Jumpstart Your Business with Win-Win-Win Vendor Partnerships!
It was a busy 2024 as Nexstar welcomed a flurry of new best-in-class Strategic Partners (SPs) to our network serving leaders in the PHCE residential home services trades.
This roster of newly vetted companies and suppliers is already playing a pivotal role in supporting our members as they chart their competitive growth strategies and capture valuable rebate dollars that can be reinvested into their teams and businesses. Scroll down to meet nine of our newest SPs!
According to Ilse Larsen, Nexstar Director of Strategic Partnerships, more than 160 partners comprise Nexstar’s robust Strategic Partner program which includes 12 distinct business categories: Distribution, Customer Experience, Electrical, Financial Services, General Office, Human Resources, Marketing, Software/Technology, HVAC, Plumbing/Sewer, Automotive, and Water Heaters.
In addition, 2024 marked a milestone year as several SPs – including Scorpion, JB Warranties, Sonepar, and Rinnai – warmly opened the doors to their facilities to host destination Nexstar trainings and regional events.
“Our Strategic Partners continue to forge meaningful and invaluable relationships with Nexstar and our members,” Ilse explained. “Members leverage the purchasing power – and innovation – of the best vendors in our industry,” Ilse explained. “And participation is incredibly strong with 98% of members leveraging the program and over 60% pay for their Nexstar dues through rebates. On average, each Nexstar member relies on the expertise of 10 or more Strategic Partners to help fuel their success and save money.”
When it comes to capturing those savings, Nexstar’s Rebate Coaches continue to lead the charge offering key insights and guidance that serve members well, Ilse noted. “Rebate Coaches play an essential role in helping our Nexstar members win every day. They conduct thorough audits with each member’s rebate champion to ensure no money is left on the table. Our members are well-served by this dynamic team and our members should be connecting regularly with their Rebate Coach to capture their rebates.”
Looking ahead in 2025, Ilse highlighted that the next annual Strategic Partner Day is scheduled for Monday, April 28th at Nexstar’s Minnesota headquarters. Current SPs can reach out to Ilse for details. Industry organizations interested in becoming a Nexstar SP, please click here and then click on “Strategic Partnerships” to complete and submit an inquiry form.
Welcome New Strategic Partners!
iFLO Pro
iFLO Pro is an innovative solution designed to solve a common problem faced by HVAC professionals: clogged drain lines caused by Zooglea. The system dispenses a powerful enzyme-based solution directly onto HVAC drain systems, breaking down and preventing the buildup of this stubborn bacterial film.
By using iFLO Pro, contractors can reduce costly service calls, improve system efficiency, while offering customers a proactive solution that enhances the longevity of their HVAC systems. Not only does this save time and money, but it also helps provide a valuable service that increases customer satisfaction and loyalty.
With iFLO Pro, contractors gain a reliable tool that supports better maintenance practices and reduces the risk of system failures. Plus, it’s eco-friendly and aligns with modern sustainability goals.
Reins
Reins helps retain key employees through phantom stock and profit sharing. Their team will help create and customize a customized plan in minutes. Are you a contractor looking to retain key staff? Align incentives with your business goals? Differentiate yourself when recruiting?
Maybe all of the above!
Reins enables home service companies to create and customize phantom stock and profit-sharing programs. The Reins platform goes beyond a static legal document and transforms it into a living benefit program that motivates and aligns your best employees.
With Reins, what was once confusing and out of reach is fast, simple, and accessible to you.
ROI Genie
ROI Genie is a new ServiceTitan-integrated software solution designed to enhance the ServiceTitan experience by streamlining pricing and sales processes. ROIgenie delivers an efficient, professional, and modern sales approach.
Features include AHRI matches, efficiency ratings, manufacturer rebates, local utility rebates, and 25c tax credits on every proposal, every time. Plus, an intuitive plug-in seamlessly integrates directly into ServiceTitan without the need to learn additional software, ensuring a smooth transition.
SmartAC.com
SmartAC.com provides contractors with the first customer loyalty platform that streamlines techs’ operations, optimizes the homeowner’s experience, and increases the company’s profit. Utilizing SmartAC.com’s patented Smart Maintenance offers results like increased membership sign-up rates, increased customer retention, and fewer zero-fee truck rolls.
SmartAC.com’s 24/7 fault detection platform is powered by custom wireless sensors that give contractors and homeowners a simple, low-cost way to remotely monitor HVAC systems and problem areas for plumbing, in real-time. The contractor dashboard offers actionable insights to drive revenue, and homeowners benefit from monthly system health reports, as well as alerts for filter changes or imminent water damage. The app also has features like auto-restocking of air filters, live chat with technicians and Comfort Credits that accrue towards future services.
Consumer Fusion
Consumer Fusion revolutionizes how home service businesses manage their online reputation and drive growth. Our mission is to help contractors stand out as the preferred choice in your market, thanks to our top-notch reputation management solutions and dedicated white-glove support.
Born from firsthand experience with the challenges businesses face, Consumer Fusion understands that every business is unique. That’s why we offer a personalized approach to reputation management, ensuring your brand is protected and positioned for success. Our advanced tools and strategic support are designed to help you rank higher, attract more customers, and maximize your ROI.
We don’t just provide a service; we partner with contractors to enhance their online presence, streamline their operations, and achieve exceptional results.
Saxon Fleet Services
Saxon Fleet Services is a national ordering partner for fleet vehicles. The Saxon Organization has been in business and under the same ownership for four generations and more than 60 years. Saxon Fleet Services offers customers a dedicated and knowledgeable fleet account manager with the expertise to assist in finding the right vehicle to fit their needs.
Saxon Fleet Services can help save thousands of dollars per vehicle through a tailored approach. They offer financing, leases, and cash purchases, and can assist with your remarketing needs or trades. Contact an account manager today at 800-456-1265 to learn more
Peakzi
Peakzi is a powerful platform designed for forward-thinking HVAC, plumbing, and electrical contractors who are ready to leverage generative AI to tackle challenges in customer acquisition, retention, and talent management.
By embracing AI, Peakzi helps businesses stay competitive, streamline operations, and boost revenue. Whether your goal is to increase revenue with AI-optimized strategies, enhance customer retention through targeted engagement, or attract and retain top talent, Peakzi offers the solutions you need.
Many Nexstar members are already taking control of their brand narrative, improving their
reputation and rankings on AI platforms with Peakzi. Visit www.peakzi.me, click “Meet Us,” to schedule a meeting.
Avoca
Founded by two seasoned AI researchers from MIT, Avoca brings 20+ years of AI expertise and innovation to the home services industry, specializing in transforming inbound leads into booked calls. Supported by top Silicon Valley investors, including Y Combinator, Avoca is designed to tackle one of the most critical challenges for service businesses: maximizing the potential of every customer interaction.
Two flagship products are built to supercharge a contractor’s customer service efforts. Responder is an AI CSR that ensures seamless handling of after-hours and overflow calls with direct ServiceTitan integration, guaranteeing no lead is left behind and that after-hours booking rates are optimized. Meanwhile, Coach evaluates every call based on your script and rubric, providing actionable feedback to CSRs while auto-classifying calls and identifying unbooked leads for follow-up.
With our speed-to-lead technology, respond to inquiries from all major lead sources –Yelp, Google LSA, Angi’s, and Thumbtack – within two minutes, optimizing conversion rates.
Next Leader Up
Specializing in the home service industry, Next Leader Up and Next Leader Up Academy offer tailored leadership development programs specifically for HVAC, plumbing, and electrical companies. With Dr. Shelby Hill’s more than 20 years of experience in leadership development, Next Leader Up offers a comprehensive suite of services to address a wide range of leadership challenges.
Next Leader Up utilizes the Entrepreneurial Leadership Process™ (ELP), a robust framework that combines entrepreneurship with leadership to cultivate a leader-to-leader culture. This approach emphasizes innovation, strategic decision-making, and effective team management. The ELP is designed to enhance decision-making skills, improve staff retention, and boost overall company profits.
Services include one-on-one executive coaching, group training sessions, and tailored workshops. Through the Next Leader Up Academy, we offer self-paced digital micro-learning courses for emerging leaders, supervisors, and managers. These courses, paired with group coaching, reinforce learning with real-world feedback and peer-shared experiences.