MarketScale
ContributorsGreg Crumpton
GC

Vice President

Greg Crumpton

Straight Outta Crumpton Greg's personal & professional goals are to serve the people that he am working with and/or for. He carries this mantra in his professional life and his home life. Having 40+ years as a full-service mechanical and mission critical environments contractor with a heavy emphasis on service, maintenance and repair. Greg specialize in mission critical cooling (Heat Rejection) and electrical infrastructures, as well as the comfort cooling surrounding them. As a continual entrepreneur, several markets strike him as interesting. As varied as you could imagine, they range from Coffee with my bud's at www.CommonPlaceCoffee.com, all the way to serving as an adviser for several start-ups in the emerging technology world via www.aGlobalVenture.com & www.AtomPower.com and others. Giving back to his community is of equal importance to him, www.apparo.org and Animal Welfare are just a couple ways of doing just that.

44 articlesLinkedIn ↗X ↗
Contributor Brief·Greg Crumpton · 44 articles
Updated Jun 15, 2026

Mentorship and culture solve skilled trades crisis, not recruitment alone

Crumpton argues that the skilled trades workforce crisis cannot be solved through recruitment campaigns or training programs alone—it requires systematic mentorship, intentional workplace culture, and leadership that treats retention as a structural problem. He contends that industries must shift from viewing workers as replaceable units to building organizations where veterans actively pass institutional knowledge to the next generation, and where clear career pathways and purpose-driven work become competitive advantages.

2.5x

ratio of retiring technicians to new entrants in skilled trades

For every five experienced technicians retiring, only two new ones are entering the field.

Stronger Training Pipelines and Smarter Social Media Can Help Solve HVAC's Talent Shortage

Key workforce challenges driving industry rethink

Mentorship and knowledge transfer gaps9
Lack of clear career pathways and growth8
Workplace culture and employee engagement8
Training pipeline inadequacy7
Generational skills gap acceleration9

SHARE

22%Mentorship and
Mentorship and knowledge transfer gaps
Lack of clear career pathways and growth
Workplace culture and employee engagement
Training pipeline inadequacy
+1 more

7.4%

projected HVAC market CAGR growth 2025-2030, outpacing workforce supply

People need structure, clear expectations, and a sense that their work is taking them somewhere.

From Second Chances to Stronger Teams: Bradley Henderson on Structure, Culture, and Trades-Based Redemption

Grit alone doesn't build a strong workforce in HVAC and mechanical services.

From Second Chances to Stronger Teams: Bradley Henderson on Structure, Culture, and Trades-Based Redemption

Organizations that prioritize employee engagement unlock retention rates competitors struggle to match.

Themes:Mentorship as structural workforce solution, not optional benefitWorkplace culture and purpose drive retention more than compensationLeadership succession and knowledge transfer are existential industry risks

Building Management

5 articles
Stronger Training Pipelines and Smarter Social Media Can Help Solve HVAC’s Talent Shortage

Stronger Training Pipelines and Smarter Social Media Can Help Solve HVAC’s Talent Shortage

The skilled trades are at a crossroads. By some industry estimates, for every five experienced technicians retiring, only two new ones are entering the field—highlighting a growing HVAC talent gap. At the same time, buildings are becoming more complex, more connected, and more de

Jun 9, 2026Read now →
From Second Chances to Stronger Teams: Bradley Henderson on Structure, Culture, and Trades-Based Redemption

From Second Chances to Stronger Teams: Bradley Henderson on Structure, Culture, and Trades-Based Redemption

The trades have always demanded grit, but grit alone doesn’t build a strong workforce. People need structure, clear expectations, and a sense that their work is taking them somewhere. That’s especially true in HVAC and mechanical services, where employers are trying to hire, reta

May 26, 2026Read now →
The AI Reality Check: Why AI Adoption Strategy, Not Tools, Will Decide the Winners

The AI Reality Check: Why AI Adoption Strategy, Not Tools, Will Decide the Winners

Artificial intelligence has moved from novelty to necessity almost overnight. Since generative AI tools entered the mainstream just a few years ago, organizations across every industry have felt pressure to “do something” with AI—often before they fully understand what that somet

May 5, 2026Read now →
Why the Modern Data Center Is Forcing Communities and Policymakers to Rethink Infrastructure

Why the Modern Data Center Is Forcing Communities and Policymakers to Rethink Infrastructure

Data centers have moved from largely invisible digital infrastructure to a highly visible source of public debate as artificial intelligence accelerates demand for power, fiber, and compute capacity. The modern data center is now being built closer to population centers to suppor

Apr 21, 2026Read now →
Blue-Collar, High-Voltage, and High-Stakes: Rebuilding the Workforce Pipeline with Skilled Trades Mentorship at TradeMentor

Blue-Collar, High-Voltage, and High-Stakes: Rebuilding the Workforce Pipeline with Skilled Trades Mentorship at TradeMentor

The skilled trades are getting squeezed from both sides: demand is rising—driven by grid upgrades, battery storage buildouts, and the reshoring of manufacturing—while the workforce pipeline keeps narrowing. Across construction, manufacturing, and other skilled trades, employers a

Apr 7, 2026Read now →

Engineering & Construction

33 articles
AI Is Forcing a Rethink of Data Center Infrastructure at Every Level

AI Is Forcing a Rethink of Data Center Infrastructure at Every Level

The data center industry is being redefined by AI’s demand for faster, denser, and more scalable infrastructure. According to McKinsey, average rack power densities have more than doubled in just two years. It went from approximately 8 kW to 17 kW, and is expected to hit 30 kW by 2027. Global data center power demand is projected…

Dec 29, 2025Read now →
Rob Paylor’s Mindset Masterclass After a Life-Changing Rugby Injury: Rise, Recover, and Redefine What’s Possible

Rob Paylor’s Mindset Masterclass After a Life-Changing Rugby Injury: Rise, Recover, and Redefine What’s Possible

Every year, an estimated 17,000 Americans suffer spinal cord injuries, many of which permanently alter the course of their lives.. For former collegiate rugby player Rob Paylor, a devastating injury left him paralyzed from the shoulders down. Doctors told him he would never walk or move his hands again. But instead of accepting that fate,…

Dec 16, 2025Read now →
Targeted HVAC Training Boosts Careers, Retention, and Service Quality

Targeted HVAC Training Boosts Careers, Retention, and Service Quality

The HVAC industry is evolving quickly, from advanced controls to new refrigerant standards, yet one principle remains timeless: skilled technicians are the backbone of the trade. What is changing is how companies are preparing those technicians for long-term careers through focused HVAC training. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in the…

Aug 8, 2025Read now →
Women in HVACR Are Driving Change Across the Skilled Trades

Women in HVACR Are Driving Change Across the Skilled Trades

Trade school enrollment climbed 4.9% between fall 2020 and fall 2023, signaling a national shift toward skills-based careers as alternatives to four-year degrees. This modest but meaningful rebound underscores growing interest in trades like HVACR, where demand is high, but representation remains lopsided. For decades, women in the field have been overlooked despite playing…

Jul 15, 2025Read now →
Scale Smarter in HVAC: Balancing Growth with Employee Engagement

Scale Smarter in HVAC: Balancing Growth with Employee Engagement

The HVAC industry is undergoing significant growth, driven by increased suburban migration and a surge in home renovations requiring system upgrades. The U.S. HVAC market is projected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.4% from 2025 to 2030. As businesses scale to meet this demand, balancing expansion with retaining strong…

May 27, 2025Read now →
Building Trust and Simplifying Stories Strengthens Public Relations Strategies

Building Trust and Simplifying Stories Strengthens Public Relations Strategies

Companies that master transparent communication and authentic messaging gain crucial competitive advantage in earning consumer confidence

Apr 29, 2025Read now →
Hiring for Values, Investing in Mentorship, and Leveraging Tech Boosts Retention and Workforce Stability in the HVAC Industry

Hiring for Values, Investing in Mentorship, and Leveraging Tech Boosts Retention and Workforce Stability in the HVAC Industry

Strategic hiring practices and structured mentorship programs help mechanical contractors combat labor shortages while building sustainable teams

Apr 15, 2025Read now →
People-Centric Leadership in Action: The Engineered Cooling Systems(ECS) Story

People-Centric Leadership in Action: The Engineered Cooling Systems(ECS) Story

Organizations that prioritize employee engagement unlock retention rates and growth that competitors struggle to match

Apr 8, 2025Read now →
HVAC Workforce Culture: Recruit with Purpose, Retain with Care

HVAC Workforce Culture: Recruit with Purpose, Retain with Care

Skilled trades face a critical retention crisis as retirements vastly outpace new workers entering the field

Mar 31, 2025Read now →
Building Trust in Real Estate Through Quality Services and Client Education

Building Trust in Real Estate Through Quality Services and Client Education

Clients entrust companies with major investments, making transparency and quality service the foundation of competitive advantage in property markets

Mar 18, 2025Read now →
Data Center Sector Opens Doors for Non-Traditional Career Seekers

Data Center Sector Opens Doors for Non-Traditional Career Seekers

Rapid expansion in data centers is creating unexpected opportunities for workers without traditional tech backgrounds to fill critical roles

Mar 3, 2025Read now →
Early Education in Skilled Trades Opens Doors to Solving Workforce Shortages

Early Education in Skilled Trades Opens Doors to Solving Workforce Shortages

Hands-on classroom experiences are proving key to filling the nation's critical shortage of skilled trade workers

Feb 20, 2025Read now →
Mentorship and Knowledge Transfer are Key HVAC Workforce Development Strategies for a Growing Industry

Mentorship and Knowledge Transfer are Key HVAC Workforce Development Strategies for a Growing Industry

As retirements accelerate, HVAC companies are racing to pass down critical expertise before institutional knowledge walks out the door

Jan 20, 2025Read now →
AI in Construction: Building a Future with Collaborative Tech Solutions

AI in Construction: Building a Future with Collaborative Tech Solutions

The construction industry stands to capture billions in value as intelligent systems reshape how projects are planned, executed, and managed

Dec 27, 2024Read now →
How Relationship-Building was Vital to an Account Manager’s Journey from Technician

How Relationship-Building was Vital to an Account Manager’s Journey from Technician

Strong interpersonal skills and mentorship are becoming as essential as technical know-how in the competitive HVAC industry

Dec 17, 2024Read now →
Building Efficient and Engaged Blue-Collar Workforces Begins with Leadership Rooted in Personal Development

Building Efficient and Engaged Blue-Collar Workforces Begins with Leadership Rooted in Personal Development

Leaders who invest in their teams' growth can bridge the manufacturing skills gap while cutting turnover and boosting productivity

Nov 20, 2024Read now →
Skilled Workers Thrive Where Craftsmanship, Integrity, and Relationships Align

Skilled Workers Thrive Where Craftsmanship, Integrity, and Relationships Align

When professional values and human connection become the foundation, skilled tradespeople unlock their full potential and drive industry growth

Oct 29, 2024Read now →
Transform Construction Careers with Grit and Creative Campaigns to Close the Gap

Transform Construction Careers with Grit and Creative Campaigns to Close the Gap

A severe workforce shortage is forcing the construction industry to rethink how it attracts and retains talent for the next generation

Oct 15, 2024Read now →
Making the Transition From Technician to Manager: A Career Evolution in HVAC

Making the Transition From Technician to Manager: A Career Evolution in HVAC

Technical expertise alone isn't enough to lead in HVAC's evolving landscape, requiring hands-on professionals to master new competencies

Aug 27, 2024Read now →
A Skilled Trades Career Provides a Future-Proof Path

A Skilled Trades Career Provides a Future-Proof Path

Younger workers are increasingly turning away from four-year degrees to pursue careers that guarantee stable income and immediate job prospects

Jul 18, 2024Read now →
Reducing the Gap in Skilled Trades Can Be Solved by Boosting Trade Education Initiatives

Reducing the Gap in Skilled Trades Can Be Solved by Boosting Trade Education Initiatives

A generational workforce exodus is forcing industries to rethink how they attract and prepare the next generation of skilled workers

May 21, 2024Read now →
Improving HVAC Systems Plays a Key Role for Meeting Building Efficiency Goals

Improving HVAC Systems Plays a Key Role for Meeting Building Efficiency Goals

Optimizing climate control systems could unlock trillions in annual savings while significantly reducing global energy consumption

Apr 17, 2024Read now →
Technology and Education at a Crossroads: Tech Creates Jobs, But Can Education Keep Up? Time to Reform

Technology and Education at a Crossroads: Tech Creates Jobs, But Can Education Keep Up? Time to Reform

As technology reshapes the job market faster than schools can adapt, leaders debate whether education systems need a complete overhaul

Mar 19, 2024Read now →
Empowering Leadership and Effective Delegation with Dallas Burnett

Empowering Leadership and Effective Delegation with Dallas Burnett

Leaders who master delegation unlock exponential growth by transforming their teams into independent decision-makers

Mar 12, 2024Read now →
Navigating Careers in HVAC: Jason Saunders’ Journey to the Top

Navigating Careers in HVAC: Jason Saunders’ Journey to the Top

A high school graduate built a path to the executive suite by mastering mentorship, customer service, and adaptability in the trades

Feb 27, 2024Read now →
Legal Business Development: Authentic Relationships Can Foster Trust and Long-Term Relationships

Legal Business Development: Authentic Relationships Can Foster Trust and Long-Term Relationships

Building genuine client connections proves more valuable than transactional interactions in the competitive legal services market

Feb 13, 2024Read now →
The Leadership Succession Crisis can be Solved by Instilling Leadership Skills in Employees from Day One

The Leadership Succession Crisis can be Solved by Instilling Leadership Skills in Employees from Day One

Early leadership development bridges the gap between today's workforce and tomorrow's management needs

Jan 30, 2024Read now →
Greg Crumpton’s Entrepreneurial Journey in the HVAC Industry: From Tradesman to Skilled Trades Expert and Industry Leader

Greg Crumpton’s Entrepreneurial Journey in the HVAC Industry: From Tradesman to Skilled Trades Expert and Industry Leader

A four-decade career in HVAC reveals how the skilled trades offer surprising pathways to leadership and industry influence

Jan 19, 2024Read now →
Industry Expertise and Effective Leadership is Paramount in Mission-Critical Industries

Industry Expertise and Effective Leadership is Paramount in Mission-Critical Industries

Leaders who combine deep industry knowledge with strong vision gain competitive advantage in high-stakes sectors

Jan 16, 2024Read now →
Amy Al-Katib’s Unique Journey in HVAC and Mission-Critical Industries

Amy Al-Katib’s Unique Journey in HVAC and Mission-Critical Industries

A journalism career pivot reveals how specialized B2B publishing unlocks influence in traditionally overlooked technical industries

Jan 2, 2024Read now →
HVAC Marketing Navigation Through Audience Adaptability

HVAC Marketing Navigation Through Audience Adaptability

HVAC marketers must shift strategies based on whether they're reaching contractors or homeowners, each demanding distinctly different messaging

Dec 19, 2023Read now →
From DJ to HVAC Digital Media Dynamo: Combining of Digital Media and Skilled Trades with Clifton Beck

From DJ to HVAC Digital Media Dynamo: Combining of Digital Media and Skilled Trades with Clifton Beck

A former DJ turned educator reveals how digital storytelling is reshaping how the skilled trades attract and train the next generation

Dec 6, 2023Read now →
Building a Community of Intentional Leaders with a Construction Mind Shifter

Building a Community of Intentional Leaders with a Construction Mind Shifter

A construction leader reveals how intentional mindset shifts transform industry culture and unlock human-centered operational excellence

Nov 2, 2023Read now →

Professional AV

2 articles

Healthcare

1 article

Education Technology

2 articles

Community

0 posts
No posts yet. Be the first to ask a question or share an idea with Greg Crumpton.
  • AM
    Alex M.·2h agoquestion

    What sparked your research into disruptive innovation?

    Curious what the original insight was that led you to the Innovator's Dilemma framework.

  • SL
    Sophia L.·1d agoidea

    Would love a deep-dive into EdTech adoption barriers.

    Your framing of sustaining vs. disruptive innovation feels directly applicable to school systems.

  • DR
    David R.·3d agoquestion

    How do you see AI changing the personalized learning landscape?