When Eric and Amy Pace were first approached about buying an Aire Serv® franchise they were skeptical. At first, the Paces were wary of how becoming a franchise would impact their family’s small business. However, since acquiring the Aire Serv of Fort Bend name in 2009, Eric and Amy Pace now see their HVAC business in a different light.
“You’ve built this business, you’ve built this baby and you don’t want someone coming in and tearing it apart,” Amy said. “But I think that The Dwyer Group® and Aire Serv teach you how to work smarter. They teach you how to be a business person and how to be proactive and not reactive in your business.”
Based in Houston, Eric and Amy were high school sweethearts. Eric worked for his father’s HVAC business for 18 years before he and Amy decided to start their own HVAC company. When they first started, Amy took customer calls, and Eric was in the field going to job sites.
“Before we started Aire Serv, I was in the office and he was out in the truck on the tools all day, everyday. I think what has happened is that Aire Serv taught us that in order to be a business owner that has to change,” said Amy.
By taking a proactive stance in managing their business, the Paces began to move forward in achieving their goals. They have come a long way with Aire Serv in four years. Today, the Paces operate an HVAC business that employs eight full-time staff with five technicians and three trucks on the road. As their operation has grown, the Paces can have a more balanced lifestyle.
“We recently hired a person to answer phones after hours. Before then I was tied to a phone 24/7. It’s kinda weird to be at home and I can leave my phone somewhere and it’s not a big deal,” said Eric.
Eric and Amy now work in the office together with their desks facing each other. Amy jokes that Eric has time now to take her out to lunch.
Beyond a work life balance, the Paces say the greatest value that Aire Serv has brought to their business is the network of support that an HVAC franchise provides. They attend annual training events, and maintain close contact with their Franchise Consultant.
“There is no reason to reinvent the wheel. It all works, but it takes time,” said Amy. “I think that’s where the help of the Franchise Consultant comes in. They help you figure out what’s going to be your next step.”
The Paces have also found support from other franchisees, as well. The couple says they reach out to other Aire Serv owners and use them as a sounding board for new ideas or for implementing a new system with their staff.
“Sometimes employees will push back when there is change. I will say there is a business just up the road doing the same thing and seeing results. We know it’s proven. We know it’s working everyday,” Eric said.
Amy added, “Normally, A/C guys that own companies don’t talk to each other and they don’t help each other. But the beauty about Aire Serv is, yes, there are other Aire Servs around here, but we aren’t competitors. We’re all in it together. That has been our greatest value, the camaraderie and being able to bounce ideas off each other.”
Eric and Amy Pace have been with Aire Serv since 2009. The pair has three teenage boys who all have a role in the family business. The Paces are also leaders actively involved in their community. For nine years, Eric has been a Scout Master for Boy Scouts of America. The family is also actively involved with their church.