News
For nearly eight decades, Gabrilson Indoor Climate Solution’s signature yellow vans have been a familiar sight throughout the Quad Cities. Based in Davenport, this full-service residential and commercial HVAC contractor has long been a trusted household name.
William “Burr” Gabrilson founded the company in 1946 and opened shop on Mound Street in what’s now the Village of East Davenport. As years passed, the company moved locations to Carey Avenue (where they’re still located today), and eventually Burr’s sons — Greg, Bob and Tom — took over leadership. With their hard work, Gabrilson has grown considerably without losing grip of its family-owned values.
"Two of the brothers are still in the business and going strong," Gabrilson Residential Salesman Troy Simpson said. "I think one of the neatest things is that just shy of 80 years later, you can still talk to a Gabrilson if you call here."
Simpson has been with Gabrilson for 29 years. Such employee longevity is common within the organization and is one of the things Simpson says distinguishes Gabrilson from competitors. Another is quality craftsmanship and service.
"One of the biggest compliments I get is the professionalism of our service department," he said. "Another thing that sets us apart is quality leadership. The guys leading this company have done it for so long."
Gabrilson's capabilities are demonstrated through some of their recent high-profile projects. The company designed, built and installed the HVAC system for the massive Bettplex indoor sports complex in Bettendorf. They did the same for the Iron Tee Golf indoor/outdoor driving range just down the road, which proved a bit more challenging.
"A project like that has to have a specifically designed system that is going to make that space heat and cool like it should," Simpson explained. "That takes someone who knows how to design and build that ductwork for a place that size."
Beyond their business success, Gabrilson maintains a commitment to giving back to the community.
One of their most meaningful partnerships is with the Davenport School System's "Student Home Builders" program, which typically constructs one home per year. Through this partnership, Gabrilson technicians visit the job site to teach high schoolers about the HVAC trade and providing hands-on education. This investment in the next generation has proven mutually beneficial — the company has hired several program graduates as employees.
As a proud member contractor of Sheet Metal Workers Local Union 91, Gabrilson exemplifies the values of skilled craftsmanship and worker development that the union represents.
"Gabrilson is a great place to work, with a family-style commitment to their employees," he said. "As a salesman, I have the freedom and comfort to know that Gabrilson stands behind everything we do — even if I screw it up, they'll make it right."
As the company looks toward the future, the combination of family leadership, skilled union labor and unwavering commitment to community positions Gabrilson Indoor Climate Solutions to continue serving the Quad Cities for many decades to come.