Meet all of the 2025 Top 40 Under 40 HVACR Professionals
Clay Hobbs
Company: JB Warranties
Title: National Sales Leader
Age: 38
Clay Hobbs was bartending after college when a customer asked him if he’d ever considered a career in HVAC. He hadn’t — but next thing he knew, he was selling HVAC by day and pouring drinks by night.
“Life was good,” Hobbs said.
Since joining JB Warranties in 2018, Hobbs has steadily climbed the ranks — from territory sales rep to regional sales manager, and now to his current national role. He’s played a pivotal part in scaling the company’s operations and reputation, leading a team that has doubled annual sales for three consecutive years. His work developing strategic partnerships with HVAC and plumbing distributors, manufacturers, and contractors helped solidify JB Warranties as a respected leader in the extended warranty space.
“Clay quickly recognized the immense potential in the extended warranty market and spearheaded a bold new sales strategy that focused on building long-term partnerships with HVAC and plumbing distributors, contractors, and manufacturers,” said Matt Cosby, head of marketing at JB Warranties.
Among his proudest accomplishments is building one of the country’s largest HVAC technician training programs — helping employ thousands of technicians nationally. He also participates in HARDI’s Emerging Leaders program and was recognized internally with JB Warranties’ Employee of the Year award.
In addition to sales and operations, Hobbs has stepped up in hiring and team development, helping shape a department of high performers who share his values and drive.
“Beyond his professional accomplishments, Clay is widely respected for his integrity, humility, and genuine concern for his team members. … Many of his former team members have gone on to assume leadership roles within JB Warranties and other companies, a testament to Clay’s exceptional mentorship and commitment to developing talent,” Cosby said.
As the industry evolves, Hobbs is focused on helping JB Warranties lead the way.
“I aim to lead our organization into the future by cultivating high-performance teams and technology, empowering our customers to scale their businesses and achieve their goals,” said Hobbs.