Training & Continuing Education · Reviewed

Nexstar Network

The business-growth network for serious plumbing, HVAC, and electrical contractors

★ 4.7 / 5|From ~$8,000+/year (membership dues)|Training & Continuing Education

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Overview

Nexstar Network is a business-development organization founded in 1992 that serves home-service contractors in plumbing, HVAC, and electrical trades. Members get a dedicated business coach plus access to 40+ specialists across finance, operations, HR, marketing, sales, recruiting, and technical training.

Beyond coaching, Nexstar offers template contracts, employee handbooks, pricing systems, and operational SOPs built specifically for residential trades. The NexTech Academy apprentice program helps HVAC shops build a compliant training pipeline. Members tap Nexstar's aggregated purchasing programs with a rebate program that paid out $22M+ in 2024, offsetting dues for 60%+ of members.

Nexstar is best for established HVAC contractors doing $1M+ in revenue who want a structured operating system around their whole business.

Key Features

Business Coaching

Each member company is assigned a coach with residential plumbing, HVAC, or electrical experience.

NexTech Academy

In-house apprentice training program that builds licensed technicians in 18-24 months.

Peer Groups

Curated cohorts of non-competing owners share P&Ls, compliance solutions, and legal approaches.

Vendor Rebate Program

Combined purchasing power with 100+ strategic partners; 60%+ of members cover their dues entirely through rebates.

Business Training Library

40+ classes covering finance, marketing, sales, call center, service, and installation management.

Leadership Development

Structured programs for general managers, service managers, and CSRs.

Pros & Cons

Pros

+Purpose-built for residential HVAC, plumbing, and electrical contractors
+Dues often fully offset by vendor rebate program
+Dedicated coach model delivers accountability not found elsewhere
+NexTech Academy solves apprentice and technician pipeline issues
+No long-term contract required

Cons

−Not a legal services provider; no attorneys or lien filing included
−Dues are significant for shops under ~$1M revenue
−Heavy time commitment to get full value from peer groups and training
−Primarily residential focus (limited value for pure commercial shops)
−Members must qualify and be accepted

Best For These Industries

HVAC & Plumbing
plumbing
Electrical
home-services
growth-stage-shops

Nexstar Network Comparisons

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Alternatives to Nexstar Network

Interplay Learning

★ 4.7

VR and 3D simulation training for HVAC and skilled trades technicians

Interplay Learning is an online and VR simulation-based training platform for HVAC, plumbing, electrical, solar, and facilities maintenance technicians. Its 3D simulations, video courses, and certification prep (EPA 608, NATE, HVAC Excellence) let shops onboard new hires and upskill experienced techs at scale.

From $19/month (individual)Read review →

NATE (North American Technician Excellence)

★ 4.7

The HVAC industry's gold-standard technician certification

NATE (North American Technician Excellence) is the HVACR industry's largest nonprofit certification body. Its exams, including Core, Specialty, Ready-to-Work, and the modular CHP-5 pathway, are the most widely recognized credentials for HVAC technicians and a common hiring and marketing benchmark for contractors.

From $75 per exam (CHP-5 Deluxe Member rate)Read review →

ESCO Institute / HVAC Excellence

★ 4.5

Largest U.S. issuer of EPA 608 and HVAC Excellence credentials

ESCO Institute and its HVAC Excellence division are the largest U.S. issuers of EPA Section 608 certification, along with a broad catalog of employment-ready HVACR credentials, program accreditation, and educator CEUs. ESCO supplies standardized training manuals, exams, and curriculum to trade schools and contractors nationwide.

From $12.95/month (608 online prep)Read review →

Business Development Resources (BDR)

★ 4.7

HVAC, plumbing, and electrical business coaching that drives profit and growth

Business Development Resources (BDR) is a coaching and training company built exclusively for HVAC, plumbing, and electrical contractors. Through Profit Coach, Emerging Business Academy, and role-specific training for owners, service managers, CSRs, and technicians, BDR helps contractors systematically improve profitability, cash flow, and operations.

From Contact for pricingRead review →

View all 9 Training & Continuing Education tools →

Nexstar Network

Overview

Key Features

Business Coaching

NexTech Academy

Peer Groups

Vendor Rebate Program

Business Training Library

Leadership Development

Pros & Cons

Pros

Cons

Best For These Industries

Nexstar Network Comparisons

Alternatives to Nexstar Network

Interplay Learning

NATE (North American Technician Excellence)

ESCO Institute / HVAC Excellence

Business Development Resources (BDR)

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