Carol Stream, Ill. – May  24, 2011 – Last summer, after nearly 30 years of leading THE Air Conditioning and Heating Company, CEO Ray Grimm stood at the brink of retirement.  Under the new economic structure’s pressure, the company struggled to grow and he simply wasn’t ready to call it quits. Rather, to infuse his company with the vitality and relevance that could propel it well into the next century, Grimm embarked on a bold reinvention of the 100 year-old company. Now, he’s launching A.W.E. Air. Water. Energy.

It’s been far from hard times for the formerly HVAC-only service provider.  In fact, the company served over 21,000 customers across five suburban Chicago counties last year, and achieved a 39 percent increase in revenues over the past two years.  

“If you want to grow, you have to take calculated risks that are backed up with fresh ideas that make good business sense, and the courage to believe in your mission,” he adds.

The new business model has expanded service offerings to include plumbing and electrical services, energy audits, air quality testing, and solar panel installation and testing. The additional services ensure A.W.E.’s customers have one trusted source to call for all of their homes’ vital systems.  Grimm likened his company’s service to being a doctor for the home, intent on promoting preventative care that helps homeowners avoid costly repairs,...