Forge

Forge operates as a specialized, technology-driven contractor focusing on the installation of energy-efficient heat pump systems for residential clients. Founded in 2020 and headquartered in Newton, Massachusetts, the company aims to simplify home comfort and promote sustainability. The business generates revenue by designing and installing custom all-in-one heating and cooling systems, helping homeowners reduce energy costs and their carbon footprint.

A core component of Forge's strategy is addressing the skilled labor shortage in the HVAC industry. The company has established the Forge Apprentice Program, an in-house training initiative designed to build a future-ready workforce. This program offers paid, full-time employment with benefits, combining foundational training with on-the-job experience. This model allows Forge to develop its own skilled technicians rather than relying on subcontractors, ensuring quality control over its installations. This approach draws from the successful apprentice-style model used by founder and CEO Mark Kasdorf at his previous venture, Intrepid, a mobile development firm he bootstrapped and later sold to Accenture in 2017.

Forge's business model is designed for rapid, organic growth. In its first 18 months, the company expanded to operate over 10 crews across New England without any acquisitions, a notable pace for the HVAC sector. The company leverages technology, including digital measurement tools, to enhance the productivity and efficiency of its installation teams. Forge has received support for its workforce development initiatives, including a $500,000 grant from the Healey-Driscoll Administration as part of a broader workforce development funding initiative in Massachusetts.

The company's services are vertically integrated, with in-house technicians and electricians handling custom system design and installation. This allows for straightforward pricing and flexible scheduling for its homeowner clients. By focusing exclusively on heat pumps, Forge has developed specialized expertise, ensuring that each system is custom-built to meet high-quality standards. The company also assists customers in accessing rebates and incentives, such as those from Mass Save, to make the transition to energy-efficient systems more affordable.

Keywords: heat pump installation, HVAC contractor, workforce development, residential energy, skilled trades training, sustainable home comfort, energy efficiency, heating and cooling systems, decarbonization, home services, apprentice program, green jobs, Massachusetts HVAC, cleantech, residential construction, energy savings, carbon footprint reduction, all-electric homes, home electrification, trades workforce