Kerley Heating and Cooling was founded by Sam Kerley in Rockford, IL. Sam’s career in the heating and cooling business began while working for DX Oil in Rockford, where he was initially hired as a pilot. In 1964, DX Oil started a division for installing oil furnaces, and Sam eagerly took on the challenge. He immersed himself in learning the craft, taking numerous classes and earning certifications, first in oil furnaces, then gas, and soon after, air conditioning.

A few years later, when DX Oil decided to exit the heating and cooling business, they sold the equipment to Sam at a good price. Sam hired his brother Don, and they operated out of his garage for several years before building a shop just south of Rockford. Sam’s core business values were always honesty, quality, and reliability. As a local businessman and family man, Sam understood the importance of offering great value and fair prices to his customers. One of his greatest joys was working alongside his sons, Kerry and Wendell, who grew up in the shop, making ferrels, s-cleats, and keeping the place tidy.

In 2010, Sam decided to retire, and Wendell took over the business. Today, Wendell works with his sons, Ross and Ryan, who, like their father, grew up in the shop. While times have changed over the last 60 years, the need for great value and fair prices for customers remains constant. Wendell upholds the same core values that were important to Sam: honesty, quality, and reliability.