Inside Look at H.I. Home Comfort: A Conversation with Co-Owner Dennis Goertzen

H.I. Home Comfort has become a trusted name in HVAC services across Southwest Kansas, offering top-tier solutions for homes and businesses. Co-owner Dennis Goertzen sat down with Chamber Vice President Kendle Cressley to share the company’s journey, growth, and commitment to the community.

The Roots of H.I. Home Comfort

Founded in 2008, H.I. Home Comfort was born from Henry Goertzen’s entrepreneurial spirit. Coming from a farming background, Henry ventured into the HVAC industry in 2007 and, within a year, purchased the company from its previous owner, Gary, who was preparing for retirement. This marked the beginning of a new era for the business.

Dennis spent his summers working at H.I. Home Comfort throughout high school, gaining hands-on experience in the trade. After graduating in 2014, he pursued an HVAC trade program at Liberal College, completing it in 2015. He then joined the company full-time, starting as an installer before transitioning into his current role as head of the service department, where he plays a key role in daily operations.

A Growing Family Business

Dennis’s brother, Michael Goertzen, joined the business three years ago and is now a partial owner. The family’s expansion is not just in leadership but also in geography. In February 2024, H.I. Home Comfort opened a new central office in Garden City—a strategic move to serve the growing community. A retired business owner even transferred his clients to help the company establish a strong start in the area.

On the personal side, Dennis is married to Margaret, and they have two children, Josephine (4) and Malachai (1.5), while also fostering a child named Prince. Dennis and Margaret, childhood family friends, reconnected later in life and now balance their strong family life with business growth.

Building Relationships & Company Culture

For Dennis, the most rewarding part of his work is forming long-term relationships with customers. Though the job comes with its fair share of challenges, he credits the dedicated team at H.I. Home Comfort for making it all worthwhile.

The company employs around 20 individuals across its three locations. Recruitment is often through word-of-mouth, with retention bonuses incentivizing employee referrals. H.I. Home Comfort also collaborates with local technical schools in Dodge City and Liberal, occasionally hiring new graduates to maintain a skilled workforce. Dennis enjoys working with experienced technicians but also takes pride in mentoring newcomers to uphold the company’s high standards.

Products & Services

H.I. Home Comfort serves both residential and commercial clients, offering:

• Furnaces & Air Conditioners – Ensuring year-round comfort.
• Ventilation Systems – Promoting proper airflow and air quality.
• Boilers – Specializing in floor heating systems.
• Water Heaters – Installing and servicing both residential and commercial units.
• Mini-Split Systems – Compact and efficient wall-mounted HVAC solutions.
• Commercial Refrigeration – Providing essential refrigeration services for local businesses.

The Importance of Preventative Maintenance

Preventative maintenance is a core service at H.I. Home Comfort, crucial for extending the lifespan of HVAC systems and avoiding costly repairs. Regular bi-annual maintenance is often required for warranties, and Dennis’s team ensures systems run smoothly for both homes and businesses.

Commitment to the Community

H.I. Home Comfort actively supports its communities through involvement with local Chambers of Commerce in Garden City and Sublette. The company participates in Career Days at local schools, engages in the Garden City Home Show, and sponsors a weekly coffee event in Montezuma, strengthening connections with residents and businesses.

Looking Ahead

With big plans for 2025, H.I. Home Comfort is set to open a new location in Dodge City, further expanding its footprint in Southwest Kansas. Additionally, a newly constructed shop in Sublette, completed in November 2024, replaces the company’s original downtown location, providing more space to meet growing demand.

A family-run business built on quality, service, and community engagement, H.I. Home Comfort continues to thrive under the leadership of Henry, Dennis, and Michael Goertzen. As they expand into new markets and strengthen relationships, the company remains dedicated to delivering top-tier HVAC services while giving back to the communities that support them.