The New Flat Rate Opens National Training Center for Technicians and Contractors

by | Sep 30, 2015

Offers Implementation Instruction & General Business Coaching to Increase Profits & Reduce Loss

 Dalton, GA—When developing the plan for its new headquarters, the management team at The New Flat Rate (TNFR) aimed high. They wanted to improve the environment for their administrative staff and create benefits for their HVAC, plumbing and electrical clients. And they’ve done just that with their new location—still in Dalton, Georgia—that houses modernized office space and a training center for technicians and contractors.

TNFR moved into the building in mid-August and launched the training center on August 24th under the leadership of Vice President and Senior Trainer Matt Koop. Recently named one of the “Top 40 Under 40”—a list of the nation’s best young HVAC talent nominated by readers of The NEWS and selected by its editors—Koop has risen through the ranks, from apprentice to technician to his current position.

“Because I and our other trainers are technicians and business owners alike, we relate to the attendees on a much more personal level, so the content we share is accepted and imprinted much more quickly,” Koop said. “The low-pressure communication styles we teach help to improve outcomes across the board. Techs who hate to sell are able to get high-end results without feeling like salesmen. And salesmen are able to increase closing ratios by using a simple approach that speaks directly to how people want to buy in 2015 and beyond.”

Staff from 10 companies attended TNFR’s inaugural training sessions in late August. They came from several states, including Minnesota, Illinois, Indiana, Virginia, Alabama and Georgia.

The first two days involved intensive implementation training for techs,contractors and managers

Delivered in a classroom style with role playing and live interaction between attendees, plus one-on-one time with Koop, the sessions concentrated on how to use TNFR’s menu pricing system to boost service call close rates while avoiding high-pressure sales tactics.

The optional third day provided general business coaching and brainstorming for owners and managers.

It focused on creative and practical ways to advance and grow their companies, such as developing innovative marketing campaigns, branching into additional verticals and acquiring competitor companies.

“I have to give an unsolicited shout out for The New Flat Rate training classes. We went, and I can’t begin to tell you what a valuable experience it was,” said Kathe S., owner and operator of an HVAC contracting company in Tennessee. “It helped get higher options sold and really built tech confidence with using the program. It also addressed issues that have come up with multiple repair options, handling warranty work and such. And it helped me with coaching.”

Since August, TNFR has hosted two more training sessions, accommodating a total of 50 individuals. The company will ‘take the show on the road’ to Los Angeles in November.

TNFR’s training is designed to match its mission of helping clients to improve consumer satisfaction, reduce technician stress and increase profitability.

“We teach new-age honesty, integrity and common sense practices that promote bringing the craftsmanship back into the industries, in turn, creating much happier customers and boosting referrals,” said Koop. “We also teach about lowering loss in areas like warranties and call-backs, and strategies our clients can use to grow their businesses. These things combined help our clients work smarter, lessen on-the-job pressure and anxiety, and simply make more money.”

To learn more about upcoming training sessions, check out TNFR on Facebook or visit thenewflatrate.com/category/events. The schedule for the next 12 months can also be requested via email to info@thenewflatrate.com.