HVAC R&D Podcast

Ridin’ Solo: Off the Cuff with the Ramblin’ Rhyno

🎙️ HVAC R&D Podcast — Ridin' Solo: Off the Cuff with the Ramblin' Rhyno
This episode is a little different — and a long time coming.
Back in November, I recorded a test episode for a new solo format we’ve been quietly building behind the scenes. The idea was simple: create something flexible, honest, and ready to deploy when schedules change — without sacrificing the quality or conversation this show is known for.
This week, after a last-minute guest cancellation, the timing finally made sense to release it.
In this solo episode of the HVAC R&D Podcast, I introduce a new Q&A-driven format where I answer real questions pulled at random — no prep, no script, just real reactions and real conversation. It’s designed to feel like a counter-top conversation, not a monologue.
You’ll hear:
Trade, business, and personal questions pulled live and at random in the first ever LiveSwitch React Segment
Unfiltered takes on the HVAC industry, content creation, and mindset
The original focused DiversiTech Drill Down where we go deeper on one topic that stood out
A glimpse into how HVAC R&D continues to evolve while staying rooted in community
This episode was recorded in November as a format test — and now it officially becomes the solo show debut.
If this resonates, let me know. Drop questions for future episodes and help shape where this goes next.
Enjoy the episode? 👉 Listen now and hit Subscribe so you never miss a drop!
 
Sign-Up for your FREE LiveSwitch Demo here ===>>> https://join.liveswitch.com/z8n55e7li6px
 
Thank you to DiversiTech, Dubby, LiveSwitch, JPL Flex, RLS - Rapid Locking System and True Nature Meat Company for making this show possible.
 
🎙️ Want to be on the show? Share your HVAC story:https://form.jotform.com/hvacrnd/hvacrnd-podcast-questionnaire
 
🔗 Stay Connected:
Instagram: @hvac.rnd | @hvaczoomies
TikTok: @hvac.rnd
Facebook: facebook.com/HVACRandD | facebook.com/hvaczoomies
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/hvacrnd | linkedin.com/company/hvac-zoomies-podcast
Website: www.hvacrnd.com
#HVAC #TradeCrew #WHOLESALE #DISTRIBUTION #SALES #STORIES #AI #QUESTIONS #ANSWERS
All music credit to Alex Grohl
 

Challenging the Standard: Gregg Butler and the 14-Minute Diagnostic Shift

In this episode of HVAC R&D, Ramblin Rhyno' (Rhydon Atzenhoffer) sits down with Greggory Butler, the creator of TA‑14 — a bold, structured approach to residential HVAC diagnostics built not just to teach the steps, but to reset the mindset.
A former Army infantryman turned one-man $2M/year service tech, Gregg doesn’t shy away from asking tough questions about how we think, troubleshoot, and train in this trade. And in this conversation, we follow suit — with a deep dive into the why behind his method and the real-life impact it's having on techs across the country.
But this episode goes beyond diagnostics. It’s about challenging the norms that keep the HVAC industry stagnant — and having honest conversations that push us all forward. If you followed Gregg and Rhydon's the recent dialogue on LinkedIn about the role of podcasting, education, and trust in the trades, this episode is what sparked much of their continuation of that conversation — not with outrage, but with open minds.
Whether you're a seasoned tech, an industry educator, or just someone who wants to get better at your craft, Gregg brings a clear and powerful voice, a focused mission, and a refreshing lack of fluff.
💬 “If you don't know where to start… how can you know where to finish?”
 
Enjoy the episode? 👉 Listen now and hit Subscribe so you never miss a drop!
 
Sign-Up for your FREE LiveSwitch Demo here ===>>> https://join.liveswitch.com/z8n55e7li6px
 
Thank you to DiversiTech, Dubby, LiveSwitch, JPL Flex, RLS - Rapid Locking System and True Nature Meat Company for making this show possible.
 
🎙️ Want to be on the show? Share your HVAC story:https://form.jotform.com/hvacrnd/hvacrnd-podcast-questionnaire
 
🔗 Stay Connected:
Instagram: @hvac.rnd | @hvaczoomies
TikTok: @hvac.rnd
Facebook: facebook.com/HVACRandD | facebook.com/hvaczoomies
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/hvacrnd | linkedin.com/company/hvac-zoomies-podcast
Website: www.hvacrnd.com
 
🔥 Follow Gregg online:IG: @lovehulkyTikTok: @transparentair14FB: Hulky LoveLinkedIn: Greggory Butler
#HVAC #TradeCrew #WHOLESALE #DISTRIBUTION #HVACR #Diagnostics #TA14 #Disruptor #RambleOn #CollaborationOverCompetition #TransparentAir14
Music Credits to Alex Grohl

Show Stopper: Innovative HVAC legend Ron Saunders talks Drain IV and latest ventures

A very Merry Christmas and soon to be Happy New Year to all of you in the #TradeCrew and thank you for listening. This week on the HVAC R&D Podcast your host Rhydon Atzenhoffer, aka the Ramblin' Rhyno, had the pleasure to interview one of the creative titans of the HVAC industry, Ron Saunders.
Decades of experience in the IAQ world saw Ron help to lead Fresh Aire UV to new heights during the Covid era IAQ boom during which he and his partners sold their company to Diversitech.
Since then Ron has been working at finding and creating his next innovative products with DrainIV and the soon to be launched ProIAQ as well as partnering to open newly formed manufacturers rep agency AHR Sales in Florida.
So sit back and strap in for what was a great conversation about the industry and many things to come.
 
Enjoy the episode? 👉 Listen now and hit Subscribe so you never miss a drop!
 
Sign-Up for your FREE LiveSwitch Demo here ===>>> https://join.liveswitch.com/z8n55e7li6px
 
Thank you to DiversiTech, Dubby, LiveSwitch, JPL Flex, RLS - Rapid Locking System and True Nature Meat Company for making this show possible.
 
🎙️ Want to be on the show? Share your HVAC story:https://form.jotform.com/hvacrnd/hvacrnd-podcast-questionnaire
 
🔗 Stay Connected:
Instagram: @hvac.rnd | @hvaczoomies
TikTok: @hvac.rnd
Facebook: facebook.com/HVACRandD | facebook.com/hvaczoomies
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/hvacrnd | linkedin.com/company/hvac-zoomies-podcast
Website: www.hvacrnd.com
#HVAC #TradeCrew #WHOLESALE #DISTRIBUTION #DRAINIV #PROIAQ #PODCAST #TRADES #AHRSALES #AHREXPO
All music credit to Alex Grohl

From Field to Distribution: Commercial Kitchen Chronicles interviews HVAC R and D Podcast host Rhydon Atzenhoffer

What's up #TradeCrew! This week we are dropping the audio only version of your HVAC R&D Podcast host, Rhydon Atzenhoffer, and his guest appearance on the Commercial Kitchen Chronicles Podcast with Pat Finley and Jason Latimer.
If you don’t already know, Pat was just named to the 2026 ESCO Institute Top 25 Most Influential Educators and Trainers and is helping launch the CFESA Top Tech Throwdown for commercial kitchen techs in 2026.
Jason is the Director of Facilities for Fresh Kitchen based on of Tampa Florida and continues to do impressive work behind the scenes of the Food Service Industry.
The three of them got into the in's and out's of what makes Rhydon and HVAC R&D tick as well as some crossover knowledge between their two sides of the mechanical trades industry.
 
Enjoy the episode? 👉 Listen now and hit Subscribe so you never miss a drop!
 
Sign-Up for your FREE LiveSwitch Demo here ===>>> https://join.liveswitch.com/z8n55e7li6px
 
Thank you to DiversiTech, Dubby, LiveSwitch, JPL Flex, RLS - Rapid Locking System and True Nature Meat Company for making this show possible.
 
🎙️ Want to be on the show? Share your HVAC story:https://form.jotform.com/hvacrnd/hvacrnd-podcast-questionnaire
 
🔗 Stay Connected:
Instagram: @hvac.rnd | @hvaczoomies
TikTok: @hvac.rnd
Facebook: facebook.com/HVACRandD | facebook.com/hvaczoomies
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/hvacrnd | linkedin.com/company/hvac-zoomies-podcast
Website: www.hvacrnd.com
#HVAC #TradeCrew #WHOLESALE #DISTRIBUTION #FOODSERVICE #COMMERCIALKITCHENCHRONICLES #PODCAST #TRADES

HVAC Zoomies: Will inconsistency at McLaren give Red Bull and Max Verstappen wings

What’s Up #TradeCrew and HVAC Zoomie Nation! This week on the HVAC R&D Podcast Bonus Show, the HVAC Zoomies Podcast, Rhydon and Rachael finally get to catch up after not having talked Formula 1 since the summer break.
From the British Grand Prix the two pick where they left off with insights to the results of the Belgian GP, Hungarian GP, Dutch GP, Italian GP, Azerbaijan GP, Singapore Night Race, the US Grand Prix at COTA, Mexico GP, another Max Verstappen masterclass at the Brazilian GP and Las Vegas GP and through the Sprint Race at Qatar.
Following their recaps they take a look at what's about to happen in Qatar and if Red Bull can give Max a strategy to try and keep the Formula 1 World Drivers Championship alive till the season finale in Abu Dhabi as well as a few insights into some of the latest news off the track. In this show you will hear:
👉 Second half recap of the 2025 Formula 1 campaign
👉 Will McLaren bottle the championship for Lando or Oscar
👉 Can Max ride out everyone else's lack of inconsistency to poach his 5th world title
👉 Checo and Valterri Bottas hope to drive Cadillac to the front 
👉 Adrian Newey takes the helm at Aston Martin and will Christian Horner return to the grid in Red
 
Enjoy the episode? 👉 Listen now and hit Subscribe so you never miss a drop!
 
Sign-Up for your FREE LiveSwitch Demo here ===>>> https://join.liveswitch.com/z8n55e7li6px
 
Thank you to DiversiTech, Dubby, LiveSwitch, JPL Flex, RLS - Rapid Locking System and True Nature Meat Company for making this show possible.
 
🎙️ Want to be on the show? Share your HVAC story: https://form.jotform.com/hvacrnd/hvacrnd-podcast-questionnaire
 
🔗 Stay Connected:
Instagram: @hvac.rnd | @hvaczoomies
TikTok: @hvac.rnd
Facebook: facebook.com/HVACRandD | facebook.com/hvaczoomies
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/hvacrnd | linkedin.com/company/hvac-zoomies-podcast
Website: www.hvacrnd.com
#TradeCrew #HVAC #Formula1 #F1 #QatarGP #Verstappen #LandoNorris #OscarPiastri #RedBull #McLaren

Lucky in Kentucky: Tyler Dreisbach talks Life, Hilmor Tools and HVAC

What’s Up #TradeCrew! This week on the HVAC R&D Podcast we’re joined by Tyler Dreisbach, a Louisville Kentucky based installer and journeyman and a rising star in the social media HVAC scene. Tyler has been making a name for himself with his trademark refrigerant line bends and clean install videos and posts on Instagram and is now even branching out into YouTube.
From his move from the restaurant industry to HVAC, Tyler shares his story and brings real world perspective on:
👉 Getting to know social media HVAC culture
👉 How he got into the Trade and who his speed dial phone a friend is
👉 How an old set of benders led him to be the first Hilmor Highlight from Diversitech
👉 Weird jars in crawlspaces and WWII era papers in the attic
👉 Mentorship & building pathways for the next generation of HVAC apprentices
Enjoy the episode? 👉 Listen now and hit Subscribe so you never miss a drop!
Sign-Up for your FREE LiveSwitch Demo here ===>>> https://join.liveswitch.com/z8n55e7li6px
Thank you to DiversiTech, LiveSwitch, JPL Flex, RLS - Rapid Locking System and True Nature Meat Company for making this show possible.
🎙️ Want to be on the show? Share your HVAC story: https://form.jotform.com/hvacrnd/hvacrnd-podcast-questionnaire
🔗 Stay Connected:
Instagram: @hvac.rnd | @hvaczoomies
TikTok: @hvac.rnd
Facebook: facebook.com/HVACRandD | facebook.com/hvaczoomies
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/hvacrnd | linkedin.com/company/hvac-zoomies-podcast
Website: www.hvacrnd.com
#TradeCrew #HVAC #Diversitech #Hilmor #Pipe #Refrigerant #Brazing #HeatPump #Technology #Install #Service #RNC #AOR

Justin Heller: From Motorcycles to MiniSplits and a life changing Trade

Today #TradeCrew, we’re joined by Justin Heller, an HVAC Install Lead with six years in the trenches and a passion for all things mechanical. From motorcycles to mini splits, Justin brings the same energy and intensity—and he’s not afraid to share his perspective on where the HVAC trade is headed.
Here’s what you’ll hear in this episode:
Segment 1 – Life Catch-Up, Hobbies & FamilyJustin talks about balancing installs with motorcycles, mountain biking, and family life. We hear how his passion for mechanics first sparked, his favorite past HVAC R&D episodes, and what his dream downtime weekend looks like.
Segment 2 – From Wrenching to Leading: The HVAC JourneyAt 25, Justin jumped into HVAC without a trade background. He shares how wrenching on bikes translated to installs, the humbling and rewarding moments of his career, standout mentors, and what it takes to lead an install crew.
Segment 3 – HVAC Hot Takes & Trade TalkWe dig into Justin’s take on the A2L transition, where the trade is winning and missing, and how he keeps it real on HVAC social media. He shares daily habits that set his installs apart, his dream truck setup, and his perspective on evolving tech like inverters and press fittings—before closing the segment with his Crawlspace Confession.
Segment 4 – Community, Business Mindset & Giving BackJustin reflects on how he channels his energy into mentoring, supporting fellow techs, and building a culture of giving back through training, education, and collaboration.
Enjoy the episode? 👉 Listen now and hit Subscribe so you never miss a drop!
🎙️ Want to be on the show? Share your HVAC story: https://form.jotform.com/hvacrnd/hvacrnd-podcast-questionnaire
🔗 Stay Connected:
Instagram: @hvac.rnd | @hvaczoomies
TikTok: @hvac.rnd
Facebook: facebook.com/HVACRandD | facebook.com/hvaczoomies
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/hvacrnd | linkedin.com/company/hvac-zoomies-podcast
Website: www.hvacrnd.com
#TradeCrew #HVAC #Inverter #HeatPump #Technology #MiniSplit #Motorcycles

Introducing Victoria Garcia Massimo: Zoning, Sustainability and the Future of HVAC

Hey #TradeCrew, Rhydon here, This week on the HVAC R&D Podcast we’re joined by Victoria Garcia Massimo, Director of North American Operations at Airzone and a rising voice in sustainable HVAC. Victoria was also just named the 2025 ACHR News Top 40 under 40.
From her move across the country to her leadership in ASHRAE, Victoria brings a sharp perspective on:
👉 East Coast vs. West Coast HVAC culture
👉 How zoning & inverter tech are reshaping efficiency
👉 Why ROI & comfort can win over price-driven clients
👉 Airzone’s vision for smarter, sustainable design in North America
👉 Mentorship & building pathways for the next generation of HVAC leaders
Enjoy the episode? 👉 Listen now and hit Subscribe so you never miss a drop!
🎙️ Want to be on the show? Share your HVAC story: https://form.jotform.com/hvacrnd/hvacrnd-podcast-questionnaire
🔗 Stay Connected:
Instagram: @hvac.rnd | @hvaczoomies
TikTok: @hvac.rnd
Facebook: facebook.com/HVACRandD | facebook.com/hvaczoomies
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/hvacrnd | linkedin.com/company/hvac-zoomies-podcast
Website: www.hvacrnd.com
#TradeCrew #HVAC #Sustainability #Airzone #Zoning #Inverter #HeatPump #Technology #VRF #MiniSplit

Behind the Mindset: HVAC Tactical Interviews Rhydon Atzenhoffer

Hey #TradeCrew, Rhydon here, a massive thank you to Ben Poole and all of the HVAC Tactical team for the invite to be a part of their video series, Behind the Mindset. Ben graciously allowed me to repurpose the show as the full audio version here for all of you and I hope you enjoy our discussion of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness in the world of HVAC.
Some of What’s Inside:
Relationships in the trades are based on Communication
Customer Service is Key
Is your distributor truly the right partner for your contracting business
If you want the most out of a partnership, you have to talk
Being a Champion for your fellow Tradespeople
Importance of nights like the Tactical Awards
The online HVAC community
Crazy things in life
Where the idea of HVAC R&D came from
How Rhydon and TradeWife came to be
So Much More
Take a listen as Ben and Rhydon get to know one another
 
Enjoy the episode? 👉 Listen now and hit Subscribe so you never miss a drop!
🎙️ Want to be on the show? Share your HVAC story: https://form.jotform.com/hvacrnd/hvacrnd-podcast-questionnaire
🔗 Stay Connected:
Instagram: @hvac.rnd | @hvaczoomies
TikTok: @hvac.rnd
Facebook: facebook.com/HVACRandD | facebook.com/hvaczoomies
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/hvacrnd | linkedin.com/company/hvac-zoomies-podcast
Website: www.hvacrnd.com
📣 Hashtags: #HVAC #HVACTactical #HVACTACTICALAWARDS #TRADECREW #TRADES #COMMUNITY #FAITH #LIFE #LIBERTY #WHOLESALE #DISTRIBUTION

Peddle Down and Drive: HVAC Sales, Brad Pitt, Silverstone and F1 Silly Season

Join your hosts Rhydon and Rachael for a midsummer F1 special Zoomies bonus episode where we cover Brad Pitt taking our money, dissecting the British GP drama from Silverstone, and kick off the F1 silly season with some Red Bull upheaval.
What’s Inside:
HVAC Catch-Up (0:00–15:00)
Canada Day & July 4th round up
Summer sales and service hustle
Brad Pitt and the F1 movie…Take our Money!
British GP Recap (15:00–35:00)
Weather wreaks havoc
Oscar Piastri gets a dose of penalty pain
Max taken out by trickery
Nico Hülkenberg snaps his podium drought
McLaren lack of podium sportsmanship
F1 Silly Season Begins (35:00–End)
Is Verstappen’s title fight truly over?
Christian Horner Ousted from Red Bull?
Cadillac’s possible driver picks for 2026?
Enjoy the episode? 👉 Listen now and hit Subscribe so you never miss a drop!
🎙️ Want to be on the show? Share your HVAC story: https://form.jotform.com/hvacrnd/hvacrnd-podcast-questionnaire
🔗 Stay Connected:
Instagram: @hvac.rnd | @hvaczoomies
TikTok: @hvac.rnd
Facebook: facebook.com/HVACRandD | facebook.com/hvaczoomies
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/hvacrnd | linkedin.com/company/hvac-zoomies-podcast
Website: www.hvacrnd.com
📣 Hashtags: #HVAC #F1 #BritishGP #Silverstone #SillySeason #CanadaDay #July4th #HVACZoomies #Piastri #Verstappen #Horner #Mercedes #McLaren #RedBull