At Nationwide Coils, we’ve always valued our partnership with Synergy Solution Group. Last year, our Founder and President, Ross Stephens, was honored to be featured as a Synergy Partner Spotlight. This year, we're flipping the script—inviting Synergy to be our first guest in our brand-new blog series, One on One.

We know what Synergy is all about, but for those who aren’t familiar, can you tell us a little more about your organization?

Synergy Solution Group is a powerful network of HVAC professionals who share a common vision, drive, and passion for the commercial HVAC industry. Our mission is to help top HVAC contractors build strong connections, develop meaningful relationships, and grow through shared learning and best practices. With 46 member companies across the country, we continue to expand and evolve every day.

How long has Synergy been around?

Synergy was officially founded in 2016, but many of our members have known each other for over two decades. The relationships run deep, which is one of the reasons we’re so successful as a group.

Who started Synergy?

Synergy was founded by Jim Bartolotta and Julie Bishop. When they launched the group, 40 companies reached out and became our founding members. These pioneers helped shape our Synergy Culture Code: Commitment, Humility, Accountability, Fun, Integrity, and Innovation.

The past couple of years have been tough for everyone, including organizations like yours. How did the pandemic impact Synergy, and what challenges did you face?

Like many groups, the pandemic forced us to adapt quickly. We couldn’t meet in person, so we leaned heavily on technology to stay connected. Staying engaged and providing value to our members was crucial. Fortunately, we were already comfortable with Zoom, so we were able to keep the momentum going.

What steps did you take to support your members during the early days of the pandemic?

We saw a lot of uncertainty, and we wanted to help our members navigate it. We created spaces for them to share ideas on handling PPE, keeping teams safe, and finding alternative solutions for supply chain issues. Members also collaborated on how to access PPP funds and manage their businesses during a time of crisis.

What made this even more valuable was the trust and openness within the group. Members knew they weren’t alone, and that someone had already gone through similar challenges. This allowed for faster, more effective problem-solving and stronger relationships.

Now that things are starting to return to normal, what does the future look like for Synergy and your members?

We're excited to be back in person! Just recently, we held our Annual Executives Forum in Hawaii, and we’ll be hosting our 2022 Service Operations Forum in Charlotte, NC, at the end of January. In-person events have proven to be incredibly valuable for networking and learning.

Looking ahead, members are focusing on indoor air quality, building health, and safety. They’re helping clients understand the critical role HVAC plays in workplace wellness. There's also a growing interest in niche markets and promoting careers in the HVAC industry, especially as an essential business sector.

If there's one thing you want people to know about being part of Synergy, what would it be?

With friends, you're more successful. That’s the heart of what we do—supporting each other, growing together, and building something stronger than any one company could do alone.