By ELLEN KOLMAN - ekolman@starbeacon.com
Star Beacon
ASHTABULA —
Scott Robinson and David Pinelli have many reasons to celebrate: 25 to be exact.
Co-owners Robinson and Pinelli began Apple Heating and Cooling, 315 W. 49th St., in April, 1985.
“Dave and I had been in a business together prior to this one, we were already doing some heating and cooling work and decided to create a heating and cooling contracting company,” Robinson said. “We knew the basics when we started, but we have had a lot of training since. In this field, continuing education and training are key, because the technology is always changing.”
Robinson and Pinelli chose the name Apple for their business because they were looking for something easy to remember and something everyone likes.
“Apple was easy to create a logo out of,” Robinson said.
Training is also essential for the employees, who are NATE (North American Technicians Excellence) certified technicians, and receive more than 100 hours a year in training.
“We really appreciate our co-workers, many of them have been with us for a long time,” Pinelli said.
There are many areas the Apple technicians need to be fully educated on including gas line and fuel piping, combustion, air flow, duct design, high voltage electric wiring, refrigeration technology and more.
Apple Heating and Cooling boasts 32 employees, 28 vans and trucks, and offers sales and service on heating and air conditioning units, and ventilation systems for residential, commercial and industrial customers.
“Our keys to success are our people who are committed to customer satisfaction, quality work and great reliable products,” Robinson said.
“We take care of our customers because we really care about them and want our job to be done right,” Pinelli said. “It is always our hope, that our customers will stay with us; many of them have been with us since the beginning.”
Apple Heating and Cooling has two locations, Ashtabula and Wickliffe, and serves four counties including Ashtabula, Lake, Geauga and Cuyahoga Counties.
Even though the economy has negatively affected Apple Heating, it continues to be successful.
“In our industry there is always going to be a need for heating and cooling,” Robinson said. “In these tough times, we have seen an increase in our service and repair department.”
To help people save money, Apple Heating and Cooling offers a discount club or a service agreement with their customers.
“This provides us with an ongoing maintenance relationship with our club members and they receive great discounts,” Robinson said.
Both Robinson and Pinelli share a passion for helping people solve their heating, cooling and ventilation problems.
“I’ve always had a passion for saving energy; this was one reason I got into this business,” Robinson said.
“I enjoy designing systems to help people with air quality problems,” Pinelli said.
Contact Apple Heating and Cooling at 440-997-1212 or online at www.appleheating.com
