About this business
Richard's HVAC is a trusted Tri-Valley business. Only trusted will do when it comes to HVAC — the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems that keep air moving, control temperatures, and ensure good air quality in buildings.
After moving around, thanks to a dad in the armed forces, Richard Westwood came to the area to live with his aunt and uncle. It was in the mid-’90s that a friend offered to show him the HVAC ropes.
From there, he went on to work for several heating and cooling companies in the East Bay. When someone he worked for filed for bankruptcy, the man asked Richard, "Do you enjoy this?" Richard did, so he bought the customer list and got to work. "I spent the first two years mailing out letters and flyers to everyone."
When Richard started his career, he was living and working in Pleasanton and, over time, he branched to the rest of the Tri-Valley region — from Alamo to Sunol and Livermore.
I turned down a large maintenance contract because of the traffic! Everything in my life revolved around this area. So, I concentrated on serving customers here in the Tri-Valley. A local family is one of my most loyal customers of over two decades.
Richard Westwood
Planning for the future
"Getting people to knock on doors is tough. I know the work — and the work is always there, but managing wages and employees is the hardest part."
According to Richard, along with managing employees, finding reliable employees can be a challenge. Luckily, his stepson started working alongside Richard during the summers when he wasn't in school. After he graduated, Richard hired him full time. "I've taught him everything I know. He's become our top technician and is in line to take over the business when I retire."
About three years ago, Richard had outgrown his home office and personal garage, which prompted the purchase of Peterson Sheet Metal and a move to a much larger building. It was a big leap — from essentially no rent to $10,000+ monthly. But it's part of a long-term plan to eventually buy the building or find another one to purchase.
With growth in mind and a succession plan in the works, the future is bright, thanks to a long history of an excellent reputation. "I always aim to make sure my customers are happy. That's the most important thing for me."
And that aim proves true. Though you might spot an ad on a grocery cart at Safeway or in Stroll Magazine for the Ruby Hill neighborhood, Richard counts himself lucky that most new business comes through word of mouth.
Motivated by change to make a change
Much like his own business growing by referrals, it was a referral from the folks at McGrail Vineyards , a long-time Fremont Bank business client, that caught his attention.
About four years ago, Richard switched to Fremont Bank for his business banking needs.
I'd known of Fremont Bank since the late '80s and early '90s, even knowing people who were with them back then. They have a great reputation in the Pleasanton area. But after we heard from our friends at McGrail Vineyards directly about how Fremont Bank really takes care of its customers, we listened.
Richard Westwood
He'd noticed other banks were closing branches and changing things up to the detriment of their business clients. "Fremont Bank felt stable and customer-focused, so we made the change."
He hasn't been disappointed. "Kim Gruidl at the Livermore branch has been incredible. They're always so helpful when I go in. I love that she'll call when a big check comes in before it clears. There have been times when I've needed to complete transactions quickly, and they always have the paperwork ready to go — boom, boom, boom, done."
"If you want a personal touch like that, I recommend taking a look at Fremont Bank. We've been fortunate to stay liquid, but if we needed it, we'd come to them for a small business loan. I can't say enough good things."
