Visionary Entrepreneur Reinvents Company to Serve an Entire Home's Core Systems

June 17, 2011 - PRLog -- Carol Stream, Ill. – Last summer, after nearly 30 years of leading THE Air Conditioning and Heating Company, company CEO Ray Grimm stood at the brink of retirement.  However, under the new economic structure’s pressure, the company struggled to grow.  Instead of calling it quits, Grimm embarked on a bold reinvention of the 100 year-old company to infuse it with the vitality and relevance that could propel it well into the next century.  This month, Grimm launches A.W.E. Air. Water. Energy.

It’s been far from hard times for the HVAC-only service provider.  In fact, the company served over 21,000 customers across five suburban Chicago counties last year, and achieved a 39 percent increase in revenues over the past two years.  

“We evaluated our position, and identified a business model that allowed us to increase our service offerings while adding to our ability to help homeowners maintain the healthiest home possible,” Grimm says.

That business model included expanding service offerings to include plumbing and electrical services, energy audits, air quality testing, and solar panel installation and testing. The additional services ensure A.W.E.’s customers have one trusted source to call for all of their homes’ vital systems.  Grimm likened his company’s service to being doctors for the home, intent on promoting preventative care that helps homeowners avoid costly repairs, while improving operating efficiency, and extending the life of a home’s core systems.

Grimm credits, Alan Misale, general manager at A.W.E., with helping him formulate the vision for his new company and corporate philosophies.  Enlisting the expertise of creative director, Jessica Kizorek, was the next step as he proceeded with repositioning the company.  

With the team in place, Grimm undertook a year-long process of marketing research, sometimes tedious self-evaluation, and strategic re-branding.  He’s invested $1.2 million dollars and hundreds of man-hours in improvements that included acquiring Hansen Mechanical and Plumbing, hiring licensed electricians, installing and implementing new management system software, and developing A.W.E.’s overall branding and marketing elements.  Ultimately, Grimm believes the return on his investment will help triple company revenues over the next five years.  

With A.W.E.’s Member Value Program, regular maintenance visits ensure all of a home’s systems are properly installed, operating efficiently, and are ready to provide top indoor air quality.  By assessing the homeowner’s needs, taking into consideration everything from children to pets, to occupant health issues and budgets, A.W.E.’s NATE-certified technicians, licensed electricians and plumbers can help homeowners define the right choice or product to meet their needs.

“If you want to grow, you have to take calculated risks that are backed up with fresh ideas that make good business sense, and the courage to believe in your mission,” he adds.

One thing that won’t change is the bright yellow color that emblazons every AWEsome technician’s truck. The eye-catching hue has become a recognizable part of the current company’s 37-vehicle fleet, and it is incorporated into every piece of the marketing and branding campaign unveiled.

”We believe we’ve designed a solid business and embraced a modern philosophy of management that will result in higher customer retention and ultimately grow our already strong company into one our customers and employees can count on for years to come,” says Grimm.

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ABOUT A.W.E.
A.W.E. Air. Water. Energy. is a breath of fresh air for the homeowner. The Carol Stream, Illinois-based company provides one trusted source for all of a home’s vital systems. A.W.E.’s expert team works with homeowners to create the healthiest in-home environment and the most efficient levels of systems operation. With a 100% money-back guarantee, A.W.E. provides expert plumbing, electrical, air conditioning and heating service and installation. A.W.E.’s MVP Membership offers customers an ability to stay ahead of costly repairs, and many other value-added benefits. For more information, visit www.theAWEfactor.com or call 630-AWESOME.