Alexandria, VA (July 21, 2026) — The Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA) has announced the launch of Legacy Builders, a year-long leadership program built to help HVACR business owners move from owner-operator to CEO and prepare their companies for long-term growth and an eventual exit. The program begins in fall 2026, and enrollment is open now through August 15.
For decades, ACCA has set the standard for technical education in the HVACR industry. With Legacy Builders and the concurrently launching Service Managers Leadership Lab, the association is investing in the business and leadership side of its members’ companies with the same depth.
“Contractors have counted on ACCA for the technical training that defines quality work in this industry,” said Martin Hoover, interim president and CEO of ACCA. “Running a business well takes training too, and for too long owners and managers have had to figure it out on their own. These programs bring that same ACCA standard to business ownership and workforce development, built for this industry, by this industry.”
Legacy Builders moves through three segments:
- Redefining the owner’s role from operator to CEO.
- Restructuring the business for scalable growth.
- Building long-term enterprise value ahead of a sale or succession.
The year includes three in-person, three-day leadership workshops, monthly virtual Legacy Labs, owner-to-owner mentorship, and a moderated peer community. Each participant finishes with a defined CEO role, a 90-day leadership transition plan, a prioritized business improvement roadmap, and a personal exit and legacy plan.
The program is available exclusively to ACCA and Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors Association (PHCC) members, with pricing based on membership tier, and is designed for owners of companies in the roughly $1 million to $15 million range.
Eligible contractors are encouraged to register early to reserve their spot before enrollment closes.
Media inquiries:
Kate Wessels
VP of Communications, Marketing, and Partnerships
kate.wessels@acca.org
703-824-8864