Question: Kindly give our readers an introduction to your business. Please include what your business is all about, in which city you are located and if you have offices in multiple locations/ cities.
Answer: Air Plus Heating & Cooling of Cincinnati is a family owned and operated business based in Reading, Ohio. Rob Raby, our President, founded Air-Plus in 1993 and we have been delivering quality service in Greater Cincinnati ever since. We live by our Customer Pledge and take pride in our:
- Honesty and integrity.
- Quality of workmanship.
- Prompt and friendly service to all of our customers.
Question: Kindly give us a brief description about yourself (it should include your brief educational or entrepreneurial background and list some of your major achievements).
Answer: We are heating and cooling professionals! We maintain a high level of quality among our staff. All of our installers and technicians are trained on a regular, on-going basis. We, and they, are certified by the following industry organizations:
Bonded & Insured
Ohio License: # 24364
Contractor License: # C86432
NORTH AMERICAN TECHNICIAN EXCELLENCE (NATE)
North American Technician Excellence (NATE) is an independent, third-party organization that develops and promotes excellence in the installation and service of heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration equipment by recognizing high-quality industry technicians through voluntary testing and certification. Our technicians have passed the rigorous testing necessary to qualify as NATE Certified Technicians.
Question: What inspired you to (start a new business venture) or (to make significant changes in an existing business)? How did the idea for your business come about?
Answer: I started Air Plus Heating & Cooling in 1993 with the goal of creating a company that not only provided expert HVAC services but also truly served and invested in the local community. Having a background in marketing, I knew that a successful business wasn’t just about the service—it was about relationships, trust, and going above and beyond for customers. That’s why I put “Plus” in the name. We don’t just offer heating and cooling; we offer the PLUS—indoor air quality solutions, duct cleaning, water heaters, and more. It’s also a mindset for our team. We don’t just meet industry standards—we exceed them.
When it came to choosing a manufacturer to work with, I wanted a partner that shared this commitment to excellence. That’s why I chose Carrier and became a Factory Authorized Dealer. This designation isn’t just a badge—it means we hold ourselves to the highest standards of training, customer service, and technical expertise. It ensures that our team is constantly learning and improving so that we can deliver the best possible experience to our customers.
Beyond our services, community involvement has always been a priority for Air Plus. We’re not just a business—we’re a neighbor. We actively support local sports teams, fundraisers, and car washes, and we’re proud to give back to veterans and other important causes. I live in the community we serve, and I’ve built a dedicated team that believes in the same values of integrity, service, and always providing the “Plus.”
Question: How many hours do you work a day on average?
Answer: A lot!
Question: How do you go about marketing your business? What has been your most successful form of marketing?
Answer: At Air Plus, we take a multi-faceted approach to marketing because we know that reaching the right customers requires more than just one channel. That’s why we partner with a professional marketing firm to ensure that every strategy we use is data-driven and results-focused. Data drives our decisions, and creative messaging fuels our results.
Our marketing mix includes:
Digital Marketing – We leverage targeted online advertising, SEO, and paid search to ensure we’re reaching the right people at the right time.
Streaming Audio & Video – Platforms like Spotify, Pandora, and YouTube allow us to engage potential customers where they already spend time.
Direct Mail – Even in the digital age, a well-timed and well-designed mail piece still delivers strong results, especially for seasonal promotions.
Organic Social Media – We maintain an active presence on platforms like Facebook and Instagram, engaging with our community and showcasing our expertise.
Community Involvement – Marketing isn’t just about advertising—it’s also about presence. Supporting local sports teams, fundraisers, and veteran initiatives keeps us connected to the people we serve.
What makes our marketing successful is the balance of strategy and creativity. We don’t just throw out ads and hope for the best. Every decision is backed by data, and every message is crafted to connect. This approach has allowed us to build trust, grow our brand, and continue providing the “Plus” to the customers who rely on us.
Question: Where did your organizations funding/capital come from and how did you go about getting it? How did you obtain investors for your venture?
Answer: – No answer
Question: Where you see yourself and your business in 5 – 10 years?
Answer: I see Air Plus continuing to thrive in the community and an increased fleet of technicians. Perhaps I spend a bit more time on the beach!
Question: How important have good employees been to your success?
Answer: Good employees are everything. You can have the best marketing, the best products, and the best strategy, but without the right people, none of it matters. I’ve built Air Plus with a team that not only has the technical expertise but also shares the same commitment to going above and beyond for our customers. That’s why training is a priority for us—we don’t just hire employees; we invest in them.
Question: How long do you stick with an idea before giving up?
Answer: I believe persistence is key, but I also believe in being smart about when to pivot. If an idea is backed by solid reasoning and data, I’ll give it time to gain traction. But if it’s not delivering results and we’ve tested different approaches, I’m not afraid to shift gears and find a better solution.
Question: What motivates you?
Answer: Seeing the impact of what we do—whether it’s helping a family stay comfortable in their home, giving back to our community, or seeing my team grow in their careers. I also love the challenge of constantly improving and pushing Air Plus to the next level.
Question: What are your ideals?
Answer: Integrity, community, and excellence. I believe in doing the right thing, even when no one is watching, and treating people with fairness and respect. Air Plus is about more than just HVAC—it’s about being a company that people trust and one that gives back.
Question: How do you generate new ideas?
Answer: A mix of experience, listening, and staying ahead of industry trends. I pay attention to what customers are asking for, what’s working in our marketing, and how the industry is evolving. I also rely on my team—some of the best ideas come from the people in the field every day.
Question: How do you define success?
Answer: Success isn’t just about revenue or growth—it’s about reputation. If our customers trust us, if our team is proud to work here, and if we’re making a real difference in the community, that’s success.
Question: How do you build a successful customer base?
Answer: Trust and consistency. We don’t just aim to do a good job once—we aim to be the company people rely on year after year. That means doing quality work, following through on our promises, and always delivering the “Plus” that sets us apart.
Question: What is your favorite aspect of being an entrepreneur?
Answer: The ability to shape the business into something meaningful. I love having the freedom to set high standards, build a great team, and make decisions that reflect our values.
Question: What do you feel is the major difference between entrepreneurs and those who work for someone else?
Answer: Entrepreneurs have to be comfortable with risk and uncertainty. There’s no guaranteed paycheck or roadmap—you have to create the path yourself. But with that risk comes the reward of building something from the ground up.
Question: What kind of culture exists in your organization? How did you establish this tone and why did you institute this particular type of culture?
Answer: Our culture is built on teamwork, accountability, and always going the extra mile. I established it by leading by example—treating people with respect, holding high standards, and making sure everyone feels valued. We’ve built a team that genuinely cares about what they do, and that makes all the difference.