Today we’d like to introduce you to Thaddeus Reay.
Hi Thaddeus, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I grew up in a small town, Norwich Connecticut. I love where I come from. In Norwich, we didn’t have many options to repair things once they were broken. Being at a disadvantage with a single mom and all, I took it upon myself as one of the older kids to repair everything that broke. I started off as a young kid fixing things in the neighborhood; fixing things such as Xboxes, computers, other kids’ bikes in the neighborhood, etc. I realized at a young age I had a high mechanical aptitude and could make a living off of this.
As I aged, I realized the only path that would be right for me to make money would be by becoming a master in plumbing, HVAC, and engineering design. At the age of 16, I installed my first water heater and it clicked to me that I enjoyed this work, plumbing. At age 17, I earned an opportunity and went to technical school for plumbing in Massachusetts. After I graduated from plumbing, I attended school for HVAC & Refrigeration at a spectacular school in Connecticut (Where I’m originally from). I worked in the field for years and woke up every day to get better. I knew that I wanted – more than anything- to achieve something. I didn’t want to fail. In these schools that I attended, to break through in my field, I would drive 100 miles a day back and forth, and lived in my car for a period of time to save money. There were a lot of sacrifices that went on to earn my shot in life. Although it seemed tough and occasionally slept in my car to go to school, I saw the bigger picture and I didn’t allow myself to give up and not have success in my future. Fast forward working for many large companies after moving to Atlanta…
In 2020 my wife, Stephanie, and I (DURING THE PANDEMIC) opened up HVAC Allies in the metro Atlanta area. I had to yet again, make sacrifices to go on this journey. My wife and I dedicated ourselves to the project of a lifetime and I’m so happy we did.
I now own and operate a mechanical contracting company in Atlanta. The sky is the limit, we’re so young, and I can’t wait to see what we build in the next few decades together. You really can do what you dream of, you just have to be willing to work hard and sometimes risk it all.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has been anything but smooth. I grew up poor, I’ve seen people die, I’ve had my belongings stolen, and the list goes on before I even began our business in 2020. There have certainly been unique challenges as a business owner as well. I’ve learned so many new things due to the struggles from digital marketing to building stronger relationships. I’ve been blessed to have God lookout for me in ways that are just amazing though. For example: putting certain people in my path that I needed to meet. Also with helping me find peace and avoid negativity to thrive.
You have to remember that along with the big blessings God has planned for you, there are also going to be attacked on you; attacks of all kinds from different angles. I’m stronger because of what I’ve been through and I wouldn’t trade the struggles for anything.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
HVAC Allies specializes in HVAC & Refrigeration for homes, businesses, & the federal government. We have service contracts for production studios, restaurants, & private investors. Our team works on chillers, boilers, refrigeration, ventilation, and commercial air conditioning. I think where most of our pride lies is Stephanie and I are members of ACCA (Air Conditioning Contractors of America) and we have built an amazing brand that provides excellent customer service & quality design, installation, repair, and maintenance. Stephanie and I are perfectionists, we never “finish” a job unless it’s absolutely flawless. From design on paper to engineering CAD design, to our code installation. We’ll go above code and EPA guidelines to make sure the customer will be satisfied for years to come. A lot of people have the notion that “they don’t make things like they used to” but the thing is, they don’t design, maintain, or install them like they use to. Every year Stephanie and I spent a lot of time on continued education to stay ahead of technology and the curve. By doing this, we quickly gained traction and a good reputation, which led to having thousands of units under our wing.
We’re always looking for the lessons that can be learned in any situation, including tragic ones like the Covid-19 crisis. Are there any lessons you’ve learned that you can share?
It’s too soon to tell business-wise because we’ve worked through the entire crisis, so it’s all we know. It’s been demanding, there’s a metal shortage, and parts on backorder, it can be stressful at times. Through all this, you have to remember to give back to yourself, otherwise, you’ll be unhappy. Personally, I’ve grown a lot through the pandemic. It’s about putting yourself first more often. Go and enjoy life, shoot the bow, have a water balloon fight, and go find a waterfall. Time is precious.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.hvacallies.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HVACAllies/
