Meet the Contractor: Amber DeLong, DeLong & Sons HVAC

Amber DeLong, co-owner and vice president of Pennsylvania-based DeLong & Sons HVAC, in May was one of 10 women selected to Housecall Pro’s inaugural Trades 40 Under 40 class, chosen from more than 1,300 nominations across the U.S. and Canada.

We caught up with DeLong for the second edition of Meet the Contractor, Homepros’ select-Friday series of quick-hit profiles of contractors around the country. 

• Service area: Greater Shoemakersville, Pennsylvania
• Employees: 11
• Independent or PE-backed: Independent, family-run

Below is our conversation, lightly edited for brevity.

Co-owner. Vice president. 40 Under 40!

Technically speaking, my title is vice president. But if you ask any one of our employees, I am the iron fist. My husband’s the good cop. Most would say I’m bad cop.

I love it. Okay, biz-wise, how has this year been so far?

It’s been very steady. Where we are in Pennsylvania, we didn’t really get a shoulder season this year. We might have had a couple weeks where things slowed down a little bit, but it’s been pretty consistent. I’d like to say we’re going to do the same as last year, if not a hair more. 

What’s keeping you up at night?

Cash flow. Everything’s going up. We just got an 8% increase from our suppliers, on top of a 5% increase from earlier this year.

And then sales, because people are thinking about what the price was 20 years ago. So trying to find that balance between making money and making our customers happy. 

Any job your team still talks about?

I had a lady call me in the dead of winter, and she thought some of her cats were stuck in her ductwork. We’re talking 5, 6, 7 o’clock at night. I sent my husband, Justin, to this lady’s house, and sure enough, he was able to cut into the ductwork — and rescue every single cat. To this day, she’s one of our best customers.

Has there been a specific moment where being a woman in the industry gave you an edge — or cost you one?

I spent my entire life essentially working in a man’s world. When I grew up, my dad ran a local dealership, and I worked there for years. I eventually transitioned to a service advisor, so I was dealing with mechanics every day. So I think that background really prepared me as a business owner in this world. 

The most recent figures show that women represent about 3% of the technician base. There’s no shortage of initiatives aiming to grow that, but what are we still missing?

I’d say where we go wrong is by not speaking up enough — and showing that women can be successful in a trade. I’m lucky enough to be part of a Lady Pros group, where I can connect with other women in the industry. And if we’re being vocal, it attracts other women in the industry to do the same. 

Whenever I hit a milestone, I make sure to post about it on social media, because it shows that it doesn’t matter who you are; there’s a place for you in this industry. So the more that we speak on the matter, maybe the more outsiders would want to come in and be a part of the industry.

A small habit that’s made a big impact on your life?

Speaking like this. I was always terrified of speaking in front of people or doing webinars, because I didn’t like people watching me. But I forced myself into it and did my first speaking engagement a few months ago in front of 75 contractors. 

What’s something your accountant hates but your team loves?

Cookout Fridays. At least once a month, we try to do a big cookout at our shop. My accountant probably also hates when I plan our holiday party, because each year I try to make it bigger and better. 

Go-to drink after a brutal week?

Either a Malibu Bay Breeze or a Twisted Tea. 

First thing you do in the morning?

Snooze my alarm.

Dream vacay spot?

Hawaii.

Close us out: What’s the last word?

Find what makes you you — and make it explode. 

From a business standpoint, our goal is to make sure that people know we’re family-owned and operated. And when I say that, I truly mean it. My mom, my husband, my kid — we’re all working together. 

For me, it’s to be loud and proud about what we’re building, alongside the rest of our team, and to make sure they’re appreciated and heard.