Check out our latest newsletter!
aireserv.com/mid-hudson-valley | 845-256-6158
COMFORT CONNECTIONS
When I first started Aire Serv of the Mid-Hudson Valley, I was practically a one- man operation, but eventually, the business got to the point where I needed to hire someone else to take on some extra responsibilities. The first time I ever interviewed someone for a job, I had no idea what I was doing. It was a nerve-wracking task, and all I knew was that I needed to get someone else on my team. After a short interview — which, in all honesty, was hardly an interview — I hired someone I knew from a previous job I had. Unfortunately, the experience didn’t end well. This was a harsh lesson to learn as a new business owner, but it’s one that I’m glad I did learn. Through facilitating more interviews, surviving a few additional bad experiences, and seeing the systems we eventually developed actually work, I learned how to grow my business and hire employees I knew were going to support the company's mission. I’ve always been a lifelong learner, and, as a business owner, my commitment to ongoing improvement is crucial to my business growth. Readers will remember my avid reading habit and my travels to Aire Serv’s franchisee meeting to learn more about what I can be doing to be a better business owner and person. In 2019, I’m expanding on these opportunities. This past March, I set off for Las Vegas to participate in a mastermind meeting with various other business owners from across the U.S. Hosted by Shaun Buck, the CEO of the newsletter and print marketing company The Newsletter Pro, this two-day event featured a compilation of education, knowledge sharing, and in-depth analyses of how Aire Serv of the Mid-Hudson Valley — and other businesses across the U.S. — are functioning. LIFELONG LEARNER Why I Strive for Growth, Professionally and Personally
This trip was actually my first time in Las Vegas, and while escaping to warm weather after our long northeastern winter was as good of a reason to go, learning and engaging with business professionals of all types was valuable. I didn’t gamble in Vegas, but I felt like a big winner after attending this event. I’m a firm believer in the idea that if you’re not growing, you’re not staying the same. Instead, your business is dying. I always try to learn new things and improve, and part of that is finding ways that I can grow, both personally and as a business owner. There are ways I can improve and grow as a person, and these are going to have a direct relationship to my business growth. Likewise, if I learn more about what I could be doing to improve my business, I will be growing as a person. I don’t want to see Aire Serv of the Mid-Hudson Valley become stagnant because I was too afraid to grow. I’m always looking for learning opportunities. If you have a learning opportunity for us — or a great book for us to check out — let me know. "I’ve always been a lifelong learner, and, as a business owner, my commitment to ongoing improvement is crucial to my business growth."
–Jim Serra
845-256-6158 1
SLO TH S
NO PLACE LIKE HOME Be a Tourist in Your Hometown
APPRECIATE THE ARTS There are countless tiny museums and cultural attractions all over the place that most people overlook — especially those who have lived in an area for a while. Does
Do you dream of adventure? Do you want to see something new, discover someplace interesting, and make memories you’ll cherish forever? Do you still have to be at work on Monday? Finding adventure doesn't have to mean packing up and trekking across the globe for six months. Being adventurous is all about changing your mindset and looking for the unexpected in the familiar. As you start planning summer vacations, instead of spending a lot of money to be a tourist somewhere else, why not try finding a little adventure at home? GET A ROOM If you really want to experience your hometown through the eyes of a tourist, try waking up somewhere new. One night in a hotel room or bed-and-breakfast can really put you in the adventuring mindset. FIND LOCAL EVENTS Now’s the time to check out the farmers market you’ve been meaning to go to for ages! Then you can swing by that free concert in the park before going to a play at your community theater. Attending local events is a great way to visit places in town you’ve never been before. You might even find a historical tour that can teach you all about the wonders of your town. Download an app like Eventbrite or go old-school and check for fun local events in the paper.
your hometown have interesting art installations on Main Street? What about museums dedicated to strange and supernatural phenomena, parks, historical landmarks, or giant robotic farm animals? Check Yelp.com for lists of popular attractions near you, or ask your friends for suggestions. You might be surprised by what your hometown has to offer. You might be thinking, “This is would be great if I lived somewhere fun!” If you’ve ever thought your town was boring, that’s all the more reason to try being a tourist! Adventures can happen anywhere if you just take that first step out the door.
AVOIDING DISASTER
UPDATE AND CHECK YOUR SMOKE AND CARBON MONOXIDE DETECTORS THIS SPRING
For something that is so vital to your family’s comfort level, your HVAC system can also contain silent dangers that can sneak into your home without any warning. Carbon monoxide gas and fire hazards can stem from malfunctions in your heating system, water heater, fireplace, car, chimney, and gas stove. The good news is that potential disasters from a fire or carbon monoxide poisoning can be mitigated with the help of functioning smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, which will alert those living in a home to any danger. However, the bad news is that smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are not often monitored appropriately. According to the U.S. Fire Administration, the risk of dying in a home fire is cut in half in a home with a working smoke alarm system, and more than 38 percent of home fire deaths occur in a home without smoke detectors. While fire is a hazard you can see and smell, carbon monoxide is odorless and invisible, making it almost impossible to detect without a proper device. To avoid disaster, update your detectors at least every 10 years, and regular check-ins with a maintenance professional and on your own will ensure that your home’s system is running properly. Test all your detectors each month,
and when you schedule regular maintenance on your HVAC system, ask the technician to make sure the detectors are functioning properly as well. These regular check-ins with your HVAC system can also give you peace of mind, as an expert will vet your heating and cooling systems to ensure there are no malfunctions.
At Aire Serv of the Mid-Hudson Valley, we do more than help you and your family with all your HVAC needs; we’re also committed to keeping your family safe. We encourage customers to test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors regularly and replace batteries or even the detectors themselves as needed. The time to discover your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are not working is not during or after an emergency.
Keep your family safe and if you have any concerns, be sure to mention them when you schedule your spring tune-up by calling 845-256-6158.
aireserv.com/mid-hudson-valley 2
GING OUGH EEZES?
HOW YOUR HVAC SYSTEM CAN AFFECT YOUR SPRING ALLERGIES
If you’re living with a mucus-clogged noggin this spring, the culprit of your misery could be lurking in your home. Your HVAC system is responsible for filtering your home’s air, but that air can be accompanied by dander, pollen, dust, mold, and mildew. Instead of stewing in allergens, consider the following ways you can improve your HVAC system’s ability to keep your home’s air pristine. Squeaky Clean You wouldn’t expect your vacuum to run efficiently with a bag full of dust, so why would you trust your HVAC system to do the same? When you don’t regularly clean your HVAC system, you’re allowing dust, pollen, pet dander, dirt, and mold to fester. Regular maintenance and cleanings can help clear airways, ducts, and filters in your HVAC system, which can, in turn, keep the air you breathe cleaner. When you don’t do this, it’s like vacuuming with a bag full of gunk; all you’re doing is pushing the allergens around. Filter Better Part of regular maintenance and cleanings is to check on the status of your air filters. These components capture and trap all the yucky airborne materials that are flying through your
system. This helps eliminate dust, dander, and other allergens that are passing through the air in your home. An HVAC expert can clean, change, and check on the status of your filter to make sure it’s operating properly. Give It a Boost At its best, your HVAC system should keep your home’s air clean and at the perfect temperature, but there are a few things you can do to magnify its efforts. Air purifiers can do some extra legwork to remove allergens and troublesome components, while humidifiers can keep your skin and nasal passages hydrated and clear. This can stifle your allergy symptoms. However, humidifiers should be cleaned and maintained regularly. Ultimately, the best way to make sure your HVAC system is in tip-top shape is to make sure you adhere to regular maintenance checks and cleaning for all system components. Don’t suffer through another season with itchy eyes and the sniffles. See how Aire Serv of the Mid-Hudson Valley can help you breathe fresh air by scheduling a spring or summer tune-up. Call 845-256-6158 today!
With no fancy sauces, no frills, and no cheese, these All-American burgers are perfect for the start of baseball season. OPENING DAY HAMBURGERS
HAVE A LAUGH!
INGREDIENTS
• 12–16 pickle rounds • 4 small leaves iceberg lettuce • 4 1/4-inch thick yellow onion slices • Condiments of your choice
• 1 teaspoon vegetable oil • 1 pound ground chuck, 80 percent lean • Salt and pepper, to taste • 4 soft, white hamburger buns, split • 4 1/4-inch thick tomato slices DIRECTIONS
1. Lightly grease a small nonstick skillet with the oil. Heat the skillet over medium-high heat. 2. While the skillet is heating, gently shape meat into four patties, 3 1/2 inches in diameter. Be careful to handle the meat as little as possible to prevent tough burgers. Season liberally with salt and pepper. 3. Sear patties for about 1 minute per side. Reduce heat to medium-low and continue cooking until desired doneness, about 1 more minute per side for medium-rare, 2 more minutes per side for medium-well. 4. Let meat rest for a minimum of 3 minutes. 5. To assemble, place patty on bottom bun and top with tomato, pickles, lettuce, and onion (in that order). Spread condiments on top half of bun and place on top of onion. Serve.
3
Inspired by Saveur magazine
845-256-6158
PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
392 Masten Rd. Pleasant Valley, NY 12569
Growing as a Person and as a Business INSIDE THIS ISSUE 1 2 Adventure Awaits (at Home) 845-256-6158 | aireserv.com/mid-hudson-valley
Checking Your Home’s Detectors
3
Your HVAC System and Your Allergies
Opening Day Hamburgers
4
Three Travel Myths Debunked
PARIS ON A BUDGET? THREE TRAVEL MYTHS YOU SHOULD STOP BELIEVING
Traveling has many social and educational benefits, but some people have hesitations that prevent them from jetting off on new adventures. Below we've debunked three travel myths to set your mind at ease as you plan your summer vacation!
lower your risk of danger. As long as you plan ahead, you will have a safe trip.
MYTH: JET LAG IS CAUSED BY A LACK OF SLEEP.
MYTH: VACATIONS ARE EXPENSIVE.
Fact: You can travel anywhere on a budget. Tracking flights to score the best deal, setting spending limits, and packing meals are a few ways to save money. Hostels and Airbnbs are great alternatives to spendy hotel stays. Additionally, you don’t have to cross the country to have a great trip. Every state has museums, unique roadside attractions, historical sites, and a booming nightlife. When you know your price limits and what you want to do, traveling can be a fun and inexpensive venture.
Fact: While jet lag can make you sleepy, it’s actually caused by a disruption in your circadian rhythm. Our bodies are cyclical, and the circadian rhythm is set by both a natural need for your body to reset and outside forces, such as your job, time zone, and diet. Travel can disrupt this rhythm and routine, which leaves you lethargic during and
MYTH: TRAVELING IS DANGEROUS.
after your vacation. Sticking to water before and during your flights and staying physically active during and after traveling are great ways to fight jet lag and get back into your normal rhythm. Don’t let these travel myths keep you from seeing the world. Set a budget, go with your gut, and prepare for a shift in rhythm to make your next adventure the best one yet.
Fact: If you’re smart about what you do and where you go, traveling can be safe. Go with your gut and only stay somewhere that is approved by travel guides. Visit places you feel comfortable in and do your research by reading travel blogs, websites, and books to find places that have been vetted by others. Traveling in groups can also be a great way to
4
aireserv.com/mid-hudson-valley
Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4Made with FlippingBook - Online catalogs