Meet Joshua Hong | HVAC Contractor & Owner of Coolaris HVAC Inc

We had the good fortune of connecting with Joshua Hong and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Joshua, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I started my career as a technician, working in the field and gaining hands-on experience across a wide range of residential and commercial HVAC systems. Over time, I began to notice a consistent issue in the industry. Many customers struggled to find a company they could truly trust. Pricing was often unclear, and the quality of work varied significantly from one contractor to another. I saw too many cases where systems were installed without proper planning, attention to detail, or long-term responsibility.
As I gained more experience, I started asking myself a simple question: what if I could set a different standard? That idea became the foundation for starting my own business. From the beginning, my goal was not just to do more jobs, but to do them the right way. I wanted to build a company that takes full responsibility for the entire system, not just the visible parts of the installation.
In HVAC, what you don’t see is often more important than what you do see. Poor design or installation can lead to long-term issues for the customer. Because of that, I focus heavily on understanding the entire system — from duct design and airflow to electrical connections and equipment performance. I rely on manufacturer specifications, codes, and real data rather than guesswork. It may take more time upfront, but it prevents problems later and builds real trust with customers.
Starting my own business also came with risk. I had to give up a certain level of income stability. However, I believed that building long-term trust was more valuable than short-term security. Instead of focusing on quick profits, I focused on doing quality work that would bring repeat customers and referrals. That mindset has guided how I’ve grown the business.
Ultimately, my decision to start a company was driven by a desire to raise the standard in this industry. Even today, my goal remains the same: to provide reliable, high-quality work that customers can depend on, and to build a reputation based on trust and consistency.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I currently run an HVAC company focused on air conditioning and heating installation and repair. We handle both residential and commercial projects, and I place a strong emphasis on understanding and delivering the entire system properly, not just installing equipment.

What sets my business apart is our commitment to standards. In the field, I’ve seen how the same equipment can perform very differently depending on how it’s installed. Because of that, I focus on following manufacturer specifications, codes, and real data rather than relying on guesswork. I believe that paying attention to both the visible work and the details behind the system creates long-term value for the customer.

The journey hasn’t been easy. In the beginning, my company was not well known, and earning customer trust was the biggest challenge. However, by focusing on doing each job properly and consistently, I was able to build that trust over time. As a result, repeat customers and referrals have steadily grown.

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that direction is more important than speed. Instead of trying to grow quickly, I focus on maintaining the right standards and building a strong foundation. I’ve also learned that nothing is built alone. The people I’ve worked with and the customers who trusted me early on have all played an important role in where I am today.

Moving forward, my goal is to continue building a company that customers can rely on. I want to be known not just as a contractor, but as a trusted HVAC professional who delivers consistent quality and stands behind the work.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend were visiting the area for a week, I would plan an itinerary that allows them to experience the diverse charm of Southern California.

Day 1: We would start in Orange County, beginning in Brea and Fullerton. I would take them to some of my favorite local spots, including casual restaurants and Korean food that I personally enjoy. Rather than typical tourist locations, I’d want them to experience places that locals actually go to. In the evening, we could walk around Downtown Fullerton and enjoy the atmosphere.

Day 2: We would head to Irvine or Costa Mesa to explore a wider variety of food, shopping, and a clean, modern city environment. Later, we would go to Newport Beach to relax by the ocean, grab coffee, and take a walk along the coast while enjoying the Southern California weather.

Day 3: We would visit one of California’s most iconic destinations — Disneyland.

Day 4: We would spend the day in Laguna Beach, enjoying a slower and more scenic atmosphere. Walking along the beach and exploring small local shops is a great way to experience the laid-back lifestyle that Southern California is known for.

Day 5: We would go to Downtown Los Angeles to experience a more urban environment and explore the city’s diverse culture.

Day 6: I would take them to Rancho Palos Verdes to see the coastal cliffs, then head to Malibu and visit the Getty Museum for a mix of nature and culture.

Day 7: Since I’m Korean-American, I would end the trip in Koreatown in Los Angeles, enjoying a great Korean BBQ meal as a perfect way to wrap up the week.

Overall, instead of focusing only on major tourist attractions, I would want to show them the balanced lifestyle that Southern California offers — great weather, diverse food, and a mix of relaxed and vibrant environments that make this area special.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I don’t consider myself successful yet, but I know that I wouldn’t be where I am today without the support of many people.

First, I would like to thank my wife. Starting a business was not easy and came with a lot of uncertainty, but she always believed in me and supported me through it all. That support gave me the stability and confidence to keep moving forward, even during difficult times.

I also want to thank the people who have worked alongside me. Building a company is never a one-person effort. The people who worked with me in the field, putting in the time and effort, helped shape the standards and systems we have today. The experience we built together became the foundation of the business.

Lastly, I’m very grateful to the customers who gave me opportunities early on. At a time when my company was not well known, they trusted me with their projects. That trust meant everything, and it allowed me to take the first steps forward. Without those early opportunities, I wouldn’t be where I am today.

I still have a long way to go, but I’m thankful for everyone who has been part of the journey so far.

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Other: e-mail
coolaris.hvac@gmail.com