Hidden Gems: Meet Manny Saavedra of Mannys Heating and Air Conditioning

Today we’d like to introduce you to Manny Saavedra.

Hi Manny, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I entered the HVAC trade in 2004 during a time when my life was changing quickly. I was young, had not graduated high school, and my girlfriend—now my wife—was pregnant with our first child. I was working a warehouse job and knew I needed something better to support my family. My father encouraged me to look through the Los Angeles Times for opportunities. One small ad that simply read “Helper Wanted” ended up changing my life.

I started as a helper with no experience and quickly realized I had found a trade that could build a real future. One of the senior technicians I worked with advised me that if I wanted to succeed in HVAC, I needed to understand the theory behind the work, not just the labor. I took that advice seriously and enrolled in HVAC school. For the next three years, I worked during the day and attended classes at night while supporting my family.

My career started in commercial sheet metal duct installation, and over the years I gained experience in both residential and commercial HVAC. I worked my way up in the field until I became a journeyman technician. After more than a decade of hands-on experience, I decided to take a leap and start my own company. In 2015, I earned my California contractor’s license and launched my business.

Like any entrepreneur, the journey came with challenges—long hours, risk, and many ups and downs along the way. But I stayed committed to building something meaningful. I was the first person in my family to enter the HVAC trade, and when I started my company I brought others with me—my nephews, friends, and my brother—many of whom had little or no experience at the time. Watching several of them grow in the trade and eventually start their own businesses has been one of the most rewarding parts of the journey.

My wife has been a constant source of support throughout the entire process. From the early days when we were just trying to make ends meet, to building a company from the ground up while raising our family, she has been there every step of the way.

Today, our company has grown into one of the most highly reviewed HVAC businesses in Los Angeles, with over 900 reviews across Yelp and Google. What began with a simple “helper wanted” ad has turned into a thriving business built on hard work, persistence, and the belief that opportunity can come from anywhere if you are willing to work for it.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. Like any business owner, I’ve faced a lot of challenges along the way. In the early years especially, there were times when work was slow and the pressure of supporting a family while trying to grow a new business was very real. Starting a company from nothing takes a lot of risk, long hours, and sacrifices. There were many days where I worked from early morning until late at night just to keep things moving forward.

Another challenge was learning the business side of things. When you come from the field, you know how to install and repair equipment, but running a company is a completely different responsibility—managing employees, dealing with customers, handling finances, and building a reputation.

One of the biggest sacrifices has been time away from my family. Building a business takes a lot of dedication, and there were many moments where work had to come first. But those struggles also shaped who I am today and pushed me to keep improving.

Looking back, every challenge taught me something. It made me stronger, more disciplined, and more determined to build something lasting—not just for myself, but for my family and the people who work with me

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Mannys Heating and Air Conditioning?
Manny’s Heating & Air is a full-service HVAC company based in Los Angeles. We specialize in residential and commercial heating and air conditioning systems, from installations and system replacements to ductwork design, energy-efficient upgrades, and service repairs. Our focus has always been on doing quality work, being honest with customers, and standing behind everything we install.

What really sets us apart is the reputation we’ve built with our customers. Today we’re proud to be one of the most reviewed HVAC companies in Los Angeles, with more than 900 reviews across Yelp and Google. That didn’t happen overnight—it came from years of hard work, attention to detail, and treating every home and business like it’s our own.

Another thing I’m very proud of is my heritage and where I come from. My family is from Jerez, Zacatecas, Mexico, and that culture and work ethic is something I carry with me in everything I do. It means a lot to me that our company is recognized here in Los Angeles, but also that we represent our roots. We even advertise not only here in Los Angeles but also back in my hometown of Jerez, Zacatecas. For me that’s very special because it shows how far the journey has come—from starting as a helper to building a business that people recognize in two places that mean so much to me.

At the end of the day, our brand is built on hard work, trust, and community. I want people to know that when they work with Manny’s Heating & Air, they’re working with a company that truly cares about the quality of the work and the people we serve.

If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
Growing up, I was always someone who liked to stay busy and work with my hands. I wasn’t the type of person who liked sitting still for long. I enjoyed figuring things out, building things, and learning by doing. School wasn’t necessarily where I felt I thrived, but I always had a strong work ethic and a desire to move forward.

A lot of that came from my parents. My mom and dad are both very hardworking people, and that’s something they instilled in me from a young age. My father worked in construction for more than 30 years before he eventually retired, and watching him work hard every day to provide for our family had a big impact on me. It showed me the value of dedication, responsibility, and taking pride in the work you do.

Family has always been very important to me, and those values shaped who I am today. Looking back, the work ethic I learned from my parents and the responsibility I felt toward my own family are what pushed me to build a career and eventually start my own business.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.mannyshvac.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mannysairservices
• Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/100209059424568/

Image Credits
Manuel Saavedra