For this month’s Member Spotlight, we met with James Sandoval and Frank Quintanar, the President and VP/Service Manager, of J&J Air Conditioning in San Jose, CA, to learn more about the history, culture, and future of J&J. From its origins in the late 1970s to its modern-day commitment to innovation and team development, J&J continues to stand out as a company built on integrity, loyalty, and genuine care for its people.
Company Background & Story
How did J&J get started, and how has it evolved over the years?
The company was originally founded by their previous owner Jerry Hurwitz and his partner John Jones back in 1977–78. Although the partnership split early on, the business kept its original name and maintained Jerry’s vision. In the early days, the team handled both residential and commercial work but eventually moved away from residential when the split occurred, to focus on what they did best.Over the years, the business has grown tremendously. Back when Frank and James started, Jerry’s first employee was still working with them- which was cool to see, and since then the company has expanded through generations. While growth has brought change, the foundation has always remained the same: treat people the right way. Jerry set that tone early on, and it continues to guide everything the company does today.One of the strongest indicators of this culture is employee longevity, about 50% of the office staff has been with the company for more than 25 years. The team has evolved, but the core values have never wavered. Frank stated, “while we evolved in some ways, we’ve also stayed the same in many others.”
Company Culture
How would you describe your company culture in just a few words?
James: “Genuine care and sharing. From the day I started, people were open, supportive, and committed to giving back to one another. That feeling traces all the way back to Jerry.”
Frank: “Respect and loyalty. It’s a two-way street here. You see it in the longevity of our team and support flows from the top down and the bottom up.”What traditions or values are most important to your team?
Integrity and honesty remain at the heart of the company. Another deeply rooted value is growing from within. James shared how meaningful it is that the company invests in people with little or no experience, gives them space to learn, and helps them find their strengths. That mindset of development is woven throughout the organization.
Recent Wins & Highlights
What recent accomplishment or milestone stands out to you?
Completing their fourth consecutive year of strong success is a major highlight. Steering the company through challenges built confidence and reaffirmed that they are headed in the right direction.
Frank: “What stands out most is the ongoing care and connection among our team. The culture here is strong and we’re interwoven through friendships, support, and loyalty.”
Involvement in The Unified Group What value have you gained from participating in Unified Group events or forums?
Frank: “My first forum was in 2014 at the Service Management meeting. I learned so much about truly caring for your team. Every forum since then has offered new ideas, insights, and meaningful conversations—even outside the agenda. Being part of the group has helped J&J reach the next level.”
James: “I’ve attended most of the meetings. The sales forum pushed me out of my comfort zone in the best way. Coming from the field without a business background, I learned so much from seeing how others think and operate. The connections and the Executive Committee experience-there’s no way to put a value on it.”
Looking Ahead
What goals or initiatives are you excited about in the next year?
The team is looking forward to wrapping up their BuildOps implementation at the start of the year. It’s been a long journey, but we’re confident it will create meaningful improvements in the long run.
Frank: “On the service side, we’re focused on keeping up with rapidly changing technology. Our team is always ready for a challenge.”
Where do you see the biggest opportunities for your company moving forward?
J&J will continue to excel in its niche, doing what we do well and doing it exceptionally. Negotiated work and long-term contracts remain a key opportunity. As technology evolves, so do the possibilities.The company sees endless potential ahead. With a strong team, a solid foundation, and leadership like James stepping forward, J&J is positioned to grow in any direction they choose.
