Todd Boudreau understands better than most that a small business can provide better expertise and customer service than a large company, because the owner can be involved in every job.
He knows this firsthand, because before starting Air Conditioning Solutions, for 10 years he and his wife, Teresa, owned a large mechanical and plumbing company with more than 30 employees in their home state of Kansas.
While that business was very successful, it grew to become larger than they wanted to manage. So the couple sold the business in 2001, and Todd went to work for a large distributor.
A few years later, the Boudreaus and their three young children moved to Land O’ Lakes for its good schools, excellent youth sports programs and the opportunity to be a part of Tampa Bay’s fast-growing economy.
Initially, Todd worked for area HVAC companies. His extensive mechanical experience was in demand, especially his knowledge of geothermal heating and cooling systems, in addition to his 30 years experience in plumbing and traditional air conditioning systems.
By 2006, Todd and Teresa were ready to be business owners once again.
“When we decided to open another business, we knew we wanted to keep it small,” said Todd. “We believe staying small keeps us closer to our customers, and allows me to do what I love best —using my mechanical skills and years of experience to help people find the best solution to their air conditioning, heating and plumbing needs.”
And, that is just what Todd, Teresa and their oldest son, Brandon, do every day from their new Land O’ Lakes location on U.S. 41, directly across from the McDonald’s at Arbor Square at Connerton.
“We purposely plan to keep the business at fewer than 10 employees, because we believe staying small is the best way to control quality, pricing and customer service,” said Todd.
While there are many air conditioning companies in the area, Air Conditioning Solutions is one of few that specialize in geothermal heating and cooling systems, which makes up about 30 percent of the company’s business. The remaining 70 percent comes from repairing and installing traditional A/C systems and plumbing jobs.
Geothermal technology is an underground system that takes advantage of the earth’s steady, 72-degree temperature to efficiently cool and maintain a building’s temperature. Thousands of feet of tubing are buried in the earth, and then water circulates through these pipes to efficiently cool and heat.
There are many advantages to geothermal cooling systems, including a savings of up to 50 percent in utility bills. A geothermal system has a life span of 30 to 40 years, compared to eight to 12 years typical for standard HVAC systems with outside compressors continually exposed to Florida’s extreme weather. Plus, heating a swimming pool is a free byproduct of geothermal air conditioning.
“I have sold around 300 geothermal systems – nearly all closed-loop systems — in the past 10 years,” said Todd. “Our customers find the return on investment is usually six to eight years after they calculate their monthly utility savings and the cost to replace a standard A/C unit every 10 years or so.”
For smaller homes, a geothermal system begins at $25,000, and for large homes on the water, the cost can top $250,000. Pricing includes building and installing the metal ductwork that Todd and Brandon custom build for every job.
Brandon, who is 25 and a graduate of Sunlake High School, recently returned from helping family in Kansas to join the family business. He has worked alongside his father since he was 14, and like his dad, is an expert at installing geothermal systems.
The Boudreau family also includes son Logan, who will be studying mechanical engineering at the University of Central Florida, and daughter Morgan, a junior at Sunlake High, who plays on the school’s softball team.
In 2012, the Boudreaus purchased the building and property owned by Miller’s Sheet Metal Shop. They expanded and renovated the building and outside areas to house all of its services, under one roof — sheet metal, air conditioning, plumbing, geothermal and spray foam insulation.
“We were told by many people to level the old building and build a new one,” said Todd. “But, with the help of many people, we were able to revitalize the Miller property and honor its long history. We feel very fortunate and thankful to own such a perfect parcel of property right here in Land O Lakes.
8021 Land O Lakes Blvd., Land O Lakes FL 34638
(813) 394-7444 (office) • (727) 687-8094 (cell)
Certified Mechanical Contractor License # CMC1249503
Certified Plumbing Contractor License # CFC1428984
