Two of the most pressing issues facing building owners are energy efficiency and the sustainability of their property. Hunton Group, an HVAC and mechanical systems company, has been working with owners and developers to improve indoor environments for people across southeast Texas since 1981.

The Houston-based company was founded as an independent franchise of the HVAC company, Trane. With a focus on innovation, sustainability and energy efficiency, Hunton Group has grown into six synergistic companies with over 500 employees. It is currently one of Texas’s leading companies focused on all things indoor environment. Hunton works with residential, commercial, institutional, industrial and process application customers to provide any and all components of a building system application — be it a residence, office tower, hospital, school, or process plant.

Hunton companies include, Hunton Distribution, Trane’s #1 recognized residential distributor; HVAC services, (including specialized fabrication/modification); design and engineering for Trane controls and equipment; building controls integration, a finance division and an historically underutilized business (HUB) focused on federally assisted projects.

As the company continues to grow, and in concert with a long standing partnership with Trane, it remains focused on improving sustainability, resiliency and decarbonization of indoor environments in an overall effort to improve the outdoor environment.

“We were founded on the principles of professionalism, value, performance and trust, and that holds true today,” said Kris Hardin, President and General Manager of Hunton Services. “We have grit and curiosity, and we care. We see that in our culture every day. As a longtime employee, I’m proud to serve customers of all sizes who rely on us to deliver innovative solutions, comprehensive service and top-quality products.”

Innovation has been a focus of the company since its start. In the 1980s and 1990s, Hunton developed groundbreaking systems utilizing chiller heat recovery, saltwater condensing systems, petcoke gasification, and innovative systems to increase turbine inlet cooling for peaker power plants. Hunton’s innovations continue today with “smart building” retrofits and the use of AI in reducing building energy consumption.

Employees are proud to be part of a company that provides cleaner air in homes and in commercial spaces such as schools and hospitals. The purpose-driven company also has a high employee retention rate due to its culture and benefits.

“People don’t often think about the air that they breathe, but providing cleaner, safer spaces is what we do every day,” states Kevin Murphy, Vice President of Business Development. “We know what a difference it makes in our communities, and we feel good about the work we do.”

In addition to being named a 2024 Top Workplace USA, Hunton has received other accolades including being named one of Houston’s best family-owned businesses by Houston Business Journal.

Hunton offers competitive salaries and benefits, including a 401(k) match. Plus, the company is focused on employee development. The company’s Hunton University develops leaders and helps employees work together to become authentic, effective and positive people for themselves and the company. The program trains leaders and keeps employees up to date on the latest technologies and skills.

Hunton values the health, safety and environment (HSE) of its employees. Its HSE program provides best-in-class training programs, recognition for HSE excellence and a pledge to always pursue sustainable environmental practices.

Founded by a Navy veteran, Hunton remains committed to hiring those who served our country. Hunton has been recognized by the state’s We Hire Vets program for companies whose workforce is comprised of at least 10% military veterans.

Hunton is also dedicated to the communities it serves. Employees participate in community events yearlong, such as the St. Jude Walk/Run and Be A Resource for CPS Kids, Employees also volunteer for organizations like Gracewood, a nonprofit that assists single mothers and their children.

“Hunton has been a great place to grow my career, and I enjoy the time I spend both at work and outside of work at community events,” said Mitzi Coil, Vice President of Marketing. “I know what a strong impact we are making on the communities where we live and work as we provide clean indoor air and sustainable solutions for the environment.”