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Bryan Simning: Honest to the Core

By Caitlyn Stair, Diamond Certified Research Reporter

Bryan Simning never planned to become an HVAC professional, but it didn’t take long for him to discover it was a natural fit. After spending several years driving tour buses, he realized he wanted something more stable and technical. “I started looking into the trades and became particularly interested in HVAC,” he recalls. “It deals with plumbing, electrical, heating and cooling equipment at the same time, so you get a bit of everything.”

After working for an HVAC company in Napa for nearly a decade, Bryan and his wife, Jennifer, took the leap and launched Valley Comfort Heating and Air in 2008. He says the decision was driven by a desire for independence and ownership over how the work was done. “I wanted to be my own boss and do my own thing rather than follow what other companies were doing.”

Today, Valley Comfort Heating and Air has grown into a 22-employee operation, but Bryan still feels closely connected to the work. “I’m in the office a lot more these days, but I’m still drawn to the problem-solving side of the business,” he says. “I love helping customers with new construction and remodeling projects—stuff that people think is almost impossible. There’s always a way.”

That mindset extends directly into how Bryan leads his team and serves his customers. He says that under his leadership, communication and follow-through are central to Valley Comfort Heating and Air’s process. “It’s all about follow-up and then more follow-up. If there are any complaints or issues, they come to me.”

Explaining technical problems in a way that customers can understand is another key part of Bryan’s approach. Whether it’s duct damage or system failure, he says clarity comes from showing, not telling. “We take pictures and videos so our customers can see what’s going on, and then we explain why certain things need to be replaced of if it can wait.”

For Bryan, honesty isn’t just his core business strategy—it’s personal.  “It’s not about the dollars for me,” he affirms. “These are people in my community, so I want to make sure their jobs are done right.”

A lifelong resident of the Bay Area, Bryan currently splits his time between Sonoma County and Grass Valley. “The pollen is too much for my wife, so we moved out of town,” he explains, noting a two-and-a-half-hour commute that has become part of his routine. “Life in Grass Valley is peaceful…kind of how Sonoma County used to be back in the day.”

When he’s not working or commuting, Bryan’s time is centered on family and personal reset. “Golf is my number one outlet,” he details. “You’re out in nature and it’s relaxing, so it takes your mind off of everything.”

At the core of Bryan’s approach is a simple principle that guides every decision he makes. “I believe in treating every customer like they’re family,” he says. “It should feel like I’m giving an estimate to my mom.”

Ask Me Anything!

Q: What’s the first thing you’d do if you could retire tomorrow?
A: Probably play some more golf, but I think I’d be bored if I retired tomorrow.

Q: Coffee or tea?
A: Iced coffee.

Q: If you could time-travel, would you go to the past or the future?
A: I would go to the past and change a few little things.

Q: What’s your favorite holiday?
A: Thanksgiving. I like getting together with family, watching football and just hanging out.