Contractors who keep both their employees and customers satisfied have found that a family feeling can improve their odds. In these cases, the goodwill comes from something other than a dollar sign, and it is widespread among this year’s Best Contractor to Work For winners.

Cool Check Air Conditioning Ltd., Etobicoke, Ont., nurtures its employees and its customers at traditional annual events. At Donley Service Center, Phoenix, founder and chairman James Donley and his son, president Mike Donley, work on employee and customer relationships that are based on respect.

The things that made Isaac Heating and Air Conditioning, Rochester, N.Y., a repeat winner of this contest haven’t changed; today, putting employees first ranks highest in its priorities, said president Ray Isaac. Brothers Air, Heat & Plumbing, Rock Hill, S.C., was founded as a two-person business in 1985. Roger Costner, president and co-owner with his brother, vice president Donald, have grown the business family to nearly 100.

Other companies may not call themselves family, but they act like one. Fire & Ice Heating, Air Conditioning and Electrical Inc., Columbus, Ohio, is one such contractor, with Scott Merritt, CEO, looking after the employees.

For complete coverage of the winners see the following feature articles in this issue:

• Training, Communication Fuels the Furnace

• Following Older Brother Leads to Honors

• Service Contractor Takes Care of Family

• Employee Needs Comes First

• Contractor Retains Lifetime Employees

Publication date: 01/31/2011