Today we’d like to introduce you to Steven Smith.
Hi Steven, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I come from a long line of sheet metal fabrication and HVAC professionals, making me the fourth generation in the family business. My great-grandfather founded the company in Spanish Fork, Utah, back in 1938. From a young age, I was immersed in the world of sheet metal. Some of my earliest memories are of working with my grandfather in his heating and air business in San Diego, where I started by insulating ductwork.
When we relocated to Utah, I would often visit my great-grandparents’ house, which was right next to the shop in Spanish Fork. It was there that my great-uncle, my grandfather’s brother, taught me how to build square ductwork. Over the years, I had the opportunity to work alongside my grandfather, great-uncle, uncle, and dad, learning every facet of the HVAC and sheet metal industry up until I turned eighteen.
At eighteen, I began working full-time with my Uncle Frank. Unfortunately, during my time with him, my dad passed away, another uncle decided to leave the industry, and my grandfather sold his business in San Diego. As Frank’s health declined, I stepped up to take on more responsibility, and when he passed, I was the one who stepped in to maintain the business. Despite challenges, I worked hard to retain generational customers, keeping the legacy intact.
In the last eight years, as my aunt, who owned the business after Frank’s passing, has become less able to manage it, I’ve taken on even more of the operations. I’m dedicated to preserving the legacy of Smith Sheet Metal, not just for my generation but for future ones as well, including passing it on to my children and grandchildren. Today, I run the sheet metal shop and HVAC business, successfully maintaining a solid reputation and growing a loyal customer base, even as we adapt to changing times in the local community and creating a professional company.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It hasn’t been without its challenges, especially as a small, family-owned HVAC business. The industry is constantly evolving, and as with any HVAC company, there are a lot of ups and downs. Equipment prices fluctuate, and sometimes homeowners simply can’t afford the costs, which leads to difficulties with payments. This puts a strain on the company, especially when we’re just trying to stay afloat ourselves. Balancing the need to provide quality service while dealing with financial pressures is a constant challenge, but it’s something we’ve worked hard to manage over the years. Despite these obstacles, we’ve managed to adapt and continue growing.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
At Steve Smith HVAC, we specialize in custom sheet metal fabrication and the design and layout of HVAC systems for multi-million dollar homes. We excel at solving complex problems, especially when it comes to navigating the technical challenges posed by today’s smart, high-tech HVAC equipment. As the owner, I’m known for being hands-on and approachable. I’m on the job site, working alongside my team, and building personal relationships with everyone I meet in the industry. I take great pride in overcoming the adversity that comes with running a small business and maintaining that personal connection with both clients and employees. What sets me apart as an employer is my commitment to daily communication with my team on a personal level. I truly view all of my employees as family, whether they are family by blood or not.
What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
One thing I’ve learned over the years is that no matter what the situation is—whether it’s at work, with family, or in business—there’s always a way to push through any problem. Challenges are inevitable, but I believe it’s all about perseverance and finding solutions, no matter how tough things get. In my experience, you can face almost any obstacle if you stay focused, stay positive, and keep moving forward. This mindset has helped me not only overcome difficult moments in business but also in my personal life. It’s something I try to instill in my team as well, because if we face challenges together, we can tackle anything.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://spanishforkhvac.com/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61567120324715
