Although the Oliver logo has evolved several times since the doors of Oliver Heating & Cooling opened in February 1971, one central image has remained – a white dove, symbolizing the company’s roots in founder Joe Oliver’s deep faith. From its beginning at a church prayer meeting, the Oliver company has become a testament to hard work, perseverance, and dedication.
Joe Oliver’s story begins in a way that is all too familiar to many Americans today. As the Vietnam War was winding down, Joe was 1 of 10,000 employees downsized from Boeing Helicopter Division where he worked as an engineer. He held a Master’s Degree in Engineering from Yale University, had served as an engineer for the Sikorsky Division of the United Technologies Corporation and as Operations Research Group Leader for Boeing, but was facing unemployment. With his wife, Beverly, and six young sons counting on him for support, Joe struggled with how to provide for his family.
Joe shared his dilemma one day with his church prayer group. After prayer, one of the
group members suggested that he start a heating and air conditioning business. This suggestion came as a surprise to everyone, including Joe, who had no knowledge of or experience in the HVAC industry. He decided to follow his experience in trusting God, and along with Beverly opened the doors of Oliver Heating & Cooling in February of 1971.
Through perseverance, attending night classes, and working 14-hour days, the business grew and flourished. When Joe was ready to hire his first employee, a man named Adam stepped up to the plate. This coincidence, coupled with Joe’s strong beliefs, encouraged him that he had chosen the right path.
Over the years, the company has grown from one man’s leap of faith to a company of more than 200 employees offering heating, cooling, plumbing, electrical, indoor air quality, and home remodeling services to residents of Pennsylvania, Delaware, and New Jersey. Three of Joe’s sons also work for the company: David, Residential Sales; Bill, the Foreman of the Sheet Metal Shop; and John, a teacher who works as a Warehouse Assistant during the summers.
The success that Oliver has experienced since 1971 is deeply rooted in Joe’s strong faith, his wisdom, and his unwavering sense of integrity and honesty. To remain strongly rooted in Higher Principles, the dove serves as a significant and symbolic point of reference in the company logo.
The unique history of the company, and its founder’s guiding principles set Oliver apart from its competition. As the company approaches 50 years of service to the community, its commitment to providing a superior customer service experience, motivated by a passion for God and a compassion for people, remains strong. The Oliver mission is:
“To build a trusting, long-term relationship with our associates and serve our clients’ indoor comfort needs by honoring God in all we do and treating others as we want to be treated.”
