Two of the most significant systemic inventions for modern comfort are air conditioning and plumbing. The ability to control the temperature in the home regardless of the weather outside or the regional climate as a whole has allowed people to build comfortable lives in all manner of places. Plumbing has significantly improved human public health since its invention, and it further enables comfortable living. However, like any evolving technical system, both air conditioning and plumbing require regular maintenance and upkeep from someone who knows what they’re doing.

Enter Goettl Air Conditioning & Plumbing, a trusted name in total home comfort since 1939. Goettl has provided HVAC, plumbing, water treatment, and indoor air quality across the American Southwest for over 86 years, demonstrating their dedication to innovation and customer-focused integrity all the while. The founding brothers of the company started it with the vision of helping families thrive in the intense heat of the Sonoran Desert - that legacy of grit and innovation lives on in the company today. 

A History of Accomplishment

After its 1939 founding by Gust and Adam Goettl, the company spent the next 86 years establishing itself as the premier home comfort operation in the region. In the aftermath of World War II, the brothers pioneered mobile unit demonstrations by driving their air conditioning equipment around neighborhoods to cool residents and build brand awareness. It wasn’t the only innovation Goettl brought to the fore; over 100 patents in sheet-metal and HVAC technology - including the first residential air-to-air cooling units and patented “gas pack” and “piggy-back” systems of the 1970s - are under their name. 

Their innovations and inventions continued to evolve at all times. Goettl installed Arizona’s first residential solar water in 1978, introduced high-efficiency packaged heat pumps in the 1990s as part of an early partnership with Energy Star, and endorsed Department of Energy standards before the American Refrigeration Institute. In the modern era, Goettl’s Smart Sadie membership marks the first home service program to pair advanced intelligent monitoring technology with a user-friendly mobile app, providing homeowners with real-time insights and peace of mind that their HVAC and plumbing systems are running safely and efficiently. 

The company was acquired by Ken Goodrich in 2013, reinvigorating the company with his own personal commitment to family values, craftsmanship, and doing things “the right way.” Under his leadership, modern Goettl has expanded beyond Arizona into other markets, introduced plumbing services to create a more comprehensive and trusted service offering, and doubled down on investing in its team. As a result, the company’s modern identity combines the innovation and growth of its founding with the passionate service and rooted traditions of its new self. 

“Goettl exists to provide total home comfort solutions, enhancing the quality of life in the communities we serve,” says Jake Gress, Goettl CEO. “From clean, cool air and consistent heating to safe water and reliable plumbing systems, we deliver the services people need to feel safe and comfortable at home.”

Guiding Values and Signature Promise

Goettl’s motto is simple and defining: “We Do Things The Right Way, Not The Easy Way.®” Beyond being an effective motto and guiding promise, this statement is a mindset that underpins every aspect of Goettl’s operation. From the moment you call Goettl, our team focuses on doing the work with integrity, precision, and clarity - no shortcuts, no loose ends. We offer a variety of solutions to match your home’s needs and your budget, so you never have to sacrifice quality for cost. 

“We take time to explain every issue clearly, and we back our work with visible proof - like the red screws we replace to show where others cut corners,” explains Gress. “That attention to detail is what sets us apart.

Considering their motto, it’s not surprising that Goettl promises clear and transparent quotes, precise work, a 100% unconditional satisfaction guarantee, and customer-first communication through their Goettl Total Home Comfort Guarantee. As a result, it’s similarly unsurprising that the company uses more than basic financial metrics to judge their success. In short, it’s not just about the numbers - it’s about the impact. A range of metrics, including associate retention and Smart Sadie memberships, as well as five-star reviews and repeat customers or referrals, are used to judge whether the Goettl team is meeting its goals and keeping its clients comfortable. 

“When we measure what matters - people, trust, safety, and service - we stay aligned with our mission and build a legacy that lasts,” Gress says. “These things signal whether we’re delivering on our promise.”

Supporting The Community And The Team

Goettl’s staff is as central to their success as the communities they serve, and the company puts a high priority on supporting, empowering, and expanding its team of technicians and experts. Over 90% of their technicians receive weekly training and support to stay current and expand their skill sets. The company invests in safety programs, standardized processes to reduce guesswork, and new technologies that enable their teams to perform their jobs efficiently and share key insights with customers. Goettl Academy’s technical sessions, hands-on labs, VR training, and access to tools like Bluon and MeasureQuick keep technicians at the cutting edge and focused on customer care.

“From onboarding to leadership development, we’re committed to helping every associate grow, thrive, and feel proud of the work they do,” says Gress. “When we take care of our people, they take care of our customers.”

Speaking of those technicians, Goettl is proud to have a team that is as diverse as the communities they serve. From seasoned professionals to career newcomers hungry for experience, Goettl hires broadly and provides mentorship and apprenticeship programs that raise both the floor and ceiling for quality air conditioning and plumbing techs. This culture of inclusion and recognition makes Goettl a proud home for the team, where giving back comes as naturally as breathing. 

To that end, Goettl has several commitments and programs dedicated to giving back to its communities in various ways. The company’s Culture Champions at each branch lead celebrations and recognize the team’s excellent work, while also coordinating the various volunteer efforts the company encourages and invests in. Goettl Gives is the company’s philanthropic commitment to leaving every community better than it found it, and that takes the form of volunteer opportunities and partnerships, such as Kindness In The Air, which allows Goettl to donate to dozens of nonprofit organizations chosen by their associates. 

“Whether it’s monetary donations, in-kind repairs, or hands-on volunteerism, we show up with our time, our tools, and our hearts,” explains Gress. “Goettl Gives is how we live our pledge: caring for our customers, each other, and our communities.”