Blakeslee & Son, Rockford

For more than 60 years, Blakeslee & Son's HVAC specialists have kept businesses, renters, and homeowners cool by installing and maintaining a variety of air systems. On call 24/7/365, their knowledge keeps systems running smoothly through emergencies, as well as periodic tune-ups that identify failing components and sabotage by house gremlins. The certified and licensed technicians also venture to construction sites to place high-efficiency furnaces, air-filtration units, water heaters, and central air-conditioning units. Additionally, they're well-versed in eco-friendly methods, such as geothermal and active-solar-energy systems.

The business was the creation of Clarence Blakeslee, a home-systems technician who started his business in his home cellar. Though originally a one-man operation, Blakeslee & Son eventually moved from Clarence's basement into it's own shop, which in turn fostered more shops and employees. It's now run by Brian Lovall, who worked his way up from shop boy to master plumber to president of the business.