Dan Bueschel, CEO of Modigent, Drives Innovation and Growth Nationwide with Next-Generation Infrastructure, Technology, and Energy Solutions
Dan Bueschel, is the CEO of Modigent, headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona. He has 35 years of leadership experience in publicly traded and privately held companies, having previously served as Chief Executive Officer of Healthcare NA at Sodexo and VPGM West/President-Cal Air at Johnson Controls.
Modigent drives innovation and growth nationwide with next-generation infrastructure, technology, and energy solutions. Operating coast-to-coast with a portfolio of specialized brands in HVAC, plumbing, and controls systems, Modigent is known for its commitment to service, collaboration, and integrity.
Modigent released its Q1 2025 update, marking a strong start to the year with $170 million in sales – a 20% increase over the same period in 2024.
Modigent is addressing a growing national issue: a shortage of skilled labor. According to data from The Home Depot Foundation’s Path to Pro initiative, nearly 400,000 skilled trade jobs in the U.S. are currently unfilled—a number expected to grow to 3.9 million over the next decade. With 40% of construction workers projected to retire by 2031 and only one qualified tradesperson entering the field for every five who exit, the labor gap continues to widen. By creating its own pipeline, the company is solving for workforce gaps while giving individuals a chance to grow meaningful careers. They will launch a national apprenticeship program in September.
With your leadership, Modigent made a strong start to the year with $170 million in sales. Tell us about what makes Modigent a driving force in innovation, next-generation infrastructure, technology, and energy solutions in the HVAC and plumbing industries.
At Modigent, innovation isn’t just about adopting the latest technology—it’s about challenging how things have always been done and building a better way forward. That starts with our people.
We’ve completely retooled our business management platform to make it easier for our teams to deliver great results. But tools alone don’t drive transformation—culture does. That’s why we build our own internal training and development. That’s not something you see everywhere in this industry.
We also think differently about acquisitions. A lot of companies buy businesses and run them independently. We believe in full integration—systems, operations, culture. We bring new companies into the fold so that we grow stronger together, not just bigger on paper. That’s what makes us one company.
Although we certainly keep an eye on what our competitors are doing, most importantly, we stay focused on what we believe in—building a values-driven company that invests in its people and operates with integrity. To me, that’s where the real innovation lives: not in flashy tools, but in how you empower people to do their best work every day.
We also embrace the traditional fundamentals that built this industry—reliability, accountability, craftsmanship—and pair them with forward-looking systems and infrastructure to scale smarter and serve faster. That balance is what sets Modigent apart.
We’re not chasing trends. We’re building something sustainable, built to last, and ready to lead.
Our nation is facing a shortage of skilled labor. What is your approach to the problem.
We see it as an opportunity. Modigent is a learning and development company as much as it is an infrastructure and energy business.
We are investing heavily in hands-on training, including mentorship in our apprenticeship program, and leadership development. And we’re out in high schools and communities reintroducing the trades as a career path worth pursuing.
The truth is that skilled trades are among the least likely to be replaced by AI. These jobs require decision-making, adaptability, and craftsmanship. They’re real, essential, and here to stay—and we want to amplify that message.
Tell us about your national apprenticeship program to launch in September.
We’re launching a national apprenticeship program this fall. This is more than technical training. Every participant is paired with a mentor and immersed in our culture from day one. They’re learning not just how to do the job —but how to grow within the company. It’s about building careers, not filling roles.
What are your areas of focus?
People, performance, and process. Everything we do ties back to those three pillars.
We’re focused on scaling our culture, integrating our acquisitions, developing our leaders, and modernizing how we operate—from the field to the office and boardroom. We’re committed to consistent, values-based execution.
What Makes It Work:
- Hybrid training: technical instruction + virtual learning + mentorship
- Eight-semester model supporting both new and current employees
- Clear pathways for advancement without leaving the field
- Built-in support to improve retention and engagement
Do you see more graduates moving toward careers in the commercial HVAC industry? What is rewarding about it?
Yes—and the trend is encouraging. For a long time, the dominant narrative was that college was the only path to success. That’s shifting.
More young people are realizing that trades offer stable, well-paying careers with real growth. And at Modigent, a trades job is the entry point, not the endgame. Many of our leaders started in the field. They worked their way into project management, operations, and executive roles. It’s not about choosing one path over another—it’s about knowing the options. And this is a path with a future.
What opportunities can be found at Modigent? Why is it a great place to work?
Modigent is a place where your work matters—and where you can grow. We offer the training, mentorship, and resources to help you build a long-term career.
Our people stay because they feel supported. We invest in culture. We have team members focused entirely on employee experience. We provide clarity, opportunity, and a strong sense of purpose. This is an industry with staying power. These jobs aren’t being automated away. If you want to build something meaningful, Modigent is the place.