“Customers will never love a company until the employees love it first.” This quote from author Simon Sinek is the essence of Hunton Group’s long-term success. Since R.O. Hunton formed the startup HVAC business in 1981, Hunton Group has grown into an award-winning $400 million enterprise employing over 500 associates across the region, with multiple divisions addressing a different facet of the buildings market. Now under the leadership of CEO and President Richard Hunton. Jr., the company is reaffirming its strategy for success – investing in the people, community and customers it serves.
Leading by Example on the Sustainability Front
Propelled by its purpose – “We exist to radically improve the environments where people live, work, learn and play” – Hunton has always embraced evolution. It was the drive to stay ahead of customer needs that prompted diversification into the residential, commercial and industrial markets. Today, Hunton operates six distinct divisions and is a one-stop-shop for indoor climate solutions. Since 1990, Hunton has expanded three times to four locations to keep pace with customer demand. Soon, Hunton will open a fifth location in College Station, going where the market is calling.
Diversification and expansions have not only allowed Hunton to meet the evolving needs of its customers but also positioned the company as a leader in sustainable building practices. As R.O. Hunton said, “Our business isn’t bricks and mortar. It’s always about the people inside,” a perspective that has shaped Hunton’s focus on improving indoor environments for health, safety and comfort.
Buildings are responsible for 42% of global CO2 emissions. Hunton, in partnership with Trane, is pursuing carbon neutrality as part of a global sustainability initiative. One example of this effort is the Gigaton Challenge. This initiative aims to remove 1 billion metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions from building operations by 2030.
Tailored Innovation for the Environment and Customers
From its earliest days, Hunton has embraced a spirit of ingenuity. R.O. Hunton’s background as an engineer and naval officer drove the company’s early innovations, such as heat recovery systems and saltwater condensing technologies for commercial HVAC. These groundbreaking solutions helped lay the foundation for Hunton’s long-standing commitment to energy efficiency.
Hunton continues to push the boundaries of innovation. Its Engineered Products division customizes HVAC solutions for clients across several industries, from research facilities to production plants. This tailored approach allows Hunton to design modular systems that meet exact specifications, ensuring quality control from start to finish.
“Innovation at Hunton starts by doing what is right for the environment and our customers,” according to Richard Hunton Jr. This philosophy is reflected in every facet of Hunton’s operations, from pioneering building system technology to investing in clean air systems. The company’s partnerships with industry leaders like Trane have accelerated its progress toward decarbonization, sustainability and energy efficiency.
One of Richard Hunton Jr.’s favorite sayings is, “Do the right thing, and the right things will happen to you.” Taking into consideration the company, the customer and the environment, Hunton can help customers strike a balance between sustainability and resilience, which in many cases results in a customer for life. But you cannot keep customers if you do not have great people.
Underwriting the Future of the Workforce
“We invest. You thrive.” This operational mantra comes from Hunton University, a U.S. Department of Labor-approved apprenticeship program. It is indicative of the ways Hunton deploys capital to support their employees and customers. The apprenticeship program is 4 years old and currently has 36 students working toward careers in HVAC with Hunton.
The company also invests heavily in employee professional growth, offering ongoing training and education for employees at every level. One employee noted, “I have been promoted three times while working here at Hunton, which in turn helps me support my family.” Hunton’s focus on professional development ensures its workforce is as dynamic and forward-thinking as the technologies it implements.
“My job is to hire the best people possible for a particular position, provide a vision and guidelines, then get out of their way and mitigate the roadblocks,” Richard Hunton Jr. said. “Investing in our people is like betting on ourselves. It helps us stay innovative and look for customer solutions in ways our competitors don’t.”
Commitment to a ‘Family’ Type of Workplace Culture
Hunton’s mission is evident in how it values its employees. It’s a fact illustrated in the number of long-term and multigenerational employees. The company has grown by 36% since 2020 and 100 of the 561 employees have worked at Hunton for 10-plus years. An impressive 70% of new hires come from employee referrals. “They truly treat you as ‘family’ and support your own family through your many phases of life,” shared one employee, underscoring the company’s people-first culture. This focus on employee well-being has made Hunton a top workplace for over two decades, including ranking on the Houston Business Journal’s Best Family-Owned Businesses list two years in a row and on the USA Today Top Places to Work list in 2024.
Hunton Group’s journey from a modest HVAC business to a leader in indoor environments is driven by a relentless focus on innovation and sustainability. But as it has always been, Hunton’s people – employees and customers – will ultimately guide its success and push the boundaries of indoor comfort. As the saying goes, “The future’s so bright, you gotta wear shades.”
Founded in 1981 on the principles of professionalism, value, performance and trust, Hunton Group is a multifaceted company committed to providing exceptional value to our customers. For 43 years, clients of all sizes have relied on the Hunton Group to deliver innovative systems, professional OEM services, comprehensive solutions and Trane’s high-quality products – all from one trusted source.
Read full article here at Houston Business Journal.
