DENVER, CO - Just over a year ago, Veteran Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electric completed its first job - an HVAC project for a co-worker of co-founder Brad, booked with empty trucks and a team still learning the software. Today, the company marks its first anniversary with 2,132 completed jobs and recognition as the fastest-growing home services company in the Denver market.
The milestone stands out for what the company did not do to reach it. Veteran Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electric made no outbound sales calls, sent no email or text blasts, and avoided the shoulder-season slowdown that typically defines the HVAC industry in Colorado. HVAC and electrical work is now booked weeks or months in advance.
"It's a win for the customer, a win for the employee, and a win for the company - not just one of those," said Mitchell Thier, a member of the Veteran Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electric team. "That culture was built in from the start, and it's the reason people who join this team don't want to leave." That view is shared across the organization. "Having an owner who actually gets in the field and helps the team succeed makes all the difference," said Noah Zangara, also of Veteran Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electric. "It's a company that cares about its employees and its customers in equal measure, and that's rare in this industry."
Over twelve months, the company grew from a single transaction to a team of 69 employees operating 17 wrapped and upfitted trucks across the Denver metro area. It has served approximately 4,000 customers, logged roughly 18,000 field hours, and earned approximately 350 five-star reviews. The company has also secured more than $1.4 million in approved HEAR (Heat Electrification and Affordability Rebate) projects, helping Denver-area homeowners access Xcel Energy rebate programs that reduce the cost of high-efficiency HVAC and electrification upgrades.
This growth is particularly noteworthy in an industry often characterized by aggressive sales tactics and high employee turnover. Veteran Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electric's approach, rooted in accountability and community engagement, has not only attracted customers but also retained employees, a critical factor in an industry facing labor shortages. The company's success suggests that a customer-first, employee-centric model can be both profitable and sustainable, challenging conventional wisdom in the home services sector.
Furthermore, the company's focus on helping customers navigate rebate programs like HEAR positions it at the intersection of home services and energy efficiency, a growing concern for homeowners and policymakers alike. As energy costs rise and environmental regulations tighten, companies that can effectively guide consumers through incentive programs are likely to gain a competitive edge.
As it enters its second year, Veteran Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electric is actively pursuing licensing and permitting for expansion into Dallas/Fort Worth, with Wisconsin also under consideration. The company is simultaneously in the early stages of a capital raise to fund geographic growth. This expansion plan signals confidence in its business model and could disrupt other regional markets that are currently underserved by similar service approaches.
