Editor Kristen Bayles spoke with Blake Turner, master trainer at Nexstar, to discuss the misconceptions surrounding "upselling," and how through a few simple steps — focusing on communication, presenting options, and helping customers make informed decisions — contractors can improve both the customer experience and their business outcomes, without ever feeling like a salesperson.
The companies are working together to build a scalable training ecosystem for the trades.
November 21, 2025
This collaboration aims to accelerate access, affordability and Innovation in NexTech Academy Technical Training curriculum across HVAC, plumbing & electrical trades.
People from all over the world came together with a shared purpose: to learn, grow, and help one another succeed. I sat with plumbers from Georgia during one session, and over lunch, I joined a group from Wisconsin. We talked about everything from the unique challenges of running a business in different regions to funny on-the-job stories that reminded us all why we love this industry.
Every day and event was designed to help owners in the trades make connections, learn how to take their businesses to the next level, and harness emerging technologies in the industry.
Roughly 250 Nexstar member contractors use the NexTech Academy program consistently for training new plumbers and technicians. The academy averages about 400 to 500 graduates a year.
Nexstar Network's Super Meeting in Austin gave participants an opportunity to reconnect in-person, learn, work together on business challenges and gain new ideas.