The summer sun hung heavy in the California sky in July of 2021, just another day to most people. But for David Katz and his brother, Michael Katz, it was the beginning of a dream that would take root and flourish in ways they had never imagined. That day marked the birth of Trio Heating and Air, a company that would grow not just by numbers, but by purpose.
Fast forward to 2023, and Trio Heating and Air had been nationally recognized as the HVAC Company of the Year by the prestigious Bryant Awards. Service Titan had also honored them for their impact and innovation. With revenues climbing between $10 to $15 million annually and a dedicated team of over 60 employees, Trio Heating and Air had become more than a business—it had become a movement.
But behind the headlines and accolades lies a story of persistence, hard lessons, and a vision for something bigger than profit.
Rooted in Responsibility: Planting Trees, Planting Hope
California’s landscape had been scorched time and time again by devastating wildfires. The air that David and Michael have breathed for the past decade was now often choked with smoke and ash. But instead of simply worrying about the environment, they made it part of their mission to restore it. For every service call completed, Trio Heating and Air plants a tree on behalf of the customer—a simple gesture with profound implications.
“We’ve planted over 12,000 trees so far,” David explains. “It’s not just about doing business; it’s about making sure we leave something better behind. We’re not just improving indoor air quality; we’re fighting to improve the air outside, too.”
The Trio Difference: People and Processes
What sets Trio apart in an industry crowded with HVAC providers isn’t just the mission—it’s the people.
“We’re a family here,” David shares. “We pay well, offer great benefits, and invest in daily training. Every morning at 7 AM, our teams come together, not just to learn technical skills, but to sharpen their understanding of customer service and problem-solving.”
Their culture of excellence has resulted in less than a 1% callback rate—a near-miraculous feat in the HVAC world.
“If we miss something during an inspection, that’s on us, not the customer,” David states firmly. “We give them peace of mind with our No Change Order Guarantee. We get it right the first time, and if we don’t, we make it right.”
The Secret to Growth: Learning From Failure
Success didn’t come easy. In fact, David admits they learned more from failure than from any business manual.
“A lot of home service companies fail because they lack basic business knowledge,” he says. “They don’t know how to price their services correctly, so they undercharge customers. Sure, it wins them business in the short term, but when something goes wrong, and it always does, they don’t have the resources to fix it.”
David and Michael took a different approach. They charged fair, competitive rates that reflected the quality of their work. They understood that installing an HVAC system isn’t just about the equipment—it’s about the installation process, maintenance, and fine-tuning.
“An improperly installed system may run at only 60% efficiency,” David explains. “We ensure that when we install a system, it operates optimally. Customers see the difference on their energy bills immediately. Over time, they save thousands of dollars because they chose quality from the start.”
Convincing Customers: Trusting Value Over Price
Convincing homeowners to invest in premium services wasn’t always easy. But David believes the market is shifting.
“Homeowners are getting smarter. They know how to do their research, how to ask the right questions. When they call us, even at 3 AM on Christmas Eve, we answer within 10 seconds. It’s that kind of service that sets us apart,” he says.
Trio doesn’t just install HVAC systems—they provide custom solutions.
“When customers compare our quote to others, they see the difference,” David adds. “We don’t try to upsell or cut corners. We inspect electrical panels, estimate energy loss, and design ducts that work efficiently. These aren’t details most companies bother with, but they matter to us.”
Giving Back: Training the Next Generation
Recognizing the industry-wide shortage of skilled labor, David and Michael launched a free training program open to anyone—including their competitors.
“Twice a month, we invite companies from all over the U.S. to send their employees for training. We provide breakfast, lunch, and even ice cream. We don’t charge them a penny,” David says.
Why train competitors for free?
“Because when they get better, we get better,” he says. “It forces us to improve. At the end of the day, the customer wins.”
Challenges Along the Way
Like any business, Trio Heating and Air faces challenges. During the pandemic, it was labor shortages. Now, the challenge is marketing in a crowded space.
“There’s less demand, and everyone is fighting for attention,” David explains. “We’ve invested heavily in marketing, from digital platforms to old-school flyers. The key is to be efficient and always focus on the customer experience. If you don’t pay attention to the shifts in the market needs and where your potential client’s attention is – you lose.”
Their call center operates 24/7, ensuring that no customer call goes unanswered, no matter the time or day.
A Vision for the Future
Where does David see Trio Heating and Air in the next five years? He doesn’t hesitate.
“We’re aiming for $150 to $200 million in revenue by 2027-28 and capturing 20-25% of the market share,” he says.
Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
David’s advice for those entering the HVAC industry is simple but powerful.
“Don’t reinvent the wheel. Work for small, medium, and large companies to understand how things work at every stage. Learn from those who have already found the answers. And don’t get into business just to be your own boss or have a flexible schedule. That’s a myth. You’re responsible for your employees, your customers, and the industry as a whole.”
He pauses, reflecting on the lessons learned.
“If you have passion and you’re willing to take responsibility, this business can be incredibly rewarding. But it’s not for the faint-hearted.”
Today, Trio Heating and Air is more than an HVAC company. It’s a symbol of resilience, innovation, and purpose. Their story is proof that with the right mix of passion, strategy, and responsibility, you can build a business that not only thrives but also gives back.
Ready to see how Trio Heating and Air transforms homes, saves energy, and plants hope? Visit their website at trioheatingandair.com to learn more and join their journey of excellence and responsibility.