The business landscape is constantly changing, and organizations are increasingly recognizing the strategic imperative of investing in their leadership.
With over 100 locations across North America and more than 5,500 employees, Service Logic is one of the largest privately held commercial HVAC and mechanical service networks in the United States. The company partnered with UNC Executive Development to strengthen its internal talent pipeline and prepare high-potential leaders for the challenges of executive management.
“Organizationally, I look at it as an investment strategy,” explained Eric Bolin, formerly Vice President of Talent Development and Training and now Senior Vice President of Building Automation Systems at Service Logic. “As we grow our collective platform by acquiring businesses, it’s equally important to then continue investing into our collective organization to give us that competitive edge.”
Service Logic operates with a decentralized model, acquiring businesses that often retain their original brand identity and operational autonomy. This unique structure presents both opportunities and challenges for fostering cohesive leadership. According to Bolin, “The challenge that comes with leaders is when you can get stuck working ‘in’ the business and never working ‘on’ the business.” This was a key driver for seeking an executive education partner. As Bolin aptly put it, “We are not in the mechanical business or the HVAC business. We’re in the people business. We just happen to do ‘HVAC things’.”
Establishing a Partnership for Transformative Growth
The decision to partner with UNC Executive Development stemmed from a recognition of the executive education partner’s deep understanding of Service Logic’s specific needs and their willingness to co-create a truly customized program. “What we came to find is a strong desire in [UNC Executive Development] to be a part of the leadership development journey,” Bolin noted, highlighting the collaborative approach that sets UNC apart.
The result is an intensive, five-day on-campus program, designed to challenge and inspire. With an average cohort size of 28 participants, over 100 Service Logic leaders have now experienced this transformative learning journey. Led by renowned UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School faculty, including Sridhar Balasubramanian, Chris Bingham, Mabel Miguel, Angel Nix, and Al Segars, the program delved into critical topics including innovation, strategy, and team-building.
Building a Network of Leaders
One of the most profound impacts of the program, according to Bolin, is the unparalleled opportunity for peer-to-peer interaction. Bringing together presidents and top leaders from Service Logic’s acquired companies in a dedicated, intimate environment is “revolutionary.” This facilitated setting allows for candid discussions, the exchange of ideas, and a shared exploration of challenges and solutions.
“Beyond the learning itself, one of the biggest things that participants get is strengthened networks,” Bolin emphasized. These conversations become “very business-intimate,” fostering a level of connection and collaboration that would be difficult to achieve otherwise.
“To have an opportunity for somebody to have a facilitated learning session with relevant information where [participants] are active, they’re moving, they’re working together, they’re talking to the group… that’s where the ‘secret sauce’ comes in,” Bolin explained. It’s not merely about knowledge transfer, but about cultivating a dynamic, collaborative learning environment that drives real change.
Service Logic’s “Carolina Experience”
The “Carolina Experience,” UNC Executive Development’s commitment to a transformative, seamless, and personal journey, resonates strongly with Service Logic’s participants. From diverse locations across North America, leaders consistently praise the impressive facilities and the “continuous, welcoming hospitality” extended by the UNC team. “It’s a success… on the Carolina Experience. I’m proud of it and I’m proud to invite our people to…be a part of it,” Bolin affirmed.
While a direct calculation of ROI for leadership development can be challenging, Service Logic reports that the qualitative returns are evident. Leaders returning from the UNC Executive Development corporate program exhibit a distinct shift in mindset and approach. Bolin shared observations from team members: “My leader, when he came back, he was different. His mindset, his approach, his temperament…” This transformation is rooted in a deeper self-awareness, often facilitated by 360-degree review processes integrated into the program, and the acquisition of new toolsets for navigating change management, communication, and teamwork.
Investing in the Future: A “Three-Legged Stool” of Value
For Service Logic, executive development is a strategic investment in growth. Bolin views this commitment as a “three-legged stool” of investment: the individual’s time and effort, the local company’s support through travel and time away, and Service Logic’s corporate financial commitment. When all three components are strong, the outcome is invariably positive.
“You will always — and I say ‘always’ meaning ‘100% of the time’ — gain corporate value from that,” Bolin explained, referring to the power of bringing inspired leaders together. The program ignites a desire for innovation, challenging leaders to step out of their comfort zones and embrace new ways of thinking and operating. “We don’t try anything different because we never have been challenged to, we’ve never been confronted about doing that, and we’ve never been willing to do something different until we’re shaken a little bit. That’s where growth comes from.”
Service Logic’s partnership with UNC Executive Development stands as a testament to the profound impact that strategic leadership development can have. By amplifying human skills and fostering a culture of continuous learning, Service Logic is not only strengthening its competitive edge but also building healthier, stronger, and more innovative organizations for the future.
