by Sonnhalter | Jan 25, 2017 | Events/Trade Shows, Tradespeople Insights
By Chris Ilcin, Account Superintendent, Sonnhalter
The AHR Expo, the preeminent trade show for the HVAC industry is right around the corner. The show runs from January 30th to February 1st at the Las Vegas Convention Center.
AHR just released an optimistic 2017 forecast, based on interviews with more than 1,400 HVACR manufacturers. Because of that, this year’s show promises to be an exciting and educational affair.
Here’s what you can expect:
- Over 2,000 exhibitors in 764 product categories
- More than 60,000 people expected to attend
- 200+ education seminars and product demonstrations
- ASHRAE Learning Institute Courses and Certification exams
- An innovative mobile app complete with agenda maker, interactive floor plan and more features
Of course Las Vegas has no end of off-the-show-floor options. If you need help finding best in dining, nightlife and sightseeing, check out the recently updated Sonnhalter Insider’s Guide to Las Vegas.
by Sonnhalter | Jan 24, 2017 | Marketing Trends, Tradespeople Insights
By Rachel Kerstetter, PR Architect, Sonnhalter
“It seems like a lot of companies are doing _________. Should we be doing it too?”
Fill in the blank with any new digital tool: Virtual Reality, Facebook Live, Snapchat, Augmented Reality, etc.
Marketers are asked to consult on new communication mediums and trends on a daily basis. When they aren’t asked to consult, they’re being directed to jump in.
Once upon a time marketers were asked about email, then social media and apps. We’ve come a long way in technology trends. But the basic question is: Should we jump on the bandwagon? (more…)
by tradespeopleinsights | Jan 18, 2017 | Tradespeople Insights
By John Sonnhalter, Rainmaker Journeyman, Sonnhalter
Sales are always trying to short circuit the system and take the low hanging fruit. Trouble is, there’s only so much low hanging fruit. This graphic from Anna Vital should be a constant reminder to all of us that sales are a long term commitment.

Interesting infographic compliments of Brendan P. Farell, Executive VP of FIS .
by Sonnhalter | Jan 17, 2017 | Public Relations, Tradespeople Insights
By Chris Ilcin, Account Superintendent, Sonnhalter
“Free advertising,” who doesn’t want that? One of the best side effects of the boom in content marketing is the growth of brand-neutral trade magazine articles. Pay-for-play has been relegated to the back burner as more and more publications see the benefit of offering knowledge-based problem solving articles.
That’s also an offshoot of the lack of skilled workers, as more and more knowledge retires, there’s an increased need to transfer that knowledge. With less opportunity for direct, apprentice-based, transfer, white papers, problem solving articles and general knowledge pieces gain added importance.
So, how can your company benefit? Create thought leaders. A bragging title most people would reject, it can still help you promote your business and create a knowledge warehouse.
How to Create Thought Leaders (more…)
by tradespeopleinsights | Jan 11, 2017 | Tradespeople Insights, Uncategorized
By John Sonnhalter, Rainmaker Journeyman, Sonnhalter
Now that the election is over and Donald Trump will become our new leader, I’m curious to see if you’re as optimistic as I am on where the country is headed, or could be headed, if the world crosses don’t get in the way.
Trump’s business-friendly attitude and the mantra of “there will be no business as usual” is somewhat refreshing. The rollback of regulations alone should be a game changer for manufacturing. The cutting of corporate taxes wouldn’t hurt either.
(more…)
by Sonnhalter | Jan 10, 2017 | Events/Trade Shows, Tradespeople Insights
By Chris Ilcin, Account Superintendent, Sonnhalter
After four year in Vegas, the NAHB International Builder’s Show and the HKBA’s Kitchen & Bath Industry Show move to central Florida for Design & Construction Week .
A must-attend event for the industry, these co-located shows continue to be at the forefront of innovation, with more than 2,000 exhibitors and hundreds of education sessions. Here are a few highlights: (more…)