Q1) 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?
Ans: Legacy Heating & Cooling is a full-service HVAC company proudly serving Rhode Island (RI) and Southern Massachusetts (MA). We specialize in providing energy-efficient heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) solutions. Our services include installation, maintenance, repairs, and system designs for both residential and commercial customers. With a strong focus on delivering exceptional craftsmanship, reliability, and customer satisfaction, we aim to provide year-round comfort to our clients.
Q2) Kindly give us a brief description about yourself (it should include your brief educational or entrepreneurial background and list some of your major achievements)?
Ans: Legacy Heating & Cooling was founded by Mike and John, seasoned professionals with over 25 years of experience in the HVAC industry. From working hands-on with installations to solving complex technical challenges, Mike and John have built a career rooted in integrity, dedication, and craftsmanship. Their leadership has shaped Legacy into a trusted name, recognized for ensuring customer peace of mind, delivering high-quality results, and standing by every job with comprehensive guarantees.
Q3) 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?
Ans: Legacy Heating & Cooling started from the belief that HVAC companies should prioritize more than just mechanical work–they should care deeply about quality, customer satisfaction, and long-term value. Mike and John wanted to offer customers transparent pricing, tailored solutions, and a guarantee they could rely on. This drive to raise the standard in HVAC services and a passion for helping people live and work in maximum comfort inspired the establishment of Legacy.
Q4) What three pieces of advice would you give to budding entrepreneurs?
Ans: 1. Prioritize Quality Over Quantity: Focus on delivering work you can be proud of. A product or service that speaks for itself builds lasting relationships with customers.
2. Stay Transparent: Customers value companies they can trust. Be honest, straightforward, and consistent in all your dealings.
3. Adapt to Change: Whether it’s technology or customer expectations, be ready to adjust your approach and learn continuously. It can make or break your business.
Q5) What would you say are the top three skills needed to be a successful entrepreneur?
Ans: * Problem-Solving: The ability to find solutions even in tough situations is crucial.
* Leadership: Whether guiding a team or making key decisions, strong leadership defines the success of your venture.
* Communication: Clear, open, and effective communication with employees, customers, and partners is non-negotiable.
Q6) How many hours do you work a day on average?
Ans: Running an HVAC company often means long hours–an average day is about 10-12 hours. For us, it’s not just about the number of hours but the impact those hours have in delivering great service to our customers.
Q7) To what do you most attribute your success?
Ans: Our success comes down to three pillars–expertise, trust, and the determination to exceed customer expectations. The dedication of our team and our unwavering commitment to quality craftsmanship have helped us build a strong reputation across RI and Southern MA.
Q8) How do you go about marketing your business? What has been your most successful form of marketing?
Ans: We utilize multiple marketing channels, including a strong online presence through our website, SEO optimization, and occasional discounts or seasonal specials like our End of Winter and Spring specials. However, the most effective form has been word-of-mouth referrals from satisfied customers. Their trust speaks volumes to potential new clients.
Q9) Where did your organizations funding/capital come from and how did you go about getting it? How did you obtain investors for your venture?
Ans: Legacy Heating & Cooling began as a self-funded venture, with resources pooled from years of experience and success working in the HVAC field. By focusing on efficiency and providing value upfront, we steadily grew the business into a profitable and sustainable operation.
Q10) What is the best way to achieve long-term success?
Ans: The best way to achieve long-term success is to build strong relationships with your customers. Invest in providing quality services, offer transparency, and stand by your promises. Consistency in delivering value and staying adaptable to industry trends are also key.
Q11) Where you see yourself and your business in 5 – 10 years?
Ans: We aim to solidify Legacy Heating & Cooling as the leading HVAC service provider in RI and Southern MA. Over the next decade, we hope to expand our capabilities, adopt newer, sustainable technologies, and introduce innovative solutions that keep pace with growing energy-efficiency demands.
Q12) Excluding yours, what company or business do you admire the most?
Ans: We admire companies like Tesla for rethinking energy and pushing innovation. While in a different field, their commitment to sustainable solutions and challenging the status quo is something that resonates with our values.
Q13) How important have good employees been to your success?
Ans: Good employees are everything to our success. The expertise, integrity, and professionalism that every Legacy team member brings to the table create the foundation of trust our customers rely on. Every hire is a reflection of our values, so we’re always diligent about building the right team.
Q14) What motivates you?
Ans: Seeing the satisfaction on our customers’ faces after a job well done keeps us moving forward. Knowing that we’ve made someone’s home healthier or more comfortable fuels our passion every day.
Q15) How do you define success?
Ans: For us, true success is about seeing happy customers, receiving referrals, and knowing that our work has made a real difference in people’s lives. It’s also about creating a business environment that fosters growth and pride within our team.
Q16) What is your favorite aspect of being an entrepreneur?
Ans: The ability to build something that has a meaningful impact–both for our customers and our employees–is incredibly rewarding. We also enjoy the freedom to set the tone and values of our business, shaping it into something we genuinely believe in.
Q17) What kind of culture exists in your organization? How did you establish this tone and why did you institute this particular type of culture?
Ans: We’ve built a culture of trust, accountability, and respect. Legacy Heating & Cooling operates as a team where everyone takes pride in their work and supports each other. This culture was cultivated by leading through example–we show the same dedication to our customers and employees that we expect from everyone else.
Q18) In one word, characterize your life as an entrepreneur?
Ans: Fulfilling.
