In this episode of The Leading HVAC Podcast, we explore what it really takes to transition leadership in a family-owned HVAC company. Tonya and Corey Collins from Universal Heating and Cooling share how they’ve navigated the shift across generations with honesty, humility, and humor. From letting go of control to building trust and respect, this episode is packed with wisdom for any owner preparing someone to take the lead, or stepping into leadership themselves.Key Takeaways:
- Letting Go Is a Leadership Skill: Tonya learned to trust Corey by stepping back and letting him take the reins—first in meetings, then in decisions, and finally in running the business during an extended vacation.
- Leadership Grows in Real Time: Corey didn’t step into leadership with a title—he earned it by solving problems, taking initiative, and proving he could carry the load without being told.
- Family Business Requires Thick Skin and a Big Picture View: To keep relationships healthy and the business moving forward, Tonya and Corey had to separate emotions from operations and focus on the people and families who depend on them.
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