Gainesville native Ed Newmans’ customer-centric leadership creates a culture of loyalty and respect
For over 40 years, the name Ed Newmans has been synonymous with quality, compassion and integrity. But, his commitment to providing caring service to the community can be traced back even farther.
The Newmans’ have called a sprawling scenic 45-acre property north of Gainesville home for many generations. In the 1800s, the Florida Railroad ran through their land, attracting a crowd each day. Without hesitation his ancestors provided food and water to travelers in need.
Since 1981 Newmans Heating & Air-Conditioning, Inc. has delivered unparalleled, customer-centric and caring service to the people of Greater Gainesville. In an industry with high staff and consumer turnover, Newmans’ long-standing relationships have set them apart.
Culture of Caring
Growing up in Gainesville, Newmans never thought about leaving the area. After graduating from Eastside High School, he learned the heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) business by working for a local company.
He soon decided if he was going to pursue this career path, he wanted to do it on his own and in his own way. He put in hard work and long hours, setting the service bar high and attracting loyal customers.
His early motto remains today, “Treat people the way you want to be treated.”
Newmans knew that in order to deliver the level of quality he envisioned, he would need to be highly selective. He hires only the most knowledgeable and honest technicians with one specific character trait.
“I want them to care. The obstacle doesn’t matter. If you care about the customer, it will all work out,” Newmans said. “I’m fortunate to have a team that genuinely cares about each other, the customer and how the whole process is handled from beginning to end.”
Family Environment
Newmans made a conscious choice to remain a small business to maintain the work environment he desired. He felt it was important to not only see the people that worked for him every day, but also to know them well.
Commercial Estimator and Project Manager Brad Parrish and Office Manager Teresa Skinner are two of the many employees that have worked for Ed Newmans for over 15 years.
“We are more like a family,” Skinner said. “It’s great to work for a company that you can be proud of.”
Newmans supports employee time off for family obligations without counting them as sick or personal days. He prioritizes 401(k) contributions and advancement, as well.
Parrish feels the friendly atmosphere makes a fast-paced and stressful industry enjoyable. Skinner thinks his laid-back, easy-going personality sets the tone for an ideal work environment.
“Every day, the attitude and character of the people that work at Newmans remind me why I am here,” Parrish said. “It’s not just a job. It’s a rewarding adventure.”
Reputation of Trust
As one of the area’s most reputable heating and air conditioning contractors, Newmans has built a reputation on fairness and honesty.
Jake Hitchcock of Hitchcock & Sons has hired Newmans Heating & Air Conditioning for residential and commercial work for over a decade.
“They understand customer service and what it means to take care of people,” Hitchcock said, “I can always trust that they will be fair and do the job right.”
The company remains steadfast in their commitment to provide customers with the best products and service. As a result, many of them stay from one generation to the next. Newmans now works with many of the original customers’ children.
Newmans Heating & Air Conditioning Inc.’s business ethics have earned commercial projects with the University of Florida, Gainesville Technology Center, First National Bank of Alachua and many other community staples. They specialize in custom home AC needs and have worked with homebuilders in Alachua Highlands, Steeplechase and the Jockey Club.
“Ed will always do the right thing, no matter the cost. The customer always comes first,” Parrish said. “He treats all of his customers and employees with compassion and respect.”
Long-time customers have become much more. He and his wife, Barbie, have many cherished friends in the community because of these business relationships.
Gainesville Loyalty
As a lifelong resident, Newmans enjoys watching Gainesville grow and develop. He appreciates that no matter where he goes, he sees someone he knows.
He especially enjoys supporting small businesses and donating to important causes. He has been a member of the Rotary Club of Gainesville for over 20 years.
The father of four grown children is known for providing service discounts to local nonprofits.
Newmans Heating & Air Conditioning Inc. boasts a long list of charitable giving, from the Ronald McDonald House to boy scouts to veterans organizations. They regularly sponsor youth sports team and local fundraisers.
Newmans believes in taking care of what takes care of you.
He is grateful for the support from the Gainesville community and has no plans to ever leave –– or even retire.
“Someday I may slow down, but I’ll probably be here until I’m no longer here.”
Changing Industry, Same Boss
While business equipment and technology have evolved over the past 40 years, Newmans’ leadership style remains the same.
Skinner said one thing that never wavers is how much he will go the extra mile for both his employees and his customers.
“Ed not only has a lot of knowledge about the HVAC business, but he truly cares about people,” Skinner says. “You can call Ed a friend as much as a boss. His door is always open, and he is always willing to listen, help or give advice.”
Newmans feels his success can be attributed to hard work, dedication and an understanding that customers are not numbers. He has watched competitors fail as a result of focusing on profits over people.
Parrish has remained a dedicated employee because while the industry has changed, Newmans’ values have not.
“Anyone that knows Ed knows he is the same person today that he was 30 years ago. That’s why I work here.” Parrish said, “I cannot imagine working for anyone other than Ed Newmans.”
Scherer Construction CEO Doug Wilcox has used Newmans for dozens of commercial installations, as well as a complex personal project. When Wilcox purchased a 55-year-old lake house with a flat roof and no heat or air conditioning, he knew he could trust them with the challenge. The seamless installation of the central ducted system far exceeded his expectations.
Wilcox said Newmans’ professionalism, integrity, attention to detail and “friendly old school way” are the reasons he has remained a customer for over 30 years.
Ed Newmans character traits have become the foundation of his business and a beloved fixture of the Gainesville community.
By Jennifer Kennedy.