Meet FRANK HARRISON OF GENERAL AIR CONDITIONING
Tell us about yourself and your organization.
Good Morning! I am Frank Harrison (aka The General) and I am the proud owner of General Air Conditioning in the Palm Springs area. We are known, as the “Best Little Air Conditioning Company in the Desert.” Our primary market is residential service and replacement. We have a team of 34 employees and service the entire Coachella Valley, located in Southern California.
How did you and your organization get introduced to Rapport Leadership International?
Mike Jacona from Lennox Air Conditioning nominated me. Lennox is the equipment line that we are proud to represent in the desert. Lennox sends their key managers and staff through Rapport. Little did I know it would be the experience of a lifetime!
How many Rapport graduates does your organization have?
General Air has sent 32 employees and family members through Leadership Breakthrough One, and has 20 Power Communication and 11 Leadership Breakthrough Two graduates. To date, we have 6 Master Graduates with 15 more earning that honor by the end of the year.
Currently we have a number of our newer employees attending Leadership Breakthrough One and we will be co-hosting a private Power Communication class this October in Indian Wells. What I am most proud of is the fact that my two sons along with my daughter and son in-law will become Master Graduates in November.
Tell us about your Rapport experience?
When I attended Leadership Breakthrough One, it was the most powerful and rewarding experience I ever encountered. It was also the most difficult and challenging. I only wish I had gotten this opportunity when I was much younger. What a difference the tools I acquired could have made in my personal and professional life!
Power Communication was the most incredible weekend of my life. I attended it with my wife, Charlene, and together we came away with a much stronger understanding and even deeper love and respect for each other. We talk about that “special weekend” all the time. This weekend was closely matched when we were On Team while our kids went through Power Communication. Nothing touches me more than watching those I love the most have such a rewarding experience!
Leadership Breakthrough Two was my favorite class. I went with four members of my management team; another incredible experience and period of growth.
I attended Eagle Quest with two of my key employees and my wife. It was a blast! Charlene and I were the most “mature” couple in our class, but never outdone by our younger tribe. Charlene was dubbed “Momma” Loving Bear and I was “Papa” Running Horse. Great memories!
How has Rapport impacted you personally?
I LOVE life and Rapport has given me even more tools to enjoy living every moment of my DASH! Not only have I seen my personal growth, but now I am blessed with the ability to share and give back, enabling others to grow and improve their lives. This is such a rewarding time in my life!
How has Rapport impacted your business?
This training has had a huge impact on the culture of our company. Our General Air family is a very “huggy” group and it feels great! My people care even more after attending the Rapport classes. They now hold each other to a higher level of accountability. Additionally, they have taken ownership of General Air and it shows in their pride as a member of the General Air Team.
This year will be our most successful year yet and I truly believe our Rapport culture is a big reason. I have never had as great a return on an investment as I have had with Rapport Leadership!
What is the most surprising benefit you or your organization received from Rapport Training?
By far, the culture change is the most surprising benefit we have received at General Air. Employees taking responsibility for their actions - it’s like I have a number of new partners that care about the company and the bottom line. The accountability and communication has never been so good.
How do you keep Rapport alive in your organization?
We have a Rapport Leadership wall in our conference room which displays the Certificates of Completion of every employee who attends. As we gain more Master Graduates, we will have an exclusive Master Graduate wall as well.
For the last three years as team members come back from Rapport, we have a company recharge meeting in our training room. We welcome them to the General’s Rapport Family, where the new graduates share their personal experiences and we share some of ours with them. This is followed by a closing circle and singing America the Beautiful. What a wonderful beginning to our day! High energy all the way!
What class had the greatest impact on you and why?
Wow, that’s a tough one, each class is so different. I would have to say Leadership Breakthrough One. It helped me realize how important my family and friends are and that I need to listen and pay more attention to details. Charlene reminds me of this quite often!
Going back On Team has also made a big difference for me. I have learned so much as an observer and gained a better understanding of life and giving back by being a part of the support team at Rapport. Additionally, I must say being able to work with such a professional staff of trainers is a real honor. They really make it happen. Thanks to all of you!
When you face a challenge in your organization, what tools from the training do you call on first?
First, I focus on listening; realizing that each of my team members brings unique leadership skills and insights to General Air. I have always been a positive leader, empowering my employees to make the tough decisions often presented in our industry. I challenge them to never accept “good enough,” reminding them they can accomplish anything in life and business, Just Focus and Do It!
