Cole Air & Appliances, Co.

Cole Air Conditioning & Appliances, Co. is a family business started in 1967 by Joel and Janie Cole. In later years, Judy Cole McPherson and Michael “Mo” Morrison joined operations. Their father's initiative as a "Mom & Pop" store represents the commitment and involvement that have been carried forward with the next generation. 

Early in 1998, when they had just one location serving Athens, Tyler, and Corsicana, Texas, they utilized SBDC resources, including attending workshops to explore how to grow the business. Cole Air Conditioning & Appliance now has four locations: Athens, Corsicana, Tyler, and Forney, Texas. From a start-up with one employee to 35 employees with 26 trucks, they are the largest staff of installers/technicians in the area. The growth of the business is a result of the expertise and quality of service they provide. Their commitment to training employees and certifications reflects credibility and a desire to seek excellence. 

Cole Air Conditioning & Appliance Co. has grown each year at an approximate rate of 5%, excluding a few years when nationwide economic conditions were especially tough. Maintaining a wide array of services for both residential and commercial HVAC systems on existing and new construction projects has driven sales. Expanding their service areas to surrounding counties also drove growth. 

The owners of Cole Air Conditioning and Appliance have been involved in several local organizations which reflects their overall interest in supporting the local economy. Community involvement through monetary donations and volunteering is a core belief in their family business. Contributions are annually donated by the company in addition to what the owners do privately.