Description

In this episode, Jeff and Danny sit down with Scott Levene, Vice President of LevCo, to discuss how a multi-generation family business stays competitive in a rapidly changing home-services and energy landscape.

Scott shares the history of the company, which began in 1980 and has grown from fuel delivery into a full-service provider of HVAC, heating oil, propane, and home comfort solutions. The discussion focuses on preserving company culture, leading through generational transitions, and using technology to create better customer experiences.

The incredible journey of LevCo, from its early beginnings as a coal and fuel company to becoming a modern provider of HVAC, heating oil, propane, indoor comfort, and energy services across Connecticut. With deep family values at the center, Scott explains how three generations of leadership have shaped a culture built on accountability, customer trust, and long-term relationships.

The conversation also dives into the future of the trades, where AI, automation, and smarter service systems are changing how companies operate. Scott offers insight into how LevCo is embracing technology without losing the personal connection that makes family businesses special.

Key themes include:

• The power of family-owned leadership in the trades
• Building a culture that spans three generations
• Adapting HVAC and fuel delivery operations to market shifts
• How AI and automation improve dispatching, communication, and service
• Why customer trust remains the most valuable business asset
• Preparing the next generation of leaders inside a legacy business

Resources and Mentions

• LevCo
  https://levco.io

What You Will Learn

• How family-owned trades businesses scale without losing culture
• Why generational leadership can be a competitive advantage
• How AI is reshaping service and dispatch operations
• The role of trust in HVAC and fuel delivery customer relationships
• How to future-proof a legacy business

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Lefco and Scott's Background

02:59 Navigating Challenges During COVID-19

06:33 Company Culture and Employee Retention Strategies

09:36 Recruitment and Training Practices at Lefco

12:22 The Importance of Customer Service in Business

15:04 Family Legacy and Multi-Generational Business

17:54 Scott's Transition from Soccer to Business Leadership

26:04 The Influence of Sports on Work Ethic

29:57 Business Development and Continuous Improvement

33:28 Leveraging AI in the HVAC Industry

36:54 Advice for Aspiring HVAC Professionals

40:43 The Importance of Self-Motivation in Trades

44:31 Future Growth and Diversification Strategies

About The Trades Podcast

Website
https://www.thetradespodcast.com

Hosted by
Jeff Mudd and Danny Torres

The Trades Podcast features real conversations with business owners, trades leaders, and industry innovators making an impact in the skilled trades community.

Support the Trades Movement

If this episode inspires you, share it with someone in the trades or anyone thinking about starting a home-services business. Like, comment, and subscribe to help more people discover these conversations.