A Vision, Hard Work & Family Support

In 1970, Chet Highfill, the owner of Air-Care Southeast, chose to give up a long-time career in the ladies’ shoe business working for the Wohl Shoe Co. He took almost all of their savings and with the support of his wife, Polly, went to air conditioning school in Houston. Chet graduated in late 1970 and went to work as a service tech in Pasadena, Texas. In 1972, he made a move to Texas Air Care as a service tech where his knowledge grew. The owner of Texas Air Care suggested that they open an office on the southside of Houston, and Chet decided it was time to go out on his own.

In 1973, Chet started Air-Care Southeast in Pasadena. His family joined the team with his daughter, Vickie, working as a secretary, and his son Carl worked afternoons after school. The office moved from Pasadena to South Houston in 1978, and Chet now had three service techs. In 1980, Carl got his state air conditioning license which opened the door for further business growth.

Continued Growth

By 1985, Chet had grown from a one-man shop to 6 service techs and 1 installation crew. He had gone from just air conditioning and heating to include refrigeration. The company was growing at a very rapid pace. By 1988, he added our plumbing division.

Currently, Air-Care Southeast has 50 employees with 20 radio-dispatched trucks. We have continued to be a family owned and operated company with Chet, Polly, Vickie, Carl, Mike, and Phillip leading the way.

Chet started the company with the idea that, “We are a family and aim to treat our customers as if they were family too.” He and his family continue to carry on his philosophy today.