AMERICUS — The Sumter County Chamber of Commerce announces the April 2019 “Business of the Month” to Parker’s Heating & Air Conditioning Inc. The “Business of the Month” Program is designed to spotlight a member business each month that does an exceptional job of serving its customers and the community. John Stovall, chair of the Business Development Division, states “businesses are a vital part of our community and we want to be able to recognize them for their contributions. We feel this program can help shine a light on a successful business as well as commend them for their commitment to the Chamber and the community.”

Parker’s Heating and Air began when Roy Parker Jr. returned from serving in the Korean conflict. The refrigeration business that his father had begun was in ruins, so he decided to change the business into what is now Parker’s Heating and Air Conditioning.

Parker’s business is now run by his grandson-in-law, Kevin Reeves. Reeves began working for the business in 2001, after he grew tired of working for a large company.

“I was in a management position, and after the first time I had to lay someone off, I realized it wasn’t for me,” Reeves said. “That’s when I learned it’s a lot better to work for a small business.”

After working in the field for about six months, Reeves was promoted to a sales position. Despite continuing to work in sales to this day, Reeves insists that selling is not the most important part of his job.

“I don’t try to sell anything,” Reeves said. “I educate our customers of their options and make sure they’re as comfortable as they can be.”

Over the years, Parker’s Heating and Air has had to change its products and techniques countless times. This is due to regulations put in place by the Environmental Protection Agency, which ups its energy standards regularly. Reeves said though it is good to be more energy efficient, it is expensive for both the company and their customers to order new units. To combat this, Reeves has made sure to be transparent with his customers, explaining to them exactly what needs to be done and getting to their houses or places of work as quickly as possible. These changes are due in large part to the company’s updated technology.

“People expect things instantaneously now, so we’ve changed to meet their needs,” Reeves said. “Now, we can get all your information in the first visit and sit down with you the same day to discuss your options.”

Reeves is proud of how far the business has come and credits all of it to the employees who work there. In this line of work, gaining the trust of customers is vital to the success of the business. “The younger generations don’t know who Mr. Parker is, so the face of our business is what represents our company,” Reeves said. “Having quality people has allowed us to follow through on all our values.”

At the center of those values lie two core beliefs — acting ethically and treating others like family. Reeves said he does his best to honor the principles his father in law believed in.

“Mr. Parker always said to do the right thing and treat each customer like you would if they were your own mom or dad,” Reeves said. “I stand behind that today and I believe I always will.”

The purpose of the Business Development Division is to establish a platform for innovative thinking and policy education to support entrepreneurial and business growth; and to provide increased exposure and opportunity through training, mentoring and networking. To learn more about the Business Development division and its program of work, as well as the Chamber’s Leadership Division, Governmental Affairs Division or Education Division, please contact the Chamber at chamber@sumtercountychamber.com to get involved.