In Memory Rod Black, Founder of Western Heating and Air Conditioning

By Angie Snow

Rod Black leaves a legacy of love, service, and kindness, which lives on with his wife, children, and grandchildren

Thirteen years ago Ryan and I got a phone call from Rod Black, a successful heating and air conditioning contractor in Orem, Utah. He told us he was ready to sell his HVAC business and asked if we would be interested in purchasing the company. Little did we know that phone call would change our lives for good.

Starting Western

In 1995, Rod Black took a risk and started up Western Heating & Air Conditioning. At 49 years old, he had learned a new trade that not only supported his family but blessed the lives of customers with greater comfort in their homes. With his wife, Carol, running the administration of the business he purchased a van and some tools from a retired contractor. Western Heating & Air Conditioning was officially open for business!

As a devoted father of four, Rod was an excellent example of hard work and loving service for others. He frequently donated his time and services to help those who couldn’t afford to help themselves. He spent many late hours fixing furnaces and air conditioners for neighbors and friends. His kindness, honesty, and hard work built him an amazing reputation in the community.

Growing Western

Western Heating & Air Conditioning quickly became known as the company with an owner you could trust! Folks knew that he was honest and would give fair pricing for a job done right. As the demand for Rod’s services increased he concluded that it was time to hire some help. Within the first year of business, Rod had already hired his first technician. Western Heating & Air was taking off!

Carol has said that the only form of advertising that they ever had to do was put a photo of Rod in the phone book. Customers used to simply see his photo and call Western Heating for service. Callers often said they called because Rod “just looked like a guy I could trust.”

By 2007, Rod and Carol had been running a quality business for over 12 years. They had a loyal customer base, great community relationships, and their work demand continued to grow. Having hired their fourth technician and owning a thriving business they realized their hearts were pulled in a different direction. Rod and Carol were ready to serve a mission for their church.

Having built an amazing company, and strong relationships with their customers, Rod and Carol wanted to ensure that they could find new owners who would care for their customers the same way they had for the past 12 years. That’s when Rod called Ryan. . . and the rest is history!

Retirement

Rod and Carol were thrilled to serve a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Nauvoo, Illinois. Rod worked on heating and air conditioning projects for the Church while Carol served tourists at the church historic sites with other sister missionaries. She also used her musical skills on the piano to accompany stage shows and various other performances. Upon the completion of their mission, they moved to Washington, Utah, where Rod served as a bishop in his congregation. His love and faith have blessed the lives of countless individuals.

Rod’s service did not end there. He continued to fix air conditioners for his neighbors, and help friends and family with home and yard projects. His son once said that you could always find Rod on his knees, whether it was working on a home project, a furnace, or praying for help.

We were heartbroken to hear of Rod’s passing on August 6th of this year following a tragic accident. His legacy of love, service, and kindness lives on with his wife, children, and grandchildren. We are honored to continue his legacy at Western Heating & Air Conditioning.

As we celebrate 25 years of service at Western Heating & Air Conditioning, we honor Rod and the legacy that he left by continuing with a company built on integrity and trust.