With the purchase in January 2019 of Hi-Qual Heating and Cooling in Spencerport, Aire Serv of Brockport has grown its business. Owned by Bill and Ann Hill of Spencerport since 1988, Hi-Qual Heating and Cooling has been a successful family owned and operated community business with a loyal customer base for over 30 years.
Aire Serv owner Rick DAmbrosia was looking to expand his Brockport business. He said, “News travels fast in this business. I heard that Bill Hill was interested in making a change, so I contacted him immediately.” Rick grew up in Gates and graduated from Gates Chili High School. He studied heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration at Alfred State College. His first job, right out of college, was with Hi-Qual Heating and Cooling in Spencerport. Rick worked for Hi-Qual for a year and then accepted an opportunity to work for Wegmans in refrigeration, where he worked for 20 years.
“I feel very fortunate to have the situation that I have. I get to see deep inside Bill’s mind and learn about how he conducted his business. I trust what Bill tells me; he shares all he has learned over the years about the HVAC business, customer service, and community service. I have learned that trust and loyalty are the foundation of good business. It is very important to me, and I strive to do that and to build on what Bill has developed in the industry,” Rick said.
Rick purchased Hi-Qual over a year ago, and Bill still comes into the office almost every day. Rick said, “He is an advisor and a mentor.”
Right from the start, customer service at Aire Serv begins when a call is made to the office. Ann Hill was the office manager for Hi-Qual, and her voice was the first contact with the customer. “When the phone rings, it is important to answer it with a smile. The person on the other end knows this, and that was a big part of what Ann brought to our business,” Bill Hill said.
Dana Starr is now entrusted with the job of Office Manager. “I met Rick through my mother. When Rick called me to come and help him jump-start this venture, I accepted. He wanted the same customer service that Bill and Ann provided before Rick took over. Change is hard for many people, but we quickly learned that people are extraordinarily loyal to Bill and Ann. They are in a routine, and it is important for me to establish a rapport with the customer just like what they have had over the years,” Dana said.
Involvement in the community is also a big part of Aire Serv’s commitment. Rick is a member of Kiwanis, Better Contractor’s Bureau, and the Chamber of Commerce. He sponsors concerts at the gazebo and a Spencerport baseball team. Being involved in the local community is a valuable part of operating a successful small business.
Rick DAmbrosia started his Aire Serv franchise in Brockport in 2018. Each Aire Serv franchise is independent; all the decisions and pricing are at Rick’s discretion. Rick points out that there are many advantages to being a part of the franchise. Aire Serv provides many tools, assistance, and support services to the business.
According to the Aire Serv website, “Aire Serv wants you to stay comfortable and breathe clean air all year round. That’s why our company focuses on excellence in customer service and quality AC and heating services. We are proud of our reputation for putting clients first, with a brand synonymous with excellence since 1992. Wherever you see the name Aire Serv, you can expect quality services and customer attention. There are a number of factors that set us apart. For example, our experience in this field is simply unmatched. We understand how to properly service all types of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. Our AC and heating technicians are licensed and knowledgeable. We emphasize customer service and always get the job done right the first time, guaranteed.”
Other advantages to choosing Aire Serv are 24-hour service available, no overtime charge, upfront pricing, expert service professionals, a fixed right promise, and the “Advantage Plan” that offers priority pricing, pre-scheduled maintenance, and equipment warranties.
Aire Serv is one of only two HVAC businesses in the Rochester area that does its own sheet metal fabrication in-shop. Sheet metal fabrication is a special skill of Bill Hill, who taught it to Tom Spinder, who has worked for Bill at Hi-Qual for 15 years and has continued on with Rick at Aire Serv as his General Manager.
Rick is also a Class 2 Engineer and is licensed by the City of Rochester to work on all types of steam/water boilers. The business has nine staff members, which includes certified technicians and installers. And there is also Lulu, a two-year-old shih tzu who is the office mascot. Lulu always greets visitors to the office in the sweetest way. “We call her our ‘pawoffice’ assistant,” Dana, who is Lulu’s mom, says.
Aire Serv service is available to all of greater Rochester and suburbs, and some surrounding areas.
Go to www.aireserv.com/brockport for more information about Aire Serv or call 352-8330 with any questions and talk to Dana.
Photos by Karen Fien
