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The region also had its hottest autumn in history, with an average high temperature of 93.2 degrees from Sept. 1 to Nov. 30. “This year we experienced the hottest temperatures on record. It was crazy!” Nieves said at the end of 2020. “We were extremely busy with each tech averaging 8 to 10 service calls a day. We brought two more guys onto the crew. Between the heat and people stuck at home from the pandemic, urgency and immediacy contributed to the need.” Nieves started his career in the Arizona HVAC business in 2006, learning the skills of the trade by repairing, installing and servicing every type of air conditioning system — old and new. In 2017, he made the decision to open his own business in his hometown of Maricopa. 911 Air Repair launched, he said, with an emphasis on service to the customer and the community, commitment to building relationships built on trust, and quality of workmanship through training and certification of its technicians. With families “sheltering in place” in the early months of the pandemic, many sought to improve the quality and purity of air in their homes, he said, noting a whole-house system can eliminate 99.9% of allergens and contaminates, including the COVID-19 virus. 911 Air Repair repairs all brands of residential HVAC systems and honors “ We were extremely busy with each tech averaging 8 to 10 service calls a day. We brought two more guys onto the crew. Between the heat and people stuck at home from the pandemic, urgency and immediacy contributed to the need. ”
Victor Moreno
manufacturer’s warranties. “Preventative maintenance is the key,” Nieves said. “We recommend a twice-yearly checkup for your HVAC, spring for the AC and fall for heating.” Stellar reviews on social media give testimony to the company’s dedication and drive for excellence in performance and customer service, according to Nieves. “We operate from the mentality of customers come first,” Nieves said. “When you treat people well, trust is developed. People will recommend you to their friends and neighbors. 75% to 85% of our business is from referrals and word-of-mouth.” ‘MY FOOTPRINT IS HERE IN MARICOPA’ Born and raised in Maricopa and a graduate of Maricopa High School, Nieves is a tireless advocate and youth activity sponsor. He lends financial support to several high school sports teams, Little League teams and wrestling events. He is also involved in e-sports at Copper Sky and outdoor football and basketball events at Pacana Park. Last October, 50% of the money from referrals went to training, equipment and jerseys for teams. In addition, he works with local nonprofits including the Maricopa Pantry. He also sponsored the “Maricopa Wild Horses” public art initiative, purchasing a decorated horse sculpture. This is part of his legacy to his children as a Maricopan, he said.
“I grew up here, my children are growing up here, and I want them to know how much pride I have in this community and the people in it,” he said. “My footprint is here in Maricopa.” Nancy Rollins, his fifth-grade teacher at Maricopa Elementary, recalled Nieves as an “amazing student” who was interested in everything and loved science and social studies. In 1995, she said, Nieves and four classmates entered The Honeywell AeroSpace Challenge and placed second. “This was a first for our school and Maricopa and set the tone for future first-place wins,” she said. But Rollins remembers Nieves for more than academics. “Quiet spoken and thoughtful, close to friends and his family, Ray was always helping others,” she said. “He was really community- minded even as a 10-year-old.” Over 25 years, Rollins said she has watched Nieves develop his character and relationships with people. “He’s just really a good guy,” she said. “He honestly cares about people and service to his community. He is always willing to extend a helping hand.”
Victor Moreno
At 911 Air Repair, it’s all about cool customers By Fran Lyons
L ocally owned and operated by Ray Nieves, the heating, ventilation and air conditioning business strives to be a “one-stop shop” for its customers. But keeping one’s air conditioning system running was more important than ever in 2020. The Phoenix region had the hottest summer in its history, shattering the record for the most 100-degree days in a calendar year, with 144. A record was also set with the mercury reaching a high of at least 110 degrees for 50 days. That crushed the previous record, from 2011, of 33 days. Moreover, August was the hottest ever since records started being kept in 1895, with an average high temperature of 110.7 degrees and an average overall temperature of 99.1 degrees, both the warmest ever, according to the National Weather Service.
911 Air Repair
support@911-ac.com 480-360-1234
Victor Moreno
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New Resident & Visitor Guide 2021 • InMaricopa.com/NewResidentGuide
InMaricopa.com/NewResidentGuide • New Resident & Visitor Guide 2021
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