By: Travis Hutton
Christopher Mickey
Entrepreneur and Owner of Airheads HVAC
Location: New Port Richey, FL
Christopher Mickey, a New Port Richey, Florida native, is a seasoned entrepreneur who has made his mark in the HVAC and real estate industries. As the owner of Airheads HVAC, Christopher has built a reputation for providing reliable, energy-efficient solutions to the local community. With over 17 years of experience in flipping houses and growing his HVAC business, Christopher is known for his strategic approach to business and his deep commitment to giving back. Recently, after Hurricane Helene hit the area, Christopher and his company were on the front lines, assisting residents of Pasco County and Pinellas County in rebuilding their homes and lives. His dedication to both business and philanthropy has made him a pillar in his community.
What impact did Hurricane Helene have on your community, and how did Airheads HVAC get involved in the recovery?
Hurricane Helene hit us hard. In both Pasco and Pinellas counties, the damage was widespread—downed trees, power outages, flooded homes, and damaged HVAC systems everywhere. It wasn’t just about the physical damage; it was about people feeling vulnerable and overwhelmed. After the storm passed, I knew right away that we had to step up. Airheads HVAC has always been about supporting the community, and this was no different.
We got involved immediately, reaching out to those in need and offering services at reduced rates or, in some cases, for free. HVAC systems are critical after a storm, especially in Florida’s heat. People needed air conditioning not just for comfort but for safety, particularly the elderly and families with small children. We donated equipment, our time, and expertise to help get homes back in working order. We also partnered with local organizations to identify the hardest-hit areas and provide assistance where it was most needed.
How did your approach to running Airheads HVAC help you manage the response efforts after the hurricane?
Over the years, I’ve learned that the key to running a successful business is being adaptable and quick to respond to challenges. We’re used to working under pressure, and that experience paid off in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. We didn’t wait for things to settle down; we jumped in right away, assessing the damage and organizing our team to respond as quickly as possible.
One of the principles I’ve always stood by is prioritizing customer service, and in times of crisis, that becomes even more important. People needed help immediately, so we streamlined our operations to respond faster—whether it was repairing HVAC units, installing new ones, or offering emergency services. Our focus shifted from day-to-day business to helping the community rebuild. My team was incredible. They worked long hours, often going above and beyond to ensure families were taken care of.
How did Hurricane Helene reinforce the importance of community involvement for you and your company?
The storm reminded me of how closely tied businesses are to the communities they serve. When something like this happens, it’s not just about making a profit; it’s about being there for the people who have supported your business. The aftermath of Hurricane Helene wasn’t just a challenge—it was an opportunity for Airheads HVAC to give back in a meaningful way. We’ve always been community-oriented, but this situation really drove home the idea that businesses can be leaders in times of crisis.
We donated a significant amount of time, resources, and money to various causes. Whether it was helping local shelters with temporary HVAC units or offering free repairs to families who couldn’t afford them, the goal was simple: help people get back on their feet. It wasn’t just about business; it was about making sure our community felt supported when they needed it most.
What lessons have you learned from this experience that will shape how you move forward with Airheads HVAC?
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that resilience and preparedness are key. Whether it’s preparing for a natural disaster or navigating challenges in business, having a plan and being ready to act quickly is crucial. This experience reinforced the importance of being proactive, not just reactive.
We’re now working on ways to better prepare our clients for future storms. One idea we’re exploring is offering pre-storm assessments to help ensure that HVAC systems are in the best possible condition before severe weather hits. We’re also thinking about ways to expand our community outreach efforts because this situation showed me just how much of a difference a local business can make in people’s lives when things go wrong.
Can you tell us more about the specific causes and efforts Airheads HVAC supported during the recovery?
We focused our efforts on several fronts. First, we made sure that individuals and families in Pasco and Pinellas counties had their HVAC systems up and running as quickly as possible. For those who couldn’t afford repairs, we either donated the services or found ways to provide equipment at a fraction of the cost. Our technicians were working around the clock to ensure that as many people as possible were helped.
Beyond that, we partnered with local shelters and community centers to provide temporary HVAC solutions. A lot of people were displaced from their homes, and having a safe, cool place to stay was essential. We donated equipment to these facilities and set up temporary units to ensure comfort during such a difficult time.
Additionally, we worked with local charities and relief organizations that were distributing essential goods like food and water. By supporting these efforts, we were able to reach even more people and make sure the donations and help were spread where they were most needed. Our goal was to make a positive impact, and I’m proud of what we were able to accomplish.
How has the community responded to Airheads HVAC’s involvement in the recovery efforts?
The community response has been incredibly heartwarming. We’ve received countless messages of gratitude from the people we helped, and many of them said they chose Airheads HVAC for their future needs because they saw how we stepped up during the hurricane. That kind of feedback means the world to me.
It’s not just about being recognized, though. It’s about knowing that we made a real difference during one of the most challenging times these families have faced. The trust we’ve built through our actions speaks louder than any marketing campaign ever could. We’ve built stronger relationships with our clients and have had a lot of people reach out, not just for HVAC services, but to express their appreciation for our community efforts.
What advice would you give to other business owners about supporting their communities, especially in times of crisis?
My biggest piece of advice is to lead with empathy. People will remember how you showed up when things got tough. Whether you’re donating resources, providing services, or just being a presence in the community, your efforts will leave a lasting impact.
Another important point is to act quickly. When a crisis hits, the sooner you can respond, the more meaningful your help will be. Don’t wait for the perfect plan or the ideal circumstances—jump in, get involved, and figure things out as you go. Your community will appreciate that you were there when they needed you most.
Lastly, think long-term. Recovery doesn’t end when the immediate crisis does. Stay involved, follow up with those you’ve helped, and continue to be a resource in the weeks and months following a disaster. This builds trust and loyalty, not just with your customers but with the entire community.
Christopher Mickey’s leadership and dedication to community service extend beyond his business. Through Airheads HVAC’s efforts, he’s shown that businesses can play a vital role in supporting communities during challenging times. His focus on long-term solutions and proactive support for his community continues to shape his company’s approach to business and philanthropy.
Published by: Nelly Chavez
