Publisher Terry Tanker sat down with Luke Caldwell the other half of the hit HGTV series the Boise Boys (Terry interviewed Clint Robertson in September of 2021). The two discussed crypto currency, mentors, scaling a company, managing in a pandemic, and leading by example. Luke and Clint are both spokesmen for American Standard Heating and Air Conditioning.

1. What’s your secret ambition?

I truly hope that my life will create value for today and the future – especially for my kids.

2. Would you rather hit a hole in one, throw a touchdown pass or hit a home run?

I’d have to say a hole in one.

3. Do you own any crypto currency?

Yes! 

4. What’s your favorite possession?

Cards my kids have made for me. Nothing more special than a homemade gift from family.

5. What’s the one thing you wish you would have said yes to when you were younger?

Taking piano lessons! I would love to be able to play for the family, especially around the holidays.

6. Who is your mentor?

Honestly, I respect everyone in my family so much that I tend to always lean on them for advice.

7. Other than finding employees what is your most immediate challenge?

Creating systems as I scale our company. 

8. How are you addressing that?

Thinking through and creating processes for every detail involved in the multiple businesses I run. 

9. In twenty words or less can you describe your company?

Our desire is to serve others while adding value and creating beauty through design and construction for families and communities.

10. What’s the most important quality you have to have as a leader?

Leaders can bring so many beneficial qualities to their roles, but I personally feel vision, passion, empathy and humility are the most important to keep your team feeling heard and respected.

11. Supply chain issues are effecting every company. How are you managing this?

This has definitely been an interesting issue to navigate. We want to make sure we keep realistic expectations for our clients, so we stay in close communication with them and provide realistic adjustments as needed.

12. What are you forecasting for 2022 or is this really just a guess?

Even though the past two years have been tough, we’ve stayed positive and have continued to run our company as best we can. In 2022, we’re planning for our best year so far! 

13. What aspect of managing is most satisfying to you?

Seeing others succeed in their positions within the company really brings me joy. It has been great to see people within our organization grow over the years and really become part of our family.

14. What has been your most recent “the buck stops here moment”?

As you probably know, TV shows work on tight schedules so there is really no room for error! Staying on top of deadlines is imperative to make sure everything runs smoothly and on time.

15. What do you view as your most important management responsibility?

Leading by example. If you come to work with a positive attitude, it can really rub off on the rest of your team. Same goes when you have a bad attitude. 

16. How have you kept employees focused working remotely?

Thankfully, we have been able to continue working in the office. 

17. How do you inspire your  managers and other team members?

As a leader, one of my biggest jobs is to ensure my team feels inspired and wants to be at work doing the job as much as I do. While we all work closely and inspire each other, I also feel that listening and learning from those who came before us is a key component to success.

18. Where do you think most leaders really struggle?

Working hand in hand with my team is something that is important to me, and I think at times it can be easy to get stuck in the weeds and not keep looking at the big picture down the road. 

19. What can they do to overcome this?

I make it a point to take time every day to prioritize the future and what has to happen to accomplish the goals we have set as a company instead of just living in the moment. 

20. What parting words of wisdom do you have for  2022?

Something I like to live by – serve others everything else will follow.

Terry Tanker is the owner of JFT Properties LLC and publisher of HVACR Business magazine. He has more than 25 years of experience in the advertising and publishing industries. He began his career with a business-to-business advertising agency. Prior to forming JFT Properties LLC in January 2006 he spent 20 years with a large national publishing and media firm where he was the publisher of several titles in the mechanical systems marketplace. In addition to his experience in advertising and publishing Terry has worked closely with numerous industry-related associations over the years including AHRI NATE and ABMA.