandemic?

The situation evolved rapidly, and we quickly adapted by facilitating discussions among members to share strategies for addressing challenges like procuring personal protective equipment (PPE) for staff, ensuring workplace safety, and finding alternative sources for critical supplies. Existing relationships within the group proved invaluable, as members freely exchanged insights and assisted each other in securing Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans. Knowing you weren’t alone in facing these crises made a huge difference. Members also used this time to strengthen bonds with their teams on a deeper level.

Although there’s still some uncertainty, much of the country is returning to a semblance of normalcy. What does the future hold for Synergy and its members?

We’re excited to resume in-person training sessions! Recently, we hosted our Annual Executives Forum in Hawaii, and we’ll soon be organizing our 2022 Service Operations Forum in Charlotte, North Carolina. Overall, members are focusing on improving indoor air quality and prioritizing the health and safety of building occupants. They’re educating clients on the crucial role HVAC systems play in workplace wellness and helping them adapt to post-pandemic realities. Many companies are exploring niche markets to expand their offerings, while emphasizing the importance of promoting careers in the HVAC sector.

If there’s one takeaway you’d like people to remember about joining Synergy, what would it be?

Surrounding yourself with supportive peers makes you stronger and more successful.