“We just started learning together, driven by curiosity and the desire to make an impact,” Shelby Breger says.

Conduit’s growth strategy is heavily relationship-driven. Shelby says they have been fortunate that many early customers became vocal advocates.

“Word-of-mouth referrals and direct market engagement have been central to us moving forward. To build those connections, we participate in industry conferences like the Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA) annual meeting and Service World Expo.”

The company has also forged valuable partnerships with industry leaders, including the National Comfort Institute (NCI) and Service Titan.

“I met Rob Minnick sometime in 2022 or 2023 when he was working with an HVAC contracting firm,” Shelby continues. “He became one of our earliest beta testers. So was another contractor named Adam Mufich.

“Both helped shape the software as it is today. Both eventually became instructors for NCI and introduced us to the team there.

“Our alignment with NCI was natural,” she says. “NCI’s focus on high-performance training and testing fits perfectly with our mission of helping contractors deliver better results for homeowners.”

A core pillar of Conduit’s approach is its hands-on customer support and onboarding.

Conduit Tech screen shots

“We know change can be daunting,” Shelby says. “While the software is easy to learn, we strongly believe that personalized, live training sessions most effectively ensure contractors feel confident in applying the software.

“Our training includes three personalized sessions where we walk contractors through using the software, adjusting their results for accuracy, and reviewing completed projects. This detailed approach helps ensure confidence in our product and its results.”
She adds that Conduit’s customers have become vocal advocates of the platform.

“That’s the best thing possible for us,” Shelby says. “These contractors share what they do with Conduit with their peers, creating a significant word-of-mouth marketing strategy.

“We plan to expand our approach to reach more contractors over the next year or so but are grateful for how our users have shared our technology with their communities.”

While Conduit faces competition from established platforms like Wrightsoft and Elite Software, its use of LiDAR technology sets it apart. In fact, Breger says the turning point for this tech came in 2020 when the latest Apple iPad Pros and iPhones had LiDAR built in. So, Conduit took advantage of it for their software.

“Our product is an on-site sales and design tool that transforms how contractors engage with homeowners,” Shelby continues. “Demonstrating HVAC system needs in real-time visually has been a game-changer.”

She says Conduit simplifies the design process without compromising accuracy.

“Our goal is to use design as a communication tool with the customer, not just as a technical process completed behind the scenes.”

Conduit continues to adapt as the HVAC industry evolves with new energy efficiency regulations and technologies. According to Shelby, the electrification movement and state rebate programs are introducing new contractor challenges.