The Importance of Building Strong HVAC Industry Relationships

Building relationships is one of Greg Crumpton’s favorite topics. A close second is air

conditioning. Crumpton is always fascinated by the various people who make the

HVAC industry hum, which is why on Straight Outta Crumpton, he always finds the most

interesting folks in the business to talk some shop. And this week was no exception because Kim Reynolds dropped by to share her story. Reynolds is the VP of Sales for Carrier

Enterprise in the Southeast Region. CE (Carrier Enterprise) is a one-stop location for

the best equipment brands, aftermarket parts and supplies, and HVAC expertise in the

industry. And as Reynolds told Crumpton, the key to any great salesperson is building

solid HVAC industry relationships.

A significant portion of Reynolds’ career was in the natural and propane gas utilities

industry. So, how did she find herself mixed up in HVAC?

“There’s a lot of crossover in the utilities and the HVAC world,” Reynolds said. “So, I

had an opportunity to move to Ashville (North Carolina), made some connections with

some folks in the HVAC world, and there was an opportunity to join CE Southeast a

couple of years ago. That’s why I’m here.”

Crumpton and Reynolds discuss…

• The hot HVAC topics Reynolds discusses with customers and dealers

• The elements that build strong relationships between customers, dealers, and

other suppliers

• The critical importance of value and trust in cementing longstanding

HVAC industry relationships

“I think that most folks I have interacted with throughout my career really enjoy that

interaction, and getting to know someone, and then developing that bond or friendship,”

Reynolds said. “For some folks, it’s just all business, but I do think that’s more in the

minority than versus the other.”

Kim Reynolds holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Barton

College. She is an experienced residential, commercial, and industrial sales consultant

with a demonstrated history of working in the natural gas and propane industry with

organizations such as PSNC Energy and Blossman Gas. Now, as part of North

America’s largest HVAC Distribution network, Reynolds applies her skills to Carrier

Enterprise. Reynolds likes to spend time on the golf course or with her four rescue dogs

when not at work.