
Looking Back on a Legacy: Goettl Celebrates 85 Years

Goettl is now an industry leader in HVAC, but it began with the humble ambition of two brothers—Adam and Gust Goettl. The company has achieved many milestones, including recognition as a community leader in Phoenix, where it was founded.
This year, Goettl celebrates 85 years of industry leadership and innovation nationwide. Let’s take a look back at the legacy.
A Dream of Two Brothers
Goettl Metal Products, which would later become Goettl Air Conditioning, was founded in 1939 by Austria-Hungary-born Adam and Gust Goettl. Combining their business acumen with Adam’s entrepreneurial spirit and Gust’s innovation – with some inspiration from the oppressive Phoenix heat – Goettl was born.

With the cost of cooling systems out of reach for many homeowners in the 1930s, life in Phoenix often involved “sleeping porches”—screened outdoor rooms or lawns where residents slept in hopes of staying cool. In the scorching summers, Phoenix residents moved to cooler locations to escape the heat.
In 1934, Adam and Gust’s brother, Bill Goettl, brought improvements to home cooling when he arrived in Phoenix. Following in his footsteps, Adam and Gust also relocated to Arizona. The two formed Goettl Brothers Metal Products in 1939, installing evaporative coolers, but they would eventually develop numerous heating and cooling technology innovations that were first of their kind.
By 1946, the Goettl brothers launched International Metal Products, which became the world’s largest manufacturer of evaporative coolers. They were producing 100,000 units annually by 1952. Adam Goettl would earn the title, “The Father of Evaporative Air-Cooling,” after filing more than 200 patents. Sun Valley, AZ, was finally an air-cooled oasis, but the intense summer humidity presented a new challenge with evaporative cooling.
With the help of Bill, the brothers developed refrigerated, mechanical air conditioning that could cool and dehumidify the air. Eventually, manufactured AC units were ready to tackle Sun Valley’s extreme summer temperatures and humidity, turning Phoenix from an inhospitable environment to an air-cooled oasis.
Helping the War Effort
Those talents extended far beyond HVAC, however. During WWII, the brothers supported the war effort with their manufacturing operations. They gained military contracts to manufacture metal coffin liners, lifeboat covers, and other essentials.
Air conditioning was fairly new at the time. Many people didn’t have access to or experience with air conditioning, which wouldn’t become commonplace in American homes until the 1960s. As Phoenix expanded following the war, the Goettl brothers would drive through the city with air conditioning units attached to their trucks to cool down community members.
With this generosity and inspired marketing initiative, Goettl quickly became a household name.
Pioneers in HVAC Technology
In the decades since its launch, Goettl has had many industry firsts. The Goettl brothers pioneered sheet metal manufacturing and had more than 100 patents on their technology—not to mention turning Goettl into a local icon. Goettl also went on to pioneer the first commercially successful air-to-air cooling units and bring the first of approximately 50,000 air conditioners to the Sun City communities in Arizona.

After becoming the largest HVAC contractor in the US in the 1970s, Goettl introduced and patented the first combination gas heating and electric air conditioning units—the Gas Pack—and the Piggy-Back combination evaporative cooler, electric A/C, and heat pump. In 1978, Goettl also installed the first residential solar water heating system in Arizona.
The 1990s brought more innovation. The company manufactured private-label products for Weatherking, Webb-Aire, American Best, and heat pumps for Amana.
Leaders in efficiency, Goettl became a Charter Partner of the EPA’s Energy Star Program and introduced the first 12 SEER packaged heated pump line, and later, the first 13 SEER packaged heat pump line. Later, Goettl became one of the only two A/C manufacturers to break with the Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (ARI) in backing the Department of Energy’s rule to increase the minimum A/C efficiency standard to 13 SEER in 2006.
Goetll continued working with the Department of Energy, introducing a 15-ton gas-engine-driven heat pump under contract with the trademark Comfortquest. In 2005, Goettl Vice President & Chief Engineer Al da Rosa was appointed chairman of the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASRAE) Unitary Committee to develop the test standard for the Department of Energy’s minimum efficiency standards.
As a community pillar, Goettl contributed to the building of the Arizona Historical Society Museum and has been featured on television’s “This Old House” and The History Channel. The company’s philanthropic efforts include supporting ACCA Operation Cool Aid for less-fortunate residents, donating 20,000 cases of bottled water to the Phoenix Mayor’s water campaign for the homeless and homebound, and establishing a post-9/11 HVAC tool endowment for veterans at the College of Southern Nevada. Goettl also donated a cooling system for the Sheriff’s Animal Rescue Shelter.
The Current Goettl Family
Goettl’s current Board Chair and former CEO, Ken Goodrich, has childhood memories that are strongly tied to Goettl. He held his father’s flashlight while he serviced AC units, admiring the quality and longevity of the products.

In 2013, Goodrich purchased Goettl Air Conditioning, expanding its locations beyond Phoenix to new locations – including Tucson, Austin, San Antonio, Las Vegas, and Reno. Under his leadership, Goodrich intends to keep the “Goettl Workhorse” going and the brand a household name. In “Goettlizing” the nation, the team at Goettl is bringing trusted expertise and a customer-first mentality to new markets – all while keeping customers’ homes comfortable.
In 2023, Goettl promoted President Jake Gress to CEO to spearhead the company’s day-to-day operations, drive strategic growth initiatives, and reinforce Goettl’s commitment to legendary service and innovative solutions in the HVAC industry. Together, Gress and Goodrich position Goettl to forge ahead in industry leadership and innovation.
Goettl’s current family is a team of unique individuals who create the foundation of the trusted, innovative, and iconic brand – just as it was in 1939. They carry the legacy of the Goettl brothers and their dream into every product, every job, and every relationship.
What’s Next for Goettl?

Never one to rest on laurels, Goettl has been adapting, innovating, and forging ahead from 1939 to present day. As a leader in HVAC and plumbing, Goettl and its team will continue to invest in technology that impacts the HVAC industry, find new solutions to efficiency and HVAC techniques, and continue to show people that careers in the trades are lucrative and offer numerous opportunities. Goettl is building the next generation of HVAC and plumbing technicians to serve home and business owners now and in the future.
As the motto goes, “We do things the right way, not the easy way.” Our promise to clients is to provide a safe and clean environment, demonstrate mastery of our craft with unmatched work ethic, impeccable workmanship, and cutting-edge tools and technology. We put the “can-do” spirit in all we do, seeking to continuously innovate, improve the customer experience, build lifelong relationships, and forge legendary experiences.
Testimonials
What Our Customers Say About Us
After note. Cameron came back by a day later to check on readings he wasn't able to get on first appointment. I have high confidence in his work. I'm very likely to work with them again
Brayan and Marcos did an awesome job on the new ac installation. Installed with no issues and has been on ever since. Perfect time with summer coming up. Walked through and job was very clean and organized. Great work ethic. Great guys.
Good Customer Service is terribly undervalued. GREAT customer service is almost unheard of nowadays. That above all, when paired with truly quality work will always ensure not only a return customer, but also brand loyalty.
Update - our air conditioner went out today (10/26/23) and JEHAD showed up to repair the issue but the issue was bigger than expected. Tomorrow we will have a brand new system! Goettl is an EPIC firm that treats customers right. Thank you again JEHAD for going above and beyond.
Goettl is the epitome of what excellent customer service is! Our Drain King, DAREAN, addressed all of our questions and concerns and not only unclogged our drain but went above and beyond to show us our drains leading to the street were free and clear of any other issues. Thank you Darean and thank you Goettl for a great experience!
Update: great experience with Edgar Loredo who kept it real with us and was very transparent. I appreciate his honesty and recommendations. Will be requesting him as our technician in the future if we choose to use Goettl
2/15/23
Thank you, Jorge G. Again for being so honest about our unit issues.
Kathy
H. Navarro
Frank Soto, plumber was very thorough in his assessment of the problem. Provided options and was patient in waiting for our decision. We are very pleased with Frank's knowledge plus his warm personality was a plus. Thank you Frank.
H. Navarro
Jeremy Ortega service tech did an excellent job removing, cleaning and reinstalling the flame sensors along with servicing the HVAC blowers. We are set for the next 2 years. Thanks again Jeremy.
H. Navarro
Thank you!
09/19/2024 - Husam Ismail did an outstanding job!!! Very personable and honest, so far with my experience with
Goettl he is the best technician that i have encountered.
02/11/2024 - Josh L. did a fabulous job!!! He was very personable and fast. Great experience, I would recommend Goettl to anyone.
Today is 21 July Sam stopped by and service was excellent 👌. Ralph was excellent, great customer service
Thank you goettl
Explain testing and clarified cost.
I was impressed.
Brayan, Jason, and Christian were the three techs who installed the unit and new ducts. They showed excellent work ethic. They cleaned up all debris, and most importantly, the system works perfectly. Today Ignacio came and inspected the work, and found no problems at all. The entire team has earned 5 stars.
November 6, 2024. The team Brayan, Christian and Jason worked awesome in replacing our whole A/C system and air ducts. They were respectful of our property, answered our questions without hesitation. They all did a fantastic job. We thank ya'll for your services and definitely recommend your business. We appreciate you.
November 7, 2024: Ignacio inspected the newly installed air condition and duct system. He was very knowledgeable, and good expertise. He listened and answered our questions and concerns..he helped us to install our Sensi a/c and heater app..
Fe Alexander
Leticia and Ed Baca
We had an blockage in our sewer line.
Tyler Leija was dispatched the same day, and found the blockage using a camera tool.
He cleared the blockage temporarily.
The actual fix would require digging up and replacing the bad area of pipe.
Paulo "Adrian" Dado and his crew came out the next day with backhoe, dug up the area, and replaced the section of pipe.
The next day, after inspection, Adrian and his crew filled in the hole and then cleaned up the area.
This is a brief description. There was A LOT of work involved.
Very professional work.
Our tech Jorge that came out the day before helped quickly assess the situation and get us set up for a new system and water heater. Jorge was very friendly, would highly recommend!
Frank did an excellent job at explaining every thing in terms that were understandable to both myself and my wife. This greatly assisted in making the right decision to look at all options on either repair or update/purchase for the future and in the long term, saving money.
Will definitely call and use
Goettle again and I will ask if Darrean could help again.
Couldn’t be happier. Came all the options