MICHAEL T. Danley the current owner of Danley Heating and Air, didn’t initially plan to follow in his grandfather’s (Edward Thomas Danley) and father’s (William “Bill” Thomas Danley) footsteps in the family business. As Bill’s health declined in 2004, Michael faced a difficult choice. Selling the company built by his father and grandfather over decades felt unthinkable. So, he decided to take the reins of business ownership in 2006.
“He was thinking about selling the business to somebody else. We talked, and I did a lot of praying about it. I just couldn’t think about the business being here that long and for it to have somebody else’s name on it,” Michael expressed.
Under Michael’s leadership, Danley Heating and Air thrives, expanding beyond Franklin County and establishing a reputation for trust and excellence in numerous cities.
Michael observed his grandfather and father building the company, which was later renamed Danley Heating and Air, from a young age. Their dedication and expertise instilled valuable lessons in him, forming a foundation for his future leadership.
“It was a blessing that I got to spend those years with him working and learning about what I needed to do.”
Teaching and coaching gave Michael valuable leadership skills. Michael’s experience as an educator translated well to leading his team. The communication skills honed in classrooms fostered mutual understanding and collaboration within the company.
“Being a teacher and a coach prepared me to speak in public settings. Being an educator helped in the long run. I’ve been learning about the business since 2006, and I learn something new every day.”
But in 2006, he felt called to fully commit to the family business. This wasn’t just a career change; it was the continuation of a legacy.
Taking over a family business isn’t easy, and Michael quickly faced the challenge of proving himself beyond his family name. Aware of the high failure rate of third-generation businesses, he tirelessly earned the community’s trust through dedication and hard work.
“I had to prove to the community that trusted my dad and my granddad for all those years that the son was willing to go in and do as much — or more — than they’ve been doing all these years.”
For Michael, success goes beyond profit. He prioritizes cultivating a servant’s heart within the company and establishing a culture of service and community involvement, similar to his coaching philosophy on the softball field. Danley Heating and Air sponsors local sports teams and national championship trips and supports community events and initiatives, reflecting his values in action.
Danley Heating and Air also attributes its success to its exceptional team. Michael and Bill value the relationships with their employees, some of whom have been with the company for decades. Regina Perry, Tony Rego, and Randall Rollins are key figures who have played vital roles in the company’s success.
“Having a servant’s heart and hiring people that truly care about their job and do what they do has been the reason Danley Heating and Air has been successful for years. These guys who have worked for me are like brothers and sisters,” he said.
He even recruited former students from his teaching days, exemplifying his commitment to building a loyal team.
“I remember my dad had hired people who were sisters and classmates. I’ve hired guys who were students of mine when I was a school teacher.”
Michael shared a story his father told him of a seemingly ordinary moment on a construction site that exemplifies his approach to leadership. On a new construction site, Bill rattled an aspirin bottle like a rattlesnake, sending his cousin and long-time employee, Scottie Pittenger, and another employee scrambling with comical fear.
That moment, along with numerous others, personified camaraderie within a positive work environment— a legacy Michael cherishes and strives to maintain.
Looking ahead, Michael sees Danley Heating and Air continuing its tradition of excellent service with reliable employees. He actively seeks and retains talented individuals to ensure the company’s future.
Danley Heating and Air’s journey, characterized by transitions, challenges, and community service, continues as a thriving family business. Michael’s leadership, built on integrity and trust, ensures that this legacy, spanning over five decades, will endure.
The company remains committed to providing quality service with a dedicated team, earning the continued trust of the Franklin County community and beyond for generations to come. GN