AMERICUS — Founded by Roy Parker III in 1949, Parker’s Heating and Air Conditioning continues to serve Southwest Georgia.
The business began when Parker returned from serving in the Korean conflict. The refrigeration business that his father had begun was in ruins, so he decided to change
the business into what is now Parker’s Heating and Air Conditioning.
Parker’s business is now run by his son-in-law, Kevin Reeves. Reeves began working for the business in 2001, after he grew tired of working for a large company.
“I was in a management position, and after the first time I had to lay someone off, I realized it wasn’t for me,” Reeves said. “That’s when I learned it’s a lot better to work for a small business.”
After working in the field for about six months, Reeves was promoted to a sales position. Despite continuing to work in sales to this day, Reeves insists that selling is not the most important part of his job.
“I don’t try to sell anything,” Reeves said. “I educate our customers of their options and make sure they’re as comfortable as they can be.”
Over the years, Parker’s Heating and Air has had to change its products and techniques countless times. This is due to regulations put in place by the Environmental Protection Agency, which ups its energy standards regularly.
Reeves said though it is good to be more energy efficient, it is expensive for both the company and their customers to order new units. To combat this, Reeves has made sure to be transparent with his customers, explaining to them exactly what needs to be done and getting to their houses or places of work as quickly as possible.
These changes are due in large part to the company’s updated technology.
“People expect things instantaneously now, so we’ve changed to meet their needs,” Reeves said. “Now, we can get all your information in the first visit and sit down with you the same day to discuss your options.”
Reeves is proud of how far the business has come and credits all of it to the employees who work there. In this line of work, gaining the trust of customers is vital to the success of the business.
“The younger generations don’t know who Mr. Parker is, so the face of our business is what represents our company,” Reeves said. “Having quality people has allowed us to follow through on all our values.”
At the center of those values lie two core beliefs — acting ethically and treating others like family. Reeves said he does his best to honor the principles his wife’s grandfather, Roy Parker III, believed in.
“Mr. Parker always said to do the right thing and treat each customer like you would if they were your own mom or dad,” Reeves said. “I stand behind that today and I believe I always will.”
Parker’s Heating and Air Conditioning is a Platinum Trustee Investor of the Sumter County Chamber of Commerce. “This elite chamber membership level is recognized as leaders in the community, who are vested in the community,” said Carolyn Wright. “Platinum Trustees genuinely are interested in the growth and economic development wellbeing on the County. Through their substantial contributions, economic development initiatives preserve Sumter’s reputation as a dynamic and vibrant location to do business.”

— Rosemary Scott, University of Georgia, journalism major