Charlie McDermott:
Welcome to Comfort on Porpoise, sponsored by Dolphin Cooling & Heating, who have been providing 24/7 Comfort on Porpoise since 1998. Hey there, this is Charlie McDermott, the producer of Comfort on Porpoise.
Charlie McDermott:
Yes, you heard that right, Porpoise. Fortunately, I’m here with two folks who can explain what that’s all about. I have Lauren Willeford and Greg Tancreti. Guys, how are you doing?
Lauren Willeford:
Good, how are you?
Greg Tancreti:
Doing good.
Charlie McDermott:
Doing terrific. And I’m so happy for you both. A little back history here. I first met Lauren and Greg on the Good Neighbor Podcast and these guys killed it.
Lauren Willeford:
Thanks, Charlie.
Charlie McDermott:
I said, man, for one: Family-based business in Naples, love that. We actually use you guys and your team is phenomenal. They came out here right when we needed them, which is always important with air conditioning in Florida.
Greg Tancreti:
That’s true.
Charlie McDermott:
Yes. You’re one of those gems that I uncover quite often when the Good Neighbor Podcast. As I said, family-based, have been doing this for a long time, great folks. I said, “You ought to have your own podcast, your own show.” And Lauren, I’m going to ask you first; your first reaction was, “What is this guy talking about? Is he crazy?” Right?
Lauren Willeford:
Yes, I was a little nervous because I was thinking, “What am I going to do a podcast on, as it relates to air conditioning?” So I did think you were a little crazy initially.
Charlie McDermott:
And then Greg, you’re probably thinking, “Thank God I’m in the field most of the time. I won’t have to deal with this.” Right?
Greg Tancreti:
No, it was cool. I mean, I’ve obviously never been on a podcast, but it is cool to talk and explain what we do and how we can help people. So, that aspect is cool.
Charlie McDermott:
Yes, and having done this, we have a lot of sponsors that now do their own podcast, and the cool part about these podcasts is you can listen to them anywhere, anytime and get to know the folks, whether you’re a customer of dolphin and/or, just looking for some tips on air conditioning and even heating. It’s a little chilly today, isn’t it?
Greg Tancreti:
Right? I know. We’ve gotten a couple heat calls today.
Charlie McDermott:
Oh man. How about that? You ought to have a special prize for folks, you don’t get to do that often in Florida.
Greg Tancreti:
No, you don’t.
Lauren Willeford:
I think there’s something to be said when they say that after you move here, after a certain amount of time, your blood thins. Because I will tell you, I have only been living down here for four years now, but when it’s below 60 degrees, it’s chilly down here. Everyone back home would laugh if we told them that but down here…
Greg Tancreti:
You’d be in shorts if it was 50 degrees in March, but down here it’s cold.
Charlie McDermott:
Yes, yes. I hate to say this, but my threshold is 70. I mean, when it gets into the 60s. We have a poor little, I call her a pup. She’s four years old, but a mixed Chihuahua and Dachshund and when it’s below 70, she is just shaking. Barb will microwave towels and all kinds of stuff to keep her warm.
Lauren Willeford:
That’s too funny. I have a little dog as well, half Pomeranian, half Chihuahua and same thing. He shakes all the time.
Charlie McDermott:
That’s funny. So what do you have in mind? I mean, we’ve talked about why the podcast, a great platform for certainly your customers and anyone who was just looking for some helpful information and tips. Heating and air conditioning, that’s a major investment, but more importantly, very uncomfortable if the system isn’t working properly. And so I know that’s some of what you’re going to cover, but from your own words, Lauren, what do you foresee in the future here?
Lauren Willeford:
The purpose of the podcast and why…
Charlie McDermott:
Wait a minute, is that purpose or Porpoise?
Lauren Willeford:
Oh, sorry. Both actually…The Porpoise is to connect with our community and people that are just wanting to learn more about their air conditioning system. It is a major part of the entire house. And I know for me personally, I can share that prior to being in this industry, I really didn’t understand much about air conditioning or heating and what I could do as far as home diagnostics or things to check and fix, and the types of things to look for as well as what type of investment this is. I would say the majority of people don’t give any thought to their heating or air conditioning in their homes when it’s working. The only time you think about it is when it’s not working. And oftentimes, people can be very surprised by how expensive it can be to either repair or replace a system when there is major mechanical failure. So we’d like to be able to educate people, give them more knowledge so that they can feel empowered when working with air conditioning companies and trying to understand their A/C in their house.
Charlie McDermott:
It brings back memories of our Health Club days. We had locations all over a certain town outside of Philadelphia. Some of our clubs were huge and had hundreds of hot, sweaty bodies and hot summer days, and the air conditioners were cranked up. Occasionally our HVAC company would come in and hold up the dirty filters and go, “You know, this is going to cost you years on the life of your system.”
And when you have all these systems, you want to make darn sure that you were taking care of those. Homeowners don’t maybe get that reminder like I did back in the day. So good, good, good. Hey, Greg, anything you want to add?
Greg Tancreti:
I was actually going to say that AC systems, besides appliances, they’re one of the largest expenses in a house. You’ve got your refrigerator, dishwasher and all that, but probably the most expensive thing that you do have in your house is the air conditioning or furnace, whichever, depending on if you live in the north or south.
Charlie McDermott:
Well, you know, the way things are going, I think everyone’s going to be living in Florida soon.
Greg Tancreti:
I would agree.
Charlie McDermott:
It’s a great place. They’re going to have to clone the state here. Well, guys, I’m excited. I know your listener base is going to be awesome and really going to appreciate your investment in sharing your knowledge and having some fun with Comfort on Porpoise.
Lauren Willeford:
Hey, if you can’t have fun, what’s the point, right?
Greg Tancreti:
That’s true.
Charlie McDermott:
Alright. Well, we will see you guys in episode two.
Lauren Willeford:
Sounds great. We look forward to it.
Charlie McDermott: Thanks for listening to Comfort on Porpoise. To learn more about our sponsor, Dolphin Cooling & Heating visit www.dolphincooling.com or call 239-596-9044. That’s 239-596-9044.