DENVER, CO — Just over a year ago, Veteran Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electric completed its first job — an HVAC project for a co-worker of co-founder Brad, booked with empty trucks and a team still learning the software. Today, the company marks its first anniversary with 2,132 completed jobs and recognition as the fastest-growing home services company in the Denver market.
The milestone stands out for what the company did not do to reach it. Veteran Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electric made no outbound sales calls, sent no email or text blasts, and avoided the shoulder-season slowdown that typically defines the HVAC industry in Colorado. HVAC and electrical work is now booked weeks or months in advance.
“It's a win for the customer, a win for the employee, and a win for the company - not just one of those,” said Mitchell Thier, a member of the Veteran Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electric team. “That culture was built in from the start, and it's the reason people who join this team don't want to leave.” That view is shared across the organization. “Having an owner who actually gets in the field and helps the team succeed makes all the difference,” said Noah Zangara, also of Veteran Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electric. “It's a company that cares about its employees and its customers in equal measure, and that's rare in this industry.”
Over twelve months, the company grew from a single transaction to a team of 69 employees operating 17 wrapped and upfitted trucks across the Denver metro area. It has served approximately 4,000 customers, logged roughly 18,000 field hours, and earned approximately 350 five-star reviews. The company has also secured more than $1.4 million in approved HEAR (Heat Electrification and Affordability Rebate) projects, helping Denver-area homeowners access Xcel Energy rebate programs that reduce the cost of high-efficiency HVAC and electrification upgrades.
Veteran Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electric provides heating, cooling, plumbing, and electrical services under a veteran-owned identity built on accountability and community engagement rather than high-pressure sales tactics. That approach - combined with demonstrated expertise in rebate program navigation - has produced word-of-mouth growth that the company has not supplemented with traditional outbound marketing.
As it enters its second year, Veteran Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electric is actively pursuing licensing and permitting for expansion into Dallas/Fort Worth, with Wisconsin also under consideration. The company is simultaneously in the early stages of a capital raise to fund geographic growth. This expansion strategy underscores the company's confidence in its model, which prioritizes employee satisfaction and customer trust over aggressive sales techniques.
The company's success in navigating rebate programs is particularly noteworthy given the growing emphasis on energy efficiency and electrification. By securing over $1.4 million in approved HEAR projects, Veteran Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electric has not only helped homeowners save money but also positioned itself as a leader in the transition to cleaner energy solutions. This focus on sustainability and affordability could serve as a template for other home services companies looking to differentiate themselves in competitive markets.
As Veteran Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electric looks ahead, its growth trajectory offers insights into the evolving home services industry. The company's ability to thrive without traditional marketing suggests that a customer-centric approach, combined with technical expertise and a strong company culture, can drive substantial success. The planned expansion into new markets will be a test of whether this model can be replicated beyond Denver, potentially reshaping expectations for how home services companies grow.
