Today we’d like to introduce you to Crissy Collins.
Hi, Crissy; we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, let’s briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
My journey began with my passion for people and understanding human behavior. This led me to pursue a Degree in Psychology, where I was a research assistant and studied the brain and behavior. I love public speaking and could only sit at a desk sometimes, so after graduation, I entered the field of Training and Development. I spent nearly a decade honing my skills. I even traveled as an international trainer for a prominent restaurant brand, which provided invaluable insights into different cultures and management styles. Seeking new challenges, I transitioned into human resources and staffing. With my husband’s extensive experience in HVAC (over 25 years), we ventured into entrepreneurship, owning and operating multiple HVAC brands for over a decade. I eventually joined him in the HVAC industry, where I found my marketing and business development niche. Our entrepreneurial spirit led us to expand and establish new branches, eventually culminating in our decision to develop our HVAC brand in St. John County. Now, in our second year of operation, we are proud to have built a thriving business that reflects our dedication to honesty, excellence, and client satisfaction.
Would it have been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I am so grateful for my life, but it hasn’t been a walk in the park. We had our fair share of challenges, particularly regarding partnerships. Initially, everything was great – our partners shared our morals and values and marched in sync with our goals. But life threw us a curveball, as it often does, and our once-aligned partners veered off in a different direction. Suddenly, business and life decisions we made based on the understanding of mutual alignment felt like a house of cards tumbling down. It’s never easy to realize that the foundation upon which you’ve built your business decisions is no longer as solid as you thought. However, we’ve learned valuable lessons and remained adaptable in the face of change. The ending of these previous partnerships was a massive blessing in disguise. It led us straight to the welcoming shores of St. John County, where we discovered a sense of community and belonging like never before. More importantly, our journey brought us to a fantastic church in this vibrant community, where we’ve had the privilege to lead 4th and 5th graders. On a more personal note, my daughter has found a school and a neighborhood filled with friends who have become like family. The bonds she’s formed here are priceless; I wouldn’t trade them for the world. St. John County has become our home, where we’ve found professional opportunities, a sense of belonging, and genuine connections that enrich our lives daily. It’s been a rocky journey, but we’re still standing, wiser, and more resilient than ever before. Honestly, I wouldn’t change a thing!
As you know, we’re big fans of the World’s Greatest Heating and Air. What can you tell our readers who might need to be more familiar with the brand?
World’s Greatest Heating & Air primarily focuses on residential HVAC services, covering many needs to ensure homeowners’ optimal comfort and air quality. Our services include system maintenance, repairs, replacements, and indoor air quality assessments and improvements. We also specialize in duct balancing and cleaning, utilizing innovative solutions like Aeroseal to address ductwork issues effectively. Our commitment to prioritizing homeowner education over sales tactics sets us apart. Unlike many companies, we don’t pressure clients to upsell or opt for the most expensive options. Instead, we take the time to thoroughly educate homeowners about their choices, empowering them to make informed decisions that best suit their needs and budget. Additionally, we offer a unique cooling-off period for homeowners facing significant repairs or replacements, allowing them time to review all aspects of our proposed solutions without feeling rushed or emotionally driven. We also encourage clients to get at least 3 estimates for large repairs and replacements. We want you to be sure when choosing us as your HVAC provider. At World’s Greatest Heating & Air, we also prioritize understanding the air aspect of air conditioning. We recognize that proper airflow is crucial for efficient cooling and heating, and we tailor our solutions to address each homeowner’s specific circumstances and concerns. Furthermore, we incentivize our employees based on client satisfaction, quality of work completion, and minimizing call-backs rather than focusing solely on increasing sales tickets. This approach is rare in our industry, yet it ensures that our team is motivated to deliver exceptional service and results that exceed our client’s expectations.
Have you learned any exciting or essential lessons due to the COVID-19 crisis?
The Covid-19 crisis was a profoundly challenging time for many; it brought about an unimaginable loss for me. I tragically lost both my mother and grandmother just 11 days apart in 2021. Dealing with such profound grief amidst the chaos of the pandemic was incredibly difficult, and it underscored the importance of cherishing loved ones and prioritizing mental and emotional well-being. Although painful, this helped me model resilience and strength in the face of adversity to my young daughter, for which I am eternally grateful. The Covid-19 crisis has undoubtedly taught us crucial business lessons, particularly regarding the importance of skilled trades like HVAC technicians. As an essential service, our industry continued operations even when many businesses were forced to shut down. This highlighted the critical need for skilled professionals in trades that keep society functioning, especially during times of crisis. We partner with local technical colleges and even offer a paid internship for women to increase awareness and interest in our industry.
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