From Backyard Barn to National Recognition: The Rise of Hearn Plumbing, Heating & Air

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For more than 75 years, Hearn Plumbing, Heating & Air has been a trusted name in home comfort across Lake County and surrounding areas. This year, the Madison Village-based company reached a milestone that reflects decades of dedication, leadership, and commitment to excellence: Hearn Plumbing, Heating & Air received the prestigious John Garofalo Implementation Award from the National Comfort Institute (NCI). The award was presented during NCI’s annual national summit in Austin, Texas, marking a proud moment for the entire Hearn team and the communities they serve.

What This National Recognition Means

The John Garofalo Implementation Award is one of NCI’s highest honors, given only to HVAC companies that exemplify the core principles of High-Performance HVAC Contracting. This unique approach, defined by NCI, focuses on accountability, measurable performance, and consistently exceeding customer expectations.

To earn this award, an HVAC company must demonstrate:

• Measured performance in every aspect of operations.
• Clear and visible benchmarking with accurate, up-to-date performance metrics.
• Strong leadership from company owners.
• Ethical practices rooted in humility.
• A culture of continuous improvement.
• A willingness to innovate and adapt.

These values reflect the teachings of the award’s namesake, the late John Garofalo, an HVAC industry leader known for championing servant leadership and high-performance contracting practices. His legacy continues through this award, spotlighting companies that put these principles into everyday action.

A Proud Moment for the Hearn Family

Tom and Dennielle Hearn accepted the award on behalf of the company at the national summit. Tom, the owner and general manager, and Dennielle, the administrative manager, represented not just their leadership team but three generations of family dedication.

The story of Hearn Plumbing, Heating & Air began 75 years ago when David Hearn founded David Hearn Plumbing & Heating in a barn behind his home on North Lake Street in Madison Village. Over the decades, the company grew under the guidance of David and later his son Dan, evolving into David Hearn and Son Inc. Plumbing & Heating Supplies and Service. The business moved from the family barn to downtown Madison Village in 1980, and later to its current location at 319 N. Lake St., almost directly across from David’s original barn.

The Hearn family’s commitment to serving the community has remained constant. From operating Madison Hardware to expanding their HVAC services across Lake County and parts of Ashtabula and Geauga counties, each generation has built upon the values of integrity, craftsmanship, and customer care.

Leadership That Drives High Performance

In recent years, Tom Hearn has continued to advance the company’s mission by embracing the principles of High-Performance HVAC Contracting. Under his leadership, the team has focused on measurable results, transparent performance benchmarks, and a culture of continual improvement. This award recognizes not only the company’s long-standing legacy but also its forward-thinking approach to modern HVAC service.

For homeowners, this translates to trusted solutions, clearer communication, and a commitment to doing the job right—values reflected in every service call Hearn performs.

Honoring Tradition While Building the Future

The John Garofalo Implementation Award symbolizes more than national recognition—it honors a legacy nearly eight decades in the making. Hearn Plumbing, Heating & Air continues to carry forward the vision started in a small backyard barn, strengthened through generations of leadership and community dedication.

Today, the company remains focused on delivering high-quality HVAC services rooted in measurable performance and ethical standards. With a proud history and a commitment to ongoing innovation, Hearn Plumbing, Heating & Air stands as a benchmark for excellence in the HVAC industry.

For more information or to learn about the services offered across Lake County and nearby regions, visit hearnph.com or call (440) 252-1941.