Norman, Okla. Tommy Castellano, owner and operator of Castellano Air Conditioning and Heating, Inc. of Tampa, Fla., was recently presented with the 2006 ACCA Award for Excellence in Residential Contracting at the 38th annual Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA) Conference in San Jose, Calif.

“This award is the highest honor a residential heating, ventilating, air conditioning and refrigeration (HVACR) contractor can aspire to,” said Paul Stalknecht, ACCA president and CEO. “It’s always difficult to decide among the many entries. Those who enter are the best of the best. They are outstanding companies that are also active in their local communities, which is one of the judging criteria.”
In fact, Castellano is so involved with his HVAC business, and in the community that he didn’t know his wife, Carol, had nominated him for the award. “I was so busy this year that I lost track of the time and really thought that I had missed the deadline,” said Castellano. “Except for the birth of my children, grandchildren and my wedding day, that was the best day of my life. It was like the academy awards, and I won in all categories.”
Castellano’s dream of winning the ACCA Award for Excellence in Residential Contracting began three years ago, when he saw the award presented to another company, and he told a friend that in three years he would be on the stage receiving the award. This isn’t the first time that Castellano set a goal for himself and achieved it.
Overcoming Obstacles

On February 28, 1976, Castellano established Castellano Bros. Air Conditioning  Heating, Inc., but in 1982 his business caught on fire and was completely destroyed.
“I was called up at 4:00 in the morning and told my building was on fire,” said Castellano. “Standing in front of the burning building, my brothers came up to me and said, ‘Well, it looks like we are out of the air conditioning business.’ I decided right there on the street that I was going to continue the company and made all the necessary arrangements to keep doing business as usual. We never closed for a minute. My accountant and attorneys wanted me to declare bankruptcy to make things easier; but, I told them, ‘This is my town. I have to show my face here. How could I face my clients, friends and creditors? No, I’ll take time to pay my way out of this mess. I can do it!’”
And, he did. Castellano changed the name of his company to Castellano Air Conditioning and Heating, Inc. and has been going strong ever since. Specializing in the installation, repair and replacement of residential and light commercial systems up to 25 tons, Castellano Air Conditioning and Heating also sells most major lines of equipment. However, York®, a Johnson Controls Company, is their number one brand.
Keys to Castellano’s Success

“We have created a relationship with York, and it has worked well for us,” said Castellano. “I think of both my York territory manager, Vic Tambone, and my company as a team. Together we find solutions to my clients’ problems. That way, everybody wins.”
Castellano also appreciates the York product line’s national name brand recognition and variety of products. “By offering extended warranties for worry free operation, indoor air quality products and state-of-the-art technology, our clients have the assurance that their comfort is our number one concern,” said Castellano.