• Some of the Action Air team with founder Greg Gill, center.
    Some of the Action Air team with founder Greg Gill, center.
    Some of the Action Air team with founder Greg Gill, center.
    Some of the Action Air team with founder Greg Gill, center.
    Some of the Action Air team with founder Greg Gill, center.

    Action Air HVAC Company Hits 40-year Mark, and Keeps on Growing

    Oct. 8, 2015
    Amodio has ambitious 10-year goals. “We are planning on doubling the business by 2020,” he said. 
    Brian Amodio
    Action Air solar installation.

    For 40-years, Action Air, based in San Marcos, Calif., has been dedicated to helping families, businesses, and communities find comfort at home and work.

    Action Air was founded in 1975 by Gregory W. Gill, as an air-conditioning installation company for single family homes. Since 2013, under the guidance of president Brian Amodio — Action Air has made some a significant improvements in internal operations and services, to continue its reputation as a regional provider of HVAC products and services.

    Action Air is dedicated to helping customers “get comfortable,” and reducing their net energy costs. With more than 40 years of experience, Action Air specializes in educating home owners how to maximize their environmental comfort.

    During Amodio’s tenure, Action Air has increased annual sales and customers by 20 percent for three straight years, and there are no plans of cooling off.

    Brian Amodio joined Action Air five years ago as chief financial officer. As president he’s implementing Action Air’s plan for the next 10-years and beyond. As the former CFO of the Johnny Rockets restaurant chain, Amodio brings leadership, strategy expertise, and a critical eye for growth to the business. In just five years, with the help of HVAC consultant Tom Piscitelli, Amodio has implemented new management strategies that have resulted in exponential success. Those improvements include new accounting and payroll systems, and a web-based time and attendance system. He also modified the sales team’s compensation plan.

    “Compensation packages for managers were driving the company negative. I set up compensation packages that were performance-based,” he said. “We’ve corrected a lot of issues, automated many functions, and are seeing the synergies kicking in,” said Amodio, who left his previous position because he wanted to see his ideas unfold and see results.

    “At a larger firm, you can disappear. It’s worked out well,” he said. “We are currently over 35 percent above our annual growth goals for the past four years, which is an indication that there is room to grow without increasing overhead. We’ve expanded our service department, improved management training, and found new ways to help our current customer network.”

    Amodio has ambitious 10-year goals. “We are planning on doubling the business by 2020,” he said.  “That’s no easy feat for a 40-year-old business, but thankfully, everyone of our amazing team members believes in the goal, and we are on track for 2020.”

    Gregory Gill, a system design engineer, started the business as a one-man shop, going door-to-door, sharing HVAC solutions with his neighbors. It was a true family business, as Gill made sales calls from his kitchen table while his family helped contribute time and effort towards the company’s growth. What started as an entrepreneurial endeavor to help his neighbors stay cool, is now a four-time San Diego Better Business Bureau award recipient.

    Action Aire employs over 70 people and serves the San Diego and Southern Riverside communities. The majority of Action Air’s sales come from internal referrals and friends.

    “Our customers trust us to offer to them the best solutions available. That’s why our service experts treat our customers like family, taking the time to educate them on all the affordable options we provide,” said Office Manager Diane De Los Reyes.

    Employee Support
    Over 50% of Action Air’s administrative staff has been with the company for over 10 years. The company is fueled by a high-octane team culture, which includes its employees’ connections with local non-profit organizations and community service activity.

    Action Air offers annual scholarships for local high school students. Additionally, in partnership with San Diego Habitat for Humanity, Action Air donates complete HVAC systems for many new homes in the community. Every year, the Action Air team plays Santa Claus, purchasing and wrapping presents to give out during the holidays. Presents are also distributed to local senior communities.

    Additionally, Action Air “gives back” during Breast Cancer Awareness month, through monetary donations in addition to the Action Air service team wearing pink uniforms during the month of October.