​"Our Mission Statement“
​Kelly Air Conditioning and Heating Inc. strives to provide the best indoor air quality, air conditioning and heating at the best possible value and service in the Whitehouse, and surrounding markets while maintaining a positive reputation though excellent customer relations.”

A Little History: Article by Tri-County Leader

When Ralph Kelly first started paying calls on the residents of Whitehouse and the surrounding area, there was just a flashing light at 110 and 346, Brother Dave’s was still serving the best chicken fried steak in the world and Shanan’s Store was the number one stop for ice cream on the way home from Lake Tyler.

After working for others in the AC and heating business, Ralph decided to open his own place in Whitehouse. Kelly AC/ Heating was chartered in 1972 and the shingle was hung on a building that once was a chicken house belonging to Gene Tomlin.

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“We took that chicken house apart piece by piece,” Gary Kelly said. “We put it back together making our first building near Dale Reel’s place. It was heated with a wood stove. We’d bring in scrap wood from job sites to warm up that little shop.”

Ralph contracted early on with Carrier and installed their products for many years.

With a few builders and a few service customers, Ralph and son Gary each worked part time to get the business up and running.

The business grew steadily along with Whitehouse. Lots of new construction was keeping them busy and when that business was slow, Gary would pick up as many service contract customers as he could.

“We found that the service contracts were good for our business and for the customers,” Gary said. “It kept us in work and gave our customers assurance that their units were in good running order.”

Back then and today, Kelly services and installs systems all over East Texas. They now handle Trane products and even do some testing for the local facility.

Todd says he grew up learning about HVAC systems so it was a given that he would follow his dad Gary and continue the family business. His sister Stacey also joined in.

Today Todd heads up a crew of about seven whose business it is to keep customers warm in the winter and cool in the summer.

Stacey (Kelly) Hampton is the office manager while her daughter-inlaw Shawna Driggers handles administration, sales and Notary Public.

The service and installation crew includes Todd, Ismael (Izzy) Hernandez, Victor Camacho, Martin Tarango and Kyler Keller. Izzy has been with the company for 17 years.

“Each generation took it a bit further,” Gary said. “Technology has changed things so much in this business. They have stayed current on all the new technology there is to know on the new equipment.”

There are not many businesses who can boast of a 40-plus year success story.

“What has kept Kelly in business this long? It has to be our honesty and integrity,” Gary said. “I’m not bragging, I’m just saying that is truthfully what we have done. Todd continues the same great service and he insists that each employee is always kind and courteous to the customers.”

Stacey agreed that this philosophy is key to the company’s years of success.

“In our 45 years, there has only been one Better Business Bureau complaint,” Stacey said. “We did everything we could to please the customer. Even after mediation they found no fault with our work or anything and she refused to pay. We just let it go.”

The family is quick to give God the glory for their way of doing business and the success it has brought.

“God has watched over us and blessed us,” Gary said. “Being honest and fair is how He teaches us to be. We give God the glory for everything.”

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