Hawaii’s Top EMPLOYERS

Sturdevant Refrigeration & Air Conditioning, Inc.

Sturdevant Refrigeration & Air Conditioning, Inc.’s recognition as one of Hawaii’s Best Places to Work in 2008 starts with its owners, Steve and Debi Sturdevant, who "lead by example as people who care about their employees," say its employees. Established in 1980, the Maui company today constructs, installs and sells high quality air conditioning, refrigeration and heating systems for such clients as construction companies, hotels, and owner-occupied residential and commercial properties. It can also do sheet metal work, gutters and architectural metals. Sturdevant Air’s stellar reputation as a trusted local service source rests with the company’s 30 employees, who include licensed and insured trained specialists, says Steve Sturdevant. "Our work environment puts the person before the job," says Sturdevant. "We can provide the tools, the training and the trade. Our work together is really about helping people share the special gifts they have and helping them change their lives." Employees praise the owners’ generous training opportunities and benefits, but also their caring attitude of looking out for the welfare of their staff and their willingness to hire diverse individuals looking to improve themselves. Working closely with staff, the company is able to offer 24/7 emergency services to its customers, while also providing flexible work schedules to allow employees to tend to family issues. Sturdevant Air makes hiring Maui residents a priority, with 90 percent of its employees local. "Community roots means our people are invested in their lives here and, hopefully, in helping our company grow," says Sturdevant. Sharing together infuses Sturdevant Air’s work environment, which takes its core values from the timeless teachings of the Bible. Weekly department meetings keep employees updated and apprised of worksite issues, such as safety. Volunteering together on community projects builds employees’ sense of belonging to a company that is a good business citizen and their own awareness of being a good community citizen, say the company’s employees. The company has provided in-kind and discounted services to local community projects, including Feed My Sheep, a nonprofit providing free meals to anyone in need, and many local churches. The staff even pitches in as volunteers to install air conditioning at employees’ homes. Future plans involve looking for new facilities to accommodate growing services and exploring energy-saving efficiencies. It recently installed a pilot energy management system for the King’s Cathedral Church & School, Maui’s largest, which will save 15 to 25 percent of the organization’s annual energy costs. No doubt Steve and Debi Sturdevant’s employees will be standing shoulder-to-shoulder with them in these new endeavors.

300 Hoohana Street • Kahului, HI 96732

Phone: 808-871-6404  

www.sturdevantair.com