For 20 years, Around the Sun Heating & Cooling has been keeping families comfortable across Phoenix and the surrounding communities through scorching summers, chilly desert nights, and everything in between. What began as a commitment to dependable HVAC service has grown into two decades of trusted relationships, loyal customers, and a reputation built one home at a time.
This year marks a meaningful milestone: 20 years of providing comfort. For CEO Derris Amsler, the anniversary represents far more than time in business.
“Reaching 20 years is incredibly meaningful...It represents consistency, trust, and thousands of relationships built one home at a time. This milestone isn’t just about time; it’s about responsibility and pride in what we’ve built.” - Derris Amsler, CEO
In a region where reliable air conditioning services are essential, longevity matters. Around the Sun has spent two decades showing up when it counts, whether during extreme heat or unexpected system breakdowns. That consistency has earned the loyalty of customers who have trusted the company for years, some even decades. As Amsler reflects, that kind of loyalty is built by keeping promises and taking care of people when they need you most.
As Around the Sun celebrates 20 years, the focus is not only on looking back, but on continuing to serve the Valley with the same integrity and care that built its foundation.
A Conversation with CEO Derris Amsler on 20 Years of Service and What Comes Next
Q: What does the 20-year milestone mean to you personally?
Derris Amsler: Reaching 20 years is incredibly meaningful. It represents consistency, trust, and thousands of relationships built one home at a time. Personally, it’s a reminder that doing the right thing—day after day—really does add up. This milestone isn’t just about time; it’s about responsibility and pride in what we’ve built.
Q: What stands out most when you reflect on the company reaching two decades?
DA: What stands out most is the loyalty of our customers and the dedication of our team. Many customers have been with us for years, some even decades, and that doesn’t happen by accident. It happens when you show up, keep your word, and take care of people when they need you most.
Q: Why does longevity matter to homeowners choosing an HVAC company?
DA: Longevity signals reliability. Homeowners want to know the company they call today will still be there tomorrow, next year, and years down the road. When you’ve been serving a community for 20 years, it shows stability, experience, and accountability.
On Around the Sun's Ownership Transition & Continuity
Q: Why was it important to keep the Around the Sun name and values intact after the ownership transition?
DA: The name Around the Sun represents trust that was earned long before I stepped into ownership. Preserving that legacy mattered because customers weren’t just choosing a service—they were choosing values, people, and a reputation built over time.
Q: What were the non-negotiables when stepping into ownership
DA: Honesty, quality workmanship, and respect for customers and employees were absolute non-negotiables. Cutting corners or changing the way customers are treated was never on the table. At Around the Sun I lead the business with a mindset that if I take care of the Associates, the associates will take of the customers and everything else will take care of itself!
Q: How would you explain to customers what has not changed at Around the Sun?
DA: What hasn’t changed is our commitment to doing what’s right. We still show up when we say we will, we still explain options clearly, and we still treat every home like it matters—because it does.
On Around the Sun's Values & Customer Experience
Q: What values have guided the company over the last 20 years?
DA: Integrity, accountability, and care. Those values guide every decision we make, from how we train our technicians to how we communicate with customers.
Q: What does taking care of customers mean in day-to-day operations?
DA: It means listening first, being honest about solutions, and never recommending something a customer doesn’t need. It also means respecting their time, their home, and their trust.
Q: How do you maintain quality and honesty as the company grows?
DA: Growth only works if quality grows with it. That’s why we invest heavily in training, clear processes, and leadership support. We’d rather grow the right way than fast.
On Serving the Phoenix Metro Community & Building Customer Relationships
Q: Why is serving the local community so important to you?
DA: This community supports us, so it’s only right that we support it in return. These aren’t just customers—they’re neighbors, families, and friends.
Q: What does building long-term customer relationships mean to the company?
DA: It means we’re not focused on one service call; we’re focused on being the company customers trust for years. That long-term mindset shapes everything we do.
Q: Are there moments that remind you why this work matters?
DA: Absolutely. Hearing from customers during extreme weather, emergencies, or major life moments reminds us that comfort and reliability truly matter.
On Around the Sun's Team & Leadership Growth
Q: How important is the team in delivering great customer experiences?
DA: The team is everything. Great service doesn’t come from a logo—it comes from people who care about their work and the customers they serve.
Q: What do you look for when hiring new team members?
DA: Skill matters, but character matters more. We look for people who are honest, dependable, and genuinely want to help others. We are more concerned with the building the right culture than we are just hiring to hire.
Q: How does leadership support the team to ensure quality service?
DA: By giving them the training, tools, and support they need—and by listening. When the team feels supported, customers feel it too. My job as the owner is to remove the barriers that sit between my associates and what is needed to serve the customer
Looking Ahead at the Next 20 Years of Comfort in Phoenix, AZ
Q: Where do you see Around the Sun heading next?
DA: We’ll continue growing thoughtfully, expanding our capabilities while staying focused on service excellence.
Q: How do you balance growth with staying true to the company’s roots?
DA: By never losing sight of why we started—to take care of customers. Every decision goes back to that core purpose.
Q: What excites you most about the future?
DA: Continuing to serve families, develop our team, and building on a foundation that’s already strong.
Grateful for 20 Years of Trust from Our Community and Customers
Q: What would you like to say to customers who have trusted Around the Sun over the years?
DA: Thank you. Your trust is something we never take for granted, and it’s the reason we’re here 20 years later. Without you Around the Sun does not exist!
Q: Why should homeowners feel confident choosing Around the Sun today?
DA: Because we combine experience with integrity. We’ve stood the test of time, and we’re committed to being here for the long run.
Q: How would you sum up the company after 20 years?
DA: Around the Sun is a company built on trust, driven by people, and dedicated to doing right by our customers—yesterday, today, and tomorrow.
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