In 2019, Estes Services celebrates our 70th anniversary! We have proudly served the Atlanta, Georgia area since 1949, with high-quality residential and commercial heating and air, plumbing, and electrical services. To honor our anniversary, let’s review the journey so far and see what’s planned for the future.
First, we’ve prepared a special video slideshow to celebrate the 70th Anniversary. Take a look!
The History of Estes Services
Estes Services wouldn’t be here today if it wasn’t for N.B. “Nap” Estes and his interest in all things mechanical. During his military service in the Army, Nap moved around a lot. Despite this, he attended several colleges and trade schools. He was particularly interested in a new concept of the times – central heating and air for single residential homes.
In 1949, Nap founded Estes Air. He began with residential floor furnace installations throughout metro Atlanta’s south side. The company’s original location was in the Estes home, in the community of Mountain View.
During the 1950s, the company grew to a team of approximately 10 employees. The addition Estes built to his home bustled with the activity of the business.
He was supported by his loving wife and two children. His only son Tommy was born in January 1949 and grew up in the business.
Before he was even old enough to drive, Tommy helped install equipment and ductwork with his father. Since the company’s inception, Estes has and will continue to be a family business.
In the early days, Estes Air focused on the replacement of floor furnaces and installation of new central heating systems for both existing and new construction homes.
Nap operated largely on a promise and handshake basis, at first only working on systems originally installed by the company. A large number of home builders in the Atlanta area depended on Estes Air for their installations.
Estes Air grew into a business employing over 40 people during the 1960s. In 1971, Tommy Estes graduated from West Georgia College with a Marketing degree and began working at the business full-time. Since he was a child, he learned the business from the ground up until he knew every role.
A Legacy of Integrity and Quality Service
As central heating and air conditioning in residential homes became more accessible in the late 1950s and into the 1960s, Estes Air moved away from new construction work. They took on residential heating system replacements as well as add-on air conditioning installation.
Nap had a knack for the big picture. He saw developing markets and new opportunities. With this foresight, he positioned the business to flourish during the multi-family housing boom in Atlanta.
Estes Air installed central heating and air conditioning systems in hundreds of commercial buildings and apartments throughout the city.
As Estes Air’s early systems began to age, the company earned repeat business through their replacement in the 1970s and ‘80s. The company focus turned toward service and replacement of residential and commercial heating and air conditioning systems.
Volume doubled and Estes Air built a solid base of loyal customers. To best care for existing equipment, Tommy Estes introduced maintenance agreements.
This helped Atlanta homeowners gain peace of mind in the performance of their HVAC systems and prevent untimely breakdowns. Over the years, Tommy and the Estes team grew maintenance agreements into a core part of the business.
Seventy Years of Innovation and Achievement
Estes Air has always been a leader in adopting new HVAC technology. We continue to offer advanced products to meet our customers’ comfort demands which improve energy efficiency. Increasing energy efficiency gains more importance in the minds of our customers every year.
To lead the way, we’ll continue to seek and implement new solutions to help conserve in comfort.
Many of Atlanta’s early heating and air companies have consolidated, or no longer exist, without their founders and key employees. Through the years, Estes has refused to sell. We recognize the importance and value we provide as an independent, family-owned and operated business.
Nap Estes stepped down as President of Estes Air in 1986, passing the company to Tommy.
Over the next 20+ years, Tommy’s leadership created exponential growth for the business. Despite growth and changes, our company’s core values remain the same in Nap’s honor. Estes Services now employs more than 150 people and occupies a 27,000 square foot modern building.
Known for his generosity of spirit, he’s quick to share his knowledge and help others. Thanks to Tommy, our dedicated team and loyal customers, Estes Services has humbly earned numerous awards and achievements over the years, including Carrier Dealer Hall of Fame, the 2018 Carrier President’s Award, the Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA) Contractors of the Year and a Five-Star rating from Google.
Looking To the Future of Estes Services
As we move into our next 70 years of service to the Atlanta community, Estes Services continues to embrace growth, change and the advancements of our industry.
We continue to help our customers embrace new solutions. We’re here to offer optimal comfort and improve the energy efficiency of their homes and businesses.
Brian Estes, Tommy’s son, assumed the mantle of President a few months ago. As a third-generation owner, Brian also grew up in the business. Just like his dad and grandad, Brian is committed to moving Estes into its next phase of growth while maintaining its family-business feel.
Brian continues carries on the Estes’ legacy of integrity and quality service by serving their employees and a new generation of homeowners and business owners.
Estes remains committed to Greater Atlanta – including but not limited to Decatur, Marietta, Douglas and Kennesaw – with integrity and quality service. So for all your heating and cooling, indoor air quality, plumbing and electrical needs, contact Estes Services.
