A converstation with Don Miller of Burkholder’s Heating & Air Conditioning Inc.

He has worked in the HVAC industry for 38 years and has been with Burkholder’s since 2003. He started his career in the industry doing installations, working his way up to project manager and director of field operations for various companies throughout the Lehigh Valley.

He is a US Army veteran and after his service he completed an 800-hour adult evening class at Carbon County Vocational Technical School for commercial air conditioning and refrigeration. In 1995, he attended Clemson University School of Project Management.

He lives in Macungie with his wife.

LVB: What have been some of Burkholder’s biggest challenges and opportunities? 

Don Miller: In today’s employment environment, it is continually challenging to find skilled field installers and technicians. While this is an ongoing challenge, we strive to be proactive by routinely coordinating with local trade schools and high schools to educate students on the wealth of opportunities available in the HVAC trade in order to encourage more young adults to consider the HVAC industry for their future career path. Our growth opportunities are linked to the continual commercial and residential development of the Lehigh Valley area.

LVB: How does Burkholder’s directly stimulate the local economy? How does it get involved with the local community? 

Miller: We offer significant employment opportunities to area professionals, as we currently have more than 70 employees on staff. Throughout the year Burkholder’s donates time, resources, and finances with charities and initiatives. We are sponsors of many community events and support local charities with our “Burks Gives Back” campaigns. Two times per year we select a local charity to which we donate a portion of our maintenance agreement sales. As committed members of the Lehigh Valley community, we believe it is our responsibility to impact local charities and offer support to those in need.

LVB: What is your guiding philosophy as a business leader?

Miller: Our goal is to maintain the highest level of professionalism, integrity, honesty, and fairness in our relationships with our employees, customers, subcontractors, suppliers, and professional associates. We focus on providing our employees with an honest and helpful work environment, where every employee, both individually and collectively, can dedicate themselves to providing our customers with exceptional workmanship, extraordinary service, and professional integrity. Our purpose is to perform the highest level of quality mechanical services at fair and market competitive prices and ensure the longevity of our company through repeat and referral business achieved by customer satisfaction in all areas including timeliness, attention to detail, and service-minded attitudes.

LVB: If you could change one thing about your industry, what would it be?

Miller: My goal is that young adults consider the HVAC industry when seeking a rewarding career path. There are abundant current and future opportunities that exist in the industry, and we focus on working with young adults.