ABOUT US
Hill York Then…
Where it all began: the story of Hill York, South Florida’s leading mechanical contractor.
Imagine the luxury hotels of Miami Beach without air conditioning, closed in the summer, and cooled only by fans in the winter months. As Florida’s first air conditioning company, Hill York changed all that!
Hill York pursued the challenge of designing and installing air-conditioning in more than half of the luxury hotels in Miami Beach just after World War II, making way for more tourism in South Florida with visitors and conventioneers flocking to the area. To this day, the company is credited with making Miami Beach a year-round community.
In 1936, the two founders, Ren Nitzsche and Everett Carroll were in the equipment business, serving as a distributor for Hill refrigerated cases and York air conditioning. During World War II, the company refurbished and installed used refrigerators, and renamed their company by combining the names of the two companies for which they were distributors.
Ten years after the duo began their business, they met Robert S. Lafferty, Sr., whose vocation was selling oil heaters in New Jersey. Lafferty saw an opportunity in the warm climate of the South to bolster the air-conditioning business of Hill York. He sold the first complete air-conditioning system to The Roney Plaza Hotel on Miami Beach. Other hotels started following suit, and Lafferty soon had nearly every major hotel lined up for air conditioning. Eventually, Lafferty became a part owner of the company.
His son, Robert S. Lafferty, Jr., is now chairman of the board of Hill York, while his grandson, Robert W. “Chip” Lafferty, a professional engineer, presides as chief executive officer. The company still maintains a branch in Miami where it got its start, but Fort Lauderdale is now the location of its headquarters.
Hill York Now…
• Hill York is now celebrating 75 years of stable growth history in Florida. We currently have six branches ready to serve you.
• The Only MSCA Green Star Certified mechanical contractor recognized by USGBC in Florida!
• Hill York is the Largest Liebert Network Solution Partner in Florida.
• Hill York has air conditioned tens of millions of square feet for South Florida’s indoor environments.
• Hill York is an Energy Star Service and Product Provider Partner.
The Comfort Champions
What makes Hill York The Comfort Champions?
There’s a reason why Hill York delivers a higher level of service than other companies. It’s all wrapped up in a dynamic internal culture we call The Comfort Champions.
As Comfort Champions, Hill York employees earn bronze, silver, and gold medal recognition, just like Olympic athletes. They’re judged every day by standards that encourage and reward exceptional effort in the most important event of all … taking excellent care of our customers.
Each gold medal performance is defined by the five following words. It’s no coincidence that their first letters spell the word CHAMP.
CARE – We care about the work we do and the people we serve. You’ll feel our genuine concern.
HELP – At Hill York, making our customers comfortable extends to every aspect of their lives. It’s a creative challenge we take seriously.
ADD VALUE – The Comfort Champions at Hill York go the extra mile and make special efforts to give you a “wow” experience.
MIND SHARE – Hill York people and their customers get to know each other well. You’ll call us with confidence every time.
PARTNER – Becoming true partners with our customers is our ultimate goal, and results in productive win-win relationships.