Standard Heating, Cooling & Insulating: Innovating For the Future

On July 17, 2023, Standard’s CEO and President Jennifer Keida sat down with Albany Business Review’s market president and publisher Walter Thorne to discuss the company’s growth over the last three years, which key factors have contributed to its success, and what it’s doing to position itself for New York state’s Electrification initiative. Watch the full interview here.

Please share a brief overview of Standard’s journey and the milestones you’ve achieved in becoming one of the largest heating, cooling, and insulating companies in Upstate New York.

Just six weeks before COVID-19 hit, my partner and I purchased the company. While the pandemic presented challenges, it gave us an opportunity to strategically plan and position ourselves for growth. In just over three years, we increased our employee count from 40 to over 100 and our revenue base from 6 million to nearly 30 million. It’s been an incredible journey of transformation and success.

Can you elaborate on key factors that have contributed to Standard’s exponential growth and success?

A major catalyst has been our strong relationship with the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA). Its energy-saving programs range from providing free upgrades for low-income households to encouraging electrification and the replacement of HVAC systems. Our ability to secure rebates and incentives for our customers has set us apart in the market. We take a whole-house approach, looking at insulation and HVAC systems holistically, which has proven to be successful.

In a competitive market, what’s Standard’s key differentiator?

Our unwavering focus on our employees and our commitment to exceptional service. We treat our team members with respect, provide them with excellent benefits, and ensure a positive work environment. Unlike many HVAC companies, our technicians are solely dedicated to fixing things and don’t have sales quotas.

How is New York state’s Electrification initiative changing the landscape in your industry?

New York’s Electrification initiative is significantly changing the landscape for homeowners. With a strong strategic partnership with NYSERDA, we’re well-positioned to support homeowners in transitioning from traditional oil and gas heating to energy-efficient electric systems.

Electrification heat sources will not work unless it is supported by correct sizing and strong envelope insulation. We have a dedicated department that custom sizes and designs systems for each home to aid in this transition.

Our unique approach involves investing in the house as a whole and considering what the family needs. When working with a contractor on a new home, we are so confident in our expertise that we offer a comfort guarantee if we design both the HVAC systems and the insulation choices.

With all of that said, what are you most excited about for 2024?

I’m excited about growing our team and services in the Capital Region. We have exceptional installation teams specializing in spray foam and blown cellulose, and we are determined to make a mark in both residential and commercial markets. We’re seeking potential acquisitions to fuel our growth and establish a strong presence in Albany.