How One Leading HVAC Franchise Honors America’s Heroes
By Traci Fournier, VP of Operations of One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning
For the past twenty years, One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning, part of Authority Brands’ family of industry-leading home service franchisors, has solidified its position as a trusted leader in the HVAC industry with steadfast dedication to achieving excellence.
One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning’s journey to becoming the nation’s top HVAC service provider has been marked by a relentless dedication to exceeding customer expectations. The brand distinguishes itself through its profound sense of community engagement and appreciation for those who have served our nation. Recognizing the sacrifices made by veterans and their families, the company prides itself on giving back and honoring their service through various initiatives and programs, including the Hero’s Club Program and the HVETerans Giveaway that concluded earlier this year.
From Idea to Action: How the Contest Came to Life
The idea for the HVETerans Giveaway was born out of a sincere desire within the company to give back to the communities across the country that have supported One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning over the past 20 years in business. Recognizing the invaluable contributions made by veterans specifically, One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning’s goal during its 20th anniversary was to give the gift of a brand-new HVAC system to a deserving veteran to help them get through the cold winters and hot summers. This nationwide initiative holds special significance for us as a company, as we’re privileged to have several veteran franchise owners, many team members and their family members, and corporate staff who are an integral part of our of our One Hour family.
Countless hours of planning, coordination, and collaboration went into ensuring that the contest would be executed flawlessly. The HVETerans Giveaway is not just a contest; it is a testament to the power of compassion, gratitude, and community. When we come together for a common good, the impact it has on families in need is foundational to the culture we exemplify, both internally and in the communities we serve.
The Selection Process and Winner
The HVETerans contest selection process aimed to honor the dedication and contributions of veterans nationwide, receiving numerous submissions highlighting stories of bravery and resilience. From these, Brian Scott of Williamsburg, VA emerged as a standout example. As a U.S. Army veteran with 15 years of service, Brian takes pride in his country. Despite his own need for a new HVAC system, Brian initially submitted his recently widowed brother-in-law for the contest, who also suffered a tragic house fire soon after. However, his brother in-law decided to go a different route where he would no longer need a new HVAC system. Knowing that Brian experienced his own hardships, One Hour decided to pay it forward and rewarded his win of the new HVAC system, valued at $10,000, to Brian.
“The HVETerans contest resonated deeply with me,” said Brian Scott, recipient of the HVETerans Contest prize. “As an existing loyal customer of One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning in Hampton Roads, submitting my brother-in-law who also served our country was a no-brainer. It was an opportunity to recognize him for his deep appreciation for our veteran community, and I wanted to honor that.”
The Impact of HVETerans
On February 2, 2024, Brian received the highly anticipated installation of the new HVAC, courtesy of One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning of Hampton Roads. Led by owner and operator Ryan Kletz, the installation was meticulously executed, ensuring optimal efficiency of the heating and cooling system. Every detail was carefully considered, from the placement of vents to the calibration of thermostats, guaranteeing the most comfort for Brian.
“It was heartwarming to witness the joy and gratitude on Brian’s face as we brought the installation to life. This initiative not only honors his service but also serves as a beacon of unity and appreciation within the tight-knit military community in the Hampton Roads area. It’s a reminder of the sacrifices made and how we can give back to those who have made them,” said Kletz.
Year-round Support
In addition to the HVETerans Giveaway, One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning continues to champion the interests of veterans through its Hero’s Club program. By embarking the help of franchise owners across the country, One Hour offers at select locations a complimentary membership to active and retired military and first responders. The Hero’s Club provides exclusive benefits, including priority service, annual tune-ups, discounts on products and services, and system replacement vouchers. As of 2024, there are more than ten franchise owners offering these services to their communities, including Steve and Denise Kurtz of One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning of Lee’s Summit who launched their local Hero’s Club at the beginning of the year.
“For more than 15 years, we’ve been serving our family, friends and neighbors with reliable heating and cooling services. With the start of another year, we wanted to take our efforts a step further by acknowledging and assisting our local heroes in the best way we could, debuting the new Hero’s Club,” said Denise Kurtz, co-owner of One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning of Lee’s Summit. “Whether it’s during the cold winter months or at the peak of summer, our licensed technicians and team are excited about the opportunity to serve these men and women in our communities year-round.”
As we continue to expand our footprint with new and existing franchise owners across target markets in California, Texas, Illinois and Oklahoma, we’re encouraged by the mutual respect and desire our teams have to do what we can as an HVAC franchise to serve our communities with more than just reliable heating and cooling services.
About Traci Fournier, VP of Operations of One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning
Traci Fournier is the Vice President of Operations at One Hour Heating and Air Conditioning. Traci Fournier’s career includes over 20 years of franchise operations working for various national brands including One Hour Heating & Air, Benjamin Franklin Plumbing, and Mister Sparky Electric.