HYBRID AIR HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING

Caring for the comfort of families

by Marianne Chalk



Commitment and dedication to common goals. Affection and respect for one another. "These things can transform a community of co-workers into a family," Ben Young, owner of Hybrid Air Heating and Air Conditioning, points out.

Ben is convinced that this is certainly the case with his employees, and that it is the reason for the business's success. "It's all about dedicated staff and management working together," Ben declares.  

 "We have a fantastic staff with great attitudes," Ben says. "We earn a lot of five star ratings because we do the right thing, treating customers with respect."

Ben knows respect begins at the front door of every homeowner. He explains, "A door mat is put in place and booties are worn over shoes. The uniforms my staff wears are neat and clean." With each high-rated customer satisfaction response, a posting in the warehouse acknowledges the team responsible for the excellent outcome.

Well-educated staff is essential for yielding outstanding achievements. "Employees are trained through a mentorship process and hands-on training in-house," Ben reports. "Trane Comfort Specialist education is a key component, and I offer business skill education in some instances. I encourage expanding personal growth by increasing knowledge."

"I really enjoy seeing the work of super stars and standouts; seeing the fruit of the investment of education," he continues. "Many employees have a Universal License which requires an advanced skill level. I'll even pay half for those who want to achieve this special license. I want our customers to rest assured that qualified staff are working on or installing their equipment."

A little appreciation goes a long way, and employees are recognized for their dedication. "Bonuses, concert tickets, lunches, or trophies are given to reward exemplary efforts. At the end of the year a most valuable player-type of award is presented," Ben smiles.

The company's motto illustrates their values and vision: make it happen and lead by example. "I want to stand out for the best professional job consistently performed," Ben explains. To make this happen, installing managers oversee the quality of every assignment to ensure superb workmanship.

The business has been selected as the recipient of the Coastal Virginia Gold Award, Best Readers' Choice, for 2018. A Virginian Pilot Readers' Choice Silver Award has been received for each of the past few years as well.  As the leader of this beloved business, it's not surprising that Ben was personally recognized in the Top Forty under Forty by HVAC News a few years ago. "It was such an honor, and at the same time, a humbling experience," the entrepreneur says.


"We have a fantastic staff
with great attitudes...
I want our customers to rest assured
that qualified staff are working on
 or installing their equipment."

- Ben Young, Owner


This heating and air conditioning family is invested in their success. All 27 employees are committed to the company's vision. Ben remarks, "Like minded employees contribute to growth, and I'm well aware that my team's dedication is vital. In 2017 we had a 37 percent increase over the prior year, and there has been similar growth 2018. My goal is a progressive company that stays on the cutting edge, but still maintains a family atmosphere." Expansion outside of Hampton Roads is being considered.



Owner Ben Young


For Ben, cutting edge means thinking green. "I want to be a good steward of the environment," Ben expresses. "Being paperless is part of this process; we are I-pad and computer driven."

The very name of the business, "hybrid" is actually a reflection of their focus on energy conservation. "It means we are offering our customers truly state-of-the-art technology for heating and cooling their homes," Ben conveys. "We incorporate clean air and other indoor air quality products in the home comfort system. This will achieve the highest levels of energy conservation, clean air and comfort."

Like many local business owners, Ben's skills were taught to him by his father, Tom Young, now retired. "I learned every technical aspect from my dad," Ben beams. "He was the very best in this field. I interned with him during summers and on weekends, and that really helped me get licenses and certifications."

Ben also learned other lessons from his father. "Do it right the first time - if a system is installed correctly, it will work correctly. That's why we offer a 10 year warranty on parts and labor. We stand behind our product and our work." Free estimates, second opinions and financing are available, too.

Hybrid Air is very much a culture of giving back to the community. "We sponsor a variety of organizations: Veteran's United Home Amphitheater, JT's Camp Grom, which is a 70 acre beach-style adventure camp for adults and children with disabilities, Sand and Soccer Tournament of Hampton Roads for youth, golf tournaments that support local schools, FACT, an organization improving the quality of life of individuals with autism, Saving Kids Dreams for less fortunate children, and St. John the Apostle Catholic School."

In an interesting twist of fate, his business was responsible for re-introducing Ben to his new bride, Janette. They had met about eight years earlier but hadn't kept in touch. While searching for assistance with a new air conditioner, Janette stumbled on Hybrid Air and they were brought together a second time. They were married this past June, and each of their two boys became brothers. "We have lots in common. It is the perfect fit," Ben smiles.


"We hope that the community
will give us an opportunity
to continue to earn their trust."

- Ben Young, Owner

 
Ben wants his employees to be excited about coming to work, excited to talk with friends and their Hybrid work family. His goal is for this sense of family to be extended beyond the staff. "Customers and clients are not just individuals who obtained a service. They are part of the Hybrid family, too. Just like we recognize workers, we want to recognize them by offering a gift card for referrals," Ben explains. "We hope that the community will give us an opportunity to continue to earn their trust."



Ben and Janette with their two boys.
Photograph by Erika Mills











Hybrid Air Heating & Air Conditioning

753 Voyager Court
Virginia Beach, VA 23452

757-436-3749







http://www.hybridairusa.com