June 2008 Russell’s Heating and Cooling
cycling team raises over $8,100 for Multiple Sclerosis All were able to finish the 150 mile ride, but were tired and
complaining of "sore butts". One employee, Marc
Sawyer was quoted as saying "I never want to see my bicycle
again!" Fortunately,
after several days of rest; all team members, including Mr.
Sawyer have committed to do the ride again in 2009.
July 2007 Russell’s Heating and Cooling recognized as one of the top 25 places to work in Hampton Roads by Inside Business. INSIDE BUSINESS News publication recognized 25 companies Monday at a special luncheon and in a special edition in the July 9 issue of the publication as the Best Places to Work in Hampton Roads. About 215 people attended the event.
Companies were selected after judges reviewed nomination forms and the results of the online employee survey. Companies with more than 500 employees were asked to enter a division or department with fewer than 500 to enhance the credibility of the applications. Each application was scored by the judges and the average was combined with scores of the online surveys to determine the honorees. Some of the other notable companies recognized were:
INSIDE BUSINESS is a weekly business publications serving Hampton Roads.
October 2006
Glen McClure a nationally acclaimed, local photographer, shot
the photos of the business leaders in his Norfolk studio.
September 2006 Virginia Beach Va. Buddy Smith, President of Russell’s Heating & Cooling was elected president of the Hampton Roads chapter of the Air Conditioning Contractors of America. Smith will serve a 2 year term.Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA) is the largest HVACR organization in the world, with members in all 50 states as well as more than a dozen foreign countries. We're a contractor-led organization that exists for only one reason: improving the industry and helping our members succeed!
July 2005 INSIDE BUSINESS: Russell’s Heating & Cooling voted one of Hampton Roads' best places to work Last year, Russell's Heating and Cooling was No. 1 in the INSIDE BUSINESS top Places to Work list. So how could they possibly improve on that? "We improved pay." said president Buddy Smith, "We continued doing the same things we have been doing, but we needed to really show our employees how much we appreciated them." In addition to wage increases, the Chesapeake heating, ventilation and air-conditioner company made drastic improvements to its office. Even though Russell’s has always been known for a casual work atmosphere, Smith said that at times it was mass confusion getting the job done. "We decided it was time for getting organized. It was always fun working here, but some areas were totally chaotic. I would go to other workplaces and see nice furniture and nice carpet. It really adds to customers' and employees’ perceptions." said Smith Smith believes that a successful business begins with taking care of employees, and he said that keeping people happy at work means more than good pay and big bonuses, though they help. Smith considers the small things just as vital in keeping everyone in good spirits at work. He lets it slide when someone is five minutes late to work. He doesn't mind when people spend a few minutes to catch up with a co-worker or to talk about their golf game. At the same time, Smith is all business when it comes to getting the job done. "The important details," said Smith, “such
as customer satisfaction, paperwork, reporting, up- selling
and goals are as serious as a funeral procession. It takes
a blend In January, Smith scheduled a company retreat. He rented a beach house in Corolla for a week and had each manager select an employee to represent a department, along with the manager, at the cottage. There the employees and their bosses discussed what they were doing right at work and what they were doing wrong. During these conversations, they played pool, cards and shuffleboard. They went out to eat together, and listened to music together. Smith said the feedback was great. Work and fun. That is Smith’s recipe for success. "We try to make everything we do fun," said Smith. "Work can be hectic, but most of the time we arc acting like a bunch of school kids. Being goofy and joking around really lightens the work load. Since I am not a hardnosed person, I guess you could say I am leading and coaching people into acting silly." -David Nowitzky
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: RUSSELL’S HEATING & COOLING SELECTED AS NUMBER ONE PLACE TO WORK IN HAMPTON ROADS BY INSIDE BUSINESS MAGAZINE CHESAPEAKE, VA (AUGUST 2004) – Russell’s Heating & Cooling, located in Chesapeake, VA, was named as the number one place to work in the second annual Top 25 Places To Work in Hampton Roads rankings. Russell’s was featured on the July 5th cover of Inside Business. A panel of judges with expertise in human resource management and employee satisfaction reviewed all nominations and assigned points in each of four categories – culture/personality, family-friendly environment, compensation, and employee development. The ratings were then averaged, and a total score for each company was determined. The nominees were then ranked according to the highest scores. Russell’s Heating and Cooling employs only 33 people – 33 people evidently very happy to be working at Russell’s. “It’s easy to love working somewhere where you make six figures and people are giving you accolades all the time, but for people to love to work at a company that does this type of work really says something.” Says Smith, President of Russell’s Heating and Cooling. “ The work environment consists of crawling under houses and in attics and many times dealing with customers who are uncomfortable and unhappy. Russell’s has improved the difficult work environment by using creative incentives such as often treating the office employees to Starbucks coffee and Bagels from Panera Bread, or giving technicians a $ 50 credit on their tool account for each week they are on call. The work environment is also financially rewarding – all employees in the field are eligible for generous spiffs and bonuses, in addition to the already high hourly compensation that is given. Joseph Lacroix, one of the judges said “Russell’s was the clear winner of the contest because of the company’s commitment to its employees and the strong connection Smith has made with his workforce.” Smith is quoted as saying “People have a really good time working here, there’s always someone laughing in the office…we have a really casual work atmosphere where the job always gets done but not without some fun as well.” Other notable companies to make the Top 25 list include: Dollar Tree, Sentara Health Care, QVC, and Stihl. Russell’s Heating and Cooling, founded in April 1977, is a family owned business that employs 33 people, and has annual sales of over 3.5 million. Russell’s was also named Small Business of The Year for Chesapeake 2004 by the Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce.
Key areas taken into consideration for judging included:
Fun Factor
Top 3 “out of the box” benefits
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: RUSSELL’S HEATING & COOLING SELECTED AS SMALL BUSINESS OF THE YEAR BY THE HAMPTON ROADS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
One winner was selected from each of the five cities within Hampton Roads and recognized for excellence in several key areas: employee growth, innovation criteria, leadership, community involvement, and customer satisfaction.
Smith says “ The heart of our company is our people. We have so many superstars within our organization, and it allows us to do so many amazing things. They are the reason for any success that we have had and will have in the future.”
Russell’s Heating and Cooling, a family owned and operated business, was founded in 1977. Russell’s employs 33 people and expects annual revenues of near four million in 2004.
May 2004 Readers of the Virginian Pilot vote Russell’s as the Best! Readers of the Virginian Pilot voted Russell’s Heating and Cooling as the Best Heating and Cooling company in Chesapeake for the 3rd year in a row. Buddy Smith, President of Russell’s Heating and Cooling said “ My employees are so proud of the fact that they are getting recognition from the customers that we serve each and every day. It has been a very positive experience for us, I can’t believe the response we have received from the public. I have had people call us and say they wanted to use our company solely based on the Best Of Chesapeake award.”
September 2004 Chesapeake VA. Buddy Smith, President of Russell’s Heating & Cooling was voted in as the vice president of the Hampton Roads chapter of the Air Conditioning Contractors of America. After a 2 year term Smith will serve as President for 2 years. “I am excited about the opportunity to learn more about our industry, and to help us move forward in the future.” Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA) is the largest HVACR organization in the world, with members in all 50 states as well as more than a dozen foreign countries. We're a contractor-led organization that exists for only one reason: improving the industry and helping our members succeed!
May 2003 Readers of the Virginian Pilot vote Russell’s as the Best!
September 2003 Quality Home Comfort Award from Contracting Business magazine
Russell’s was honored for the installation of the comfort system in a 4,000 square foot home in the Hampton Roads waterways region of Virginia. Russell’s, one of five winners in the nation, won first place in the New Construction category, up to 4001 square feet. The award is based on outstanding design, the use of the newest technology, and top quality installation practices. Homeowners Tom and Ann wanted a system that would keep them cozy during their region’s damp winters and cool during the hot, humid summers. They were also particularly interested in radiant heat. “We had radiant heat in the kitchen and bathroom in our previous home, and it was so comfortable,” says Ann. “It also seems like such a ‘healthy’ type of heat, because dust is never blown around.” After doing extensive research on the Internet, the couple decided they wanted a radiant system to heat their entire home. However, radiant heat isn’t too common in their region because of the mild winters, and finding a contractor well-versed in radiant was a bit of a tall order. After contacting a radiant heating manufacturer’s representative, the couple was put in touch with Russell’s Heating and Cooling, since 1977, Russell’s serves the residential service and replacement market in the Hampton Roads/Tidewater area of Virginia. Also included in the system design was the use of a constant fresh air exchange system. “ This home is built so well that the air inside will not have much opportunity to mix with fresh outside air. I was concerned about the air quality of the home, and the only way to bring in fresh air was to use an exchanger system,” says Buddy Smith, president of Russell’s. “If we didn’t bring in outside air then all the indoor pollutants would build up in the home, and would eventually make our clients sick.” Since moving into their new home, Tom and Ann have been thrilled with their comfort system. Not only are their utility bills lower than in their former home, they are more comfortable than they ever imagined. Their praise extends to Russell’s, as well. “Throughout the entire process, Russell’s Heating and Cooling paid such close attention to all the details,” says Tom. “They are a first class company, and we recommend them to our friends, family, and associates.” And for Russell’s Heating and Cooling, a Quality Home Comfort Award is nice, but there’s no better reward than satisfied customers. Contracting Business is a monthly, national business publication written specifically for heating, ventilating, air conditioning, and refrigeration contractors. The mission of the Quality Home Comfort Awards is to promote excellence in comfort system design and installation and create awareness of the broad range of comfort systems available today through quality HVAC contractors. It’s a program that recognizes a true commitment to quality by contractors, builders, and manufacturers alike. Penton Media (NYSE: PME) is a leading, global business-to-business media company that produces market-focused magazines, trade shows, and conferences, and Web sites. Penton’s integrated media portfolio serves the following industries: Internet/broadband; information technology; electronics; natural products; food/retail; manufacturing; design/engineering; supply chain; aviation; government/compliance; mechanical systems/construction; and leisure/hospitality. For more information, visit www.penton.com.
May 2002 Readers of the Virginian Pilot vote Russell’s as the Best!
April 2002 Russell’s Heating and Cooling celebrates 25 years in business!
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NORFOLK,
VA (JUNE 2004) – Russell’s Heating & Cooling,
located in Chesapeake, VA, was named as the small business
of the year for the city of Chesapeake by the Hampton Roads
Chamber of Commerce. Buddy Smith, President of Russell’s
received the Small Business of the Year Award at the Small
Business of the Year Awards luncheon, held at the Norfolk Waterside
Marriott. 
Smith
was presented with the award by William Ward, Mayor of Chesapeake. During
his acceptance speech, Smith thanked his parents, Russell and
Audrey Smith, the founders of Russell’s Heating and Cooling,
for entrusting their company to his guidance and leadership
since their retirement in 2000.
May
2003. Twice in a row! Once again, readers of the
Virginian Pilot voted Russell’s Heating and Cooling as
the Best Heating and Cooling company in Chesapeake.
CLEVELAND, OH – Russell’s Heating & Cooling located in Chesapeake, VA, has received a Quality Home Comfort Award from Contracting Business magazine, Highlights of the award, designed to create awareness of the critical of the critical role heating/ventilation/ air conditioning (HVAC) contractors play in the creation of quality homes, appear in the July 2003 issue of the monthly, national magazine. Russell’s will receive the QHCA award in September at Comfortech, a national event, to be held in Dallas, Texas.
May
2002. Readers of the Virginian Pilot voted Russell’s
Heating and Cooling as the Best Heating and Cooling company
in Chesapeake. Votes were compiled from a special ballot
section of the Virginian Pilot that included categories such
as best restaurant, best dry cleaner, and best real estate
company to mention a few. 
