“My wife wanted me to get out of the industry because of all the hours I was working. After I started here, she never said it again, because they don't overwork us. They take good care of us.” After about nine months, Buckalew became a field supervisor, and last November, he assumed the mantle of training director.

Buckalew is a technician's technician. He's the guy the other technicians try to stump with questions at Monday morning service meetings. He rarely fails, and is happy to get an answer wrong, because a prize goes to anyone who can trip him up. He manages the in-house Morris-Jenkins University, but is always ready to help out with some troubleshooting in the field.

“I'm a motivator by nature,” Buckalew says. “I love to see people do well, so it's a perfect fit for me. Many will say the training element helps us keep people, and I think that's true. How can you do something for a living and not want to be the best?”

In recognition of its training efforts, Morris-Jenkins received the ACCA Excellence in Training Award in 2007.

Advice from the Coach

“When I see how our market has grown, I believe we can continue growing into the future,” Jenkins says, as his infectious smile beams brightly “This has been the most enjoyable thing I've ever done. I found good people who wanted to do good work, and who responded to recognition.”

Dewey Jenkins' advice to other business owners who want to reach new heights: “Focus on your employees, and treat them well. Give them everything they need to do their jobs. Then, focus on your customers' needs and wants.”

In spite of the national economic downturns expected in 2009, Morris-Jenkins is poised for a great year. Not surprisingly, Dewey Jenkins is very optimistic about the future.

“I think it will be a challenging time that can become positive and important for good companies. These downturns force you to look at your procedures and ways of doing things. That's when you can get much better. When the good times come back, you'll be that much stronger,” he says.

Unlike the NFL, the HVAC season is a year-long test of endurance, in which every day is like a big game.

Morris-Jenkins came to play.

Congratulations to Morris-Jenkins, the 2009 ContractingBusiness.com Residential Contractor of the Year.

Ed. note: Dewey Jenkins will be a featured speaker during HVAC Comfortech 2009, Sept. 23-26, Nashville, TN.

Morris-Jenkins, Charlotte, NC

Owner/Founder: Dewey Jenkins.

Years in business: 18 as Morris-Jenkins.

Services: Residential HVAC replacement and service.

2008 revenue: $23.5 million.

Total employees: 140, with 53 service technicians and 22 installation technicians.

Management team: Anne Gannon, general manager; David Smith sales manager; Dave Hearne, installation manager; Tim O'Brien, service manager; Kent Buckalew, training director; Kent Weaver, finance manager; Kelly Jenkins, director of marketing; Tookie Harto, human resources manager; Alli Todd, support services manager; Yelena Shishkova, director of operational analysis.

Core Values: “To abide by an absolute commitment to honesty, integrity, fairness, and respect for each individual. To help employees by encouraging their personal growth and helping them realize their full potential through opportunities for achievement.”

Core Purpose: “Helping Ordinary People Achieve Extraordinary Things.”

Core Philosophy: “Turning Talent Into Performance.”

Community Service: The Warm Heat Fund, a voluntary contribution by employees to help needy citizens pay their heating bills. The company has also participated in builds for Habitat for Humanity. In June 2008, Morris-Jenkins agreed to donate $50,000 per year for 10 years to underwrite the Levine Children's Hospital's Special Recognition Program.

What Makes a Contractor of the Year?

The Residential Contractor of the Year represents an elite group: a forward thinking class of residential HVAC contractors who are dynamic and professional in every aspect of their business. The high-quality management of their companies parallels that of many top corporations in the U.S. today. These contractors follow strategic plans and maximize their returns on investment, and are always exploring new ways to improve their operations. They maintain high levels of communication within their organizations, are aware of changing market conditions, and respond quickly to opportunities. They're the leaders of our industry. To nominate a company for the 2010 Residential Contractor of the Year Award, contact Terry McIver, at tmciver@penton.com.