Some aspects of marketing our heating and air conditioning business have changed drastically in the last few years, while other aspects have remained exactly the same. Back when John and I opened the doors to Action Air in 1986 we didn’t really put much planning in to how we would market our company.
I now laugh out loud when I tell the story of our first marketing experience. Johns dad owned and operated an old fashioned service station back then, fixing cars and pumping gas on the east side of Indy for over 30 years. He was so proud of his son for opening his own business that he wanted to help spread the word. He ordered 500 wooden yardsticks and had them imprinted with “Action Air Heating and Air Conditioning” and our phone number, and he passed yardsticks out to all of his gas station customers. Believe it or not we still see some of those very same yardsticks in the homes of our long time clients, 27 years later!
When John’s dad opened his service station in 1956, his philosophy was simple. Do a good job for people, charge a fair price, stand behind your work and be polite and respectful. If you did all of these things, people will spread the word and you will be a successful business man. That was how he marketed his business so many years ago…satisfied customers spreading the word.
Below is a note from a client we recently did some work for, an example of how our long held values shine through today, and how we still rely on good old fashioned word of mouth marketing.
“We moved into our home last summer and have called Action Air twice. They have gone above & beyond to work with us on our 3 year old unit that the previous owners purchased & did not maintain. Nick (1st visit) and Tim (2nd visit) came out to our home immediately after calling for help. Everyone we have dealt with has been so friendly, helpful & courteous. Since I work in the customer service industry; I always look for a company that will exceed clients’ expectations. Action Air has definitely exceeded our expectations! My husband & I recommend them to everyone! Thanks so much!”
