Meet all of the 2025 Top 40 Under 40 HVACR Professionals
Joel M. Bruch
Company: BDR (Business Development Resources)
Title: Head Coach, Driving Profit & Growth
Age: 39
Joel M. Bruch got his start in the HVAC industry at just 14, working for his uncle’s electrical contracting business.
“His company was built on the same values I still live by today: hard work, integrity, and pride in craftsmanship,” Bruch said. “I was fortunate to be mentored by true professionals — skilled tradesmen who didn’t just show me what to do but took the time to teach me how to do it right. That early experience shaped my foundation, instilled respect for the trades, and set the tone for everything I’ve done since in this industry.”
With over two decades in the trades, Bruch started building his own electrical contracting business from the ground up, where he managed everything from operations to growth. After merging with an HVAC company, Bruch helped lead its transformation into a multi-trade operation.
He scaled the electrical division to $6 million in revenue — which included home standby generators — and helped launch a plumbing division that reached $1.5 million by its second year. He expanded the HVAC sales team from one advisor to four, with each producing over $1 million in their first year. He also developed standard operating procedures (SOPs) that drove consistency and accountability across departments, reducing callbacks by 22% through “Technician Service Call Guidelines,” and generating $350,000 in annual recurring revenue through a preventive maintenance program.
Today at BDR, Bruch is helping HVAC business owners overcome complex challenges of leadership, financial growth, and operational clarity through clear, actionable steps.
“My career goals as a coach are to help HVAC contractors become confident, purpose-driven leaders who build strong, accountable teams and thriving businesses. … I believe success isn’t just about hitting revenue goals; it’s about building a company that empowers both owners and their employees to grow together,” Bruch said. “Ultimately, I aim to guide home service professionals in aligning their business success with personal values, so they can lead with intention, invest in their people, and build a company with culture, purpose, and legacy.”