Insight: Integrity
Integrity in Action: Serving Our Community with Honesty and Care
Running a small business isn’t just about turning wrenches or balancing budgets—it’s about people. It’s about serving families, earning trust, and making a positive impact. At Henson Heating and Cooling, we’ve built our foundation on integrity, and it drives everything we do, from quoting to installation and beyond.
Our work primarily focuses on the Charlotte Metro area, from the small town of Stanly—where our primary office is headquartered—stretching into York County, SC, and around the 485 corridor into Matthews, Concord, and Huntersville. Yet, sometimes, we’re called to step beyond our usual service areas, especially when people are in need.
When Hurricane Helene tore through the region, it left a path of destruction that couldn’t be ignored. Several members of my team volunteered in Black Mountain and Swannanoa, where they witnessed firsthand the devastation and heartbreak left behind. Amid the recovery efforts, temperatures began to drop, and we realized how critical it was to ensure families could properly heat their homes. This led us to respond to a number of house calls for repairs and new unit installations throughout Western North Carolina—areas outside our usual reach.
During this time, one thing became glaringly clear and deeply unsettling: many people, especially the elderly, were being taken advantage of. Some companies were price gouging, inflating costs, and preying on vulnerable homeowners who had no choice but to pay exorbitant prices. Even when insurance was involved, the ethical responsibility to quote jobs honestly and fairly was being ignored by some.
Frankly, that lack of integrity infuriated me. We’re in this business to serve people, not exploit them. At Henson Heating and Cooling, we hold ourselves to a higher standard. Over the past few weeks, our team has been able to save local homeowners thousands of dollars by providing honest quotes, timely installations, and second opinions for those who weren’t sure if they were getting the whole truth.
Integrity is more than a buzzword—it’s the cornerstone of our work. When we quote a job, we do it accurately and transparently. When we install a unit, we ensure it’s done right the first time, because our goal isn’t just to fix a problem; it’s to build lasting trust.
I genuinely love being a small business owner because it gives me the opportunity to make life better for others. Whether it’s helping someone stay warm through a harsh winter, giving a homeowner peace of mind, or simply showing up with a spirit of honesty and care, it’s about more than the job—it’s about people.
At Henson Heating and Cooling, we’re committed to keeping our neighbors safe and comfortable, no matter the season. We’re proud to serve the great state of North Carolina as honorably as we can, one home at a time. Thank you for trusting us to be part of your lives—we don’t take that lightly.
Warm regards,
Eric Henson
Owner, Henson Heating and Cooling