Melissa Smith

Owner of one of Louisiana’s most successful HVAC and Refrigeration companies, Melissa Smith shares with fellow owners her secret to success and a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to put your business into growth mode.

But first, a little background on the featured owner of Comfort Control Heating, Air and Refrigeration. Melissa is a kind and driven business owner who grew up in Baton Rouge and started working at Burger King. Sounds like a lot like us, right? Down to earth, a bubbly personality, and a sweet spirit are things I found when I sat down with her. She talked about her husband Patrick, her high school sweetheart, and how they have been happily married for 31 years. She told me about their three daughters, Ashley, Andi, and Amber. They are grown and are all currently studying Nursing. Melissa is a proud grandmother of four, and I think she could have talked about her crew for hours.

It was refreshing and inspiring. I was having an encounter with a woman that I feel is this part of a Women’s movement that will one day mark the time in women’s history when a woman decided they could have it all!

Melissa worked for a local HVAC company since 2011 and learned all aspects of the business. She said she had an entrepreneurial spirit for as long as she can remember. Melissa grew up watching her dad work as a VP Manager of one of the Capital City Glass locations. After losing a business partner in the company, she was working for, she found an opportunity to follow her passion. Go into business for herself and did just that.

Melissa opened her business in July 2020. I love that this is her first anniversary, and I wanted to know her tactics on growth and eager to hear any advice that she had to give as she now runs a tristatewide organization.

I asked her what her favorite thing about being a business owner is. She answered, “My employees, their health and happiness.” I love that! One reason her company is so successful is that her employees are happy. She said that one of the reasons is she believes that it is so important is because the employees are the ones who meet the customers and are the face of the business. One of the most significant forces behind fast growth is word of mouth.

This is the south, and word of mouth travels fast.

What are some of the things that you do to make sure your employees are happy? We offer a competitive pay rate w/ commission opportunity, health/dental/ vision insurance, and a 401k. What is the secret to success? Whether it is HVAC or Hamburgers, the answer is the same. It’s customer relations.

Melissa suggests that all business owners read the book “7 habits of highly effective people.” by Steven Covey. She said it gave her the tools to practice three customer relations components successfully: active listening, compassion, and building relationships.

What separates your company from the other local HVAC companies, as far as what you offer in the business.

It’s important for us to take care of all of our customers like family.

What sets us apart from other HVAC companies is that we chose a niche, which I think many owners shy away from in fear of missing opportunities. We specialize in commercial work, as in bidding and installing HVAC systems and refrigeration. Our mantra explains a lot of what works. We fix it first! Our niche is commercial service and maintenance.”

Many companies try to sell new systems because of the profit margin. We fix it first! By adding commercial refrigeration to my HVAC company, I was able to become a group that is local and works in Alabama and Mississippi.

It is incredible! One year with an added service, strong practices in employee and customer care, and focusing all marketing on a niche equaled up to growth that most companies in her field don’t see for a decade.

Wife, Mother, Grandmother, Business Owner. Melissa Smith is a way maker! We are thankful for your time and wish you continued success!