Success in HVAC isn’t a quick climb. It’s a long, disciplined journey that blends technical skill with leadership, systems, and mindset. Jonathan Neves, owner of Green Energy Mechanical, started in the trade at just seventeen. Today, his Massachusetts-based company operates across three locations and generates millions in revenue. His story reveals not just how to grow, but how to build a business that lasts.
From Teen Apprentice to Business Owner
Jonathan began his journey at a vocational high school, alternating between classroom training and fieldwork. While others were unsure about their career paths, he was already turning wrenches and learning the mechanics of HVAC systems. What drew him to the trade was its mix of problem-solving, technology, and evolution.
At 27, he launched Green Energy Mechanical with a simple idea: people would pay more for high-quality, energy-efficient service. In 2011, few believed in heat pumps or green solutions. Jonathan did. His first breakthrough came when he installed ductless systems in a Boston home; something considered impractical at the time. That success positioned him ahead of the curve, long before sustainable heating became a household topic.
Seeing the Future of the HVAC Industry
Jonathan believes the HVAC industry is on the verge of a major transformation. He predicts a shift toward e-commerce-style services, where customers will buy systems online and have them installed through large corporate networks. With companies like Google gathering data and corporations like BlackRock buying residential properties, contractors must adapt to new ownership models and digital customer expectations.
For Jonathan, adaptation means merging craftsmanship with data-driven systems. His company operates with modern processes, online communication platforms, and automation tools that keep operations lean and consistent.
Building a Brand with Purpose
When he named his company Green Energy Mechanical, it wasn’t a random choice. Jonathan wanted a name that represented both profit and purpose. His philosophy was to build a company with two bottom lines; financial growth and environmental impact.
By positioning his business as both sustainable and service-focused, he attracted customers who valued efficiency and ethics. Over time, the brand became synonymous with innovation and trust in Massachusetts’ HVAC market.
Learning to “Fire Himself”
Scaling a business requires letting go. Jonathan says the biggest step in his journey was learning to fire himself from roles he once loved.
In the early years, he did everythingm, from sales, installations, repairs, and management. But as the company grew, he realized that his control was holding it back. Every time he replaced himself with a capable leader or system, the company advanced another level.
This shift from technician to CEO didn’t come easy. He describes it as an identity crisis; going from the hands-on problem solver to the person creating systems for others to follow. Yet that willingness to delegate and trust others became the foundation for growth.
Systems and Training that Drive Consistency
Running three locations requires more than hustle; it demands structure. Jonathan’s business thrives on intentional training and accountability.
New employees begin with video-based lessons and written guides, followed by hands-on sessions in a training room filled with real systems. Every role, from service tech to sales rep, has documented procedures and measurable performance indicators.
Jonathan believes training must be interactive and personal. He insists that after every learning session, team members demonstrate their understanding and sign off on their readiness. This accountability ensures everyone performs to the same standard, no matter the branch or role.
Leading with Ownership and Empathy
Jonathan’s management approach centers on ownership, not blame. When a technician falls short, his first question is whether they were properly trained. If not, he takes responsibility for that gap and fixes it immediately.
He also understands that leadership is personal. His process of coaching over criticism has built loyalty among employees who feel supported instead of punished. This method has helped him retain top talent and foster a workplace culture that values improvement over perfection.
Recruiting and Keeping Top Technicians
Finding skilled technicians is one of the toughest challenges in the HVAC industry. Jonathan tackles this by developing his own talent pipeline. His company’s process-driven structure allows new hires to perform effectively after just a few weeks of training.
His retention strategy focuses on culture. Every week, the team meets for both in-person and virtual sessions. Mondays are for technical updates, Fridays for personal wins and recognition. These gatherings build community and strengthen the connection between leadership and field staff.
To Jonathan, culture isn’t about perks; it’s about relationships. When people feel trusted, valued, and included, they naturally perform better and stay longer.
Marketing Strategies That Actually Work
Jonathan’s marketing philosophy blends old-school persistence with modern optimization. His team focuses heavily on Google Business Profile dominance, ensuring each location ranks high in local searches.
He complements this with direct mail campaigns and follow-up cold calls handled by his remote team in the Philippines. By combining outreach with online authority, he keeps his company’s phone lines busy year-round.
This balance of inbound and outbound marketing creates a predictable stream of leads and allows his teams to focus on what they do best; selling and serving.
The Habits Behind Leadership
For Jonathan, leadership begins before work starts. He wakes up between 4 and 5 a.m., practices gratitude, and spends quiet moments reflecting before the day begins. He believes the mindset you start with determines the energy you bring to your team.
He encourages other business owners to take the same approach: build your own energy before you try to lead others. Positive leadership, he says, starts with personal discipline.
What’s Next for Green Energy Mechanical
Jonathan’s focus for the coming years is efficiency, not just expansion. After chasing revenue in the past, he now aims for sustainable profitability with a 20% or higher margin.
His word for 2025 is momentum, a reminder that every small, consistent action fuels long-term progress. His next step is refining operations, strengthening leadership across branches, and keeping the company profitable without losing its core values.
Lessons for Aspiring HVAC Entrepreneurs
Jonathan’s journey is full of lessons for anyone hoping to build an HVAC empire:
- Keep learning. The industry evolves fast. Continuous education is non-negotiable.
- Build a network. Surround yourself with business owners who share ideas and support your growth.
- Trust your people. Delegate early and build systems that empower, not micromanage.
- Lead with heart. Culture and leadership are your strongest assets.
Final Thoughts
From a seventeen-year-old student to a $10 million HVAC leader, Jonathan Neves has built his success on mindset, systems, and relationships. His story proves that the path to growth isn’t about working harder; it’s about thinking bigger, creating structure, and developing others to succeed alongside you.
The blueprint is simple but demanding: learn relentlessly, lead intentionally, and never stop building momentum.
