Lead With Love, Build With Grit: A Family Legacy in Air Conditioning

Explore a legacy of faith, family, and perseverance with AW Mechanical’s founders. Dwain Person shares his journey to building a family-driven company trusted by educational and medical clients across Houston.

• Founded in 1971, A/W Mechanical is rooted in direct sales and a values-first management style

• Focus on hiring people who care, including family members, and promoting talent from within

• Company remains family-owned through internal succession planning

Hear how A/W Mechanical’s legacy continues. One relationship, one family member, and one steadfast value at a time.

Learn more about A/W Mechanical here.

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Key Takeaways

1. Faith and Values in Business Leadership

• Main Takeaway:

  Dwain Person, the founder of A/W Mechanical, emphasizes that running his company with a foundation of strong values—specifically faith in God, commitment to family, and integrity in business—has been central to its longevity and success. He openly communicates these principles to both employees and customers, which shapes the company culture and reputation.

2. Importance of Direct, Relationship-Based Sales

• Main Takeaway:

  The growth of A/W Mechanical was built on direct sales efforts and maintaining personal relationships with customers, rather than relying heavily on advertising. Regular direct outreach, follow-ups, and personal touches (like phone calls and visits) have helped the company gain new clients and retain existing ones, illustrating that relationship-building is crucial in business development.

3. Prioritizing People: Employees and Customers

• Main Takeaway:

  A central theme in the discussion is the importance of surrounding yourself with good people—emphasized through selective hiring, internal training, and fostering an environment of care and respect. The company invests in its team, from young trainees to longtime staff, and strives to treat customers with honesty and attention, which, in turn, drives loyalty and positive results.

4. Navigating Challenges and Maintaining Financial Health

• Main Takeaway:

  Over decades in business, A/W Mechanical has faced its share of challenges, from unreliable partners to customer bankruptcies. Effective management of accounts receivable, legal recourse when necessary, and being selective about client industries are all part of ensuring business continuity and avoiding unnecessary financial risk.

5. Family Business and Succession Planning

• Main Takeaway:

  Despite the common belief that mixing business and family can be problematic, A/W Mechanical demonstrates that with clear expectations and shared values, family members can work well together. Dwain is actively promoting family members into leadership roles, showing a commitment to succession planning and long-term stability as a family business.

Timestamped Overview

00:00 Career Shift: From Business to Engineering

04:59 Faith-Driven Business Success Formula

09:38 Constant Business Momentum: Forward or Backward

12:50 Integrity Banking: Values-Driven Leadership

15:36 Proactive Payment Management Strategy

19:29 Business Growth & Entrepreneurship Opportunities

20:54 Unseen Challenges of Business Management

26:07 Tribute to Dwaine's Business Integrity

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