James Padavan virtually grew up in the HVAC industry, working every summer of his young life at Air Design, the company  founded by his Dad, Frank Padavan, and a partner back in 1967. From mechanics helper to installer … from estimator to customer service, marketing and office administration … Jim did it all, learning the business from the ground up.  After graduating college in 1990 with a degree in business, Jim focused his efforts on sales. 

A Company Guided By Family Values of Trust & Hard Work

Owned and operated by the Padavan brothers, Jim and Frank, The company atmosphere at Air Design has always had a family feeling and sense of belonging.  “My brother, Frank, worked at Air Design from a young age as well,” says Jim.  “Having my brother as part of the team made all the difference in the world for me in terms of  customer reassurance --  having someone you trust in the field.  We are business partners who compliment each other. I would not want to do this without him.”

Jim credits his Dad for instilling in  him a strong work ethic and high moral values.  “Early on, my father would take me on his sales calls where I was able to see, first hand,  how he interacted with customers,” recalls Jim.  “His unique way of dealing with the consumer has stuck with me through the years and gives me the confidence, even today, to follow in his ways.  My dad’s philosophy still guides us in our hiring practices when searching for employees. Finding a person that you trust with similar moral values is just as important to us as an industry- knowledgeable employee.  After all, anyone willing to learn the trade can be taught, given training and work experience. Character cannot be taught.”

Dedicated to Service Excellence Through Education & Technology

Continuing education is important for everyone who works at Air Design.  The company provides its techs and installers with training to become NATE (North American Training Excellence) certified. As a Factory-authorized Carrier dealer for many years, Air Design has been awarded the Carrier Presidents Award several years in a row, which recognizes leadership and management, customer satisfaction, expertise, business growth and operational excellence in the industry.

In addition to ongoing training, Jim believes that technology plays a major role in the company’s ability to provide  customers with great service. “Technologies such as ipads, computers, and dispatch software, to name a few, have helped us to be more efficient, show our willingness to change with customers’ needs and be  more accessible and easier to work with,” says Jim.

“Currently, we are increasing our service department as well as enhancing a heating-plumbing division, taking on larger projects commercially and residentially,” reports Jim.  “Our staff continues to grow to better serves these needs.”
 
Impacting the Greater Good Through MACC

Jim has been a member of MACC for over 10 years, serving on the MACC Board since 2014.  What began as a desire to ‘get involved’ in the industry has led to great friendships and relationships with people who have the same shared struggles and victories.   “I have learned many things during our MACC meetings, seminars and trainings -- all of which have led me to take leadership roles, become more involved, and share the knowledge and experience that I hope will impact and benefit the greater good.”