The roots of Weis Comfort Systems go deep. Herman Weis established his heating business on California Avenue in South St. Louis in 1927. At that time, there was no air conditioning to speak of, just the principles of physics (hot air rises, cool air sinks) applied to basic ‘gravity systems.’ When WWII broke out, however, there was a shortage of metal, and Weis had to shutter his business and find other work. Some years later, the shop was reopened as Weis Heating Company by his son, Richard.
By then, the post-war housing boom was taking off, and Rich had a plan—to install central heating in all new homes, economically, with new blower-driven gas furnaces. Early air conditioning had been introduced, and the company grew quickly to meet the demand of new construction. “We have been able to grow over the years because we deliver on our promises,” says Dan Weis, grandson of Herman Weis, who has co-owned the business with his brother Tom since 1992. “We’ve created a good, solid company over time, and people trust us.”
Their mission is to make homes and businesses as comfortable as possible while providing professional craftsmanship, strong warranties and value. Recently, the company experienced a significant growth spurt when it bought Gaines HVAC, another business with a long history of serving the St. Louis community. It was founded in 1898. “Gaines wanted to sell to a company with the same ethos, the same level of service and detail,” Weis says. “It’s been a really great merger, and we have retained most of their customers.”
Weis is quick to point out that contributing to his company’s success is a staff that upholds this commitment. “My brother and I place as much emphasis on the people who work for us as we do on our clients,” he says. “We treat people with respect and provide incomes and benefit packages that reflect that. We want our employees to enjoy the same things we enjoy.” To meet the needs of new clients, Weis says he has hired five new employees and now has 27 total across two locations, including 17 technicians.
“Our technicians are not only extremely experienced and highly skilled, but they also complete on-going training to ensure we provide only the most up-to-date information, advice and practices,” Weis says, adding that Weis Comfort Systems uses only the industry’s leading products from top brands such as Lennox, Daikin, Arzel, Aprilaire, Water Furnace and others. “Our slogan is, ‘When you live and sleep comfortably, so do we,’” Weis says. “Our family’s tradition is to provide high-quality service, unparalleled craftsmanship and tried-and-true business values. We sleep well because you sleep well.”
Pictured: Co-owner Tom Weis, administrative staff members Lauren, Kim, Mary, Sheela and Britney, and co-owner Dan Weis
Photo: Bill Barrett
Weis Comfort Systems has offices in Fenton; Red Bud, Illinois; and Belleville, Illinois. It provides a high standard of air conditioning and furnace installation, repair, and emergency service. For more information, call 636.343.8440, or visit weiscomfortsystems.com.
Cover Design by Julie Streiler | Cover photo by Bill Barrett
