“We are honored to continue the tradition of recognizing and celebrating our dealers' dedication to delivering remarkable acts of service for our customers. This year’s honorees of the Building a Higher Standard Award are no exception, exuding exceptional community stewardship,” said Kathryn Wildrick, brand manager for American Standard. "At American Standard, the value and trust of our customers is our number one priority, which is why we hold not only ourselves, but our dealers to an unparalleled standard of care and trusted service that can be depended on for quality, efficiency, and overall satisfaction."

The 2022 Building a Higher Standard winners were carefully selected through a blind panel and are being distinguished for delivering outstanding work and service, supporting their communities, and living the brand values.

Garrison and Garrison Inc.

Since its founding in 1972, Garrison & Garrison Heating & Air of Huntsville, Alabama, has suffered hardship on a level unimaginable to most — losing four owners (and family members) between 1999 and 2016. But through all of this, David Garrison and his team have sustained a flourishing business. A piece of that success can be attributed to Garrison’s focus on creating a work atmosphere that focused on his employees. 

“You give them the tools to do what they need to do and you adapt to them rather than asking someone to adapt to you,” he explained.

The company’s General Manager Josh Head said the approach translates to Garrison treating people how they want to be treated. In turn, the employees give their best to the company, too.

“I feel like it’s my job … to do what the founders started and what David continues to do,” Head said.

Stanfield Air Systems

Since 1968, Stanfield Air Systems in Athens, Georgia, has been a true family business. Founder Lynn Stanfield passed the company on to his daughter, Sally Allen, and current owner Rex Coker works closely with his son, Nathan, who manages operations.

Rex and Nathan believe in treating employees like family, as well as expanding that work family through a program with the local high school. They bring in juniors and seniors who are interested in learning the trades, Rex Coker said, and teach them about life of an HVAC tech through working in the field with seasoned techs. Their mentorship of these young people has not only helped develop careers, but also has given the business a pipeline of homegrown talent.

“Every student who has ever walked in our doors still works here,” Nathan Coker said.

Shockley’s Heat & Air

Dedication to customers and community are clear priorities for Shockley’s Heat & Air owner Nathan Johnson and his team. Founded by Wayne Shockley in 1979, the Yukon, Oklahoma-based HVAC dealership was purchased by Johnson who learned the ropes and key service lessons from Shockley. 

The spirit of service extends to Johnson’s commitment to the Inner City Church and Oklahoma City Dream Center, where he donates equipment and labor to benefit programs that care for youth, provide food, and help those down on their luck get back on their feet.

Explaining Johnson’s impact, Don Cretsinger with the program said, “Nathan has helped this church over, and over, and over again.”

Johnson responded that his charity work is simply part of their jobs. 

“All of my guys know we’re a service company. That’s our jobs, to serve," he said

Tim Ferguson Plumbing Air & Electric

In 1999, Tim Ferguson started his business in Jackson, Tenn., by digging ditches to install\ plumbing. Two decades later, along with son-in-law, General Manager Jacob Hamilton, he’s built a thriving company that puts people first — whether it’s through a fund that helps employees with emergency costs, or by supporting a restaurant that feeds people who otherwise wouldn’t eat. Taking care of others is engrained in everything they do. And when Ferguson’s techs are on a service call, they are encouraged to take the time needed to take care of the customer.

“Yes, it’s going to cost us some payroll. It might make you a little late for your next call, but they’ll never get in trouble from me for saying ‘I thought this needed to be done, so I did it,” Hamilton said.

They put those beliefs in action with their work in the community, knowing the community will support them, in turn.

“We’ll all make money, but we have to give back first,” Ferguson said.

The four winners of American Standard's 2022 Building a Higher Standard will be honored with custom trophies, challenge coins, lapel pins, a year of Customer Care membership, and will have their names added to the Hall of Fame Trophy — which will be on display in the American Standard plant and offices in Tyler, Texas. They also will be the focus of a local media campaign with professional assets for their usage, acquire earned and paid public relations in trade and regional media markets, and receive copies of print magazines with advertisements throughout 2023.

Furthermore, American Standard also recognizes the Building a Higher Standard award’s two semi-finalists and the remaining four dealers who round out the top ten with commemorative desk ornaments to highlight their commitment to excellence.

2022 Semi-Finalists:

• Samm’s Heating and Air Conditioning of Dallas, TX
• The Darville Company of Lubbock, TX

Rounding out the 2022 Top 10:

• Seliga Heating & Cooling of St. Louis, Missouri
• Hoffman Brothers of St. Louis, Missouri
• Platt Heating and A/C of Tyler, Texas
• Elridge Services Inc. of Hernando, Mississippi