By Jim Hinshaw
I just wrapped up another AMP (Amplified) training, this time at the Rinnai headquarters in Griffin, GA, just south of Atlanta. We kicked things off with an excellent dinner at Hilary Bistro, a charming spot in downtown Senoia, about 30 miles from Rinnai. The meal was fantastic—starting with fried deviled eggs. Yes, deep-fried! They were amazing. But as much as I could go on about those eggs, this article isn’t about them—it’s about the training and Rinnai.
Day 1: Leadership & DISC Training
Chris Michel led an outstanding session on leadership, communication, and DISC personality profiles. For those unfamiliar, DISC helps individuals understand how their coworkers process information, communicate, and respond to feedback.
We had 11 attendees from 8 different companies, ranging from a one-person operation to a business generating over $6 million in revenue—a diverse group, yet the concepts applied to all. Chris started by asking each participant why they were there and what they hoped to gain. He closed the session by revisiting those questions, ensuring that everyone left with the insights they came for.
Day 2: Touring Rinnai’s Factory
On the second day, we toured the Rinnai factory, where they manufacture their tankless water heaters. What’s truly impressive is that this factory was assembled in Japan and then shipped over. Even more impressive? Every single unit is tested for both gas and water integrity.
The company culture at Rinnai is also worth noting. Their break area includes workout rooms, snack machines (with a weekly allowance for employees), an on-site doctor and nurse, and more. We even saw a sign for an upcoming “mandatory cultural alignment” training—a testament to how seriously they take their work environment.
What AMP Training Is (and Isn’t)
To clarify, AMP training doesn’t replace the sessions we host at our Dallas headquarters—where we’ll conduct over 100 sessions this year. Instead, AMP events bring training into the field, allowing businesses to send their teams for education without the time and expense of travel.
The first round of AMP meetings has focused on leadership, but later this year, we’ll shift gears to topics like implementation—because we believe school is never out for the professional.
Still, I often hear, “I had no idea you were coming to my area!” Remember, we post all dates and details on our events page. Check regularly to stay updated!
AHR Expo: A Small Industry, A Big Reunion
On another note, I recently worked the Service Nation booth at AHR, an incredible event with over 50,000 attendees and 1,800 exhibitors at the Orlando Convention Center. The show focuses on HVAC and plumbing—both residential and commercial.
One thing that struck me? How small this industry really is.
Walking the floor with Michael Rudowitz and Chris Michel, we couldn’t go 100 feet without running into someone from our past—colleagues from jobs 20+ years ago. At one point, a guy from a training I held in Canada 15 years agorecognized me while I passed a commercial machinery display.
The Lesson? Never Burn Bridges
If you ever leave a job, do it on good terms—because you’ll likely cross paths with former coworkers again. This industry is built on relationships, and your reputation follows you.
Thanks for being part of the journey. Talk soon!