What does it take to build a local service business with over 2,300 Google reviews and a nearly perfect 4.9-star rating? Glenn Frank knows the answer, having transformed Fort Collins Heating and Air Conditioning from a one-man operation into a thriving family enterprise with more than 90 employees.
Glenn's journey began in 1996 when he purchased tools and equipment from his retired grandfather. Despite witnessing the struggles his father and grandfather faced in the trades, Glenn's entrepreneurial spirit led him to create something remarkable—a business now poised to pass to the third generation, with three of his sons already working alongside him.
The conversation dives deep into the misconceptions plaguing the HVAC industry. Glenn addresses how some companies exploit customer ignorance and explains his zero-tolerance approach to such practices. With refreshing candor, he breaks down the economics of service calls, explaining why quality HVAC service costs what it does—from paying skilled technicians $40+ per hour to maintaining professional vehicles that "don't leak oil on customers' driveways."
Perhaps most compelling is Glenn's openness about the hardships he's weathered. From periods when he couldn't pay himself to surviving embezzlement during the housing crisis, he shares how creative solutions (including having employees drive company trucks through town during rush hour just to increase visibility) helped his business survive and eventually thrive. The turning point came with strategic rebranding, radio advertising, and a memorable jingle that transformed the company's fortunes.
Today, Fort Collins Heating and Air Conditioning has expanded beyond HVAC to include plumbing and electrical services, leading to the launch of a second brand—Origin Plumbing, Heating, Cooling and Electrical. Unlike many competitors, Glenn proudly maintains local, family ownership with no plans to sell to private equity firms. His company's tagline—"big enough to serve, small enough to care"—perfectly captures the balance he's struck between growth and personalized service.
Ready to experience the difference integrity makes in home services? Connect with Glenn's team through their websites and discover why thousands of Northern Colorado residents trust this local, family-owned business with their homes.
