April 29, 2010
The 2010 Crain's Chicago Business - List of the Largest Privately Held Companies was released on April, 19, 2010. Four Seasons Heating & Air Conditioning is ranked #261. Stimulus plans light fire under Four Seasons
Government Stimulus programs lately have boosted some companies' revenues. At Four Seasons Heating & Air Conditioning Inc., federal and state money has contributed to record sales. Four Seasons enjoyed a 30% rise in revenue last year to $78 million at a time when many rivals were struggling to stay afloat. Other companies have depended on new construction for much of their installation volume — a market that went comatose in 2009 — but Four Seasons has shunned new homes as low-margin work not worth the trouble.

A year ago, the federal government drafted a $1,500 tax credit for the purchase of any energy efficient residential furnace or air conditioner. The state of Illinois followed up with rebates worth as much as $850. Local utilities, including Peoples Energy Corp., have sweetened the pot with rebates, too. "The tax credits have spurred a lot of people to buy" says David Musial, CEO of Chicago-based Four Seasons. "They've given our business a tremendous push in the past year."

Mr. Musial, 38, is eyeing expansion. He's opening a branch office in Schererville, Ind., and is in talks to acquire a rival with 40 employees in Kenosha, Wis. That's big by industry standards - the average heating and air conditioning contractor has eight employees and les than $1 million in sales. Four Seasons, founded in 1971 by Mr. Musial's father, has more than 500 employees.