Nationwide Coils goes One on One with Synergy Solution Group.

Nationwide Coils has always placed immense value on its partnership with Synergy, and last year, our Founder and President, Ross Stephens, had the privilege of being spotlighted as a Synergy Partner. This year, we decided to flip the script and invited Synergy to be the inaugural feature in our One on One series.

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, ambition, and passion for the commercial HVAC industry. Our mission is to empower exceptional HVAC contractors by fostering meaningful connections and instilling best practices through training and collaboration. With 46 member companies across the nation and counting, we’re proud to keep growing.

When did Synergy first come into existence?

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

Who were the founders of Synergy?

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

The past year and a half has been challenging for everyone, including professional organizations like ours. How did the pandemic impact Synergy, and what hurdles did you face?

The pandemic posed significant challenges, especially when it came to meeting in person. To keep the momentum going, we embraced technology to stay connected with our members. Fostering continued learning and knowledge-sharing was crucial. Luckily, we were already familiar with tools like Zoom, which allowed us to adapt and continue providing value to our members.

What steps did you take to support your members during the pandemic, particularly regarding business continuity and networking?

As things rapidly evolved, we encouraged members to connect and exchange ideas on managing challenges like securing personal protective equipment (PPE) for staff, ensuring client safety, and finding alternative sources for essential supplies. Existing relationships within the group proved invaluable—members freely shared insights and assisted one another in securing Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) funds. Knowing you weren’t alone in facing these crises made a world of difference. These experiences also gave members the chance to strengthen bonds with their teams in deeper, more meaningful ways.

Even with lingering uncertainties, much of the country has resumed a semblance of normalcy. What does the future hold for Synergy and its members?

We’re excited to resume in-person events! Just last month, we hosted our Annual Executives Forum in Hawaii, and later this month, we’ll be organizing our 2022 Service Operations Forum in Charlotte, North Carolina. Overall, members are focusing heavily on indoor air quality and building safety. They’re educating clients about the vital role HVAC systems play in maintaining employee health and helping businesses transition back to office settings. Many companies are exploring niche markets to expand their offerings. As an essential service provider, we’re also emphasizing career opportunities within the HVAC industry.

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

With friends, you succeed.