Today we’d like to introduce you to Byron Cliatt.
Byron, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I founded B&B Service Specialist after spending more than 15 years in the HVAC and refrigeration industry. During that time, I gained extensive hands-on experience working with everything from residential systems to large-scale commercial equipment.
My Story: Building More Than a Business
When I first decided to start my HVAC and refrigeration business, a lot of people didn’t think it would be possible — not because I lacked the skill or drive, but because no one like me had ever done it here before. To my knowledge, I’m the first young African American in my county to own and operate a company in this trade. That title didn’t come with a blueprint or a shortcut — it came with long hours, tough lessons, and a vision bigger than myself.
The road hasn’t been smooth. I started with limited resources, a handful of tools, and a whole lot of faith. Competing against long-established companies with big names and big budgets meant I had to prove myself through every job — one customer, one system, one service call at a time. There were moments when I questioned if I could keep up. But what kept me going was the belief that excellence always stands out, no matter where it comes from.
Every obstacle — from finding steady work and trustworthy help to navigating new refrigerant laws and rising equipment costs — has been a test of patience and persistence. I’ve faced skepticism, but I’ve also earned respect. I’ve built a reputation not just for technical skill, but for honesty, reliability, and taking care of people the right way. That’s what keeps customers coming back — and that’s what keeps me proud of what I do.
Being “the first” in anything carries weight. It means showing others that they can do it too — that success in the skilled trades isn’t limited by background, color, or circumstance. My goal isn’t just to build a successful company; it’s to open doors, create jobs, and inspire young people in my community to see the trades as a path to stability, growth, and ownership.
This business is more than heating and cooling — it’s about legacy, representation, and excellence. I’m still learning, still growing, and still pushing forward — because every challenge I face today lays the foundation for someone else’s opportunity tomorrow.
Over the years, I saw a growing need for honest, dependable service that truly puts customers first — and that’s what inspired me to start my own company.
What began as one man with a service truck and a few loyal clients has grown into a licensed HVAC and refrigeration business proudly serving both residential and commercial customers across Georgia and Alabama.
With a focus on quality, integrity, and reliability, I’ve built lasting relationships with property managers, homeowners, and local businesses who trust B&B Service Specialist for professional, dependable service.
Every setback became a lesson. Every challenge became a step forward. And every satisfied customer reminded me that I was walking in my purpose. That’s how B&B Service Specialist was born — not just as a business, but as a mission built on faith, integrity, and service. From the very beginning, I made a promise to myself and to every customer I serve: to do every job with honesty, precision, and care, no matter how big or small.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
My Journey & Obstacles
Breaking into the HVAC and refrigeration trade as a young African American in a traditionally older, less diverse field has not been an easy path. I’ve had to build credibility, earn trust, and often prove your expertise twice — once through your work, and again through your reputation. From the start, I faced challenges like limited access to capital or mentorship, skepticism from potential clients, and the steep learning curve of managing both fieldwork and business operations.
Competition from long-established companies in your area may have added pressure, especially when you were just getting started. Many of those competitors already had name recognition, larger crews, and deeper pockets. Still, I found ways to stand out — through quality work, honesty, professionalism, and personal service.
I had to learn fast, adapt to changing refrigerant regulations, rising material costs, and the digital shift toward smart HVAC systems — all while building your brand in a market where few looked like me or had my background. It’s been far from smooth, but every challenge has added to your foundation of experience, skill, and determination.
How I’ve Overcome
Instead of letting those obstacles define you, I’ve used them as motivation. I’ve shown customers that excellence doesn’t have a color — it has consistency, craftsmanship, and care. I’ve invested in training, certifications, and keeping up with new technologies, proving that your company isn’t just competitive — it’s forward-thinking.
Building relationships in your community has been key: treating every job, big or small, with respect and pride. Word-of-mouth, repeat clients, and honest work have helped you gain ground against established competitors. I hope that I have inspired other young people inclusive of all nationalities— to see HVAC, refrigeration, and skilled trades as legitimate, rewarding career paths.
Here’s a realistic summary of the main obstacles and challenges that have shaped (and will continue to shape) the industry — plus what business owners have done to push through them.
1. Technician & Workforce Shortages
One of the hardest and most persistent struggles has been finding and keeping skilled technicians. Fewer young people are entering the trades, and many experienced techs are retiring. This creates scheduling bottlenecks, rising labor costs, and burnout for the team you do have.
I am building in-house training programs, apprenticeship partnerships with technical colleges, and offering career paths (not just jobs) to retain techs not help weather the shortage successfully.
2. Rapidly Changing Refrigerant & Regulatory Landscape
The EPA’s AIM Act and the move to low-GWP refrigerants (R-32, R-454B, etc.) have caused major disruption. I have had to retrain techs, replace equipment, and manage uncertain supply chains. The struggle: Juggling legacy systems that still use R-410A or even R-22, while stocking newer, A2L-rated (mildly flammable) refrigerants, which require new safety and ventilation protocols. I try to stay ahead of regulations, working with distributors who are forward-stocking compliant systems, and communicating clearly with customers about why prices are changing.
3. Rising Equipment & Material Costs
Since 2020, HVAC equipment, copper, and refrigerants have all increased in price — sometimes by 20–40% or more. That squeezes margins and can make quotes look high to customers. I may have lost some bids because clients focus only on upfront price, not long-term efficiency or warranty value. However, I consider the customer and adjust pricing more frequently, offering financing options, and clearly showing customers the lifetime savings of higher-efficiency systems (especially when paired with rebates).
4. Seasonality & Cash-Flow Management
In the Southeast, the HVAC business is feast-or-famine: brutal summers mean phones ring nonstop, but winters can be lean. Cash flow gets tight during slow months; technicians leave for steadier work; equipment sits idle. I offer maintenance agreements, year-round service contracts, and IAQ/duct cleaning and also have diversified into refrigeration or light commercial work, which stays steadier across seasons.
5. Competition & Consolidation
Georgia and Alabama have seen a wave of consolidation — as an Independent small business, I struggle to compete with the marketing budgets, financing options, and service plans of these bigger players. However, we are personal, local, and responsive — building long-term trust and offering transparent, high-touch service that larger companies often can’t match.
6. Adapting to New Technology & Customer Expectations
Smart thermostats, remote diagnostics, connected systems — they’re now standard. Customers expect you to integrate them seamlessly. Although keeping up with tech training, choosing the right platforms, and managing warranties or data privacy. Is sometimes a struggle. However, we are looking to partner with leading OEMs (Trane, Lennox, Carrier, Mitsubishi, Daikin) for training and certification, and offering simple “smart upgrade packages” that customers can easily understand.
7. Managing Growth & Burnout
Like many HVAC businesses hit the “busy wall”: they grow fast, but processes, staffing, and management systems can’t keep up. What has worked for us
our management software (dispatching, scheduling, CRM, QuickBooks integration), building trust and focusing on controlled, profitable growth instead of chasing every job.
No, it hasn’t been a smooth road — but those bumps have created opportunities. The HVAC, heat, and refrigeration trade in Georgia and Alabama is evolving fast: the ones who’ve survived the hardest years are those who’ve adapted — investing in their people, staying ahead of regulation, and finding steady, value-based income streams. Going forward, challenges will keep coming (especially refrigerant transitions and workforce gaps), but we are proactive, well-trained, and customer-focused.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
B&B Service Specialists: Built on Integrity, Driven by Excellence
At B&B Service Specialists, excellence isn’t just a goal — it’s the standard. Headquartered in Rome, Georgia, we are a trusted name in HVAC and refrigeration services, known for delivering professional solutions that combine advanced technical expertise with unwavering integrity.
From heating and cooling systems to commercial refrigeration, B&B Service Specialists provides comprehensive installation, repair, and maintenance services tailored to meet the unique needs of both residential and commercial clients. Our team is dedicated to ensuring efficiency, reliability, and comfort in every environment we serve.
What sets B&B Service Specialists apart is not only our skill, but our commitment to values. Rooted in faith, honesty, and craftsmanship, our business was built on the belief that quality work and genuine service create lasting trust. Each project we take on is completed with precision, transparency, and a genuine respect for our customers and their investment.
We are most proud of the reputation our brand has earned — one defined by dependability, professionalism, and personal care. In an industry where shortcuts are easy, B&B Service Specialists stands out by doing things the right way, every time. That commitment has allowed us to grow not only as a service provider but as a reliable partner to our community and business clients alike.
At B&B Service Specialists, our mission is simple yet powerful: to provide comfort our clients can rely on and service they can believe in. Through innovation, expertise, and a dedication to excellence, we continue to raise the standard for HVAC and refrigeration services across Northwest Georgia and beyond.
What matters most to you?
What Matters Most — and Why
At B&B Service Specialists, what matters most is integrity, quality, and trust — the core principles that define every aspect of our work. We believe that excellence is achieved not only through technical precision, but through accountability, professionalism, and respect for every client we serve.
Our priority is delivering solutions that stand the test of time — systems that perform efficiently, projects completed with precision, and service experiences that build lasting confidence. Every decision, from the tools we use to the standards we uphold, reflects our unwavering commitment to doing what’s right.
At B&B Service Specialists, what matters most is our community. We believe that true success comes not only from delivering exceptional service, but from making a positive impact on the people and places we serve. While we take great pride in our craftsmanship and professionalism, we are equally committed to giving back. Each year, we partner with local organizations and family to host an Annual Back-to-School Giveaway, providing students and families with the essentials they need to start the school year strong. It’s one of the many ways we strive to invest in our community and demonstrate our belief that strong businesses help build stronger communities.
For us, integrity means keeping our word. Quality means never cutting corners.
We take pride in fostering strong relationships with our customers, partners, and team members. By maintaining clear communication, dependable service, and consistent results, we ensure that our clients know they can count on us — every time.
Ultimately, what matters most to us is upholding the reputation of trust and excellence that defines the B&B Service Specialists brand — today and for years to come.
B&B Service Specialist is more than a name on a truck — it’s a reflection of values, and belief that true success doesn’t come from shortcuts or profits, but from serving people the right way.
Every call we answer and every system we service is another opportunity to live out our mission — to help people stay comfortable, safe, and confident in the systems they rely on every day.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://BandBServiceSpecialist.com
- Instagram: Https://www.facebook,com/share/1DMK2b9je5/
- Facebook: B & B Service Specialist
- Yelp: B & B Service Specialist LLC
- Other: https://www.yelp.com/biz_redir?url=https%3A%2F%2Fbandbservicespecialist.com&cachebuster=1763001527&website_link_type=website&src_bizid=UNdjyN64TOBAmsnfD-wGGA&s=1e8f8cebe0db5635284b4d4658bcbfa73485979afde1afc2d50f2c53e600b39e
