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Alex Ortiz: A Dream Come True

By Caitlyn Stair, Diamond Certified Research Reporter

For Alex Ortiz, HVAC work isn’t just a profession. What started as a way to earn a living quickly became a lifelong passion for helping families feel comfortable and proving that genuine service still has a place in today’s world. Decades later, he’s living what he calls “a dream come true.”

Alex entered the HVAC industry in the mid-1990s after taking a position with a local company, and it didn’t take long for him to realize he had found his calling. “I quickly fell in love with the industry,” he affirms. “It’s complex, it requires problem-solving, and at the end of the day, you’re making people feel comfortable in their homes.”

Alex founded Ortiz Heating and Air Conditioning in 1999 with a purpose that had little to do with owning a business. After witnessing too many homeowners treated like transactions instead of people, he became convinced there was a better way. “I didn’t start a company to be my own boss or make more money—I wanted to understand what people wanted and provide it for them,” he says. “When you really listen to people, you can build long-lasting relationships.”

Today, that philosophy remains at the heart of everything Alex does. Whether he’s repairing an aging HVAC system or recommending replacement when it’s the better long-term investment, his goal is always to help clients make informed decisions, not simply maximize a sale. “My favorite part of the job is knowing that families are comfortable because of the work we do,” he says.

That same commitment extends throughout Ortiz Heating and Air Conditioning’s entire team. From the first phone call to the final installation, everyone works together to ensure customers feel heard and respected. Rather than passing clients from department to department, Alex believes in remaining personally accessible throughout the process. “We want our customers to know that they matter,” he says. “That’s why we listen to them and always deliver on our promises.”

Alex’s appreciation for helping others is rooted in his own journey. After experiencing a challenging life as a teenager, he worked tirelessly to build a better future through education, determination and an unwavering work ethic. Those experiences shaped the empathy he brings to each customer interaction and reinforced the importance of treating everyone with kindness and respect.

Outside of work, Alex enjoys spending time with his wife, Joanna, and their three children, Alexa, Julian, and Karen. The philosophy that guides both his personal and professional life hangs on the wall of his office: Work hard and be nice to people. It’s a simple reminder that has carried him throughout his career and continues to define his business today. “If you treat people with respect, work hard and always do your best, good things will follow,” he offers.

Ask Me Anything!

Q: What’s the first thing you’d do if you could retire tomorrow?
A: I’d probably take a two-week vacation and leave my phone behind, but I love what I do too much to fully retire.

Q: Are you an early bird or a night owl?
A: Both. I go to bed late and get up early. I just like staying busy.

Q: If you could time-travel, would you go to the past or the future?
A: The past. My life was challenging when I was growing up, so I’d like to see how things might have been different.

Q: Would you rather live in the city or the country?
A: The city. I love being around people, although raising a family in the country has its appeal, too.