After serving customers in Apalachicola for more than four decades, Gunn Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc. (Gunn) is joining Hiller Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electrical (Hiller), the region’s premier provider of plumbing, HVAC, and electrical service, installations, and repair. The former Gunn headquarters will operate as Hiller’s 18th regional location, and its 2nd location in Florida This Read more
Industry News
After serving customers in Apalachicola for more than four decades, Gunn Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc. (Gunn) is joining Hiller Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electrical (Hiller), the region’s premier provider of plumbing, HVAC, and electrical service, installations, and repair. The former Gunn headquarters will operate as Hiller’s 18th regional location, and its 2nd location in Florida This merger follows a previous acquisition (Roussos Air Conditioning) in Panama City in 2022.
Since its inception, Gunn has earned a reputation as one of the Franklin and Gulf County area’s most trusted providers for residential and commercial heating, air conditioning service, repair, and replacements. As a family-owned and family-operated company, Gunn Heating and Air Conditioning promises quick, accurate diagnoses and long-term solutions to its loyal customers. As owners Jimmy and Shirley Thompson began considering the succession of the company, caring for their valued clients in the years to come was their top priority.
“Our team is thrilled to be joining Hiller’s Florida operations”, remarked Jimmy Thompson, one of Gunn Heating & Air Conditioning’s Owners. “When looking for companies to partner with, our primary goal was to ensure that each of our loyal clients would receive the best customer experience possible. We’re extremely confident”, he continued, “That under the Hiller brand, these incredible families and businesses will be well taken care of in the future.”
Hiller, like Gunn, is also a family-owned and family-operated business. For over 34 years, Hiller has operated with its original founder at the helm, earning the loyalty of its clients through a commitment to expert technical skills, exceptional service, and integrity. Hiller’s priority is always the thoughtful care of its clients. Former Gunn Heating & Air Conditioning customers can continue to expect the elevated standard of care they are accustomed to under its leadership.
“Since expanding into Florida, we have greatly enjoyed serving families across the Panhandle”, remarked Jimmy Hiller, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Hiller Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electrical. “We are so excited for the opportunity to partner with Gunn Heating and Air Conditioning, who has developed a legacy of extremely positive client experience across the Apalachicola area. We are looking forward”, he continued, “To carrying their mission forward for years to come.”
Hiller was founded in 1990 by Jimmy Hiller, the company’s single employee. Over the past three decades, Hiller has grown exponentially as a direct result of its commitment to its values; professionalism, integrity, quality, and caring. Today, the organization includes over 600 “Happy Face” trucks and 880 associates across 18 locations in 7 states.
After opening in Panama City and the surrounding areas in 2022, homeowners in Florida have enjoyed Hiller’s industry-leading technician training and education, 24/7 emergency services, instant online appointment booking, and real-time technician tracking. Families across the Greater Apalachicola area can expect these benefits, and Hiller’s exceptional customer experience, in the months, years, and decades ahead.
Through the Feel The Love program, sponsored by the LII Lennox Foundation, Lennox and its dealer network supply and install new HVAC units to local community heroes throughout North America. Marking its 15th year anniversary, Feel The Love, sponsored by the LII Lennox Foundation, donated 413 heating and cooling (HVAC) units to deserving homeowners during Installation Week Read more
Through the Feel The Love program, sponsored by the LII Lennox Foundation, Lennox and its dealer network supply and install new HVAC units to local community heroes throughout North America.
Marking its 15th year anniversary, Feel The Love, sponsored by the LII Lennox Foundation, donated 413 heating and cooling (HVAC) units to deserving homeowners during Installation Week, which occurred from October 5-12.
Dealers across 45 states in the U.S. and several Canadian provinces worked alongside Lennox to install HVAC units for nominated recipients and beloved local heroes free of cost. Whether the recipient had been affected by financial challenges, unexpected injury or illness or other difficult circumstances, Feel The Love supported their needs by providing perfect air to keep their home at the ideal temperature through increasingly extreme winter and summer seasons.
“The hard work and generosity of our dealers and their employees have allowed us to bring comfort to deserving members of the community,” says Gary Bedard, EVP & President, Lennox Home Comfort Solutions. “Over the past 15 years, we’ve made a positive impact, and we look forward to continuing our mission of providing essential HVAC solutions to our neighbors in need.”
The donated units are the most efficient and modern designs, helping to keep energy bills down for recipients, heat and cool the home with less energy and reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, ultimately showcasing Lennox’ dedication to long-term investments in the community.
“We were really taken aback because this is a huge relief for me as a father,” says Mike Hooper, 2024 Feel The Love recipient. “When we heard about the (Feel The Love) program, we were just taken away. I am just really grateful for the relief this program has provided for us.”
Feel The Love is sponsored by the LII Lennox Foundation. Established in 2023, the LII Lennox Foundation is committed to improving the communities where Lennox employees work and live through impactful programs, strong partnerships and an emphasis on employee volunteerism.
Over 2,750 families in need have benefited from Feel The Love since it was first launched in 2009. Stay up to date on Feel The Love by following along with @LennoxFeelTheLove on Facebook. To nominate a member of your community for next year’s Installation Week, visit FeelTheLove.com.
About Feel The Love™
Since 2009, Feel The Love has been a key program for Lennox Residential to give back to its communities. Culminating in Feel The Love Installation Week this October, Lennox partners with HVAC installers and local community members in the United States and portions of Canada to deliver units at no cost to people who consistently put others before themselves and need a helping hand. For more information about how Lennox is bringing perfect air to deserving households across the United States and Canada, visit FeelTheLove.com. Beginning this year, in 2024, the LII Lennox Foundation is sponsoring the Feel the Love program.
Speed Test Challenge reveals which plastic plumbing system installs the fastest FlowGuard® Gold CPVC is launching the Speed Test Challenge Sweepstakes 1 , encouraging plumbers 2 to watch the Speed Test Challenge video for a chance to win $3,500. The video provides a side-by-side comparison of installation speeds for plastic plumbing systems and reveals which Read more
Speed Test Challenge reveals which plastic plumbing system installs the fastest
FlowGuard® Gold CPVC is launching the Speed Test Challenge Sweepstakes 1 , encouraging plumbers 2 to watch the Speed Test Challenge video for a chance to win $3,500.
The video provides a side-by-side comparison of installation speeds for plastic plumbing systems and reveals which is faster to install: PEX or CPVC. From Oct. 8 – Nov. 4, 2024, individuals can participate for the chance to win a $3,500 Lowe’s Home Improvement e-gift card, with an additional six social media winners each receiving a $250 e-gift card.
“Third-party studies – and even one by a PEX manufacturer – have documented that FlowGuard Gold CPVC installs just as fast or faster than PEX, but the perception persists that PEX installs faster,” said Jonathan Simon, North American residential plumbing manager for Lubrizol Advanced Materials Inc. “This sweepstakes serves as a way to share our speed trial with a greater audience and provide plumbers with an opportunity to reexamine how the materials they use could affect the efficiency of their projects.”
In the Speed Test Challenge video, an experienced plumber assembles the exact same section of pipe using the FlowGuard Gold CPVC solvent weld process, PEX expansion fittings and PEX crimp fittings. The video represents the time it takes for assembly, using the same mock-up in all three materials. The mock-up simulates a mainline and two zones, each with branches. The plumber installing the mock-up is experienced in all three materials. The test reveals the CPVC assembly is complete at 14 minutes and 35 seconds, with Crimp PEX finishing close seconds behind at 14 minutes and 51 seconds, and Expansion PEX finishing at 21 minutes and 30 seconds.
Plumbers interested in entering the sweepstakes should visit FlowGuard Gold’s Facebook page from Tuesday, 10/8/24, at 12 a.m. ET through Monday, 11/4/24, at 11:59 p.m. ET to watch the Speed Test Challenge. To enter, individuals should like the post, follow FlowGuard Gold on Facebook, and comment on which brand showed the fastest installation in the video. One grand prize winner 3 will be chosen at random to receive a $3,500 Lowe’s Home Improvement e-gift card. Additionally, up to six social media winners 4 will be selected at random to receive a Lowe’s Home Improvement e-gift card. This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed, or administered by, or associated with Facebook or Instagram. No purchase is necessary, and full sweepstakes rules can be found here.
To learn more about FlowGuard Gold or to try the speed challenge, visit flowguardgold.com/flowguard-gold-versus-pex-speed-test to access the assembly diagram and parts list.
Award-winning price generating software company gives contractors actionable advice for today’s problems in home service industry The New Flat Rate, the No. 1 price generating software for home service contractors, provided an opportunity for contractors to connect with their peers to build winning strategies and solutions during its 6th annual Business Uncensored conference in Chattanooga, Tennessee. The three-day event Read more
Award-winning price generating software company gives contractors actionable advice for today’s problems in home service industry
The New Flat Rate, the No. 1 price generating software for home service contractors, provided an opportunity for contractors to connect with their peers to build winning strategies and solutions during its 6th annual Business Uncensored conference in Chattanooga, Tennessee.
The three-day event covered several areas of focus that provided value to contractors, from creating a successful work culture to maximizing paid ad efficiency.
“From evening trips to Ruby Falls to collaborating with peers in small, intimate groups, the true benefit of Business Uncensored lies in the close-knit atmosphere we provide contractors while creating memorable experiences,” said Danielle Putnam, president of The New Flat Rate. “When they come to this event, they know they will be working alongside other contractors facing similar problems. This collaboration allows them to share stories and work together to develop solutions they can take back home and use to succeed. It’s the bonding and networking with others that makes Business Uncensored unique and special.”
The event featured several speakers who delivered strategic messages to help contractors succeed in today’s changing and competitive landscape.
Zac Garside, founder of Keep ‘Em: Email Marketing Services, was the keynote speaker at the event. His session “Automate Scalable Success with the Right Message” gave critical insight into email marketing for contractors.
Other notable speakers at the event included:
- Jennifer Bagley of CI Web Group on navigating digital marketing.
- Steve Moon of Moon Services on employee value, yesterday, today and tomorrow.
- Matthew Bratsis and Donna Decoster of OPTIMUS Financing on The Amazon Effect.
- And many more
“Since 2020, the way businesses operate has changed dramatically, and this year we felt that it was important to focus on the actual problems facing contractors every day,” Putnam said. “We wanted our focus to revolve around actionable advice through real storytelling and the experiences of industry experts. We often get advice that sounds great on the surface, but we wanted to dig deeper and bring more substance to help contractors solve their problems today. Our goal was very intentional, and from the feedback we received from attendees, we know that we delivered a meaningful experience to attendees.”
For more information about The New Flat Rate, please visit https://thenewflatrate.com/.
To stay up to date on future Business Uncensored news and events, connect with us at https://www.facebook.com/BusinessUncensored/.
Attendees gathered to learn and engage with the industry at PHCC CONNECT 2024 October 2024 – Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors National Association (PHCC) recently hosted CONNECT 2024 from October 7-10, where forward-focused plumbing and HVAC contractors came together for an engaging experience. This year’s theme, “Authentic Connections,” highlighted the importance of building trust and fostering relationships within Read more
Attendees gathered to learn and engage with the industry at PHCC CONNECT 2024
October 2024 – Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors National Association (PHCC) recently hosted CONNECT 2024 from October 7-10, where forward-focused plumbing and HVAC contractors came together for an engaging experience. This year’s theme, “Authentic Connections,” highlighted the importance of building trust and fostering relationships within the industry.
The event featured a packed schedule filled with more than 20 education sessions and multiple networking opportunities, allowed participants to gain valuable insights, share best practices and create lasting connections within the plumbing and HVAC industry. A total of 24 plumbing and HVAC apprentices from across the country took part in the competition, and the winners were Logan Cunningham, plumbing, and Dane Gonser, HVAC.
The 2024 Colonel George D. Scott Award was presented to Keith Bienvenu of Bienvenu Brothers, recognizing his years of service and devotion to the association and the industry. This award honors those whose efforts have significantly benefited other plumbing, heating, and cooling contractors.
At CONNECT, 94-year-old James Lindsey of Lindsey Brothers Plumbing and Heating in Norfolk, Virginia, was recognized for his contributions to PHCC and the industry. Starting his plumbing career at 16, he founded his own business, which will celebrate its 60th anniversary in 2026.
“CONNECT is a powerful reminder of how vital our connections are in this industry,” said Joe Cornetta, PHCC National President. “By coming together, we not only share knowledge but also strengthen the foundation for our future success in the plumbing and HVAC industries.”
Save the date for next year’s conference in Grand Rapids, Michigan, scheduled for October 27-30 at the DeVos Place and Amway Grand Plaza. Don’t miss the opportunity to continue building connections and enhancing your business.
For more information on future events, visit phccweb.org/CONNECT. Thank you to our 2024 CONNECT sponsors for their support.